Interview With The Newest Member of the Bregman Vet Group Team: Dr. Laura Kennedy!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

We sat down to chat with the Bregman Veterinary Groups newest edition, Dr. Laura Kennedy!

Here’s what she had to say!

Question: Where are you from originally?

Dr. Kennedy: I’m originally from Rockland County, New York.

Question: What is your official title at the Bregman Veterinary Group?

Dr. Kennedy: I’m an associate veterinarian.

Question: Which Bregman Veterinary Group location do you work out of?

Dr. Kennedy: I mostly work out of 5^th Avenue Cat Clinic and Paws and Claws.

Question: Where did you get your degree in Veterinary Medicine?

Dr. Kennedy: I got my degree at Ross University and did my clinical year at the University of MN.

Question: Do you have any pets of your own?

Dr. Kennedy: Yes! I have 4 cats. Their names are Simba, Nala, Timone and Pumba!

Question: What is the most rewarding part about your job?

Dr. Kennedy: Most of this job is rewarding. Seeing a smiling client and a happy/healthy patient are all very rewarding.

Question: How do you plan on helping the Bregman Veterinary Group?

Dr. Kennedy: I plan on bringing my veterinary expertise and compassion to their clients and patients.

You heard it from Dr. Kennedy! Welcome to the Bregman Veterinary Group! For more information on the Bregman Veterinary Group, please visit our website or our Facebook page! 

Best Dog Parks in Brooklyn!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

With springtime here and summer approaching, we’re sure you’re probably looking for a few outdoor activities to do with your pets after a long winter indoors!

Luckily for you, we've scoped out some of the best dog parks in Brooklyn for you to check out this spring/summer with your pets! Let us know which park is your favorite on our Facebook page! Also, if you have a favorite park or great summer spot you take your pet, be sure to post about that as well!

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Location: Adams Street and Plymouth Street

Cooper Park

Location: Olive Street and Maspeth Avenue

DiMattina Park

Location: Hicks Street and Woodhull Street

Dyker Beach Park

Location: 7^th Avenue and 86^th Street

Herbert Von King Park

Location: Marcy Avenue and Lafayette Avenue

Hillside Park

Location: Columbia Heights and Middagh Street 

Friendliest Pet Hotels NYC Has to Offer!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you looking to take a weekend trip and want to bring your pets along? If you’re headed to NYC, we've got a couple of recommendations on the friendliest pet hotels NYC has to offer!

Pet friendly hotels have become increasingly popular, and more and more hotels are now offering the options for guests to bring their pets along!

Let us know if you've traveled to any pet friendly hotels in NYC or any other popular travel destination and let us know about your experience on our Facebook page!

Here is a list of our recommendations!

• Affinia Hotel Chain (Includes: Affinia Dumont, 50, Manhattan, Gardens and Shelburne). The Affinia hotel also offers their guests pets the jet set program, which includes grooming, walking and training!
• Hilton Waldorf Towers – offers pet pillows and water bowls
• Loews Regency – This location pampers pets with sleep mats, bowls and a special pet friendly menu
• Le Parker Meridien – This beautiful hotel offers pet’s mood music, scratch pads, and a “feed the party animal” menu!
• Hotel Pennsylvania – Located right across the street from Madison Square Garden, this hotel is the annual host hotel for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! The hotel allows up to two dogs per room!

Interview with Exotic Pet Vet Dr. Mark Landesman

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Dr. Landesman received his undergraduate degree from SUNY Buffalo, and his veterinary degree from the Universite de Liege in Brussels, Belgium. After being a practice owner for 12 years, Dr. Landesman is proud to have merged with the Bregman Veterinary Group. 

We took a few minutes to sit down with Dr. Landesman, exotic pet veterinarian at the Midbrook Animal Hospital. Please read through the interview below and let us know what you think about our exotic pet vet!

Q-What is your official title at the Bregman Vet Group?
My official title is Staff Veterinarian at the Bregman Vet Group.


Q-Which location do you work out of?
I mostly work out of the Midbrook Animal Hospital located at 1899 Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn.

Q-When did you first start working at Midbrook Animal Hospital?
I first  started working at Midbrook Animal Hospital about 2 and a half years ago. 

Q-What was your experience like at the Universite de Liege in Brussels?
My experience in Brussels was wonderful. I was there for 5 years studying. The Universite de Liege Veterinary Faculty in Brussels is an excellent school and I am very fortunate to have studied there. Aside from being an excellent institution to study at, the city is beautiful, food was great and the beer was even better!

Q-What makes you different than most of the staff?
What makes me different than most of the staff at the Bregman Vet Group is that in addition to cats and dogs, I also work with exotic pets including birds, small mammals like rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. and reptiles. 

Q-What type of exotic animals do you work with?
I work with exotic animals such as birds, reptiles and small mammals. 

 Q - What is a "day in the life of Dr. Landesman" like?
It's interesting... I've come to find that as we say exotic people keep exotic pets! It's been a lot of fun meeting the owners of these exotic pets and witness the level of devotion and love that they have for their pet. The average person doesn't understand the bond that an exotic pet owner has with their pet, especially birds, because of their level of intellect. My day, aside from general practice is getting to witness interesting scenarios between an exotic pet owner and their beloved pet.

Q - You have quite the resume, with experience at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital of the ASPCA developing surgical expertise, North Shore Animal League, Bide-A-Wee and the Humane Society of NY. Can you tell me about your experiences?
One of my first jobs out of school was at the Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital of the ASPCA developing surgical expertise. It was here that I truly became a better veterinarian because of the variety of animal cases that we dealt with on a daily basis. This multifaceted hospital is comparable to Bellevue Hospital for human medicine in the sense that they both help those in need who are less fortunate and have a large diverse case load. It was a memorable experience being there and definitely shaped me as a veterinarian.

Q - What is your favorite part about working with exotic pets?

My favorite part about working with exotic pets is the challenge it poses. Exotic pets are less communicative than canines and felines, so exotic pet vets have to be familiar with a greater number of features and symptoms to treat them properly. Birds, for example, have a natural tendency to hide their illnesses to protect themselves from predators. Since they mask their symptoms, their illness is usually discovered later rather than sooner. A lot of our patent's owners are extremely devoted to their pet and know what to look for, but sometimes this isn't enough. Since exotic pets are "exotic," they have very specific requirements. These owners often don't understand the nutritional husbandry and housing needs the pet has, which oftentimes lead to illnesses and deficiencies. This challenge of educating the pet owners and caring for the exotic animals is a challenging part of working with exotic pets.

Q - How many pets do you have?

I have two pets, both rescues. My cat is now the sweetest, most socialized feline after being feral when I rescued him; and my dog was a pathologically frightened puppy when I rescued him and is now one of the most outgoing and friendly dog I've come across, so it's been a lot of work with them. I don't have any exotic pets, though - they are even more work!

Q - Out of all the experiences you've had, which is your favorite?

My favorite experience is really getting to meet the owners of exotic pets and witnessing their dedication and love for their pets first hand. Our patients' owners often are the most dedicated and will go the extra distance to ensure their pet is healthy. For example, recently I had a cockatiel come in. He is 10 years old, and has been brought up by his owner since he was an egg! His owner has nursed him; hand fed him, cared for him and loved him like a child for all of these years. He now has a paralyzed posterior digestive tract, and this owner milks out his waste to keep him comfortable. Now that is love! Another example is a turtle that was brought in not too long ago. He had lots of fluid under his skin, and we weren't sure if it was liver, heart or kidney related. X-rays are very difficult to perform with turtles because of their hard shells, but CT scans can be costly. The pet's owner decided to do the CT scan because all he wanted was the best for his turtle. We were able to find out that it was liver related, prescribed antibiotics and protectants for the turtle and today he is doing well. It's experiences like this that are very rewarding as a veterinarian.

Get Into the Spirit of Spring with your Pets!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Do you need help getting into the spring spirit? We can help!

We've got a couple of activity ideas to help you and your pets swing into spring!  All you need to do is collect your pets and head outdoors!

Let us know what springtime activities you enjoy with your pets on our Facebook page!

Enjoy a frozen treat with your furry friend – Spring is a great time to bring back frozen treats! They taste much better in warm weather! So, the next time you stop for an ice cream cone or Popsicle, pick up a pet-friendly frozen treat for your pooch!

Spend quality time at the park – Although this is a simple activity, the park is always a great place to bring your pets. It’s also a great place to sit back, relax and take in the beautiful sights of spring!

Gardening – Gardening with your pup or feline friends is a great way to get into the spring spirit. Bring your pets along outside with you while you check your gardening tasks off one by one!

Get fit – It’s almost swimsuit season! So, as you’re trying to shed those last few pounds, bring your pets along! Go for a long run or walk and bring the pets along! Exercise is great for all!

Interview with Dr. Allan Bregman!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Get up close and personal with Dr. Allan Bregman in this exclusive interview!

Interviewer: Allan, where are you from originally?

Dr. Allan Bregman: I'm from a small town in upstate NY called Delhi. 

Interviewer: Where did you get your degree in veterinary medicine?

Dr. Allan Bregman: I received my degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. I completed my clinical year at North Carolina State in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Interviewer: Growing up, what made you want to be a veterinarian? 

Dr. Allan Bregman:  I can't remember a time when I didn't want to be a vet! My entire life I knew this is what I wanted to do. 

Interviewer: Which Bregman Vet Group location do you mainly work out of?

Dr. Allan Bregman: I mostly work out of the 5th Avenue Cat Clinic in Park Slope and Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Interviewer: Have you ever worked at any other veterinarian offices before the Bregman Veterinary Group?

Dr. Allan Bregman: No, I have spent my entire career at the Bregman Veterinary Group locations. 

Interviewer: How many pets do you have?

Dr. Allan Bregman: I have 2 cats, both rescued out of the 5th Avenue Cat Clinic! 

Interviewer: What is the most rewarding part about your job?
Dr. Allan Bregman: I think the most rewarding part about my job is watching my patient's families grow, both their pets and their children. I've met their significant others, pets, and children and it's been rewarding to see them all grow. 

Interviewer: Out of all the experiences you've had practicing veterinary medicine, which is your most memorable?

Dr. Allan Bregman: My most memorable moment would have to be giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a cat and it survived! The cat stopped breathing in the exam room and we rushed it immediately into our treatment area. You don't forget something like that!

You heard it from Dr. Allan Bregman! For more information on the Bregman Veterinary Group, stop by any of our locations or visit on us on the web at bregmanvetgroup.com for details concerning our veterinary care!

Spring Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Spring has sprung and warm weather is on the way. Although gardening and spring cleaning are probably on your mind, be sure to keep an extra eye out on your furry friends during this time of year!

Before you set out to begin your favorite springtime activities, take your pet’s health into consideration. To help you out this spring, here are a few tips for springtime safety, courtesy of aspca.com!

If you have any additional tips, be sure to share them with us on our Facebook page!

Screen yourself – Many pet owners enjoy opening windows and letting the fresh air in during springtime. However, be aware of your pets near window screens. Pets are known for falling through screen windows, especially cats! Be sure that all of your screens are snug and sturdy!

Buckle up – We know that when spring hits, pet owners enjoy bringing their pets along no matter where they’re headed. Although your pet may love to feel the cool breeze on their face, letting your pets hang out of the car windows or ride in your pickup truck – it’s extremely dangerous! If you’re going to bring your pets along for the ride, be sure that they are secure in a crate or a seat belt that is designed especially for them!

Spring Cleaning – Spring cleaning is a springtime must in many households. However, be aware of the products you’re using around your pets. Be sure to keep all cleaning products and chemicals out of your pet’s way.

Poisonous Plants – Spring is the ideal time to let your garden grow! Be sure that the plants in your garden aren't hazardous to your pet. Many springtime plants including rhododendron, Easter lilies and azaleas are highly toxic to pets!

Allergies – Just like their owners, pets can be allergic to food, dust, plants and pollen. If you suspect your pet may have any springtime allergies, contact your vet to schedule an appointment!