What To Expect From A "Hypoallergenic" Pet

What To Expect From A Hypoallergenic Pet
By Dr. Ian Kupkee

Over the past decade or so, the popularity of "designer" dogs and cats has been on the rise. One of the reasons for the uptick in demand is the claim that many of these hybridized pets are hypoallergenic. It is widely believed these breeds do not shed, and are ideal pets for humans who suffer from allergic responses to dogs or cats. But which breeds are truly 100% allergen free?

Unfortunately, the answer is none of them. While Labradoodle dogs, Rex cats and many others like them create a lighter allergen load, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog or cat. Allergens are found in our pets' dead skin cells (or dander), urine, and saliva. While many of these breeds generate fewer allergens than others, there is no guarantee they will not create problems for a human companion with allergies. And while they may shed less hair than their  "allergenic" counterparts, make no mistake - they shed. Before deciding to take home an "allergy free" pet, be sure to spend lots of time with one to ensure they will be the right fit.

Allergy free? Nope, not me!
Image by Pixabay

Meet Outlaw, our March Pet Of The Month

World, meet Outlaw, our March Pet of the Month!

Outlaw is a Boxer mix who was adopted from Miami Dade Animal Services. But don't let this pound puppy's humble roots fool you. This big ham is is an all around love bug whose happy place is anywhere people and other animals. And he loves his fan club here at Sabal Chase. In fact, he's such a rock star, he has his own Instagram - ans substantially more followers than we have! Don't believe us? You too can follow him on the 'Gram at outlaw_of_miami.

Congratulations Outlaw, and share with all your friends (and followers!) - you're not just an #influencer, you're our Pet of the Month!

"I have more followers than my vet!"

Rethinking Retractable Leashes

Perhaps one of the most hotly debated topics between pet owners and pet care professionals is the safety of retractable leashes. Pet owners love them, as they offer dogs the ability to enjoy a certain degree of freedom. Yet behaviorists are quick to point out that these devices were invented to help train tracking and recall skills, and are unsuitable for everyday walking routines. Most dog-friendly public spaces require owners to keep dogs on leashes no longer than six feet in length, and to maintain control over their pets at all times. This is nearly impossible to accomplish when using devices that allow the dog to control the length of the lead - which is often over 20 feet.

Additionally, retractable leashes have been linked to countless injuries to both humans and pets. When the paracord material from which they are made makes contact with human skin, the result is often a deep cut - especially when combined with the speed of a bolting dog. A simple internet search yields countless stories of owners who have suffered from falls, lacerations, vision loss and finger imputations as direct results of accidents caused by retractable leashes. As we head into some of South Florida's most perfect dog walking weather, remember that just like any other task, walking our dogs requires the right tools for the job.

This can easily result in a fall and/or laceration if the dog unexpectedly bolts.

Meet Tillie, Our February Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Tillie, our February Pet Of The Month!

Tillie is a rescued terrier mix who is probably about ten years old. Her eyesight isn't the greatest, but her Mom and Dad love her so much - it just gives them one more reason to watch over her. She loves coming to stay with her friends in our doggie hotel when her parents go out of town. (It's not really a kennel when you take turns being cuddled by everyone. And it's our favorite part of the job!)

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

What Happened To My Perfect Puppy?

It’s no secret that raising a puppy requires a great deal of patience. Chewing, crying, destructiveness, demands for attention, and potty-training mishaps are all just par for the course. But the difficult phase only lasts a few months, right? Wrong. Once your new edition is finished being a puppy, he enters a new, and often far more maddening phase of development: adolescence. Starting anywhere between nine and twelve months of age, that sweet little puppy will become - gasp! - a teenager.

Like human teenagers, adolescent dogs may test the resolve of their superiors. They often revert to the types of behaviors we thought they had long outgrown. Like the rebellious, back-talking teen-aged child, adolescent puppies often leave us scratching our heads, wondering where we went wrong. Obnoxious puppy behaviors such as play biting and jumping on guests may return with a vengeance. This is when behaviors such as growling, food guarding, and blatant disobedience of commands tend to appear seemingly out of nowhere. It is also when dogs are most commonly surrendered to shelters. 

Unaware of the existence of this challenging phase, many people assume they have either failed as dog owners, or are stuck with a “bad dog.” These scenarios are rarely the case. The solution to the Terrible Teens is a combination of consistency, patience, and preparation. Do your research on canine adolescence as soon as you bring your puppy home. As with most other situations, you’ll be happy to have a plan in place when you need one.

Meet Shnipit, Our January Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Shnipit, our January Pet of the Month!

Ms. Shnipit Rose is a four-year-old tuxedo kitty who loves to be spoiled - and deserves every second of it! When she's not posing for glamour shots, you'll find Shnipit ruling the roost and keeping her canine siblings in charge. They don't mind - who would defy such cuteness?

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

Pocket Pets Aren't Stocking Stuffers

By Dr. Ian Kupkee

Whenever the holiday shopping season starts, big box pet retailers begin their annual push for small animals and so called "starter kits". These marketing campaigns are generally aimed at parents looking for low maintenance ways to give young children their first experiences as pet owners. Lured by low prices, clever bundling, and promises of minimal care, many parents are fooled into believing that caring for pets such as hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs comes easily to children who may have no experience - or interest - in doing so.

While they are often dubbed "pocket pets" reality is that many small animals are sold as babies. Once mature, these pets outgrow the desire to be cuddled and carried around. At this point, they are likely to scratch and bite children who reach for them. Their cages must be cleaned daily, and many require fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to formulated diets. While such demands are not unreasonable, the hectic holiday season may not be the best time to introduce the new routines associated with small animal care. If you feel your children are ready for the responsibility of a pocket pet, do your research, and consider adopting one of the many cast-offs who will be available for adoption when the Christmas holiday ends.