Meet Max and Mindi, Our July Pets of the Month

This July, our Pets of the Month are Max and Mindi!  Sure they may be gentle giants now, but this brother and sister team has been part of the Sabal Chase family since their especially fluffy, adorable, initial puppy visits.  While they may be all grown up, this dynamic duo are just as sweet, and will always have a special place in our hearts.

Congratulations, Max and Mindi, and share with all your friends - you're our Pets of the Month!

Pets And Diabetes

November is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month, and while diabetes in pets is not uncommon, many pet parents are surprised to learn that a disease so prevalent in humans can affect their pets as well. For reasons veterinary researchers do not fully understand, diabetes tends to be more common in female dogs than in males.  Certain breeds of dogs are predisposed as well, including, but not limited to, dachschunds, schnauzers, poodles, and pugs. Cats are far more likely to develop diabetes than dogs.  According to official numbers, 1 in 400 cats is diabetic, but since cats are experts at hiding signs of illness, the actual number is probably much higher.

Diabetes in both cats and dogs generally develops between six and nine years of age. Clinical signs include increased thirst, increased or inappropriate urination, recurring urinary tract infections, change in appetite, change in gait, and lethargy. Treatment can be as simple as a change in diet, but many pets require medication or insulin injections for life. A new type of insulin has been shown to put diabetic cats into remission after several months - or even weeks - of treatment! Just like their human counterparts, cats and dogs are far more prone to diabetes if they are overweight or obese.  For this reason, (and many others) it is wise to ensure your pets maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle.

Meet Jade, Our November Pet Of The Month!

This November, our Pet of the Month is Jade! Jade is a 16-year-old tabby who’s got her whole family wrapped around her proverbial little finger.  And with good reason. Jade is always a trooper when she comes in to see Dr. Kupkee and all of her friends, and on most days, nothing seems to slow this sassy senior down.  Congratulations, Jade - tell all of your friends. You’re our Pet of the Month!
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What is a Service Dog?

What is a Service Dog?

September is National Service Dog Month! It’s also a good time to answer one of the most commonly asked questions on this topic: What exactly IS a Service Dog?

According to the Department of Justice (the agency that regulates and protects Service Dogs under section III of the Americans with Disabilities Act), a Service Dog is trained to perform tasks that a disabled person cannot do, or tasks that alleviate the effects of a person’s disability.  For example, a Service Dog may be trained to dial 911, alert a diabetic handler to dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar levels, retrieve dropped items, guide a blind handler, or provide physical stability to a handler with mobility or balance issues.  A Psychiatric Service Dog might physically block a handler in a dissociative state from walking into dangerous situations, or may redirect a handler who suffers from panic attacks or PTSD.  By law, the behaviors that designate Service Dogs must be learned behaviors, as opposed to behaviors a dog may naturally display. For example, a dog whose mere presence provides comfort to a handler with an anxiety disorder is NOT a Service Dog. While such a dog may qualify as an Emotional Support Animal, or ESA, these animals are not granted the same rights and privileges as a Service Dog.  For more information, visit www.ada.gov/serviceanimals.

Meet Aya, Our September Pet Of The Month!

September is National Service Dog Month, and to celebrate, we’re featuring Aya, our September Pet of the Month! Aya is a three year old German Shepherd who assists her handler in overcoming mobility issues. Because of Aya, her owner is able to enjoy a quality of life that was previously impossible. For more information on Service Dogs, please visit www.ada.gov/serviceanimals.

Congratulations, Aya! Keep up the great work, and share with your friends - you’re our Pet of the Month!

Aya assists her handler, Sheila at the grocery store.

Dogs and Swimming

A question I am often asked during the summer is whether or not all dogs instinctively know how

to swim.  Many breeds of dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and

Portuguese Water Dogs are both physically built and genetically wired for swimming, while

many other breeds do not fare nearly as well.  Dogs with deep chests, such as Boxers,

Weimaraners, and Great Danes are naturally top heavy, and may or may not be strong enough

to make up for this natural imbalance.  Brachycephalic, or “smushy-­faced” breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers tend to be very poor swimmers and are common victims of

drownings.  While some of these dogs may enjoy the water, my recommendation is to only allow

swimming if the dog is wearing a life ­vest, on a leash, and very closely supervised.

While Dachshunds are not generally a water-­loving loving breed, our little Grendel is a skilled

and enthusiastic swimmer! That being said, she has yet to figure out how to budget enough

energy to return to shore before running out of energy. This is not an uncommon problem, so

dog owners should be certain to teach their dogs how to reach the side of the pool and climb out

unassisted. Consider installing a doggie pool ramp and teaching your dog where it is and how to

use it.  Dogs that swim in natural bodies of water must be taught to return to you on command

without exception.  Since Grendel will not do this consistently, she is only allowed to swim in the

bay attached to a long, extendable leash.  As she ages, we are more inclined to add the life

vest.  It is important to remember our dog’s changing physical abilities as each new summer

rolls around.  Dogs that are elderly, blind, deaf, or prone to seizures must never be left

unattended near any bodies of water or unfenced pools.

Meet Leia, Our August Pet of the Month!

Leia was adopted last month from Miami Dade Animal Services. Leia rules the roost in her new home, and her favorite place to be is on top of her new dad’s head! Leia has plenty of friends looking for forever homes in our shelter. If you’ve thinking of adopting a furry friend, check out our social media platforms for details, using the hashtag #ClearTheShelters.

Congratulations Leia and share with your friends - you’re our Pet of the Month!

It's National Pet Fire Safety Day!

It’s National Pet Fire Safety Day!

According to the National Fire Protection Association,  roughly 1,000 house fires per year are accidentally started by pets.  While this number seems high, it’s a bit easier to fathom when you factor in all the ways in which our pets get into trouble.  Since today is National Pet Fire Safety Day, let’s talk about some ways to keep the whole family safe.

Switch to Flameless Candles

Many house fires are started when candles are knocked over by agile cats, or swept to the floor by dog’s wagging tail. It’s so easy to forget about a burning candle. Give yourself one less thing to worry about and switch to flameless varieties.

Cover Stove Knobs

A surprisingly high number of house fires are caused by “counter surfing” pets who accidentally turn on stove tops! Since toddlers and small children are guilty of this as well, there are many products on the market that turning on the stove impossible for both human kids and fur-kids.

Be Mindful of Electrical Cords

Dogs, puppies, kittens, cats, house rabbits - they all LOVE chewing and playing with electrical cords. Keep them out of your pet’s reach and consider securing pets in crates, or separate rooms when you are not at home.

Keep Crated Pets Near a Window or Door

This will make it easier for firefighters to reach them, which increases their chances of being rescued from a fire. Keep leashes nearby as well, as this can save precious time in a rescue situation.

Alert Firefighters to Your Pet’s Presence

If you don’t think firefighters are willing to risk their lives to save an animal, think again! That being said, make it a bit easier for them. If you’re calling in a fire, let them know how many pets you have and where they are located. Better yet, place “Save My Pet” decals on your windows. While we hope this type of advice is never needed, it’s always better to safe - and prepared - than sorry.

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