Is Your Cat Missing the Litter Box?

You have a problem. Your cat is thinking outside the box, and not in a good way. You may be wondering what you did to inspire so much “creative expression.” Is your cat punishing you? Is Fluffy just “bad”? No, and no. House soiling and missing the litter box is a sign that your cat needs some help.

According to the Winn Feline Foundation, house soiling is the number one complaint among cat owners. The good news is that it is very treatable.

An accredited veterinarian can help you determine if the problem is medical or related to social or environmental stressors. In addition to a complete physical exam, the doctor will ask you specific “where and when” questions.

Health factors

Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, a specialist in feline urinary disorders at The Ohio State University, and founder of the Indoor Cat Initiative says that many veterinarians recommend a urine test for every cat with a house soiling problem. The urinalysis will determine if blood, bacteria, or urinary crystals are present — signs that your cat might have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

FLUTD is very common and can cause painful urination. Cats that begin to associate the litter box with pain will avoid it. Other medical possibilities include hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis and muscle or nerve disorders that might prevent your cat from getting to the litter box in time.

Environmental factors
If there is no medical cause, the next step is to look at environmental factors. Start with the litter box. Your cat might be avoiding the litter box because it is not cleaned well enough, you’ve changed the type of litter you use, or there is only one box for multiple cats.

Another possibility is that your cat is “marking” — spraying urine, typically on vertical objects such as walls and furniture, or in “socially significant” areas near doors or windows. Both male and female cats mark. The most common offenders are cats that have not been spayed or neutered.

Buffington says that stress can cause elimination problems too. For example, subtle aggression or harassment by other house cats or neighborhood cats may be an issue.

Indoor Cat Initiative

Even unremarkable changes in your home can make your cat anxious or fearful. Look around. Did anything change right before your cat started having problems? Did you get a new pet? A new couch? Maybe you just moved the old couch to a different part of the room, or had a dinner party. Cats are sensitive creatures and changes that seem small to you can throw your cat off his game. Check with your veterinarian about finding solutions that work for both you and your cat.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/cat_care/behavior/missing_the_litter_box.aspx

Dr. Kate Brown Discussing a Dog's Dental

View the video of Brandt Veterinary Clinic's Dr. Kate Brown discussing a dog with a foreign body.

Chihuahua Rescue

National Pet Preparedness Month: Hurricane Season

Are you prepared for your pet’s care in the event of an emergency? A pet emergency preparedness kit should include food, water, leash and collar, bowls, pet ID, medications, immunization records, pet carrier, first aid kit, and a contact list for all pet emergency contacts. Our clinic is located on higher ground than our neighbors and we DO accept pets in the event of an evacuation! 

December Pet of the Month: Toby

We are excited to honor Toby as our December Pet of the Month! As you may know, our Dr. Luna provides the specialized veterinary care needed for small mammals. Toby is a very special guinea pig. The pet store that received Toby to offer for sale deemed him unsellable, due to a head tilt. Toby's adoptive "mom" didn't care about the minor imperfection, and brought him home to join her other guinea pig boys, Bart and Larry.

Toby is an affectionate guy who loves to be held. He dances on his hind legs at dinner time, sometimes getting so excited that he falls over! In the afternoon he likes to climb into his hay rack for a nice nap. Toby is a great example of what a joy it can be to adopt a rescued pet. We thank Toby's "mom" for allowing us to get to know this wonderful little guy and his adorable brothers.

Corkscrew Swamp

This Thanksgiving you probably had turkey with your family. Some of the Brandt Veterinary Clinic team swapped Turkey for a hike at the Corkscrew Swamp! Visit corkscrewsanctuary.org for more information about this wildlife sanctuary.

National Mutt Day was Yesterday!

Yesterday was National Mutt Day! Our Mascot, Maya, is a mixed breed and we discovered that she is a mix of Chow Chow and Siberian Husky. Maya has once ranked 6th in the country for mixed breed obedience at her level. She has earned her Canine Good Citizen (CGC), holds titles as Companion Dog (CD) and Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) and was beginning to compete in the ring for her Utility Dog (UD) title when she tore a cruciate ligament in her knee and had to retire.

November Pet of the Month: Tinmook

Our Pet of the Month for November is Tinmook Conn-Lai. When Tinmook comes in for a visit, he serenades us with his beautiful singing voice, in typical Siberian Husky fashion!

Tinmook was once very overweight. In 2007, his pet parents entered him in a pet weight loss contest. During the course of the contest he lost over 12 lbs., and won 2nd prize! Tin lost weight the smart way - with proper diet and exercise, under the supervision of his doctors. He has continued to maintain a healthy weight into his senior years.

We are grateful that Tinmook and his pet parents are a part of the Brandt Veterinary Clinic family!

Brandt Veterinary Clinic Featuring Consignment Art

The 5 cat and scenery photos are oil paintings by Lori Ann Carson and represent her cats that our clinic has cared for all their life. The 2 other giclees are by Eleanor Grosch. For more information on either artist or how you can own these, call Brandt Veterinary Clinic at 941-485-1555.

Antifreeze

As the weather gets colder, pets may seek shelter in garages or sheds while they’re outside. It’s important to make sure that all dangerous chemicals are stored out of your pet’s reach. Antifreeze especially poses a dangerous threat to pets. If you suspect that your pet has consumed antifreeze, please contact us immediately.

October Pet of the Month: Posy Macdonald

Our Pet of the Month for October is Posy Macdonald. Posy is a petite and pretty dachshund whose job is to bring love and happiness to everyone she comes in contact with. Literally, it is her job. Posy is certified as a therapy dog by two separate organizations, Suncoast Humane Society and Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. She helps children improve their reading skills by letting them read to her. She's a very patient and attentive listener. Posy and her mom also pay friendly visits to nursing home residents and hospice patients, bringing them the wonderful relaxation that can come from holding and stroking a pet. We are so fortunate to know such a sweet, loving little dog. Thanks to her wonderful mom for bringing her to us!

Pets & Fall Leaves

Fall is the season for making leaf piles, and your pet may love to join you in those autumn games, but before they do, make sure you’re aware of the dangers! Many pests may be lying in wait for your pet to arrive, so be sure that your pet is fully covered with their flea, tick, and heartworm preventative, just in case!

Saturday is Responsible Dog Ownership Day

The American Kennel Club has named Saturday “Responsible Dog Ownership Day” to remind all pet owners to take great care of their beloved canine companion. Whether you’re scheduling your pet for a physical exam, getting them vaccinated, or having them groomed, be sure to do something extra special for them this Saturday. They are entrusted to your care for life, so it’s your job to give them what they deserve: responsible care.

Pet of the Month: Sebastion

Our Pet of the Month for September is Sebastion Carson. Sabby, as his mom and dad call him, is a very sweet, handsome and loving boy. During his sister Peanut's last days on earth, he took extra special care of her, giving her lots of kisses when she had to take her pills. He was recovering from a major surgery at the time, but was more concerned for Peanut than for himself. We are proud to honor Sebastion as our September pet of the month!

Pets & Heatstroke

Many pets see a summer car ride as an adventure, but a hot car is no place for a pet. Even if you plan on bringing your pet as you run a quick errand, keep in mind that the interior temperature of a car can quickly surpass 100 degrees, even if the windows are cracked open and the outside temperature is only in the low 70s. Because pets don’t have the means of cooling themselves down the way we do, such high temperatures can cause heatstroke, brain damage, or even death. So keep your pet safe this summer, and never them alone in a car.

 

June is National Pet Preparedness Month

As June’s National Pet Preparedness Month nears, ensure pets are included in emergency evacuation plans and safety procedures. With owners caring for pets as true family members, the majority of owners stated they would take their pets with them in the event of a disaster including 76 percent of dog owners and 67 percent of cat owners, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2011 / 2012 National Pet Owners Survey. The following are helpful preparation tips and products manufactured by APPA members to keep in mind for the whole family should disaster strike.

Stock Food & Water
Ensure pets have a vast supply of food and water to last for at least three days if needed. Non-perishable canned or freeze-dried foods are great to pack up and easy for storing at room temperature. Visit http://stewartpet.com/our-products/freeze-dried-food/ for a selection of easy-to-store freeze-dried foods by Stewart^®.

Provide Fido with Float Gear
In the case of a hurricane or flood, ensure pets remain safe, afloat and visible at all times. Click Fido into a floatation vest and check out http://www.kurgostore.com/products/Surf%252dn%252dTurf-.html for dog life vests, coats and more.

Pack First Aid Essentials
Prepare for any situation with essential first aid items for pets including bandages, antiseptics, and other proper tools. Should a pet need minor wound treatment or stabilizing, be ready to go with a packed first aid kit. Visit www.PawFlex.comfor disposable, tough and fur-friendly bandages.

Ensure Pets are Identifiable
Should a pet get lost in a crowd or separated during the hustle and bustle of an evacuation, ALWAYS ensure pets are easily identifiable and able to be tracked down no matter where you end up. Double check pets are secure with identification tags and all emergency contact information is up-to-date including alternate contact information in case you are forced to evacuate your house. Visit www.PetHub.com for tags with GPS and scanning capabilities.

National Pet Preparedness Month, created by the American Humane Association and Red Star AnimalEmergency Services™, is designed to encourage pet owners to prepare for disasters including pet first aid kits and safety tips. Visit http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/emergency-services/pet-preparedness-month.htmlfor more information. 

June Pet of the Month: Kirby

Kirby Bowden is our Pet of the Month for June. Kirby is an eight year old tri-colored Basset Hound. He was born in Iowa, and he has a big brother, also a Basset Hound, by the name of Barkley. One might describe Kirby as a momma's boy. He's tenderhearted and a little cuddle-bug, but also a bit of a bull in a china shop. Kirby's "special skill" is acting malnourished. He's never met a treat he didn't like. Recently, Kirby became paralyzed in his hind legs. He is on the road to making a full recovery with the help of his friends at Brandt Veterinary Clinic. Kirby continues to inspire us, and gives hope to those who are going through similar hardships to never give up.

May Pet of the Month: ASA GREY

Hi, guys! I'm Asa Grey! I'm a big girl Boxer puppy, almost 5 months old, and I'm growing up so fast!

I have bigger feet than some of my grown up buddies! I love to share picture everyday and would be happy if you'd stop on by to see my own BLOG at http://iamasagrey.tumblr.com.

Thanks and you all stay cool!

Mobilize the Earth for Earth Day 2012

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life to speak out against the deterioration of the environment and demand change. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed,and the modern environmental movement was born.

Today, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year, in the face of global inaction on pressing environmental problems, we must harness that power.

Earth Day Network is calling upon individuals, organizations, businesses and governments to Mobilize the Earth™ and demand that environmental issues become a top priority.