Moving With Pets

Moving With Pets

More Americans move between Memorial Day and Labor Day than during any other time of the year. And while few life changes are as stressful as those which involve a change of address, it's important to remember that moving affects our pets as well.

When you list your house, your realtor may tell you to clear the clutter. This is great advice, but may not be appreciated by a dog whose bed and toys are nowhere to be found. These items are important to your pet, so if they are moved to a less visible space in the house, he is likely to find it. Resist the urge to pack away things that may help your pet stay busy while you prepare for the move. And never move a cat's litter box. Cats are creatures of habit, and can be easily stressed. A box that is moved to a place your cat dislikes may be ignored. This can cause medical and behavioral issues for your pet - not to mention bigger problems for both you and your realtor.

Feline Asthma

Feline Asthma

Summer in South Florida means bountiful blooms - and abundant allergens. It's a time when many of my patients present with problems that stem from exposure to environmental allergens. While these flare-ups usually resolve after treatment, feline patients may find themselves suffering from full blown asthma. Feline asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens that trigger the cat's immune system.

Asthmatic cats may show clinical signs that include wheezing, coughing, labored breathing, and vomiting. They may exhibit a crouched posture while going through an episode. If your veterinarian suspects your cat has asthma, he or she may run a series of tests to rule out other problems. Treatment for asthma may include allergy testing, diet change or hyposensitization. By keeping asthmatic cats indoors at all times and treating clinical signs when necessary, cats with this condition can expect to live long and active lives.

Outdoor cats are more likely to suffer from clinical signs of feline asthma.

Meet Blue, Our June Pet Of The Month

World, meet Blue, our June Pet Of The Month!

This five-year-old pound puppy is a gentle giant who fancies himself a lap dag. When he's not giving kisses or being a marshmallow, Blue can be found on his favorite throw rug, snuggling with his sister, Luna.

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

Living With A High Energy Dog

Living With A High Energy Dog

Those of us living with high energy dogs often wonder why our dogs are not content to sit quietly at our feet while we lounge at an outdoor cafe. We may wonder how we have failed at training, or suspected we simply have "bad dogs."  Our dachshunds do their best, but sitting still in the presence of so many interesting scents and sounds is a very tall order. While it's a nice fantasy, and not an impossible undertaking, it is not who they are.

For a high energy dog, using their senses to complete a task is often much more meaningful - and fun - than simply being by our sides. These dogs often benefit from nose work, activities where dogs work to find a scented object. While often associated with law enforcement, these activities can easily be modified to fit into the patterns of life at home. The games are fun for humans as well as adults, and children especially enjoy helping Fluffy with her "job." Ask your veterinarian to recommend a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who can teach your family the basics of canine nose work.

Meet Drax, our May Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Drax, our May Pet Of The Month!

Drax is a three-year-old American Bulldog mix who was found in the Redlands, abandoned and suffering from heartworm disease. While dogs in similar situations often face uncertain futures, Drax encountered real life superheroes in the form of his adoptive family. When he's not getting belly rubs from his two-legged family members, Drax enjoys hanging out with his canine big sister and new BFF, Cadence.

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

That face, though...

It's Pet First Aid Awareness Month!

April is the American Red Cross's Pet First Aid Awareness Month! While it's always important to seek proper veterinary care for a pet in distress, it helps to have a few essentials on hand in case of an emergency.

Your pet's first aid kit should include hydrogen peroxide, and a syringe (without a needle) for the induction of vomiting. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, call your vet, or veterinary emergency clinic and ask if it is safe to do this. Depending o

n the toxin, inducing vomiting can do more harm than good, so be sure to get the green light from a professional first. Sterile eye wash, bandaging supplies and tweezers are a must. The same goes for iodine based disinfectant. Never clean a wound with hydrogen peroxide, as it can slow the healing process and lead to scars.

Be sure to include a leash or carrier for transport to the vet. Since frightened pets are more likely to bite, include a basket muzzle for dogs and a pillowcase for cats. Most importantly, stay calm. Avoiding panic in a stressful situation is the key to saving valuable time in an emergency.

Meet Louie, Our April Pet Of The Month!

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

Louie is an 11-year-old pug who always makes the rounds to visit his friends when he comes to the clinic. And who can resist that face?

When he isn't posing for pictures or hanging out with his furry sister, Louie is doing what he does best - lounging around, loving life and slathering his family with sloppy kisses. No wonder he's the apple of everyone's eye!

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