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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Obesity and the Pet Food Marketing Machine

Obesity and the Pet Food Marketing Machine

We’ve all seen those adorable pet food commercials where a pet comes racing around the corner, and skids to a halt in front of a heaping bowl of food. Emphasis on heaping! If you’ll pardon the obvious pun, this is a huge pet peeve for me. Some advertisements feature toy breed dogs plowing into portions that would gorge a Golden Retriever.  With these types of images bombarding the pet owning public’s senses, it’s little wonder that over 60% of America’s pets are either overweight or obese.

In their zeal not to avoiding becoming victims of marketing, many consumers will take what is normally a wise course of action, and the read the instructions on their pet’s food for feeding suggestions. However, the suggested portions of dog and cat food printed on these bags are often enough to make my jaw hit the floor. Bear in mind that these are only suggestions, and many food companies would rather err on the side of overfeeding, as opposed to underfeeding.  Additionally, pet food companies are for-profit entities. At the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, no company is going to print a label that basically tells consumers to please use less of their product! Generally speaking, I advise my clients to read the recommended feeding amounts on the package, and reduce that amount by at least 20%.  Your veterinary team can better advise you on the more quality foods the market has to offer, as well as the amounts best suited for your pet’s individual needs.

We Love our Veterinary Nurses!

It’s Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week!

This week, we take the time to officially express the gratitude and appreciation we feel towards our veterinary technicians. At Sabal Chase Animal Clinic, we call these caring professionals nurses. After all, they fix pets, not computers! When a bleeding emergency rushes through the door, our nurses are the first to render aid. When your pet recovers from anesthesia, he does so in the arms of one of our awesome nurses. They are the first ones to arrive at the office and the last ones to leave.  They make it possible for our doctors to do what they do. Did we mention they do all of the above while getting pooped, peed and puked on?! And so this week, we say what’s in our hearts every day of every week - thank you! You are loved, you are valued, you are needed, you are appreciated. We couldn’t do it without you.

Meet Deagan, Our October Pet Of The Month!

Meet Deagan, Our October Pet Of The Month!

October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month! To celebrate, we’ve named Deagan our Pet of the Month. Deagan is the Sabal Chase equivalent of The Biggest Loser, having lost a whopping 17 pounds in 11 months! His mom credits reasonable portions of quality food, and more emphasis on exercise as key factors in his success. While it has been difficult at times to resist those big brown eyes, his increased energy levels and quality of life remind everyone in the household that the bigger picture is more important. Additionally, Deagan’s family has found healthy alternatives to pre-packaged pet treats. Treats are massive sources of hidden calories and fat. In his book “Chow Hounds”, veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward explains how a single Snausages SnawSomes Peanut Butter and Apple treat is the caloric equivalent of four large slices of Domino’s Pizza with extra cheese for a human! 

Yikes!!!

Congratulations Deagan, and brag to all your friends - you’re our Pet of the Month!

Deagan before

Deagan after!

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.