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!

February Pet of the Month

Our February pet of the Month is Bandit! 

Little Miss Bandit was left with her siblings to fend for themselves at three months old! Luckily, her mom and dad saved them all, and even found them homes, but they couldn't say goodbye to Bandit.

Now she is living in luxury, and was even reunited with her mommy kitty, whom her owners also kept!

Congratulations, Bandit, and tell all of your friends- you're our Pet of the Month!

Breaking Bad Habits

Every January,  we ask ourselves how we can do better in the New Year. While often daunting, and not always kept, New Year’s resolutions can encourage us to embrace good habits, and break the bad ones. For pet owners, the New Year can also be a time to take an honest look at some of our pet’s bad habits!

A trainer once told me that his favorite challenges for new clients was “Name something your pet does that you know is naughty, but you let him get away with because it’s cute.” His favorite example was the owner of a West Highland Terrier who growled at her whenever she got into bed with her husband. She thought it was funny. The behavior escalated until the night the dog bared his teeth and lunged at her face. The end result was $10,000 worth of reconstructive surgery. If you don’t think your pet has any bad habits, examining those naughty, but “funny” or “cute” behaviors is a great place to start.

Unwanted behaviors nearly always escalate. Anxious barking can become destruction. Poor leash etiquette can cause injury to humans. Nipping can turn into biting. Now is the time to take an honest look at your pet’s behavior, and don’t despair if you don’t like what you see.  A Certified Professional Dog Trainer can help you get your dog’s behavior on track - and most of them are great with cat behavior as well!

Shedding The Holiday Pounds

Each year, the average American gains roughly six pounds during the holiday season.  And every January, my clients guiltily confess that their round hounds and festive felines were included in the feasts. It should therefore come as no surprise to hear that our pets tend to gain weight during the holidays as well.

If your New Year’s resolutions include getting in shape or shedding a few pounds, why not include your pets? Most of us could stand to be a bit more active. Our dogs would love nothing more than to join us on a walk or a bike ride. Classes in agility or nosework, and trips to dog-friendly parks are fun and inexpensive ways for the whole family to get out and get moving. If healthier eating is on your agenda, be sure to review your pet’s diet as well. It may be time to switch to a better, or more age-appropriate diet. Most importantly, throw away those commercial dog and cat treats. Treats are the caloric equivalent of candy bars, and most of my patients get several of these goodies every day! When you’re tempted to give your pet a treat, think of the treat as a king sized Snickers bar.  It’s a fast and effective way of changing the way we humans think about pet treats.

All They Want For Christmas Is You

All They Want for Christmas is You

A client who was in last week confessed that while she loved the idea of spending the holidays with an adopted shelter pet, the timing was just impossible.  The holidays at her house, she explained, were just short of utter chaos. The kids are wired, the whole family is in town, food is everywhere, doors get left open - adding a new pet to the mix just might push both her and the pet over the edge! Thankfully, the rescue community has already thought of an alternative.

For families who are rightfully concerned the timing of a holiday adoption, an adoption certificate may be the way to go. Petfinder’s Pet Promise certificate strives to re-open the dialogue about what is expected of a pet owner, and remind a potential adopter of the responsibilities involved in pet ownership. The giver agrees to cover the adoption fees, while giving the receiver the opportunity to pick the pet that best fits their lifestyle at whatever time of the year that is convenient. Regardless of your family’s “chaos factor”, a pet promise certificate may be the best way to provide a pet in need with a home for the holidays!

Homes for the Holidays

Homes for the Holidays

Every January, shelters across the country are over run with adolescent puppies and kittens that were purchased as holiday gifts.  While the idea of surprising the family with a Christmas kitty of a Hanukkah hound may sound appealing, most holiday shoppers are ill-prepared for the work and chaos a new pet can impose on an already hectic time of the year. But what about holiday pets that are adopted from shelters? Do they find themselves back at the pound with the impulse purchases gone wrong?

Surprisingly, new studies show that pets who are adopted and given as gifts almost NEVER get returned to the shelter! The reasons for this are not clear. Perhaps shoppers are more impulsive than adopters, perhaps adoptees are more likely to be older, and past the demanding (and often destructive) baby phase. But for once, the statistics favor the animals, and that’s a good thing!

If you are thinking of adding a new pet to your family, consider adopting one of the many sweethearts in our shelters.  It is always wise to enlist the help of a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, or an animal behaviorist to help you select a pet that will suit your family.  There are thousands of animals, including pure breeds, right here in Miami that would love one of Santa’s special helpers to give them a home for the holidays!

December Pet of the Month

Meet Vixen, our December Pet of the Month! Vixen is a 13 year old “Redland Rescue” who hit the jackpot with her forever family.  

Every December, animal advocates warn the public of the likelihood of pets purchased as gifts being surrendered to shelters in January. But what about adopted pets like Vixen?

An informal study by the ASPCA suggests that adopted holiday pets are bucking the post-holiday trends.  Unlike their purchased peers, adopted pets that are given as gifts have very low chances of being surrendered when the holiday season ends.

If you’re thinking of bringing home a pet for the holidays, consider a trip to a shelter or rescue organization to find that special soul. The greatest gift you can give a pet in need is a forever home - just ask Vixen!

Congratulations, Vixen and tell all your friends - you’re our Pet of the Month!

http://sabalchaseanimalclinic.com/home.html

Sharing the Feast

Sharing the Feast

Every Thanksgiving season, many pet parents beg my permission to share the Thanksgiving goodies with their four legged family members.  “But a little bit of turkey is okay, right?” they ask.

“I mean there’s turkey and chicken in his food.  And you even said sweet potato is good for them!”

While foods such as turkey and sweet potatoes are not “bad” for pets in and of themselves, bear in mind that any diet change can be upsetting to a dog or cat’s sensitive digestive tract.  Our foods are often basted, seasoned, garnished, and marinated in foods that are completely foreign to our pets. Sweet potato is good for your pet.  But the butter, brown sugar and marshmallows that make up Bubbe’s “special recipe” are not.  Butter and cooking oils are high in fats  - and even “good fats” can cause gastrointestinal upset.  Worse yet, fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis, a condition that can cost well over $1000 to treat, and can cost your pet his life if left untreated.  Many recipes also include onions.  Onions are the cause of Heinz body anemia, a blood disorder that is often fatal and again, costs thousands of dollars to treat.

While “people food” may be off-limits, bear in mind that this is a very hectic time of the year - and pets know it!  Many will help themselves to whatever they can find in garbage cans, recycling bins and things that have been dropped on the floor.  Strings, tin foil, roasting bags, and grease-soaked paper towels are just a few of the Black Friday emergencies I have treated throughout my career. Never set garbage bags on the floor.  They are fair game to a hungry hound.  A client learned this the hard way when her dachshund tore through the bag and ate the entire turkey carcass. I surgically removed it the next day.

My front desk is often asked why they have to work the day after Thanksgiving.  The answer usually starts with “Well, there was this dachshund one year that tore open the trash bag….”

For those of you who may be wondering, no it was not one of my dachshunds!  At least not that time...