Holistic, Integrative & Functional medicine house calls for Tampa Bay pets.
Email DrTruli@VetVMD.com or Text (813) 714-7863
Dr. Sandra Truli Springer, VMD, MS-TCVM, CVA, CVFT, CVTP, CVCH, CTCVMP, CTPEP, CVMMP
Veterinary Medical Doctor, University of Pennsylvania Ivy-League.
Master of Science- Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Acupuncturist, Food Therapist,Tui-na (medical massage), Herbalist, Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner.
Fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists.
Human Animal Bond Certified.
Founding Member of the Nutrition Innovation Council.
- APBT Puppy
Compare Doc Truli’s Top Ten Dog Breeds to the AKC Top Ten
Pinellas County Favors Different Breeds than the US as a Whole
First, let us point out, the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is the most frequently seen dog breed by Doc Truli in Clearwater, Florida, USA. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier as a Breed, but does recognize the less common American Staffordshire Terrier. Therefore, any Top Ten dog list for Pinellas County would be remiss in not discussing the special needs of the APBT.
The Labrador Retreiver and the Beagle enjoy the top middle of the pack on the national and local lists. The Chihuahua is the third most commonly seen kind of dog at All Pet Care Hospital, yet it ranks only #14 in registrations in the AKC in 2012.
Chihuahua!
Golden Retreivers, Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and German Shepherd Dogs are in the AKC top ten, but in the Tampa Bay area, we prefer Chihuahuas, American Pit Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Miniature Schnauzers in our Top Ten Dog Breeds.
Why Should You Care About Breed Specific Advice?
Why does it matter? Your dog’s main breed matters very much to us because we know, based on scientific research, what diseases your dog is prone to. We know what age to start looking. And we know which University genetics departments run which tests for your dog in order to screen for the problems in the first place. Early detection and knowledge of a potential problem frequently means a cure or a prevention of a full-blown disease in the future!
Call to schedule a breed specific consult today 877 DR TRULI
American Pit Bull Terrier Puppy
Dog Breed Specific Examinations Help You Focus on Your Dog’s Needs
If you have a purebred dog or a dog who identifies mostly as one or two main breeds, we can predict what problems he or she may be facing in the coming year. We now include as part of your annual physical, breed-specific history questions and breed-specific physical examinations for the top ten breeds of dog automatically at no extra charge during your yearly examination. We go over the results with you right away and give you specific suggestions for actions you can take to help your dog. If your dog needs further tests, we can make a plan – with projected costs – and you can schedule the tests out to fit your schedule.
Read “Sierra’s” story
“Sierra” Needs a Home
My name is Sierra but my new foster family likes to call me Honey, because I am a sweetie. I’m approximately 2 years old, UTD, Heartworm Negative, Micro-Chipped and Spayed.
I was found roaming a field in the Orlando area and brought to the scary shelter. I was going to be put down and this nice family saved me. I thank them for that but I don’t think that they realized how high energy my breed iswww.malinoisrescue.org (please read up on me before you consider adding me to your family). I had an argument with their German shepherd over some food. It made them scared we might have another argument around the kids (which I love) so they could not keep me. read more…
We checked our records, and it’s official: American Pit Bull Terriers are the most common breed of dog seeking vet care in Pinellas County.
See if your dog made the top ten: read more…
Cats and Dogs: Update your Rabies Vaccine and County License
Doc Truli has heard from several clients about dog and cat Pinellas County pet license enforcement. Animal Control Officers recently went door-to-door on Woodbine Street, and requested County licenses to be presented for inspection. Neighbors found not to have current rabies vaccines and dog and cat licenses had their pets impounded. It can be expensive and emotionally draining to have your pet impounded and subsequently released to your care, so please call us today to get your rabies vaccine and license, or to inquire if you are not sure if your pet is up to date on the license.
Why Do We Have to Have Pet Licensing?
Many people assume the pet licensing laws were invented to generate money for the county. Actually, the laws are put into place as part of a comprehensive rabies prevention public health policy.
Did You Know?
Pinellas County, Florida…”has more dogs and cats licensed and vaccinated for rabies than any other Florida County. This provides the first line of defense against rabies, and it results in more animals being reunited with their owners than in any other Florida County. For more information contact Animal Services at (727) 582-2600.”
Who Needs a License?
Cats, dogs, ferrets, sheep, horses, and cattle who have reached the age of four months old must have a rabies vaccine in the State of Florida.
In Pinellas County, every cat and dog must have a county license. To save taxpayers’ money, since 2009, lifetime county tags/licenses have been issued. This program saves paperwork and money by assigning a unique pet license number and tag to your pet. You pet keeps the same “tag” or “license” for a lifetime, while you pay your licensing fee and send in your paperwork every 1 or 3 years, depending on the age of your pet and the rabies vaccine they received. The fee for the 1 year or the 3 year is $20.
What Can Happen If I Don’t Have the License?
Your pet can be impounded by an Animal Control Officer. Impounding means your pet is taken to the shelter and you cannot have them back until you pay for the rabies vaccine, license, and pay boarding fees at the impound.
To get your pet back from the County Impound, you must also either pay an impound fee, or pay a fee to have an intact pet spayed or castrated, and Pinellas County will waive the impound fee.
Impound Expenses (please refer to Pinellas County for up-to-date and accurate fees: fines and rules subject to change.)
Impoundment fee:
Charges assessed for reclaiming your lost or impounded pet:
- Sterilized pet = $50
- Intact pet = $80
- Board per day = $10
If your pet does not have a current county pet license or rabies vaccination, they will be required at the time of reclaiming your pet:
- License = $20
- Rabies vaccination = $5
When unaltered (reproductively intact) animals are impounded and reclaimed by the owner, an incentive will be offered at that time to have the animal spayed/neutered at a low cost and, in addition, the impound fees will be waived. The boarding fees will still be assessed per each day the animal was in the shelter.
Low-Cost Spaying & Neutering Fees:
- Spay – Dog = $40
- Spay – Cat =$30
- Neuter – Dog =$30
- Neuter – Cat =$20
Get Your Pet License(s)
In summary, be sure your cats and dogs have their up-to-date Pinellas County licenses. The County does enforce the law and your pets do have to have their licenses.
References
Pinellas County Website regarding Animal Services, including licenses
New Custom-Made Chicken Flavor Chew Tablets
Post-Op Painkillers for Small Dogs and Cats
Medicine never tasted this good! We have found the answer for tiny dogs and cats who do not like syringes and pills and yucky medicine. Especially after a major dental procedure or other major surgery. We have medicine made into flavorful Chew Tabs.
Romeo, the long-haired black and white Chihuahua had three rotten molars extracted earlier today. He just scarfed-up a custom compounded chew tablet of post-op pain medication!
“I can hardly believe this little guy had oral surgery and is actually eating that Chewie only a few hours later!” says Doc Truli. “It must taste amazing!”
Doc Truli Cares About Pain Control
We do not want your pet to experience pain or discomfort. Some pain may be inevitable, after all we also serve as an emergency room for community pets. Rest assured, our primary concern is the comfort and well-being of your pet. Always. These new Chew Tabs deliver good medicine in a tasty, friendly manner.
