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M a g a z i n e
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MICRO MAGAZINE
B U Y L O C A L
VOLUME 14 #4
pet
event
season
in full swing!
9 subtle signs
your pet is sick
is artificial turf right
for your pet spaces?
grief support groups:
what you can expect
OCT 15 - JAN 15, 2024
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Pet Junction Magazine
& Online Community
your local pet magazine and online community
Contents
If you’ve been thinking
about artificial turf, you
need to go read this
article now! There are a
lot of pros for artificial
turf but there are some
con’s, too. Find out
what they are now!
12
Keeping your dog clean
between grooming
sessions shouldn’t be so
difÏcult. In this article,
we tell you how to
EASILY keep your best
friend fresh.
14
It’s not always easy to
see when your pet feels
ill. In this article, we
explore the subtle signs
of sickness.
16
Does your pet need
extra b vitamins? Go
read this article now
to learn all about B
Vitamins and what your
pet needs.
20
Index of our business
members who make Pet
Junction possible and
local Pet Rescues.
32-33
volume 14 #4
Turns out “Lucky
Bamboo” may not be so
lucky. A dental spray that
will do wonders for your
pets’ breath and teeth!
21
Top Dog
Top Dog
Electrical
Service
and Repair
Service
& Panel
Change
Specialist
Quality Craftsmanship At A Fair Price
GUY CASTRANOVA
Cell: 954-825-1652
CALL NOW!
Guy@TopDogElectricFL.com
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954-533-5005
License # 97-CME-1724-X
22
Do you have complete
control over your pet’s
health? Go read this
article now to find ou!
24
WHY ARTIFICIAL
TURF IS A
POPULAR CHOICE
FOR PET SPACES.
Easy Tips to Keep
Your Dog Clean
& Fresh Between
Grooming Sessions!
9 Subtle Signs Your
Pet Might Be Sick
B Vitamins for Cats
and Dogs
Lucky Bamboo
Toxic? Dental Mouth
Spray for Pets.
Could grief support
be right for you? We
explore what you
can expect from grief
support groups, and
how they can help with
the loss of a pet.
Grief Support Groups
Time to Take Control
of Your Pets’ Health
and Lifestyle
PJ Pet Pages:
Business Members/
Rescue Directories
PET JUNCTION Publisher’s Note
OCT 15 - JAN 15, 2024
PETJUNCTION411.COM
reetings
and
welcome
to
another fantastic issue of Pet
Junction Magazine!
If you were around for the last
issue, you’ll recall I had to put
down my little Zoey. She was 18
years old and had chronic kidney
disease. I learned a lot through the
experience of her illness and life
after.
For one, I learned how important
B Vitamin Complex is for pets,
healthy ones and more so for ill
ones. You’ll want to read the article
page 20 about B Complex.
I also had a refresher course
in dealing with grief. It had
been a while since I lost a
pet and it was really hard!
If you’ve lost a pet and
are having a difÏcult time,
you’ll want to read the article on
page 22.
Pet event season is in full swing
again!! Make sure to check out
the events on page 30, then head
over to our website to get an even
bigger list and all of their details!
As always, this issue is packed with
goodies, so sit back, relax and
enjoy.
Join me in the members area
of our online community on
PetJunction411.com, or I’ll see here
next quarter, same
time, same sandbox!
DEAR PET LOVER,
Membership has its’ priviledges.
Join our online community at
petjunction411.com!
Share your stories! Send
your stories to
Shelly@PetJunction411.com
Shelly Allen
Pet Junction Publisher
PET JUNCTION Credits
OCT 15 - JAN 15, 2024
10
11
PETJUNCTION411.COM
2024 Copyright here and abroad of all editorial content is held
by the publishers of Pet Junction. Reproduction whole or in part
is forbidden without prior written consent from the publisher.
Publisher may not be held liable or responsible in any way for
any actions ensuing from advertisements or content. Pet Junction
is a registered trademark and use of said trademark is strickly
prohibited.
DISTRIBUTION:
Tri-County Distribution Services
PET JUNCTION PRINT SCHEDULE:
January, April, July and October.
If you do business in the local
community, show you care about it
and advertise in it! If your money
comes from locals, stop using only
billion-dollar companies to reach
them. Support Local!
Become a member! Go to
PetJunction411.com or
Email: Member@PetJunction411.com
Find the best places for you and
your pets and everything they
need on on our mobile responsive
website, PetJunction411.com!
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Shelly Allen
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
PH: 954 - 815 - 3220
MEMBER@PETJUNCTION411.COM
WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOU!
Send us your stories, expertise and
experience. Email them to:
Shelly@PetJunction411.com
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EDITORIAL
ON THE WEB
PUBLISHER
Pet Junction
Juncti n
Juncti n
Pet
Pet
M a g a z i n e
M a g a z i n e
CONTRIBUTORS
Bill Piechocki
Shelly Allen
Hope Gold
Harris Malone
Morgan Harper
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GUNS • 15 LANE RANGE • TRAINING & PEPPER SPRAY CLASSES
why artificial turf
is a popular choice
for pet spaces
OCT 15 - JAN 15, 2024
12
13
PETJUNCTION411.COM
n Florida, where outdoor spaces are
an essential part of everyday life, more
homeowners and businesses are turn-
ing to artificial turf for their pet areas.
Its durability, easy maintenance, and
ability to withstand the unique chal-
lenges of Florida’s climate make it an
increasingly popular option. But is it the
right choice for your pet space? Let’s
take a look at the benefits and what
you should consider before installing
artificial turf.
THE BENEFITS OF ARTIFICIAL TURF
FOR PET AREAS
Low Maintenance
Artificial turf requires far less mainte-
nance than natural grass. You won’t
need to worry about mowing, watering,
or applying fertilizers and pesticides,
making it a time-saving option for busy
pet owners.
Durability
Designed to handle rough play and
heavy trafÏc, artificial turf stands up to
digging and wear-and-tear from pets.
It’s perfect for dogs that like to run,
jump, and roll around without damag-
ing the surface.
Excellent Drainage
One of the top features of artificial turf
for pet spaces is its superior drainage.
Florida’s frequent rain and humidity can
turn natural grass into a muddy mess,
but turf’s drainage system prevents
puddles, keeping the area clean and
dry—even after a downpour.
by shelly allen
Pest Control
With no soil, artificial turf doesn’t attract
pests like fleas, ticks, or ants. This can
help reduce the risk of pests bothering
your pets or invading your home, a ma-
jor advantage for pet owners in Florida.
Always Green
No more worrying about brown patches
or dead spots from pet urine. Artificial
turf stays green and lush all year, giving
your outdoor space a consistently beau-
tiful appearance.
WHAT TO BE AWARE OF BEFORE
INSTALLING ARTIFICIAL TURF IN
FLORIDA
Heat Retention
Artificial turf can get hot, especially in
Florida’s intense sun. While newer turf
models, like K9 Grass by ForeverLawn,
are designed with cooling technology,
it’s important to consider providing
shade or adding pet-friendly cooling
stations, so your pets aren’t uncomfort-
able during the hottest parts of the day.
Odor Control
Turf doesn’t absorb liquids like natural
grass, so you’ll need to rinse it regular-
ly to prevent the buildup of pet urine
odors. Many artificial turfs come with
antimicrobial coatings or can be treated
with deodorizers to help minimize
smell, but it’s essential to stay on top of
cleaning.
Initial Installation Costs
Artificial turf comes with a higher
upfront cost compared to natural
grass, but it’s important to view it as a
long-term investment. Over time, the
reduced costs of water, lawn care, and
pest control often make up for the initial
expense.
Maintenance Routine
While artificial turf is low maintenance,
it’s not maintenance-free. Regular rins-
ing and occasional brushing are neces-
sary to keep it looking its best. You may
also want to hire a professional service
for deep cleaning once or twice a year.
Synthetic Appearance
Even though artificial turf has come a
long way in terms of its natural look
and feel, it’s still not quite the same as
real grass. Some pet owners and busi-
nesses prefer the manicured, synthetic
look, but it’s worth considering whether
you’ll miss the feel of natural grass
underfoot.
Conclusion: Is Artificial Turf Right
for Your Pet Space?
Artificial turf offers a range of benefits,
particularly for pet owners in Florida. Its
durability, low maintenance, and ability
to stay green through rain and shine
make it an attractive option. However,
it’s important to be aware of the heat
factor, initial costs, and the cleaning
routine before you commit.
For many Floridians, the long-term
savings and convenience of artificial turf
outweigh the cons, making it a smart
choice for pet-friendly outdoor spaces.
K9 Grass by Foreverlawn offers a fantastic
flow through nitting that keeps the turf cool
and well drained! Find their ad on page 19.
Already have turf installed? Get your turf
smelling fantastic again with Turf Hero Pet
Odor Eliminator. Find it on page 35.
15
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14 OCT 15 - JAN 15, 2024
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ne of the easiest ways to maintain
their coat is by brushing regular-
ly. Tthink of it like a mini spa day that
not only keeps their fur looking fresh
but also helps prevent matting and re-
duces shedding. Plus, it spreads their
natural oils, which is key to a shiny,
healthy coat.
But let’s face it, dogs get dirty fast,
especially after outdoor adventures!
That’s where dog wipes come in
handy—quick, easy, and perfect for a
post-walk wipe down on their paws,
face, or any muddy spots.
And if your pup gets a little too
messy in specific areas, spot clean-
ing with a damp cloth and some
dog-safe shampoo does the trick
without the full hassle of a bath.
Don’t forget the smaller details,
though! Their ears and eyes need at-
tention too—regularly wiping them
with a soft cloth keeps infections at bay
and your dog feeling fresh.
Speaking of clean, check those paws!
Trimming the fur around them not only
reduces the mess they track inside but
also keeps your dog comfy and ready
for their next romp. And let’s not forget
dental hygiene! Brushing their teeth a
few times a week with dog-friendly
toothpaste makes all the difference in
avoiding bad breath and dental issues.
Keeping up with these simple habits
ensures your dog stays clean, healthy,
and happy between grooming ses-
sions—so they’ll look their best all the
time!
easy tips to keep your dog
clean & fresh between grooming sessions!
Keeping your dog clean
and tidy between groom-
ing appointments doesn’t
have to be a hassle!
by morgan harper
OCT 15 - JAN 15, 2024
16
17
PETJUNCTION411.COM
ver notice something just a little
off with your pet? Maybe they’re
not jumping up to greet you like they
usually do, or their bowl of food is
barely touched. As pet owners, we
get so used to their quirky routines
that even the smallest changes can
slip past us—but they can actually
be huge indicators that something’s
wrong. Your pet might be silently sig-
naling that they’re not feeling their
best. Let’s decode the signs together!
MOOD SWINGS? MORE THAN JUST
A ‘BAD DAY’
Is your normally sweet dog suddenly a
bit snappy? Or maybe your super so-
cial cat is hiding under the bed? Sud-
den changes in behavior could be their
way of saying, “Hey, I don’t feel right.”
Pay attention to these shifts because
they’re often the first clue that some-
thing is brewing beneath the surface.
SKIPPED DINNER… AGAIN?
A pet turning its nose up at food is
never a good sign. Sure, maybe they’re
just picky, but if your pet is consistently
eating less or skipping meals altogeth-
er, there could be an underlying issue.
Keep an eye on their water intake too.
Less drinking could point to dehydra-
tion or other serious health concerns.
OBSESSIVE LICKING OR SCRATCH-
ING: NOT JUST A QUIRK
We all know pets love a good scratch
or lick, but when they’re constantly
going at one spot, that’s a sign you
shouldn’t ignore. This could mean
they’re trying to relieve pain, irrita-
tion, or even infection. Hot spots,
wounds, or even allergies might be the
cause, best not to let it go unchecked.
BATHROOM HABITS OFF THE CHARTS
Ah, the glamorous side of pet owner-
ship, monitoring poop and pee. If you
notice diarrhea, constipation, or your
pet peeing more or less frequently,
don’t brush it off. Changes in bathroom
behavior often mean their digestive
system or kidneys are waving a red flag.
SUDDENLY
SLUGGISH?
THAT’S
NOT NORMAL
Did your usually hyperactive pup trade
fetch for snoozing all day? Lethargy,
or just plain laziness, can mean some-
thing deeper is going on. Sure, we
all love a good nap, but if your pet is
less playful or too tired to even get off
the couch, that’s worth checking out.
WEIGHT ROLLERCOASTER
Can you see your pet’s ribs a bit more
than usual, or are they suddenly pack-
ing on the pounds? Unexplained
weight loss or gain can signal any-
thing from thyroid issues to digestive
problems. It’s not just about food,
it’s about what’s happening inside.
THAT BREATH ISN’T JUST ‘DOGGY
BREATH’
We all know that pets don’t exactly
have minty-fresh breath, but if you’re
backing away every time they open
their mouth, it might be more than just
“doggy breath.” Persistent bad breath
can be a sign of dental problems, in-
fections, or even kidney disease.
BREATHING ISSUES YOU CAN’T IGNORE
A little sneeze here or there is fine,
but if your pet’s coughing, wheezing,
or breathing harder than usual, it’s
time to take note. Respiratory prob-
lems can escalate quickly, so don’t
delay getting them checked out.
WHAT’S UP WITH GROOMING HABITS?
For cats especially, grooming is a full-
time job. But if you notice your cat is
letting themselves go (hey, we’ve all
been there), it’s a clue they might not
be feeling well. On the flip side, dogs
that obsessively groom one area might
be trying to soothe an ache or pain.
These subtle shifts can be easy to over-
look, but they’re often your pet’s only
way of saying, “Something’s not right.”
Trust your instincts. If you’re noticing
even small changes, don’t hesitate to
give your vet a call. Your furry friend will
thank you later!
by harris malone
subtle signs your
pet might be sick
OCT 15 - JAN 15, 2024
18
19
PETJUNCTION411.COM
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