Kitty's First Christmas

 

If you follow this space, you already know that for many families, 2020 was the year of the pet. Puppies and kittens were added to homes in record numbers. And now that the holidays are upon us, these youngsters will be entering the challenging phase of adolescence. Like human teenagers, adolescent puppies and kittens can be defiant and prone to mischief. When combined with standard holiday decorations, these traits can lead to veterinary emergencies, especially for kittens and cats. 

Young cats are often drawn to indoor plants. The holiday versions of such greenery, particularly poinsettias, amaryllis, holly, and lilies can be toxic to cats when ingested. Additionally some of the seasonal essential oils we use to scent our homes in December cannot be processed by the feline liver, and can lead to severe illness and death. Finally, tinsel is irresistible to most young cats, and if swallowed can cause a linear intestinal foreign body. This life-threatening condition requires risky emergency surgery. It has always been my recommendation that cat parents avoid these products when decorating for the holidays. 

Somebody's on the naughty list!

                                                                                      

The Free-Feeding Fail

 

The Free-Feeding Fail

As 2020 begins winding down, the puppies and kittens who joined our families when Covid forced us to stay home have begun to mature. For many of us, our lock down routines may be starting to change as well. Maybe our children are back in brick and mortar school. Or perhaps the home office is empty and the commute has returned. As our routines change, our pets' lives will change with them, and disruptions to their feeding schedules often occur. When this happens, many pet owners give up on scheduled meal times and leave food down at all times so their pets can eat at will. Known in veterinary circles as free feeding, this type of feeding schedule often creates far more problems than it solves.

Pets who are free fed can develop behavioral problems and are more prone to finicky eating. This becomes problematic as pets enter the stages of life when long term medical problems become more common. Many health concerns can be managed with supplements or medications, some of which must be given with regularly scheduled meals. Liver support supplements and insulin are just two examples of treatments that cannot be given independent of meals. Additionally, many pets require prescription diets which may not be especially palatable. Pets who lose their food drive as a result of having constant access to food may not be eager to accept such changes. It is therefore always recommended to maintain scheduled meal times as your pet matures, and to remove any uneaten food fifteen minutes after presenting it.

                                        Remove all uneaten food fifteen minutes after presenting it.

October Is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month!

 October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month!

Since Covid-19 forced many Americans to work from home and rethink travel, veterinarians have been witnessing a so-called "Puppy Boom." Some reputable breeders have stopped taking deposits on future litters, as even puppies who are yet to be conceived have already been promised to future homes. Prices for puppies are at an all time high, and shelters are being inundated with callers looking for adoptable fur babies. 

While daily puppies are making this period of history a uniquely fun time to be a veterinarian, there are many adoptable dogs in our shelters and rescues who are still waiting for their forever homes. Puppies require a tremendous amount of time and patience in order to develop into well-behaved adults. And working from home does not necessarily guarantee a schedule which allows this degree of training to occur . So while the whole country is posting about the #2020PuppyBoom, consider visiting your local rescue or shelter, and adopting an adult dog with a lot of love to give - who's way past destroying your shoes!

Meet Milo, Our October Pet Of The Month!

Fam, meet Milo, Our October Pet Of The Month!

Milo is a six-month-old Shorkie who joined the 2020 Puppy Boom that came in the wake of Covid. His mom made sure he received all his well-puppy care, and signed him up for the Trupanion insurance policy  recommended by our team. 

Recently, Milo returned to the clinic with a terribly upset tummy. X-rays showed some unusual shapes and lines in the stomach, so Dr. Kupkee suggested we induce vomiting before Milo's mystery meal could reach his intestines. The result? A perfectly intact pair of black, no show liner socks that had just gone missing! After a few injections to settle his tummy and a couple of light meals, Milo is fully recovered and feeling like his old self again.

While people are spending more time than ever at home, it is impossible to keep an eye on curious puppies 100% of the time. This is especially true for those of us who are working remotely, homeschooling, or juggling both! Puppies get into EVERYTHING - which is why there's pet insurance. If your pet isn't covered, ask our team for more information. 

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

                                                                Milo has a tummy ache...

                                                            And this is why. Ewwww!

The Re-Emerging Threat Of Leptospirosis

As local governments ordered restaurants to close their dining rooms to slow the spread of Covid-19, urban rodentologists began to notice drastic changes in the movements and behaviors of city dwelling rats. Specifically, as restaurants cooked less food and produced less waste, hungry rats started spreading into suburban and residential areas where household kitchens are currently filling the niche.

While a plague of vermin might not seem particularly shocking in the big picture that is 2020, rats are the most common carriers of leptospirosis, a disease caused by a bacteria which is shed through their urine. Clinical signs of leptospirosis include fever, lethargy, vomiting, inappetence and jaundice. In its later stages, it causes renal and liver failure. It is usually fatal if not caught and treated in a timely manner, and can be transmitted from pets to humans. Thankfully, there is an annual vaccine which protects dogs from leptospirosis, so make sure your pet is up to date. While leptospirosis has been reported in cats, it is extremely rare, and far more common in dogs.

Meet Daisy, Our September Pet Of The Month!

 

World, meet Daisy, our September Pet Of The Month!

Daisy is a 14-year-old dachshund who, like most of us, is unimpressed with the year 2020. As stay at home orders turned Miami into a virtual ghost town, Daisy's mom found herself racing to a veterinary neurologist when Daisy became suddenly paralyzed. After major surgery to repair her spinal column, Daisy developed acute pancreatitis in response to her many post surgical medications. This led to another round of hospitalization, including several weekends in the emergency clinic. 

Like most dachshunds, however, Daisy a wee bit on the stubborn side! Feeding tube? No problem! Kidney problems? Bring 'em on! Fast forward to the fourth quarter of 2020 and Miss Daisy May is fully recovered. She took on 2020 and won - and we will too.

Oh and a tip from Daisy's family? Buy. Trupanion. Pet Insurance.

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

                                                    Daisy surveys her many get-well gifts!

Heartworm Disease Cases Expected To Rise

Heartworm Disease Cases Expected To Rise

June of 2020 brought unusually high levels of rainfall to an already waterlogged South Florida. Consequently, urban flooding and standing waters provided ample breeding ground for mosquitoes. Our community has seen an uptick in cases of mosquito-borne West Nile Virus. And as more people and pets head outdoors to escape Covid-induced cabin fever, we can expect to see an increase in heartworm disease as well.

Heartworm disease is carried by mosquitoes and infects both dogs and cats. While we can do our part to control mosquito populations by dumping  the standing water in which they breed, our neighbors might not be as diligent. For this reason, it is imperative to keep both dogs and cats on monthly heartworm prevention. While many pet owners feel that pets who do not go outside often (or ever in the case of indoor cats), mosquitoes will often enter the house as humans come and go. A single bite from an infected mosquito is all that is necessary to transmit the disease to our furry family members. The treatment for canine heartworm disease is very expensive with potentially dangerous side effects. There is no treatment for feline heartworm disease. In both species, the disease is usually fatal if left untreated.

Meet Sammy, Our August Pet Of The Month!

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

Sammy is a 12-year-old Schnauzer who loves visiting his buddies here at the clinic. When he's not out enjoying the neighborhood or chillaxing on his bed, Sammy enjoys snuggling with his family, and playing with his little brother Bleu. Who wouldn't want to quarantine with this cutie pie?

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

                                                                Out on the town with Sammy!

Summer and Pets

Summer And Pets
By Dr. Ian Kupkee

As summer drags on, and many of us continue to work from home, we're likely to have more time to spend outdoors with our pets. While pets appreciate the additional attention, it's important to remember the increased hazards that accompany outdoor activities here in South Florida.

Higher resting body temperatures and dense coats make pets much more likely to suffer from heatstroke than their human companions. The best times to exercise pets, especially brachycephalic, or "smush-faced" breeds, is early in the morning, or at dusk. Provide plenty of fresh water and bring pets inside at the first sign of excessive panting. Keep dogs away from bufo toads as their venom can cause seizures and death. Finally, before leash walking pets, place a hand on the pavement to check the temperature. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them. Postpone the walk until a cooler time of day to avoid burning your pet's paws.

Plenty of fresh water? Check!

In The New Normal, Fireworks Persist

While living with the threat of Covid 19 is creating a so called "new normal", a popular South Florida holiday tradition seems destined stick around - Fourth of July fireworks. Many municipalities have cancelled official displays to prevent the spread of coronavirus, yet some communities are going full speed ahead. And who are we kidding - it's Miami! There's always that one neighbor...

For shelters across the country, the busiest day for intakes is July 5th. Estimates run as high as 30% to 80%, with fewer than 13% of dogs and 2% of cats being reunited with their heartbroken families. Simply put, fireworks are so terrifying to our pets that many will bolt from the safety of their homes in a blind panic. Our pets do not understand our fascination with fireworks, and their hearing is far more sensitive than ours. Simply put, fireworks are explosions! Is it any wonder our pets don't like them?

Before the fireworks begin, place cats in a separate room with lots of hiding places. Leave closet doors open, allow access to spaces under beds and behind furniture, and make it clear to guests that this room is strictly off-limits. Consider crating or boarding anxious dogs if you cannot confine them to a separate part of the house. Turn on the television or play music to help drown out the noise, and provide them with interesting activities to occupy their minds. For cats, try catnip or an interactive toy. Dogs are often content with a Kong toy that has been stuffed with canned food and placed in the freezer. These "popsicles" can keep them busy for hours. If your pet has a history of fireworks anxiety, consider asking your vet for some anti-anxiety medications. These can take several weeks to achieve the desired results, so the time to do this is now.

CBD Products and Pets

CBD Products and Pets
By Dr. Ian Kupkee

As the legal and social status of marijuana and CBD products has shifted, pet owners have been asking questions about the effectiveness of CBD oils and supplements for their furry friends. Anyone who has searched online or in pet stores knows just how many products are available, and how little seems to be known about them.

When shopping for a CBD product, it is important to be able to access the science behind the product. A seller or manufacturer must be able to articulate where the ingredients are sourced, what doses are recommended, whether or not the product has been studied by an independent third party, and if so, whether or not double-blind placebo tests were performed. Products should be full spectrum, and sourced from organically grown plants. Oils should be CO2 extracted and contain no isolates.  Manufacturers or sellers should be able to provide terpine profiles, and copies of research upon the consumers request. Natural products are not immune to side effects or drug interactions, so remember to check with your pet's veterinarian before using any CBD products.

We Are Open And Here For You

We Are Open And Here For You

Just a reminder that we are OPEN for all veterinary procedures, including vaccinations, surgeries, and dentals, for the continued health of your pets.  We are also here should your pets need us for illness as well as preventative veterinary care.  

Thank you for bearing with us as we adjust to the reality of caring for pets in the time of Covid-19. The following is a list of changes we have made to accommodate the safety of our pets, their parents, and our staff. 

• Curbside service - As many of you already know, we continue to see patients on a “curbside” basis, with clients communicating with our doctors via phone from the comfort and safety of their cars.  We are grateful for the support and understanding you have lavished upon us and our team as we continue to adapt.
• Boarding available - While we are unaware of any of our clients testing positive for Covid-19, we have decided to make our boarding kennel available for clients who may need to be hospitalized, or who may need someone else to temporarily care for their pets. Pets will be bathed upon entering the facility, and boarding charges will be applied to the client’s credit card at the end of every week. Since our boarding kennel is small, this service will only be made available to current clients. 

• Pet transport through Equipaws - While veterinary facilities have been deemed essential businesses by the State of Florida, we understand some clients may not wish to leave their homes for a visit to the vet. In the event your pet must come to see us regardless, please call Equipaws Pet Services at (305) 794-3733. While they are not transporting humans at this time, they will bring your pet to us and return them after the visit. You may contact them directly for a list of services and prices, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram. 

• Payment alternatives - We would also like to remind everyone of the payment options that are available for pet owners in these difficult times.  Clients may apply for CareCredit to help pay for veterinary, dental, and certain medical expenses at www.carecredit.com. They may also apply for Scratchpay at www.scratchpay.com. Most veterinary facilities, including ours, accept payment from both organizations. 

• Trupanion Direct Pay to Vet - We are able to take payments directly from Trupanion if you are a policyholder. If your pet is currently in good health, you may wish to consider Trupanion Pet Insurance. Feel free to call our office to see if your pet qualifies for a free 30-day trial. Learn more at https://trupanion.com/fl/pet-insurance.

Finally, in response to Miami’s drastically reduced commuter traffic window, we will now be closing at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice. Hours closing may vary, so please call ahead to ensure we are here.

Thank you for your continued support in these challenging times.  Stay well.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Ian Kupkee

Lynn Kupkee 

Sabal Chase Animal Clinic

What To Expect From A "Hypoallergenic" Pet

What To Expect From A Hypoallergenic Pet
By Dr. Ian Kupkee

Over the past decade or so, the popularity of "designer" dogs and cats has been on the rise. One of the reasons for the uptick in demand is the claim that many of these hybridized pets are hypoallergenic. It is widely believed these breeds do not shed, and are ideal pets for humans who suffer from allergic responses to dogs or cats. But which breeds are truly 100% allergen free?

Unfortunately, the answer is none of them. While Labradoodle dogs, Rex cats and many others like them create a lighter allergen load, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog or cat. Allergens are found in our pets' dead skin cells (or dander), urine, and saliva. While many of these breeds generate fewer allergens than others, there is no guarantee they will not create problems for a human companion with allergies. And while they may shed less hair than their  "allergenic" counterparts, make no mistake - they shed. Before deciding to take home an "allergy free" pet, be sure to spend lots of time with one to ensure they will be the right fit.

Allergy free? Nope, not me!
Image by Pixabay

Meet Outlaw, our March Pet Of The Month

World, meet Outlaw, our March Pet of the Month!

Outlaw is a Boxer mix who was adopted from Miami Dade Animal Services. But don't let this pound puppy's humble roots fool you. This big ham is is an all around love bug whose happy place is anywhere people and other animals. And he loves his fan club here at Sabal Chase. In fact, he's such a rock star, he has his own Instagram - ans substantially more followers than we have! Don't believe us? You too can follow him on the 'Gram at outlaw_of_miami.

Congratulations Outlaw, and share with all your friends (and followers!) - you're not just an #influencer, you're our Pet of the Month!

"I have more followers than my vet!"

Rethinking Retractable Leashes

Perhaps one of the most hotly debated topics between pet owners and pet care professionals is the safety of retractable leashes. Pet owners love them, as they offer dogs the ability to enjoy a certain degree of freedom. Yet behaviorists are quick to point out that these devices were invented to help train tracking and recall skills, and are unsuitable for everyday walking routines. Most dog-friendly public spaces require owners to keep dogs on leashes no longer than six feet in length, and to maintain control over their pets at all times. This is nearly impossible to accomplish when using devices that allow the dog to control the length of the lead - which is often over 20 feet.

Additionally, retractable leashes have been linked to countless injuries to both humans and pets. When the paracord material from which they are made makes contact with human skin, the result is often a deep cut - especially when combined with the speed of a bolting dog. A simple internet search yields countless stories of owners who have suffered from falls, lacerations, vision loss and finger imputations as direct results of accidents caused by retractable leashes. As we head into some of South Florida's most perfect dog walking weather, remember that just like any other task, walking our dogs requires the right tools for the job.

This can easily result in a fall and/or laceration if the dog unexpectedly bolts.

Meet Tillie, Our February Pet Of The Month!

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

Tillie is a rescued terrier mix who is probably about ten years old. Her eyesight isn't the greatest, but her Mom and Dad love her so much - it just gives them one more reason to watch over her. She loves coming to stay with her friends in our doggie hotel when her parents go out of town. (It's not really a kennel when you take turns being cuddled by everyone. And it's our favorite part of the job!)

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

What Happened To My Perfect Puppy?

It’s no secret that raising a puppy requires a great deal of patience. Chewing, crying, destructiveness, demands for attention, and potty-training mishaps are all just par for the course. But the difficult phase only lasts a few months, right? Wrong. Once your new edition is finished being a puppy, he enters a new, and often far more maddening phase of development: adolescence. Starting anywhere between nine and twelve months of age, that sweet little puppy will become - gasp! - a teenager.

Like human teenagers, adolescent dogs may test the resolve of their superiors. They often revert to the types of behaviors we thought they had long outgrown. Like the rebellious, back-talking teen-aged child, adolescent puppies often leave us scratching our heads, wondering where we went wrong. Obnoxious puppy behaviors such as play biting and jumping on guests may return with a vengeance. This is when behaviors such as growling, food guarding, and blatant disobedience of commands tend to appear seemingly out of nowhere. It is also when dogs are most commonly surrendered to shelters. 

Unaware of the existence of this challenging phase, many people assume they have either failed as dog owners, or are stuck with a “bad dog.” These scenarios are rarely the case. The solution to the Terrible Teens is a combination of consistency, patience, and preparation. Do your research on canine adolescence as soon as you bring your puppy home. As with most other situations, you’ll be happy to have a plan in place when you need one.

Meet Shnipit, Our January Pet Of The Month!

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

Ms. Shnipit Rose is a four-year-old tuxedo kitty who loves to be spoiled - and deserves every second of it! When she's not posing for glamour shots, you'll find Shnipit ruling the roost and keeping her canine siblings in charge. They don't mind - who would defy such cuteness?

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