Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL Vol. 1 Issue 3

Understand Your Pet’s Needs Tips for a Well Behaved Dog

Manage Pet

STRESS

Help Your Pet Beat the Summer Heat Volume 1 Issue 3 | July-Aug-Sep 2015

$6.95

Paradise Pets Magazine is published

by Publish in Paradise for the purpose of uniting and supporting our communities in Key West and the Keys. 35% of all advertising revenue is donated back into our communities, with 10% of that supporting our furry and feathered friends at our local Florida Keys SPCA.

From the Editor

For advertising inquiries, please visit us online or email paradisepets@my.com Š 2015 Publish in Paradise Paradise Pets Magazine Key West, FL 33045 ParadisePetsMag.com Publisher/Editor: Angela J. Richards editor@paradisepetsmag.com Contributors: Family Features Florida Keys SPCA We are looking for local writers/stories/photos!

Email editor@paradisepetsmag.com to submit yours.

On the cover: Sophie and Jax. Photo submitted by Tracy, Montana.

www.ParadisePetsMag.com

Angela 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 veterinarianclient-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your local holistic veterinarian.

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Features 6

Manage Pet Stress

6

8 Tips for a Well Behaved Dog

Departments Pet Parents 4

8

Reader Submitted Pics

16 Understand Your Pet’s Needs 18 FKSPCA Pets Awaiting Parents

Pet Health 14

16

Tips to Help Your Pets

Beat the Summer Heat

19 Resource Guide

18 4

Find us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Paradise Pets Magazine Vol. 1 Issue 3 © 2015 Publish in Paradise | ParadisePetsMag.com | 3

Photo of “Rio” submitted by Barbara Platt of Texas.

Rio Texas

Smallcat

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“Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.” ― Mark Twain

Snickers

Rio Tanner

Texas

Photo of “Tanner” and “Rio” submitted by Barbara Platt of Texas.

Texas

Photo of “Smallcat” and “Snickers” submitted by Barbara Platt of Texas.

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Molly Montana

Photo of “Bigcat” submitted by Barbara Platt of Texas.

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Montana “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” ― Josh Billings

Photo of “Diesel” submitted by Sherry O’Donnell

Texas

l Diese

Jaxon

Rupert

Montana Montana Photo of “Rupert” submitted by Tracy of Montana.

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Photo of “Jaxon” submitted by Dan Ritter of Montana

Bigcat

Photo of “Molly” submitted by Tracy of Montana.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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ad behavior by your four-legged family members can create disruptions that range from a minor nuisance to full-out frustration. In fact, leading veterinary organizations report that behavior problems are the leading cause of pet euthanasia and account for as much as 80 percent of pet abandonment.

Warmer weather fosters many of the activities and situations that can bring out the worst in pets such as family travel, loud noises from increased activity in the neighborhood or fireworks, and ceaseless barking in the yard or on a walk.

Fear and stress are common triggers for behavior problems in pets, so taking steps to reduce the impact of scary and stressful situations can make a big difference.

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Travel While some pets can't wait to hop in the car and take off, others experience stress and fear from travel. For some, it is the motion of the vehicle, and for others it may be the fear of unfamiliar environments.

With a grasp of basic commands, as well as a little planning on the part of the owner, your pet can enjoy a more comfortable travel environment. ● Keep your pet in a carrier during the journey. Include a favorite blanket or toy in the carrier to increase comfort and provide reassurance. ● Set the carrier out several days in advance, leaving the door open to allow your pet to explore it without fear of immediate departure. ● During the journey, allow your dog to exercise and relieve themselves every two hours. For cats, put a litter tray in the car, along with some water, and allow them to roam free in the car every few hours. ● The calming effects of pheromones are a proven way to help reduce the fear that traveling can cause in dogs and cats. A SENTRY Calming Collar with its soothing lavender chamomile fragrance contains pheromones that help to reduce fear and make traveling less stressful for pets. This is especially important if the journey is longer than three hours.

● Do not leave pets unattended in the car as it increases their fear and can affect their safety.

Loud noise Loud noises such as thunder or fireworks can create extreme stress and fear that cause not only emotional distress, but also dangerous behaviors like trying to escape or becoming destructive. Avoid forcing your pet to stay with you and "get used to" the loud noises that are terrifying him.

Instead, try a few of these recommendations: ● Create a safe place for your pet to come and go freely based on the area that he tries to go when he becomes frightened, such as the basement, your bedroom or behind the sofa. ● Make your pet's safe place extra therapeutic with a SENTRY Calming Diffuser that continuously emits calming pheromones in the immediate environment to help pets feel relaxed and safe. ● Run a fan or radio to help distract from the noise he fears. ● Try distracting your dog with favorite toys or activities just as he becomes anxious about the approach of a storm or sporadic firework sounds.

See “Pet Stress” on page 10…

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Photos courtesy of Getty Images

There's a reason why they are called fur babies. From tiny puppies to large hounds, Americans take serious pride in canine family members. In fact, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) there are about 70-80 million dogs in homes across the country. And although they may be a more-than-welcome addition to the family, they may not receive such a warm welcome from the neighborhood - leaving owners to wonder what might be causing some hairs to stick up on end. The answer could be simple: poor social etiquette.

No one likes to consider their dog as a source of disruption in the community.

While enjoying relaxing evening walks together or playing in the backyard, people may never consider the behavior of their dog to be a problem, especially if its disposition is friendly around people. But if watched closely, they may notice he or

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she is coming across as a nuisance meaning it might be time to correct behavioral issues such as barking, jumping or not staying when instructed.

If you feel like your little pup could cause a commotion in the neighborhood, don't fret! There are tools and steps to follow that will help take your dog from bothersome to beloved.

Barking Oftentimes, the most disruptive action by a dog is also the hardest to control: barking. From sounding the alarm to separation anxiety, dogs use barking as an alert system. But it also is known as one of the most common causes for frustration among neighbors. To get barking under control, consider the following training tips: ● First, identify the factors surrounding your dog's barking. Is it more common during the day or at night? Are there triggers nearby such as people, animals or machines? According to the ASPCA, some barking issues can be resolved by removing problematic objects or noises.

If the problem can't be fixed by removing objects, have your dog checked to make sure that he or she isn't suffering from a health issue. ● Using tools and proper training together is often the best way to bring barking under control. Products that feature audible deterrents are oftentimes a good way to stop incessant

yapping from a dog. Tools like the First Alert(tm) Bark Genie Automatic Ultrasonic Bark Deterrent use safe, pet-friendly ultrasonic technology that detects barking and emits sound to help control it. ● To efficiently handle a barking problem, be sure to begin correctly training your dog while using a bark deterrent. First, never encourage or reward a dog for barking.

If your dog barks compulsively, try "quiet" training. Allow the dog to bark initially, then instruct him or her to "quiet" and hold its snout for a few seconds. If the dog remains quiet after you let go, give it a treat as a reward. Not all dogs are the same, so training bark control can be difficult.

However, with enough positive reinforcement used with training aids like the Bark Genie, excessive barking can be quelled.

Jumping Does your dog jump on strangers? If instructed to stop, does he or she listen?

Jumping and tackling can be perceived as aggressive behaviors and can give off the appearance that you might not have complete control of your dog. However, unlike barking, bouncing or jumping is even more controllable by training. If the problem exists with your pup, the ASPCA provides the following tips to correct the problem: See “Pet Behavior Tips” on page 12…

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Pet Stress continued….

Barking incessantly There are many reasons a dog might bark incessantly, preventing you from enjoying the company of guests, annoying your neighbors and leaving you feeling irritated.

While it's unreasonable to expect a dog to never bark again, there are ways to help your dog change behavior and reduce barking.

identify the right combination of training and therapy for your pet's unique needs.

Signs of Stress in Dogs and Cats Like people, pets respond differently to stressful situations, and circumstances that one pet copes with easily can create extreme duress for another.

● Tell your dog to stop barking and wait to make sure he completely accepts this command.

Pet care author and blogger Sandy Robins suggests watching for these signs of canine stress:

● Give your dog plenty of exercise through active play, walking or running to ensure pent-up energy isn't driving your dog to bark. After correcting the behavior, activity can also help redirect a barking dog's attention.

● Destructive behavior such as chewing furniture and other items in the home

● If underlying stress is the cause of your dog's barking, pheromone technology can be an effective tool. Try using SENTRY Calming Spray, which contains a soothing pheromone to help reduce fear and calm pets, in your pet's area to encourage him to lie down quietly. ● If your dog is barking for attention, ignore him until he quiets, then give a treat or reward to reinforce the "no barking" behavior.

More tips for addressing common pet behavior problems can be found at www.sentrypetcare.com. Also remember to consult your veterinarian, who can help

● Excessive barking, both inside and outside the home ● Urinating and defecating around the house ● Sudden displays of growling, snarling and even biting family members that your dog is normally affectionate toward ● Physical signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin allergies, excessive licking and pulling out clumps of fur

When it comes to cats, Robins says it can be more difficult to pick up signs of stress because signals such as hiding or sleeping out of sight are normal behaviors.

Sometimes the escalating level of feline stress is gradual. Be aware that these situations can cause cats to feel stressed:

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● Loud music ● Strangers in the home, such as repairmen ● A barking dog or new pets ● New family members, such as a baby and even visitors ● New furniture ● A change of food or litter type ● A dirty litter box In some cases, the fix is simple - turn down loud music or move pets to a different part of the house when guests visit, for example. Other times, more significant

behavior training or tools such as pheromone therapy are necessary to ease your pet's distress.

Animals produce pheromones in response to stress, alarm or danger that change the behavior of another animal of the same species. Pheromone collars, diffusers and calming sprays, such as those made by SENTRY, mimic the pheromone that the mother dog or cat produces to calm and reassure her young and are recognized throughout life. When used by pet owners, pheromones are a safe, efficient and convenient means of behavior management.

Source: SENTRY | Family Features

Got Worms?

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Did You Know?

Heartworms are common in dogs throughout the United States (cats can have them, too). They are among the most damaging parasites in dogs but they are almost 100 percent preventable.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and, once mature, they live in the heart and large blood vessels of the lungs. Ask your veterinarian about heartworm prevention.

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Source: www.petsandparasites.org/ dog-owners/heartworms/

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Pet Behavior Tips continued….

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

● In order to successfully train your dog to interact with other people, you need to train him or her one-on-one first.

When greeted by your jumping dog, keep calm. The more excited you are, the more excited your dog will be. If it begins to jump, do not reach out to pet or stroke the dog. Instead, keep your eyes raised to avoid eye contact and keep your arms and hands away until the dog keeps its front feet on the ground. ● Once the canine has calmed and is standing on four feet, immediately reach out to show affection. This will emphasize the importance of staying down when greeting. If the dog becomes excited and begins jumping again, restart the process.

just so much to see! But this can be extremely invasive and bothersome to other neighbors. If your dog commonly attempts to break free during a walk or run, or tries to get loose from the yard or house, try the following steps to control the behavior:

● If initial training tips don't help, or if training takes a while, it's important to keep your dog on a short leash while interacting with other people. Products like comfortable no-jump dog harnesses work well in keeping control over your pup and will help other people feel more comfortable around your dog. In addition, always keep treats on hand to encourage your dog to stay calm and by your side.

● According to the ASPCA, the hardest to achieve but most effective training tip to control your dog when it attempts to run or chase is establishing a call that works. To train your dog, simply practice the specific call repeatedly for as long as it takes until the dog begins to adapt. Each time you make the call toward your dog, reward him or her with a treat to set firm expectations that coming when called is a positive thing. Try practicing this training exercise while on a walk. If your dog begins to wander, simply pat your legs and call it for a treat to set expectations that your dog should stick close to you when outside. Keeping a training tool with you can also be handy in case your dog decides to ignore a command or

Staying If your dog doesn't have a jumping or barking problem, he might have a problem with running free. Between the front yard, backyard and entire neighborhood, there's

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call. Using a tool like the First Alert(tm) Bark Genie Handheld Ultrasonic Bark Deterrent utilizes the same pet-friendly technology and allows for more precise training control over your dog. ● If your dog is attempting to break free from an enclosed area such as a backyard, ensure that your fence is an appropriate height, that there are no gaps in the fence and that your dog isn't prone to digging to escape.

Practice the same training tips to calmly control your dog and remember - it might take some time! ● If nothing else works, and if time allows, tire out your pup with extensive play time! An under stimulated dog can get extremely antsy, but enough activity will help to reduce the urge to break free when out in public. You'll have a good time, and your pup will too.

First Alert for Pets Bark Genie ™ products are available at Walmart stores nationwide.

For more information, visit www.firstalertforpets.com.

Source: First Alert | Family Features

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Beat the Heat with Pet Safety Tips

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unny, warm days bring the welcome opportunity to change up your routine and spend more time outdoors with your beloved pets. However, soaring temperatures bring risks from heat and sun exposure, making your furry friends rely on you to help keep them healthy and safe.

Make these warm-weather adjustments to keep your pets in top condition and ready to enjoy all the season has to offer with these safety tips from PetSmart experts: Keep them hydrated. Dehydration and heatstroke can be fatal to pets, so access to a clean water bowl both inside and outside is critical in the summertime.

While you're on the go, be sure to bring water for your pet in a suitable drinking container.

Serve up healthy meals. Warmer weather invites opportunities, such as enticing picnic spreads, for pets to nab tasty treats.

Protect your pet's health by preventing them from ingesting food intended for humans, and opt instead for food and treats that fit their special needs and preferences. The varieties offered by Natural Balance, which is now available at PetSmart, span dry and wet food made with premium quality ingredients in formulas such as limited ingredient, grainfree and weight management.

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Never leave your pet in a parked car.

Studies show that on a hot day, the temperature inside a car can reach more than 160 degrees in five minutes. Leaving the windows cracked for fresh air or parking in the shade don't keep temperatures from soaring in record time, either. Leaving pets in the car "just for a minute" is never a good idea.

Groom regularly. One of the best ways to keep a dog's coat healthy and help prevent matting and summertime skin irritation is regular grooming. The right grooming tool can dramatically reduce shedding by removing the undercoat and loose hair without sacrificing the healthy top coat.

Provide skin protection. Just like humans, dogs can experience sunburn and even skin cancer. To prevent sunburn, apply a sunscreen where hair is thin and skin lacks pigment (nose, ears and sensitive areas) every day your dog is outside.

tasty treats encourage natural, healthy chewing to help reduce and remove tartar and plaque.

Provide outdoor relief. The best spot for your pet to cool off in the yard is a shaded grassy area because grass releases moisture and keeps your pet cooler than concrete, dirt or gravel. For added comfort, provide a raised bed that increases the flow of cooler air underneath the bed mat to help your pet beat the heat.

Keep water safety top of mind. Even if you consider your dog a good swimmer, a life jacket is very important if you take him with you on the boat or trips to the beach.

Find more ways to keep your pet summer safe at www.petsmart.com.

Source: PetSmart | Family Features

Avoid hot surfaces. Dogs' pads may seem tough, but sidewalks, pavement and sand can get so hot in the summer that dogs' feet can burn and blister. To prevent this, schedule walks for the morning or evening, when sidewalks are cooler, or purchase protective boots designed just for dogs.

Practice smart snacking. After exercising and in between meals, a sensible snack can provide a boost of energy. Treats such as Natural Balance Dental Chews do double duty by giving a little help with oral care between brushing. Scientifically formulated with unique grooves, these

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or the millions of dog owners in the U.S., understanding the health issues associated with their dog's breed(s) can be critical for the nutrition, training and overall healthcare of furry family members.

Ancestry and health in mixed breeds For mixed-breed dog owners, having access to reliable ancestry information can be crucial. Understanding the breeds that make up their dog enables much more targeted care and in some cases, provides

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Understa nding the individual needs of your pet

life-saving information. Mars Veterinary, the industry leader in canine genetic testing, is offering the next evolution of the canine DNA test, the Wisdom Panel(r) 3.0.

With expanded breed screening coverage of more than 250 breeds, types and varieties, the test also includes potentially life-saving medical information with a new MDR1 Genetic Mutation screening.

MDR1 or Multi-Drug Resistance 1 is a genetic mutation found in some herding and sighthound breeds, as well as many mixed-breed dogs. The gene is responsible for production of a protein called Pglycoprotein, a drug transport pump that plays an important role in limiting drug

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absorption and distribution (particularly to the brain) and enhancing the excretion or elimination of many drugs used in dogs.

Dogs with the MDR1-mutation may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs, so it is important to test mixedbreed (and purebreds with the highpropensity breeds) dogs and for owners to share results with their veterinarian so they can provide the dog with the best possible care.

Keeping canines healthy From the tiny Chihuahua to the giant Great Dane, the number of recognized dog breeds is vast. But just as varied are the ailments and health issues commonly associated to each breed. Regardless of the type, pet owners who want to provide the best possible care for their best friend should follow these general tips for optimal health:

● Know your pet's food. Based on age, size and breed, your dog will have different dietary needs. Speak with your vet about a proper nutrition plan to support your dog's overall health and keep its weight in check.

By understanding more about the breeds in your furry friend, you can make a focused plan for their best nutrition, health and overall well being. For more information about the Wisdom Panel® 3.0 test, visit www.WisdomPanel.com.

Source: Mars Veterinary | Family Features

● Visit the vet. Only your professional veterinarian will be able to assess the health of your dog. Prevention is essential for finding hidden diseases and illnesses in animals. Also, ask your vet for a body condition evaluation to check if your dog is at a healthy weight for its age and breed. ● Get some exercise. Be sure to get your pet outside and active to keep muscles and joints healthy. Gauge the amount of exercise based on pet size and age to ensure it's getting the right amount of activity.

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Pets Awaiting Adoption…

If anyone is interested in adopting from the FKSPCA, they ask that you come to the shelter to meet and greet their animals in person so they can get to know you and see if it’s good chemistry between the animal and the potential owner.

fkspca.org

Come and visit your potential new pet at the Florida Keys SPCA at 5230 College Road in Key West, Florida. Give them a call at (305) 294-4857 or visit them online for more information.

Libby is a 2-year-old female American bulldog mix. She has lived with other dogs before and would be a good friend to most other pups.

Nala is a 2-year-old female Pit Bull Mix. She has the goofiest smile that will make anyone laugh. She is very friendly with people and would make a great addition to any family.

Goose is a 6-year-old American S t a f f o r d s h i r e Terrier/Bullmastiff Mix. He loves to swim, go on walks, play with squeaky toys and get lots of belly scratches.

Agnus is a 2-year-old female Domestic Shorthair. She is an independent cat who is always up for snack time and treats and would love more than anything to get them from a new owner.

Squirrel is a 6-year-old Domestic Shorthair mix.

Squirrel is a shy cat, but once she starts getting pet she will melt in your hand. She came to us declawed and seems to get along well with other cats.

Riley is a 12-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat. He enjoys scratching on his scratch post and cuddling in soft beds. He would be perfect in a single cat home for any family.

*We also have rabbits and guinea pigs available for adoption.”

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Resource Guide

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Contact Us Today! paradisepets@my.com

Key West, FL Florida Keys SPCA Adoption services, animal control, and 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

Paradise Day Spa Pamper Your Pet, Then Pamper Yourself 1012 Truman Ave., Key West, FL 305-TRY-RELAX | Keywestparadisedayspa.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.

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