1. Plants that Can be Toxic to Your Pet

    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 wh…Read More

  2. Diabetic dogs and cataracts

    Diabetic dogs and cataracts 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…Read More

  3. Diabetes in Dogs and Cats

    Diabetes in dogs and cats 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 suffe…Read More

  4. Are Flea and Tick Preventatives Safe?

    Are Flea and Tick Preventatives Safe? 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 cer…Read More

  5. Obesity in Pets

    Obesity in Pets 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 …Read More

  6. CBD Oil

    CBD Oil 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 o…Read More

  7. Gopher Tortoises

    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 …Read More

  8. Bufo Toads

    Bufo Toads 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 h…Read More

  9. Fall Toxins Newletter

    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 situatio…Read More

  10. Heat Stress

    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 wal…Read More