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EVENTS
For YOU &
Your Pets
KITTY
BALCONY
LIFE
RETHINKING
FISH OIL
Is It Doing More
Harm than Good?
SUN, PAWS
& SALTY AIR
Plan the Perfect Dog
Day at the Beach
MICRO MAGAZINE
COMMUNITY
HIGH TEMPS
& HIDDEN
HAZARDS
What Every Pet
Owner Needs to Know!
DIGITAL EDITION
the lifestyle magazine for pet owners
VOL 15 #3
DIGITAL EDITION SEPT 1 - OCT 15, 2025
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Pet Junction Magazine
& Online Community
the lifestyle magazine and online community for pet owners
Contents
Summer is a great time to
grab your dog and head to
the beach! But there are
considerations before you
attempt to beat the heat.
This article will help you
get your ducks in a row,
so your dog day at the
beach goes off without a
hitch.
SANDY PAWS &
SUN-KISSED DAYS
Beach Adventures for
You and Your Pup.
12
Southeast Florida is full of
critters, but summer brings
out some doozies! Go read
this article now to find out
which pests are a must
to watch out for this wet,
rainy, and hot season!
HIDDEN HAZARDS
for pets in the summer
16
The Southeastern Florida
heat brings its’ own
dangers, but for pets it
can be deadly. Go read
this article now to get
reacquainted with the
risks and how to avoid a
catastrophe this summer
season.
HOT PAWS & HIGH
TEMPS. Look out for
these danger zones!
17
PJ Pet Pages:
Business Members
Directory
33
volume 15 #3
Ah, fish oil. The health
supplement touted from
the mountain tops as a
health superfood. This little
known secret the fish oil
supplement companies are
hiding from you, will make
you rethink fish oil for both
your pets and yourself! Go
read this article now to find
out if you’ve been misled.
RETHINKING FISH
OIL. When Fish Oil
turns deadly.
20
This issue Bill Piechocki
joins us to discuss what,
we as pet owners, are
doing to contribute to
our pets ill health. It’s a
facinating read. Check it
out, now!
Common Mistakes Pet
Owners Make WIth
Their Pets’ Health
24
Do you want to contribute with your expertise or true pet related stories? Email your submisssions to petjunction411@
gmail.com. Subject Line: Content. Requests to reprint content from Pet Junction Magazine should be sent to the same
email Subject Line: Reprint. Most questions can be answered on our website PetJunction411.com
Balconies are a dime
a dozen in Southeast
Florida, but how can you
turn yours into a kitty fun
zone? Go read this article
NOW to find out!
31
BALCONY LIFE:
Creating an Outdoor
Oasis for Your Cat
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PET JUNCTION Publisher’s Note
DIGITAL EDITION SEPT 1 - OCT 15, 2025
Sincerely,
Shelly A. Allen
Pet Junction Publisher
Contribute your stories and
expertise! Send your submission
to PetJunction411@gmail.com
Dear Pet-Passionate
Readers...
oly Moses, summer is in full
swing, friends! It is hot. It is
muggy. But it is also the perfect
time of year to take advantage
of less traffic and less people
clogging up your favorite spots.
Whether it’s grabbing lunch with
your favorite pup at one of our
awesome pet friendly patios, or
enjoying a relaxing day at the
local pet friendly dog beach,
there’s no better time of year.
Speaking of local dog beaches,
don’t miss our paw-some article
on page 12. You’ll find all the
info you need for a perfect day in
the sun.
The sun and heat is no joke!
Make sure you check
out page 17 for great
reminders of when your
pup has had enough and
needs to cool off.
You know what else
your pet may have had
enough of? Fish oil. You do not
want to miss our article on the
dangers of fish oil and what you
can give your pet instead. You’ll
find that on page 20.
What can I say, this is just
another fantastic and insightful
issue of Pet Junction! Make sure
you read every page and save this
issue for reference or share it
with a friend.
Sign up for our digital edition! It
includes more info, but it’s also
interactive with videos, galleries
and more! Ok, friends. Have a
great summer and we’ll see you
back here in October!
Join our email newsletter at
Petjunction411.com and get the
Sept 1, 2025 interactive digital
edition sent to your inbox!
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PET JUNCTION Credits
DIGITAL EDITION SEPT 1 - OCT 15, 2025
10
2025 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.
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you
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show
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about your local
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advertise in it! If
your money comes
from locals, stop using only billion-
dollar companies to reach them.
Advertise Local!
Access our online business directory
with everything you need for you
and your pets. Whether it’s local
lifestyle businesses or pet specific,
we’ve got your covered at
PetJunction411.com!
Become a free member and
connect with other local pet
people!
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Shelly A. Allen
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
PH: 954 - 815 - 3220
MEMBER@PETJUNCTION411.COM
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EDITORIAL
ON THE WEB
PUBLISHER
Pet Junction Magazine
Juncti n
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Pet
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M a g a z i n e
M a g a z i n e
CONTRIBUTORS
Bill Piechocki
Shelly A. Allen
Hope Gold
Harris Malone
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Beach Adventures for You
and Your Pup
By Hope Gold
DIGITAL EDITION SEPT 1 - OCT 15, 2025
12
A beach day with your dog isn’t just a walk
in the sand, it’s a memory in the making.
SANDY PAWS &
Sun-Kissed Days
n South Florida, summer
means beach season, and no,
we don’t mean just for humans.
If your dog perks up at the
sound of car keys jingling and
loves the scent of salty air, it’s
a sign. It’s time to plan a beach
day you’ll both enjoy. But a
spontaneous beach trip can turn
chaotic without a little prep.
The best beach days are the ones
where both you and your dog
stay safe, cool, and stress-free.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Dog-Friendly Beaches to Love
Not every beach in Florida rolls
out the welcome mat for four-
legged guests, but a few local
favorites do.
Here are some top picks:
JUPITER DOG BEACH
(Palm Beach County)
A true gem for dog lovers. Off-leash,
spacious, and totally free. Look for
beach markers #25 to #59.
CANINE BEACH – FORT
LAUDERDALE
A dedicated stretch north of Sunrise
Blvd. Open Friday through Sunday
from 3–7 PM. Day passes or permits
required.
HOLLYWOOD DOG BEACH
Just north of Sheridan Street, this
beach allows leashed dogs on
weekends (3–7 PM) with a permit.
HAULOVER BEACH DOG PARK –
MIAMI
Offers fenced areas and off-leash
access from 8 AM to 3 PM daily.
It’s well-maintained and pup-
approved.
Always check the latest beach rules
online. Hours and leash laws can
change by season or weather.
Once you’ve picked your spot,
it’s time to pack. Think of your
beach bag as a shared toolkit.
Sure, you’ll need your towel, SPF
50, and maybe your favorite cold
drink, but your pup needs gear
too.
Bring plenty of fresh water (for
both of you), a collapsible bowl,
and dog-safe sunscreen. Pack
an extra towel or two, and don’t
forget a little shade: umbrellas
or pop-up tents make a world of
difference for you and your dog.
If you plan on grabbing a
smoothie or iced coffee after your
beach stroll, check out nearby
pet-friendly cafes where your
dog can join you on the patio.
You can find an all inclusive list
at PetJunction411.com.
Be mindful of the sun and sand.
Midday rays can be intense, and
the sand? It gets hot enough to
burn paws and feet alike. The
early morning or late afternoon
golden hours are ideal, not
only is it cooler, but the light is
13
PETJUNCTION411.COM
perfect for snapping those sun-
soaked selfies with your dog.
Speaking of swimming, if your
pup’s not an experienced paddler,
consider bringing a doggie life
vest. Safety first, even when
you’re having fun.
At the beach, take it easy. Respect
other beachgoers and their pets,
some dogs (and people) aren’t
up for socializing. Keep a polite
distance, ask before approaching,
and always clean up after your
pup. You wouldn’t leave trash
behind so don’t leave waste bags
either.
When it’s time to head home,
don’t skip the rinse. Saltwater and
sand can irritate your dog’s skin
and paws, and they’re not exactly
comfortable for humans either. A
quick rinse under a beach shower
or a jug of fresh water does the
trick. Dry off, rehydrate, and
maybe treat yourselves, a frozen
pup cup for your dog and an iced
latte for you sounds about right.
A beach day with your dog isn’t
just a fun outing, it’s quality time.
It’s shared sun, wind in your hair,
and paws in the sand. So plan
ahead, pack smart, and enjoy the
kind of summer memories that
make tails wag and hearts full.
Looking for more insider insight,
local gear shops, or the best after-
beach hangouts? You’ll find it all
at www.petjunction411.com, your
local lifestyle guide for pet-loving
Floridians.
DIGITAL EDITION SEPT 1 - OCT 15, 2025
14
BEACH DAY ESSENTIALS
FOR YOU & YOUR PUP
Don’t hit the sand without
these South Florida must-
haves:
FOR YOUR DOG:
• Fresh water & collapsible bowl
• Dog-safe sunscreen
(especially for light coats or
pink noses)
• Harness & leash (even at off-
leash beaches, just in case)
• Biodegradable poop bags
• Towel for drying off
• Shade (umbrella, tent, or
cooling mat)
• Optional: Doggie life vest for
swimming safety
FOR YOU:
• Reusable water bottle
(hydration is key!)
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Beach blanket or chair
• Sunglasses & hat
• Snacks or smoothie
(and maybe one for your pup!)
• Book, magazine, or playlist
• Phone or camera. Hello
beach photo ops!
GOOD ADVICE: Keep a small
bag in your trunk with backup
towels, an extra leash, and baby
wipes for quick cleanups on the
go.
15
PETJUNCTION411.COM
HOT PAWS, HIGH TEMPS
& HIDDEN HAZARDS
What Every Pet Owner Should Know About
Summer in Southeast Florida
From sizzling sidewalks to tropical parasites, summer in South Florida isn’t
just rough on people, it can be downright dangerous for our furry friends.
Here’s what every local pet parent needs to know to keep their companions
safe, happy, and hydrated this season.
BUGS ARE BRUTAL
Our warm, wet climate creates
a paradise for fleas, ticks, and
mosquitoes, all of which can carry
harmful diseases.
COMMON DANGERS
• Heartworm (via mosquito bites)
• Lyme or ehrlichiosis (from ticks)
• Flea allergy dermatitis
PREVENTION IS KEY
• Keep up with monthly
preventatives
• Check for bugs after
hikes or beach runs
• Keep grass trimmed and
standing water away
LOCAL TIP: Ask your vet about
year-round parasite protection.
Many South Florida clinics offer
summer specials on preventatives.
TROPICAL TOXINS &
LOCAL CRITTERS
Summertime brings out more than
sunshine, it brings hazards like toxic
plants and dangerous amphibians.
TOP THREATS
• Bufo (Cane) Toads: Their toxin
can kill a dog in minutes.
• Sago Palm & Oleander: Beautiful
but deadly if chewed.
• Fire Ants & Jellyfish: Keep
an eye out on beach days.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
• Supervise outdoor time
• Rinse paws after beach visits
• Learn the emergency signs of
poisoning (frothing, seizures)
LOCAL ALERT: Bufo toads are most
active after rain. If your dog picks
one up, rinse their mouth
immediately with water (pointing
the head downward) and get to an
emergency vet.
DIGITAL EDITION SEPT 1 - OCT 15, 2025
16
COOL TREATS
CAN BE TRICKY
While it’s fun to spoil your
pup with a frozen snack,
be careful with sugary
human treats or unsafe
ingredients like xylitol.
SAFER OPTIONS
• DIY pup-sicles (yogurt +
fruit in an ice cube tray)
• Frozen low-sodium
broth cubes
DIY FROZEN
TREATS
TROPICAL PUP-SICLES
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ banana
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
Blend & freeze in
silicone molds
OPTIONAL: add
blueberries or shredded
carrots
SCOOP: Avoid grapes,
chocolate, and xylitol.
When in doubt, look it up
before blending it in.
17
PETJUNCTION411.COM
HOT PAVEMENT HURTS
If the pavement feels hot to your hand, it’s
burning your dog’s paws. Asphalt temps
can top 130°F on a sunny Florida afternoon.
TRY THIS
Place the back of your hand on the
pavement for five seconds.
Too hot for you? Too hot for them.
SMART MOVE
Stick to shaded paths or grassy parks. Need
to go urban? Look for breathable dog
booties at your local pet boutique.
LOCAL TIP: Visit pet supply stores like
Auggies Pet Supplies in Fort Lauderdale for
booties, cooling bandanas, and paw balm.
THE HEAT IS REAL
Dogs and cats can’t sweat the way we do.
Instead, they rely on panting and
minimal sweat glands in their paws to
regulate temperature, and that’s often not
enough in our steamy subtropical climate.
WARNING SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE
• Rapid panting
• Drooling or glazed eyes
• Weakness, vomiting, or collapse
WHAT TO DO
• Walk early or late, not mid-day
• Always carry water
• Provide shade or a cooling mat outdoors
Never, ever leave your
pet in a parked car!
DIGITAL EDITION SEPT 1 - OCT 15, 2025
18
SHELLY A. ALLEN
954-815-3220
SHELLY@PETJUNCTION411.COM
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DIGITAL EDITION SEPT 1 - OCT 15, 2025
20
the pet supplement that might
be doing more harm than good
By Shelly A. Allen
FISH OIL
...AND WHAT TO USE INSTEAD
RETHINKING