How to Celebrate New Year's Eve with Your Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you ready to say goodbye to 2014 and welcome the New Year?  If you are hosting a New Year's Eve party at your home with friends and family this year, here are a few tips to help make sure your celebration is safe and enjoyable for your pets, too.

Pet-Friendly New Year's Eve Tips:

• Provide Identification - Fireworks and loud noises can be stressful for pets.  Identification tags or microchips can help identify your pet in the unfortunate event they become lost amid the commotion.
• Keep Alcohol Out-of-Reach - If you will be toasting with champagne at midnight, make sure that the glasses and bottles are away from any pets who may be able to reach them.  Be sure to clean up any spills right away too!
• Provide a Safe Place - Make sure that your pet has a safe place to get away from the commotion of your New Year's Eve celebration.  This will help reduce stress if your pet becomes overwhelmed.

Check out this article for more tips on how to celebrate a pet-friendly New Year's Eve.

If you have any questions about how to care for your pets in the New Year, contact our office.  Our veterinarians are happy to help you with all of your pet's health needs.

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New Years Resolutions for Your Pet

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Have you thought about your New Year's resolutions?  There is no better time to commit to improving your pet care than the new year.  Here are a few resolutions that will help keep your pet healthy through 2015!

Resolutions for Pets:

• Measure Pet Food - It's easy to overfeed your pets.  Use an 8-ounce measuring cup to help make sure that your pet isn't taking in more calories than they need.
• Try a New Activity - Incorporate your pet into your exercise routine.  This it's a great way to bond and its a great way to make sure that you and your pet stay healthy.
• Visit the Vet - Yearly examinations are an important part of making sure that your pet is happy and healthy year-round.  During a visit, we can help address any medical conditions early on.
• Groom Your Pet - Brushing your pet doesn't just help them look nice.  It also removes excess fur from the coat and distributes healthy oils from the skin to the fur. 
• Brush Their Teeth - Does your pet have smelly breath?  Regular cleanings are a great way to keep your pet's teeth in good shape long into their senior years.  Use a small pet-friendly toothbrush to prevent plaque buildup.

Check out this article for more ideas for pet resolutions!

If you have any questions about how to care for your pets in the New Year, contact our office.  Our veterinarians are happy to help you with all of your pet's health needs.

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How to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are your holiday decorations cat-proof?  Sparkling decorations can attract your pets attention.  Here are a few tips to help you keep your Christmas tree in tact through the holidays.

Christmas Tree Tips:

• Create a Cat Tree - Make your cat a tree of his or her own!  Make sure that it's is secured down with twine to prevent it from toppling.  Use cat-friendly decorations like catnip mice, kitty treats or soft cat toys.
• Avoid Fertilizer - If you have a live tree, don't add fertilizer or preservatives to the water at your tree base.  If your pet drinks this water, they could get sick!
• Add Citrus Scents - Scents like orange or lemon are off-putting to cats.  Vicks menthol is also a good repellent that will keep your pet away from the tree.
• Use Double-Sided Tape - Certain cat training products like Sticky Paws are available in large sheets and strips.  You can apply this tape to your carpet beneath the tree to keep your pet out of danger.

Check out this article for more tips on how to keep your pets safe through the holidays.  As always, if you have any questions about how to care for your pets, contact our office.  Our veterinarians are happy to help you with all of your pet's health needs.

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Why Do Veterinarians use a Treatment Room?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Ever wonder why veterinarians need to take your pet to the back?  

We know it can upsetting to have your pet leave your side, but treatment rooms are an important part of every animal hospital.  Here are a few reasons why it's so important to bring your pet to the back for treatment.

Benefits to Your Pet:

• Calmer Care - Despite what you may think, pets are actually calmer when their not around their owners.  This makes it easier for veterinarians to care for your pet quickly and efficiently.
• Reduced Stress - Veterinary professions love animals and want to make sure that the procedure causes your pet as little stress as possible.  In the back, pets are always handled with respect and care, but it is easier to complete the procedure.
• Better Environment - In the back, veterinarians have better lighting, tables, and equipment.  This means that your pet is getting the care that they need!

Check out this great article for more information on understanding your vet visit.  If you have any questions, we are happy to answer them!

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Giving a Pet as a Holiday Gift

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Thinking of giving a pet as a gift this holiday season?  While pets can be rewarding, you also want to make sure the recipient is prepared!  Before jumping to a decision, there are a few things you should consider.

Things to Consider:

• Picking the Right Species - Depending on where the recipient of the gift lives, their physical limitations, and whether or not they own other pets plays a role in what type of pet is best for them.
• Don't Make It a Surprise - Pets are a great addition to your family.  However, not everyone is ready to commit to the amount of time, energy and money pets require.  While a surprise is more festive, you need to make sure the recipient is ready.
• Let the Receiver Choose - Let your gift recipient choose their pet.  Picking what pet they want can be just as rewarding as finding a surprise under the tree.  This makes for an exciting gift and some anticipation!

Check out this article for more tips and things to consider before giving a pet as a gift this holiday season.  If you are thinking of giving a pet, bring him or her into our office for a checkup!  We can help make sure that your new pet is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccines.

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Canine Leptospirosis in New York City

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Did you know that Leptospirosis is a disease than can affect people and their pets?  This bacterial infection can affect affect pets who come into contact with contaminated water.  Here are a few of the most common symptoms experienced by pets in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island areas.

Common Symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Anorexia
• Icterus
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Polyuria/polydipsia
• Liver failture

If you notice that your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, bring them in to one of our hospitals.  The veterinary staff at Paws and Claws Animal Hospital, The Cat Hospital, and 5th Avenue Cat Clinic can help you determine whether your pet has Canine Leptospirosis or another illness.  We can also help you prevent Leptospirosis by making sure that your pet is vaccinated against the disease.

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How to Celebrate a Pet-Friendly Holiday Season

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Will you be decorating your home for the holidays?  Make sure that your festive decorations are pet-friendly!  Here are a few holiday pet hazards to avoid.

Holiday Hazards:

• Tinsel - Sparkly tinsel and ribbons can attract your pet.  If you pet ingests these colorful decorations, they can get stuck in their digestive tract and may need surgery.  Keep these decorations out-of-reach of your pet.
• Mistletoe - Mistletoe is a common holiday decoration.  However, it can be toxic to pets.  If you want to decorate your home with mistletoe, just make sure it's in a place your pet can't reach it.
• Poinsettias - This holiday plant is also toxic to your pets when eaten.  
• Holiday Candles - Keep any candles high enough up where your pet cannot accidentally knock them over.
• Leftovers - It can be difficult to avoid giving your pet holiday left overs.  However, certain holiday foods can leave them with an upset stomach.  Be sure to avoid toxic ingredients like chocolate and other sweets!
• Christmas Tree - Do you have a live Christmas tree?  Make sure to not add fertilizer to the tree water.  If your cat or dog drinks the water, it can upset their stomach.  You should also make sure that glass ornaments are placed high where your cat cannot reach or break them.

For more tips on how to celebrate a pet-friendly holiday season, check out this article.  Remember to contact our office with any questions you have through the holidays.

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Kitten Adoption Tips for National Kitten Day

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's National Kitten Day!  If you plan on adopting a kitten today, here are a few tips to help make sure that your new pet is happy and well-adjusted in your home.

Kitten Care Tips:

• Let Them Stay with Their Mother - It's better to adopt a kitten 10 to 12 weeks after they are born.  These extra weeks spent with the mother ans siblings will help your new kitten learn acceptable behavior.  When kittens are separated too early, they may be afraid and run away from interaction.
• Make Your Home Comfortable - Special kitten foods help make sure your new pet is getting all of their nutritional requirements.  Also make sure that your kitten feels warm and secure.  Make sure that their litter box is in a corner or secluded spot when you train them.
• Be Conscious of Other Pets - Make sure that all of your current pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and are disease-free.  If you own another cat, give them extra attention to ease anxiety.  If your kitten feels comfortable, allow them to meet.  If you own a dog, make sure your dog is leashed when you introduce him or her to your new kitten.
• Bring Your Kitten to Us - You should bring your kitten to the vet within a day or two of his arrival.  Your new kitten needs to be checked for ear mites, fleas, and worms.  After six to seven weeks, your cat needs a few feline vaccines.

For more tips on how to help you new kitten feel comfortable and at home, read this article from Animal Planet.  Remember to contact our office with any questions you have about your new pet.  We're happy to help!

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Travel Safely During the Holidays

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Will you be making plans to travel with your pets this holiday season?  Here are a few tips to help make traveling safer for you and your pet.

Travel Safety Tips:

• Make Arrangements - Make sure that the family you are visiting is ok with your pet coming over while you visit.  If they don't have a place for your pet to stay, consider contacting our office to learn about our boarding services.  We even offer feline-only boarding so that your cat is comfortable while you're away!
• Bring Necessary Documents - If you bring your pet with you across state lines, bring a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.  You need to get this within 10 days of travel.  Bring your pet to our office for a quick exam and we will make sure that they are up-to-date on all vaccinations.
• Provide Identification Tags - Place a collar and ID tag on your pet before you leave the house. You can also microchip your pet to provide permanent identification - just make sure all of your information is up-to-date!
• Make Frequent Stops - If you plan on traveling for long distances, make frequent stops along the way.  This will give your dog plenty of time to stretch their legs and get some mental stimulation.

Read more about how to make traveling with your pets safe during the holiday season on the American Medical Veterinary Association (AMVA) website.  If you have any questions about how to keep your pet safe this holiday season, contact our office.

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