Living in Florida definitely has its perks. The year-round warm temperatures encourage the growth of a plethora of landscaping and garden plants that beautifully flourish in the Sunshine State. But what is seen as an attractive benefit for people, can be alluring risk to your pets. Much like a variety of foods, the plants that decorate and surround your home can prove toxic to your cat or dog when eaten. Because you can’t always know what your dog or cat will be attracted to, or consume, make sure to do your homework before adding plants to your landscape or indoor decor. Avoid including the following plants that could be risky for both dogs and cats:

• Aloe Vera – Understood to be a great salve for those sunburns that are so prevalent under the Florida sun, the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea and tremors in both dogs and cats.
• Begonias – Though very popular as a garden and container plant, pet owners should add this flowering bush with caution. Consumption can cause intense burning in mouth, vomiting and difficulty...

By Emira Sanabria CVT / Lead Ophthalmology Technician

When your dog is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (higher than normal levels of sugar in the blood) the overall health of its eyes may be at risk as well. A high percentage of dogs will get cataracts as a consequence of this condition. Even dogs with well controlled sugar levels can develop cataracts. It may happen in a few months, few weeks or even overnight.

Cloudiness or white in the colored part of the eye may be the first indication of a cataract forming in the lens. A cataract is defined as an opaque area of the normally clear lens, and in dogs with diabetes they are the result of the excess sugar that is present not only in the blood but also in the tears and in the fluids that give the lens proper nutrition.

Dogs that have well-controlled diabetes, and did not have any other health issue that may prevent them to go under anesthesia, can get their lost vision restored with a cataract surgery. Other conditions that they need to meet are to have a functional retina and no damage in...

Dana – Veterinary Technician

Similar to people, when dogs and cats eat, the food is broken down into more basic nutrients such as proteins and sugars. The sugar enters the bloodstream and is taken in by our pet’s cells for use as energy. When this process does not happen due to a disease called diabetes mellitus, the blood becomes saturated with sugar and the body suffers from symptoms of high blood sugar. High blood sugar in a dog or cat is a value higher than 400 mg/dl. Normal glucose is between 80-120 mg/dl but it is possible to have high blood glucose due to other factors such as stress or after eating a meal especially if that meal is high in calories. Often, diabetic pets have a blood glucose level more than 700 mg/dl. When the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin to move the glucose into the cells or the cells no longer respond to the signal that the insulin is giving, the blood glucose levels rise. The excess sugar has to be removed from the body by the kidneys. This causes there to be glucose in the urine.

Some symptoms of diabetes in pets include excessive...

By Noël Ziel, Lead Veterinary Technician and Medical Coordinator

This is a common question often asked in veterinary offices. With the advent of the internet and with pet owners becoming more informed about their pets’ care, it is easy to become confused and potentially read misinformation regarding flea and tick prevention. This article will focus on a certain class of drug called the Isoxazoline Class. These brand name products include Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio, and Revolution Plus. All of these products treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. We will focus on this class because of their popularity and the recent FDA announcement.

What are Isoxazolines? The Isoxazoline class is a relatively new synthetic chemical class that was introduced in the 2010’s. This drug class has a broad spectrum of insecticidal and acaricidal activity. This means it kills fleas, ticks, and mites. The drug over stimulates the neurological system which causes paralysis and death of the flea, tick, and mite. Mammals have a much lower sensitivity to Isoxazolines, therefore...

By Noël – Lead Veterinary Technician/Medical Coordinator

Is my pet fat? You may have asked this question in the past, and if you haven’t, you may be asking it now. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), the stats are alarming. The APOP says that 60% of cats and 56% of dogs are classified as overweight or obese. The APOP also found that 90% of overweight cat and 95% of overweight dog owners failed to correctly identify the appropriate weight range for their animal. So what does this all mean? Why do the numbers increase every year? What are pet owners and veterinarians doing about it? Let’s trim the fat on pet obesity.

There are many factors that can contribute to obesity. One of the most common factors is overfeeding. We equate food with love. We love our pets, so we feed them a little extra food, extra treats, and even human food. Human food is much more calorically dense than pet food. So what seems like a small snack may actually be your pet’s entire caloric need for the day. If a pet is spayed or neutered, they have lower caloric...

Lisa Feinstein DVM MPH

As Marijuana (Cannabis) is becoming more available and popular, pet owners are increasingly looking to use CBD oil on their pets. We are all hearing stories of CBD oil helping with chronic pain, epilepsy, and even cancer. Are these facts or fiction? Is CBD oil safe for our pets? Where do you get CBD oil for your pet? These are some questions I am being asked by pet owners.

For this article, I referenced Pet Poison Control’s website and their webinar on “Pots and Pets: Updates on Marijuana Intoxication in Dogs and Cats, “from September 25, 2018. They do these webinars because dogs (and occasionally cats) can get exposed to our pot based products (pot brownies, pot cookies, pot gummies), and Pet Poison Control is getting more phone calls every month as marijuana edibles are hitting the market. Marijuana (or Cannabis plant) is the plant itself, and THC and CBD oil are two of the 100 plus Cannabinoid compounds that are derived from the Cannabis plant.

THC is a psychoactive compound that induces a “high,” and higher levels of...

Florida is home to a fantastic species of tortoise called the Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus peolyphmus). This native species of tortoise can be found all over Florida making their homes in burrows in dry sandy areas. These tortoises are strictly terrestrial and are unable to swim. They rarely drink and get most of their water from their diet. Gopher Tortoises are called Keystone Species because their burrows house over 300 species of other animals as well. A tortoise will dig a burrow and live in it. The tortoise eats many broad leaf plants and grasses, and will deposit their manure in and around their burrows, which fertilizes the ground and grows new plants and grasses. When the tortoise moves on from the burrow, it has left behind a lush living space for other animals to enjoy and inhabit. This makes them a crucial member of Florida’s complex and delicate ecosystem.

Because of their importance and the mass urbanization of the state, Florida has listed Gopher Tortoises as a ‘threatened’ species. This means that they, and their burrows, are federally protected. It is...

By Lisa Feinstein DVM MPH

Bufo Marinus Toads, also known as Cane toads, are a potential threat to your dog. These large toads produce a toxic secretion from glands in their jaw area and along the skin on their back. The secretion can cause hallucinations and even death if ingested in large amounts. The effects usually last about an hour. Reckless teenagers have attempted to get high off of the toads. Dogs on the other hand, with their play drive are only looking to grab it and play with it. However, the neurological side effects can be serious, especially in little dogs.

Bufo toads are also called Cane toads because they were intentionally released into sugar cane farms to kill pests. In Florida, they were released in the 1930s and 40s but they didn’t start to populate here until the 1950s and 60s when an importer accidentally released many from the Miami airport and other releases thereafter (Easteal, 1981) (Lever, 2001). They do very well in our climate and are mostly terrestrial (despite the name marinus), but do need water to breed like ponds, puddles and canals...

We have a great parasite education article to share this month, please click below.

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Preventing Fall Intoxications

We may not have a traditional Fall here in South Florida, but we sure do see toxins that are common during the cooler months’ seasons. There are many that could be harmful to your furry family members. From chocolate and wild mushrooms to rat poison and mold, theses toxin that those items contain or can produce inside your pet can lead to life – threatening situations.

Pet poison helpline has put together a nice educational Fall newsletter that is a must read for pet owners during the holidays. Just click on the link below and make sure your pets are safe.

Happy Fall!!!

By Lisa Feinstein DVM MPH

Summers in South Florida can be very hot, with temperatures in the mid-90s and humidity close to 100%. It’s important to stay cool and out of the heat, especially at the hottest time of the day. Dogs and cats can also be affected by this heat, and we have to protect them from it and recognize the danger signs. Dogs especially are more at risk since they are taken on walks or in cars and get overheated.

Dogs don’t sweat all over their body like we do. They pant to release heat and sweat in isolated places like their paws. When running or walking your dog, take him out during the cooler parts of the day like in the morning before 7 am and in the evening after 7 pm. Don’t leave your dog in the yard alone and don’t ever leave them in a hot car. Some breeds are more susceptible to heat stress since they airways are less open for good air exchange. The brachiocephalic breeds which include Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Japanese Chins are short-nosed and have thickened soft palates making it harder for them to get good air exchange....

Is Your Dog’s Itchy Skin Driving You Crazy?

Lisa Feinstein DVM MPH

If your dog is scratching and itching himself, there are a lot of great medications that can help give your dog (and you) relief. Itching, licking and biting can cause damage to the skin and should be managed. The cause of the itch may be parasites (fleas, mites, lice, fungus), allergies (to environmental triggers like grass or pollen or to food reaction), bacterial/yeast infection, immune disease (like lupus), or psychological/habit (like lick granuloma sores). It is important for the pet to be examined to check for these since if the cause of the itching is not treated, then it will persist despite medicines to control it.

An itchy dog deserves a full skin examination. His coat will be thoroughly combed for evidence of fleas or flea dirt (essentially flea feces which are black coiled fragments that turn red with water). Even if you can’t find fleas or flea dirt, your dog can still be biting from prior flea bites- and you may need to comb your other animals since some dogs are...

Pet Foods and Prescription Diets, Does my Pet need to be on one?

We are what we eat, as the saying goes. The pet food industry is booming, with new foods and supplements coming out all the time. Our pets are our family, so we want to feed them “all natural” and “organic” and “holistic” and “non GMO.” The pet food industry has responded to that demand. There are so many different pet foods out there now and it can get very confusing and very expensive. You may be wondering what really is best for your pet.

More expensive does not always mean better. Don’t be tricked into thinking that an expensive pet food is better for your pet. The older brands (Iams, Nutro, Purina, Science Diet) are solid, good companies that have been around a long time and have put plenty of money into nutritional research, not advertising. On the contrary, some newer brands spend a lot of money on advertising. They cost a lot more and they justify it by using marketing terms like “all natural” and “holistic.” In reality there is no legal definition of “holistic” in terms of pet...

• By Lisa Feinstein, DVM MPH

  Veterinarians recommend monthly heartworm prevention and flea/tick prevention. You may ask “Why?” since we don’t take these and we don’t have them and our dogs and cats are living with us in our houses. Well, that’s even more of a reason your pets should be taking monthly heartworm prevention. Our pets are in our houses, sleeping with us in our beds, giving us kisses, and sometimes even sharing food off our plates. And the odds are that 25% to up to 50% of our dogs in the Southeast have parasites. A recent study (Blagburn 2007) showed 52% of shelter dogs carry parasites, with hookworms, roundworms and whipworms being the most common. Percentages are lower for owned pets, but they still are around 12% nationally and higher for the Southeast (www.petsandparasites.org).

  You may say “Yuck”, then “How does my pet get these worms?” Well, the term Fecal-Oral means poop to mouth and that’s what’s happening. Essentially your dog (or cat) is ingesting micro amounts of feces...

• Fourth of July Fireworks Phobia
• Dr. Lisa Feinstein DVM MPH

New Year’s is here. If your dog has a fireworks and loud noise phobia, you should be prepared. Some dogs get so scared that they can harm themselves and cause damage to the house and their surroundings.

What can you do to help your dog? If your dog is young, sometimes your dog will grow up without developing a fear of fireworks. If your dog and you are together on Fourth of July and there are fun people and food that day, the noise may not be remembered as a scary thing. However, the loud boom of fireworks, especially at night and home alone, can be remembered and reinforced as a very scary event for most dogs. It seems to worsen as these dogs age.

Fortunately you can plan for fireworks, unlike thunderstorms, which can have their own booms and shudders without much warning. If you are a naturalist and want to try natural products before medicating your dog, you could try a thunder jacket and an Adaptil collar, which releases calming pheromones. Put these on your...

• By Lisa Feinstein, DVM, MPH

  Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas bring chocolates and flowers that we all enjoy, but make sure you keep them away from your pets. Dogs are attracted to the sweet, milky taste of chocolate just like we are, but unlike humans, dogs take longer to break down methylxanthines like theobromines in chocolate. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine and the smaller the dog, the more relative effect the amount of chocolate will have. The signs of chocolate toxicity range from mild exposure effects like diarrhea, panting, and vomiting to severe signs like seizures and cardiac arrest.

  The best thing is to prevent exposure or temptation for your dog. So keep chocolate off counter surfaces or coffee tables. Remember that even chocolate in wrappers is a potential threat; dogs have no problem eating the wrapper and chocolate all together. Also make sure you aren’t unknowingly feeding your dog any chocolate products like cereals, puddings, or baked goods.

  If your dog gets into chocolate, the key is...

Gwen B. Flinchum, MAg., DVM, Diplomate – ABVP Avian

There is a common misconception that I hear frequently from bird owners: “My bird is healthy, always has been, so I do not need to take it to a veterinarian.” What many people do not realize is that birds do not act sick until they are in the end stages of disease. In fact, we hear all-too-commonly: “My bird was fine yesterday but today is not acting right and is sitting on the bottom of the cage.” When a bird is brought into our clinic at this point there may be a 50% (or less) chance that we will be able to have success in treatment.

Therefore, we have compiled a list of considerations as to why your bird may not be as healthy as you think it may be. Hopefully after reading this list, it will be obvious as to why regular visits to an avian veterinarian are imperative.

Birds hide illness when they are sick. As previously mentioned, birds do not always show symptoms of illness when they are sick. This is because it is natural behavior for birds to expect that if they act sick they will be...

• Roses are red,
• Violets are blue,
• If I’ve got a pet, what do I do?

Valentine’s Day is all about love, and we know how much you love your pet! Chances are your furry family member is going to get some Valentine’s snuggles this year and maybe even a gift of its own. The human family members of your house may also be getting gifts this year, some of which may be highly toxic to your furry friends. Check out our tips on how to show your love without spending Valentine’s weekend in the ER. Do keep Valentine’s Day chocolate away from pets! Who doesn’t love a big box of chocolate for Valentine’s Day? Unfortunately, dogs are more than happy to help themselves to chocolate if given the opportunity! Calls involving pets ingesting milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and chocolate baked goods were the top three most common exposures handled by Pet Poison Helpline in February of 2014 and 2015. Chocolate ingestion by dogs can result in agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, tremors, and seizures, depending on the dose ingested. If your pet...

By Lisa H Feinstein DVM MPH

I have had the pleasure of raising chickens for the last 12 years. Not only do they produce fresh, organic eggs, they are also fun and personable. Each one has a unique personality. They all know me and follow me around in my yard. I let them out during the day and they come to me when I call them in to the coop. I even have a female wild turkey that wandered into my yard and has become a trusted part of my flock. She lays a giant turkey egg about three times a week, and it makes a great fried egg in the morning.

If you are interested in getting chickens, I offer a few pieces of advice to keep them safe and happy.

1. Buy Rhode Island Reds baby chicks from Grifs. They are nonbroody and have been bred over time to be very friendly with people. They lay large brown eggs. They will learn to trust you and follow you. Other breeds are more scared and difficult to gain trust. I also have an Aracuna who lays a blue egg and a turkey which lays a big speckled white egg. My Rhode Island Reds are the friendliest.
2. Another reason to buy...

Living in Florida definitely has its perks. The year-round warm temperatures encourage the growth of a plethora of landscaping and garden plants that beautifully flourish in the Sunshine State. But what is seen as an attractive benefit for people, can be alluring risk to your pets. Much like a variety of foods, the plants that decorate and surround your home can prove toxic to your cat or dog when eaten. Because you can’t always know what your dog or cat will be attracted to, or consume, make sure to do your homework before adding plants to your landscape or indoor decor. Avoid including the following plants that could be risky for both dogs and cats:

• Aloe Vera – Understood to be a great salve for those sunburns that are so prevalent under the Florida sun, the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea and tremors in both dogs and cats.
• Begonias – Though very popular as a garden and container plant, pet owners should add this flowering bush with caution. Consumption can cause intense burning in mouth, vomiting and difficulty...

Though traveling during the holidays to visit friends and family should be enjoyable, the stress of perhaps not being able to take along our pets can be taxing. Many pet owners would prefer to take their furry family members along with them but it’s not always feasible that they do so. This holiday season, alleviate the guilt you may feel about leaving him/her behind by finding a dog boarding facility that will take perfect care of your dog. Ensure your dog’s well-being and your peace of mind by using these tips for finding a great boarding kennel:

• Schedule a tour – Getting a full understanding of where your pet is going to be kept will give you a number of cues as to how well the kennel is run. If they are hesitant about allowing you to take your time assessing both indoor and outdoor areas, you may want to consider elsewhere. Schedule a few days of doggie daycare beforehand in order to get a real sense of how well your dog copes with the new environment.
• Ask questions – Don’t be shy about getting a full description of...

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is safe for humans but toxic to dogs. It has been used as an ingredient in many sugar-free chewing gums (Orbit, Stride, Trident) for years, but its use is expanding to more foods, including some baked goods, desserts, even sugar-free peanut butters. The human food industry has recognized its benefits for preventing tooth decay and lowering sugar intake for human diabetics, but for dogs, xylitol can be lethal.

When a dog ingests xylitol, two major health crises occur. His pancreas responds to what it thinks is real sugar and releases too much insulin. This insulin surge causes the dog’s blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels causing hypoglycemia within 30 minutes of ingestion. This hypoglycemia can then cause the dog to get weak, collapse, and even seizure. The second major health crisis is xylitol’s toxic effect on the liver. The liver can suffer partial or total failure and cell death. This liver damage happens later (like 8 to 12 hours) than the hypoglycemia which is more immediate.

The best way to prevent xylitol toxicity...

Furry, fluffy puppy dogs; huggably-adorable kittens. It’s hard to imagine the world without them, but the sad fact is that there are far too many of our furry friends in our country that don’t enjoy safe and loving homes. It has been estimated that there are approximately 70 million homeless dogs and cats in the US, many of them becoming dangerous and unhealthy while on the streets. This population of homeless pets taxes community resources and fills shelters and often ends tragically with the euthanizing of such animals. As a leading animal hospital in Davie, we have experienced the negatives of too many cats and dogs far too often to not take a stance. We believe that all pet owners should take seriously the responsibility of spaying or neutering their pets. Reasons for doing so include:

1. It protects the community and the existing pet population as a whole. As noted above, spaying and neutering keeps the population of stray pets at more manageable levels and keeps...