New Year, New Pet ID

 

With the holidays in the rear view mirror, it's a good time to make sure all our pet's records are up to date. A good place to start is by making sure the information connected to microchips and tags is still current. 

When pets in Miami-Dade County receive their rabies vaccinations, they are also issued a county tag. On the back of each tag is a QR code to help anyone who may find a lost pet locate its family. Many pet parents are unaware, however, that this code is not preloaded with a family's contact information. When a tag is sold, pet parents must register it through the website on the back of the tag. This is not the same as registering your pet with Miami-Dade county. The latter is done by most veterinary facilities at the time of purchase. It's important for pet parents to go to PetHub.com in order to reap the full benefit of the QR code. When life changes, this information should be updated to reflect those changes. The same holds true for microchips. Before the new year brings new distractions, take a few moments to make sure all information is still relevant. The more accurate the registration, the greater the chance of a lost pet returning safely to its family.

Keep those cute tags current!

 

Driving In Cars With Dogs - Safely

 

If you're a pet parent hitting the road for the holidays, chances are you'll be faced with a set of puppy dog eyes, just begging you to let them ride shotgun. While it's hard not to smile at the sight of a happy dog sticking her head out the car  window while the wind tousles her ears, it's important to remember that one of our cars' most crucial safety features - the air bags - were not designed with dogs or cats in mind. And a recent study revealed one in five drivers admitted to driving with their pets in their laps. 

Even in low speed crashes, air bags can deploy at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. This degree of force can cause serious, even fatal injuries to a pet, even if the pet is in a crate. In simulated crash tests, popular pet carriers placed in the front seat and properly secured were crushed by the vehicles' airbags. Some of our patients have been injured by deploying airbags. One suffered a shattered scapula. The injury permanently altered his gait, which ended his show career. He was one of the lucky ones. When driving with pets, make sure they are not only properly secured, but safely ensconced in the back seat.

Vehicle airbags deploy at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour.
This dog should be secured in the back seat!

Meet Snoopy, Our November Pet Of The Month!

 

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

In honor of Senior Pet Awareness Month, we are shining the spotlight on Snoopy! This sweet girl is 19 years old - she has been a part of Sabal Chase Animal Clinic longer than the Kupkees have. But why call her senior - we prefer the term "vintage."

Despite her vintage status, Snoopy is always bright and aware during her veterinary visits. While she deals with some of the same challenges common to older humans (read, arthritis and exercise intolerance), her family has always stayed up to date with her wellness care, and treats her like the princess she knows she is. If your pet is a large breed dog over the age of seven, a small breed dog over the age of nine, or a cat over the age of eleven, ask about our senior wellness bloodwork discounts, available from now until the end of the year.

Congratulations, Snoopy and share with all your friends - like a fine wine, you just get better with age. That's why you're our Pet Of The Month!

This sassy senior is 19 years old - and only getting better with age!

It's Senior Pet Awareness Month!

 

November is Senior Pet Awareness Month - and thanks to advances in veterinary care and nutrition, our pets are living longer lives than ever.  But like their human counterparts, pets require additional routine wellness checks to ensure they age as gracefully as possible. 

As our furry friends grow older, they are more susceptible to diseases of the kidneys, liver, thyroid and cardio-vascular systems. Pet parents are advised to be more diligent about dental care, as some of these problems are directly linked to advanced dental disease. Older pets are also more prone to arthritis and cognitive decline. Senior pets should be thoroughly examined by your family's veterinarian at least twice per year.  From now until December 31st, we are offering a 20% discount on our canine and feline senior wellness packages. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your senior friend - and for what it's worth, we prefer the term "vintage."

Vintage and fabulous!

October Is Pet Obesity Awareness Month!

 

October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month. It’s also a great time to think about the paradigms which lead us to allow our pets become overweight or obese. We’ve all seen pet food commercials where Fluffy races around the corner, and skids to a halt in front of a heaping bowl of food. Some advertisements feature toy breed dogs plowing into portions more appropriate for  a Golden Retriever.  With these types of images bombarding pet parents’ senses, it’s little wonder that over 60% of America’s pets are either overweight or obese.

In their zeal to avoid becoming victims of marketing, many consumers will take what is normally a wise course of action, and follow the instructions on their pet’s food for feeding suggestions. However, the suggested portions printed on these bags are often way too large. Bear in mind these are only suggestions, and many food companies would rather err on the side of overfeeding, as opposed to underfeeding.  Additionally, pet food companies are for-profit entities. At the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, no company is going to print a label that basically tells consumers to consider using less of their product. Generally speaking, I advise my clients to read the recommended feeding amounts on the package, and reduce that amount by at least 20%.  Your veterinary team can better advise you on the best diets for your pet, as well as the amounts best suited for your pet’s individual needs.

This portion would feed this dog for at least five days!

Meet Phoebe, Our October Pet Of The Month

 

World, meet Phoebe, our October Pet Of The Month!

Phoebe is a six-month-old, long-haired dachshund who joined her family during the pandemic puppy boom. This little girl has Dr. Kupkee wrapped around her little finger/paw, as he often insists "butter wouldn't melt in her mouth." In addition to being adorable, Phoebe is a bottomless pit of energy, pouncing on her toys and running her brother Zeus ragged. Zeus outweighs Phoebe by about 80 pounds, but who's really keeping track? Cuteness and confidence always win the day. You can watch Phoebe's antics by following her on Instagram at phoebe.thedoxie.

Congratulations, Phoebe and share with all your friends - not only are you an Instagram star (and Dr. Kupkee's secret crush!) you're our Pet of the Month!

Don't be coy, Miss October - you know you're our
Pet of the Month!

Buying A Puppy? Buyer Beware

 

Buying A Puppy? Buyer Beware

As Covid variants threaten to extend our work from home experience, the pandemic puppy boom is still going strong. While it is always recommended to visit a local shelter in the hopes of finding that special little soul, there is still strong demand for purpose bred puppies. However. as reputable breeders run out of puppies, many buyers are turning to unlicensed hobby breeders selling puppies without the basic medical care needed to ensure they are healthy at the time of sale.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, dogs and puppies for sale must be vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. If the dog is over three months of age, a Rabies vaccine must be given by a licensed veterinarian. Animals must be checked for intestinal parasites and dewormed. Dogs over six months of age must be tested for heartworm disease as well. Pets sold in Miami-Dade County are required to be implanted with a microchip. All work must be documented on a Veterinary Health Certificate and signed by a licensed veterinarian. If you are in the market for a puppy, and the seller cannot produce this certificate, or launches into an elaborate story about why there is no certificate...run. Sadly, the increased demand for pets is creating a market for improperly bred puppies with health problems that can severely impact their quality of life.