New Year's Resolutions - Provide More Exercise- Part 2

This month, we’re talking about New Year’s Resolutions that include our pets.  Here’s another tip to help make 2014 a happier healthier New Year.

Provide more exercise.  Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not stay in shape by running around  the yard by themselves.  The best way to keep our dogs lean and healthy is to take them for a brisk walk. This has the added benefit of providing exercise for us as well!  Cats can burn calories by playing with an inexpensive, interactive “cat dancer” toy, or chasing a wind-up toy mouse.  Many unwanted feline behaviors as brought on by boredom, and these toys can help keep their minds engaged.

If you would like to start agility classes with your dog, or are planning more rigorous activities such as running or biking, please make an appointment to make sure your dog can safely enjoy these new adventures.

New Year's Resolutions - Part 1

As the New Year begins, many of us start to think about our New Year’s Resolutions.  This month we will talk about some simple, reasonable ways 

to make 2014 a better year for our pets.

Improve Their Diets

This is one of the most common resolutions people make, and with good reason.  A healthy diet is essential for living a full and active life. Generally speaking, quality pet diets are not sold in grocery stores.  

Switch to a diet with limited, quality ingredients and avoid foods containing corn, soy, wheat or by-products.  Transition to the new diet gradually, mixing the old and new foods over a period of several days to avoid any gastric upset.  

Break the habit of feeding “people food”, and ditch those calorically dense treats.  Treats should only be given as an earned reward, and even then, only in very small morsels.

Holiday Hazards Part 4 - Seasonal Plants

Holiday Hazards - Seasonal Plants

Lilies, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias have all been associated with toxic reactions in pets.  While many scholars disagree on which parts of the plants are dangerous and the types of levels that are toxic, it is best to keep your pets away from seasonal plants while the scientists slug it out.

Pine needles can cause mouth sores and digestive problems, so keep pets away from the Christmas tree, and don’t let them drink from the water in which the tree is placed.

Most importantly...HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Holiday Hazards Part 3 - Fatty or Toxic Foods

Holiday Hazards - Fatty or Toxic Foods

While many of us grew up giving bones and scraps to dogs, these are actually very dangerous for our pets.  Fatty foods can cause a serious medical condition called pancreatitis.  Bones cause problems for pets by impacting in the intestines or perforating them.  Secure trash that has been in contact with food.  Tinfoil, twine, and grease-soaked paper towels are just a few of the holiday mishaps that routinely darken our door.

Many common holiday goodies are toxic to pets.  The  two main culprits are nuts and chocolate. While some nuts, such as peanuts, do not contain toxins, they are difficult to digest, and can lodge in the intestines of smaller pets.  Dark chocolate, particularly baking chocolate, is especially dangerous, and can cause seizures and death.

Holiday Hazards Part 2

Lights and Candles

Shiny, dangly lights are lots of fun for our pets, but carry risks of choking, burns, and electrocution.  Teach pets that the Christmas tree and lights are off limits, and spray cords with a foul tasting product such as Bitter Yuck to reinforce the message.  Place burning candles where pets cannot be burned by them or knock them over.

Our December Pet of the Month is Owen!

December Pet of the Month

Our December Pet of the Month is Owen the Wonder Pug! Owen is 4 years old and a frequent guest here at Sabal Chase Animal Clinic. He is the star of his own Facebook page at www.facebook.com/owenthewonderpug. 

Owen lives life to the fullest, enjoying every single holiday! 

Holiday Hazards Part 1

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is very easy to overlook some of the hidden dangers to our pets.  Here are some of the most common hazards that can potentially spoil the most wonderful time of the year.

Tinsel and Ribbon

While not toxic, tinsel is very appealing to pets, especially cats.  If swallowed, it can wrap around the intestines, causing a life threatening injury.  The same is true of decorative ribbons and bows.  If you see your pet trying to pass tinsel or ribbon during the course of a “nature break”,  DO NOT pull it out, as this can cause further complications.  Seek veterinary care immediately.