How to Reduce Barking At Home

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Dogs bark for a number of reasons - whether it be expressing emotion, alerting you that someone is approaching the house, or responding to social contact.  However, excessive barking isn't always welcome by owners or their neighbors. Here are a few tips to help reduce barking at home.

Strategies to Reduce Barking:

• Don't Give Them Attention - Many owners don't realize that they are actually encouraging their dogs to bark by "rewarding" them with food or a treat to keep them quiet.  If you have a dog that loves attention, try to correct the barking by avoiding eye contact, speaking or touching the dog when they start to bark.
• Increase Physical Activity - High-energy dogs require more exercise than a quick walk.  If you have a high-energy breed, increases your pet's physical activity with retrieving and searching games can burn up energy and reduce excessive barking.
• Enroll in An Obedience Class - Obedience classes are an enriching way to provide your pet with direct interaction. 
• Manage Anxiety - Some dogs bark because they are anxious.  Provide your pet with a quiet refuge away from the front door.  If your pet has separation anxiety, it might be a good idea to consult with an animal behaviorist.
• Bring Them to the Vet - Barking could be a sign that your pet isn't feeling well, especially if they are over the age of 7.  Bring your pet into one of our offices to have them evaluated for medical concerns.

If you have any questions about your pet's health and behavior, contact one of our offices.  Our experienced veterinarians are here to help with all of your concerns!

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

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How to Care for Your Pet In An Emergency

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Do you know what to do in the event of a pet emergency?  We know that t isn't always easy to keep a level head when your furbaby is in danger.  These tips will help prepare pet owners for what they should do in the event of an emergency.

First Aid Tips:

How to Manage Poisoning -

While some pet poisons are obvious (antifreeze, cleaning products, insecticides), others are not.  Many foods that are good and even healthy for humans are dangerous to your pets.  Regardless of what pet poison your furry friend comes into contact with, these are the steps hat you should follow.

1. Identify the Toxin - Do you know what your pet ingested?  Take a look at the label and look for the active ingredients.  You should try to estimate the length of time between when your pet ingested the poison and when you discovered it.
2. Call The Vet - Give our office a call after you notice that your pet has ingested a poison.  You can also contact the Pet Poison Hotline by calling 855-764-7661.
3. Don't Induce Vomiting - Some toxins may cause more damage when you attempt to encourage vomiting.  Speak with a professional veterinarian before encouraging vomiting.  If it is decided that this is the right choice or your pet, hydrogen peroxide is a great way to induce vomiting.  Again, please contact a veterinarian before doing this.
4. Give a Bath - IF the poison came into contact with the skin, give your pet a bth with mild soup.  However, check with your vet first to make sure that giving your pet a bath won't cause the  toxin to spread.  This is especially true when it comes to toxins near your pet's eyes.
5. Bring Them to the Office - After you have done what you can immediately at home, it's important that you bring your pet to the office.  Give usa call ahead of time to notify us of the situation and your arrival time.  Our experienced veterinarians will help make sure that your pet is taken care of.

This article offers more information on what to do in the event of a pet emergency.  If you have any questions, concerns, or you feel your pet is in an emergency situation, we encourage you to contact one of our offices.  Our experienced veterinarians are happy to answer any questions you have about how to make your furry friend happy, healthy and comfortable.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

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Happy National Dog Day!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Happy National Dog Day!  Dogs are known as man's best friend for a reason!  We love to have our fur babies by our side.  How will you be celebrating with your pet today?

There are plenty of ways to celebrate National Dog Day.  On one hand it is about loving our pets that are safe and bring us comfort at home.  On the other hand, it is also a day to recognize the dogs that need to be rescued.  If you plan on adopting a new furry friend today, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Adoption Tips:

• Give Them Time to Acclimate - Moving can be stressful for your new pet.  Make sure that you give them plenty of time to acclimate to your home and your family.  This will help ensure that they aren't overwhelmed and give them time for a stress-free adjustment.
• Provide a Safe Crate - When you bring your pet home, you should make sure that they are safely secured in a crate.  Some dogs can find car trips stressful.  A crate will help make the trip home easier for your new pet, and for you.
• Be Patient - Your new pet might be uneasy at first.  Give them time to get to know you.  If they came from a previous home, they may react to certain words, phrases, and objects.  Take time to learn your pet's behavior and be patient with understanding that they will need time to learn what is expected.
• Schedule a Vet Visit - You want to make sure that your new pet is fully vaccinated.  We will check your pet to make sure that your new pet is healthy and help you take preventative measures for their well-being.

Check out this article for more tips on how to care for your new pet in the first few weeks of bringing her or him home.  If you have any other questions about your pet's health, give us a call!

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

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When Should You Bring Your Cat to the Vet?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's not always easy to tell when our pets needs medical attention.  While we know to bring our pets in after a trauma or allergic reaction, other medical maladies aren't as apparent!  

Here are a few signs it's time to schedule a vet visit.


Signs to Lookout For:

• Vocalizations - Meowing is your cat's way of communicating with you.  Some cats are naturally more talkative than others, but it's important to keep an eye out for loud meowing.  In some cases, vocalizations can be a sign of a medical problem.
• Sneezing - A sneezy, runny nose can be a sign that your pet has a cold.  However, you should closely monitor your cat when he or she isn't feeling well.  If your cat's symptoms last longer than a normal cold, it could be a sign of a feline virus.  Make sure your pet has all the proper immunizations and bring her or him into the office for an exam.
• Excessive Sleep - Cats can sleep for long periods of time.  However, if you notice that you cat would rather sleep than eat, drink or play, this is a sign that they may need medical attention.  Cats tend to sleep as a response to illness.  Even if your cat just has a cold - it's still important that they eat and drink.  
• Losing Fur - Cats love to groom - and fur loss isn't always abnormal.  However, if you notice that your cat begins to groom in excess or begins to lose patches of fur, it's time to schedule a visit with us.  Loss of fur can be a sign of ringworm, a fungal skin infection, or fleas.

Is it time to bring your cat into the office for a visit?  Give us a call!

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

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How to Handle an Injured Pet

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Unfortunately, accidents happen.  While no pet parent wants their furry friend to become injured, it's important that we understand how to handle emergency situations.  These tips will help make sure that you and your pet are safe

Tips for Handling an Injured Pet:

• Remember That They're Scared - Even a gentle pet will be scared and confused if they are in pain.  Remember that you need to be careful when handling your pet to avoid getting bitten or scratched.  
• Give Us A Call - Give one of our offices a call.  We can help you with any questions you have about the best way to bring your pet into the office.
• Know When to Muzzle - Using a muzzle on your pet will reduce your chance of being bitten, but you should never muzzle your pet if they are vomiting.  Cats can be wrapped in a towel.
• Transport Them in a Confined Area - When transporting an injured pet, you want to keep them in a confined area.  This will help reduce the risk of additional injury while you bring them into the hospital.  You can use a pet carrier, or if you have a larger pet you can use a board, blanket or something similar to act as a stretcher.

The American Medical Veterinary Association offers additional tips on how to handle an injured pet.  You can also contact any of our offices with questions that you have about how to care for your pet.

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It's Time to Update Your Microchips!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Does your pet have a microchip?  Check to make sure that the information is up-to-date!  While microchips are one of the best ways to increase the chances your pet will return safely home in the unfortunate event that they are lost or stolen, the chips are only effective if the contact information is up-to-date.  The American Veterinary Medical Association reminds pet owners once a year to update their microchip contact information.

If your pet already has a microchip, check the registration information in the manufacturer's database to make sure that your phone number, address and additional contact information is up-to-date.

If your pet does not yet have a microchip, schedule an appointment at our office!  Our experienced veterinarians will provide your pet with a microchip.  This small chip is

Learn more about "Check the Chip" day and the importance of microchips on the American Medical Veterinary Association website.  You can also contact our office for more information on the benefits of microchipping your pet.

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How to Help Reduce Your Cat's Anxiety

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Cats love to have places to hide and spend time alone, however excessive hiding and trembling can be a sign of anxiety.  If you notice that your pet is exhibiting anxious behavior, here are a few tips to help keep your cat calm.

Tips to Reduce Anxiety:

• Offer An Enriched Environment - Make your home more reminiscent of the outdoors.  Install a fish tank or hang a bird feeder outside of the window.  This can help your cat feel more comfortable at home.
• Give Them Toys - Toys don't have to be complex.  Even an empty paper bag can be entertaining for your cat.  You can also give them a wand toy that they can pounce on and hunt.
• Switch Their Food - Cats are natural hunters.  Try to mimic that during their meals!  You can switch their food bowl to a puzzle feeder that dispenses kibble when it is batted about.
• Don't Over Pet - We love to spend time with our cats and pet them when we're allowed, but many cats don't like to be petted.

Read more about how to cure and prevent cat anxiety here.  If you are concerned about your cat's behavior and are looking to make your home a more comfortable place for you and your pet, visit on of our offices!  Our professional veterinarians can provide you with tips and advice to help reduce stress and help your cat live a happy and healthy life.

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How to Create the Best Environment for Your Cat's Health

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

As pet parents, we want to provide our feline friends with the best possible life.  These tips will help you create the perfect environment for your cat's overall health.

Cat Care Tips:

• Keep Kittens with Their Family - If you are adopting a young kitten, let your new pet stay with their family until they are 12 weeks old.  This will give your kitten time to form bonds and socialize with their litter.  This socialization helps your kitten adjust to noises, odors, foods, litter, etc.  Early exposure builds familiarity.
• Offer Variety in Routine - Routines provide comfort.  However, you should provide your cat with some variation to their daily routines.  This will help them slowly adjust to change and will help your pet become better at adapting.  Try placing food in different bowls or locations throughout the house as a small variation to their day.
• Allow for Playtime - Cats love to play.  Since they are true carnivores, they love to pounce on toys.  Invest in toys that are clean and inexpensive (to allow for frequent replacement).
• Give Them Space - Cats like to seek hiding places.  Depending on your cat's unique personality, this place may be up high or down low.  

Interested in learning more about how you can enrich your cat's life? Check out this article from Psychology Today. You can also contact any of our offices for more information on how to provide your cat with a happy and healthy life.

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