Holiday Hazards (Part 1 of 2)

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is very easy to overlook some of the hidden dangers to our pets.  For the next four weeks we will review some of the most common hazards that can potentially spoil the most wonderful time of the year.

1)  TINSEL

While not toxic, tinsel is very appealing to pets, especially cats.  If swallowed, it can wrap around the intestines, causing a life threatening injury.  The same is true of decorative ribbons and bows.  If you see your pet trying to pass tinsel or ribbon during the course of a “nature break”,  DO NOT pull it out, as this can cause further complications.  Seek veterinary care immediately.

2) Lights and Candles

Shiny, dangly lights are lots of fun for our pets, but carry risks of choking, burns, and electrocution.  Teach pets that the Christmas tree and lights are off limits, and spray cords with a foul tasting product such as Bitter Yuck to reinforce the message.  Place burning candles where pets cannot be burned by them or knock them over.

Which dog is right for us? (Part 2 of 2)

Dear Edel,
We would really like to surprise our kids with a dog for Christmas, but we prefer to adopt from the shelter.  Do you have any tips on how to assess a dog's personality in a shelter type setting?  I want to make sure we pick a dog that is right for our family.  Thanks!

5 tips to test a dog's temperament and "doginality" (personality):

1 - Check for physical factors that may affect the dog's mood and disposition: look for ear infections, skin irritations, eye / nose discharge, any limping or weakness as the dog stands as these may all be factors that affect how that dog greets you and may be an indication of why a perfectly good dog may act more reserved or shy at first.

2 - Check for motivators: See if the dog is motivated by treats, balls, squeaky toys, or a rag or bite tug.  A more motivated dog is easier to train.

3 - Check for fear:  See if the dog is afraid of certain actions or noises.  If you go to pet the dog over the head and it drops its head or pins the ears back and squints, it may have been beaten before (not a reason to not adopt) and may need some additional positive reinforcement to not be afraid of hands petting the dog.  

Abrupt sounds will help test a dog of fear of certain noises.  For example, clapping 2 wooden pieces together making a sharp sound without the dog seeing you do so will help you test the dog for fears of certain sounds.  Dogs that are afraid of those sounds may often have problems with thunder or confidence issues around abrupt sounds (again, not a reason to not adopt as all this may be reconditioned in the dog with proper behavior modification).

4 - Check for the dog's reception to other people and dogs: First see how the dog reacts to people approaching its cage and then see how the dog reacts to other people approaching the dog while on a leash.  The best reaction is one where the dog doesn't even care if there are other people or dogs in front of them.  Shy or reserved dogs may need some additional socialization work.  Extremely hyper-friendly dogs may need some impulse control work.

5 - When possible, have the dog professionally evaluated by your veterinarian and / or local behaviorist for more detailed assessment of the dog's psychological make-up and training potential.

Thanks,

Edel Miedes
K9 ADVISORS
954.923.3440
786.419.3647
www.K9ADVISORS.com

Which dog is right for us? (Part 1 of 2)

Dear Edel,
We would really like to surprise our kids with a dog for Christmas, but we prefer to adopt from the shelter.  Do you have any tips on how to assess a dog's personality in a shelter type setting?  I want to make sure we pick a dog that is right for our family.  Thanks!

First, it is important to note that a dog is not an object or item to give as a gift.  It is a long-term commitment that you will hopefully have as part of your family.

3 important factors to consider when choosing a dog for your family:

1 - Daily Schedules: A family with a very busy schedule should not adopt a puppy, which requires more time and attention. 

2 - Activity Levels: An active family that goes to the park often or is athletic is better adopting a more active dog to fit their lifestyle.

3 - Personal Preferences: Dog hair allergies may limit a family to choosing only non-shedding dogs.  Also, you may have a preference for a certain breed (due usually to previous experiences).   The role your new dog will play in your family is also an important factor to consider when choosing a dog. 

Edel Miedes
K9 ADVISORS
954.923.3440
786.419.3647
www.K9ADVISORS.com

Dr Kupkee will be on NPR 11/26/12 1-2pm

On Monday, November 26th from 1-2pm, Dr. Kupkee and Edel Miedes will be joining Joseph Cooper on 91.3 WLRN’s Topical Currents, courtesy of National Public Radio.  Scheduled topics include dog bite prevention in children, but listeners may call or email the station with whatever questions are on their minds.  Click here Facebook.com/TopicalCurrents to “like” Topical Currents and receive reminders for this and other future broadcasts.  And don’t forget to tune in on Monday, November 26th at 1pm!

Contact info for WLRN’s Topical Currents:
Listener call-in line is 1-800-743-9576 that's 1-800-743-WLRN
You can also email at radio@wlrn.org

If you're looking for tasty holiday treats, shop with caution

If you're looking for tasty holiday treats, shop with caution

On a recent trip to the pet store, I noticed that Zohan's favorite treats, bully sticks, were on sale.  Since I never walk away from a bargain, I put a few in my cart.  I'm not sure what compelled me to look at the label, but I was glad I did.  In tiny print at the bottom of the label were the words "Made in China".

In 2007, melamine tainted pet food caused the deaths of three patients at Sabal Chase Animal Clinic.  While pet food companies are quick to defend their practices, we recommend that our pet parents steer clear of pet foods made in China.  Many companies choose to keep their corporate entities here in the US, but move the actual plants to China, where they are managed by an American team and overseen by the FDA.  

For this reason, it is easy to assume that the US based company on the label is physically producing the product.  But read the fine print.  Since many companies are adopting this practice, Sabal Chase Animal Clinic has stopped carrying many of the treats our patients and clients have come to love.  However, health and safety are our first priorities.  

Mention this blog entry and receive a free bag of our new, custom made doggie treats.  They are low in fat with limited allergens, and best of all, baked with love right here in South Florida!

Inappropriate Elimination in Cats Part 5 of 5

When dealing with inappropriate elimination, the whole environment counts.  Follow these simple steps for a happier, well-balanced cat.

• Feed your kitties a measured amount of food twice a day. Don’t leave food down all day. Also, feed your kitties in separate areas. This makes sure your cat is getting a controlled, stress free meal time and helps you know exactly how much your kitty is eating.

• Increase play time for your kitty. Find a toy that your cat likes to play fetch with. Buy interactive cat toys such as wands with feathers dangling from them, but only use these with parental supervision as kitties can get entangled in string toys, and even worse ingest the strings and cause an obstruction! If your kitty is not toy motivated, but is food motivated we recommend purchasing an interactive food releasing toy such as the Twist & Treat.

• If all else fails, there are anti-anxiety medications for cats that can help. Available as an oral medication or even as a transdermal gel applied to the ear, these medications give your kitty some chemical encouragement. All of the behavioral and environmental modifications mentioned above should still be adhered to for the best chance at solving this unpleasant problem.

NPR Topical Currents Nov 26

On Monday, November 26th from 1-2pm, Dr. Kupkee and Edel Miedes will be joining Joseph Cooper on 91.3 WLRN’s Topical Currents, courtesy of National Public Radio.  Scheduled topics include dog bite prevention in children, but listeners may call or email the station with whatever questions are on their minds.  Click here Facebook.com/TopicalCurrents to “like” Topical Currents and receive reminders for this and other future broadcasts.  And don’t forget to tune in on Monday, November 26th at 1pm!

Contact info for WLRN’s Topical Currents:
Listener call-in line is 1-800-743-9576 that's 1-800-743-WLRN
You can also email at radio@wlrn.org

In the News! See Dr Kupkee on TV tomorrow

On Tuesday, November 13th at 5p.m., WPLG Channel 10 will be featuring an interview with Dr. Kupkee.  The story centers around efforts to reduce the stray and pet overpopulation problem in rural Costa Rica, and the spay/neuter program that is helping to address this need.  Tune in to Channel 10 tomorrow at 5p.m. to see what we're doing and how you can help!

Inappropriate Elimination in Cats Part 4 of 5

Here are some more suggestions to encourage proper use of the litterbox

• Try Feliway. Feliway is a product that releases imitation cat pheromones. While the scent is undetectible to humans, it can be very calming for our cats. Feliway comes as a spray and a diffuser.  We prefer the diffuser to ensure consistent use.  A diffuser should be placed in each room or for every 650 square feet. Check out their website for more information: http://www.feliway.com/us.

• If one cat is picking on another cat, it’s a good idea to put a collar with a bell on the cat that is the bully. Make sure the collar is a cat safe collar that breaks away if caught, or a collar with an elastic release.  This inter-cat intimidation can be very subtle, so watch for resource guarding and staring contests. These can be enough to cause a cat to avoid using the guarded litter box.

• Cats will often mark territory more if they feel threatened by other cats, even outdoor cats. So, DO NOT feed any cats outside your house. Food will attract stray cats and potentially dangerous wildlife. There are feral cat spay/neuter trap and placement services in many communities. We recommend that you help these cats find forever homes versus taking their chances out in the wild.

To be continued, Part 5 next Friday!

Time is running out for our bumper sticker contest!

Send us a picture of your car decked out with a Sabal Chase Animal Clinic Honor Roll bumper sticker, and be entered in a drawing to win a $50 American Express gift card.  You can send it via email to SCAC@Sabachaseanimalclinic.com, or post it to our Facebook wall.  Everyone who enters will automatically receive a $10 credit on their account.  The drawing will take place on December 31st, so come by and pick up your bumper sticker soon!

Inappropriate Elimination in Cats Part 3 of 5

Here are some simple steps you can take to encourage  your kitty to use her litterbox.

• Place your litter boxes in low traffic areas. Also you may want to spread them around the house, especially if one kitty picks on another one.

• Don’t clean your litter box with a strong smelling cleaner, especially citrus cleaners. We recommend Odoban.  The eucalyptus scented variety is mild, and ideal for deodorizing and cleaning litter boxes. Any enzymatic cleaner is good.  Be sure to replace any old stained litter boxes.

• Don’t use perfumed litters. If your cat is finicky about litter, offer several different kinds and textures until you determine your kitty's preference. Examples would be scoopable litter, non-scoopable clay litter, pine or recycled newspaper pellet litter, and crystal litters. Note: A sign that your cat might dislike a particular litter is if your cat is not covering his/her waste in the litter box.

• Cat Attract is a litter that can be found at many stores. Blended with a natural herb attractant, Cat Attract’s herbal scent, ideal texture and particle size combine to help solve litter box problems. To learn more about Cat Attract, visit their website: http://www.preciouscat.com/product/cat-attract/.

• Vary your kitty’s litter box options. Similar to the litter smorgasbord mentioned above, kitties can have preferences regarding the type of litter box they use. Behaviorists recommend that the litter box be as long as your cat from the tip of the nose to the tip of it's tail. The shallow plastic storage containers without the lids work great. Covered litter boxes are great to keep kitty elimination odors from reaching humans, but they trap them inside the covered box and make the box an unpleasant place for your cat. Older cats with possible arthritic issues will appreciate a low entrance to their litter box. You can even make a cut out so the cat to enter more easily.

To be continued, Part 4 next Friday!

Inappropriate Elimination in Cats Part 2 of 5

Management

Take your kitty to the vet.  Before addressing any behavioral issue, we should first make sure your cat doesn’t have a medical problem. For example, urinary tract infections can cause kitties to urinate outside of the litter box. We recommend getting a urinalysis and fecal analysis run to rule out infection, and some routine blood work to make sure your kitty doesn’t have a metabolic problem.

Once your kitty gets a clean bill of health, you can start addressing his or her dislike of the litter box. Remember cats are very clean, particular animals with a very strong sense of smell. Litter box cleanliness and convenience is of utmost importance in preventing and treating inappropriate elimination problems!

To be continued, Part 3 next Friday!

Inappropriate Elimination in Cats Part 1 of 5

Inappropriate elimination is one of the top reasons cats are surrendered to shelters or euthanized. There is nothing more frustrating than coming home to find out your kitty has urinated on your bed or defecated on your sofa. While this can be a very difficult habit to break, there are ways to prevent and manage this behavior.

Prevention

• Spay or Neuter your cat- Intact cats, both male and female, are prone to marking their territory. Also, intact male cat urine has a much stronger odor.

• Make sure you have plenty of clean litter boxes. There should be one litter box per cat plus one more. For example, a two cat household should have three litter boxes. Litter boxes should be scooped at least once a day and completely emptied and cleaned with a mild (non-citrus based) cleaner weekly.

To be continued, Part 2 next Friday!

Ask the Advisor: Stranger Danger Part 2

When you use a toy/ball to trigger prey drive and reduce defense drive, does the dog ever perceive the toy as a reward for the defensive behavior? She has the same problem with her 2 year old rat terrier, so she was very intrigued by your advice. But she is also concerned that she may inadvertently reinforce the barking. Does that ever happen, or does the shift take place on a more instinctive level?

-Tiffany

Tiffany, you have a very valid concern b/c done with the wrong timing in a consistent manner, the ball / toy can become a reward for bad behaviors.. people do this with praise towards their dogs at the wrong time all the time and the results are usually an increase in the dog's bad behavior simply b/c they are being rewarded for that same bad behavior.

If the dog does a bad behavior and you reward the dog for that bad behavior, he is likely doing it again... this goes whether you use balls, toys, treats, or praise.

However, if BEFORE the dog does the bad behavior (but shows signs such as a closed mouth or stare down, indicating the bad behavior is about to be exhibited) the dog gets a surprise positive trigger (such as the squeaky sound of a toy or ball), you can quickly divert the dog's attention and get him to focus on the toy / ball therefore stopping the bad behavior from ever occurring.

Also, if you know that meeting certain people or in certain areas is a problem, then you may set up a mock meeting where the greeter has the squeaky ball and that ball / toy is used initially (BEFORE the dog is even triggered with any defense mechanisms) to make the positive association.

In short, the timing of the positive trigger item (such as toy / ball) is very important so that it is not turned into a reward for bad behavior.

Some things are just easier to demonstrate and teach hands-on than to explain them in writing.

Edel Miedes
K9 ADVISORS
954.923.3440
786.419.3647
www.K9ADVISORS.com

Bugs with Benefits: (Part 4 of 4)

While certainly not life threatening, tear staining is a problem seen in many of our patients.  Prostera can treat these unsightly stains and prevent them from recurring.  Finally, a problem most clients are too embarrassed to talk about - flatulance.  To all our fellow Boxer lovers out there, you know I’m talking about.  Let’s just say Prostora helps and leave it at that.   

Prostora helps promote the strong, healthy digestive systems necessary for overall health, balance, and well-being.  And if you own a Boxer, it might just keep your next dinner party from wrapping up early!

Ask the Advisor: Stranger Danger Part 1

Dear Edel,

Zohan is a year old now, and starting to display some obnoxious behavior on walks. Specifically, he lunges and barks hysterically at anyone that walks towards us. It's especially bad if the person makes eye contact, and once the behavior stops, it's very difficult get him to snap out of it. I know this "teenager" phase is challenging, but I worry he is going to become aggressive. What should I do?

While eye contact may play a role in all this, the actual approach of the person onto Z's space may be enough to trigger his defensive reaction. Test it out with a new person approaching and not having any eye contact. He will likely respond the same. There are a few things you may do differently when greeting a person (given that you have the time and availability from that person to take a little longer in the greeting). To create a greater interest in the person, reduce Zohan's defense drive by increasing his prey drive. Do not let him greet the person until you are ready for Z to do so. This adds a level of pack leadership on your end that will later give him the confidence to not have to react defensively.

I have seen his reaction around strangers coming to greet him. While it may come across as "aggressive" in some people's view, he is really being defensive - not aggressive. His defense drive (one of two key drives that a dog has innately) kicks up a notch when he is uncertain. For some dogs, when they feel uncertain about a new place or person, they go into a fearful-submissive state and other dogs go into a fear or anxiety state that shoots up their defense drive. This seems to be more like Zohan.

In order to change this reaction, you must change his perception of the situation and of the new person he will greet. Then add a little control once the perception is changed. By this, I mean that you may associate the new person (greeter) with a positive trigger for Z. For example, you may use a treat and squeaky ball that you can just carry with you whenever you are walking Zohan. When you approach a potential greeter, you ask them to hold the ball and squeak it a few times while keeping the treat in another hand. Perhaps, have the new greeter bounce it a couple of times to really spark his interest in the new person. Focusing on the ball and its motion should trigger his prey drive, whilst blocking his defense drive. Prey and Defense drive are inversely proportional. The higher the prey drive, the lower the defense drive and vice versa. So, two key things that you are doing by using an interesting toy or ball, (1) creating a more positive association with a new person and (2) increasing his prey drive, thus reducing his defense drive. Once you get Z really interested in meeting the new person and really excited, through his prey drive, to get that ball, you have him sit and stay a few feet away from you while you greet (or pretend to greet) the new person and then you give him the "ok" to greet the person. When he comes in for the ball, the greeter may then hold out the treat in a flat palm, low to the floor (since Z is a low rider ;-)). You don't want people going over his head to pet him, as most people do, because that may trigger his defense drive. So, Zohan should come in towards the greeter after you gave him the ok to go greet. The greeter has their palm flat for Z to come get his treat and make the positive association, then the ball comes out and he gets to focus on the ball and go get it (not too far - within the vicinity of the greeting). While keeping him on prey drive mode, you subdue his defense drive. Finish the exercise with lots of praise!

It is important to have several interactions like this before you even get people to pet him. This will allow for many greeting events to be positive with low to no defense triggered, and will make it easier for Zohan to make a clear and consistent association with a more positive way to greet.

Hope this helps. It is so much easier to show you all this than to write it down. Whew!

Cheers,

Edel Miedes
K9 ADVISORS
954.923.3440
786.419.3647www.K9ADVISORS.com

Bugs with Benefits: (Part 3 of 4)

Many pets develop infections that require them to be on broad-spectrum antibiotics for up to six weeks. Since antibiotics often kill beneficial, as well as harmful organisms, these animals benefit from probiotic treatment following the prescribed course of antibiotics. Other pets have lowered immune systems due to chronic illness, steroid therapy, environmental factors, or emotional stress.  Prostora is a vital component to the nutritional management of these conditions.

To be continued...!

Ask the Advisor: HELP! My puppy is a teenager

Dear Edel,

When we brought Zohan home at eight weeks of age, I thought I had hit the puppy jackpot.    He never barked, he played quietly in his crate, and learned quickly.  By twelve weeks of age, he had mastered basic command obedience.  He was the perfect puppy!

When he hit ten months of age, the honeymoon ended.  He is now 13 months old, and continues to vex me.  He runs when I call him, charges through doorways, barks at strangers, eviscerates toys - yesterday he stole a banana from my coffee table and glared at me when I took it away!  Is this normal?  What happened to my perfect puppy?!?!

---

While your puppy may have been calmer as a pup, he is coming into his own now.  As a teenager, in dog years, your puppy's development will take a few turns before it all evens out with some proper training and structure.  As most dogs enter their teens (at about 10 months to a year of age), they will "test" their pack members and try to get away with things they might have never done before.  It is important to give those dogs that test their pack members, more daily structure.  Things like staying on top of their bad behaviors, like barking when they are not supposed to, and pulling on leash while on walks are crucial to their understanding that YOU are the pack leaders and not them.

Edel Miedes
K9 ADVISORS
954.923.3440
786.419.3647
www.K9ADVISORS.com

---

Ask the Advisor: HELP! My puppy is a teenager

Dear Edel,

When we brought Zohan home at eight weeks of age, I thought I had hit the puppy jackpot.    He never barked, he played quietly in his crate, and learned quickly.  By twelve weeks of age, he had mastered basic command obedience.  He was the perfect puppy!

When he hit ten months of age, the honeymoon ended.  He is now 13 months old, and continues to vex me.  He runs when I call him, charges through doorways, barks at strangers, eviscerates toys - yesterday he stole a banana from my coffee table and glared at me when I took it away!  Is this normal?  What happened to my perfect puppy?!?!

---

While your puppy may have been calmer as a pup, he is coming into his own now.  As a teenager, in dog years, your puppy's development will take a few turns before it all evens out with some proper training and structure.  As most dogs enter their teens (at about 10 months to a year of age), they will "test" their pack members and try to get away with things they might have never done before.  It is important to give those dogs that test their pack members, more daily structure.  Things like staying on top of their bad behaviors, like barking when they are not supposed to, and pulling on leash while on walks are crucial to their understanding that YOU are the pack leaders and not them.

Edel Miedes
K9 ADVISORS
954.923.3440
786.419.3647
www.K9ADVISORS.com

---

Bugs with Benefits: (Part 2 of 4)

Puppies and kittens get the beneficial microflora they need every time their mothers lick them.  Youngsters that have recently been separated from their mothers almost always develop a probiotic imbalance.  Stress can exacerbate this imbalance, and in many ways, being a puppy or kitten is stressful. There is a lot to learn, mistakes are made, and the world is full of big, scary things. Our adolescent dog, Zohan, had soft stool throughout most of his early puppyhood.  Supplementing his diet with Prostora gave his developing gastro-intestinal tract a much needed boost.

To be continued...!

Bugs With Benefits: (Part 1 of 4)

In recent years, there has been a great deal of exciting new research on the role of probiotics in veterinary medicine.  Probiotics are the “good bacteria” that live in the intestinal tract and help to promote strong immune support and healthy digestion.  At Sabal Chase Animal Clinic, our probiotic of choice is Prostora, a live, active culture that comes in the form of a tasty treat.  Because the bifidia strain found in Prostora is canine derived, it is a better choice for our pets than products intended for humans.  While many yogurts boast live bifidia strains, most dogs and cats are lactose intolerant, and therefore unable to comfortably digest yogurt.  So who really benefits from this beneficial bacteria?

To be continued...!

Preventing Dog Bites - Advice for Parents and Children

Every year, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs.  Most dog bites occur with familiar dogs throughout the course of normal, everyday activities, and sadly, bites often happen to children.  While many dogs avoid aggressive behavior, and pose low risks for biting, it is important to remember that any dog regardless of age, breed or history, has the ability and the potential to bite.  Fortunately, dog bites can be both prevented and avoided.  Here are some tips to help your children being bitten by a dog.

1.  Teach children that dogs say hello with their noses.  Make sure they allow adequate time for the dog to smell them before they attempt to pet the dog.

2.  Teach children that dogs must be touched gently.  Grabbing a dog's ears, tail or hair is not allowed.  Hitting, poking, kicking, or trying to trying to "ride the doggie" are scary to dogs.  Frightened dogs are more likely to bite.

3.  Teach them that not all dogs want to play with them.  If a dog avoids coming to them, barks, growls, or backs away, she does not want to play, and must not be forced to do so.

4.  Teach them not to approach a dog that is sleeping, eating, playing with a toy, hiding, or chewing a bone.

5.  If you have, or are planning to get a dog, seek the advice of a professional dog trainer.  They can teach the entire family how to read a dog's body language, and understand normal canine behavior.

6.  Teach them not to approach strange dogs, dogs that are tethered outside, and not to pet dogs through kennels or fences.

7.  Teach them to ask an owner's permission before petting an unknown dog.  If the dog appears frightened or overly excited, don't be shy about vetoing the owner's decision.  A dog that is barking, jumping, or pulling at his leash is not under his owner's control!  While these types of dogs may not bite out of fear or aggression, they can still cause injury to a child by knocking her down or giving a "play bite".  If this dog does not respect his owner, he is not likely to respect your child.  It is best to politely remove yourself and your child from these situations.

8.  If you own dogs, remind your children that not all dogs are like theirs, and may not tolerate the same things their own pets will.

9.  SUPERVISE, SUPERVISE, SUPERVISE! Do not leave children and dogs alone unattended, even for a second.  Sadly, the most severe bites to children occur when they are left alone with a dog.

10. If you suspect your dog needs a behavioral adjustment, please contact us for more information.  You can find us online at www.sabalchaseanimalclinic.com and click the tab titled "Behavior".  Here you will find some great resources on preventing bites, reading canine body language and recognizing signs of fear or aggression in dogs.  You can also "Like" us on Facebook, and ask Edel Miedes of K9 Advisors for advice on your dog's behavior.  We can be reached by phone at (305) 595-1450, or you can set up a consultation with K9 Advisors at (786) 419-3647.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Mutts!

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Mutts!
By Dr. Ian Kupkee

If you're anything like me, you probably grew up hearing people say that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's.  It brought me great joy when the dogs I grew up with slathered my face with kisses.  That "doggie breath" smell just came with the territory.  It's perfectly normal, right?

Wrong.

Veterinarians now know that dental health is an essential part of the overall health and well-being of our patients.   Here are some of the serious health problems you can avoid by keeping your pet's teeth clean and bright.

Heart Disease

When bacteria build up on the teeth and gums, they go straight into the blood stream and ends up in the chambers of the heart where they infect the heart valves.   Over time, this can cause the heart valves to not close properly, causing the heart to weaken as it works harder than it should to do its job.  This process can lead to congestive heart failure, or CHF, which can be expensive to treat.  Pets with CHF usually need medications and monitoring for their entire lives.  While these medications can prolong their lives, they do not cure the condition.  Pets with CHF usually only survive for a few years after they are diagnosed.

Kidney Failure

The same organisms that cause plaque and gingivitis eventually make their way into the kidneys where they will cause infections leading to urinary tract disease and kidney failure.  .  While there are treatments that can prolong the lives of pets in kidney failure, the prognosis is generally poor.  As is the case with CHF, even the limited treatments that are available can be costly with uncertain outcomes.  Kidney failure is particularly common in cats.

Urinary Tract Infections

Chronic bacterial gum infections caused by plaque and periodontal diease will also lead to  chronic infections of the bladder and urinary tract.  While seldom life threatening, these infections can cause our pets pain and discomfort.  Pets with recurring urinary tract infections tend to lose control of their bladders, making them difficult to live with.

Upper Respiratory Infections

When bacteria take over our pets' mouths, they inhale germs with every breath.  This can lead to infections in the lungs and upper airways, that if left untreated, can progress to pneumonia.  Like urinary tract infections, these are not usually life threatening, but require medical treatments that can become costly.  Often the first sign of an upper respiratory infection is a chronic cough.

Mood Changes

If you've ever had a toothache that just won't go away, you've probably gotten grouchy after a few days.  Pets that are in pain due to dental disease may lose interest in playing with toys, interacting with family members, or being around children.  Worse yet, pain can lead to a shorter temper, which means your pet may be more likely to bite.  Sadly, the most common victims of dog and cat bites tend to be children.

How Do I Know If My Pet Has Dental Disease?

A healthy mouth should contain pink gums and white teeth.  While some staining of the teeth is normal, they should not look dull.  If you see crusty, dark colored debris, blood, or pus along the gum line, it's time for a dental cleaning.  Pay close attention to the back teeth, as they tend to accumulate tarter faster.  Because of the location of these teeth, tartar buildup often goes unnoticed.  Watch for any changes in eating habits. Pets that lose interest in food, especially dry food, are probably not being fussy or finicky.  They are trying to tell us that it hurts to chew.  This is especially true of cats.  If all else fails, the nose knows.  The next time Fido licks your face, have a sniff.  Bad breath means it's time for a cleaning!  

If you think your pet may need a dental cleaning, please give us a call at 305-595-1450 to schedule an appointment.  You can also log onto http://www.sabalchaseanimalclinic.com and click on the "coupons" link for great deals on dental cleanings and first time visits.  

Once Fido's teeth are clean and white, our staff can teach you how to keep them that way!  You can also "like" us on Facebook to stay up to date on special offers, promotions, and fun, pet-friendly social events.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Senior Wellness – why is this important?

Senior Wellness – why is this important?

Last Friday, Sabal Chase Animal Clinic hosted Yappy Hour in honor of Grendel's eighth birthday.  She is now officially a canine senior citizen.  But thanks to modern diagnostics that emphasize early detection and prevention of disease, "senior" is the new forty!

My keen, young employees are often baffled by the number of reminders that pop up on the Kupkee family's cell phones: mammogram, cholesterol screening, PSA check, stress test, blood pressure check, and the daily chirps and chimes that remind us to take our multivitamins and calcium supplements.  Someday they too will turn forty, and will be told by their doctors that good health is now a decision, as opposed to a given.  The same is true of our pets.

Dogs and cats are considered senior citizens at eight years of age.  For giant dog breeds such as Mastiffs and Saint Bernards, Senior Wellness is recommended at age six.  As our pets age, their bodies undergo subtle changes that often go unnoticed by their owners.  Our new Senior Wellness Screening uses a combination of blood and urine testing to check the health of our pets' internal organs.  Many chronic diseases such as diabetes, Cushing's Syndrome, kidney disease and hypo/hyperthyroidism are easier and far less expensive to treat when they are detected early.  In many cases, simply adding a supplement or changing your pet's diet can manage their clinic signs, slow or stop the progression of the disease, and add many healthy, happy years to their lives.  A quick look at our pet's triglycerides can tell us if they are eating more protein than their changing bodies can safely process.  But as my own physician is fond of telling me, early detection is everything.

By negotiating with our local laboratory, we have been able to permanently reduce the price of this annual screening from $406 to $179 for dogs, and from $365 to $129 for cats.  We are thrilled to be able to provide this crucial component of senior pet care at this price!  This screening is especially vital for cats, as our feline friends are masters at hiding clinic signs of disease.  So if your pet is "of a certain age", please call our office to schedule a Senior Wellness visit.  And thanks again to everyone who joined us for Yappy Hour and made Grendel's entry into senior status memorable and fun!