How to Own a Pet Even Though You Have Allergies

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Allergies are tough.  Itchy, watery eyes and congestion can be hard on any pet lover.  If you or a family member suffers from pet-related allergies, there are ways to help make breathing easy.  With a few changes to your home, you can enjoy sharing your home with your furry friend.

How to Reduce Allergens at Home:

• Vacuum Often - Dander and saliva can trigger allergic reactions.  Have tile or wood floors in your home when possible, and vacuum surfaces frequently.  This will help keep dander from coming into contact with you.
• Install An Air Purifier - Air filters help remove allergens from the air. You and your family will be able to breathe a little bit easier.
• Wash Your Pet Regularly - Give your pet a bath regularly.  If you bath your pet once a week, not only will the feel cleaner, they'll also be less prone to leaving dander around your home.  Just make sure that you use a safe shampoo that won't dry out your pet's skin.
• Use Washable Pet Bedding - Just as you wash the sheets on your own bed, you should wash your pet's bedding.  This will help keep allergens out of the cloth and help reduce allergy symptoms.

Still not sure how to reduce allergens and live happily with your pet?  Our experienced veterinarians can help you determine ways to live with your pet without putting your health at risk.  Contact one of our offices below to schedule an appointment for your pet.

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!

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How to Care for Your Elderly Cat

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Health needs change throughout our lifetimes. As we age, we tend to slow down and pay more attention to our health needs. The same goes for our feline friends. These tips will help you care for your cat as he or she adjust to the senior lifestyle.

Health Tips for Aging Cats:

Don't Put Off Annual Exams

Routine veterinary visits are important for pets of all ages, but it's even more important with age.  In some cases, your senior cat should be examined twice a year to help prevent dental disease, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, and other medical maladies. 

Alter Their Diet Appropriately

Dietary requirements may change with age.  If your cat is no longer as active as he or she once was, you may need to alter their diet to help them maintain a healthy weight.  

Cushion Aging Joints

Does your cat have difficulty falling asleep?  Make sure that they have a comfortable bed to sleep in.  Provide plenty of blanket and cushions to support their aging joints.

Provide Healthy Playtime

Playtime is a great way to keep your cat entertained and help him or her keep their muscles and joints healthy and strong.  However, be sure to choose age-appropriate toys and keep an eye out for signs of pain.  If your cat suffers from arthritis, your cat may lose its desire to play.

If you have any questions about how to care for your senior cat or it's time to schedule your regular health check-up, contact one of our offices. Not only are our veterinarians experienced in caring for cats of all ages, we also have feline-only practices that offer added comfort and ease of care for your pets.  

Our experienced veterinarians can answer any questions you have about how to keep your pet happy and healthy.

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

Healthy Pumpkin Treats for Your Dog

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Fall is the season for pumpkin everything.  Why not let your pet indulge with you?  Pumpkin can actually be included as a healthy part of your pet's diet in moderation.  Here are a two variations on how to make homemade pumpkin treats for your pup.

Pumpkin Treats:

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Treats

Ingredients: 
2 1/2 cups of Whole Wheat Flour
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Canned Pumpkin
2 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Whisk together ingredients and add water as needed to help make the dough a workable consistency. However, the dough should remain dry and stiff.  Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll.  Cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
3. Bake for 40 minutes.

See the full recipe here:  http://goo.gl/513MdY

Pumpkin Harvest Bones

Ingredients:
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Canned Pumpkin
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Dry Milk
2 1/2 Cups of Flour (preferably Wheat)
Water

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Blend ingredients together and add water as needed to make the dough workable.  Keep the dough dry and stiff.  
3. Roll into 1/2 inch thick roll and cut into bone shapes.
4. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes on one side, then turn over and bake another 20 minutes.

See the full recipe here: http://goo.gl/ysq9cD

If you have any questions about how to provide your pet with a healthy diet this fall, contact one of our offices.  Our experienced veterinarians are here to help your pet live a long, healthy and happy life!

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

Happy First Day of Fall!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's the first day of Fall!  Are you excited for crisp, cool air, sweaters, and long walks at the park with your pup?  As we adjust to the new season, here are a few tips to keep your pets healthy and safe.

Fall Pet Care Tips:

• Add Pumpkin to Your Pup's Diet - Pumpkin flavors can be included in your dog's diet too!  Canned pumpkin has soluble fibers that can help with digestive issues.  Try mixing 1-2 teaspoons of canned pumpkin into your dog's food as a healthy Fall treat. 
• Stay Active - Now that the weather is cooling down, walks at the dog park seem a little less intimidating!  Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and take your dog out for a walk or to play Frisbee at the park.
• Be Conscious of Allergies - Did you know that pet's can suffer from seasonal allergies too?  If you notice your pet itching more than usual, you may want to schedule a veterinary visit to rule out possible allergens.  Leaves, pollen and grasses can irritate your pet, if they suffer from allergies.
• Manage Pet Hair - Many pets start to shed their summer coats during the fall to make room for a thicker, winter coat.  Remember to brush your pet often to help catch hair before it ends up on your couch and clothes!
• Stay Hydrated - Although the temperature may be dropping, it's still important to remember that your pet is hydrated.  if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure that they have access to clean water!
• Keep Warm - Fall is known for chilly nights.  If your pet spends time outdoors or even primarily lives outside, make sure that they have a warm place to go at night.

If you have any questions about how to keep your pet happy, healthy and safe this Fall, contact one of our offices.  Our experienced veterinarians can answer any questions you have about your pet's health.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

How to Care for Your New Kitten

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

A new kitten can be an exciting addition to your family!  However, it's also a big responsibility.  Although tiny, kittens do require a lot of work and care.  These tips can help you get started on giving your kitten the best possible care for a long, healthy life.

Kitten Care Tips:

1. Know Your Kittens Age - If you don't know how old your kitten is, it's important to figure it out.  Kittens have different health needs that change as they grow.  If you're not sure how old your new pet is, give us a call!  We can help you determine the best course of action for your new kitty.
2. Schedule a Vet Visit - One of the first things you should do with your new kitten is take them to the vet.  During an exam, we can test for health issues, birth defects, parasites, and feline leukemia.  We can also recommend food and give advice on how to introduce your new kitten to your current pets.  Our offices are feline friendly so that your new kitten will feel as comfortable as possible!
3. Create a Feeding Schedule - It's important to establish a feeding routine - not just for you - but for your pet's health too!  This will ensure that you're not under or overfeeding your new pet.
4. Get an ID Tag - Your new cat should have a collar and ID tag.  In the unfortunate event that your new kitten gets lost, this will help them get back to you safely.
5. Watch for Illnesses - Kittens are more susceptible than adults to health issues.  Keep an eye out for anything that seems unusual.  This can be weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge, or coughing.

If you have any questions about your pet's health today, or any day, contact one of our offices.  Our experienced veterinarians are here to help your pet live a long, healthy and happy life!

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

Celebrate Hug Your Hound Day at These Local Parks

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Today is Hug Your Hound Day!

While we love and appreciate our dogs every day of the year, today is a day to get involved in your pets life!  Spend some time exploring these local parks and enjoy quality time outdoors during the last couple weeks of summer.

Dog Parks Near Williston Park:


Little Bay Dog Run
Off Cross Island Parkway
Bayside, NY

Eisenhower Park Dog Run
Salisbury Park Dr
Westbury, NY

Christopher Morley Park Dog Run
500 Searingtown Rd
East Williston, NY

Landing Lights Park
Jackson Heights
25 Ave
Queens, NY

Dog Parks in Brooklyn,:

Brooklyn Bridge Park Dog Run
Plymouth Street
Brooklyn, NY

Adam Yauch Park
27 State St.
Brooklyn, NY

Pier 6 Dog Run
334 Furman St.
Brooklyn, NY

Herbert Von King Park Dog Run
Marcy Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

If you have any questions about your pet's health today, or any day, contact one of our offices.  Our experienced veterinarians are here to help your pet live a long, healthy and happy life!

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

How to Get Rid of Fleas

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Fleas are every pet owners worst nightmare.  These tips will help you manage your pup's fleas and help rid the infestation from your home.

How to Get Rid of Fleas At Home:

1. Treat Your Pet - The first thing you should do is bring your pet to the vet to be treated for fleas.  If you have multiple pets, make sure that you treat all of your pets, as fleas can leap from one pet to another.
2. Vacuum Your Home - Vacuum more than just your carpets.  Be sure to vacuum the rugs, your pet's bedding and any other area that your pet spends time.  Vacuuming helps eliminate any flea eggs that may have been laid around the house.  You should also be conscious to throw the bag away immediately after vacuuming.
3. Wash the Bedding - Wash your pet's bedding to remove any eggs that might be hiding.  You should also wash your own sheets if your pet is known to curl up with you in your own bed!

Having trouble with fleas?  Give one of our offices a call!

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

New Study Shows Dogs Respond Differently Based On Temperament

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Having trouble getting your puppy to obey your commands?  It could have something to do with your dog's personality, according to a recent study at Duke University Canine Cognition Center.  Altering the tone of your voice to compliment your pet's personality could help improve their response!

According to the study, excitable pets (i.e. Jack Russells) respond well to commands that are said in a more monotone voice, where as laid back pets (i.e. Labs) might benefit from more urgency in your voice.  

During the study, they realized that dogs responded differently based on how they were spoken to.  They studied the way that a specific dog breed's temperament played on the way that they responded to commands.

Read more about the recent study here!

If you're still having difficulty with your pet, contact our office.  With an exam, we can help determine if there is a medical reason behind your pet's behavioral issues, as well as give advice on how to move forward.

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest