New Social Network Site For…Pets?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Facebook and other social media websites are very well-known around the world. It keeps friends connected with other friends, relatives and old high school acquaintances. It couldn’t be possible for this to happen for pets, could it?

A new social networking site, PuppyPals.org, was created by life-long animal lover Vikki Thom who was seeking a way to connect with other pet lovers, share tips and recommendations, and establish a pet-sitting exchange (http://goo.gl/l2kMW).

“I’ve had dogs all my life,” said Thom, who was adopted from China in the 1960s. “I was made fun of a lot and I just found that dogs gave me the unconditional love I craved.”

After launching the website, Thom is now in the process of signing up users. Eventually, she is hoping that she will be able to feature advertising on the website.

The website generates conversations among pet owners and lists local dog parks, animal shelters, free classified ads and a shopping mall for small business-owners selling pet-related items, such as dog treats and clothing.

Check it out!

Never Leave Pets In A Hot Car

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The summer months are upon us and the heat waves are beginning to take shape. There are pet owners who don’t like to leave their dogs home alone, so they take them for a ride to the store or wherever they are headed.

When they get to their destination, they crack the windows a little for the dog to get air and head into the store. Although people think it will be a few minutes, it normally takes a little longer than that.

However, no matter if it’s three minutes or ten minutes, leaving your pet in your car in the summer heat is dangerous and irresponsible.

Yes, you can have your windows halfway down, but when the sun is beating down on your car, especially if you have dark car seats, the temperatures rise and could be very dangerous for your pet. They can experience heat exhaustion and dehydration, and if serious enough, can cause organ failure and possible death.

So do all pet lovers a favor – when you are headed to the store when it is hot, leave your pet home in the air conditioning so they can stay safe and cool. There have been many stories about pets being locked in cars, and the stories don’t end well.

If you have any concerns about your pet having heat exhaustion, please give us a call at one of the Bregman Vet Hospitals so we can schedule an appointment and see your pet immediately.

Is It Smart To Declaw Your Cat?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

When it comes to cats, owners have the decision to make – should we declaw the cat or not? This is one of the hottest issues in the American cat owner community today.

Onychectomy in cats is an incredibly common procedure in the United States – it is estimated that fully one-fourth of house cats are declawed. The procedure involves removing a cat’s claw from within their tow, thus preventing it from growing back (http://goo.gl/IohKQ).

There are understandable reasons for declawing your cat – they can’t ruin your furniture, they can’t scratch anyone or other cats, they have the option of retaining their back claws to assist in jumping, and you don’t have to worry about clipping their nails.

When the declawing procedure is done, it actually severs the cat’s last toe bone, according to many (http://goo.gl/IohKQ). Balance is very important in cats, and declawing them can affect their natural balance. Also, after the surgery, infections are easy to get and some cats experience pain over the loss of their claws.

Make sure to do your research before you make this decision! 

Call us at the Bregman Vet Hospital and talk to one of our veterinarians if you have any questions. It’s an important decision to make and make sure you have the full understanding before you get the procedure done.

Travel Safely With Your Pets This Summer

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The kids are just about our of school and it’s time to get the vacation lined up, the clothes and family packed up and ready to go. But what about your pets? Are they coming with you and do you know how to prepare to keep them safe on the trip?

If you are taking your pet on vacation with you, driving is the cheapest option considering the cost of plane tickets these days. Make sure you know how to drive with them in the car.

According to Inga Fricke, Director of Sheltering and Pet Care Issues at the Humane Society of the United States, you should plan ahead before taking the trip. “You need to plan ahead on two fronts,” Fricke said. “First, you need to practice with your pet. Get them ready to be in their crate or carrier ahead of time, so you don’t suddenly have them in a carrier and also moving in a car.”

You also want to be sure that your pet will stay safe in the event of an accident. A pet loose in the backseat has virtually no protection in a car crash. A sturdy crate or carrier could mean the different between life and death for an animal (http://goo.gl/D3NrP).

Another part of planning your trip with your pet is to make stops that won’t require you to leave your pet in the car. You should pack some sandwiches, drinks and snacks, and pull over at a rest area or picnic area for everyone to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom, which includes your pet. Don’t put your dog’s leash attached to your bumper because you dog could seriously injure their neck. Have the leash ready and accessible so you can hook them up and take them for a walk.

Make sure that your dog has the proper identification on them in case they get loose, and never leave them in a hot car with the windows up. The car can heat up quicker than you think, and that could cause a dangerous situation.

If you are taking a trip this summer with your pet and have additional questions, please call us at the Bregman Vet Hospitals and we can help answer any questions you may have. Have a great trip!

Tips For Hiking and Camping With Your Dog

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Taking your four-legged friend with you for a hike or camping can be a lot of fun for you, and great exercise for your dog. But be careful as there are some safety tips to make sure that when your hike is over, you are both safe and on your way back home.

Make sure to always keep your dog on a leash or long line. Dogs that are well-trained can sometimes wander off or unable to resist the urge to chase a small rodent, and you don’t want to lose your dog when you are in unfamiliar territory.

Also, always have multiple forms of identification on your dog, which includes tags with your address and phone number attached to the dog’s collar or harness. You should also have your dog microchipped before you leave, just in case you separate.

Carry up-to-date information about your dog’s vaccination history should your dog become involved in an altercation with another dog, human or wildlife (http://goo.gl/nWyjN).

Don’t leave your dog tied up and unattended. Sometimes you are unable to interrupt unwanted behaviors from both your dog and people who may approach them, but a dog who is tied up could be stolen or could become very easy prey for wildlife that are wandering around.

Lastly, avoid having your dog drink standing water. There could be viruses or bacteria in that water and that could make your dog very sick. Bring some water with you and when necessary, set up a bowl to have them drink so they don’t dehydrate.

If you have any other questions or concerns in regards to taking your dog hiking or camping, give us a call at one of the Bregman Vet Hospitals and we’d be happy to help you.

Is Bringing Pets To Work A Good Idea?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Believe it or not, there are millions of dogs that accompany their owners to work every day. Some offices are pet-friendly, while others have strict policies against bringing in any type of pet, even if it’s a goldfish.

According to the American Pet Products Association, a survey taken last year showed about 1.4 million owners take some 2.3 million dogs to work every day. When the group last surveyed businesses in 2006, one in five was dog-friendly. That number is probably holding steady if you include one-person offices, work-at-home pet owners and retail shops, said Len Kain, co-founder and editor of DogFriendly.com, which lists dog-friendly companies in every state (http://goo.gl/8DZNB).

“Engineering and software companies are often the type of company that is pet-friendly,” said Kain, which includes Google, Inc. and Amazon.com. “These companies have trouble finding people with the skills they need and do not want to lose these employees.”

This year, on Friday, June 22^nd, it will be Take Your Pet to Work Day. Will you be bringing your pet to work? Do you think it’s a good idea to bring your pet to work, even if they have a lot of energy to burn?

Let’s hear your thoughts on this on our Facebook page linked HERE! 

Pfizer To Spin Off Animal Health Business

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

On June 6, 2012, drugmaker Pfizer Inc. said that it’s taking their first steps to spin off its animal health business into a separate company.

Pfizer claimed it is preparing to submit a regulatory filing for a possible initial offering of a minority stake in the new company, to be called Zoetis. New York-based Pfizer said it will provide more details when it reports its second-quarter results, likely during the first week of August (http://goo.gl/okn3p).

“Our focus continues to be taking the actions that will generate the greatest after-tax value for our shareholders,” Chairman and CEO Ian Read said in a statement.

Just over seven weeks ago, Pfizer sold its infant nutrition business for $11.85 billion to Swiss food and drink giant Nestle SA. In the third quarter of 2011, they sold its Capsugel capsule-making business to Kohlberg Kravis Robert & Co. for $2.38 billion in cash. These moves are part of a major corporate makeover.

The new name Zoetis come from the word zoetic, meaning “pertaining to life.”

In the US, the business sells Convenia, an antibiotic for dogs and cats; Revolution, for protecting dogs and cats from fleas, heartworms and other parasites, and a cancer drug for dogs called Palladia (http://goo.gl/okn3p).

If you have any questions about your pets medications, give one of our great doctors a call at the Bregman Vet Hospitals and they will help you understand the medicine better.

Starter Pets For Children

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Children love all types of animals. When you take them to the zoo, they want to see all of them – elephants, monkeys, giraffes, bears. But what will you do when your child asks you if they could have a pet?

Getting your child a starter pet could be helpful as it could teach them responsibility. Say for example, you choose to win your son a goldfish at the local carnival. They can live up to several years in a bowl or a tank, and without a filter or heater. Just have them keep the tank clean and feed them when necessary.

Also, an ant farm is also something that young kids would like to have, especially since they don’t have to do anything with it. They can sit and watch the ants dig their way to other areas. It is entertaining for them and can get them interested in how it can be done.

Pocket pets could also be a good learning lesson for taking care of a pet. Gerbils, hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs are termed pocket pets. They need to be handled gently by your children and they often last a few years. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that is costs about $300-$635 a year to maintain a pocket pet (http://goo.gl/VJY8e).

Rabbits and birds are also fun animals to have, but rabbits take a little more maintaining and can cost a little more per year in feeding them, cleaning their cage and so on.

No matter what pet you attend to adopt, you should teach your children that they should make a lifetime commitment to any animal that joins your family. They are great to have around and are always happy to see you!

If you have any questions in regards to adopting a pet and want to check with one of our great veterinarians, please call us at one of the Bregman Vet Hospitals. 

Keep Those Tackle Boxes Closed!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

With the warm weather here, the avid fishermen are out and about trying to catch the biggest fish they can, and ultimately cook it for dinner. But there are some toys that fisherman keep in their tackle boxes that can attract dogs and cats, and that’s not the type of fish they are trying to catch!

The site of the shining and sparkling lures can catch the eyes of any animals, but with cats especially, it could be very dangerous.

In one story, by Pete Keesling, his neighbor was outside in the backyard practicing his casting when his cat caught site of the shining lure in the sunlight, and went after it. The conclusion? Some sedation and wire cutters, and the lure was taken out of the kitty’s lip.

Be sure that your pets are away from dangerous things like these, and make sure they your tackle boxes or anything that you have outside or in the house are locked up and secured as freak accidents like this happen and you don’t want to bring your pet to the veterinarian’s office with this type of injury.

If you have any questions about dangerous items that you think your pet could get a handle on and hurt themselves, feel free to call us at one of the Bregman Vet Hospitals and we can let you know the danger of it. 

Safety Tips For Your Pets During The Summer

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Although the summer hasn't officially started, the warm weather has begun and the pools and beaches are open for your pleasure. Just as important as it is to keep yourself and children safe this summer, the same goes for your pets. Here are some helpful tips to help your pets stay healthy and safe this summer.

Make sure to have sunscreen handy to put on your pets. Like humans, pets can sometimes get sunburn on their bodies if they have light hair or a thin coat. Look to apply a fragrance free, non-staining, UVA and UVB barrier sunscreen or a special sunscreen made for pets so that it can help prevent your pet from being burned.

Make sure to have your pets stay in the shade and provide them with plenty of water. Pets also enjoy the warm weather and may become dehydrated after extended play outside. Providing plenty of fresh water to your pets can help prevent your dog or cat from being dehydrated.

Do not leave your pets in the car. Just as with children, leaving a pet in the car for even a few minutes can cause it to have heat stroke. Even on a 70-degree day, a car in direct sunlight can heat up to 100 degrees within minutes (http://goo.gl/QMSOK). 

Keep an eye on where your pets tend to roam. Many people use fertilizers and pesticides on their lawns in the summertime, which can be poisonous to cats and dogs. When clients walk their pets, they should avoid grassy areas that have been treated and take them to an area where they can run around and play.

Last but not least, make sure to keep your pets away from antifreeze. Antifreeze is poisonous to dogs and cats, but many pets are attracted to its scent and taste. When walking dogs, be alert to any spills, leaks, or containers of antifreeze that pets can accidentally ingest.

If you have any other concerns about your pet and the hot summer sun, please give us a call at one of the Bregman Vet Hospitals. We are here to help you and your pet in any way possible!

Make A Plan When Traveling With Animals

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

With the summer coming, there will be vacation time, And people love to bring their families, including their pets. There are a number of things that people can do with their pets to make sure that when they travel, they are comfortable and more importantly, safe.

If you do not have your pet in the car when driving, take a test drive with them. Some pets may get motion sickness and bad anxiety when riding in a car. Dogs like to stick their heads out the window to feel that breeze, but cats are better off being securely placed in a pet carrier. If your pet isn't comfortable, contact one of the Bregman Vet doctors and they can help you with making sure your pet is calm.

Also, try not to feed your pet a big meal before a long trip. Doing that with people sometimes works as it makes them full and sleepy. But with pets, it doesn't always work that way. Let them eat a little before you leave and save the food for the end of the trip. They will be looking forward to eating, especially after being couped up in a car for hours.

Like children, pets need to go to the bathroom. Make sure that when you stop to go to the bathroom, that you take your pet out as well. You don't need accidents to happen in your car because it could be unpleasant for the rest of the passengers.

Some families don't like the long drives, so they decide to fly to their destination. When it comes to air travel, check with the airlines about their requirements when it comes to pets. Airlines typically require a certificate from the veterinarian that the pet is healthy and is up to date on vaccinations (http://goo.gl/auCPD). 

Finally, if your pet needs medications, bring enough to last a few days just in case you get caught in an extended stay situation. If you think you may run out before you are due to return home, get your pets medication refilled before you leave.

Have questions about traveling with pets? Call us at one of the Bregman Vet Hospitals as we are here to help!

New Spray Helps Animals With Allergies

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Allergies have been really bad this year, especially in humans. But it also has been very bad for pets as well.

Fifteen to twenty percent of all dogs suffer from an allergy to pollens, mold spores, and dust mites, resulting in an itchy skin condition called atopic dermatitis. A number of treatment options are available to treat these pets, but only one targets the source and can change the underlying disease process: allergy immunotherapy (http://goo.gl/vh8Jd).

SkinVet (TM) has come out with prescription solutions that make allergy immunotherapy more available to allergic pets. A spray called RESPIT (TM) Oromucosal Spray brings together the concepts of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and SkinVet's patent-pending process of geographic region-specific immunotherapy formulation (http://goo.gl/vh8Jd).

Pets would receive two to three squirts a day inside their cheeks while the allergens are absorbed and processed to induce tolerance to common offending allergens.

If you have any questions regarding this oral medicine, please give us a call at one of the Bregman Vet Group hospitals and we can help you understand it better.