Category Archives: Dogs

Pets and Poison

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In 2013, there were nearly 180,000 cases of pets that had been exposed to toxic substances. Many of those were everyday household items! http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

The top offender for the sixth year in a row were prescription human medications: medication for heart conditions, pain medications, and antidepressants.

Nearly 16% of all calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) were insecticide related.

Tylenol, Advil and herbal supplements accounted for 15% of calls.

What Foods Can Make Pets Sick

Ingesting onions, garlic, raisins and grapes are among the common food items that are dangerous for pets. People food clocked in as the 5th most common pet poison in 2013.

If you think that your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your veterinarian. You can also call the Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Should You Adopt From a Pet Store?

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When deciding to adopt a puppy over a dog, please remember that puppies need a lot of attention to ensure that they grow up to be confident, happy dogs. Can you take on this responsibility? If so, you’ll be rewarded with a loyal canine companion for life.

I know how hard it can be to resist that cute puppy in the store window. Please think twice before buying a dog from a pet shop because by doing so you are supporting the cruel puppy mill industry.

These facilities cram dogs into overcrowded, stacked cages. The dogs may never know the feeling of the grass beneath their feet, the enjoyment of playing outdoors, and more importantly, the loving touch from a human.

Even if the puppies get to leave the mill, the parents are stuck there for YEARS breeding MORE puppies in those terrible conditions.

The best advise I can give anyone who wants to adopt a dog is to turn to your local shelter first. There are always young dogs in need of homes. If you have a specific breed in mind, there are many resources to help you find what you’re looking for.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

The Sad Truth about Greyhounds

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As a long-time Floridian, I am embarrassed to point out to you that my state is one of the few nationwide that still participates in greyhound racing. But it does give me immense satisfaction to add the fact that Florida also lost between $1 and $3.3 million in 2012 on Greyhound racing.

As hard as it is to believe, Greyhound racing for some is still a big business.

Only a select few become racing dogs and greyhounds actually begin their lives on breeding farms. Unfortunately for those chosen, they spend 20 or more hours a day stacked in double-decker cages in warehouse-style kennels.

Can you believe that greyhound racing still exists in seven states? Out of 21 tracks in America, 12 are right here in the Sunshine State of Florida. There actually is a law in Florida that requires gambling institutions to maintain and run dog racing facilities. Should I repeat that because you are having a hard time comprehending that last sentence? You read it right but in it’s absurdity it’s worth repeating. There actually is a law in Florida that requires gambling institutions to maintain and run dog racing facilities. . Put another way you must, by law, race dogs if you want to run a gambling institution.

Even though we are still in the beginning of 2021, there have been 18 Greyhound deaths at Florida race tracks.

For ideas on how you can help stop greyhound racing, please go to: www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/animals-in-entertainment/greyhound-racing-faq

Please do your part to end the “sport” of greyhound racing!

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Lovin Pet Care

Melanie Lovett

Why You Should Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

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With many people still struggling financially in the current economy, the decision to spay or neuter a pet may be difficult.

A number of states have proposed mandatory spay/neuter laws. However there are currently no state laws requiring pet owners to sterilize their animals.

Fortunately, there are lots of affordable spay/neuter programs available, and you may be surprised just how beneficial it is to your pet:: www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter.

Finally, spaying and neutering helps control the pet population, so I highly recommend you have your pet altered.

Please contact us if we can assist you in any way with this important decision!

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Lovin Pet Care

Melanie Lovett

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Tips for Finding the Perfect Pet Sitter

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cat sitters in naplesIf you’re like me, your pets are like your children and the thought of leaving them with just anyone is unacceptable. It can be quite stressful to find the right person; no matter what someone says you simply never know who you are entrusting with the care of your beloved furry family member(s).

Being a mom of several cats and an experienced pet sitter myself, I know how difficult the process can be. If you are trying to find your first pet sitter, or a replacement pet care giver, here are some tips that I would like to share with you.

First impressions are everything! You may have a wonderful conversation on the phone with your potential care giver, but she/he will be interacting with your pet 95% of the time. Pay close attention to how your pet reacts when first meeting this person: animals are a VERY good judge of character.

References of course are a must. You should request as many as you feel necessary.

While the reasons for being licensed and insured are obvious, bonding helps give my clients peace of mind, especially since I am sometimes staying in their home.

If you would like some more advice on finding that perfect pet sitter, please contact me and I would love to discuss some other ways to ensure you find that perfect match for your fur baby.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Lovin Pet Care

Melanie Lovett