Monday, December 24, 2012

Happy Holidays from The Bregman Veterinary Group!




Everyone at the Bregman Veterinary Group would like to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season, and a very happy and healthy new year!

Please be sure to LIKE our Facebook page and FOLLOW us on TWITTER!

Happy Holidays!  

Friday, December 21, 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

Think Twice Before Giving a Pet as a Gift this Holiday Season!




If you’re considering buying one of your loved ones a pet as a gift this holiday season, there are a couple of things you may want to consider before doing so.

You may be thinking who wouldn't love a pet as a gift? Many people would be overjoyed to receive a pet; however, this gift comes along with a lot of responsibility! If you’re seriously considering bringing a pet into your home, take some time out to think about it and talk it over with your family.

Here are a few reasons why a pet may not be the best gift this Christmas:
  • A return policy could put the animal’s life in danger
  • It’s not a gift, it’s a responsibility
  • Its long term
  • It’s unfair to the pet and recipient
  • Someone may be allergic
  • The holiday season is busy enough
  • Your kids’ responsibility may turn into your own
  • How will the animal respond?

What do you think about giving pets as gifts? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Have You Checked out our Pinterest Account?




Did you know the Bregman Veterinary Group has a Pinterest account?

 If not, you’re missing out! Pinterest allows us to share some of our own photos as well as pin some of our other favorites. We have a bunch of different categories and boards for you to check out including a few of our favorite things, animal adventures, pet procedures, humor, Bregman Vet Group experts and many others!

So, get on PINTEREST today and PIN our pictures! Let us know what you think of our Pinterest account on our Facebook page, linked HERE

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Pet Apps Available for your Mobile Device!




Do you have an iPad of iPhone? If you do, you’re probably extremely familiar with the app store. Well, apps aren't just for people anymore!

There are tons of popular pet apps available on your mobile device with prices ranging from free to just a few dollars!
Here are a couple of popular pet apps available for the iPhone, iPod or iPad! Let us know what you think of these apps on our Facebook page, linked HERE!

Dog Park Finder Plus – lists more than 6,000 dog parks and beaches! Also lists 12,000 dog-friendly restaurants! (Great for traveling with your pets)

Find Pet Friendly Hotels- another great app if you’re traveling with pets! This app lists over 10,000 pet-friendly hotels.

Fido Doctor- lists dog friendly locations

Pet Poison Help – lists poisons for pets and what to do and how to get help if your pet get poisoned

Pet First Aid – this app has a collection of videos and detailed instructions on what to do if you need to care for your pet  

Petfinder Mobile – included more than 370,000 animals from 14,000 adoption groups!

To read the full list of apps, CLICK HERE

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Another Hilarious YouTube Video!



We have another hilarious video for you today! This YouTube video is a series of the funniest animal clips from America's Funniest Home Videos!

You will be laughing from start to finish! Let us know what you think! 





Tuesday, December 4, 2012

What Would You Do if Your Friends Began Acting Like a Dog or Cat? Watch this Video!


If you're looking for a good laugh today, check out this hilarious YouTube video! How would you react if your friends began acting like a cat or dog? 

This video depicts the differences between cats and dogs and how humans would carry out the characteristics of each!

Let us know what you think of this video on our Facebook page, linked HERE


Friday, November 30, 2012

Services Offered at ALL of our Locations!




Did you know ALL of the Bregman Veterinary Group locations provide all of the following?
  • Wellness exams, routine vaccinations, dewormers
  • Flea/tick/heartworm preventatives
  • Routine surgical procedures including spay and neuters
  • Dentistry procedures including the availability of Digital Dental X-Ray
  • Veterinary medicine including laboratory evaluation of blood, urine and tissue
  • Advanced imaging including digital radiology and ultrasound with the incorporation of board certified radiologists to review the images
  • Endoscopic procedures and biopsy of the upper gastrointestinal tract
  • Soft tissue and orthopedic surgery including bone plating and pinning
  • Surgical COX lasers that decrease pain, swelling, bleeding and recovery time for select surgical procedures
  • Prescription pet foods manufactured by Hills, Purina and Royal Canin
  • Feline Boarding

We have four locations, 3 in Brooklyn and one in Long Island. Please contact any of our locations today – we can’t wait to hear from you!

The Cat Hospital – Long Island
(877) 228-4131

Midbrook Animal Hospital – Brooklyn
(718) 645-7744

5th Avenue Cat Clinic - Brooklyn 
(718)398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital - Brooklyn 
(718)782-8387

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Bregman Veterinary Group Locations and Services!




Did you know the Bregman Veterinary Group has four locations that are all full service veterinary hospitals? 
Our locations include:

The Cat Hospital- Williston Park
Operating Room Photo eric and allan vMidbrook Animal Hospital- Brooklyn
5th Avenue Cat Clinic – Brooklyn
Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital – Brooklyn

Our locations offer various preventative procedures and services including wellness exams, vaccines, FELV/FIV, Heartworm testing and flea and parasite control. Also available at our locations are surgical procedures which include spays, neuters and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.

For more information on the services that all of the Bregman Veterinary Group locations offer, CLICK HERE

Also, be sure to visit and LIKE our Facebook page

Monday, November 19, 2012

Brooklyn Shelter Opens for Pets Whose Owners Lost Their Homes During Hurricane Sandy




This past weekend, a $500,000 grant from celebrity chef Rachael Ray made it possible for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to open a shelter for pets displaced by Hurricane Sandy.

The shelter opened on Saturday in a 20,000 square-foot vacant warehouse in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn. The shelter will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If there are any pet owners who are interested in bringing their pets to this shelter, please call the Hurricane Sandy Pet Hotline at (347)573-1561. Also, pet owners will need a government issued photo ID and proof of address. It is also requested that your pets be wearing their identification tags and be in a carrier or crate. It is also asked that pet owners bring vaccination records and any medications your pet may need. 

There are many people and groups coming together at this difficult time to help pet owners who have lost their homes and have no one to take care of their animals.

To read the full article, CLICK HERE.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Protect Your Pets From Holiday Hazards This Year!




With the holiday’s quickly approaching, we’re sure everyone is looking forward to enjoying the season and the many festivities that come along with it! However, be sure to keep an extra eye out on your furry friends at this time.

You’re not the only one who enjoys the holiday season – pets do also! You can bet that at some point they’ll try and snag a couple scraps from the table of have some fun with your decorations.
However, here are a couple of ways to protect your pets from holiday hazards!

Decorate Wisely – If you have pets running around the house, try to avoid having plants around such as poinsettias or holly. If you must have these items in your home around the holidays, put them in a location that pets won’t be able to reach.  Tinsel and ribbons also possess danger for your pets. They usually tend to ingest stringier decorations and it can lead to intestinal obstructions.

Avoid the Problem – If there are certain areas in the house that your pet frequents, try to keep any items that may be dangerous to them (such as candles) out of the area. Also, there are many new technologies that can assist you with this process such as Invisible Fence Brand Micro Shields Avoidance Solutions.

Watch Your Plate – As many pet owners already know, there are tons of table foods that are unsafe and unhealthy for pets to consume. Pets can easily choke on bones from roasts or consume chocolate from a dessert and become very ill. Be sure to remind your guests not to leave any plates lying around and to refrain from feeding your pets anything off their plate.

We hope that you take the proper precautions in keeping your pets safe this upcoming holiday season! Do you have any other suggestions on how to keep pets safe during the holidays? Let us know on our Facebook page, LINKED HERE

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Family Pig Saves Family Cat! Watch Video Here!



Watch this video and see how a woman in New Hampshire’s family pig saves the family cat! Gumbo the cat was burned in a barn fire and went missing for two days. Ms. Colby (the family pig) led the owner of the two to the area in which she found Gumbo the cat!

What a sweet story! Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, linked HERE



Thursday, November 8, 2012

Did You Know November is Pet Diabetes Month?




Did you know November is pet diabetes month? If your pet has diabetes, you've probably come to realize how important it is to stay on top of your pet’s health.

Diabetes in pets, just like diabetes in humans requires time, dedication and lifelong maintenance. As a pet owner, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent your pet from developing diabetes. You should make sure your pet is eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

There are also a couple of signs to look for in your pets that could indicate early signs of diabetes. Those signs are unquenchable thirst, endless appetite and endless urination and accidents around the house.

If you have any questions or think your pet may be at risk for diabetes, call your veterinarians office. You can also post questions on our Facebook page, LINKED HERE

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Would You Want To Bring Your Pets to Work?




Did you know 46 million Americans reported they would work longer hours if they could bring their pets along to their workplace?

Many employers frown upon the idea of employees bringing their furry friends along on the job because of the attention they require along with maintenance and noise.

What do you think? Would you want to bring your pet along to work with you? Let us know your thoughts on our Facebook page, LINKED HERE!  

Monday, November 5, 2012

Did You Lose a Pet During Hurricane Sandy? Read Here!


Unfortunately during Hurricane Sandy, there were many pets that were lost. As many families are trying to recover from Sandy’s aftermath, many are missing their furry friends. If you’re in the New York City area, there are a couple of ways to help try and find your pet or report a found one.

Last week, a Facebook page was created called “Hurricane Sandy Lost and Found Pets”. This Facebook page became extremely popular overnight getting 21,500 LIKES as of this morning. Pet owners can use this site to upload photos of their pets and other information regarding their lost animal. The creators of the page are organizing posts of pets by state and animal type.

Here are a few other tips to follow if you lost or perhaps found a pet during this time:
  •  If you find an animal, take it to a veterinarian's office or shelter to have it scanned for a microchip. This could speed up the reunion.
  • Likewise, if an animal has a rabies collar, that would be registered to its regular vet.
  • If you are able to take in the animal until its owner is found, that would be ideal, since most animal shelters in the area are filled past capacity at this time.
  • Pet owners should fill out a Lost Pet Report on the Animal Care and Control (ACC) page of the New York City website.
  • Lost and our found pet posters are still worth the effort- especially since power isn't restored in all areas affected by the storm. 
We hope that if anyone lost their pets during Hurricane Sandy, they're returned safely home to you! 

Friday, November 2, 2012

Do You Think The NYC Marathon Should Take Place This Weekend?




Mayor Bloomberg has made the decision that the New York City Marathon will take place this coming weekend. This decision has sparked much controversy. The Mayor called off the home opener for the New Jersey Nets vs. the New York Knicks at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn last night. However, he says the marathon will go on.

Many runners who had planned on running the marathon either cannot get here to the area to  run it or simply are refusing to because they don’t agree with the Mayors decision. Many also believe the conditions aren't safe or sanitary.  Some areas of New York City are still experiencing levels of high water, power outages and transportation chaos.

What are your thoughts about the NYC marathon being held? Do you think the race should be run? Let us know on our Facebook page, LINKED HERE

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Bregman Veterinary Group Location Updates Post Hurricane Sandy!




Midbrook Animal Hospital Paws and Claws and the Fifth Avenue Cat Clinic are open with telephone lines working and full power! You can now call us for appointments and services; we are on a regular schedule in these locations.  

The Cat Hospital in Long Island has no power or telephone service. Today, Dr. Allen Bregman and Dr. Eric Bregman are traveling upstate New York to procure a generator. In that regard, the Cat Hospital will be open tomorrow, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for appointments. We will be open on Friday for food pickups and drop-offs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday appointments will be normal hours.

Any clients with any questions or concerns should call 516-746-2287 and leave a message. Your call will be forwarded to our answering services and answered in short order. You can also call 888-928-4284 and leave a message and all calls will be answered ASAP.

We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time. We will keep you updated with any new information in regard to our locations. 

Sunday, October 28, 2012

IMPORTANT FRANKENSTORM INFORMATION FOR YOU AND YOUR PET!


Due to the recent hurricane warnings for the tri-state area, we want to ensure you and your pets are safe and prepared for any situation.
At the request of the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM), animal welfare agencies in the OEM's Animal Planning Task Force urge pet owners to develop an emergency evacuation plan to keep their families and pets safe before Hurricane Sandy makes landfall in New York City and its surrounding areas. 


The ASPCA, Animal Care & Control of NYC, the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, The Humane Society of the US and NYC Veterinary Emergency Response Team are reminding pet owners that all evacuation shelters are pet friendly. Several evactuation shelters opened their doors this afternoon, and pet owners should check the OEM's Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder to locate the nearest evacuation zone, and the system will direct pet owners to the proper facility. You can also obtain this information by calling 311. 

Have an emergency pet bag packed just in case. Include basic essentials including a leash, canned food for 3 days, a spare bag of treats, a toy, a face cloth and/or towel your pet can lay on, and a few bottles of water. In addition, have a secure carrier, muzzle, bowls, waste disposal bags and/or litter pan and a first aid kit. Also include proof of rabies vaccination, a pet license and more than one picture of you with your pet. Having these items easily accessible and organized will make a bad situation better.
The best thing you can do for both you and your pet is plan ahead. Don't wait until the last minute to see if Hurricane Sandy will affect your neighborhood. Act now, find your nearest evacuation shelter, and tune in to your local news to monitor the storm's condition. Don't forget, all of the City's evacuation shelters for humans are pet friendly, so please take your pets with you if you need to evacuate. 
AT NO POINT SHOULD AN ANIMAL BE LEFT BEHIND AT HOME!
The Animal Planning Task Force offers the following tips on disaster preparedness:
  • Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.
  • Make sure all pets wear collars and ID tags with up-to-date identification. Additionally, make sure all micro-chip information is update. 
  • Keep a pet emergency kit and supplies handy with items such as medical records, water, pet food and medications, and pet first aid supplies.
  • Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of an evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind. 
  • Choose a designated caregiver who can take care of your pet in the event you are unable. 
Low-lying areas of the city that are most at risk for flooding and other damage and are designated as "Zone A" low-lying areas in the Coastal Storm Plan include:
  • Coney Island and Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn
  • Far Rockaway and Broad Channel in Queens
  • South Beach
  • Midland Beach
  • Battery Park City in Manhattan
For details and updates, pleae visit the OEM's website atwww.NYC.gov/oem, or call 311 to find an evacuation center. 
New York City's Office of Emergency Management created the Animal Planning Task Force to develop plans for disasters - both natural and otherwise. The task force include representatives from the ASPCA, the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, AC&C, HSUS, NYC VERT, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, American Red Cross in Greater New York, Bideawee, Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Veterinary Medical Assistance Team One. These agencies have also committed resources that include animal sheltering veterinary support, search and rescue, supplies, staff and volunteers to provide aid in the days ahead. 
Be safe!  
For more information on Hurricane Sandy and the city response, please visit the following website: www.NYC.gov/OEM .

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Order Your Pets Prescriptions on our Website!




Have you been on the Bregman Veterinary Groups website recently? Did you know you can order your pets prescriptions online? How easy and convenient!

You can now shop online on the Bregman vet Groups website! We offer the convenience of ordering our prescriptions from home including (flea/tick and heartworm preventative and prescription diets) delivered directly to your door!

Visit our website and click the appropriate LINK for the hospital you’re currently using!

Do you order your prescriptions online? Let us know on our Facebook page, LINKED HERE! 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Do You Feed Your Pet Table Food?




If you’re a pet owner, do you ever find yourself feeding those scraps from dinner? If you do, you need to think twice before giving them people foods! There are many people foods that can be dangerous to your pet’s health!

Here are a couple of foods that you should avoid giving your pets, courtesy of the ASPCA.
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Avocado
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Grapes
  • Raisins
  • Yeast Dough
  • Raw/Under cooked Meats
  • Eggs
  • Bones
  • Xylitol (Found in gum, candy, baked goods, toothpaste)
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Chives
  • Milk
  • Salt

To read the full article, CLICK HERE

If you have any further questions about your pets diet, contact your veterinarian or visit our Facebook page, LINKED HERE

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Do You Have Questions About Your New Kitten?




Do you have a new kitten? Does your playful new kitten make it hard for you to get adequate rest at night? Or does your kitten mistake the living room carpet for its litter box?

If so, you’re not the only one who is having these problems due to the adorable kitten running around your home! Here are a couple of Q & A’s from other pet owners who are having the same troubles as you are! Q & A’s courtesy of newsday.com!

Q: My girlfriend and I got a kitten over the summer. He is now 5 months old. We cannot sleep at all anymore. He tears all over our apartment all night long and bounces on our bed over and over again. We put him on the floor and scold him but he is right back again 5 minutes later. There is not a cat toy on the planet that this animal does not have, so there is plenty to amuse him in the rest of the apartment. We are going to neuter him next month. Will that stop his behavior? Is there something else we can try? --Paul Richardson, Manorville
A: Neutering only removes an animal's desire to mate and any behaviors related to that. It certainly will not stop your cat from being happy that it is alive and wanting to share with you his joy in it.
Our cats usually sleep all day when we are not home, so their day is just beginning as ours is ending.
Your kitten has the whole night now to run and play and cannot understand why you do not want to join in. He figures that during the day you have been curled up somewhere sleeping as he has been. You just have to close the bedroom door at night and do not open it no matter what he does. Of course he will cry and throw himself at the door all night long for the first few nights, but after a week of this he will figure out that this behavior does not lead to anything. Only then will he look for some other amusement to keep him busy all night, and you can sleep in peace.

Q: I have a 5-year-old female spayed cat, and a friend has a 1 1/2-year-old sheltie. The dog is well-behaved and housebroken, but whenever the dog is brought to my house, he wants to urinate on everything. He is immediately corrected and brought outside, but as soon as he is brought back in he wants to repeat the process. I've tried "Off"-type sprays, but they do nothing. I think it is the cat's scent that triggers the dog's reaction. What can we do? --John Post,Aquebogue
A: You do not mention if the dog is neutered. This behavior is rare in neutered dogs. It is usually an intact male that feels the need to do this.
This is really not an issue of training. The dog is following a deep instinct. He is not even thinking about doing this -- it just happens. He has the opportunity to do it, and so he does. With careful management, you can deny him the opportunity. Keep the dog on a lead when he is in your house. Monitor him constantly so that when indoors he just gets used to the new smells without marking. You cannot let him out of your sight. If you cannot watch him, put him in a crate. As the weeks of this go on, he will become desensitized to all the smells of the different environment, and since he has not been able to act out the instinct of marking when he smells these things, he will no longer think it an option. The behavior will become extinct. Then you can gradually allow him his freedom again.

Do you have any other questions about your pets answered? Let us know on our Facebook page, LINKED HERE

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Tips To Remember When Dressing Your Pet Up This Halloween!




Are you planning on dressing up your pet for Halloween this year? If so, it’s important to remember to pick a costume that is appropriate, safe and comfortable for your pet!

Experts at the ASPCA suggest that you only put a Halloween costume on your pet if he/she will enjoy it. If you do decide to dress your pet up for Halloween, there are a few important things you should remember!

The Halloween costume you choose for your pet should not constrict his/her movement, hearing or impede their ability to breathe, bark or meow. Try your pets costume on before Halloween, and if your pet seems to be in discomfort or stressed, it is best to ditch the costume all together.

Examine the Halloween costume you purchased for your pet and make sure there aren't any small, dangling or easily chewed off pieces that could cause harm to your pet. These small items may cause your pet to choke.

Under your pets Halloween costume, make sure their personal identification is secured and visible in case they are to get lost during Halloween festivities! 

Will you dress your pets up this Halloween? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE

Monday, October 15, 2012

FAQ Answered About Grooming Your Pets!



Do you have any unanswered questions about grooming your pets? Here are a couple FAQ about grooming your pets answered, courtesy of the ASPCA.

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog at least once every three months. Your pet may require more frequent baths if she spends a lot of time outdoors.

Is Human Shampoo Safe to Use on My Pet?
Using a shampoo formulated for pets is best. Human shampoos aren't toxic to pets, but some may contain fragrances or other substances that can irritate pets' skin.
Be sure to select a product that's specifically formulated for your species of animal, as some ingredients may be harmful when applied to different types of pets. It's always smart to talk with your pet's veterinarian to make sure you're selecting a shampoo that will meet your pet's needs.

Do I Need to Bathe My Cat? My Bird?
With her built-in grooming tools (tongue and teeth, of course), your kitty is well-equipped to tackle her own hair care needs. But if she's extra dirty or gets into something sticky or smelly, you may need to give her a bath.
As for your feathered friend, you can help keep his plumage looking perfect with a bath as often as he likes it. Put a shallow dish of water at the bottom of his cage and let him hop around in it. You'll probably want to schedule bath time just before you clean his cage!

When Do I Need to Call My Vet?
If your pet has fleas or mange, or his fur is so matted that it affects his health and mobility, it's time to see a vet. Furthermore, if your pet becomes aggressive when you or an experienced groomer tries to bathe him, please contact your vet.

My Pet Has Long Hair That's Frequently Matted. How Do I Get Rid of the Matting?
Gently tease out mats with a slicker brush, and then brush your pet with a bristle brush. If matting is particularly dense, you may try clipping the hair, taking care not to come near the skin. It's a good idea to set up a daily grooming routine for long-haired pets, since they really need daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats.

How Do I Cut Down on My Pet's Shedding?
Shedding is a normal process for pets, but the amount and frequency of hair lost often depends on health and breed type. While you can't stop the shedding process altogether, you can greatly reduce the amount of fur on your furniture by brushing your pet regularly.
Excessive shedding can also be circumvented with proper nutrition. Quality pet-food manufacturers work hard to include the right amount of nutrients so that supplements are not needed, but pets with allergies or sensitivities might need to experiment with different brands to discover which food works best for them.


For more useful tips about your pet’s health, visit www.aspca.org

Friday, October 12, 2012

Ten Step’s to Your Dog’s Dental Health!




Humans are not the only ones who need to have Dental Hygiene, it is important to take care of a dog’s teeth as well. By brushing your dog’s teeth, providing a healthy diet and plenty of chew toys it can help their oral hygiene.

Here are 10 steps to help your dog’s dental health! Also, don't forget The Bregman Vet Group offers different dental services for your pets! Call any of our locations today for more information! 
  1. The Breath Test- A dog’s breath is not predominantly a fresh smell, but if the breathe is more offensive and you see the dog not eating, or excessive drinking or urinating, take the dog to the vet.
  2. Lip Service- About once a week face your dog to you and lift the top lip and exam the gums. The gums should be pink, not white or red and should not have any swelling.  There should be no signs of brownish tartar and have clean teeth.
  3. Signs of Oral Disease- If your dog have a problem with their mouth or gastrointestinal system, get them checked out by a veterinarian.  Bad Breath, Excessive drooling, inflamed gums, tumors in the gums, cysts under the tongue and loose teeth. All of these signs could be signs of an oral disease your dog could encounter.
  4. The Lowdown on Tooth Decay- Regular teeth cleanings help prevent any bacteria and plaque that can cause builds up on a dog’s teeth. 
  5. Canine Tooth- Brushing Kit- Ask your vet for toothpaste made just for dogs, human tooth paste should not be used on dogs, and it can cause upset stomach. Get a tooth brush just for dogs or wrap a clean piece of gauze around your finger. 
  6. Brightening the Pearly Whites- In order for the tooth brushing process to be easier on you and the dog, first try to massage their lips with her finger in a circular motion to get them adjusted to the feeling. Once the dog feels comfortable start easing toothpaste on their lip to get used to the taste. The next thing to do after you have introduced the brush and toothpaste is to put it all together and gently start brushing the teeth.
  7. Brushing Technique- To keep the dog still and not go crazy during this exercise, place the brush at a 45 degree angle and clean in a small circular motion. Work on one area at a time and don’t fight any areas they won’t let you do. Once the dog is adjusted to this process start to clean them 2-3 times a week.
  8. Know Your Mouth Disorders- Know the types of mouth problems that are out there so if your dog may come across one you know to go a vet.  Look out for problems like, periodontal disease gingivitis, halitosis swollen gums, proliferating gum disease, mouth tumors, salivary cysts and canine distemper teeth. If you see any symptoms of these bring your canine to the vet.
  9. Chew on This- Talk to your vet about what kind of chew toys are best for your dog, they can satisfy the dog’s natural instinct to chomp on something while making the teeth strong.
  10. Diet for Healthy Teeth- Keep your dog on a particularly formulated dry food that can help slow down any tartar or plaque.

If you learn these tips and start to use them on your canine, you will help their oral hygiene and better their mouth! 

For more information on your dog’s health, CLICK HERE

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Pets and our Environment!


Human’s and their pets may share more qualities than one may initially think. Both can be; loving, happy, excited, and even sad. Unfortunately, one shared quality that many pet owners may not be aware of is that, pets also share our diseases. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and asthma are all diseases that dogs and cats suffer from, along with humans.


Pets are in our environment with us. What people do not realize is that since we share an environment, we are also exposed to the same pollutants. For example, if we mop a floor with chemicals and use carpet cleaner on our living room carpet, our pet, who might be lying on the floor, is going to breathe in and be exposed to all the chemicals. These are the same chemicals that would make us sick if we breathed in, and may even kill us if we ingested them.



Since cats wind up ingesting a lot of dust on their fur due to their grooming habits, they are potentially at risk for overactive thyroids. This is because the ingested dust could contain chemicals from around the house. This may be a potential bigger issue. Toddlers usually spend a lot of time crawling around floors and rugs. They are being exposed to the same type of potentially dangerous dust particles!

You may be thinking, well, my dog spends a lot of time outside, so this does not really apply to me. But, you may not actually be clear from danger. Lawn and garden pesticides have been shown in studies to increase cases of canine lymphoma and bladder cancer. In a 2004 study by Purdue University veterinarians, Scottish terriers exposed to certain herbicides (including common weed killer), were more than four times likely to develop bladder cancer compared to yards that had untreated lawns.


While our pets unfortunately live relatively short lives, researchers can actually use this to their advantage. Researchers can gather a lifetime of information in a dog’s accelerated life as compared to people. This is important information because the functions of certain human genes are actually very similar to dogs. So, some of the information learned from environmental diseases in dogs and how we treat them, can actually help find treatments and cures in humans as well.


So next time you smoke a cigarette or spray some pesticide around your pet, know that you may potentially be harming them as well as yourself. A clean environment can benefit all species! 

Monday, October 8, 2012

Tips to Help Save on Pet Care Costs!




Did you know that Americans spent $50 billion on their pets last year? If you’re a pet owner, you've probably noticed that pets can get pricey! Here are 10 tips to help you save on pet care costs!

Find the right pet/breed for your budget- There are many factors when considering what kind of pet to bring into your home. You may want to ask yourself questions such as: Do I have the time to provide long walks and activities to fulfill the needs of a larger dog? Would a smaller dog or indoor cat be a better fit for my household?

Adopt a pet- If you’re on a tight budget and looking to do a good deed- adopting a pet is a great option for you.

Find coupons for food and toys- If you do your research, there are plenty of deal sites out there on the web that cater to pet freebies and promotions! Another great way to save money is to buy your pet food in bulk.

Invest in preventative care- Be sure to keep up with routine vet checkups for your pets. This can help dodge bigger medical issues and bills in the future.

Treat illness promptly- Don’t put off vet care until an illness worsens – this will most likely result in your vet bill costing an arm and a leg for care!

Consider pet insurance- Many people have different opinions on pet insurance and question whether it’s worth it or not. However, in some cases, the right pet insurance could help alleviate big financial blows of medical emergencies.

Learn DIY (do it yourself) grooming- Grooming your pet each month can become extremely expensive. You can learn to groom your pet on your own or you can choose a pet breed that is low-maintenance.

Invest in training- Pet training isn't cheap, however, having a well-behaved pet can reduce the likelihood of accidents happening later on. For example, if you train your dog to get along well with other dogs, it is less likely your pet will have a bad run in with your neighbor’s dog!

Find a reasonably priced sitter- There are many ways to find reasonably priced pet care if you’re going out of town. Start by asking your veterinarian for recommendations! Make sure that your pet sitter is bonded, insured and certified by a professional organization!

Skip the fancy extras- Skip the pricey toys, gourmet foods and treats and the trendy pet clothes – they really add up!

Do you have any other additional tips to help save on pet care costs? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE