Meet Charley, our October Pet of the Month

October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month - and to draw attention to round hound reality, we've asked Charley to be our October Pet Of The Month!

Charley is a six-year-old, mixed breed pound pup with a big heart - and up until recently - an even bigger waistline. Because of his size, he was not a suitable candidate for anesthesia, and he developed severe dental disease. When Charley was adopted, his new mom and dad trashed the treats, changed his diet, and took him for brisk, daily walks. Thanks to their efforts, Charley has lost over nine pounds. That's roughly 22% of his body weight!

Congratulations Charley, and share with all your friends! You're our biggest "loser" - and our Pet Of The Month!

Charley before

Charley after

Is My Cat In Pain?

Is My Cat In Pain?

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month - and now is a great time to look at our furry friends for signs which may indicate discomfort.

While a dog's body language tends to show clinical signs of pain, cats have been described by many in our profession as The Great Masqueraders. Generally speaking, cats will do everything in their power to hide their pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are many clues you can look for which can point to the presence of pain. When our cats are hurting, they can be a bit temperamental. This makes them more likely than usual to bite or scratch. They may also pant, or have a faster, more shallow pattern of breathing than usual. You may notice changes in their food or water intake, and subsequently, changes in their litter box habits. Any changes in your kitty's gait, mobility or energy level can also be signs of a brewing problem. Cats who stop grooming or who over groom, especially in localized areas of the body might also be trying to tell you something. Finally, be advised that a cat who purrs is not necessarily expressing contentment. Cats who are in pain will often purr to comfort themselves, so excessive purring or any change in vocalization, should be seen as a sign of trouble.

If you suspect your cat is in pain, it's important to take her to her veterinarian as soon as possible. Never give any pain relievers intended for human use, as even a single dose of over-the-counter children's formulas can be fatal to a cat. A thorough examination and routine diagnostics are often all that's needed to diagnose and treat your painful pet.

Meet Emma, Our September Pet Of The Month

This September, our Pet of the Month is Emma!  Emma is a 16-month-old Persian princess who loves being cuddled and looking fabulous. While this upscale cutie has no interest in looking for trouble, her mom has her covered with Trupanion Pet Insurance just in case trouble finds her. And since September is Pet Health Insurance Month, there's no better time to reflect on the peace of mind that the price of a modest premium can provide.

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

"Don't hate me 'cuz I'm beautiful!"

Pooches, Paws and Pavements

When it comes to summer temperatures, August in Miami is about as brutal as it gets. While most dog owners are aware of the risks of heatstroke in overly active pets, many are surprised by the effect of heat on dogs who are simply going for a walk.

Temperatures on or near the ground range from ten to forty degrees higher than ambient temperatures. This is especially problematic for darker colored dogs, brachycephalic (or "smush-faced") dogs, or dogs who are lower than usual to the ground. Outdoor exercise for these pets is especially challenging, and heat exhaustion can set in quickly. Additionally the ground temperatures of sidewalks and asphalt can burn the pads of their feet. A good rule of thumb when measuring heat tolerance is to simply place your hand on the pavement. Temperatures which feel uncomfortable for a human are likely to be dangerous to a dog. Until the hottest days of summer have passed, dog owners are advised to schedule walks for early mornings and after dusk.

Hot street, hot feet!

Meet Leo, Our August Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Leo. our August Pet of the Month!

Leo is a five-year-old tuxedo cat who provides our team with lots of love and cuteness during his stays at our kitty hotel. When he's not playing with his emoji toy, or sampling the newest batch of catnip, Leo enjoys being treated to a leisurely chin scratch. And he's none too shy about helping us find that perfect spot!

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

Yup, that's the spot...

Medical Problems of Indoor Cats

One of the most common sources of angst for veterinary professionals is the plight of the underserved cat. Unlike their canine counterparts, many pet cats never venture outdoors. While this is one of the healthiest and most environmentally responsible choices cat owners can make, the result is often a false sense of owner security.  It is often assumed that cats who never go outside never get sick, and therefore never need to go to the vet. Complicating matters further is the natural feline instinct to hide the clinical signs of illness for as long as possible.

The most common diseases seen in indoor cats include diabetes, renal failure, hyperthyroidism, dental disease, heart problems, and urinary tract disease. When caught early, all of these conditions are easily managed. Some can be reversed entirely, and others stopped in their tracks simply by changing your cat’s diet or adding a supplement. In advanced stages, however, these conditions become difficult and expensive to treat.  Additionally, the cat’s prognosis may be far more uncertain. If your cat lives exclusively indoors and has not had a checkup in over a year, call your veterinarian and schedule a visit as soon as possible.  An annual exam can easily add years to the life of your feline companion.

Indoor cats need checkups too!

Preparing Your Pets For Hurricane Season

It’s that time of the year, Miami.  We know what we’re supposed to do every June, and I’ll be the first to admit that for the past few years, I was shamefully lackadaisical in the hurricane planning department. Irma was a jarring wake-up call for me, and I suspect I am not alone. So let’s talk storm preparedness!

As many of us know, South Florida has hurricane shelters which allow you to bring your pets. What many people do not know, however, is that only some of our shelters are pet-friendly, and your pets must be registered ahead of time. For information on pre-registration, please contact animal services at http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/disaster-preparedness.asp.  Since spaces are limited, do this now if you would like to use this service.

When preparing your hurricane supply list, don’t forget about your pets. Make sure you have enough non-perishable food and bottled water for your pets, and double check the contents of the pet first aid kit. Be sure to refill their supplements and prescription medications. Decide where your pet will ride out a storm and have plenty of toys to keep him occupied. In Miami, hurricane preparation is a fact of life. It’s a small price to pay for living in the vibrant, sunny, diverse metropolis we are privileged enough to call home.

Grendel is ready for storm season!
Photograph by Joan Saperstein at PetStar Photography