It's National Train Your Dog Month!

January is National Train Your Dog Month.  What better time to address some of the behaviors that drove you crazy last year?  This month, many Americans will make New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives by improving themselves. It’s not much of a stretch to incorporate our pets into our new routines.

Many common canine nuisance behaviors are rooted in boredom. Dogs are social animals, and living with humans often requires them to spend many hours alone while their owners are at work.  Boredom can easily escalate to anxiety, and anxious dogs often resort to barking, chewing, biting, and destroying property.  Since most of us gain weight over the holidays anyway, now is a good time to get back in shape by taking our dogs on a brisk, daily walk.  For dogs that are alone for long periods of time, food puzzles and frozen Kong toys can help your dog’s mind stay focused and sharp.  Dogs who do nothing but sleep during the day can be overly excited when we get home.   While this is understandable, it also tends to drive dog owners crazy.  Interactive toys help them to stay awake and alert, so they are calmer by the time their owners return.  And as schedules return to the pre-holiday norm, consider hiring a trainer or enrolling in some group classes.  At Casa Kupkee, we will be setting up a canine agility course!  Stay tuned...

Meet Val, our January Pet of the Month!

January is National Train Your Dog Month, and to celebrate, we're honoring Val as our Pet of the Month.  Val is a Papillion with a lot of energy, a willingness to please, and a quick wit.  These traits make him the perfect candidate to compete in obedience.  Here he is, sporting a ribbon with his mom at his first competition!  Keep up the great work, Val - and tell all your friends you're our Pet Of The Month!

Meet Berrin, Our December Pet Of The Month

Today is National Mutt Day, and to celebrate, we’ve named Berrin our December Pet of the Month!  Berrin was adopted from Miami Dade Animal Services, and her lineage is truly anybody’s guess.  Papillion? Spitz? Miniature Border Collie? Red Australian Cattle Dog? All of the above?  All we know for sure is that she is 100% adorable!  

Mixed breed dogs are less prone to congenital health problems.  They are great conversation starters (“What kind of dog is that?”), and are truly one of a kind.  So congratulations, Berrin, and tell all your friends - you’re our Pet of the Month!

Oh, and Happy National Mutt Day!

Obesity and the Pet Food Marketing Machine

Obesity and the Pet Food Marketing Machine

We’ve all seen those adorable pet food commercials where a pet comes racing around the corner, and skids to a halt in front of a heaping bowl of food. Emphasis on heaping! If you’ll pardon the obvious pun, this is a huge pet peeve for me. Some advertisements feature toy breed dogs plowing into portions that would gorge a Golden Retriever.  With these types of images bombarding the pet owning public’s senses, it’s little wonder that over 60% of America’s pets are either overweight or obese.

In their zeal not to avoiding becoming victims of marketing, many consumers will take what is normally a wise course of action, and the read the instructions on their pet’s food for feeding suggestions. However, the suggested portions of dog and cat food printed on these bags are often enough to make my jaw hit the floor. Bear in mind that 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 please use 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 more quality foods the market has to offer, as well as the amounts best suited for your pet’s individual needs.

We Love our Veterinary Nurses!

It’s Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week!

This week, we take the time to officially express the gratitude and appreciation we feel towards our veterinary technicians. At Sabal Chase Animal Clinic, we call these caring professionals nurses. After all, they fix pets, not computers! When a bleeding emergency rushes through the door, our nurses are the first to render aid. When your pet recovers from anesthesia, he does so in the arms of one of our awesome nurses. They are the first ones to arrive at the office and the last ones to leave.  They make it possible for our doctors to do what they do. Did we mention they do all of the above while getting pooped, peed and puked on?! And so this week, we say what’s in our hearts every day of every week - thank you! You are loved, you are valued, you are needed, you are appreciated. We couldn’t do it without you.

Meet Deagan, Our October Pet Of The Month!

Meet Deagan, Our October Pet Of The Month!

October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month! To celebrate, we’ve named Deagan our Pet of the Month. Deagan is the Sabal Chase equivalent of The Biggest Loser, having lost a whopping 17 pounds in 11 months! His mom credits reasonable portions of quality food, and more emphasis on exercise as key factors in his success. While it has been difficult at times to resist those big brown eyes, his increased energy levels and quality of life remind everyone in the household that the bigger picture is more important. Additionally, Deagan’s family has found healthy alternatives to pre-packaged pet treats. Treats are massive sources of hidden calories and fat. In his book “Chow Hounds”, veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward explains how a single Snausages SnawSomes Peanut Butter and Apple treat is the caloric equivalent of four large slices of Domino’s Pizza with extra cheese for a human! 

Yikes!!!

Congratulations Deagan, and brag to all your friends - you’re our Pet of the Month!

Deagan before

Deagan after!

It's Back To School Time!

Summer is a time when many families decide to bring home a new pet.  When children are home from school, and routines are more relaxed, more time can be spent helping the new pet adjust, and teaching children about the responsibilities of pet ownership.  When the school year starts, and routines change drastically, the pet can easily become confused or develop separation anxiety.  This is especially true of pets who were brought home as puppies or kittens, and are now entering adolescence.

If you suspect your pet has the back-to-school blues, be sure to include them in the morning routine.

Feed them one of their main meals at this time, as they are more likely to sleep throughout the day if their belly is full.  Designate a special toy that is only given to them by the children, and only as the children are leaving for the day.  Look for toys marketed as food  puzzles or brain teasers that will allow your pet to entertain himself.  A “cat sitter” DVD with images of birds and squirrels can keep a bored kitty entertained for hours.  Allow both pets and children to play together and blow off steam as soon as the kids get home.  When it’s time for homework, encourage the pet to sit quietly near the children as they study.  Making the afternoon routine predictable and fun will give your pets something to look forward to, and make it easier for them to cope with being alone all day.

Stormy Weather

Here in South Florida, June tends to be the rainiest month of the year. And while the wet stuff is a welcome respite from our bone dry winters, the thunder can be terrifying for our pets.  While both cats and dogs can suffer from storm anxiety, cats generally have much better coping skills. Be sure to provide your cat with plenty of places to hide, including closets and underneath beds. Open-mouthed breathing or inappropriate urination may require a trip to vet for some anti-anxiety medication. Don’t try to cuddle or hug a frightened cat unless she initiates. More than likely, she will want to hide by herself, and it is best to let her do that.

It is also wise to give dogs a safe to hide, but unlike their feline counterparts, they may need to be taught to go there. A dog’s “safe space” should be small and cozy, with as much insulation against sound as possible. The corner of a closet can be fitted with a crate that will be further insulated by hanging clothes. Keep chew toys and favorite things inside the crate to encourage your dog to go there, and praise him lavishly when he does so. If you are home when a storm hits, try  running through a routine of any obedience or trick commands your dog may know. This will help boost his confidence, and help him to focus on you, not the storm. For more information on storm anxiety, check out this page on our website! http://www.sabalchaseanimalclinic.com/training/stormanxietytips.html

Hurricane Prep

Remember those balmy, breezy, 75 degree days we enjoyed while New England wa buried in snow? Well, South Floridians, it’s payback time! June marks the beginning of hurricane season, the time of the year when friends to the north DON’T want to be here!

Many people know that South Florida has hurricane shelters that 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, click here. http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/pet_shelter_booklet.pdf. 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 their 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.

Don't Push a Patient Pet

Last year, an acquaintance told my wife that they were forced to rehome their dog after said dog bit their daughter. When my wife asked if anyone knew what provoked the bite, the mother replied, “Absolutely nothing! Maddie was just in front of Peaches’s face, barking at Peaches like she was a dog. It’s their favorite game - they played it all the time. But this time, Peaches just snapped.”

Let me make this perfectly clear. Dogs NEVER “just snap”. EVER.

I am willing to bet that a fly on the wall would have seen a dog that was showing subtle signs of discomfort, stress, avoidance, or aggravation. And just like their human companions, every dog has a breaking point. A pet that is being tolerant of that kind of in-your-face (literally) behavior, should be rewarded, not forced to endure it further. Instruct children who are harassing dogs that what’s fun for them is considered rude to dogs. Remove younger children from the situation. For older children, take advantage of the teachable moment to learn about more appropriate ways to interact with the family pet.  A patient pet should be cherished and loved, not forced into a situation that causes her to lose her home.

For more information on preventing dog bites to children, click

here.

http://sabalchaseanimalclinic.com/training/usefuladviceforparents.html

To watch Theresa and Betty teach bite prevention at a local pre-school, click here!

http://sabalchaseanimalclinic.com/training/teachkidstoavoidbites.html

It's Getting Hot Out There!

It’s Getting Hot out There!

While the rest of the country begins to thaw, Spring in South Florida is beginning to sizzle. While the animal care community invests copious resources warning pet parents about the dangers of heat, veterinarians still see a surprising number of heat related injuries and emergencies.

As temperatures begin to climb, pet parents need to take special care not to forget about pets that are in their cars. A startling number of American pets still die in locked cars during the summer months. Even on an overcast day, temperatures inside a locked car can reach lethal levels very quickly. Animal care activists have suggested that pet parents tie a ribbon around the door handle or steering wheel of their vehicles every time they have their pets in the car. In theory, this should serve as a reminder of a pet’s presence.

The following is a video made by a colleague named Dr. Ernie Ward. To raise awareness of heat related pet deaths, Dr. Ward sat in a hot car with the windows slightly open and documented his own response. It is everyone’s hope that his efforts will help pet parents to pay more attention to the fur babies in the back seat.

May Pet of the Month

Meet Cujo, our May Pet of the Month. Cujo is a 10 year old Sharpei mix with a heart of gold, and the spirit of a champion! In September Cujo was diagnosed with a type of cancer known as distal jejunum adenocarcinoma. His mom and dad wasted no time starting chemotherapy treatment. After 6 months of treatment Cujo was officially in remission and showing no signs of slowing down. This big marshmallow is both a lover and a fighter! Congratulations Cujo and tell all your friends- you're our May Pet of the Month!

Pet First Aid Part 2

April is the American Red Cross’s Pet First Aid Awareness Month! Here are some vital pet first aid products you didn't know you already had.

Corn Starch

Corn starch can be dabbed onto a broken or torn toenail to stop the bleeding. While styptic powder is a better choice, this common pantry item will do the trick in a pinch.  Once the bleeding stops, encourage your pet to relax, and monitor for signs of infection.

Benadryl

This popular, inexpensive, over the counter medication can be safely given to dogs who are scratching, or exhibiting small, puffy welts. Large welts, hives, or facial swellings should NOT be medicated at home. Your pet will need injectable antihistamines to stave off anaphylactic shock. Take him to a veterinarian immediately.

Dogs can safely be given one milligram of Benadryl per pound of body weight up to every eight hours. NEVER EVER EVER give Benadryl Allergy with Decongestant, or any product containing a decongestant. The only active ingredient in the product should be diphehydramine.  Pets may be drowsy after taking Benadryl.

Unflavored Pedialyte

A pet who has been vomiting needs to replace lost electrolytes. Most are happy to lap up unflavored Pedialyte. Spike it with a bit of healthy chicken broth (low fat, low sodium, no MSG) and he will find it irresistible. Do NOT give sports drinks, as they contain unhealthy amounts of sugar. The sugar free, or reduced calorie versions may contain artificial sweeteners that can lead to serious illness.

None of these remedies should ever be substituted for proper veterinary care. First aid is meant only as stop gap for a problem that can not be solved right away. Take your pet for a follow-up visit to your veterinarian as soon as you are able to do so.

Pet First Aid

April is the American Red Cross’s Pet First Aid Awareness Month! If you've ever thought about a home first aid kit for your pets, now is the time to make it happen. Here are some of the items you should have in your pet’s first aid kit.

Numbers and directions to the nearest emergency clinic

Let’s start with the most obvious. First aid is never meant to be a cure. Once your pet is stable,  he will need to be seen by a veterinarian. Include written directions as well as a map. While this may seem redundant, it is difficult to think straight under extreme stress. Make it as easy for yourself as you possibly can. Include the information for your pet’s regular veterinarian so that pet sitters or other family members will know what to do in your absence. Most general practitioners will see emergencies during regular business hours, so depending on when your emergency occurs, you may not need to go to an emergency facility. If you have time, and can do so safely, call the facility and let them know you are en route. Briefly state the nature of the problem and your pet’s approximate weight. If time is of the essence, just go. It’s our job to handle emergencies.

Number for the Pet Poison Hotline

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, and he is not in need of immediate assistance, or if you are unsure whether or not a compound is toxic, call the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661. They are open 24 hours, seven days per week. While the call is toll free, at the time of this writing, there is a $39 fee per incident.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is useful for the induction of vomiting. Never use it on wounds as it kills normal cells in addition to bacteria. This can impede healing and result in scarring. Do not induce vomiting without first contacting your veterinarian or an emergency facility. Some toxins cause as much damage on the way up as they do on the way down, so only do this if the professionals advise you to do so.

Turkey Baster or Syringe Without a Needle

See “induction of vomiting” above.

Basket Muzzle

Even the most well-trained dog may bite when frightened or in pain. A basket muzzle will protect you from a bite while still allowing your pet to pant, drink water or vomit.

Tweezers

These are useful for removing thorns, stingers, and ticks.

Antiseptic Wash or Wipes

Chlorhexidine or Betadine are inexpensive and can be purchased just about anywhere.

Sterile Eye Wash

Blunt-Tipped Bandage Scissors

Gauze Bandaging

Band-Aids

Never use these on your pet’s skin as they will be painful to remove. Band-aids are useful for keeping gauze bandaging in place.

Rectal Thermometer

Make sure you know ahead of time what your pet’s normal body temperature range should be. It will always be higher than a human’s, so don’t be alarmed by high numbers or “fever” warnings if you are using a product designed for human babies.

KY Jelly

See “rectal thermometer” above.

Karo Syrup

This is a must for small dogs, as they are prone to hypoglycemia.

Styptic Powder

Use this to stop bleeding in torn toenails. For bleeding wounds, QuickClot, available at most pharmacies, can literally be a lifesaver.

Latex Gloves

Towels

Handling Devices

Depending on what type of pet you have, include leashes, carriers, or pillowcases and towels for frightened kitties. You don’t want to run around looking for these when time is of the essence.

A Sturdy Box

Package your supplies, mark the box clearly, decide where it will go and DON’T MOVE IT.

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it’s enough to start a family conversation regarding emergency procedures for your pets.

April Pet of the Month

Meet Piglet, our April Pet of the Month! Piglet is an 11 year old diva who shares her house with rescue and foster dogs. Sounds hectic? Not with Piglet around! This feisty feline rules the roost. Congratulations, Piglet and tell all your friends. You’re our Pet of the Month!

Pet Poison Awareness Part 2

While some human medications can be used safely in pets, always consult your veterinarian first. Never assume that medications which are safe for children or babies are also safe for pets. Here is a list of some of the most common causes of medication toxicity,

Tylenol (even a single, small dose can be fatal to cats)

Ibuprofen

Naproxen

Aspirin

Diet pills

Adderall (used to treat ADHD in children)

Sleep aids

Decongestants

Anti-anxiety medications

Anti-depressants

Anti-convulsants

Marijuana

If you suspect your pet has ingested a medication, call your veterinarian immediately. If poisoning is suspected, take the medication packaging with you to the vet. Most importantly, be honest with your veterinarian and staff about what your pet may have ingested.  Accidents happen. We are not there to judge you. Knowing what your pet may have eaten saves precious time and avoids the expense of unnecessary diagnostics.

Pet Poison Awareness Part 1

Every year, thousands of dogs and cats are rushed to the vet after ingesting poisonous plants. While the following list is by no means all-inclusive, we will focus on plants commonly used for South Florida landscaping and holiday decorating.

Holly, Poinsettias, and Amaryllis

These Christmas favorites are very attractive to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and ulcers. Keep out of your pet’s reach and call your vet immediately if you think they may have eaten some.

Carnations, Baby’s Breath, and Chrysanthemums

Nothing says Happy Valentine’s Day like a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. But these particular varieties, whilst very popular, can cause illness in cats and dogs.

Asters, Lilies, and Tulips

These cut flowers are popular at Easter, but contain toxins that can sicken our pets.  Keep these springtime favorites well away from curious pets.

Common House Plants

Spider plants, Dieffenbachia, Scheifflera and Pothos Ivy all contain toxins that can sicken our pets. Additionally, castor beans, while rarely grown indoors, are often used to make ornamental jewelry sold as souvenirs in Africa and the Caribbean. The ingestion of just a single bean can lead to organ failure and death! It is best to avoid bringing any jewelry made of beans or seeds into your home.

In The Garden

Oleander, Sago Palms, and certain species of Lantana can be be deadly if ingested by our pets. While some Lantana species are beneficial to our environment, the variety with multi-colored flowers and small purple berries should be avoided. In addition to being a problem for our pets, they are an invasive species that should not be planted in South Florida.

While many mushrooms are harmless to our pets, identifying individual species requires years of training and expertise. The false morel is highly toxic, and the bright yellow flowerpot mushroom is poisonous as well. Since mushrooms can literally pop up overnight, and pets seem naturally drawn to them, it is wise to be on the lookout for them, and to teach our pets to leave them alone.

If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant, bring the plant with you when you take her to the vet. If your pet is NOT in distress, you can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. A nominal fee is usually charged for this service.

March Pet of the Month

Our Pet of the Month for March is Sunny! Sunny is a 13 year old dachshund with an adorable overbite that rival’s Grendel’s! And like a typical dachshund, she loves to eat and isn't picky. Congratulations, Sunny! Tell all your friends - you’re our Pet of the Month!

Dental Care At Home

If you’re like most pet owners (myself included), you’ve probably realized you could do a better job of keeping your pet’s teeth healthy and clean. While good habits take a while to become routine, a little diligence can go a long way towards preventing long-term health problems and expensive trips to the vet.

Once your pet’s teeth have been professionally cleaned, try to establish a routine that will help them to stay that way. Since your pet’s gums may be slightly sore after a professional cleaning, we always recommend waiting a week before attempting to brush his teeth at home. In the meantime, start using a water additive to keep plaque and tartar from accumulating. When it’s time to start brushing, be sure to select a toothpaste that is specially formulated for pets. Human grade toothpastes are not meant to be ingested, and pets are not able to spit it out like we do. Choose a toothpaste with an enzymatic cleansing agent and most importantly, make sure your pet likes the taste! Lift the lip at each quadrant and gently brush the teeth and gumline. Since the enzymatic cleansers actually digest bacteria, it is not necessary to vigorously scrub as we do when we brush our own teeth. Be sure to give your pet lots of praise so he associates brushing with making you happy. When we brush our own dogs’ teeth, we always end the exercise by letting them lick the toothbrush clean. It freshens their breath and makes them feel like they’re getting a tasty treat!

Since it takes several weeks for a routine to become a habit, aim for a brushing session every day. While three times a week is likely to get you the results you want, striving for a daily cleaning allows for normal lapses in said routine. Life is hectic. Go easy on yourself

Click here to watch a video of Grendel getting her teeth brushed!

http://sabalchaseanimalclinic.com/videos/brushyourdogsteeth.html

Is My Pet’s Mouth Really Cleaner Than Mine?

If you born any time before the Clinton administration, you probably remember hearing the expression “An animal’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s!”  If you’ve ever stopped to wonder whether or not this is true, allow me to clarify once and for all.

It’s not!

Spinal Tap is not a real band, there is no such thing as a jackelope, and an animal’s mouth is absolutely not cleaner than a human’s. Like humans, our pets deal with routine dental problems such as plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and tooth decay. But unlike humans, our pets don’t brush or floss on a daily basis. Left untreated, dental problems can lead to life-threatening medical conditions such as kidney disease, systemic infections, and congestive heart failure.

If you’ve never given your pet’s teeth much thought, you may want to have a look. Carefully lift the upper lift up towards his nose. If he pulls his head away, or won’t let you touch his face, do not try again. He may be experiencing pain or discomfort, and he may bite you if you inadvertently hurt him. Let your veterinarian do this for you. If your pet complies, look at the gums. They should be pink as opposed to red. Look for any chips or breaks, bearing in mind that these are not always obvious to the untrained eye.  While some light staining on the teeth is not unusual, generally speaking, the teeth should be white. Hard brown clumps mean it’s time for a cleaning. Finally, if your pet is comfortable, lean in and have a sniff. If his breath conjures images of green vapor, it’s definitely time for a trip to the vet!

And don’t look for jackelopes in the waiting room!