Thursday, December 31, 2015

How to Celebrate a Pet-Friendly New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve! As you get ready to welcome the New Year with family and friends tonight, don't forget about your pets!  The New Year's Eve celebrations can sometimes be overwhelming and even bring new hazards to pet care.  Here are a few tips to help you welcome the New Year with your pets in mind.

Pet-Friendly New Year's Eve Tips:

  • Give Pets a Place to Relax - Many pets can become anxious and overwhelmed by the sounds of parties, fireworks, and other loud noises.  Give your pets a place to feel safe during your New Year's Eve celebration.
  • Distract Your Pet - Keep your pet entertained and distracted from all of the hustle and bustle by giving your pet new toys to play with while everyone is over celebrating.
  • Keep Food and Drinks Out of Reach - Many of us will be ringing in the New Year with foods and beverages.  Make sure that these are kept out of reach from your pets.  Unknowing guests may set down their drinks in a place that your pet can reach.  Let your guests know beforehand to be mindful of your pets.
  • Make Sure Your Gates are Secure - Pets can become startled by all of the loud noises on New Year's Eve.  Make sure that your doors, windows, fences and gates are secure during your celebrations.  You should also take a few minutes to update your pet's microchip and make sure that their collar is in place.

Check out this article for more New Year's Eve tips.  You can also contact our office with any questions you may have about your pet's health.

Are you looking to schedule a veterinary visit for the New Year? Contact one of our offices below to schedule your 2016 annual exam.

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387


Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

New Year's Resolutions for Happy, Healthy Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The year is slowly coming to a close.  As we look back on all that happened in 2015, many pet owners will make resolutions - signifying a fresh start for the New Year.  

Don't forget about your pets!

These New Year's resolutions will make for a better year for you and your pets.

New Year's Resolutions for Happy, Healthy Pets:
  • Consider Portion Sizes - Being healthy isn't just a New Year's resolution for pet owners, it's good to keep in mind for your pets, too!  Measure your pet's food every time that you pour it into the bowl to prevent overfeeding and weight gain.  You should also consider cutting back on table scraps and other high calorie treats and snacks.  When you do give your pet a treat, try to make sure that they are still consuming the correct amount of calories that day.
  • Try New Things - Who doesn't want to try new things in the New Year?  Bring your pets along for the ride.  From hiking to visiting a new park, you can include your pets in your exercise and travel plans for 2016.
  • Spend More Time Playing - Make playtime a priority in 2016!  While it can be easy to let playtime slip to the wayside through the busy year, start off strong by making time for you and your pet to enjoy some relaxation and fun.  Cats love laser toys, crinkly balls and climbable cat trees.  Give your pet a new toy to start off 2016. 
  • Learn Something New - With a full year ahead of you and your pets, it's time to learn something new!  Mental stimulation can help your pets stay active and cognitive as they age.  Keep your senior pet's brain active by teaching them a new trick.  If you don't have time to teach your pet on your own, consider investing in a puzzle feeder that forces your pet to think and rewards them with a treat. 
  • Schedule Regular Checkup - Annual examinations are an important part of your pet's health (and your health too)!  Although your pet may seem healthy, it's still important to bring them in for a preventative exam.  This will help us diagnose any health concerns early on, before they become a problem for your pet.  
Are you looking to schedule a veterinary visit for the New Year? Contact one of our offices below to schedule your 2016 annual exam.

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387


Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

5 Tips To Help Pets Adjust To Holiday Guests

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Will you be having guests over for the holidays this week?  We know that things can get busy this time of year.  With all of the new faces, smells, and foods, it's important to keep your pet's safety in mind while you celebrate.  These tips will help keep your pets well behaved, less stressed, and prepared for your holiday guests.

Pet Behavior Tips:

  • Reinforce Training Beforehand - Before the holiday guests arrive, reinforce "sits" and ignore pets jumping up.  You can also teach your dog to wait behind a line away from the door or to go to a dog bed when guests first enter the home.
  • Place Them In A Separate Room - If your pet is not well trained, or is easily excited/scared, it might be best to keep your pet in another room or in a crate while holiday guests arrive.  This will keep your pet from running to your guests (or out the door).  
  • Pass On Holiday Costumes - Unless you know that your pet is comfortable with wearing a costume, it's safe to assume they will find it uncomfortable.  Many costumes are itchy, heavy and confining.  If your pet looks uncomfortable, take the costume off to reduce stress.
  • Don't Give Table Scraps - As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid giving your pets table scraps.  Remind your guests that certain holiday foods can be dangerous to cats and dogs.  Give your pets a special treat of their own if you don't want them to feel left out!
  • Exercise Beforehand - Don't skip your daily walk!  Exercise is important for your pet's health, but it will also help them release any pent up energy before your holiday party.

Take a look at this article for more pet behavior tips for the holidays.

Do you have any questions about how to keep your pet happy and healthy this holiday season?  Contact one of our offices below:

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Holiday Treats for Your Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Will you be doing any baking with your family for the holidays?  Don't forget to make some treats that your pets can enjoy too!  Here are a few pet-friendly holiday cookie recipes to try this week.

Holiday Recipes for Pets:

Doggy Egg Nog

Ingredients:
1 (7 oz) contain of plain greek yogurt
1/4 of a (4 oz.) jar baby food (organic sweet potato & chicken works well)
1/4 cup of water
1 egg
Gingerbread buddy biscuits (topping)

Directions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender until frothy
2. Top with a small dog treat like buddy biscuits

View the full recipe here.

Frozen Pupcakes

Ingredients
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 ripe banana
splash of unsweetened almond milk (or water)
Mini & regular muffin tins

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth
2. Add a splash of water or almond milk, add more as necessary.
3. Pour the mixture into the muffin tins.
4. Freeze the muffins until solid.
5. Remove from the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes to thaw slightly before feeding them to your pup.

View the full recipe here.

Holiday Dog Treats

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh sweet potato puree
1 egg
1/2 cup of oats
3 cups whole wheat flour
3 tablespoons of all natural peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2.  Peel and cube two medium sized sweet potatoes.  Bring the potatoes to a boil in a pot of water and reduce to low and simmer for about 20 minutes.  Drain the cooked potatoes and puree using a blender or food processor.
3.  In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats and cinnamon.
4.  In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, sweet potato and peanut butter.  Stir wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
5.  Pour onto a floured surface and roll the dough out until it is about a quarter inch thick.  Cut out the dough using a Christmas cookie cutter.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
7. Place your holiday dog treats on a cooling rack and let cool thoroughly.

View the full recipe here.

Of course, you should always contact our office if you have any questions about what your pet can or cannot eat.  Always make sure that your pet slowly adjusts to a new diet and doesn't overinduldge in holiday treats.

If you have any questions about your pet's health during the holiday season, contact one of our offices below!


The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387


Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Holiday Plants: Naughty or Nice?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Before you decorate for the holidays with festive flowers and plants, keep your pets in mind!  Not all holiday plants make the "nice" list.  Here are a few plants you should keep away from your pets.

The "Naughty" List:
  • Poinsettias - This is a popular holiday plant, but it's also irritating to your pet's stomach if ingested.  In most cases, your pet might have an upset stomach with mild vomiting.  
  • Mistletoe - If you're looking to find someone under the mistletoe this year, make sure that it's not your pet!  Even a small amount of mistletoe can severely upset your pet's stomach.  If they ingest a lot of it, the plant can even be lethal.  
  • Christmas Tree Water - If you have a real Christmas tree in your home, make sure that any water you use for your tree is not accessible to your pet.  Many times, the chemicals in the water are toxic.  Be sure to check to see if yours is pet-safe.
  • Holly - Holly is toxic to pets and the spiny leaves can lead to mechanical injuries as well.  If your cat or dog ingests holly, be sure to give us a call.
If you have any questions about your pet's health during the holiday season, don't hesitate to contact one of our offices below!

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Monday, December 7, 2015

How to Take the Perfect Holiday Pet Portrait

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com


It comes as no surprise that many people will include their pet's in their holiday cards (after all, you want to include the whole family!).  

Will you be taking any holiday photos with your pets this year?   Here are a few tips to help you get the perfect shot.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Pet Photos:
  • Get Your Pets Familiar - Many cats and dogs will feel startled by a camera and the noises that it makes.  Get your pet comfortable with the sights and sounds of a camera before attempting your holiday photo.
  • Keep Lighting In Mind - Try to utilize natural light when taking photos of your pets.  This will help avoid getting red or yellow eyes in your photos. 
  • Keep Distractions Minimal - Take your photos in a place where there are limited distractions.  Keep your pet's focus on the camera.
  • Let Your Pet Feel Natural - Capture your pet's personality in your holiday photo!  Rather than forcing them to sit there in uncomfortable positions, let your pet play in the photo and be himself!
  • Shorten Your Session - Many pets aren't willing to sit for long periods of time.  Keep your photo sessions short.
  • Be Patient - Pets have short attention spans and get bored quickly.  Don't be discouraged!  With some patience, you can get the perfect photo you're looking for.
If you have any questions about your pet's health during the holiday season, contact one of our offices below!


The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387


Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Friday, December 4, 2015

Keep Your Pet From Overeating During the Holidays

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Eating healthy is tough during most of the year - but especially during the holidays!  Your pets are no different.  These tips will help you keep your pets fit and healthy through the holiday season.

How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain:

  • Go For A Walk -Take frequent walks with your pet through the holiday season.  Not only is this a great way to get outside and some fresh air, but it will help your pet burn a few extra calories.
  • Play a Game - Play a game of catch with your dog or user a laser pointer to entertain your cat.  These activities add up each day and are a great way to stay in shape.
  • Read Labels - There are plenty of pet-friendly treats out there, but be sure to read the calories.  Some dog or cat cookies might look festive but will be a significant amount of calories.  Be sure to make sure that if you do feed your pet a treat, that you adjust their daily calorie intake accordingly.
  • Avoid Table Scraps - It's tempting to slip your dog a few table scraps, especially during holiday dinners.  However, you'll want to make sure that these foods are safe for your pets.  If you do end up sharing some holiday foods, keep the portions small.

If you are having trouble with your pet's weight gain, contact one of our offices.  We can help you set up a healthy diet plan that gets your pet back on the right track.  

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Celebrate National Mutt Day!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's National Mutt Day!  Today, we celebrate all of the mixed breeds dogs in our lives!

Why do we celebrate National Mutt Day?
National Mutt Day was founded to raise awareness of mixed breed dogs in shelters.  Unfortunately, due to the desire of designer dogs and pure bred puppies, many mutts are left in shelters.

If you have a mutt in your family, celebrate by showing your pet some extra love today!  Or - if you're looking to adopt a new pet for the holidays, consider adopting a mixed breed dog from a local shelter.

Here are a few reasons to adopt a mutt this year:

  • They're Unique!  Since your dog is a mix of two or more breeds, they will look different from other dogs of even similar mixes.
  • They're Affordable.  Instead of spending a lot of money on a pure bred dog, you can adopt a mixed breed dog from a local shelter.
  • They Have Lower Health Risks.  In some cases, mixed breeds are at a lower risk of disease.  Many purebred dogs suffer from genetic diseases.

Looking to give back for the holiday season?  Visit a local shelter and adopt a mixed breed into your home.  

We can help make sure that your new pet is healthy and happy for the rest of it's life.  Feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information on pet care.

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Why Does My Cat Meow?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Happy #Caturday!

Have you ever wondered why cats meow?  

There are several potential reasons as to why your cat loves to meow.  Here are a few of the most common.

Why Cat's Meow

  • They Want Attention - Not all cats like to be left alone.  Some cats want to play or be pet.  If your cat is meowing, he or she might be looking for some love!  Try playing, grooming or talking to your pet a little bit more often each day.
  • They're Hungry - Some cats meow when they want food.  If it's close to feeding time, this might be why your cat is being vocal.  If your cat meows every time you go into the kitchen, don't feed your cat when he or she is crying.  Wait until your cat quiets down before feeding.
  • They're Saying Hello - Your cat might just be greeting you!  Some cats meow when people come home.
  • They're Stressed - Cats that are under stress can become more vocal.  If there are major changes in your home (a new pet or baby) your cat might be stressed.  Try to help your cat adjust to the new changes.
  • They're Getting Older - When cats age, they can become confused and disoriented.  They might meow, especially at night.
  • They're Getting Sick - If you're not sure why your cat is meowing frequently, it might be due to a medical issue. It's important to bring your cat in for an exam to ensure that they are healthy!

If you have any questions about your cat's odd behaviors, contact our office!  Feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information.

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Can Your Pet Indulge in Thanksgiving Food Scraps?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

While we love to share and celebrate with our pets during the holidays, it's important to remember that certain foods that are good for us can actually be dangerous to our pets.  However, if you know what you can and cannot feed your pet, certain Thanksgiving foods can be healthy for your pets in small quantities.

Just remember that abrupt changes in diet can cause an upset stomach.  Be sure to keep an eye on your pet and make sure that they don't over-indulge.


Food Scraps You CAN Feed Your Pets:

  • Turkey - In small amounts, turkey can be OK.  Just be sure that the meat is lean, light meat that is bone-free.  Dark meat is too greasy for your pets and bones can get lodged in their GI track.
  • Mashed Potatoes - Plain mashed potatoes (with minimal fat and salt) can be OK for your pet.  However, potatoes with butter and heavy cream can be too fattening for your pets.  Fatty foods can upset their stomach and even be life threatening.
  • Green Beans - Plain, unsalted green beans can be a nutritious holiday treat for your pets.  However, avoid offering your pets green beans that are mixed with other ingredients (i.e. avoid green been casseroles).
  • Loose Corn - If you are serving unbuttered corn, this can be a healthy treat for your dog.  However, avoid corn on the cob.  Small pieces can cause an obstruction in your dog's digestive system.
  • Pumpkin - Pumpkin can actually have several health benefits for your pets.  If you can find unsweetened, natural pumpkin, this can be a great holiday treat for your pet.  Just be sure to avoid pumpkin pie fillings, as they are often high in sugar.

Food Scraps You CAN'T Feed Your Pets
  • Turkey Gravy - Gravy is often made from stock, pepper and seasoning.  While it may be a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving turkey, it is too fatty for your pets.
  • Stuffing -  Stuffing is often full of fat, butter and ingredients (like onions and garlic) that are very harmful to pets.  As a general rule of thumb, it's best not to offer your pets stuffing.
  • Candied Yams - Sweet and buttery yams are too sugary and fattening for pets.
  • Chocolate - Chocolate can cause high heart rates in dogs, among other problems.  Avoid feeding your pet anything your are baking with chocolate.
  • Alcohol - It may seem obvious, but you should keep alcohol out of reach of your pets.  Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous.
If you have any questions about your cat's odd behaviors, contact our office!  Feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information.

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Why Shouldn't You Scare Your Cats with Cucumbers?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

You may have noticed a new trend on social media - scaring cats with cucumbers.  While the videos can be entertaining, we wanted to remind pet owners that it's not a good idea to scare your feline friends.

Why is scaring your cat with a cucumber a bad idea?

It turns out, your cat probably isn't afraid of the cucumber itself, according to National Geographic.

Cats are startled by the cucumbers appearing when they aren't looking.  The sudden appearance of a cucumber (or any object) can be very stressful for cats.  When cats are in places that they associate with comfort and safety, like their food dish, they take their guard down.  When a cucumber unexpectedly appears while they have their head down, it can be startling.  As a result, cats leap into the air, and run away from the cucumber when it seemingly appears out of nowhere.

You want your cat to always feel comfortable in your home.  Instead of sneaking up behind them, you should always gradually introduce new toys and objects to your cat.  This will help them get comfortable with the new object - rather than startling them in a way that could cause distress.

If you have any questions about your cat's odd behaviors, contact our office!  Feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information.


The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

November Is Adopt A Senior Pet Month

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Did you know that November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month?  With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to consider giving a home to an older cat or dog.  If you are looking to add a new pet to your home, here are a few of the reasons you should consider adopting a senior pet.  

Benefits of Adopting Senior Pets:
  • They're Trained - Most senior pets are likely to have already been house-trained.  If they haven't, they are likely physically and mentally ready to pick up the training in minimal time.
  • They Are Calm - Unlike puppies and kittens, senior pets are more laid back.  You won't need to puppy- or kitten-proof your home.  Instead, your pet will likely enjoy lounging around.
  • You'll Provide Them With Peace - Rest easy knowing that you're giving a senior pet a home full of love during their final years.

If you have recently  and feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information on what your pet can and cannot eat.

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Will you be including pumpkin treats in your Thanksgiving dinner plans?  You can include your pet too!  Canned natural pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, and freshly cooked pumpkin can have many health benefits for both cats and dogs.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin:
  • Aids in Digestive Health - Pureed pumpkin is high in fiber.  In small quantities (about a table spoon) you can help keep your pets regular and help with indigestion or upset stomachs.
  • Improve Urinary Health - Pumpkin seeds are high in fatty acids and antioxidants that help support a healthy urinary system.
  • Reduce Risk of Cancer - Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of vitamins, including vitamin A, beta-carotene, iron and potassium.  This can reduce the likelihood of cancer and keep your pet healthy longer.
  • Aid in Weight Loss - If you have a pet that is struggling with weight loss, try including a small portion of canned pumpkin in their diet.  This will help them feel full longer!
If you do plan on serving your pet any pumpkin treats, be sure that the pumpkin is unsweetened (not pie filling).


Learn more about the health benefits of pumpkins here and feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information on what your pet can and cannot eat.

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Thursday, November 12, 2015

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Chocolate is one of the most common pet poisons in the home.  In certain quantities, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, and more.  

If you come home and find that your dog has gotten into your candy stash - don't panic.  Here are the steps you should take.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate:
  1. Take the Chocolate Away -  First, hide the rest of the chocolate.  You'll want to keep the chocolate far away from your dog so that they don't eat any more. 
  2. Check Your Dog - Make sure that your dog is acting normally.  Look to see if they are gagging or having difficulty breathing.
  3. Take Note of the Chocolate - How much chocolate did your dog eat?  What kind of chocolate was it?  Dark chocolates and baking chocolates have higher concentrations of the ingredient (theobromine) that is toxic to dogs.  
  4. Consider the Size of Your Dog - If you have a smaller dog, they are at a greater risk of toxicity than a larger dog.
  5. Give Our Office a Call - Speak with a veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for your pet. Depending on how much chocolate your pet ate, the type of chocolate, and your breed of dog, we can recommend an appropriate treatment.
If you have any questions or you find that your pet has ingested chocolate, contact one of our offices below:

The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Thursday, November 5, 2015

What is Kennel Cough?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Is your dog coughing frequently?  A persistent, forceful cough is one of the symptoms of a common disease known as kennel cough.  While kennel cough is treatable, pet owners should keep in mind that it is highly contagious.

Kennel Cough Symptoms:

  • Persistent Dry Coughing
  • Gagging
  • Coughing Up White Foamy Phlegm
  • Fever
  • Nasal Discharge
  • Sneezing
  • Eye Discharge
Treatment for less severe cases of kennel cough just involve supportive care, rest, and good hydration.  However, if the kennel cough infection is more severe, your dog may benefit from medications that reduce inflammation and coughing.  If an infection is present, your pet may need an antibiotic to shorten the course of the disease.

If your puppy is suffering from any of the symptoms associated with Kennel Cough, bring him or her into one of our practices.  We can help you bring your pet back to full health.  Reach one of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices below:


The Cat Hospital
877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic
718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!