Halloween Safety Hazards for Pets

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you ready to celebrate Halloween?  Celebrate safely by avoiding these top pet safety hazards!

Halloween Hazards:

• Candy Wrappers - Be sure to dispose of candy wrappers after you eat your sweets.  Pets may unknowingly ingest wrappers.  Keep an eye on your pets while eating candy this Halloween.  Candy and candy wrappers are the number one reason pets take an emergency trip to the vet!
• Chocolate - Chocolate contains ingredients that can harm your pet.  Chocolate poisoning signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and a racing heart.  If your pet exhibits any of these signs, contact our office immediately.
• Pumpkins - This festive decoration is relatively nontoxic, but if your pet does chew on a carved pumpkin, they may have an upset stomach.  Jack-o-lanterns pose an additional threat.  Keep curious kittens and puppies away from lit candle flames.
• Costumes - Have your pet try on the costume first.  Check to make sure that they can move easily, including wagging their tail!  You should also keep allergies in mind.  If you notice your pet starts scratching or is unhappy, take the costume off.
• Open Doors - Chances are the door will be opening and closing a lot as trick-or-treaters come to your home.  Make sure your pets are in a safe place where they can't dart outside into the dark.

Check out this article for more information on how to avoid these Halloween hazards and celebrate safely with your pets.  As always, you can contact our office if you have any questions about your pet's health!

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Celebrate National Cat Day with 10% Off Vaccinations!

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Is your cat due for a vaccination?  Vaccines are an important way to keep your pet happy and healthy by protecting them against life-threatening diseases.  

In honor of National Cat Day this Wednesday, we will be offering 10% off vaccinations all week long!  Here are a few of the vaccines your cat may need.

Important Feline Vaccinations:

• Panleukopenia (FPV) - New kittens should be given an FPV shot between 6 and 8 weeks of age.  After the initial series of shots, they can receive a booster at 1 or 2 years of age.
• Feline Viral Respiratory Disease Complex - Kittens can be vaccinated as early as 6 weeks of age and adult cats should receive two initial doses.  Both kittens and adult cats should receive a booster after one year and then every three years afterwards.
• Rabies - The rabies vaccine is mandatory for all pet owners in NY.  Most rabies vaccines last for one or three years.  It is important that cats receive the vaccine when necessary.

Depending on your cat's lifestyle and medical history, we can help you make the right vaccine choices.  Our professional veterinary staff will provide you with information on which vaccines are appropriate for your pet.  

Contact our office for 10% off vaccinations the week of the 29th only! 

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How To Handle Aggression Between Your Cats

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Bringing home a new cat is an exciting time for pet owners.  Unfortunately, your pet at home might not feel the same way.  Cats can be territorial and it's not uncommon for cats to have a hard time getting along.

Managing Cat Aggression:

• Stop Fighting Early On - Make it clear that fighting is a problem.  The more often cats fight, the worse the problem will become overtime.  Stop the fighting by making a loud noise or squirting the cats with water.
• Avoid Touching Them - While your instinct might be to physically keep the cats apart when they are fighting, we don't want you to become scratched or bitten.
• Don't Punish Them - Punishment could insight further aggression and make the problem worse.
• Don't Add Another Pet - Some cats are more willing to share a home with multiple cats who share the same territory.  However, this can also increase the likelihood that some of your cats might not get along with each other.  It is better to address the issue with your two cats before adding others.

If you notice aggression between your cats, contact our office.  Your pet may experience aggression if they aren't feeling well.  Cats are very good at hiding symptoms of illness.  You can also check out this article for more information on how to manage behavioral aggression between cats. 

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Tips to Keep Your Cat Safe This Halloween

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's almost time for Halloween!  As you and your family get ready to celebrate with costumes and treats, don't forget to keep your pets in mind!  Here are a few Halloween safety tips to help make sure your cat enjoys a safe Halloween.

Cat Safety Tips:

• Keep Candy Out of Reach - Chocolate and other candies can be very dangerous to cats.  Xylitol, an artificial sweetener commonly found in candies and gum can also cause health problems.  If you suspect your pet has eaten anything toxic, contact our office immediately.
• Be Conscious of Decorations - Halloween decorations can be hazardous to cats.  Substitute real candles with artificial candles for a spooky effect that isn't dangerous if knocked over by your pet.
• Put Your Cat in a Safe Room - Your door may be opening and closing a lot as trick-or-treaters come to visit this Halloween.  Keep your cat in a separate room to make sure that he or she doesn't dart outside.
• Avoid Costumes - In general, cats do not usually like wearing costumes.  Don't force your cat into a costume unless you know they enjoy playing dress up

Check out this article for more information on how to celebrate Halloween safely with your cat.  As always, you can contact our office if you have any questions about your pet's health!

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Paws and Claws Animal Hospital Testimonials

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

We love hearing feedback!  We're always looking to provide your pets with the best possible care.   

Here are a few of the reviews we recently received for Paws and Claws Animal Hospital.

Paws and Claws Animal Hospital Reviews:

"Great staff, great hospital" -Sebastian M 

"Always professional and have great hours.  They are very gentle with my anxious pup.  Have always had great referrals." - Anonymous

"Nuff has been going to Paws and Claws since I adopted her in 2006.  She is getting old and having more and more difficulties, but the doctors and staff at this clinic are all very caring and gentle with her." - Anonymous

"Always satisfied with the care our dogs receive at Paws & Claws and happy to be a customer." - Lauren L

"The staff and the Doctor were really nice and great with our little Marvel, it's refreshing to be with a doctor you feel safe with, highly recommended!!!" - Arthur B

"Dr. Bregman is wonderful and so is Dr. Kennedy!  Dr. Bregman takes care of my dog Buster as if he was his own!  No matter what he needs, they are always there to help!  The staff is very caring and loving towards my dog.  I tell everybody they should bring their pets here for great care!" - Anonymous

"Very professional and attentive.  Staff and doctor seem knowledgeable and friendly.  Excellent overall first experience with a new kitten and likely overly-nervous new owner." - Rick/David J

"Dr. Bregman and his staff are excellent!  The quality of the care my pet and I received is far superior than that of any other clinic we have visited in the past.  The Doctor is very thorough with explanations and answers to all questions.  I would highly recommend to anyone." - Vanessa M

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Good News: Dogs Most Likely Can't Spread The Ebola Virus

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Amid concerns of the spread of the Ebola virus, a University of Pennsylvania veterinarian wants pet owners know that there are no studies that support concerns that a dog would be able to transmit the Ebola virus to humans.

The Ebola virus outbreak is most often associated with the eating of bushmeat (non-domesticated mammals, reptile, amphibians and birds) in West Africa.  The virus is then spread to humans through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids.

Wild dogs that have eaten infected bushmeat develop antibodies that protect them against the virus.  However, there is no evidence that they can contract or transmit the disease.  According to the associate professor of microbiology at Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine, it is highly unlikely that a dog or cat would be able transmit the disease.

While the dog that was infected with the Ebola virus in Madrid was euthanized last Wednesday, the dog who tested positive for Ebola in Texas will be kept safe and monitored.

It is always important to be cautious, but Ronald Harty, Ph.D., reminds the public that it's also important not to panic.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the risk of dogs spreading the Ebola virus is very small in the U.S., as well as in other countries where dogs aren't near corpses or infected animals.

Check out this article for more interesting information on how dogs react with the Ebola virus.  You can also read this article from ABC News for information on the dog belonging to the Texas health care worker.  As always, you can contact our office if you have any questions about your pet's health!

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How Can You Minimize Barking At Home?

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Does your pet bark loudly when people pass by your house?  Although barking is normal behavior for most dogs, it's also one of the most common complaints among pet owners.  Here are a few tips to help you manage barking at home.

Tips to Prevent Barking:

• Don't Reward Barking - Giving your dog attention or allowing the barking to be successful can be considered a reward for their behavior.  Don't give your pet attention ntil they are quiet or calm.
• Change the Environment - Many pets bark in the yard or at people passing by.  Leave your pets inside the house or in a place where they cannot see people through the fence.
• Reduce Departure Anxiety - Establish a  predictable routine that allows you to spend plenty of quality time with your pet, but also allows for alone time.  
• Training - Teaching your dog a quiet or settle command can help reinforce quiet behavior. 

Read this article for more tips on how to manage your pet's barking.  If you are still experiencing problems, contact our office.  We can help provide you with tips on how to limit barking, keeping you and your pet happy.

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Should You Add Pumpkin To Your Pet's Diet?

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's pumpkin season!  While you and your family indulge in festive drinks and treats, don't forget about your pets.  In moderation, canned pumpkin can be a healthy addition to your cat or dog's diet.

Pumpkin Health Benefits:

• Urinary Tract - The oils contained in the seeds and flesh of pumpkins help pets who suffer from kidney and bladder stones.
• Digestion - Pumpkin is a great source of fiber.  This helps pets who need to reach a healthy weight, as well as those who suffer from diarrhea and constipation.  Fiber is an important part of your cat's diet, especially in geriatric years.
• Furballs - Instead of hacking up furballs, adding a very small amount of pumpkin to your cat's diet (about a teaspoon a day), will help move furballs along through the digestive tract and into the litter box.
• Overall Nutrition - Pumpkin flesh and seeds are filled with vitamins and minerals that are good for your pet.  They help your pet stay healthy and even aid in weight loss.

While canned and cooked pumpkin are a healthy addition to your pet's diet, you shouldn't let your cat or dog eat raw pumpkin.  Read this article for more information on the health benefits of pumpkin and how you can safely prepare it for your pet.  If you aren't sure how your cat or dog will react to a change in diet, contact our office.  We are happy to answer any questions you have about how you can keep your pet healthy throughout the fall season!

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Tips To Help Identify Common Cat Skin Problems

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's not always easy to know what your cat is thinking.  They tend to be masters at disguising any signs that they aren't feeling well.  While we always recommend bringing your pet in for a visit if you notice any unusual symptoms, there are a few ways to identify common skin problems and their causes at home.

Common Skin Problems:

• Swelling - The most common cause of swelling is an abscess.  A small bump or lesion can mask a large pocket of debris under the skin.  If your cat shys away from your touch, the swelling may be causing pain.  Bring them in for a visit to have the swelling checked out.
• Sores - Red lesions on the face or ears that do not resolve on their own may be due to a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection.  Other less persistent sores can be caused by allergies.
• Hair Loss - Fleas and allergies are the most common causes of hair loss in cats.  With an evaluation and test, we can determine which is causing your pet's hair loss.
• Allergies - Seasonal allergies and food allergies are both a concern in pets.  With an allergy test or an elimination diet, we can determine the cause of your pet's allergy.
• Flaky Skin - Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in keeping your cat's skin healthy.  Your cat may benefit from a diet or supplement with additional fatty acids to make sure they are getting the necessary nutrients.

Check out this article for more tips on how to identify common cat skin problems.  You can also contact Bregman Vet Group with any questions you may have.  

If you notice your cat is itchy or behaving unusually, let us know.  We are here to help your pet live a long, happy and healthy life.

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