Summer is rapidly approaching and it's time to review a few of the rules of the road for having a dog in Florida. If you're planning on taking your furry friend to the beach on a hot summer day in Florida, there are some important safety rules you should keep in mind. Not only will these tips help ensure your dog has a fun and enjoyable day at the beach, but they'll also help keep them safe and healthy. Here are some essential safety rules to follow when taking your dog to the beach in Florida:

1. Check the weather forecast

Before you head to the beach, make sure to check the weather forecast. In Florida, summer days can be extremely hot and humid, which can be dangerous for dogs. If the forecast is calling for high temperatures and humidity, it may be best to postpone your beach trip until the weather cools down.

1. Keep your dog hydrated

One of the most important things you can do when taking your dog to the beach on a hot summer day in Florida is to keep them hydrated. Bring plenty of water for your dog to drink throughout the day, and make sure to offer it to them frequently. You can also bring a collapsible water bowl or purchase one at a pet store.

1. Use sunscreen

Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned, especially on their noses, ears, and other exposed areas. To protect your dog's skin from the sun's harmful rays, use a dog-specific sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it to your dog's nose, ears, and any other exposed areas before heading to the beach.

1. Provide shade

Dogs can get overheated quickly in the sun, so it's important to provide them with shade. Bring an umbrella or canopy to create a shady spot for your dog to relax in. You can also bring a beach tent or rent one if it's available.

1. Keep your dog on a leash

While it may be tempting to let your dog run free on the beach, it's important to keep them on a leash for their safety. This will prevent them from running off, getting lost, or getting into dangerous situations. Make sure your leash is strong and sturdy and that your dog is comfortable wearing it.

1. Watch for signs of heatstroke

Heatstroke is a serious condition that can occur when dogs are exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long. Watch for signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, lethargy, and vomiting. If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, move them to a cooler area, offer them water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
By following these safety rules, you can help ensure that your dog has a safe and enjoyable day at the beach on a hot summer day in Florida. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and shade, and keep a close eye on your furry friend to make sure they're comfortable and happy.

​The sight of an enormous toad sitting in a courtyard during a humid summer evening is quite common in south Florida. For those of you who had no idea what a “bufo” was until you moved here, you are not alone. Even if you have lived in south Florida all your life, you still may not have heard of a Bufo or Cane toad. 

My wife and I quickly learned that the Cane toads (Rhinella Marina, formerly known as bufo marinus ) were, in fact, deadly to dogs and cats. The toxin on the skin takes only minutes to put your companion in serious jeopardy and can be fatal. Companion animal death rates are very high in South Florida. Our adopted bulldog Lola had a sister who died at age six after an encounter with a Cane toad. 

Cane toads, also known as Bufo toads, are highly toxic to pets like dogs and cats. These toads are found in several parts of the world, including North America, South America, and Australia. When pets come into contact with these toads, they can suffer from serious health problems, including death. In this blog, we will discuss the dangers of Cane toad toxicity to your dog or cat and what you can do to keep your furry friend safe.
Symptoms of Cane Toad Toxicity in Pets

The symptoms of Cane toad toxicity in pets can vary depending on the severity of the poisoning. In some cases, the symptoms may appear within minutes of contact, while in others, it may take a few hours. Some of the common symptoms of Cane toad toxicity in pets include:

• Salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Disorientation
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Collapse

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet after coming into contact with a Cane toad, it is essential to seek veterinary help immediately. The faster your pet receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery.
Prevention of Cane Toad Toxicity in Pets
Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to Cane toad toxicity, the best way to keep your pets safe is by preventing contact with the toads. Here are some tips to help you prevent Cane toad toxicity in your pets:

1. Keep Your Pets Indoors at Night

Cane toads are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active at night. To prevent your pets from coming into contact with these toads, it is best to keep them indoors at night.

1. Keep Your Yard Clean

Cane toads are attracted to areas with lots of insects and other small creatures. To prevent them from coming into your yard, keep your yard clean and tidy. Remove any standing water, keep your grass trimmed, and pick up any fallen fruit.

1. Keep Your Pets on a Leash

If you live in an area where Cane toads are common, it is best to keep your pets on a leash when you take them outside. This will prevent them from wandering off and coming into contact with a Cane toad.

1. Educate Yourself

Finally, it is essential to educate yourself about Cane toad toxicity and how to prevent it. Speak to your veterinarian about the risks in your area and what you can do to keep your pets safe.

Cane toad toxicity is a serious health problem that can affect your pets. By being aware of the dangers and taking the necessary precautions, you can help prevent your pets from coming into contact with these toxic toads. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with a Cane toad, seek veterinary help immediately. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

Adopting a companion animal is a big decision and one that should not be made lightly. It's a big responsibility, no different from raising and being responsible for a human child. They'll alter you life in ways you don't expect and many times they won't bring what you expect, but they will always surprise you and frequently that is a good thing. They bring a lightness to life that is frequently lacking and you can't put a price on that.

Every change or alteration a companion animal brings to your life is also accompanied by companionship, unconditional lover and a great listener who generally won't interrupt you as you speak. Okay, most of them anyway. Lola, our rescue English bully was a wonderful communicator who frequently had a lot to say. She was pretty talented at talking over us. And we loved it. Beyond the obvious emotional benefits of sharing your life with a companion animal,  there are also many physical and mental health benefits to consider.

Let's start with an obvious one. If you don't have three fenced in acres for your dog to run around in, you're going to have to walk your dog. Dogs require daily exercise, which means you have to get off the couch and go with them. Exercise for both of you. And if you do a walk properly, i.e. let them smell as much as they want and greet whomever they want, you'll be forced to socialize as well, something sorely lacking in many lives. Quick note about dog walks - we'll have another post about what a dog walk should consist of. Hint, it isn't let's go to the bathroom and hurry to get back inside so you can get back to what you are doing. But I digress. Taking your dog for a walk or run benefits you as well. Even engaging with your felines, playing with them is a source of physical activity. Numerous studies have shown that people who share their lives with companion animals have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and are less likely to suffer from heart attacks or strokes. Companion animals are also there when we are sick and they'll listen to our whining. Data suggests that they'll also help reduce pain and speed up healing.

The mental health benefits of sharing your life with a companion animal are off the charts. As an example, when I was laid off as COVID was hitting, I was forced into an early retirement andI found myself writing at home, accompanied by Lola, our older bully. At some point it hit me just how important she was in getting me through a really difficult time. She was my therapist and cowriter, among other hats that she wore. Companion animals provide unconditional love and companionship, and can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. I know this from first hand experience. Data from numerous studies shows people who share their lives with companion animals have reduced stress and anxiety levels in addition to having lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

As we mentioned earlier, companion animals, particularly canines, are wonderful at providing with opportunities for socialization. Thank you dog walks. It's a great way to catch up with new friends that you meet and there is generally a really positive vibe among people who have companion animals. And the sense of purpose and responsibility they bring to your life is a another contributing benefit to your mental health.

Saving a Life Adopting a dog or cat can also have a positive impact on the community. By adopting from a shelter, you're giving a second chance to an animal in need. Many shelters are overcrowded and unable to care for all of the animals they take in. By adopting, you're helping to reduce the number of animals in shelters and potentially saving a life.

And lastly, when you rescue a companion animal, you are saving a life. And some times it may be your own. The incidence of depression has increased and many, many people have been pulled out of the dark depths of depression by their rescue companion. It's the old cliche - who rescued who? But it's true. And as I suggested earlier, I speak from first hand experience on this point.

​If you're considering adding a pet to your family, consider adopting from a shelter. Not only will you be gaining a loyal companion, but you 're going to save a life. And it doesn't get any better than that. 

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Sharing your life with a companion animal can be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have. Not only do pets provide us with unconditional love and companionship, but they also offer a wide range of health benefits that can improve our overall wellbeing. In this article, we'll explore some of the many health benefits of having a companion animal.

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety Studies have shown that spending time with a pet can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Petting and playing with your furry friend can release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, which can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
   
2. Improved Mental Health Companion animals have been shown to improve mental health by providing emotional support and helping to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. In fact, pet therapy has been used successfully to help treat a wide range of mental health conditions.
   
3. Lowered Blood Pressure Studies have also shown that owning a pet can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is likely due to the calming effect that pets have on our bodies and minds.
   
4. Increased Physical Activity Owning a pet can also help increase physical activity levels, which can lead to improved physical health. Whether it's taking your dog for a walk or playing with your cat, having a pet encourages us to get up and move around more.
   
5. Reduced Loneliness and Social Isolation Companion animals can also help reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation, especially for older adults or those living alone. Pets provide a sense of companionship and can help encourage social interactions with others.
   

In conclusion, the health benefits of sharing your life with a companion animal are numerous and significant. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mental and physical health, owning a pet can bring many positive changes to your life. So why wait? Consider adopting a furry friend today and experience the many benefits of pet ownership for yourself.

Dog collars have been the traditional choice for many pet owners when it comes to controlling and training their furry friends. However, there are several reasons why dog harnesses are a better choice than collars. In this blog, we will explore why dog collars are not good and why harnesses are better for your dog.

1. Collars can cause neck injuries: When a dog pulls on a leash attached to a collar, the pressure on the neck can cause injury. Repeated pulling can lead to damage to the trachea, which can cause breathing problems. A harness distributes the pressure more evenly across the chest and back, reducing the risk of injury.
   
2. Collars can cause behavioral problems: A dog that is constantly pulled by a collar can develop behavioral problems, such as anxiety and aggression. A harness can help prevent these issues by allowing the dog to feel more comfortable and secure during walks.
   
3. Harnesses provide better control: A well-fitted harness gives the owner better control over the dog's movements. This is particularly important for larger or stronger dogs who may be able to pull away from their owner if they are only wearing a collar.
   
4. Harnesses are safer: A harness provides additional safety features that a collar does not. For example, a harness with a front clip can prevent a dog from pulling and lunging, while a back clip harness can be used to safely restrain a dog in a car.
   
5. Harnesses are more comfortable: A well-fitted harness is more comfortable for a dog than a collar. The pressure is distributed more evenly across the dog's body, which reduces the risk of injury and discomfort. Additionally, some dogs may have sensitive necks and find collars uncomfortable.
   

In conclusion, while dog collars have been a traditional choice for many pet owners, harnesses are a better option for several reasons. They are safer, more comfortable, and provide better control. If you are currently using a collar on your dog, consider switching to a harness for a more comfortable and safer experience for both you and your furry friend.

As pet owners, we love our furry friends like family. They provide us with endless joy and companionship, and when they pass away, it can be a devastating loss. Coping with pet bereavement is an important part of the grieving process, and it's important to understand that it's okay to feel a wide range of emotions during this difficult time.
In this article, we'll explore some tips on how to cope with the loss of your beloved pet.

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve The loss of a pet can be just as difficult as losing a human loved one. It's important to allow yourself to grieve and to take the time you need to process your emotions.
   
2. Seek Support Talking to friends and family who have gone through a similar experience can be incredibly helpful during this time. Consider joining a pet loss support group or speaking with a therapist who specializes in pet bereavement.
   
3. Remember Your Pet Creating a memorial for your pet can be a helpful way to honor their memory. Consider planting a tree or creating a photo album to remember the happy times you shared together.
   
4. Take Care of Yourself The loss of a pet can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. Make sure to take care of yourself during this time by getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
   
5. Consider Adopting Another Pet While it's important to take the time you need to grieve your pet, adopting another furry friend can be a helpful way to heal and move forward.
   

Losing a pet is never easy, but with time and support, it's possible to find peace and acceptance. By allowing yourself to grieve, seeking support, remembering your pet, taking care of yourself, and considering adopting another pet, you can navigate the difficult process of pet bereavement and honor the memory of your beloved companion.

We’re always surprised at how many individuals believe that, by nature, English bulldogs are fat or they are supposed to be chunky. We’ve had four English bulldogs, all rock stars in unique ways. But the one consistent shared trait among them was that none of them were overweight.Granted, when people believe their breed should be hefty, they’re going to feed it more and hence, it will be overweight, meeting their expectations. In other words, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. Bulldogs aren’t supposed to be fat and if they are, there are a number of problems that accompany that rolly-polly stature. Because of the bad genetics involved, the breed is already predisposed to knee injuries. In fact, all four of our bulldogs had knee surgery, and not a Michelin tire shape among them. A couple of tips to avoid some of the health issues associated with carrying around too much weight. Spread their food around so you can avoid having them gulp their food down too rapidly. We had one customer describe her bulldog as a “wood chipper” because she ate so fast. Try to avoid giving them ‘human’ food. Stick to a healthy diet and give them broccoli and other healthy foods. They’re omnivores, so they’ll surprise you in what they’ll eat. Keep them fit, lean, and you’ll get a few more years of companionship!
​Keep Wagging!

As a dog owner, ensuring that your furry friend is properly fed is essential to their overall health and wellbeing. However, with so many different dog food options available, it can be easy to accidentally overfeed your dog and cause them to become overweight.
In this article, we'll explore some tips on how to properly feed your dog and avoid having them become overweight.

1. Determine Your Dog's Caloric Needs The first step in properly feeding your dog is to determine their caloric needs. This will vary based on their age, breed, activity level, and overall health. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate caloric intake for your dog.
   
2. Choose High-Quality Dog Food Selecting a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for your dog's age, breed, and activity level is essential. Avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.
   
3. Portion Control Once you've determined your dog's caloric needs and selected the appropriate food, it's important to practice portion control. Use a measuring cup to ensure that you're providing your dog with the appropriate amount of food each day.
   
4. Treats in Moderation While treats are an important part of bonding with your dog, they should be given in moderation. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or human food, as this can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
   
5. Regular Exercise Regular exercise is an important part of maintaining your dog's overall health and preventing weight gain. Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of opportunities for physical activity, such as daily walks or playing in the backyard.
   
6. Monitor Your Dog's Weight Regularly monitoring your dog's weight is important in preventing them from becoming overweight. If you notice your dog gaining weight, consult with your veterinarian to adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly.
   

In conclusion, proper feeding habits are essential to your dog's overall health and wellbeing. By determining your dog's caloric needs, selecting high-quality food, practicing portion control, limiting treats, providing regular exercise, and monitoring their weight, you can help prevent your dog from becoming overweight and ensure they live a long, healthy life.