How to Keep Pets Cool on Hot Summer Days

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you staying cool during this heatwave?  Make sure your pets are too!  Here are a few tips to help keep pets cool and comfortable on hot summer days.

How to Keep Your Pet Cool:

• Provide Plenty of Water - Make sure that your pets are staying hydrated on hot days, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors.
• Walk Them in the Morning - Avoid walking your pets during the hottest part of the day.  Not only is a mid-day walk strenuous for you and your pet - the hot concrete can be harsh on their paws.
• Keep Pets in the Shade - Make sure that your pet always has access to shade when spending time outdoors.
• Never Leave a Pet in the Car - If you're taking your pet with you on the road, never leave them alone in the car.  even leaving your pet alone for a short period of time can leave them overheated on hot days.

If you do notice signs of overheating in your cat, make sure that they stay calm and relaxed in a cool indoor place.  Cool your pet down and give them plenty of water.  Give our office a call if you are having any difficulty.

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How to Make Your Pet Care More Eco-Friendly

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Looking to make your home a little more eco-friendly?  Don't forget about your pets!  Although it's easy to overlook, our furry friends have a big impact on how green our lifestyles are.  Here are a few tips to make your pet care more eco-conscious this summer.

Eco-Friendly Pet Care Tips:

• Adopt Your Pet - If you are thinking of adding a new furry friend to your family, consider adoption from a shelter.  There are many homeless animals without families across the country.
• Spay or Neuter Your Pet - Spaying and neutering is one of the best ways to keep feral animals - especially cats - off of the street.  Not only will this help the surrounding environment, but it will also help keep your pet healthy.  Spayed and neutered pets tend to be less aggressive and live longer, healthier lives.
• Make Your Own DIY Pet Treats - Instead of spending money buying new treats, make your own!  This helps you cut down on packaging and homemade treats are healthier for your pet, too.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Pet Toys -There are many pet toys made from recycled and organic materials.  Your pets can even enjoy simple toys like an old ball from the garage or a paper towel roll.

Check out this article from Treehugger for more tips on how to green your pet care routines.  If you have any questions about how to best care for your pet or you would like to make an appointment to spay or neuter your pet, contact one of our offices!  Our experienced veterinarians are here to help you with all of your pet care needs!

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What Dog Breeds are Best for Kids?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Deciding on the right dog breed for your family can be tough.  How do you know which type of dog will be best for your home and kids?  Here are a few tips to help you pick the right dog for your family's lifestyle.

Best Breeds for Kids:

Bulldog
Bulldogs are not very energetic pets, but they are a great choice for families with kids.  They are comfortable living in large houses, as well as apartments.  While they may look a little intimidating, they tend to be friendly, gentle and loyal.

Beagle
Beagles are perfect for homes with active kids.  They like lots of exercise, so be sure to take them on a daily walk.

Bull Terrier
Bull terriers require lots of playtime.  They are perfect for large families, where they will get plenty of attention.  

Collie
This dog breed was made famous by Lassie!  They are very gentle and love to protect their family. 

Newfoundland
These dogs are gentle and patient.  However, they prefer to spend time inside with their family (not outside in the yard).

For more tips on choosing the right dog breed for your home, check out this article.  You can also contact one of our offices with any questions you have about your pet.

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Harmful NYC Algal Blooms Are Potentially Toxic To Dogs

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Did you know that harmful algal blooms are a potential source of toxins to dogs?  

While most algal blooms are not harmful to people and animals, blue-green algae (which is actually a type of bacteria) can produce toxins that are harmful to the liver or the central nervous system.  Pet Owners should be mindful of keeping their dogs away from any water that has a harmful algal bloom.

Routine monitoring has identified the presence of 

harmful algal blooms at three  NYC locations:

Prospect Park Lake in Brooklyn

Central Park Lake in Manhattan

 Indian Pond in the Bronx 

The cyanobacteria responsible for these NYC algal blooms produce hepatotoxins and neurotoxins, as well as irritants that can cause pets to experience skin irritation and an allergic reaction.  Dogs are especially susceptible to exposure because they are more likely to drink and swim in the water.  If they ingest the affected water, they can experience any of the following signs of toxicosis:

Liver Toxins:

Repeated Vomiting

Diarrhea or Tarry Stool

Loss of Appetite, Anorexia

Jaundice

Abdominal Swelling & Tenderness

Cyanosis of Skin

Dark Urine or Reduced/No Urine Output

  Nerve Toxins:

Stumbling, Seizures, Convulsions, Paralysis

Excessive Salivation/Drooling

Disorientation, Inactivity or Depression

Elevated Heart Rate, Difficult Breathing

Diarrhea

Lacrimation

Skin Toxins: 

Skin Rashes, Hives

How Can You Prevent Toxicosis in Dogs?

Keep your dog on a leash when near any of the affected bodies of water.  

If your pet does go in the water, follow these steps:

1. Remove your pet and don't allow them to lick their fur or paws.
2. Rinse/wash your pet thoroughly with soap and fresh water using rubber gloves.  Otherwise a towel and a rag can be used to remove the algal debris.
3. Wash your own hands with fresh water after washing your dog.
4. Keep an eye out for any for the above toxicosis symptoms.

If your dog or any other animal exhibits symptoms of harmful algal bloom poisoning, contact the New York State Department of Health by emailing harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov and contact our office if you have any questions!

The Department of Environmental Conservation routinely samples bodies of water in New York.  Pet owners can view the complete results on their website.

Please give our offices a call if you have any questions about 

the effects of algal blooms on pets in NYC!  

The Cat Hospital

516-746-2287

Paws & Claws

718-782-8387

Fifth Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Heartworm Disease: Myth vs. Fact

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

You may have heard about heartworm disease, but do you really know the facts? 

A heartworm is a foot long worm that lives inside the heart, lungs and other blood vessels of a cats and dogs. Although, the effects of a heartworm differ between cats and dogs, these worms can lead to heart failure, lung disease and damage to other organs in both cats and dogs. 

Here are a few common myths you may hear about heartworms:

Myth: Pets only need to be protected from heartworms in the summer.

Fact: It is recommended that heartworm prevention should be year round. Even when mosquitoes are not present and if your pet lives in cold or dry regions.

Myth: Pets with heartworm disease should be separated from other pets.

Fact: Pets who are infected cannot transmit heartworm disease to other pets or people.Pets get heartworm disease by being bit by a mosquito that is carrying a heartworm larvae.

Myth: Puppies are immune to heartworms.

Fact: Any dog can be infected with heartworms if they are bit by a mosquito that is carrying an infected heartworm larvae. That is why it is important to start heartworm prevention as early as possible.

Myth: Indoor cats can’t get heartworms.

Fact: Mosquitos can easily get into your home and wherever there are mosquitoes there is a chance of heartworm disease. Make sure you take the right precautions to protect your cat from heartworm disease.

Even if you are taking the correct precautions you should still watch for signs of heartworms in your pets. In dogs watch for coughing, loss of appetite, weight loss and reluctance to exercise. With cats you should look for the same symptoms as well as vomiting.

To learn more about heartworms check out these articles. If you have any questions or concerns about heartworm disease in your pets please contact our office or visit our website.

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National Pet Fire Safety Day

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

#DidYouKnow that almost 1,000 house fires are accidentally started by pets each year?  Today, we want to raise awareness and make sure that pets, pet owners, and their homes are safe.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind for National Pet Fire Safety Day.

Fire Prevention Tips:

• Keep An Eye On Cooking Appliances - Pets are naturally curious.  Keep an eye on any open flames around your oven and BBQ!  You don't want your pet to investigate your dinner before it is cooked - or cause a fire hazard.
• Remove Stove Knobs - Remove the stove knobs when they're not in use or protect them with covers.  According tot he National Fire Protection Association, the stove is the number one cause of pet-induced house fires.
• Watch Outdoor Water Bowls - Glass water bowls might be easy to clean, but if left outside on a wooden deck, they can actual present a fire hazard.  As the hot summer sun filters through the glass bowl, it can heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it.  Choose a stainless steel or ceramic bowl instead.

Read this article from the American Kennel Club for more fire prevention tips.  You can also contact on our our offices for more information on how to keep your pets safe at home.

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What Fruits Can Your Pet Eat This Summer?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Want to give your pet a summer treat?  Certain fruits can be a refreshing and healthy snack for your furry friend.  Just be careful - not all food that is healthy for you is healthy for your pet.  Check out the list below for more information on what is healthy for your dog and what is not.  Pet owners should remember to never feed their pet human food unless they are 100% sure that the fruit is healthy for them.

Bananas, seedless watermelon, cantaloupe and berries like strawberries and blueberries are all OK for you dog to eat.  However, cherries and other pitted fruits like peaches are dangerous to pets.  Grapes are also toxic to pets and can cause serious health issues. 

Just remember - a significant change in diet can upset your pet's stomach.  Give them fruit in moderate amounts as a special treat.  Check out this article for more tips on what you can and cannot feed your pet this summer.

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How to Celebrate a Pet-Friendly 4th of July

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Before you celebrate with fireworks and BBQs this weekend, remember to take some pet care precautions!  These tips will help you celebrate a pet-friendly 4th of July!

Pet-Friendly 4th of July Tips:

• Keep Pets Inside - If you're hosting a 4th of July party, be sure to keep pets indoors.  The loud noises from the fireworks can cause your pet become nervous and jump the fence.
• Keep Alcohol Out-of-Reach -Alcoholic drinks are dangerous to all pets.  Alcohol is toxic and can leave your pet dangerously intoxicated or even in a coma.
• Provide Pet with ID - Make sure that your pet is properly ID'd this 4th of July.  In the unfortunate event that your pet does become loose, it will be easier for them to find their way back home if they have an identification tag with your name and phone number.
• Never Use Fireworks Around Pets - Lit fireworks can pose a danger to your furry friends.  Unlit fireworks also contain toxic substances that can be dangerous.

Check out this article for more tips on how to keep pets safe this 4th of July and contact our office if you have any questions about how to best care for your pet's health.

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