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!