The Dog Days - And Dog Bites - Of Summer

Every year, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs. More than half the victims are children between the ages of five and nine, and most bites occur during the months of July and August. While the expression "dog days of summer" has its roots in astrology, it's often used by animal care professionals as a reminder to be especially vigilant when supervising children and dogs during this time of year.

Like their human counterparts, dogs can become especially irritable and grumpy in South Florida's unrelenting summer heat. Rambunctious childhood behaviors that might normally be tolerated by dogs may be corrected with a bite if the dog is feeling uncomfortable or stressed. And since school closures and family gatherings increase interaction times between children and dogs, incidents which culminate in bites are statistically more likely to occur. If you plan to host a summer house party, make sure your dog has a cool, quiet place he can retreat to if he becomes overwhelmed. It is also helpful for parents to learn to recognize some of the canine body language cues dogs display when they are feeling stressed enough to bite. Helpful resources include veterinary behavior site www.Dr.SopiaYin.com https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/free-downloads-posters-handouts-and-more/ or the children's illustrated storybook Jake And The Gentle Dog by Lynn Kupkee. https://www.amazon.com/Jake-Gentle-Dog-Lynn-Kupkee/dp/1393306691/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Jake+and+the+gentle+dog&qid=1622663456&s=books&sr=1-1

Direct eye contact and very close proximity can make a dog feel stressed enough to bite. Notice how the dog seems to be pulling back. The slightly pinned ears and furrowed brow are signs that this particular dog might appreciate a bit more space.

Backyard "Pit"Falls And Pets

 

One of the rewards for enduring Miami's brutal summers is the stunning variety of tropical fruits that often grow right in our backyards. Mangoes, canistels, mamey and avocados are just a few of the delicacies that thrive in our climate with minimal maintenance by homeowners. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that our furry family members enjoy these tropical treats as much as we do. And they have no qualms about helping themselves to the fruit that falls to the ground. 

While the flesh of most tropical fruits is not toxic to pets, many will swallow the pits without bothering to chew them. Unfortunately, most pits are too large to pass safely through the pet's intestinal tract. This leads to life threatening blockages which can only be resolved by surgical intervention. If any such trees drop fruit in your yard, be sure to accompany your pet outdoors and supervise foraging activities. Pick up any fallen fruit promptly, and call your veterinarian immediately if your pet beats you to it.

Zohan recovers from emergency surgery after swallowing a canistel seed.

Meet Ada, Our June Pet Of The Month

 

World, meet Ada - our June Pet of the Month! Ada is a 15-month-old Dutch Malinois who came into her "pawrents" lives during the 2020 Puppy Boom. The Dutch Malinois is bred to be smart, driven, energetic, and hard working. And Ada is no exception. 

When she's not out and about with her humans, Ada can be found playing with her ball. Or looking for her ball. Or chasing her ball. Because ball is life. And life is good. And after ball time, it's couch time! You can see all of Ada's adventures by following her on Instagram at ada_the_dutchmal.

Congratulations, Ada and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

Ball defeated, time for couch!

Meet Buddy, Our May Pet Of The Month!

 

World, meet Buddy, our May Pet of the Month! 

Buddy is a 10-year-old orange tabby who, like many of Miami's fabulous felines, simply showed up and made himself at home. It didn't take long for Buddy to work his way into the hearts of his new humans - sometimes by way of a shoulder. 

When Buddy isn't doing his best parrot imitation, he can be found relaxing with his fellow fur kids or hanging out in the birdbath. He's always a good sport about coming to see his friends at Sabal Chase, especially on acupuncture days with Dr. Rose. Buddy is being treated for inappetence related to kidney disease, and is always calm and content throughout his sessions.

Congratulations, Buddy and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

A parrot in a past life...?

Or some other kind of songbird...?

Acupuncture For Pets

 

Acupuncture For Pets

Pets who suffer from arthritis, anxiety, digestive problems, chronic pain, or neurological disorders may benefit from veterinary acupuncture. This ancient Chinese practice is becoming more commonly used to complement traditional Western veterinary practices such as surgery and medication. While not all veterinarians are trained in its use, modern research has shown that acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation in our companion animals. 

Veterinary acupuncturists place thin needles into specific points in joints, fascia, tendons and nerve fibers. This eases the pet's clinical signs by changing the way the patient perceives pain, or stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain. Our own dog Grendel received regular acupuncture treatments, and lived seventeen good years.  This despite being prone to many of the orthopedic problems that plague older Dachshunds. Your pet's veterinarian can let you know if acupuncture is right for your pet, and may be able to recommend a local practitioner. 

Grendel enjoying her Monday morning acupuncture sessions.

Meet Matilda, Our April Pet Of The Month!

 

World, meet Matilda, our April Pet of the Month!

Matilda came to us as part of the pandemic inspired puppy boom of 2020. To the extent that lockdowns allowed, Matilda has been quite the gal about town, accompanying her mom on errands and enjoying the occasional Puppuccino at Starbucks. Just check out her Instagram at fraulein_woof. She's a star!

Her most significant role in the Sabal Chase world, however, involves being the apple of Luis's eye. Whenever she comes in for a visit, he makes it a point to snuggle his special girl.

Congratulations, Matilda and share with all your friends - not only are you an influencer extraordinaire, you're our Pet of the Month!

The Benefits of Kennel Training

 

The Benefits of Kennel Training

While veterinarians and behaviorists generally agree that crate training is ideal for both puppies and adult dogs, many pet parents confess they cannot bear the thought of seeing their pets "locked in a cage." Our dogs' wild ancestors, however, spent much of their time in dens. The den was where they would sleep, hide, shelter from the elements, and raise their litters. Kennel training simply takes advantage of the natural instincts our pets still possess as descendants of these early den dwellers. 

A kennel trained dog will perceive their kennel as a safe space in which to ride out thunderstorms, take a break from a bustling party, or duck out of reach of a curious, but overbearing toddler. Dogs who know they can retreat to their own space are better equipped to cope with anxiety, and therefore less likely to bite. Additionally, crate trained dogs are happier at boarding facilities, meaning we pet parents can travel with greater peace of mind. When we decide to bring our pets along for the trip, the kennel provides instant familiarity and comfort. While the surroundings may be new and strange, kennels allow our dogs to feel like they are traveling with their own special room, as well as joining us in our adventures. And the only thing more fun than discovering the world, is discovering it with a dog.

Kennel trained dogs make great travel buddies!