Preparing Pets For Back-To-School Routines

 

Preparing Pets For Back-To-School Routines

As South Florida's lazy summers begin to wind down, families begin turning their attention to the task of getting children back to school. And for the many pets added to households during coronavirus lock downs, a return to full time, in-person learning can be especially confusing. 

Fortunately, many of the same techniques used to help children transition smoothly can also work for pets. Ease into new bedtime and morning routines a week or so before the school year begins. Try to anticipate anxiety triggers that may alert your pet to the family's impending departure. Backpacks, lunch boxes and uniforms should be placed within a pet's line of vision so they become part of the household background as opposed to something associated with being left alone for the day. Give pets an interesting puzzle toy or chew toy to keep them occupied, and do so right before leaving so pets will not focus on the family's departure. Perhaps most importantly, try not to feel guilty, and leave the house in a matter-of-fact manner. Mama dogs don't feel guilty about leaving the den to bring home dinner. We parents would be wise to follow their leads.

Backyard "Pit"Falls And Pets

 

One of the rewards for enduring Miami's brutal summers is the stunning variety of tropical fruits that often grow right in our backyards. Mangoes, canistels, mamey and avocados are just a few of the delicacies that thrive in our climate with minimal maintenance by homeowners. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that our furry family members enjoy these tropical treats as much as we do. And they have no qualms about helping themselves to the fruit that falls to the ground. 

While the flesh of most tropical fruits is not toxic to pets, many will swallow the pits without bothering to chew them. Unfortunately, most pits are too large to pass safely through the pet's intestinal tract. This leads to life threatening blockages which can only be resolved by surgical intervention. If any such trees drop fruit in your yard, be sure to accompany your pet outdoors and supervise foraging activities. Pick up any fallen fruit promptly, and call your veterinarian immediately if your pet beats you to it.

Zohan recovers from emergency surgery after swallowing a canistel seed.

Meet Ada, Our June Pet Of The Month

 

World, meet Ada - our June Pet of the Month! Ada is a 15-month-old Dutch Malinois who came into her "pawrents" lives during the 2020 Puppy Boom. The Dutch Malinois is bred to be smart, driven, energetic, and hard working. And Ada is no exception. 

When she's not out and about with her humans, Ada can be found playing with her ball. Or looking for her ball. Or chasing her ball. Because ball is life. And life is good. And after ball time, it's couch time! You can see all of Ada's adventures by following her on Instagram at ada_the_dutchmal.

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

Ball defeated, time for couch!

Meet Buddy, Our May Pet Of The Month!

 

World, meet Buddy, our May Pet of the Month! 

Buddy is a 10-year-old orange tabby who, like many of Miami's fabulous felines, simply showed up and made himself at home. It didn't take long for Buddy to work his way into the hearts of his new humans - sometimes by way of a shoulder. 

When Buddy isn't doing his best parrot imitation, he can be found relaxing with his fellow fur kids or hanging out in the birdbath. He's always a good sport about coming to see his friends at Sabal Chase, especially on acupuncture days with Dr. Rose. Buddy is being treated for inappetence related to kidney disease, and is always calm and content throughout his sessions.

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

A parrot in a past life...?

Or some other kind of songbird...?

Acupuncture For Pets

 

Acupuncture For Pets

Pets who suffer from arthritis, anxiety, digestive problems, chronic pain, or neurological disorders may benefit from veterinary acupuncture. This ancient Chinese practice is becoming more commonly used to complement traditional Western veterinary practices such as surgery and medication. While not all veterinarians are trained in its use, modern research has shown that acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation in our companion animals. 

Veterinary acupuncturists place thin needles into specific points in joints, fascia, tendons and nerve fibers. This eases the pet's clinical signs by changing the way the patient perceives pain, or stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain. Our own dog Grendel received regular acupuncture treatments, and lived seventeen good years.  This despite being prone to many of the orthopedic problems that plague older Dachshunds. Your pet's veterinarian can let you know if acupuncture is right for your pet, and may be able to recommend a local practitioner. 

Grendel enjoying her Monday morning acupuncture sessions.

Meet Matilda, Our April Pet Of The Month!

 

World, meet Matilda, our April Pet of the Month!

Matilda came to us as part of the pandemic inspired puppy boom of 2020. To the extent that lockdowns allowed, Matilda has been quite the gal about town, accompanying her mom on errands and enjoying the occasional Puppuccino at Starbucks. Just check out her Instagram at fraulein_woof. She's a star!

Her most significant role in the Sabal Chase world, however, involves being the apple of Luis's eye. Whenever she comes in for a visit, he makes it a point to snuggle his special girl.

Congratulations, Matilda and share with all your friends - not only are you an influencer extraordinaire, you're our Pet of the Month!

The Benefits of Kennel Training

 

The Benefits of Kennel Training

While veterinarians and behaviorists generally agree that crate training is ideal for both puppies and adult dogs, many pet parents confess they cannot bear the thought of seeing their pets "locked in a cage." Our dogs' wild ancestors, however, spent much of their time in dens. The den was where they would sleep, hide, shelter from the elements, and raise their litters. Kennel training simply takes advantage of the natural instincts our pets still possess as descendants of these early den dwellers. 

A kennel trained dog will perceive their kennel as a safe space in which to ride out thunderstorms, take a break from a bustling party, or duck out of reach of a curious, but overbearing toddler. Dogs who know they can retreat to their own space are better equipped to cope with anxiety, and therefore less likely to bite. Additionally, crate trained dogs are happier at boarding facilities, meaning we pet parents can travel with greater peace of mind. When we decide to bring our pets along for the trip, the kennel provides instant familiarity and comfort. While the surroundings may be new and strange, kennels allow our dogs to feel like they are traveling with their own special room, as well as joining us in our adventures. And the only thing more fun than discovering the world, is discovering it with a dog.

Kennel trained dogs make great travel buddies!

Meet Lola, Our February Pet Of The Month!

 

World, meet Lola - our February Pet of the Month!

Lola is a six-month-old calico cat who absolutely rules the roost. When she's not posing for pictures or lobbying to go along on road trips, Lola can be found living her best life in her super comfy kitty bed. Lola boasts the rare feline trait of being both a feisty calico, and a laid back love bug. She's even chill for her veterinary exams, which means extra cuddles and fear free visits. 

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

"I can haz vacation?"

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!

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 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!

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 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.