Blog

Unbeknownst to many parents of furry, feathery, or scaly kiddos, some popular holiday houseplants can be dangerous to pets. A few common harmful plants include pine tree, amaryllis, holly, and…

The leaves will be changing, the air is crisp, and pumpkin spice is everywhere – but for many pet parents, the change in seasons also brings a less welcome guest:…

Hemp is one of the oldest and most versatile plants that has been used by the human civilization. In fact, a piece of hemp fabric is one of the oldest…

Do you believe in Love at First Sight? I do. It was Thursday October 24th, 2019 I had just signed up on Pet Finder the week previous. We had just…

From Candy to Costumes: Keeping Howl-Ween Pet-Friendly 🍁 October Fun (and Safety!) for Your Pets 🍁 It’s officially October, friends! That means pumpkins on porches, crunchy-ish leaves under our feet,…

As summer break winds down, vacation suitcases are unpacked, and the kids start stuffing their backpacks with supplies for a new year, you may notice your pet acting differently –…

We all want the best for our pups—especially when it comes to what goes in their bowls. Fresh food for dogs has become the new kibble craze, and for good…

We’re all familiar with the importance of protecting our skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays. We apply SPF 50, wear wide-brimmed hats or long sleeves, and sit in the…

Summer Vibes & Wagging Tails: Fun Things to Do with Your Pet This Summer Hey there L&L family, can you feel it? That sunshine getting a little warmer, the days…

Hurricane season can be stressful, not just for us but for our pets too. When preparing for a storm, it’s easy to focus on human necessities and forget that our…

Fleas—those tiny, ninja-like bloodsuckers that make pets (and their humans) scratch like there’s no tomorrow. But did you know these pesky parasites go through a wild four-stage life cycle before…

Sniffles and Scratches: Helping Your Pet Through Seasonal Allergies Hey there, Leo&Lucky’s family! Have you noticed your furry friend scratching more than usual or sneezing up a storm lately? You’re…

February isn’t just the month of love — it’s also Dental Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for your pets. While we focus on…

New Year’s Resolutions for Pets: A Fresh Start for Your Furry Friends As the clock strikes midnight and we usher in a new year, many of us are busy crafting…

Showering, brushing teeth, fixing our hair, applying deodorant, laundering clothes… most of us would not go long without basic hygiene like bathing or cleaning our teeth. We all need regular…

It’s that time of year again! While you’re making your holiday list, and checking it twice, don’t forget your furry friends! There are so many cute and useful gifts for…

In this age of global commerce, the importance of supporting local businesses has never been more critical. When you choose to shop local, you’re not just purchasing goods; you’re investing…

History and superstitions have surrounded black cats for centuries. These sleek, mysterious felines have captured the imagination of people worldwide, often leading to a mix of reverence and fear. Ancient…

Subscription-based services have increased in popularity over the past several years. You can sign up for a bevy of things from workout classes to razors to wine, and you’ve likely…

Pictured: Our Lucky, Riptide, and Penny – all rescued! -Rachel & Patrick Are you ready to bring some extra love and joy into your life? Adopting a pet from a…

Showering, brushing teeth, fixing our hair, applying deodorant, laundering clothes… most of us would not go weeks or even days without basic hygiene like bathing or cleaning our teeth. We…

We are so pleased to announce some “pawsome” news! Thanks to your votes, we have been named Best Pet Store and Best Groomer for the 9th year in a row…

Have you ever wondered if your pet is secretly dreaming of hunting like their wild ancestors when their feet are twitching in their sleep? Enter the raw diet — a…

The back-to-school transition period can be hard on pets who quickly get used to all of their people being home for the summer. Dogs, cats, birds, and small animals (and…

Now that we’re nearing summer, we wanted to corral some of our “summer time tips” videos in one place! Whether you are a Florida native or a newbie to the…

It’s hot out there! While we love some heat, it can be a bit much in Florida. Here’s how to help your pets chill out in the summer months. 1….

Pets are family, and just like with any loved one, being prepared for emergencies is crucial. In this blog post, we cover essential first aid techniques every pet owner should…

Happy National Cat Adoption Month! Calling all feline lovers! Did you know that approximately 3.2 million cats enter shelters in the United States each year? To honor National Cat Adoption…

  Vote for us to win for the 9th year! We’re back in the running for Best Pet Store and Best Pet Groomer! Leo&Lucky’s has been nominated to compete for…

As pet lovers, we all aim for nothing but the best for our furry friends. With spring blooming around us, it also ushers in something a lot less pleasant: the…

Subscription-based services have increased in popularity over the past several years. You can sign up for a bevy of things from workout classes to razors to wine, and you’ve likely…

Get out the vinegar and buckets: it’s spring and the time for cleaning is here! While necessary to maintain a home, that rejuvenating feeling of a thorough deep clean can…

Easter is one of the most exciting holidays for pet and human parents. The opening of the baskets! The visiting of the bunny! The egg hunt! New toys! We hope…

The first full week of March is National Professional Pet Sitter’s Week, recognizing professional pet sitters around the world and thanking them for their hard work and dedication during the…

There is much to celebrate in February, from glorious Florida weather, to Valentine’s Day, and more. February also happens to be National Pet Dental Health Month. Dental health is vital…

Have you ever caught your furry friend inhaling their food like it’s the last kibble on Earth? Or maybe you’ve got an adventurer who’s constantly on the lookout for the…

Did you know that of American households, nearly 43.3 million include the delightful presence of pets? Among these families, around 84% choose to leave pets unrestrained during travel. This would…

Leo&Lucky’s is proud to support local animals in need, animal-related causes, youth sports teams, schools, and more. Your community is our community, because we live here, too! Check out our…

Did you know? Fussie Cat Fine Dining Pates are a great alternative to Fancy Feast! Fussie Cat Fine Dining Pates use high-quality, real animal proteins as the primary ingredients. The…

Leo&Lucky’s recommends Intersand Cat Litter. Intersand makes their clay-based cat litter formulas, using premium quality sodium bentonite from the mines in Wyoming, United States, known worldwide for its high-quality clay….

It’s soon to be the most wonderful time of the year! As a pet owner, nothing can ruin the holiday moment quite like a trip to the emergency vet. Fortunately,…

If you’re a parent you may be a little wary of the idea of adding two or more feet, claws, or paws to your household. Parenting can keep you busy…

Unbeknownst to many parents of furry, feathery, or scaly kiddos, there are a handful of popular holiday houseplants that can be dangerous to pets. Some common harmful houseplants include: pine…

Intersand’s OdorLock MaxCare is an ultra-premium clay litter that is made with the highest quality bentonite, guarantees 40 days of no odor, and contains granules that will turn blue when…

Halloween is such a fun time of year for humans and animals alike. While it’s fun to dress your four-legged friends up for the occasion, there are several concerns about…

Not fancy or fun, but from the heart. Pat & Rachel tell Penny’s story and why pet insurance is one of the most important purchases you can make for your…

Once you’ve decided to give a pet their fur-ever home, it’s important to provide them with everything they’ll need to live their best lives. Food, water, toys, and staying up…

Body language is something that ALL species utilize, human and pets alike. Since our pets can’t speak (well, some pet owners may disagree there!), we have to rely on their…

Summer is upon us, and with more people home to help, it can be a prime time to introduce a new pet to the family! If you’re considering bringing a…

If you’re thinking about switching your pets to a raw diet, did you know it doesn’t have to be all or nothing? It’s pawistively true: your pet can be fed…

Meow! Whether they’re napping in a sunbeam or chasing a piece of string, our kitty friends never fail to brighten our days with their adorable antics and purrfect companionship. Cats…

Scratch… scratch… scratch. Do you have an itchy pet? Sometimes, allergies and skin conditions can be to blame, but it is often the tiniest little pest that creates the biggest…

Most people would get very tired of eating the same food day in and day out. Imagine having to eat the same exact food your entire life (maybe with a…

If the topic of heartworms makes you squeamish, here’s a quick summary of what you need to know: heartworm disease is very serious and potentially fatal. It is highly prevalent…

If you’re on social media (and we hope you are, find us @leoandluckys !) brace yourselves: it’s time for “new year, new me” messages to take over your feed. A…

All dog fanciers will agree that a tired pup is a better-behaved pup. With tight schedules, most of the time, a walk is a mission: purely for exercise, physical and…

‘Tis almost the season for mischievous mutts to taste the turkey, meddle with the mashed potatoes, and gobble the gravy. (Jokes aside, table scraps are almost always a bad idea…

Halloween is such a fun time of year for humans and animals alike. While it’s fun to dress your four-legged friends up for the occasion, there are several concerns about…

All pets age differently, depending on size, breed, lifestyle choices, diet, and environment. Even though she may seem young in your eyes, your dog aged 7 and older, or your…

Leo&Lucky’s has been named to the winning list of Nextdoor’s 6th annual Neighborhood Favorites, an awards program recognizing local businesses committed to helping their neighborhoods thrive. Winners of the 2022…

They give the best cuddles, and squeak out the cutest meows. Paws down, cats make purrrrfect companions… that is, until they resist using the litter box. If your cat has…

 As summer break winds down, vacation suitcases are unpacked, and the kids start stuffing their backpacks with supplies for a new year, you may notice your pet acting differently –…

Most cat owners feed their kitties from bowls, and many allow their felines to graze all day on dry food that is continually filled when they let us know it…

Whether your purpose is for organizing or aesthetics, there’s a container for everything. Lost are the days where our cereal risked getting stale in its original box or we found…

Portions of this article originally appeared on NexPet. It’s a warm one out there! Here are some ideas to keep your dog comfortable in these summer months: Stay indoors with the…

All pets need to be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year for their check-up and vaccines. While it can be tempting to choose the vet’s office that…

We are always happy to answer questions and point you in the right direction for your particular pet. Nowadays, the variety of dog and cat food available makes the decision…

We love animals at Leo&Lucky’s (of course!) and understand why many people choose to be vegetarian or vegan for ethical, and/or health reasons.  Unfortunately, a vegetarian diet goes against nature…

Here’s what you can do to help It’s that time of year again: the spring breakers are here, and so is the oak pollen. It’s not your imagination; your pet…

February is the Humane Society’s National Spay and Neuter Month. The purpose of this awareness event is to encourage people to have their pets sterilized before the spring and summer…

Creating Their Own Luck Leo&Lucky’s CEO Patrick McGinnis reflects on over a decade’s worth of hard work, passion and success in an ever-evolving industry.  By Jenna Fanelli  Nov 1, 2021…

If you currently feed “prescription” food for weight, skin, kidney, joint, or digestive issues, or if your veterinarian has suggested that your dog be on a special diet for medical…

Being a dog mom or a cat dad can be a wonderful, though occasionally stressful, blessing. The task of keeping our pets happy and healthy is an ongoing job, and…

Measuring around 150 decibels, fireworks are louder than gunfire (140 decibels) and even many planes at takeoff (120 decibels). If you think fireworks are loud, think of what they sound…

Gate left open?  Bolted after squirrel? Spooked by fireworks? Wandered off to see the neighbors barbecue? There are lots of reasons that your pet goes missing. Keeping some sort of…

This won’t be news to any Floridian: our summer weather is downright brutal. It’s hot, humid, sunny, and oppressive. While we get to enjoy a mild winter climate, we pay…

Leo&Lucky’s note: this article is written by Dr. Judy Morgan of Naturally Healthy Pets Staying Focused With Your Dog By Your Desk Around 41.8% of Americans are currently working remotely, and…

Tomato sauce, cheese, spices… in retrospect, Garfield really shouldn’t have eaten that lasagna. Do you find it hard to sit down to a nice meal without a cat rubbing up…

Rescue pets are big on our hearts at Leo&Lucky’s. There are so many lovable pets in need of homes. Unfortunately, the number of potential adopters doesn’t always match the number…

Our pets hold such a special place in our heart and are an important part of our family. Pets provide us emotional fulfillment, a furry shoulder to cry on or…

Leo&Lucky’s flagship store is in Parrish in Manatee County.  by Grier Ferguson, Business Observer Amid the pandemic, pet-related businesses have flourished, as more people become pet owners and existing pet…

Thank you for helping us give back to the local community in 2020. Due to your patronage and generosity, we were able to donate to the following organizations/causes this year:…

Rotational diets can vary in proteins (chicken, beef, bison, etc.) and food forms (raw, frozen, wet/canned, dry/kibble, freeze-dried). Rotational feeding gives your pet a healthy range of essential nutrients and…

From Lassie to Old Yeller to Scooby Doo, the proof is in our popular culture: dogs are an integral part of the human experience. A quick search for “dog” on…

We’ve always known that pets are the BEST “medicine,” but now we’ve got the study to back it up. A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical…

There is no one right answer to this question – the best kind of cat litter is the one that your cat likes using, and that you are happy with!…

This is a follow up to this blog article, and proof it’s a thing! By Rachel McGinnis – We are Riptide’s fourth (and forever!) family. When we picked Riptide up…

If you find yourself with a 6-18 month old puppy who seems to be regressing in housebreaking and behavior, it’s not your imagination. Did you know that dogs are “teenagers”…

Hurricane season is here! We know, not what anyone wants to hear, but it’s part of life here in Florida. When preparing for hurricane season, don’t forget to prepare for…

Thank you to our wonderful customers for helping us help Southeastern Guide Dogs. Your “round up” donations totaled $1390.09 in the month of April 2020. Pictured is Vicky Cox with…

At Leo&Lucky’s, we love to celebrate our pet parents! Moms of all species will receive a carnation at Leo&Lucky’s on Mother’s Day – just a little “thank you” for being…

Why Moisture in Your Pet’s Diet is Important Learning with Leo & Lucky’s: Hydration With Florida temps already on the rise, it’s more important than ever for you AND your…

Riptide’s Accomplishments: An Update from Rachel Riptide’s accomplishments: Patrick’s and my anniversary was the middle of November, about two weeks after we got Riptide. I had a hankering for some…

As more folks find themselves isolated at home during this challenging time, many are turning to animal shelters for furry companionship, or to find a way to give back to…

Remote working has been on the rise for years as technology allows us to connect without ever leaving our homes, but now, many folks are quickly transitioning to working from…

We have always known pets can be super heroes – from search and rescue dogs, to therapy pets, to seeing eye dogs, and the list goes on. Have you ever…

Thank you for your continued support of Leo&Lucky’s! We are working to continue to offer a wide variety of shopping options for you and your fur babies. Call 941-776-0770 to…

Manatee County’s Favorite Locally Owned Pet Store Expanding with Franchise Offering Parrish, FL: Pets Plus, Parrish’s locally-owned neighborhood pet supply store, today announced its new name, Leo&Lucky’s. In addition to…

The key to training your pet to eliminate where you want them to is to prevent accidents, and reward success. Never punish, yell, or rub a pet’s nose in an…

New dogs are incredibly exciting additions to a household. The first month that a new pet is home is important for setting up structure and expectations. Here are some tips…

by Rachel McGinnis Mourning the loss of a pet takes a toll on all of us. When are you ready to add to your family? Will you ever be ready?…

On July 12, 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a brief stating they are investigating recent case reports of a type of canine heart disease known as…

Food Transitioning If you’ve decided to change your pets’ food today, be sure to take the time to properly transition your pet(s) from the old food to the new food…

What is considered “local” / what areas does Leo&Lucky’s Delivery service? Check your local store to see your delivery zone. Is there a minimum order required? What is the minimum…

Stewardship to the pets of our community is one of our company’s core values, and something that we take very seriously. As such, we have been monitoring the FDA’s studies…

At Leo&Lucky’s, we are proud to be your locally owned pet store. We know that today’s consumer would like to spend money with a locally owned business, but we believe…

Ugh, fleas. They make pets’ lives miserable, and their human parents begin to itch just at the thought of them. Pet consultants are often asked what method of treatment works…

Pet owners: have you heard the term “BARF”? This acronym stands for Bones And Raw Food, and is a feeding method that is highly recommended by many veterinarians and pet…

Since we have opened our doors at Leo&Lucky’s, it has been one of our commitments to the community to support local animals in need. In addition to consistently donating to…

If you’re on social media, brace yourselves: it’s time for “new year, new me” messages to take over your feed. A New Year is a nice, clean slate that can…

If you’re an online shopper, you’ve likely noticed that in recent years the major e-retailers have been utilizing third-party sellers to increase their offerings without increasing their inventory or staffing…

Unbelievably, it’s that time of year again. While you’re making your holiday list, and checking it twice, don’t forget your furry friends! There are so many options for cute and…

Your rabbit, guinea pig, hamster or other small pet enjoys and benefits from daily enrichment opportunities in their habitat. As the owner of a small pet, you can enrich their…

We hear of this scenario often: a pet owner returns home from work or an errand to find that their bed has been “mistaken” for a litter box, or there…

(Click link above to open video) – Hemp products and in particular CBD can be beneficial for a number of conditions, but there is a lot to understand (and often misunderstand)…

In recent years, we have had an influx of cat owners inquiring about training their furry friends. From toilet training to fun tricks that people have been teaching dogs to…

(Click link above to open video) – Ready to order? Give us a call at 941.776.0770!

At Leo&Lucky’s, our owners are your neighbors. We are dedicated to serving the community, because it is also our community. A common misconception is that Leo&Lucky’s is part of a chain…

At Leo&Lucky’s, we love being your “just around the corner” independent pet store. Every decision we make when expanding our offerings or making changes to the store is done with…

It is a common notion that items from large online retailers are cheaper than items at an independent, brick-and-mortar store. It’s an understandable thought. Large virtual retailers probably have a…

Considering adding a new furry member to your family? We chatted with Jessica Bowers, shelter manager for the Humane Society of Manatee County, to learn the tips and tricks for…

When planning a trip out of town, it’s easy to assume you should leave your small pet with a sitter. Actually, in many cases, small animals can come right along…

Thanks to a variety of factors, dogs are living longer than ever before. The canine senior years have been extended, and it’s wonderful to enjoy more time with our best…

The condition that is often referred to as “dandruff” by pet owners, is highly common in dogs and cats. Most often, scaly skin has fairly benign origins and is not…

Many people aim to start exercising more often at the beginning of the year, but few maintain their New Year’s resolution longer than a couple of weeks. It takes consistency…

It’s a beautiful day — take your dog and head to the closest park for some sunshine and exercise. Studies show that your dog is a great stand-in for an…

A vast amount of behavioral problems in dogs can be traced back to one common enemy: boredom. Dogs that have to spend a lot of time in a crate and…

We hate to break it to you, but there’s something we just can’t deny any longer. Your cat is a total jerk. If you’re a cat owner and proclaimed cat…

Jealousy may seem like an emotion that is unique to humans. But, feeling green with envy may also lend itself to our canine friends. Research indicates that dogs can be…