Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, Florida Vol. 4 Issue 4 Oct-Dec 2018

Adopting a Special Needs Pet Help Your Pet Live Longer

Keep Up with Your Cat's Health

Veganism Expands in the Florida Keys

Traveling With Pets?

What to Know Volume 4 Issue 4 | Oct-Dec 2018

Paradise Pets Magazine is published

by Publish In Paradise for the purpose of uniting and supporting our pet communities.

For advertising inquiries, please visit us online or email ads@publishinparadise.com © 2018 Publish in Paradise Paradise Pets Magazine ParadisePetsMag.com Publisher: Angela J. Willard paradisepets@publishinparadise.com

On the cover: Marlee Zawadzki, cofounder of the Florida Keys Vegan Community. Read the story on page 14.

Photo courtesy of Marlee Zawadzki.

Used with permission.

Don’t miss an issue of Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL-the digital editions are free!

It has been a little over a year since Irma swept through the Keys leaving a trail of devastation.

As I write this, reports are coming in regarding the destructiveness of Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle, not to mention Hurricane Florence that hit the Carolinas last month.

From the perspective of a pet parent, one of my first thoughts is, What about the homeless pets that have no parents?

October is a month that is all about pets. Please consider adopting a pet and provide them with a loving home and protection from the storms.

October is: ASPCA's Adopt a Shelter Dog Month American Humane's Adopt-a-Dog Month® National Animal Safety and Protection Month If you have a story you would like to share of how your rescued pet has rescued you, please email it to the editor at paradisepets@publishinparadise.com

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Features Pet Health 4

Being Proactive Can Help Your Pet Live Longer

6 Keep Up with Your Cat's Health

Pet Parents 9

Special Needs Pets: Adopting a Heartworm-Positive Dog

11

Good Friends, Good Food: Dog Owners Dish on How Food Factors into Pet Bonding

16

Tips for Welcoming a Feline to the Family

Pet Events 14

Veganism Expands in the Florida Keys

18

Traveling With Pets? What to Know

17 Resource Guide Find us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram & Twitter @ParadisePetsMag PARADISE PETS MAGAZINE DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational and interest purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. Veterinarians cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your local holistic veterinarian.

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Being Proactive Can Help Your Pet Live Longer

Your pets are an integral part of the family, so it's important to practice preventative care to support their well-being and help them live long, healthy lives. But just like people, pets can be affected by chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and allergies. That's why, as a pet parent, staying informed and being proactive can help to avoid or at least prolong the onset of chronic conditions.

Pet health trends change over time.

Cats and dogs are more prone to certain conditions now than they have been in the past. For example, over the past 10 years there's been a 30 percent increase in environmental allergy cases in dogs and an 11 percent increase in cats, according to

the Banfield 2018 State of Pet Health Report. Allergens can vary by region and climate, but many common triggers can be found in the home, notes the study.

Additionally, pets today are also more prone to being overweight, and obesity cases are rising. One in three pets are overweight, according to Banfield, and the numbers are growing. While you can be proactive in helping pets exercise and eat a nutritionally-balanced diet, there are many other health conditions you have no control over. Pets can suffer from chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and thyroid disease.

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The first step to keep pets healthy is to invest in preventative care. One of the most important things you can do to ensure the ongoing health of any animal is to bring them in for annual checkups whether they are experiencing health issues or not. This allows veterinarians to screen for a variety of health issues and provide insight on any concerns. This is also an opportunity for you to ask important questions and get expert insight.

If you discover that your pet has a chronic condition that needs to be treated, don't panic. Modern medicine and treatment plans help pets live a long, high-quality life even with conditions like allergies or diabetes. You may have to make lifestyle adjustments such as changing food or activity routines, but it's usually manageable and you'll likely notice an improvement to your pet's health and demeanor quickly.

and anti-inflammatory drugs. A list of the medications with which you can use the Inside Rx Pets card, as well as information to compare the pricing in pharmacies in your area and other use terms, can be found at InsideRx.com/pets.

Just like people, taking preventative measures for your pets' health will help save costs in the long run. What's more, it will help ensure that your favorite furry family members are by your side for many years to come.

Source: BPT

Editors Note: Paradise Pets Magazine encourages pet parents to seek out every possible healthcare option for your beloved pets, especially naturopathic healthcare.

As is the case with humans, chronic conditions are often treated with preventative medications. In fact, many of the same prescriptions that people use are also used on pets, just at a different dosage. That means you can buy your pet's medication at your local pharmacy instead of the vet's office. By doing this you can access deep discounts offered with the Inside Rx Pets card, in more than 40,000 participating pharmacies nationwide.

The program offers savings on commonly prescribed medications such as insulin and antibiotics, as well as glaucoma

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Keep Up with Your Cat's Health

Despite the fact that cats are more prevalent as pets than dogs, only about one cat per every five dogs receives regular veterinary care. In fact, some research suggests that as many as 50 percent of cat owners don't take their cats to the vet.

There are a number of factors that contribute to limited veterinary visits for cats. According to a survey by Royal Canin, two-thirds of cat owners simply believe cats have fewer health issues than dogs.

However, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), routine check-ups are vital for giving cats long, happy and healthy lives.

Cats age more rapidly than humans, and they are quite adept at hiding sickness and pain, making it difficult to know if there is something wrong that requires veterinary attention. Hidden diseases commonly go untreated for this reason, which is why the Take Your Cat to the Vet initiative was created to spread awareness about the importance of preventative feline veterinary care.

For example, up to one-third of cats over the age of 12 have some form of kidney disease. Managing the progression of the disease, if caught early, can be accomplished with a proper diagnosis and reduced-phosphorous diet.

Your veterinarian may recommend an option

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like one of the Royal Canin Veterinary DietÂŽ Renal Support formulas as part of a treatment program.

Obesity is also a common problem for cats that can lead to more severe health issues down the road. In fact, multiple studies indicate that more than half of the nation's domestic cats are carrying more weight than they should. A veterinarian can help with dietary recommendations and other suggestions to help trim your cat's waistline, along with screening for the onset of secondary complications.

Another common cat ailment is urinary stones, which can be extremely painful and cannot normally be detected without professional evaluation. Regular visits to the vet can help assess your cat's risk for developing stones and determine nutritional changes that may help prevent a problem.

Vet visits are also an opportunity to let your veterinarian know about any behavior changes and implement preventive care measures, which can be more effective than reactive care once a problem is revealed.

However, the very act of getting to the vet can be traumatic for cat owners and cats alike. Repetition is likely to help alleviate those concerns as your cat becomes more accustomed to the process, helping to put you at ease as well. In honor of the Take Your Cat to the Vet initiative, consider these tips and tricks from the experts at Royal Canin and the AAFP to

make your cat's visits to the veterinarian easier: 1. Get your cat familiar with a carrier.

Getting your cat into the carrier is often the most difficult part of getting him or her to the vet. Start by leaving the carrier out at all times and make it a safe place by placing food or a cozy towel inside. Using a secure, stable, hard-sided carrier that opens from the top and the front that can also be taken apart in the middle is best. When traveling, it's also a good idea to place your cat in the carrier rear-first, cover the carrier with a blanket and avoid bumping into things while carrying it.

2. Make the vet visit a positive experience. It's easy to imagine that vet visits can seem scary to a cat.

Feeding your cat veterinary-approved treats from carrier to clinic can help create a positive connection with the trip and distract your pet from the busy waiting room or examination. →

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3. Take advantage of slow times at the clinic. The waiting room of an animal hospital can be loud and full of unfamiliar animals and smells, making it a chaotic and overwhelming environment. Ask if certain days or times are slower than others.

Scheduling appointments at those times may help your cat feel less overwhelmed by a new environment.

4. Give your cat practice exams. In the examination room, your vet will give your cat a full examination. To make your cat comfortable with being touched in such a manner, consider giving him or her practice examinations at home and positively reward your pet for letting you look at and touch his or her stomach, feet, face and ears.

5. Talk to your vet. Your veterinarian is your best partner to help your cat feel comfortable inside and outside the clinic. Discuss with him or her other ideas to help make visits less stressful.

To learn more about the importance of taking your cat the vet, visit royalcanin.com/cat2vetday.

FREE!

Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL is in need of a local representative to be the face of Paradise Pets Magazine in the Florida Keys.

Our Keys rep would partner with local pet rescue organizations and pet-friendly businesses, find local stories, take photos and short videos of pet related events, and sell advertising to pet-friendly businesses throughout the Keys.

Interested parties should email Angela at publisher@publishinparadise.com

Source: Royal Canin | Family Features

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Photo Š hedgehog94 / stock.Adobe.com

Special Needs Pets: Adopting a Heartworm-Positive Dog Every year, an estimated 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters, with roughly half that number subsequently adopted by pet owners. These include shelter dogs with special medical needs that can make them harder to place. Dogs with heartworm infection are a common example.

What is heartworm disease and how do dogs get it?

dogs because stray and surrendered pets are less likely to have received prior veterinary care or to have been on routine heartworm prevention.

Meanwhile, natural disasters like hurricanes -- which occur in areas of the country where heartworm rates are already high -- can lead to increased numbers of heartwormpositive pets needing adoption when flooding and pet displacement drive up infection numbers.

Heartworm disease is a serious disease spread by infected mosquitoes that is estimated to affect more than one million dogs, cats and ferrets in the U.S. The incidence of heartworm disease in shelter dogs is thought to be higher than in other

Not every aspiring pet owner is equipped to provide the extra care a special-needs pet requires; however, with proper treatment, heartworm-positive pets can be excellent candidates for adoption.

The American Heartworm Society (AHS)

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advises prospective adopters to obtain important information from veterinarians and shelter personnel when considering this step. Key points are understanding how heartworm infection is spread, how treatment works and what kind of care owners will be required to give dogs undergoing treatment.

What to know when heartworm-positive dog:

adopting

year-round heartworm prevention to all pets, as well as annual testing.

Fortunately, heartworm prevention is affordable, effective and safe.

For more information on understanding heartworm disease in dogs, visit heartwormsociety.org.

a

● Dogs with heartworm disease can be successfully treated and go on to live normal lives. However, treatment must be initiated as soon as possible to minimize permanent damage to the dog’s heart and arteries. ● A dog with heartworm disease cannot directly infect another pet.

Nevertheless, an infected, untreated dog can become a source of infection to other pets if it is bitten by a mosquito, so prompt treatment is needed.

While heartworm disease is a serious medical condition, compassionate owners who are willing to invest the necessary care and resources in treatment can enable heartworm-positive dogs to live full and happy lives.

Source: StatePoint

● Heartworm treatment requires months of therapy and multiple medications administered under a veterinarian’s care. Heartworm treatment can also be costly. Some shelters are able to cover all or some of these costs prior to adoption, while others can’t afford to do so. Dogs undergoing treatment also need to be kept on cage rest to minimize treatment complications. ● Dogs can become re-infected if they’re not protected. The AHS recommends

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Good Friends, Good Food Dog Owners Dish on How Food Factors into Pet Bonding

Ask most dog owners and they'll tell you that they count the bonds they share with their pets among their most treasured relationships. However, that boundless affection and loyalty isn't a one-sided effort; dog owners are demonstrating their puppy love in numerous ways, especially when it comes to chow time.

There's much to be said for the unique relationship people share with their dogs, according to the 2018 Pets and People Survey by Just Right by Purina. Nearly unanimously (95 percent), respondents said they view their dogs as part of their families, and more than half reported that their pet pals help them de-stress after a

long workday and have comforted them after receiving bad news.

Just like any relationship, the bond with a dog requires nurturing. As it turns out, most dog owners are working to keep the love alive with a familiar approach: the notion that the fastest path to the heart is through the stomach. After all, when you view pets as family, you may as well feed them like it.

Encouraging Dinner Dialogue A helpful aspect of pet bonding is developing communication patterns that your dog can recognize and understand. →

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In part, this involves commands to help manage behavior, but it often includes other forms of engagement, as well.

Mealtime is an ideal opportunity to enjoy some extra interaction, from asking if your dog is hungry to talking your way through filling his or her bowl with a personalized dog food blend. In fact, 64 percent of dog owners surveyed reported asking their dog if it likes its food after serving it. There may not be a verbal response, but dogs give off plenty of signals to let you know whether or not they're enjoying the meal.

Personalizing the Experience Humans agree that eating or drinking out of a favorite vessel just makes mealtime more special. That may be the motivation for the 65 percent of dog owners who reported taking time to personalize their dogs' bowls.

Making Dog Nutrition Matter The majority of dog owners surveyed agreed the type of food their dog eats has an impact on its health and mood. For 43 percent of Millennial dog owners surveyed, they reported spending more money on their dog's food than their own groceries.

Fortunately, not all nutritionally sound options will break the bank, but it is a good idea to do some research to understand the nutritional value and quality of the food you provide.

“Mealtime is an ideal opportunity to enjoy some extra interaction [with your pet]…”

Serving up Security Dogs thrive on rituals and dinnertime is an opportunity to create some consistent patterns that help your pup feel safe and secure. A routine with meals in the same place at approximately the same time every day helps strengthen the pet bond because your dog knows he can rely on you to satisfy one of his most basic needs.

If you extend some human courtesies as part of your feeding ritual, you certainly aren't alone. For example, 73 percent of dog owners in the Just Right by Purina survey feed their dogs before they serve themselves. Not only is it a smart strategy to prevent begging at the table, it keeps your pooch from wondering when his own hunger cravings will be sated.

Celebrating Special Occasions If your dog is part of the family, it only makes sense to celebrate special events like birthdays. It's a good excuse for a little extra attention and maybe a new toy or two. Forty percent of dog owners, including 56 percent of Millennials, have upped their pet parenting game by buying their dog its own birthday cake. Make your

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own using a pet-friendly recipe or visit a pet bakery for a special birthday treat.

Learn more about feeding the bond with your pet at justrightpetfood.com.

Dog Food Ingredients Nutritional Needs

for

“When you're evaluating food options, give careful attention to the ingredients…”

● Protein is essential for building organs and tissues like tendons, muscles, skin, hair and blood; it also functions as enzymes, hormones and antibodies.

Unique

Your dog is unique, not only in his relationship with you, but his preferences, tastes, quirks and habits. It's no wonder that his nutritional needs are unique to match. When you're evaluating food options, give careful attention to the ingredients to find the right blend of nutrients for your dog: ● Vitamins are responsible for a vast range of functions, including aiding in DNA synthesis, energy release from nutrients, bone development, eye function, maintenance of cell structure, blood clotting, nerve signal transmission and everything inbetween. ● Minerals contribute to your dog's healthy bones and teeth, blood clotting, muscle function, nerve transmission, nutrient metabolism, cell function and more. ● Fat is a source of energy that helps with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids, as well as promoting healthy skin and coat, immune system, joints, brain and vision.

● Carbohydrates are efficient sources of glucose for energy, a source of heat and can be stored as glycogen. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that aids in colon health, as well as managing weight and obesity.

All statistics and findings included in this release were pulled from a survey conducted online by Research Now SSI on behalf of Just Right by Purina among adults ages 18+ who are dog owners and have some responsibility over the well-being of their pet.

A total of 1,010 responses were collected between March 26 and March 29, 2018. These online surveys are not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

Source: Just Right by Purina | Family Features

November 1 is National Cook for Your Pets Day

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Veganism Expands in the Florida Keys B Angela J. Willard, for Paradise Pets Magazine

There is a new Vegan Community in the Florida Keys. Marlee Zawadzki and her husband, Robert "Bob" Zawadzki moved to Islamorada just a few months before Irma hit the Florida Keys. Marlee and Bob had previously vacationed in Key West just after high school graduation. When they decided to move to a warmer climate, Bob took a job as a mechanic in Marathon and they moved to the Florida Keys with their animal children. When they arrived, they noticed

An interested shopper trying Vegan cheese and receiving information at the Key West Farmer’s Market.

there wasn't a huge scene for Vegans in Islamorada, like there was in Detroit, where they moved from.

"We would drive to Miami for events and restaurants," Marlee explained. "Then we got to thinking, we should help build a community for Vegans in the Keys!" And so it began.

The Florida Keys Vegan Community (FKVC) started off as just a Facebook group where Marlee would host potlucks, lunches, dinners and meet-ups. Since its beginning, the FKVC is growing into its own registered non-profit status. Marlee and Bob plan to have a table set-up every Thursday at the Key West Farmers Market. They also plan to set up at the Farmer's Markets in Islamorada and Big Pine in the future. Their future goals for the FKVC include taking part in other community events, such as the Community Day event at the Florida Keys Community College, offering a "whole plant nutrition basics" class at local libraries, among other events.

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What is Veganism?

“Veganism is abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals,” according to Wikipedia.

A “Make Peace Go Vegan” chalk design from their Vegan Chalk Walk in Key West on Sunday, October 7, 2018.

"In the future we'd love to host our own event as well, such as a VegFest," Marlee said.

There are variations of Veganism, some are Vegans only in diet, others are referred to "Ethical Vegans" when a person follows not only a Vegan diet but also opposes the use of animals for any purpose. Another term is "Environmental Vegan" when a person avoids using animal products based on the belief that the industrial farming of animals is harmful to our environment.

Marlee and Bob consider themselves to be "Ethical Vegans". When they first began their journey into Veganism, it was for health and by diet only. But after a month of following a Vegan diet, they watched a speech by Gary Yourofsky and (Continued on page 19)

Bob Zawadzki at a Vegan potluck set up at fort Zachary.

At the 2018 Animal Rights March in Miami.

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Tips for Welcoming a Feline to the Family

I

ntroducing a feline into the family can be an exciting time, but it's important to remember that a new home is often a big change for a little cat.

Whether it's a kitten or an adult cat, providing your new pet with proper nutrition, the comforts of a good home and engaging playtime are just a few of the key things to keep in mind.

surface is out of reach for your new pet.

Make sure any potentially dangerous items - such as wires, cleaning supplies and sharp objects - are behind closed doors and inaccessible to your little climber. You can also provide a scratching post to help prevent your cat from scratching unwanted things, like your furniture.

Try these simple tips from the experts at the TEMPTATIONS™ brand to help ensure a smooth transition for your new four-legged family member.

● Playtime is a Must- As little as 15-30 minutes of exercise and activity per day can help your cat stay energetic and in shape. Encourage your cat's natural curiosity with engaging toys, such as the TEMPTATIONS(tm) SNACKY MOUSE(tm) Toy. Simply fill the mouseshaped wobble toy with your cat's

● Cat-Proof the House- In addition to being constantly curious, cats are also instinctive climbers, meaning no

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favorite TEMPTATIONS treats and watch them entertain themselves by trying to knock the treats out of the toy and gobble them up. Playing together can also help strengthen the bond between owner and pet. ● Create Some Comfort- Make your new friend truly feel like part of the family by giving him or her a personal spot in the house. A simple bed to call his own, a cat tree to view his new surroundings and some soft toys to play with are all it takes to provide the initial comfort to make your pet feel safe and welcome in a new home. For cats that prefer privacy when they're not playing, a covered or hooded bed is a great option. ● Fuel Your Feline- Taking care of your cat's health starts with proper nutrition. Be sure to find a high-quality cat food that has recipes that are nutritionally tailored to meet the specialized needs of your cat. A brand like IAMS(tm) Cat Food fits that bill and has dry and wet cat food options for all stages of life, from kitten to senior, as well as options to aid in oral care, hairball care, high protein, digestion and metabolism. ● Offer Affection- Always remember to show your cat you care. Whether it's a scratch behind the ear, a nice brushing or a sweet cuddle session, your cat can feel loved and safe, knowing he or she is in good, caring hands.

For more tips on taking care of a new kitten or cat, visit TemptationsTreats.com.

Source: Temptations | Family Features

Pet Resource Guide Key West, FL Florida Keys SPCA Key West Campus Adoption services, animal control & more.

5230 College Road, Key West, FL (305) 294-4857 | www.fkspca.org Xena Fund Financial help with veterinary care 1623 Laird Street, Key West, FL (305) 432-0494 | xenafund.com

Marathon, FL Florida Keys SPCA Marathon Campus Adoption services, animal control & more.

10550 Aviation Blvd. Marathon, FL (305)743-4800 | www.fkspca.org Pawsitive Touch Giving your animal companions the energy to heal P.O. Box 500591, Marathon, FL 305.481.0868 | pawsitivetouch.org

Key Largo, FL Humane Animal Care Coalition 105951 Overseas Highway Key Largo, Florida 33037 305-451-0088 humaneanimalcoalition.com

Do you have a pet business? A pet friendly motel, restaurant or other establishment? Get listed in our resource guide and we will connect you to pet parents in the Keys and beyond.

ParadisePetsMag.com

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Photo © alexei_tm / stock.Adobe.com

Traveling With Pets?

What to Know Do your upcoming travel plans include pets? Whether you’re flying to an exciting destination or hitting the road, these suggestions can make the journey easier for animals and humans alike.

● Prep your pet: Traveling can prove stressful to animals, so don’t catch your pet off-guard. Before leaving town, practice taking short rides in the car or spending time in a carrier. This will help your pet get used to the experience.

If you haven’t already microchipped your pet, this may be a good opportunity to do so. This is also the time to ensure your pet’s collar is up-to-date with your current contact information.

● Pack right: Pack plenty of food and fresh water and a sufficient supply of any medications your pet is taking, as getting refills away from home could be difficult. To alleviate anxiety, bring along pet blankets and toys as reminders of home. Also pack a pet-

specific first aid kit, which should include non-stick bandages, adhesive bandages, towels, gauze and your veterinarian’s phone number. ● Follow rules: Do your research to ensure you’re following rules along the way and at your destination. Check airline policies, as well as hotel and campsite restrictions and accommodations. Travel across state or international borders requires a health certificate. Some locations require more information and documentation. Give yourself plenty of time to handle these details. Your veterinarian can be a good resource in learning what to expect. To that end, a check-up is also a good idea before a trip, as vaccinations or preventive medications may be needed before traveling. ● Safety first: While seatbelts alone can keep a dog from moving about the cabin of the car, they are not your safest option. To help protect pets in a crash, anchor a crate using a seatbelt or other secure means. When flying,

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opt to keep your pet in the cabin of the plane if possible. Temperatures and air quality in cargo can put a strain on pets. If your animal is too large to fly in the cabin, speak to your veterinarian about what you can do to keep your pet safe and relaxed in-flight. ● Prepare for anything: Even the best laid plans can hit snags. Be prepared for the possibility that your pet will become accidentally injured or develop an unexpected illness while traveling, prompting an unplanned trip to the vet.

To prepare, consider solutions like the CareCredit credit card, issued by Synchrony Bank, which features special financing options (subject to credit approval) that can allow you to focus on getting your pet better while making monthly payments. More than 200,000 health care providers and health-focused retailers, including over 20,000 veterinarians accept the CareCredit credit card nationwide, which also sponsored the distribution of the tips in this article. Go to www.carecredit.com for pet healthcare providers closest to your vacation destination.

(Continued from page 15)

they decided to be Ethical Vegans rather than just following the diet.

To learn more about Ethical Veganism, visit Gary Yourofsky's ADAPTT at adaptt.org.

If you are a Vegan, be sure to connect with the all new Florida Keys Vegan Community on Facebook or by Email at floridakeysvegancommunity@gmail.com

Sources: Gary Yourofsky “The Most Important Speech You Will Ever Hear” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5hGQDLpr A8&vl=en Veganism on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veganism

Advance planning is key when traveling with a pet. With a little care, you can make your travels with furry friends safe, fun and memorable.

Source: StatePoint Gibson, one of Marlee and Bob’s animal children.

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