How to Care for Your Cat’s Litter Box

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

A litter box should be a safe and easy to access place for your cat.  However, both new and experienced cat owners are often confused about what to do when it comes to the litter box.  Here are a few tips that address the most frequently asked questions about litter box care.

Litter Box Tips:

• Teaching Your New Cat – Teach your new kitty how to use the litter box by introducing the cat to the box every morning and after meals and playtime. 
• How Many Litter Boxes – You should have one litter box per cat in your house.  This provides enough places for your cats to go.  Put the litter boxes somewhere that gives your cat privacy, but is also conveniently located.
• Choosing a Material – If you have a kitten or you are concerned about your cat eating its litter, biodegradable litter is a safe and eco-friendly option. Clay and silica-based litters are good for cats that are at least 3-4 months old. 
• Cleaning the Litter Box- You should scoop your cat’s litter box once a day to keep the area free of germs and clean out the full litter box twice a month.  Cat owners can also use baking soda to refresh the litter box and reduce odor.
• Picking a Size – Your cat’s litter box should be at least one and a half times the length of the cat.  If you’re not sure, pick the bigger litter box.

Cat owners can learn more litter box care tips here. 

If you find that your cat is spending too much time in the litter box, it could be a sign that something is not right with your pet.  Contact our office if you see your cat exhibiting this strange behavior.  Our experienced vets can also offer advice about choosing the best litter box for your pet.

The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

We recommend that everyone considers spaying or neutering their pet.  While the procedure primarily prevents unwanted litters, it also offers several life-long health benefits to pets.  Here are just a few benefits that spaying or neutering can offer.

5 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet:

Source: Flickr

• Life Expectancy – Spaying your female pet before her first heat helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer.  Neutering also prevents testicular cancer in males if done before they reach six months old.
• Heat – Female cats will go into heat 4-5 days every three weeks during breeding season.  Spaying your cat will avoid many of the side effects associated with cats in heat, including yowling and urinating all over the house.
• Safety – Neutering will keep your pet from roaming to find a mate and risking injury.
• Behavior – Unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine around the house.  This aggression can be avoided by early neutering.
• Strays – Stay animals are a serious problem in many parts of the country.  Spaying and neutering your pet can help reduce the number of animals on the streets.

To learn more about the benefits of spaying and neutering, visit the ASPCA website or contact one of our offices in Brooklyn or on Long Island.  

Spring Pet Precautions

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Flickr / Tambako the Jaguar

Happy spring!  Now that the days are longer and the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to start thinking

about preparing your pet for the spring.  We want to remind pet owners to get their pets ready for the change in season before heading outside.

Spring pet precautions:

• Heartworm Prevention – Warmer weather means mosquito season.  Heartworms that are spread through mosquito bites are very dangerous to pets.  Once the temperature hits 55F, we recommend that pet owners take preventative steps.
• Flea and Tick Prevention – Before taking your pet on a nature walk, make sure that they are on preventative medication.  Fleas and ticks are difficult to get rid of and can carry a number of diseases, including Lyme Disease.
• Seasonal Allergies – Pets can suffer from allergies too!  Instead of getting a stuffy nose, your pet might scratch more often or experience ear troubles.  If your pet is exhibiting any symptoms, be sure to bring them into our office for a checkup.
• Exercise Warm Up – You probably didn’t spend a lot of time with your pet outside in the cold winter months.  Just like us, pets tend to gain weight in the winter.  Exercise is good, but be aware of increasing exercise too quickly to avoid injury. 
• Microchips – If your pet is going to be spending more time outdoors, consider getting a microchip.  This is a great way to identify your pet in the event they get lost.  We offer free microchips with any regularly priced spay or neuter!

Learn more about how you can care for your pet this spring.   Contact one of our offices to bring your pet in for a checkup and to take preventative steps for their health. 

Common Foods That Are Poisonous to Your Pet

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Be careful when leaving table scraps and open containers around your house.  What is delicious to you might be very dangerous for your pet.   Dogs, cats and other animals can develop serious health problems if they consume poisonous foods around your home.

Foods your pet should NOT eat:

• Chocolate – This sweet snack stimulates the nervous system and the heart.  It is poisonous to all pets, but dogs are more likely to consume dangerous amounts.
• Grapes – Although healthy for humans, grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage in cats and dogs.  Your pet may experience increased thirst, urination, lethargy, and vomiting.
• Garlic – This can cause both cats and dogs to suffer from red blood cell damage and anemia.
• Xylitol – This ingredient is commonly found in sugarless gum.  It is poisonous to dogs and can cause low blood sugar levels
• Alcohol – Just like in humans, alcohol depresses the nervous system.  It is poisonous to all pets and can cause disorientation, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
• Dough – Raw yeast can ferment in the digestive track.  This causes alcohol poisoning. 
• Macadamia Nuts – Can cause muscle and nervous-system problems in dogs.
• Avocado – Poisonous to most pets, but birds are especially sensitive.  Avocados can damage the heart muscle.

Learn more about the foods your pet should not eat here.  If you have any questions about your pet’s dietary needs, contact our office.  

Welcoming a New Cat

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Adopting a new cat is an exciting time.  However, you always want to make sure that your new kitty feels welcome and at home.  Whether this is your first pet or you are looking for a friend for your current cat, there are a few things that every pet owner should keep in mind when introducing a new cat into their home.

• Identification – This is one of the first things you should do when introducing a new kitty.  It is important to prevent any accidents by being able to easily identify your new pet.
• Toxic Materials – Protect your new pet by hiding bathroom cleaners, laundry detergents and cords, making sure that the plants in your home are non-toxic to cats, and keeping garbage can lids secure.
• Comfort – It’s common for cats to feel overwhelmed when they enter a new home.  Buy your new cat food, toys and a scratching post before they arrive.  This will help them feel comfortable right away.  You can also help the cat feel comfortable by sitting near where it is hiding and speaking gently.
• Kittens – If you are adopting a kitten, it’s highly recommended that you adopt more than one.  Kittens need constant stimulation.  A pair of kittens can keep each other occupied with playing and exploring together.
• Fighting – Play wrestling is normal and healthy for cats.  If the fighting becomes aggressive and involves hissing, then there is a problem.  End territory battles by providing each cat with their own space.

Read more about how you can introduce your new cat here.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have about your new pet.  We are happy to offer tips on how to help you keep your new cat happy and healthy.

Why Dogs Tilt Their Heads

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Does your dog tilt their head when you speak or when they hear a strange noise?  It’s common for pets to tilt their head in response. It looks like they are listening.  Lots of pet owners find this move adorable, but why does your pet really tilt their head?

These are a few possible explanations:

• Improve Hearing – A slight change in head position can provide a dog with the ability to more accurately locate the location and distance of a sound.
• To Understand – When dogs listen to your voice, they are trying to identify familiar words or tones.  This helps them associate what you are saying with a reward.
• Vision – Facial expressions, body language and eye movements all play a role in being able to better understand what someone is saying.  Dogs with longer muzzles have a particularly difficult time viewing a person’s face.  Tilting their head could mean that they are trying to better see your expressions.
• Positive Reinforcement – We love when dogs tilt their heads!  We tend to be more positive or offer a treat when a dog tilts their head.  This reaction encourages the activity and they are more likely to repeat the gesture in the future.

Learn more about why your dog might tilt their head here.  You can also contact Bregman Vet Group with any questions you have regarding your pet.

Nail Trimming Tips for Cat Owners

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Having trouble trimming your cat’s nails?  It can take time for your kitty to adjust.  Our experienced veterinarians are here to help, but we want cat owners to be comfortable with caring for their cats too.

Check out these tips on how to help your cat relax:

• Start Early – Introduce your cat to nail clipping as a kitten.  This gives them time to get used to the process.
• Set the Mood – Make sure your cat is comfortable.  Choose a chair in a quiet room where your cat can sit on your lap.
• Massage the Paw – Gently massage your cat’s paw for a couple of seconds.  If your cat pulls away, that’s ok.  Wait until your cat relaxes again.  Try to take the paw and press the pad so that the nails extend out.  Give your cat a treat afterwards.  Do this every other day until you and your cat are comfortable with the process.
• Make Sounds Comfortable– Let your cat get used to the sound of the clippers before you trim the nails.  Try clipping a piece of uncooked spaghetti next to your cat.
• Never Cut to the Quick – The quick is the pink part of the nail where the nerves and blood vessels are.  This area is very sensitive.  Only cut the white part of the claw.
• Take Your Time – Don’t trim more than two claws in one sitting until your cat is completely comfortable.  Reward your cat with a treat.  Let them become comfortable for the first couple of sessions.

Read more about how you can trim your cat’s nails on the ASPCA website.  If you are still having trouble, contact our office.  We are happy to provide you with tips to help you and your cat become comfortable with nail trimming.

Tips to Prevent Pet Theft

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Pet theft is unfortunately common.  Pure breeds, designer dogs, and smaller breeds like Pomeranians, Yorkies, and Boston Terriers are all popular targets.  No matter the value or breed of pet that you own, you always want to make sure that your best friend is safe.

Here are a few simple tips that can help prevent pet theft:

• Avoid Doggie Doors – Although you may feel like your backyard is a safe place for your pet, you should always be conscious of when they are outdoors.  Those looking to steal neighborhood pets might sneak in unnoticed if your yard is visible from the street.
• Keep Gates Secure – Install a spring latch on the backyard gate that forces the door closed.  This will help keep your pet from getting loose.
• Never Leave Your Pet Unattended – Treat your pet like a child.  Don’t leave your pet in the car while you shop or leave them tied to a pole.  It’s not safe and it leaves an opening for theft.
• Check References – Hiring a pet sitter, dog walker, groomer or trainer can be helpful for you and your pet.  However, check your references first.  Make sure that you can trust the professional you choose to hire.
• Permanent Identification – If your pet goes missing, you want to have all the necessary documents to prove ownership.  Microchips are a great way to ensure you can find and identify your pet.  Just make sure you keep all the paperwork!
• Spay or Neuter – We recommend that you do this anyway (there are several health benefits), but spaying or neutering your pet will also make them less desirable to thieves. This is especially true for pure breeds.

Learn more about what you can do to prevent a dognapping or catnapping by clicking here.  We also offer free microchips for your cat or dog with any regularly priced spay or neuter.  Contact our office for more information on how you can keep your pet safe.  We look forward to helping ensure you and your pet have a long and healthy relationship.