Puppy Kindergarten

For people over the age of forty (like me), and folks who were not brought up in this country (like me!) the growing popularity of puppy kindergarten can come as an initial shock.  While it’s easy to see how spending time in a classroom full of puppies would be fun, I am sometimes asked if such classes benefit the puppies, or are simply an example of brilliant marketing.

The first 8-10 weeks of a puppy’s life is known as the Fear Impact Period. Puppies are easily frightened, and lessons learned during this stage tend to be permanent. During this time, it is crucial to expose your puppy to as many new experiences as possible, provided they occur in a positive, controlled setting. During this vital stage of life, puppies are taught to properly interact with other dogs in a fun, non-threatening environment. Such classes also provide play-based introductions to obedience concepts. These early sessions are geared  toward building confidence and providing positive experiences, rather than teaching specific behaviors. The result is a confident, well-socialized dog who is eager to learn how to better meet your expectations in every stage of life.

Meet Finn, Our May Pet Of The Month!

This May, our Pet Of The Month is Finn!

Finn is an eight-week-old Australian Shepherd, and the newest addition to the Sabal Chase pack. Tiffany and her family brought Finn home yesterday, and this bundle of cuteness has kept everyone on their toes and entertained.

Congratulations, Finn and share with all your new friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Are You Allergic To Your Pet?

Roughly ten percent of Americans suffer from allergies to household pets. As a result, many cats and dogs are surrendered to shelters by owners who feel they have no choice but to rehome their pets. While decisions regarding the management of allergy symptoms are best made by patients and their physicians, many allergic individuals find relief without removing their pets from the environment.

Allergic symptoms and reactions are the result of the total cumulative allergen load. In other words, allergy sufferers are generally allergic to multiple triggers within the home besides the pet. Dust mites, mold, natural fibers and cleaning products are also common household allergens. By reducing the presence of other allergens, many pet owners find they can tolerate the allergens produced by their pets. Allergic pet owners should also consider making bedrooms off-limits to pets, changing air conditioner filters more frequently, and limiting the use of fabrics inside the home. Such changes can drastically reduce the total cumulative allergen load, as well as the chances of having to say goodbye to a cherished member of the family.

Meet Oscar, Our April Pet Of The Month

World, meet Oscar, our April Pet Of The Month!

Earlier this year, this sweet boy accidentally escaped from his house. For five weeks, his frantic mom searched the neighborhood and posted his picture on social media. Despite the Negative Nellies who advised her to give up, she persevered and never stopped hoping.

Five weeks later, Oscar returned home, a tad dehydrated but none the worse for wear. While he undoubtedly had quite the adventure, something about this look suggests he wouldn't tell his secrets if he could!

Congratulations Oscar, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

"Guess where I've been? Nope. Not telling!"

Cats and Essential Oils: A Hidden Hazard

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month!  Many pet parents are aware of the dangers to pets posed by cleansers, medications and table foods. But what about those all-natural aromatherapy diffusers and sprays? While the essential oils used in these products can be beneficial for humans, some can cause problems for pets. Others still can be fatal to our cats.

Our pets rapidly absorb essential oils via the mouth, or over the surface of the skin. They are then metabolized by the liver. Cats, however, lack the enzyme they need to process and eliminate the toxins which occur naturally in certain oils. They are also inclined to develop respiratory problems from inhaling vaporized oils. While the full scope of essential oils known to sicken cats is not currently known, the following is a list of oils with a well-documented history of toxicity. They include, but are not limited to, pine, citrus, eucalyptus, Ylang ylang, peppermint, pennyroyal, sweet birch, wintergreen, cinnamon, clove, and tea tree oils. Until more is known about the potential dangers of these products, pet parents are advised to use extreme caution when using essential oils near pets. And under no circumstances should essential oils be given orally to a cat, or applied directly to a cat’s body.

The essential oils used in air fresheners, odor removers, and aromatherapy diffusers can sicken our cats.

Meet Oliver, Our March Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Oliver - our March Pet Of The Month!

Oliver is a two-year-old Russian Blue who was abandoned by his owner just days before Christmas Eve. While we can only imagine how betrayed he must have felt, no Grinch was going to steal his Christmas - a holiday angel stepped up to the plate and gave Oliver the forever home of his dreams. Of course, his new mom thinks she hit the jackpot, so we'll just call it a win-win.

Congratulations Oliver, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Oliver scored a new home for the  holidays! 

Canine Flu-Watch 2018

This year, humans aren’t the only ones at risk from the misery of influenza. The newest strain of Canine Influenza Virus, strain H3N2, is causing serious problems for our colleagues and fellow pet parents in other parts of the country. As of this writing, the more serious outbreaks are being reported in a handful of states, including, but not limited to, Pennsylvania, Montana, Missouri, Washington, and California. One animal hospital in the San Francisco Bay area has seen over 50 cases since the beginning of 2018.

H3N2 was first identified in 2015 after an outbreak in Chicago. This particular strain was originally an avian virus which mutated and began to affect dogs. While several cats have been infected, their risk for falling ill is very low. At this time, it is believed humans are NOT at risk from contracting the flu from their pets. Our hospital treated roughly a half-dozen cases last year, and we have yet to see any for 2018.  That said, the country is experiencing record cold temperatures, and South Florida is expected to enjoy a robust tourist season as our neighbors to the north and west seek refuge from the bitter cold. It stands to reason that many travellers will bring their dogs - and potentially the flu - along with them.

Clinical signs of H3N2 include coughing, sneezing, lethargy, inappetence, fever and lethargy. Should you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, please see your veterinarian as soon as possible. There is a vaccine available to prevent H3N2. Our two dachshunds received the first doses to arrive at the hospital. The vaccine is safe and effective, and we are recommending it for any dogs who frequent grooming salons, kennels, dog parks, dog shows, training facilities, doggie day care centers, or any spaces where multiple dogs are present. Additionally, we are advising owners of brachycephalic  or “smush-faced” breeds to consider vaccinating. H3N2 becomes pneumonia in over 95% of cases, and has a 10% mortality rate. Sickened pets may need to be hospitalized for extended periods of time, leading to costly and unexpected veterinary bills. Now is therefore a good time to talk to your pet’s veterinarian, and determine if the vaccine is recommended for your individual pet.