Pocket Pets Aren't Stocking Stuffers

By Dr. Ian Kupkee

Whenever the holiday shopping season starts, big box pet retailers begin their annual push for small animals and so called "starter kits". These marketing campaigns are generally aimed at parents looking for low maintenance ways to give young children their first experiences as pet owners. Lured by low prices, clever bundling, and promises of minimal care, many parents are fooled into believing that caring for pets such as hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs comes easily to children who may have no experience - or interest - in doing so.

While they are often dubbed "pocket pets" reality is that many small animals are sold as babies. Once mature, these pets outgrow the desire to be cuddled and carried around. At this point, they are likely to scratch and bite children who reach for them. Their cages must be cleaned daily, and many require fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to formulated diets. While such demands are not unreasonable, the hectic holiday season may not be the best time to introduce the new routines associated with small animal care. If you feel your children are ready for the responsibility of a pocket pet, do your research, and consider adopting one of the many cast-offs who will be available for adoption when the Christmas holiday ends.

Meet Milo, Our December Pet Of The Month

World, meet Milo, our December Pet Of The Month!

Milo is a three year old Maltese mix who came into his family's life at exactly the right time. When he isn't clowning for the camera, you might find Milo hanging by pool, waiting for the chance to photo bomb his feline housemate. Needless to say, his life is not exactly stressful.

Congratulations Milo, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Meet Oscar, Our November Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Oscar, our November Pet Of The Month!

This fabulous feline is three years old, and loves to clown around for the camera. He even hams it up during his vet visits. When he's not providing gems for his very own Instagram account, you'll find Oscar snuggling with his mom, or taking a much-needed catnap. Because being a social media star can be exhausting!

Congratulations, Oscar and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Should I Declaw My Cat?

By Dr. Ian Kupkee

Earlier this year, New York became the first state to ban the declawing of cats. This came as a surprise to many pet parents who remember a time when the procedure was fairly routine. In recent years, however, veterinarians have begun to question declawing, and many clinics, including mine, no longer declaw cats.

During the declaw procedure, the last bone of each toe is removed. This alters the cat's natural footfall, which can result in both orthopedic and soft tissue pain. More and more practitioners have begun to suspect such pain may contribute to common problems such as lameness, obesity, litter box aversion and aggression.  If you are considering declawing your cat or kitten, ask your veterinarian about alternatives. Since Florida may follow New York's lead in 2020, the time to do your research is now.

Can We Stress Out Our Pets?

According to a recent study, the connection between pets and the people who love them may be far more intense than originally thought. While stories of how pets emulate their owners have always circulated freely, researchers in Sweden have found pets often learn and internalize one of the most commonly seen conditions of our time - stress.

When a human or an animal experiences stress, the steroid hormone cortisol is released into the bloodstream and absorbed by hair follicles. Cortisol levels in studied dogs were found to have no correlation to the dogs' activity levels or number of hours spent in training, but rather to the cortisol levels of their owners. Similar results have also been found between cat owners and their cats. If you feel your pet is exhibiting signs of stress, he or she should be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible.  That said, it is also worth examining your own state of mind, and perhaps scheduling a little extra down time.

Meet Nate, Our October Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Nate. He's our October - or shall we say "Dach-tober" - Pet Of The Month!

Nate is a 12-year-old Dachshund who was found wandering in the streets as the housing market collapsed. When no one claimed him, the family who found him decided to provide him with a loving forever home. He wasted no time wriggling into everyone's hearts and even alerted his mom to a venomous coral snake in the backyard. Who says little dogs can't be heroes?

Congratulations Nate, and share with all your friends - you're our "Dach-tober" Pet Of The Month!

It's Disaster Preparedness Month!

It's Disaster Preparedness Month!

Across the country, September is Disaster Preparedness Month. And here in South Florida, that means making sure we're ready for the possibility of a hurricane. When storms approach, our local authorities diligently remind us how to prepare. But what about our pets?

Regarding emergency supplies, allot at least two to three gallons of water per pet. Each pet should have at least a week's worth of food and medications on hand before a storm arrives. Cats require at least a week's supply of extra cat litter per cat. A kiddie pool filled with sod can be kept indoors so dogs have a place to answer nature's call without the risk of going outdoors during a storm. If you plan to use a public shelter, bear in mind that Dade County only has two pet friendly shelters, and you must register to use them ahead of time. You can do this at any time by visiting www.miamidade.gov/hurricane or calling 786-331-5354. Pet owners are solely responsible for the care, feeding and walking of their pets while in the shelter. Be sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date, and bring proof of their vaccination status and registration.

With a little forward planning and due diligence, South Floridians can weather the worst of the season - and look forward to our beautiful winters!

Dental X-Rays And Pets

Dental X-Rays And Pets
By Dr. Ian Kupkee

Most of us are accustomed to our own dentists routinely recommending dental radiographs as part of a routine dental wellness plan. It has only been fairly recently, however, that veterinary professionals began seeing the potential of dental radiology for the early detection of dental disease in companion animals.

Unlike human teeth, less than 20% of canine and feline teeth are visible above the gums. The other 80% of the tooth is hidden from sight, and is usually where dental problems begin. And unlike human patients, dogs and cats have a remarkable tolerance for dental pain. It is often not obvious to pet parents that their pets are suffering until secondary problems occur. By including x-rays as part of a routine dental cleaning, your veterinarian can diagnose disease and decay before your pet's health is compromised, and before the expense of treatment becomes difficult for pet parents to manage.

Meet Josie, Our August Pet Of The Month

World, meet Josie, our August Pet Of The Month!

Josie is a nine-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix who is the apple of her mama's eye! When she's not showing off on social media, Josie enjoys playing with her four-legged sister and being the model lap dog.

Congratulations, Josie and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Moving With Pets

Moving With Pets

More Americans move between Memorial Day and Labor Day than during any other time of the year. And while few life changes are as stressful as those which involve a change of address, it's important to remember that moving affects our pets as well.

When you list your house, your realtor may tell you to clear the clutter. This is great advice, but may not be appreciated by a dog whose bed and toys are nowhere to be found. These items are important to your pet, so if they are moved to a less visible space in the house, he is likely to find it. Resist the urge to pack away things that may help your pet stay busy while you prepare for the move. And never move a cat's litter box. Cats are creatures of habit, and can be easily stressed. A box that is moved to a place your cat dislikes may be ignored. This can cause medical and behavioral issues for your pet - not to mention bigger problems for both you and your realtor.

Feline Asthma

Feline Asthma

Summer in South Florida means bountiful blooms - and abundant allergens. It's a time when many of my patients present with problems that stem from exposure to environmental allergens. While these flare-ups usually resolve after treatment, feline patients may find themselves suffering from full blown asthma. Feline asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens that trigger the cat's immune system.

Asthmatic cats may show clinical signs that include wheezing, coughing, labored breathing, and vomiting. They may exhibit a crouched posture while going through an episode. If your veterinarian suspects your cat has asthma, he or she may run a series of tests to rule out other problems. Treatment for asthma may include allergy testing, diet change or hyposensitization. By keeping asthmatic cats indoors at all times and treating clinical signs when necessary, cats with this condition can expect to live long and active lives.

Outdoor cats are more likely to suffer from clinical signs of feline asthma.

Meet Blue, Our June Pet Of The Month

World, meet Blue, our June Pet Of The Month!

This five-year-old pound puppy is a gentle giant who fancies himself a lap dag. When he's not giving kisses or being a marshmallow, Blue can be found on his favorite throw rug, snuggling with his sister, Luna.

Congratulations Blue, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Living With A High Energy Dog

Living With A High Energy Dog

Those of us living with high energy dogs often wonder why our dogs are not content to sit quietly at our feet while we lounge at an outdoor cafe. We may wonder how we have failed at training, or suspected we simply have "bad dogs."  Our dachshunds do their best, but sitting still in the presence of so many interesting scents and sounds is a very tall order. While it's a nice fantasy, and not an impossible undertaking, it is not who they are.

For a high energy dog, using their senses to complete a task is often much more meaningful - and fun - than simply being by our sides. These dogs often benefit from nose work, activities where dogs work to find a scented object. While often associated with law enforcement, these activities can easily be modified to fit into the patterns of life at home. The games are fun for humans as well as adults, and children especially enjoy helping Fluffy with her "job." Ask your veterinarian to recommend a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who can teach your family the basics of canine nose work.

Meet Drax, our May Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Drax, our May Pet Of The Month!

Drax is a three-year-old American Bulldog mix who was found in the Redlands, abandoned and suffering from heartworm disease. While dogs in similar situations often face uncertain futures, Drax encountered real life superheroes in the form of his adoptive family. When he's not getting belly rubs from his two-legged family members, Drax enjoys hanging out with his canine big sister and new BFF, Cadence.

Congratulations Drax, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

That face, though...

It's Pet First Aid Awareness Month!

April is the American Red Cross's Pet First Aid Awareness Month! While it's always important to seek proper veterinary care for a pet in distress, it helps to have a few essentials on hand in case of an emergency.

Your pet's first aid kit should include hydrogen peroxide, and a syringe (without a needle) for the induction of vomiting. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, call your vet, or veterinary emergency clinic and ask if it is safe to do this. Depending o

n the toxin, inducing vomiting can do more harm than good, so be sure to get the green light from a professional first. Sterile eye wash, bandaging supplies and tweezers are a must. The same goes for iodine based disinfectant. Never clean a wound with hydrogen peroxide, as it can slow the healing process and lead to scars.

Be sure to include a leash or carrier for transport to the vet. Since frightened pets are more likely to bite, include a basket muzzle for dogs and a pillowcase for cats. Most importantly, stay calm. Avoiding panic in a stressful situation is the key to saving valuable time in an emergency.

Meet Louie, Our April Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Louie, our April Pet Of The Month!

Louie is an 11-year-old pug who always makes the rounds to visit his friends when he comes to the clinic. And who can resist that face?

When he isn't posing for pictures or hanging out with his furry sister, Louie is doing what he does best - lounging around, loving life and slathering his family with sloppy kisses. No wonder he's the apple of everyone's eye!

Congratulations Louie and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Toxic Treats

March is Pet Poison Awareness Month - it's also a time assess how we're doing on our New Year's resolution to improve our diets! For many of us, that means cutting our sugar intake. But a common sugar substitute called xylitol can be deadly for our dogs and cats.

Xylitol is a natural, sugarless sweetener found in many sugar free gums, candies, mints and snacks. Those sugar free gelatin and pudding cups kids love probably contain xylitol and should never be shared with pets. Additionally, xylitol is often used to sweeten vitamins, supplements, mouthwash and toothpaste! Clinical signs of xylitol toxicity include stomach upset, tremors, lethargy, collapse, seizures and jaundice. Left untreated, the condition can lead to liver failure and death. Since items containing xylitol often make their way into handbags, a good rule of thumb is to keep purses and backpacks where pets can not reach them, and instruct all guests to do the same.

Meet Leo, Our March Pet Of The Month

World, meet Leo. our March Pet Of The Month!

Leo is a two-year-old French Bulldog whose favorite activity is snuggling with Mom and Dad! When he's not impersonating a lap dog, look for Leo in the sunniest spot in the house. And if sunbathing isn't an option, he'll be strutting his stuff in his favorite plaid sweatshirt and matching collar.

Congratulations, Leo and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Safe Chew Toys For Dogs

February is Pet Dental Health Month - and your friendly, neighborhood pet store knows it.  Retailers and marketers have been known to pull out all the stops promoting chew toys as an essential part of  canine home dental care. Yet some of these products can cause a dog's teeth to wear down, become abscessed, or break.

When selecting safe chew toys, a good rule of thumb is to literally use your thumb.  Press your thumbnail into the toy. If it does not leave an indentation, the toy is too hard for your pet to chew without risk of breaking or wearing down his teeth. That said, a toy needs to be hard enough to prevent small pieces from breaking loose and presenting a choking hazard. Since every pet is different in terms of both dentition and behavior, it's always a good idea to ask your veterinary team for ideas on how to best satisfy your pet's specific chewing needs.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Meet Trey, Our February Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Trey, our February Pet Of The Month!

Trey is a two-year-old Siamese cat who puts the household dachshunds in their place. When he's not melting hearts with those fabulous eyes, Trey likes to catch some rays and hang out near his scratching post. All in all, it's a sweet life for a sweet boy.

Congratulations Trey, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

It's National Train Your Dog Month!

January is National Train Your Dog Month - and the beginning of a new year is a great time to address any behaviors that might be making life with your four-legged friend more challenging. Contrary to popular belief, older dogs can reasonably be expected to learn new tricks. And it's never too late to reassess any basic obedience commands that may be in need of fine tuning.

Start your assessment by asking yourself how your dog responds to basic obedience commands. Generally speaking, your dog should have good recall (meaning he will come when called, the first time he is called, even in the presence of distractions), should be able to walk politely on a loose leash, and be able to respond to verbal commands such as sit, down, stay and wait. At Casa Kupkee, Zohan is getting a refresher course on recall - because chasing squirrels is apparently

way more fun than coming when called! So get out there and train your dog! You're in good company. 

Meet Java, Our January Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Java, our January Pet of the Month!

Java is an eight-month-old cutie pie whose humble beginnings are about as humble as beginnings get - he was found in a garbage can. When his family was given the opportunity to adopt him, they couldn't resist his wide eyes and non-stop snuggles. During his recent boarding visit, he spent far more time in laps than in his kennel. It was not easy for our team to give him back!

Congratulations, Java and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

What's a kennel?