To Neuter or Not to Neuter that is the Question?

Many people have different philosophies on dog neutering, pros and cons. However, there are overwhelming reasons to neuter your dog then to keep them “intact”. If you want to breed your dog, of course, neutering is not an option. Other than that reason neutering should be on your to do list ( earliest 6 months).

Problems that may develop with unneutered dogs.

1) Adult marking and spraying: Does your dog have accidents in the house every once in a while? This can be due to male marking, small urine marks that pop on on vertical objects or on personal property ( bedding, couch). Male marking is not an easy fix and can not be treated the same way as house breaking. It is a horrid pain to clean and a problem that breeders put up with.

2) Undesired behaviors: many unneutered dogs can develop unwanted behaviors that are basic urges and thus hard to control . The tendencies for male dogs to be aggressive to other males or sexual to females in heat is greater . This makes dog park visits and attending doggie day cares limited or in some cases an added expense.

In addition behavioral issues at an earlier age can be considered intensified if the dog is not neutered. Hyperactivity and signs of dominance may also start developing. This may develop into reactivity as an adult .

When it comes to your dogs big moment for the “snip snip” (if you are not breeding ) remember the old price is right saying: ” don’t forget to spade and neuter you pets”.

Best places on Key Biscayne to have animals!

Animals are great but not all apartment and condos are as enthusiastic to allow animals. Many high rises on Key Biscayne allow only dogs 20 pounds and under, only one dog per condo, only owners can have pets or the worst no pets at all! So with such restrictions where on this island can you possible go with your furry family besides million dollar homes.

Here is my list of the top 4 most PET FRIENDLY places to live on Key Biscayne.

1) Le Phare: Hands down, this small townhouse community has it all if you are an animal enthusiast. Renters and owners alike can have pets of any size and any quantity.! It is easy to walk your dog since there is street access with several doggy poo bag stations for quick pick ups. They also have grassy courtyards for your doggies. Another pro is that you are just 4 blocks from the new KB Dog Park.

2). Key Colony: Now Key Colony does have restrictions on weight of dog and rules on only owners being able to own a dog but if you can meet this requirements Key Colony has their own private dog park and tons of stimulating dog paths that can really keep your dog enjoying their walks . Key colony is also across the street from a vet and grooming store.

3) Galen and sunrise: (DISCLAIMER) not every building down these streets allow dogs so do your research however most do. These streets are friendly , dogs have easy access to the outside with many doggy poo stations for quick pick ups and across the street from the Dog Park!! Most buildings do have the 20 pound and under rule but many buildings are lenient.

4) Commodore Club : Like most places on the Key there is a weight limit and amount limit to the number of dogs one can have however there are many dog owners and they have a private dog run next to Crandon park that is great for dogs to run around and release that extra energy!

I believe growing up with animals really helps a family grow with responsibility, love, affection and knowledge. As the Key is becoming a family oriented community I hope these growing families that live in condos can also have the pleasure of animals in their lives.

Best Dog Parks in Miami

Blanche Park

Where: Shipping Avenue and Virginia Street in Coconut Grove.
A great place for dogs and their owners to make friends. The shaded benches and dogs of all sizes are welcome at this fenced-in park and will enjoy the trees, special water fountains and rolling hills.

Kennedy Park

Where: Bayshore Drive in Kennedy Park by the bay.
This park separates into large breed and small breed dog areas. Water fountains are available and the dog obstacle courses and play equipment set up.

Dog Beach on Key Biscayne

Where: Hobie Beach where dogs can swim and play. There is a fee of $1.75 to get through the toll booth.
There are not many places where dogs have beach access here in Miami Dade.

Miami Beach

Where: Miami Beach Bark Parks include Washington Avenue, Flamingo Park, Belle Isle and the North Shore Open Space Park. Surrounded by luxury condos, South Pointe Park features a waterfront view of Government Cut – the channel where cruise ships and freighters head to port from the Atlantic. Pinetree Park faces Indian Creek, also affording waterfront views with some of Miami’s most iconic hotels in the distance. All provide dogs with tons of running room and water fountains galore.

Tropical Park

Where: 7900 SW 40 St
Miami, FL
Has 2 acres of fenced in land.
This dog park has a separate small dog area, obstacles and agility equipment, drinking fountains, a shade structure, benches, a doggy rinse area, and lake access.