Treating Summer Insect Bites

  THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Have you been spending a lot of time outdoors with your pet?  Whether you take a trip to the park, beach, or stay in your own backyard, your pet can still be exposed to a number of insects and allergens.  Here are a few signs and symptoms to help you recognize and respond to an insect bite or sting this summer.

Symptoms:

• Pain
• Itching
• Licking a certain area extensively
• Hives surrounding the affected area
• Difficulty breathing
• Redness

If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, inspect your pet for bites or stings.  If you do find a small stinger, do not attempt to pick it out.  Instead, brush the stinger with a firm object, like a credit card.

Once the stinger is removed, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area.  Always bring your pet into our office to make sure that there are not additional issues.  We may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine.

For more tips on how to manage common summer ailments, check out this article.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have regarding your pet’s health.

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest

Common Cat Care Myths

  THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

There are many misconceptions when it comes to caring your cat’s health.  This can make it difficult to make sure that your cats are getting the health care they need to live a long and happy life.  Are you aware of these common cat myths?

Cat Myths:

• Cats Don’t Need Annual Exams – Cats are very good at hiding their illness.  While your cat may not be exhibiting any unusual symptoms, routine examinations can check for medical problems before they become a serious problem for your pet. 
• Indoor Cats Don’t Need Vaccines – Infectious diseases can be carried on your clothes and shoes or spread through an open window or screen door.  While indoor cats may require fewer vaccines, it’s still important that they are protected.
• Indoor Cats Don’t Get Parasites – Just because your cat doesn’t go outside doesn’t mean they are immune to parasites.  We encourage you to bring your pet in for a parasitic screening test.
• Indoor Cats Don’t Need Microchips – Even indoor cats can sneak out an open door or window.  Microchips are a great way to make it easy to identify your pet in an emergency.
• Cats Don’t Need Exercise – All animals, even your cat, can benefit from exercise!  It’s a great way to prevent obesity and keep your pet healthy.

For more cat myths and how to keep your pet happy and healthy, check out this article.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have regarding your cats health.

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest

Fruits to Feed Your Dog This Summer

  THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo: Source

Love sharing food with your pet?  Certain summer fruits can be good for dogs!  Here are a few good fruit choices to feed to your pet!

Good Fruit Choices:

• Bananas – Bananas are a great source of amino acids, electrolytes, minerals, and Vitamins B6 and C.  However, bananas also have a moderately high sugar content.  They are a better choice for working and athletic dogs that burn high amounts of energy.
• Avocados – Although the pit of an avocado contains persin, which is toxic to pets, the avocado flesh is actually safe to eat.
• Blueberries – Blueberries contain antioxidants, fiber and phytochemicals that can boost your dog’s health! 
• Strawberries – Strawberries are high in fiber and vitamin C.  They also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth.  Just be careful and feed them in moderation – strawberries can be high in sugar.
• Apples – Apples are full of fiber and vitamins.  However, you don’t want to give your dog a whole apple.  Slice it up first instead!
• Cantaloupe – Cantaloupe have beta-carotene which can be good for your pet’s vision.  Studies show that beta-carotene may even help prevent or reduce the growth of cataracts.
• Watermelon – On hot days, the high fluid content in watermelon can help ward off dehydration!

While these fruits are great choices for your pet, other fruits can make your pet feel sick.  Be sure to avoid feeding your dog grapes, raisins, holly berries, cherries, juniper berries, baneberries, poke berries, and mistletoe berries.  These fruits can upset your dog’s stomach. 

For more summer fruits that are good for your pet, check out this article.  You can also contact Bregman Vet Group if you have any questions about what foods are good for your pets.

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest

Protect Your Cat from Heartworms

  THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Have you thought about protecting your cat from mosquitoes?  

Hot and humid summer days bring mosquitoes that that carry feline heartworm disease.  While mosquitoes are just an annoyance to us, they can actually threaten the health and well being of your pet.  Fortunately, there are simple preventative steps that you can take to keep your pet happy and healthy.  Here are a few signs to be on the lookout for this summer.

Signs of Infection:

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Rapid and Difficult Breathing

Coughing

Gagging

Loss of Appetite

Lethargy

Weight Loss

Heartworm disease occurs when a mosquito bites a cat and allows entry of heartworm larvae.  Over time, these larvae grow in the muscle tissues, but they can cause problems before they are fully grown.  By taking preventative steps, you can keep your pets healthy for a long time to come.  

Read this article to learn more about heartworm disease in cats.  You can also contact Bregman Vet Group if you have any questions about heartworm disease and how you can improve your cat’s health.

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest

photo credit: laurahenryhi via photopin cc

Make Sure Your Cat Is Healthy and Happy

  THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

When was the last time you brought your cat in for a regular veterinary visit?  Although many pet owners neglect them, cats need annual checkups.  They are an essential part of caring for their health, especially as they age!  Here are a few tips to help make your vet visit a little easier.

Vet Visit Tips:

• Comfortable Carriers - Help your cat get used to the carrier before the vet visit.  This will help making the overall experience easier and less stressful for your feline friend.  Make sure that the carrier is big enough for your cat to feel comfortable inside too.
• Accommodating Appointments – Many cats don’t feel comfortable around dogs and other pets.  We offer cat-friendly, stress-free appointments.
• Write Down Any Questions – If you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s health, write them down and bring them up during your visit!
• Don’t Neglect Preventative Care – Scheduling regular veterinary visits is essential to addressing health problems before they become more serious.  This can save you money in the long run!

By taking preventative steps, you can keep your pets healthy for a long time to come.  For more tips on how to make your vet visit easier for your pet, read this article.  You can also contact Bregman Vet Group if you have any questions about how to improve your cat’s health or help them feel comfortable during their veterinary visit.

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest

photo credit: artolog via photopin cc

Safety Tips for Outdoor Enthusiasts

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you and your pet outdoor enthusiasts?  We encourage you to spend time outdoors with your pet, but remember to be careful of infectious diseases from improperly cooked food, insect bites, and contaminated water.  Here are a few safety tips to help make sure you and your pet are healthy.

Outdoor Safety Tips:

• Start Healthy – Avoid camping or hiking if you or your pet are feeling ill.  People and animals are both more prone to disease if their immune systems are weak.
• Get Vaccines – Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccines, especially rabies.
• Use Preventative Medication – Consider using preventative treatments for your pet, such as heartworm prevention for dogs and cats.
• Prepare First Aid – Make sure you are well versed in first aid techniques for both yourself and your pet.
• Watch for Ticks – Humans and dogs are especially vulnerable to tick-borne diseases.  Prevent tick bites by applying tick-control treatments, limiting access to tick-infested areas, and checking your pet frequently for ticks.

By taking preventative steps, you can avoid various diseases and keep your pets healthy.  When you keep safety in mind, you can prevent tick-borne diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis, diseases caused by parasites like camplybacteriosis and cryptosporisiosis.  Read more about the different diseases pet owners need to watch out for on the AVMA website.

If you have any questions about how to care for your pet on an outdoor adventure, contact Bregman Vet Group!  Read more on the American Veterinary Medical Association website or call our office for more information.

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest

photo credit: Don J Schulte via photopin cc

What To Do When You Find A Lost Pet

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Do you know what to do when you find a lost pet?  Taking the right action can help return the pet to his or her owner!  Here are a few steps to take if you find a pet that looks lost.

Lost Pet Tips:

• Approach Carefully – Always use caution when approaching an unfamiliar pet.  They may be frightened or injured.  If the pet is afraid, they may behave unpredictably. 
• Check Tags – After you approach the pet, you should first check for tags.  This will help you identify the owner.  Your local animal control office can provide you with information on how to use a dog license number to locate the number.
• Check for a Microchip – If the pet doesn’t have visible tags, take the pet to our office or to a local shelter!  The pet may be fitted with a microchip that is matched to the owner’s contact information.
• Work with a Shelter or Animal Control Department – These organizations can help you find the lost pet’s owner, as they are the first place many pet owners come to look for a missing pet. 

If you have any questions about what to do if you find a lost pet or how to care for your own pet, contact Bregman Vet Group!  We even offer free microchips to help keep your own pet protected with any regularly priced spay or neuter!  This small chip is a great way to make sure your pet returns safely home in the unfortunate event they become lost.  Visit our website or call our office for more information.

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest

photo credit: Joybot via photopin cc

Class Visit to 5th Avenue Cat Clinic

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

We loved our class visit from CBE's ECC preschool!  We are so glad the kids had a great time.  We hope to see you all at 5th Avenue Cat Clinic again soon!

 

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest

4th of July Pet Safety Tips

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: taste of home

Are you ready for the holiday weekend?  However you decide to celebrate this year, remember to keep your pets safe!  Loud fireworks can make pets nervous on the Fourth of July.  Here are a few tips to help keep your celebration safe and enjoyable.

Pet Safety Tips for the 4th:

• Keep Pets Indoors - Even if your dog or cat is usually comfortable with being outside, fireworks and other loud noises might cause him or her to panic.  When pets are afraid, they may attempt to run from the noise and lose their sense of direction.
• Insect Control - Many products that are designed for people can be toxic to pets.  Only use insect repellent that is specifically designed for pets.
• Alcohol - Make sure that all alcoholic beverages are kept out of reach of your pets.  Alcohol is dangerous to both dogs and cats.
• Identification Tags - Consider fitting your pet with a microchip or an ID tag with their name and your phone number.  This will help identify your pet in the unfortunate event that they do escape and become lost.
• Fireworks - Keep pets away from fireworks!  When they are lit, they post a danger to curious pets.  Even unused fireworks contain potentially toxic substances.
• Stay Hydrated - July 4th is usually one of the hottest days of the year.  If your pet is outside all day, remember to keep plenty of fresh, cool water available.
• Dangerous Foods - Many party foods are unhealthy or even poisonous to dogs and cats, including onions, grapes and corn cobs.

If you have any questions about how to keep your pets safe this year, contact Bregman Vet Group!  

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest

Meet Our Team: Getting to Know Sam Shamblin

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Meet Sam Shamblin, the Office Manager of Paws and Claws and 5th Avenue Cat Clinic!

Sam is a valuable member of our team and has worked with us for over two years!  She is a hard worker and she keeps our practice running smoothly.  We are thrilled to have her at Bregman Vet Group.

Originally from Fredericksburg, VA, Sam attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) before deciding to take a break from school to move here to New York.  We are happy that she did!  

Sam explains, "growing up we never took our pets to the vet, so when I got the job here I took on a whole new appreciation for what went on behind the scenes for all these animals and learned how to help give them a healthy and happy life."

When asked what her most memorable experience was on the job, Sam recalled participating in a photo shoot for Bank of America.

"Dr. Bregman and I got to feel like models for the day.  My pug was even in the shoot. :)"

When she's not on the job, Sam expresses her creative side.  She loves crafts and is even taking a pottery class!  On Saturday nights, you might find her relaxing at home, watching a movie with a big plate of pasta.

Call to learn more about how Sam Shamblin and the Bregman Vet Group can help your pet stay happy and healthy!  

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest