Local Rescue Cat Adoption on 5th Avenue

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Dr. Eric Bregman, VMD, talks about Bregman Vet Group's adoption service at their 5th Avenue adoption clinic in Brooklyn. For many years now, they take in local cats, then examine, vaccinate, de-worm, and test all of them for feline leukemia and feline aids, before helping to find them new homes. For more information on adopting a cat, and Bregman Vet Group, please visit -http://www.bregmanvetgroup.com 

Visit all of our convenient locations:

Long Island: 
The Cat Hospital - 2 Hillside Avenue, Suite E in Williston Park

Brooklyn: 
Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital - 99 North 9th Street in Brooklyn 
5th Avenue Cat Clinic - 225 5th Avenue in Brooklyn 

Follow us on:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BregmanVetGroup
Twitter - https://twitter.com/bregmanvetgroup
Blogger - http://bregmanvet.blogspot.com 

Music - "Happy Alley" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Tips to Help Pets Stay Cool This Spring

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Image Source: Flickr

Does your pet love to spend time outdoors?  Don’t forget to be extra careful on hot days!  When your pets head outside to play, go for a walk, or take care of business, make sure that they do not overheat.  While we have sweat glands all over our bodies, a dog’s sweat glands are limited to their nose and the pads of their feet.  Here are a few tips to help your pet cool down on hot days.

Pet Cool Down Tips:

• Stay Hydrated – Just like us, pets tend to drink more water on hotter days.  Keep an extra eye on the water bowl.
• Kiddie Pool – Some pets love water.  If your pet likes to splash around, consider getting a cheap, child-sized pool for them to wade or lie in.  As an added bonus, you could even sneak in a bath during playtime.
• Treats – Feed your pets treats that are both cool and high in water content.  Dog ice cream can be found in many pet stores, or you can even make your own.  If you go the DIY route, be sure that the ingredients you use are ok for your pet.
• Shade – When your pets are outside, make sure that there is somewhere that they can go to take shelter from the sun.  A small tent or umbrella can help protect your pet.
• Grooming –Many dogs have coats that act as insulation against heat and sunburn.  They can also act as a natural cooling system.  However, a matted coat can prevent air flow across your dog’s skin.  Keep your pets groomed and brush them frequently to keep the coat healthy.

For more tips on how to keep your pet cool on hot days, read this article.  You can also learn more about how to care for your pet by contacting our office.  Bregman Vet Group is happy to answer any questions you have about caring for your pet!

Caring for a Pregnant Dog

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Do you suspect your dog might be pregnant?  Congratulations!  Pet pregnancy is an exciting time for many pet owners.  Here are a few tips to help you and your dog prepare for your new puppies.

Pregnancy Tips:

• Schedule a Vet Visit – The first thing you should do is visit the vet for a pregnancy test.  Canine pregnancy tests can show accurate results as early as three weeks after fertilization.
• Lots of Water – Make sure that your pet has access to plenty of water.  She should be consuming twice as much water now that she is pregnant.
• Time Outdoors – You are going to have to let your dog outside more often.  In addition to drinking more water, a mother dog’s bladder gets squeezed by all of the puppies.
• Exercise – Keeping your pet fit during the pregnancy will make the birthing and recovery process easier.
• Rest – Pregnancy can be exhausting.  Make sure that your pet has a comfortable sleeping area where she can get plenty of rest.
• Alone Time – It is best to keep your pet away from other dogs during her pregnancy, especially male dogs. 

Read this article for more tips on how to care for your pet during pregnancy.  We can also offer several helpful tips at our office.  Contact Bregman Vet Group for more information on how to care for a pregnant dog.

Keeping Your Pets Fit

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It is important to promote positive lifestyle for your pet.  Cats and dogs are both prone to becoming overweight without exercise and a healthy diet.  Here are a few tips to help you improve your pet’s fitness and avoid obesity.

Pet Health Tips:

• Spend Time Outdoors – Now that the weather is warm, you can take your pets for a walk or let them play outside.  Running, jumping and chasing are natural ways to get your dog energized.  There are plenty of outdoor enclosures available that allow cats to run, roam, and pounce outside too!
• Consistent Exercise – A moderate level of exercise each day is ideal for a fit and healthy pet.  Keep toys handy to keep your dog or cat energized for a play session, whether indoors or outdoors.
• Portion Control – Feed your pet using a designated measuring cup.  This is a great way to make sure you know exactly how much food they are consuming each day.  This can keep you from over feeding your pet, especially as your pet ages.

If you are concerned about your pet’s fitness and nutrition, we encourage you to contact our office.  The experienced veterinarians at Bregman Vet Group can provide you with advice for your pet’s individual needs.

What Does “Organic” Pet Food Really Mean?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

While organic food can be healthier for your pet, the term actually refers to how the food is processed.  The USDA has strict standards that manufacturers must comply with in order to bear this label.  These are just a few of the many standards a food product needs to meet in order to be labelled as USDA certified organic.

USDA’s National Organic Program Standards:

• No fertilizers and pesticides
• No irradiation
• Outdoor access for livestock
• No antibiotics
• No growth hormones
• No animal byproducts used as food for animals

Many pet foods market themselves as organic without bearing the USDA label.  If you want to make sure that your pet food is meeting these standards, the USDA label is the only valid certification.  All of the ingredients in food products that are labeled “100% organic” must comply with the USDA’s standards, while 95% of ingredients must comply in those labeled “organic.”  Foods that are labeled as “made with organic ingredients” must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. 

While pet food is not necessarily healthier because it is labeled as organic, it will contain fewer suspect ingredients.  Many pet owners feel that this is a better option for their pet.  Just make sure that you read the label to make sure that you are getting a good nutritional value!

Learn more about USDA organic standards here.  You can also contact our office for more information on the types of pet food your furry friend should be eating.

Should You Brush Your Pet’s Teeth?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Most pet owners expect their dogs to have bad breath.  While this is true, especially potent breath paired with other warning signs could mean that your pet has tooth decay.  About 85% of pets have periodontal disease by the age of 3.  Here are a few warning signs to look out for when inspecting your dog’s teeth.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Periodontal Warning Signs:

• Persistent Bad Breath
• Bleeding Gums
• Mouth Sensitivity
• Receding Gums
• Loose Teeth
• Missing Teeth
• Difficulty Chewing
• Irritability

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent periodontal disease from affecting your pet’s teeth.  If your pet is comfortable, you can massage your dog’s gums and gently brush the teeth.  Rawhide, nylon and rubber chew toys can also massage the gums and keep the teeth clean by scraping away soft tartar.

If your pet is showing any of the signs of periodontal disease, schedule a checkup at our office.  At Bregman Vet Group, we can determine if your pet is suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis.  Contact our office or visit our website for more information.

Poisonous Plants to Avoid

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Getting ready to plant your spring garden?  As you pick out the trees, flowers, and shrubs you want to decorate your yard, don’t forget about your pet!  If your cat or dog spends a lot of time outdoors, you need to be able to accurately identify which plants are poisonous to your pets.  Many common household and outdoor plants can be highly toxic to your furry friend.  Here are a few plants we recommend avoiding this spring.

Poisonous Plants:

• Tulips
• Sago Palm
• Spanish Thyme
• Rhododendron
• Yew
• Chrysanthemum
• English Ivy
• Pothos
• Castor Bean

Many of these poisonous plants cause similar effects, ranging from irritation, difficulty breathing, and incoordination to severe gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular problems.  If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these plants, contact Bregman Vet Group for immediate care.

Cinco De Mayo Safety Tips

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  Are you planning any festivities to celebrate this annual holiday?  Remember to keep your pet’s safety in mind!  While pet owners love to include their pets, we remind you to always keep alcohol out of reach.  Alcohol consumption in pets is dangerous even in small amounts.  

Here are a few warning signs to look for if you suspect your pet has slurped up some of your beverage.

Alcohol Warning Signs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Breathing
• Lack of Coordination

It is difficult for pets to distinguish between different types of liquids.  Some pets can even be attracted to the smell of alcohol.  Remember to keep all open containers away from your cats and dogs. If you choose to include your cat or dog in Cinco de Mayo festivities, make sure that your celebration is pet-friendly! Contact Bregman Vet Group for medical care if your pet is exhibiting any of the signs associated with alcohol consumption.

Why Does Your Cat Love to Nap?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Image Source: Flickr

Ever wondered why your cat spends so much time sleeping?  On average, cats sleep an average of 15 hours a day!  Here are a few reasons why your cat loves to sleep.

• Active Hours – Many new cat owners find it surprising that cats are actually the most active at night.  When you are getting ready for work, your cat will probably be getting ready for a nap.  However, cats are also highly sociable and can adapt their sleeping habits to their feeding schedules.
• Energy Reserve – Although cats are domesticated, they still retain the instinct to creep in the shadows and pounce on their pray.  When your cat is sleeping, they are reserving energy for running, pouncing, climbing and stalking.
• Sleeping Patterns – Cats switch between a light sleep and a deep sleep.  Cats doze off for fifteen minutes to a half hour at a time, positioning themselves so that they can spring up into action at any time.  They alternate this with a  five minute deep sleep.
• Weather – Just like us, cats tend to be sleepier on cold and rainy days.

To learn more about your pet’s habits and health, visit Bregman Vet Group!