1. Remember keep your pets safe and away from fireworks. When you throw that lit firework out of your hand to go explode away from you, just remember your dog may think it is a toy to go fetch.

We are often asked whether or not if it is okay for dogs to drink pool water.  Our general reply is why not just provide them with a fresh bowl of water when outside.  Yes, dogs eat plenty of odd things from cat feces to any scrap of rancid food on the street.  But just because they do, does not me we should let them or encourage them, and the same goes for pool water.  Pool water has higher concentrations of cholorine than normal drinking water and can be harmful to dogs.

We hardly need to look at the research to verify that pets do good things for people physically and emotionally. What is interesting in my work with couples is that although couples may vehemently disagree on most topics,  they usually both soften in manner and tone to agree that the dog, cat, bird or horse is great.

In fact, if there is any criticism, it is the verbalized wish to receive the kind of love and attention the pet is getting.

“I only wish she was as affectionate with me as with our dog!”

Memorial Day Weekend is here already.  Are you just thinking of getting that petsitter at the last minute?  Well, don't you, are not alone.  Friday and Saturday are usually our busy days for phone calls and reservations.  It is not too late to schedule service now, enjoy the weekend out of town, and know your pet is well-taken care of.

Tuesday, May 25^th

Whole Foods on Glades (and I-95) - 5% Day for Animal Aid Inc.

8am-10pm

Shop for a cause on this day and whole Foods will donate 5% of the day’s net sales to Animal Aid Inc. 
The mobile Spay Clinic was lost in a fire and proceeds

As you may have heard on the local Florida news stations the problem of boas and pythons in the Everglades.  The problem being these are non-native species and can lead to serious ecosystem damage.  These snakes can grow to 10+ feet and weigh over 200 pounds making them at that size being toward the top of the foot chain with the alligator.

Running Your Dogs in the Hot Florida Summers...Not Such a Hot Thing to Do.

Sure you may love to run year round, but keep in mind your dog has a few special needs in the summer or on any hot day. As you know dogs do not sweat as humans do to cool off. Rather dogs lose heat through their paws and panting. And even with these bodily functions for dogs, they are not efficient enough to help keep your dog safe.

If you are considering running with your dog on hot days (not just summer), you should switch your runs to early mornings and later in the evenings when the heat of the day is lower. Then even then keep a close eye on your dog for signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke as most often dogs have issues on slightly cooler days than on super hot days. The reason being is you may think dog is going to be fine on that slightly cooler day and you may not pay as close attention to him as on a very hot day.

Signs of possible heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

Excesive panting and foaming at the mouth

Vomitting

Diarrhea that may even be bloody

Dog is not able to keep up anymore and try to stop and lay down.

Possibly cannot stand from overexhaustian

Coloring of his gums may have changed

Dog shows signs of confusion

Things to help your dog out on those warm day runs:

Have cold drinking water available for him and stop recently to provide him with water.

If near a hose, sprinkler, lake/ocean .... you can cool the dog off in the water. Note, if the water of the lake/ocean is near 80 degrees or more, dogs can still become overheated.

Try running in shaded areas, but still keep a close eye on the dog's condition.

Try walking your dog on cooler surface areas like grass or concrete rather than black asphalt.

Take your dog inside an air conditioned building.

And remember if your dog shows severe signs of heat exhaustion, consider taking your dog to the vet immediately or calling them for a phone consultation if you are unable to make it to the vet.

According to the 2009/2010 National Pet Owners Survey, 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 71.4 millions homes.

Do you see yourself looking over the vast Serengeti plains, searching the horizon for a glimpse of a pride of Lions, or a Leopard lounging in the trees?  Do you imagine yourself in India, riding an elephant through the high grass with your eyes peeled for the elusive Tiger?  Have you ever thought how great it would be to hike through the  rainforest, listening to the tropical birds, ever on the lookout for a Leopard or an Ocelot high in the canopy?  Have you ever been to the zoo and wanted to be closer to the exotic cats; so close you could almost touch them?  You don't have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to make these dreams come true.   The world's largest accredited big cat rescue facility is right here in Tampa, Florida at Big Cat Rescue.

A friend went last year with weimaraner and had a blast.  She will be going this year again.