Some of us can’t sit still for a minute, filling or lives with constant activity, while others are shy or mellow and prefer to curl up at home with a good book or watch our favorite television show. It’s pretty obvious that anyone living in an apartment is likely not going to choose a Saint Bernard for a pet, but there’s more to it than just the logics. Your actual personality is involved. So what do your pets say about your personality?

If you prefer a lap dog such as a Chihuahua or Papillion, you have a desire to nurture and you like to accessorize making your pet an extension of your accessories. You like to spend a great deal of time with your pet and since small dogs are easy to transport you can take your dog almost everywhere you go.

If you prefer big dogs such as German Shepherds or Labs you are likely very active, and like to stay in shape. Big dogs make great companions and are perfect for outdoor activities. Then again if you have an alpha personality you are a leader and like control, which is why you’d choose breeds like Rottweilers or Dobermans, because of their protective qualities.

If you are busy, independent, and enjoy a snuggle now and then, a cat is a great pet choice. If you prefer pets that are more exotic like reptiles you adventurous and love the danger that can be associated with exotic pets. If you prefer an aquarium you have personality that’s stay at home with a solid routine. If you love parrots then you are likely outgoing, the life of the party, outspoken and always loud. If you are more a canary or parakeet person you are likely still outgoing but are much softer spoken and more gentle.

If you don’t already have a pet, but are planning to get one take your lifestyle and your personality into consideration when choosing your pet. Of course choosing a pet that will be comfortable where you live is important too. For example, huskies would not be really comfortable living in Orlando. Making a good match adds to the enjoyment!

Holidays can be busy times, and there can even be travel involved. Our pets have become more than just pets. Today we see them as family members and therefore as owners we involve them in more of our holiday festivities.

If you are traveling, more and more destination facilities accommodate dogs than ever before. From hotels that cater to dogs with special treats, and even spas, to restaurants that will now allow you to bring your dog in with you. Puppy daycares offer special holiday retreats just for your pets, and dog groups often put together holiday activities.

This is especially true in the Orlando area. The Idyll Mouse, Sun N Fun Vacation Homes House at Disney, and Embassy Suites are just a few of the hotels catering to you and your pets. Bravissimo Italian Café, Kool Katz Grill, and Relax Grill are a few places where you can enjoy a fantastic meal and celebrate the holidays with your favorite companion.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner it’s time to start thinking about making a dog gone special day for you and your dog. You could start with the perfect puppy outfit. You could invest in heart shaped puppy cookies, how about taking your dog out for dinner at one of the dog friendly restaurants in the Orlando area.

Why not invest in one of the ever so cute Valentine’s Day outfits. One of the cutest I’ve seen is a white dress trimmed with a red bow and ruffle with white hearts. A leather collar adorned with hearts is another great choice especially for male dogs. You could even make your own hearts.

If you have a male dog why not invest in one of the heart tie collars. If you have a female dog you have plenty of “pretty in pink” outfits adorned with hearts. They’ll be cute as a button for that special day. Of course, if you have a larger dog dressing them up isn’t real cool. But a scarf with hearts works on big and small dogs alike.

St. Patrick’s Day is another holiday you can have some fun with your pets. There’s plenty of green to go round. Choose from one of the many green themed outfits. You could also choose one adorned with a clover leafs or leprechauns. Collars adorned with clover leaf and leprechauns are also a lot of fun. There are even leprechaun boots. Don’t forget to buy your dog some delicious St. Patrick’s Day cookies and a little green water could be fun too.

Get your dog ready for the holidays and have some fun in Orlando, regardless of which holiday it is. Dress them, treat them, and enjoy the company of your life long companion.

Expect to see a well rounded selection of medium weight sweaters for those chillier nights. Color palettes are very sex specific this season – pink for girls, and blue for boys. The spring fashions for pets also include a terrific selection of short sleeved and no sleeve tees – from stripes to skulls to hearts. It’s all about fun this coming season. Polo shirts have made a comeback with their preppy styles and fun colors.

If you like dresses for your cute little girl, you are in luck this spring, for you’ll find a terrific selection of light weight dresses. From fills to buttons and bows – definitely ultra feminine and so masculine, so both the girls and boys are going to look awfully stylish this spring.

Throughout Orlando and Central Florida you will find some of the best Pet Coutures around. From hand crafted apparel to fabulous pet apparel collections like the Paris Hilton Collection, if you want your pet to have style, the opportunities abound. Many of the Pet Coutures offer custom orders. That way you can create your own line of spring fashions for your pet.

Spring fashions for pets aren’t just for dogs. There are also fantastic apparel and accessories for the cats in your lives. For the cat owner with a feline that isn’t interested in clothing, there are some fantastic accessory options, such as dazzling rhinestone collars, custom bow tie collars, or fun stretchy fish collars.

Spring fashions for pets include a fabulous cotton blend line of pajamas for both cats and dogs. The cat pajamas are some of the cutest we’ve seen in years. From super hot pink to sunshine yellow, some have hoods, and almost all have some type of fish pattern. So cute!

One thing is for sure, spring fashions for pets will be as popular as ever. Pet owners wait in anticipation to see the complete lines of spring fashions for pets. It won’t be long now!

Pet vaccinations serve the same purpose as pediatric vaccinations: They help build immunity. Once built however, the question for pets is: How often should vaccinations be given once said pet reaches adulthood?

The First Year
For puppies and kittens, vaccinations are a must. Starting at six weeks, through a pet’s first year, vet checkups should be routinely scheduled. Afterwards, annual visits are sufficient; and for shots, the occurrence can be anywhere from 1 to 3 years.

For puppies, the standard vaccinations are:

• Rabies
• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Parvovirus
• Bordetalla (kennel cough)

For kittens, you’ll want to make sure they get protected from:

• Rabies
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus (FVRCP/C)
• Distemper
• Feline leukemia

As for when these vaccinations should be administered, the following schedule will give you an idea of how often a puppy or kitten must go to the Vet. In addition to vaccinations, de-worming is always part of the process as well.

For puppies:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, measles, parainfluenza (bordatella)
• 10-12 weeks: DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus)
• 12-24 weeks: Rabies
• 14-15 weeks: DHPP (2nd)
• 12-16 months: Rabies (follow-up) and DHPP (3rd)

For kittens:

• 6-8 weeks: FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia)
• 12 weeks: FVRCP (2nd), FeLV (feline leukemia virus)
• 14 weeks: FeLV (2nd)
• 16 weeks: FVRCP (3rd), rabies
• 12-18 months and thereon: FVRCP (yearly), FeLV (yearly), rabies (as required)

Adulthood
Once puppies become dogs and kittens become cats, the frequency of vaccinations is something that owners should discuss with their vets. How often do pets need to be vaccinated? Aside from the rabies shot, which is mandated by law, the other vaccines might be waived.

Is it possible to over-vaccinate?  Such is the controversy. For example, cancerous tumors have been known to develop near the sites of vaccinations. The argument for regular vaccinations however is that they are preventatives. Certainly this is the main “pro.”

The debate for and against yearly vaccinations surfaced in 1998 when the American Association of Feline Practitioners recommended that certain vaccines could be administered every 3 years instead of annually. The door was thus opened for further consideration – for both cats and dogs.

Today, yearly checkups are prescribed for all pets. However, pet vaccinations are given less frequently (with the exception of the rabies shot). In general, most veterinarians will recommend these vaccinations every 3 years:

• For dogs: Distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus-2, parainfluenza virus
• For cats: Panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus

Too Strong?
If concerned, also ask your vet how strong the vaccine is. Another concern for pet owners and many in the Central Florida veterinarian community is that the pet vaccines have become stronger in order to cover the gap between shots.

One solution pet owners may not be aware of is the “titers test,” which can determine the amount of antibodies present in your pet. Consequently, it can tell you if your pet needs more vaccine. An obstacle however is that a “titers test” costs $100 to $200, which is more than triple what a pet vaccination would cost.

Pet owners however should look at the bigger picture and realize that over-vaccination is a risk. And, it’s a big one. As always, consult your Central Florida vet with your questions and concerns.

When traveling with a pet, safety is paramount. Be prepared so that everyone’s trip is as comfortable and trouble-free as possible.

Here are some things to consider when traveling with pets:

1.  Depending on the length of your trip, schedule rest stops for your pet for eating and eliminating. Never feed your pet in the car, as many dogs/cats are subject to motion sickness.
2. Pack a traveling kit that covers all possibilities: rabies vaccination, food and water, plastic bags and scoop, and a first-aid kit.  It’s better to be prepared; you never know what can happen when you travel.
3. Take your pet with you always. In Florida, cars can turn into furnaces within minutes on a hot day, even if a window is open. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can set in even quicker.
4. Tags, collar, and leash – make sure you have all of these. Also, if your dog is not yet micro-chipped, do so before you leave for your trip.
5. Keep your dog/cat safely in the car while driving. While many dogs love to stick their heads out the window, this only exposed them to flying debris and/or protruding objects. Keep them inside the vehicle and if possible, inside a comfortable crate with favorite toy/pillow.

As for where you might go, note that Disney World’s theme parks and hotels do not permit animals, other than service animals. However, should you travel in this direction, you’ll need to kennel your dog/cat and the park recommends Pet Care Kennels, operated by Best Friends Pet Care. Located across from Disney World, the kennel’s fees are per animal, per day (with overnight boarding also available).

If you choose to travel in the opposite direction however, along the Space Coast, then you’ll have much better luck in finding pet-friendly accommodations. The Space Coast offers a wide variety of activities, attractions, and events for the entire family – including pets. Cocoa Beach for instance is expansive, beautiful, and never dull.

Should you travel to Cocoa Beach, here’s a list of hotels that would gladly welcome you and your pet, anytime:

Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach
4001 N. Atlantic Avenue
Policy: $100 pet deposit required at check-in.

Quality Suites (Cocoa Beach)
3655 North Atlantic Avenue
Policy: $100 refundable deposit at check-in.

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach
8959 Astronaut Blvd.
Policy: $75 one-time pet fee (per room)

Holiday Inn (Cocoa Beach-Oceanfront)
1300 North Atlantic Avenue
Policy: $25 non-refundable fee plus $10 per-day charge.

La Quinta Inn Cocoa Beach
1275 N. Atlantic Avenue
Policy: All pets welcome.

Best Western Ocean Beach Hotel & Suites
5600 N Atlantic Avenue
Policy: $25 pet fee; no pets allowed in suites, oceanfront and oceanview rooms; for convenience, drive-up rooms may be best.

Days Inn Cocoa Beach
5500 North Atlantic Ave
Policy: $25 non-refundable fee applies.

Ever since the nationwide pet-food recall of 2007, there’s been an ever-increasing trend towards natural and holistic pet foods. The kind of pet food made from natural ingredients – with few (if any) artificial additives.

Pet owners are beginning to realize the importance of higher-quality foods for their pet. What’s more, nutritional supplements and exercise regimens have also come to the forefront of pet health. These days, pet owners simply want to find the best way to protect their furry, scaly, finned, and feathered friends.

Natural Pet Food
“Natural” pet food has emerged as the first line of defense in pet health. The 2007 recall was an emotional wakeup for pet owners. Many pet owners have reacted by choosing to buy only natural foods for their pets. This shift in consumer demand has consequently created space for new local businesses specializing in such brands.

Many pet stores in Central Florida offer a varied selection of natural brands, including California Natural, Innova, and Innova EVO. Many traditional pet stores in Central Florida as well as online pet stores such as J’adore My Pet offer store-to-door delivery or package deals on health supplements and specialized holistic natural pet food – perfect for owners on the go.

Did You Know: Treats can be healthy too! Many pet boutiques such as J’adore My Pet and other traditional brick and mortar businesses offer various packaged treats for your pooch, along with all-natural “cookies” made with human-grade ingredients like apple, banana, carob, and cinnamon.

Nutritional Supplements for your Pet
There has also been an increased interest in pet nutritional supplements. Owners today wonder if their pets are getting enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in their diets. For ailments such as muscle aches and joint pains, many pet owners have considered holistic treatments.  For example, glucosamine for dogs and condroitin for cats, are two of the most popular pain-relief supplements on the market today.

This being said, remember that when it comes to supplements, it’s imperative you consult your pet’s veterinarian first. Every pet is special and unique. Ask your Central Florida vet specifically about possible side effects, medication combinations, and what the alternatives are. What’s more, check with the FDA first to learn of any adverse effects and go into your vet visit prepared.

Exercise
As for exercise, dogs of course need their walks. Even small dogs should have room to roam – a luxury not all living spaces can provide. The answer? Dog-walking services, which have seen a boom in business over the last few years, is a great resource for the busy pet owner. Indeed, while discretionary spending has gone down because of the economy, certain aspects of pet ownership, such as food and health-related perks, have sustained their growth. Why? Simply because pet owners realize that the benefits outweigh the cost.

And while dogs will lap up a walk with their designated dog walker, nothing can compare to spending time with you. Fortunately, Orlando and Central Florida have several dog parks made for such occasions. Orlando dog parks include: Doctor Phillips Dog Park, Downey Dog Park, Barber Dog Park, and Meadow Woods Dog Park. And for the surrounding areas, look no further than Hound Ground in Winter Springs, Mount D.O.R.A. Dog Park in Mount Dora, Gemini Springs Dog Park in DeBary, and several others throughout Central Florida.

As a treat take your dog to one of these parks for a morning or afternoon run, hike, or game of tag. Remember: every time your dog works out, so do you. You’re both the better for it.

that all pets up for adoption have issues, this is certainly not usually the case. Many cats and dogs are given up due to changes in finances or accommodation, death or illness of an owner, poor personality match, and owners who tire of being responsible, or just didn’t realize what was involved in owning a pet.

There are many advantages to pet adoption:

Firstly, most pets available for adoption are adults, so personality types are easier to identify. Many pets in rescues have been house trained. Many pet adoption agencies offer back up such as obedience training, and post adoption counseling to ensure a smooth transition after you bring your new pet home.

Secondly, you are saving a cat or dog from being put down. At the moment more than 4 million unwanted pets have to be put to sleep each year in the United States.

Thirdly, contrary to popular opinion, many purebred dogs and cats also end up for adoption, so if you prefer a certain breed you certainly have a chance of adoption. There are specific breed rescue agencies available, so if you have your heart set on a particular breed, they will be the best agency to deal with.

Lastly, adopting a pet will usually cost less than purchasing from a breeder or pet store. Your new friend will be vaccinated, wormed, and may even have been desexed.

How to adopt a pet.

Many pet adoption agencies will have you fill out adoption forms so they can ascertain what sort of dog or cat will best suit you, your household, and lifestyle. Many agencies may even come and inspect your home before initiating the adoption process. This removes a lot of guess work and minimizes the chances of the placement being unsuccessful. However, many agencies will take the pet back if things don’t go according to plan.

Most reputable pet adoption agencies will have you understand the reasons why most of the animals are in the shelter, so that you don’t inadvertently bring home more than you can manage.

There are many pet adoption agencies in the U.S. including the Humane Society of the United States, and Adopt a Pet.com. Most adoption agencies are affiliated with many shelters and animal rescues. Most pet adoption agencies have web sites where you can receive plenty of information, fill out the adoption forms, and take a peek at the animals needing new homes.

Here are just a few of the pet adoption agencies located in Central Florida: 

• SPCA of Central Florida 
• Cocker Spaniel/ Small Dog Rescue of Central Florida 
• Animal Shelter of Central Florida   
• Greyhound Pets of America/Central Florida Chapter  
• Central Florida Great Dane Rescue 
• Central Brevard Humane Society  
• Orlando Humane Society of Central Florida 
• Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida, Inc

As you can see by the list there are many pet adoption agencies to assist you, and ther are even adoption agencies dedicated to various pet breeds.

Pet adoption can be a win-win situation. An abandoned pet will be given a new lease on life and love with you and your family.

Space is a big factor. Do you have a big fenced yard to keep a large dog? Do you have any enclosed outdoor area at all? Do you have room to install an aquarium, kennel, litter tray, or mouse house? Can you keep these possibly smelly things away from the main part of your home?

Time.  No matter what other family members promise, you may end up as the care provider of the pet. How much time do you have for walking, feeding, training, cleaning up, and grooming, each and every day? Dogs and cats require more daily attention but even a relatively low maintenance bird in a cage requires feeding and a clean cage.

Money. Now, there is not just the cost of the actual pet purchase, but the ongoing minimum costs of feeding and maintenance. Vet bills are another point to consider. Apart from de-sexing, pets can and do get sick, encounter ticks, snakes, and trauma, and all these things cost money. As far as dogs and cats go, the heavier the animal, the more expensive medications will be. Bigger animals will also require more food than a smaller animal. Another consideration is the potential cost of pet sitters.

Children. How many children do you have, and how old are they? Some dogs and cats respond better to various ages than others. This is the sort of question that your local friendly vet should be able to help you with. Do you want a quiet animal or something a little more rambunctious?

Allergies. Does anyone in your family suffer from asthma or other allergies? If the answer is yes, you will need to do a little more research before coming home with the new pet. Many people are allergic to dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, and even feathers. However, all is not lost, there are many hypoallergenic pets on the market designed specifically for animal lovers with allergies. Click here for our article on Pet Owners With Allergies for more information.

Family activities. Do you like to hang out at home, or are you out and about a lot? Do you take a lot of vacations, or mini-breaks? Who is going to mind the pet every time you are gone?

Geography. Please spare some thought for the climate where you live. We have all seen the Husky dog living in the Tropics looking extremely uncomfortable. If you live near water and are considering a dog, why not go for a water loving breed? If you are planning on purchasing an indoor pet such as a turtle or snake, you will need to ensure that you can replicate their temperature requirements with heating lamps.

Personal Preference. Of course, personal preference is always going to play a huge part. Some families love cats, others love dogs. Some may not fancy the ideas of guinea pigs, rodents, or snakes, while others think they are great. If the thought of a particular pet sends a shudder through you just thinking about it, then this is probably a sure sign that you shouldn’t bring one home.

The ideal pet is a valuable part of any family or household. Considering some pets can live for as long as 15 or 20 years, taking some time to consider what sort of pet is going to be best for you makes good long term sense.

The most common pet allergy is to cats, followed by dogs, but many people are also allergic to horses, rabbits, rodents, and feathers. Many people are allergic to multiple types of pets. It can be devastating for the pet owner who buys and cherishes a pet to only discover down the track that they are allergic. One great way to test yourself or any sensitive members of the household, is to arrange contact with the sort of animal you are considering purchasing before you have committed yourself. Do you have friends who own the same pet?

Those who find the thought of being parted from their loved one can try various measures to bring their allergies under control. Allergists can often help with long-term treatments. Alternatively, you can contain your pet to only some parts of the house. This would preferably be away from carpet, and your bedroom. Have others in the household deal with any litter trays, and have the pet bathed about every 2 weeks to minimize buildup of saliva and dander on their fur, if appropriate.

Low Allergenic Dogs and Cats
Here is a list of dogs and cats that generally cause fewer problems with allergic folk: Poodles of all types, including the newer hybrid breeds such as Spoodles, Labradoodles, and Groodles. Poodles do not have fur, but hair, and for many allergy sufferers Poodle blends are the answer to their problems. Cats that are considered to be less allergenic are the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Sphynx, and the Russian Blue.

Hypoallergenic Dogs and Cats
Scientists have isolated the major allergen in both cats and dogs, and have reportedly successfully bred cats and dogs which do not contain the protein that sets off allergies in humans. The dogs are known as Jabari GD and the cats as Allerca GD.

Other Hypoallergenic Pets
Other pets that seem to truly not worry sensitive folk are snakes, lizards, turtles, and fish.

Virtual Pets
Virtual pets can be a another great solution for those who are extremely allergic, and can be ideal for children. You can adopt a virtual pet, personalize it, and then have to care for it on a daily basis, just like a real animal. Virtual pets can be an excellent way to demonstrate to children the daily responsibility of owning a real pet. Virtual pets also mean that everyone in the household can have their very own, and of course the financial upkeep is nothing.

Conclusion
Many people are allergic to one or more type of household pet. Research has made great advances into breeding dogs and cats that are truly hypoallergenic. For those who would prefer another kind of living animal, fish, lizards, and snakes, are all considered to be non-allergenic.

We will keep you updated on ‘Whats New’ and look forwad to your active participation in our online pet community.