How to Celebrate a Pet-Safe Super Bowl Sunday

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Will you be hosting a Super Bowl party this Sunday?  No Super Bowl party is complete without a variety of snacks!  Here are a few tips to help make sure your celebration is pet-friendly.

Super Bowl Pet Dangers:

• Alcohol - Alcohol is toxic to pets - even small amounts can cause vomiting and difficulty breathing.  Be sure to keep any alcoholic beverages in a place where your pet can't reach it.
• Chips and Dip - Many dips - like the popular french onion - contain onions and garlic which destroy a pet's red blood cells.  Salty chips can also cause excessive thirst.
• Guacamole - Guacamole is made from avocado, a substance that can be fatal to birds.  
• Ice Cream - Any product with dairy can cause your pet to have an upset stomach.
• Caffeine - Sugary, caffeinated sodas may be a necessity at your party, but keep them away from your cats and dogs.  These drinks can be toxic to pets and lead to abnormal heart rhythms.
• Nuts - Certain nuts, like macadamias, can be poisonous.  As few as six nuts can cause your pet to experience muscle tremors and an elevated heart rate.

Check out this article from Modern Dog Magazine for more tips on how to celebrate safely this Sunday.  

If you experience any pet health problems this weekend, contact our office.  Our experienced veterinarians can help make sure your pet is healthy and happy.

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How to Keep Your Pets Safe During a Blizzard

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The snow is starting to accumulate - are you ready for the blizzard?  Make sure your pets are ready too.

These tips will help keep your pets safe and make sure you're prepared for the storm.  Stay safe and warm today!

Blizzard Safety Tips:

• Stay Indoors - You should always try to keep your pets indoors during the winter months.  Limit time outside to brief bathroom trips for the duration of the storm.
• Keep Your Pet Dry - After your pet goes outside to the bathroom, towel dry them when they come inside.  
• Keep Antifreeze Out-Of-Reach - Antifreeze is a deadly poison to both cats and dogs.  Make sure you wipe up any spills an store antifreeze in a place where your pet cannot reach it. 
• Wipe Their Paws - Salt and other de-icing chemicals can irritate your pet's paws.  Wipe them down with a damp towel to keep your pet from licking the chemicals off of their feet and irritating their mouth.

ABC News offers tips on how to keep your pets safe through the storm tonight and tomorrow.  

We hope everyone stays safe and warm!  Contact our office if you have any questions about how to care for your pet on cold days.

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Answer Your Cat's Questions Day!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Do you ever wonder what your cat is thinking?  Today is National Answer Your Cat's Questions Day!  

Cats can exhibit a lot of strange behaviors.  In order to answer your cat's questions, it's helpful to have to better understand the reasons behind their behavior.  Here are a few common cat behavior questions to help you gain better insight into what your cat is thinking.

Cat Behavior Questions:

Why Do They Squint Their Eyes? 
When your cat squints their eyes at you, it's a sign that they're happy.  Slowly closing their eyes at you is a sign that they trust you.

Why Do You Receive "Presents?"
Nobody wants to find a dead rodent or insect at their feet.   However, many cats insist on sharing their successful hunt with you.  This may mean that your cat is acknowledging that you are part of their family.  Don't punish your cat for their natural behavior.  Instead, try to keep them indoors.

Why Does Your Cat Chew on Weird Things?
If your cat loves to chew on plastic, carpeting, wiring, or blankets, it could be a sign of anxiety.  This behavior is similar to how we bite our nails.  However, chewing on weird objects could affect your cat's gums and GI tract.  If you notice your cat exhibits this behavior, bring them into our office.

Why Do They Try to Knead/Massage You?
This is an instinctive behavior.  Kittens move their paws against their mother's mammary glands to get milk.  If your cat continues to knead as an adult and it becomes problematic, just bring them into our office.

Why Do They Love to Sit in Boxes?
There are probably plenty of comfortable and spacious places for your cat to sleep, but instead they prefer curling up in a tiny box.  Small spaces can help your cat feel more safe and secure.

Read this article or contact our office to gain a better understanding of why your cat exhibits certain behaviors.  If you do experience any persistent behavioral problems, we can help you determine the reason behind your cat's behavior.

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5 Exercising Tips to Prevent Obesity This Winter

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Exercise is an important part of preventative health care, but cold weather can make it hard to stick to your routines.

Luckily, there are ways for you and your pets to stay healthy even when you don't want to go outside.  These winter exercise ideas will help prevent pet obesity and leave your pets happy and healthy.

Cold Weather Exercises:

• Fetch - Both dogs and cats like playing fetch!  Use different types of toys to keep them interested.
• Hide and Seek - Hide a low-calorie treat around the house.  This is a great way to provide cats with mental stimulation and motivation.
• Walks - We know it's cold outside, but if you bundle up and take precautions, a brisk walk can be healthy for your pet.  Consider booties to protect your dog's feet and wipe them down when you get back inside to prevent them from licking anything poisonous they may have stepped in when they were outside.
• Feather on a Stick - Cats love the thrill of hunting.  The feather on a stick is a great way to get them up and moving.
• Laser Pointer - This is a simple way to provide your pets with exercise and entertainment indoors.  Both cats and dogs love chasing around the laser pointer light.

For more tips on how your pets can stay healthy on cold days, check out this article.  

Pet obesity is a serious problem that can lead to high blood pressure, arthritis, lung disease, skin conditions and even cancer.  Contact our office with any questions you have about your pet's health and how you can stay active this winter.

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Winter Walking Tips for National Walk Your Pet Month

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

January is National Walk Your Pet Month!  While the weather may be cold, it's still important to provide your pet with plenty of exercise for their health.  Here are a few tips to help keep your pets healthy and in shape through the cold winter months.

Winter Pet Walking Tips:

• Protect Their Paws - There might be antifreeze and salt along your typical walking route.  Remember to wipe down your dog's feet when you come back inside.  This will help keep your pet from licking their paws and ingesting dangerous chemicals.
• Stay Hydrated - Cold, dry weather can dehydrate your pet.  Make sure to keep their water bowl full and never use a metal feeding dish outdoors.  
• Bundle Up - Just as you bundle up with coats and jackets, you want to make sure your pet is warm when you go outside. Don't shave your dog down to the skin in the winter.  While your husky might feel comfortable outside in the snow, a short-haired chihuahua will need more coverage.
• Don't Over Bathe - Your dog's coat and skin have essential coils that keep them protected int he winter.  Remember to brush regularly to remove dead hair and stimulate circulation.

Don't skip out on your dogs walking routine because of the cold.  If you have any questions about how to keep your pet healthy this winter, contact our office.  Our veterinarians are happy to help you with all of your pet's health needs.

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How Can You Keep Curious Kittens Safe?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you welcoming a new kitten into your home?  Here are a few tips to help make sure you keep your kitten and your home belongings safe.

Kitten-Proofing Tips:

• Know Their Hiding Spots - Kittens can squeeze themselves into spots you might not think to look.  Try to limit their access to potentially unsafe hiding spots like the clothes washer or dryer.
• Put Away Delicate Items - Cats are excellent at climbing and scaling your furniture.  Be sure to keep fragile collectibles in safe places.  Don't leave them out on open shelves, especially when you're not home to keep an eye on your kitty.
• Remove Poisonous Plants - Know what plants are poisonous to cats.  Keep these plants out of reach of your new pet!  
• Secure Doors - You may not think of it at first, but cats can open cabinet doors and drawers to see what's inside.  It might be a good idea to install childproof latches to keep your kitten away from potentially dangerous cleaning supplies, medications, and chemicals.

Read this article for more tips on how to make your home more pet-friendly.  

If you have any questions about how to care for your new kitten, contact our office.  Our veterinarians are happy to help you with all of your pet's health needs at one of our cat-friendly locations!

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Caring For Your Pets' Paws in the Winter

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's important to keep your paw's protected on snowy winter days.  While we appreciate when the roads and sidewalks are salted and sanded, deicing products can hurt your pet's feet.  Here are a few tips to help keep your pet safe in the snow.

Paw Care Tips:

• Trim Long Hair - Keep the hair around your dog's paws trimmed in order to limit the clinging of ice, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals.  These can dry out your pet's skin if they are exposed for an extended period of time.
• Use Booties - They may look silly, but if your pet is comfortable with wearing booties, they can help minimize contact with painful salt crystals and anti-freeze agents.  They can also help keep sand and salt from irritating your pet's paws.
• Bring a Towel - Wipe your pet's feet to remove ice, snow and and chemicals after each walk.  Check for cracks in the paw pads and irritation.  Wiping down the paws will also keep your pet from licking and ingesting deicing salts.
• Minimize Contact - If you notice that the sidewalk has chemicals on it, let your pet walk in the snow or in an area that won't irritate their paws.  

Read more about how to keep your pet's paws protected in the snow here and here.

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

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Tips to Keep Your Pet Fit for 2015

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

A New Year is the perfect time to make new goals for you and your pets.  Here are a few tips to help your pets stay healthy throughout 2015.

Health Tips for 2015:

• Provide Plenty of Exercise - Dogs and cats need exercise to stay fit.  Go on a walk with your dog or bring them to a park.  During winter months you can try alternative exercises like a dog treadmill or balance cushions.  Don't forget about your cats!  Use a laser pointer or wand toy to play with your cat and help them become active.  
• Know Their Calorie Requirement - Many pet owners don't realize how many calories they should be providing their pet with.  This can vary depending on your pet's age, weight and activity level.
• Use a Measuring Cup - Make sure that you are staying within your pet's daily target range.  Use a measuring cup to help prevent overfeeding!
• Don't Forget About Treats - We know that pet owners love to get their dogs and cats treats and table scraps.  While this is ok on occasion, make sure you adjust your regular feedings to account for the extra calories!

Read this article for more tips on how to keep your pet fit and healthy in 2015.  

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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