World Rabies Day- September 28, 2012!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Tomorrow, September 28^th is World Rabies Day!  It is a day created by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control group and is recognized by over 150 nations.  The goal of World rabies day is to promote information on rabies control and reduce the amount of rabies cases by maintaining proper animal vaccination and control, as well as providing access to the necessary medical care for those infected. 

“Rabies is completely preventable.  We want people to understand the importance of vaccinating against the disease,” said Dr. Leon Russell, a professor in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.  Even with treatment available, more than 55,000 people per year die from a rabies bite worldwide.  Rabies can be contracted from dogs and cats to skunks and raccoons. 

In addition, Russell recommends that owners should take the necessary precautions and pets should always be routinely vaccinated against rabies.

If your pet is in need of vaccination, or treatment please contact us at The Bregman Veterinary Group for the best services!  Visit us at http://bregmanvetgroup.com/ for more information. Also, visit our Facebook page, linked HERE! 

NJ May Be the First State to Require Dogs to Wear Seat Belts!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

L. Grace Spencer, a New Jersey Assemblywoman, has introduced a state bill that would require drivers to secure pets in seat belts or pay the penalty of up to $1,000.  The 1,000 dollar fine would only apply in extreme cases such as leaving a pet unsecured in the bed of a pickup truck.  

This law would also not apply to animals stored in crates.  Spencer is an animal lover who owns seven pets herself, she has gained the endorsement of New Jersey’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  A bill such as this of course has its critics who believe the attention of state legislation should be delegated to the states budget deficit and unemployment rate.  Animal activist have been advocating animal safety in motor vehicles for a long time, a number of other states have banned pets from riding in owners laps while driving.  

Zerimax is one of the top companies producing animal seat restraints, and have quadrupled their sales every month since the company was launched.  Zerimax has different restraints starting at $25 and ranging to around $50.  Spencer believes that if the bill in question passes and other states adopt similar bills the market will flood with cheaper products because of product competition.  

Supporters of this bill that we should be obligated to protect the lives of our pets and this bill will force people to be more cautious! 

Take Sensible Precautions As a Pet Owner!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

When people think about bringing an animal into their home to live with them, there is always a risk that this animal can bring sickness or disease.  Without the proper precautions animals can bring germs that can spread to humans, particularly children under the age of 5.  This is a reason to be more cautious with animals, not a reason to not have a pet!

To ensure safety, we should become familiar with the most common forms of germs and diseases that threaten us.  Streptococcus is a form of bacteria that causes strep throat and skin infections.  Your pet can carry ticks that cause Lyme disease; these ticks can hop from your pet to you and put you in risk.  Salmonella, Campylobacter  e. Coli, Giardia and Cryptosporidium can spread through anything contaminated with an infected pets stool.  

Toxoplasma is a germ found in cat stool, that can affect the brain and eyes in infants, and a pregnant mother can pass these effects to her unborn child.  Worms, which can also be spread through contact with infected stool, can cause fever, rash, allergic reactions, eye, liver and lung disease, and brain infections.  Finally rabies, which is usually found in wild animals, can also affect your pet and can be transmitted to humans through scratches and bites.  This all seems like a lot and a huge risk to take, but all these diseases can be avoided very easily.  

To prevent getting an illness from your pet, take new pets to the veterinarian as soon as possible.  Take them back to the vet regularly for checkups and shots.  You always want to wash your hands with soap after cleaning up after your pet goes to the bathroom. Clean litter boxes daily and never let your children play where your pet goes to the bathroom.  Never let your pet eat any raw meat, also drinking from the toilet is very unhealthy and unsanitary.  This all seems like a lot of work and a lot to remember, but once you get into a routine its is very simple.  

The reward is much more than the slim risk you take when adopting a pet.  Pets make wonderful playmates for children! They keep them physically active and teach them responsibility! 

The Importance of Vaccinating Your Pet!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

If you are a pet owner like me and have suffered through the illness of your pet, this blog is a must read. My boxer Rusty gave birth to an albino. I didn’t even have a chance to name the little chap before he died on me. I am not sure if I could have done anything to save him, but it still pinches me every now and then. Although this little story in really unrelated to pet vaccinations and the importance of it but this is my way of empathizing with the pain you suffer when your pet gets sick.

I cannot stress enough the importance of regular vaccinations and vet visits for your pet.  Regular vaccinations will safe guard your pet from fatal illnesses such as rabies or leptospirosis. Pet vaccinations will also protect your other pets from any contagious illnesses. Not only that, humans can contract life threatening illnesses from infected pets. Therefore it behooves us pet lovers to make sure that they get regularly checked and vaccinated by their vets.

A little tidbit of information: Dogs and cats are more likely to catch infections. In any case act before it is too late. I know what it is like to lose a beloved pet. For more information on vaccinations for your pets you can visit the “Vaccinate your pet” campaign online at www.VaccinateYourPet.com.

You can also contact The Bregman Veterinary Group for the best services ranging from routine vaccinations, dentistry procedures to feline boarding. Click on www.bregmanvet.com for more information.

If you haven’t already, vaccinate your beloved pet today!

Microchips: Only as Good as the Information You Give

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

One of the newest trends in pet ownership is the microchip.  This is a chip no bigger than a grain of rice that is implanted in your pet and programmed with the information you choose.  These chips are the best way to locate a missing pet.  Often times, people forget to register the chip or update the contact information.  Chipping your pet is very easy and reasonably priced. 

Many breeders, adoption organizations and shelters are beginning to do it automatically and adding it on to the adoption fee.  Typically it costs between $40 - $50 and registration fee varies with the chip some don’t charge at all.  Around one in four dogs have these chips while cats are half as likely.  Many people believe themselves to be responsible pet owners and don’t see the need, but the truth is accidents happen and pets do get loose and lost.  When the pets do escape they are often found by people who cannot contact the rightful owners.  If they have the microchip the local vet or animal control officer will use a handheld scanner to get the information. 

One of the most common misunderstandings about the chip is that it works like GPS, which is not true.   The pet still needs to be found by someone and brought to the proper place.  After our pets our found this is the best way to get them back to their rightful owner.  All pet owners should consider chipping their pets and taking precautions to keep them safe, because the truth is accidents happen.  In the event that your pet gets lost, give them the best chance to get back home, get your pet a microchip today! 

The Truth About Cat People and Dog People!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you a cat or dog person? Most people align themselves with one of these animals and research shows that your preference can reveal a little about your personality! 62 percent of U.S. households own a pet, dogs being the most popular at 39 percent, but cats are a close second at 33 percent.  These pets are so common that if you do not own one, chances are someone you know does. 

Studies show that parents with young children are more likely to own a dog that the kids can take outside and play with, while older couples and single are more likely to have lower maintenance pets like cats.  Living space is another factor in what kind of pet we own. However, people really try and match their personalities to their pet.  It is found that dog people tend to be more extroverted, agreeable and conscientious, while self proclaimed cat people tend to be more creative and adventurous but more prone to anxiety.  

There is even a link between our pets and the way we vote. A 2008 Gallup survey of 2,000 Americans found that 33 percent of dog owners identified themselves as Republicans while only 28 percent of cat owners leaned to the right.  Other surveys have found the split more even. Cat people and dog people are equally likely to have a four year college degree, but cat lovers are 17 percent more likely to have a graduate degree. There are many differences between the two sides, but there are also many similarities.  

Which pet do you prefer and what does it say about you? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE! 

Combine Blood Test with Vaccine for Cat’s Safety!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Many people get their cats vaccinated for the leukemia virus, distemper and rabies. However, many people don’t understand the reason to test the blood for the virus after.  Even if your cat stays indoors a majority of the year, it’s still important to both vaccinate and test.  The blood test suggested to check for leukemia also tests for FIV a very similar virus that cats can contract from other cats while outdoors. 

Both viruses can be quite problematic and eventually fatal for felines.  There is no known vaccination for FIV, and the blood test only comes as a combination test, which makes it essential, because if the cat has either virus it can easily spread it and should be kept indoors.  If the cat does not get out of the house much it should be tested once every two years, but conform your decision to your cat’s specific situation based on how often they come in contact with other cats and the amount of time they spend outdoors.  

Keep in mind that cats that leave the house less frequently are not exposed to as much pathogens as other cats and are likely to live longer healthier lives! 

Is Treating Your Pet for Ticks Life-Threatening?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

There is so much information available to us at our fingertips which makes it hard to filter what is true and what isn’t.  Everything about being a responsible pet owner involves evaluating your unique situation and unique pet, and making conscious decisions to best take care of your pet.  

After consulting many veterinarians, we have concluded that there is no valid correlation between tick detections and increased cancer rates. There for we have concluded that using modern veterinary quality products present less of a risk than the parasites they prevent, although every brand and method is different containing different components.  This makes it impossible to say that all methods do not have any correlation to cancer.  

Misinterpretation in our society today often spreads very quickly because of all the various sources to advertise our ideas.  There are various websites, blogs and chat rooms that support these ideas without any real evidence often referencing each other as their sources. Overall the best way to ensure your pet’s safety is by consulting a trusted veterinary professional.

For more information, visit our website! 

Feline Heartworm Can Be Fatal

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The Wild Side Column is usually dedicated to lighthearted stories about owners and their pets.  This particular story takes a more somber premise, about an owner named Fumiko and her cat Chisai, that tragically passed away over night. 

Fumiko brought her beloved cat to the hospital, and after it was confirmed that Chisai had passed, she eventually allowed post mortem procedures to find the cause of this sudden death.  It was determined that a single heartworm was wrapped around one of her heart valves, which led to heart failure. 

Fumiko was assured that her pet died quickly and painlessly.  These heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and can live up to eight years.  They are much more common in dogs, although they do occur in cats as well.  Single worms such as this case can be tolerated by dogs, but with cats the effects are lung and kidney damage as well as sudden death.  

This is why dogs and cats should be given a monthly heartworm preventative.   Hopefully Fumiko’s story can spread the word and save the lives of other animals! 

Does Your Pet Favor its Left or Right Hand?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Dr. Stefanie Schwartz of the Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin, California, believes she has developed and accurate method to test whether your pet is right or left handed. The fact of which paw your pet favors will not change much about they way your pet acts, but this test was developed to satisfy the curiosity factor in this trait.  

Researchers are currently studying left an right brain connections, genetics and sexual orientation of some animals, which some day might effect the way we breed and train animals.  For example in American horse racing, the horse needs only to turn left, opposed to some foreign competitions where the horse must turn both ways.  They will need to be ambidextrous, so they don’t trip themselves up.  

90 percent of humans are right handed, but this trait isn't translated to cats and dogs, which show numbers much closer to 50-50.  There are many obvious ways to test for this, for example what paw it uses to hold a toy down for which paw they tend to give when asked.  But these tests can be skewed by factors such as unknown injury or arthritis, which may cause the pet to favor its non-dominant paw.  

Although this test may seem trivial for common house pets, this research is being used to accurately assign the best possible animals for jobs such as Seeing Eye dogs, or military K-9s.  These factors could be crucial in life and death situations and we are always looking for the best possible ways to be prepared for the unpredictable! 

Did You Know Our Services are Offered at ALL of our locations?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Did you know that the following services are available at ALL of our locations?

• Wellness exams, routine vaccinations, dewormers, and 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 planting and pinning
• Surgical CO2 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

 Our locations include:

The Cat Hospital

2 Hillside Avenue, Suite E
Williston Park, NY 11596
877-228-4131

Midbrook Animal Hospital
1899 Coney Island Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-645-7744

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
225 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
99 North 9th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-782-8387

For more information, visit our Facebook page, linked HERE!