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

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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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

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!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest