Heartworm Awareness Month

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

WHAT IS HEARTWORM DISEASE?

Heartworm disease is caused by foot-long worms that live in the heart, 

lungs and blood vessels of an affected animal.  If untreated, this 

disease is serious and potentially fatal. 

 You may notice that your dog has a persistent cough, is reluctant 

to exercise, shows signs of fatigue after moderate activity, or has 

a decreased appetite.  These are all symptoms that your pet is not 

feeling well and may be suffering from heartworms.  

That's why it's so important the pet owners take preventative steps to avoid heartworms from affecting pets.  We remind all pet owners to take a few preventative steps this 

spring to protect your furry friends.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR PET?

Monthly heartworm preventatives work by eliminating the early stages 

of the heartworm parasite.  In the event that your pet is bitten by a mosquito 

(as we move into the warm summer months), the heartworm preventative 

will kill the heartworm before it develops into an adult and harms your pet.  

It is important that your pet has a monthly heartworm preventative 

that is administered on a  strict schedule.

Your dog should also be tested annual for heartworm infections.  This will help catch any problems early on.  During your routine visit, we can check your dog with testing to make sure that your pet is happy and healthy.  

The American Heartworm Society recommends that puppies under 7 months of age start on heartworm prevention and are tested 6 months later (and then annually through adulthood) to ensure that they are heartworm free.

If you have any questions about heartworm disease or monthly heartworm preventative medications, contact one of our offices.  We are happy to 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

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Celebrate Earth Day with Eco-Friendly Pet Care Tips

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Happy Earth Day from all of us at Bregman Vet Group!

Today, we are all looking for ways to give back and make our lives a little bit more eco-friendly - but what about your pets?  How do we reduce the environmental impact of our four-legged friends?  Here are a few tips to help you "green" pet care.

Eco-Friendly Pet Care Tips:

• Spay or Neuter Your Pet - There are 70,000 puppies and kittens born every day in the United States.  In order to prevent homeless animals, it's important to have your pet spayed or neutered.  As an added bonus, spaying and neutering will help your pet live a longer, healthier life.  The process reduces or eliminates the possibility of uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancer.
• Choose Natural and Organic Pet Foods - These pet food products use meats from animals that are raised under sustainable conditions. They're better for the environment and don't contain pesticides, hormones, or artificial preservatives.  Just make sure that they meet USDA guidelines!
• Clean Up After Your Pet - We love to take our pets on walks on nice days, but remember to clean up afterwards.  Carry a plastic bag with you so that you can pick up your dog's poop.  You can even opt for a biodegradable poop bag so that the products will eventually break down.
• Choose Sustainable and Recycled Products - Buy pet toys that are made from sustainable or recycled materials.  Instead of using new, raw materials to make your toys, you'll have more eco-friendly toys for your pet to play with.

Do you have any questions about your pet's health or how to make your pet care a little bit more environmentally friendly?  Give us a call our schedule an appointment at one of our offices below.  We're happy to help!

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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National Pet ID Week

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's so important that our pets are easily identifiable.  According to the American Humane Association, over 10 million dogs and cats are lost every year.

Does your pet have a microchip?

In the unfortunate event your cat or dog finds their way out of your home, microchips improve their chances of returning safely back home.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a a small chip that is implanted under your pet's skin.  Don't worry- the microchip doesn't hurt your pet!  This microchip provides a permanent ID for your pet. Unlike collar tags that can become loose and fall off, microchips will always serve as a means of identifying your pet.  If your pet is found the chip will be scanned and provide your name, address and phone number to the vet clinic or animal shelter that has your pet.

Once your pet is microchipped - you're all set!  Microchips are designed to last the lifetime of your pet.  However, pet parents can check to make sure the microchip is working by asking for a scan during your annual checkups.

Always keep your microchip information up-to-date.  
Microchip contact information is stored in a database.  National Pet ID Week is the perfect time to check your contact information and make sure that it is up-to-date.

Protecting your pet with a microchip can help prevent heartbreak.  Interested in learning more about microchips?  Schedule an appointment at one of our practices.  We are here to answer any questions you have about microchipping and your pets' health.

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

National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month.  Although first aid is often one of the last things on our minds, it's important to know how to care for your pet in the event of an emergency.  
By taking a few moments to learn how to recognize the signs that your pet is in distress, you can save your pet's life in an emergency confidently.

Heat Stroke.  The weather is starting to warm up.  This means that you need to start looking out for signs of heat stroke in your pet.  Remember to never leave your pet inside of a warm car.  Even during a short trip, the air inside of a car can reach 120 degrees!  

Look for signs of:

• Heavy Panting
• Being Unable to Calm Down (even when lying down)
• Red Gums
• Fast Pulse Rate
• Unable to Get Up

What to Do:

If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, you need to cool your pet off immediately.  Use hose water to cool your pet off and bring them to one of our offices to make sure that your pet doesn't suffer from any health damage.

Choking.  It's easy to see how our pets can be prone to choking.  They love to chew on food and may even get caught rummaging through the garbage.  If your dog is choking, wait a few moments to see if they are able to cough up the obstruction.  

Look for signs of:

• Gagging
• Drooling Excessively
• Wheezing
• Gasping for Breath
• Grey or Blue Gums
• Loss of Consciousness

If your pet has any of these symptoms, it's important to take action immediately.  Encourage your dog to swallow by gently rubbing its throat or offering a treat.  You should also look inside of your pet's mouth.  You can look far back in the throat with a flashlight and try to remove it -- just take extreme caution to not accidentally force the object further back.  You should also bring your pet to the office.  With emergency veterinary care, we can make sure that your pet is in good hands.

If you have any pet emergency, it's important to always be cautious.  If you have any questions at all about your pet's health, we encourage you 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

Introducing Our NEW Home Delivery Program!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

We are excited to announce our NEW online proxy store!  

With the convenience of home delivery, you can have your pet care essentials shipped and delivered right to your doorstep!

Sign up for any of our home delivery programs for easy pet care:

The Feed Me™ program auto ships your pet's food directly to your home.  There is no need to head out to the store to pick up your pet's food.  This is perfect for pet owners who have limited access to transportation, have a busy schedule, or just want the added convenience of home delivery.

The Remind Me™ program to AutoShip a single dose of your pet's flea, tick, and Heartworm prevention every month on the day they need to be given.  Your pet will get the year-round care that they need with this simple reminder.

Ready to set up your home delivery?  Click on your veterinary hospital below:

The Cat Hospital

5th Avenue Cat Clinic 

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

Reunion Veterinary Hospital

Veterinary Hospital of Celebration

If you have any questions about how to enroll in our new home delivery program, please contact the veterinary hospital you bring your pet to.  We are happy to help you set up your AutoShip orders!  

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Celebrate National Pet Day!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Happy National Pet Day!  It's almost time to finally get home to your furry friends after a long Monday.  Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate.

Celebrating National Pet Day:

• Give Your Pet a Bath - We know that baths are not every pet's favorite activity, but it helps keep your furry friend clean and healthy.
• Watch a Pet-Friendly Movie - Relax after a long day with your favorite pet-themed movie.  Air Bud, Aristocats, Ratatouille, and Homeward Bound are just a few ideas on what you can watch with your furry friend.
• Give Them Some Extra Love - Show your pet just how much you care with a long belly rub or playful exercise.  Spend some time throwing a ball with your dog or playing with your cat and their laser pointer.  It's a great way to give your pet some exercise and spend some time bonding with your pet.
• Take Photos of Your Pet - Take a few photos of your pet to remember the day.  Don't forget to share them with us, too!
• Give Them A Treat - Make your own DIY treat or try a store bought version of your pet's favorite treat to make them feel a little bit more special.  Just remember not to overfeed your pet.  Treats can be high in calories!
• Schedule An Exam - When was your pet's last veterinary visit?  Regular checkups help us catch problems early on, and help your pet live a long, happy and healthy life.

If your pet is due for an annual exam, vaccine, or flea and tick prevention, schedule an appointment at 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 Choose the Right Groomer

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

There is nothing better than a happy, clean puppy.  Every pet needs a nice bath, a hair cut, and nail trimming.  However, as a protective pet parent, you want to make sure that you're choosing the right groomer for your loved one.  Here are a few steps to take when choosing the right groomer for your pets needs.

How to Choose the Right Groomer:

1.  Will you go professional or DIY?
Consider your pet's behavior and how comfortable they are with others.  While you might be able to groom your short-haired cat at home, a long-haired dog might be better suited for professional grooming.  Consider your pet's needs before deciding on where you will groom your pet.

2.  It doesn't hurt to get a recommendation.
Ask your fellow pet owners who they trust to groom their pets.  You can also give one of our offices a call for a recommendation. We are happy to provide a few options for you to choose from.  You can also take a look online and read reviews before deciding on the place that is right for your furry friend.

3.  Prepare for your visit.
It's important that your pet can tolerate being groomed by a professional.  This will help provide for a more enjoyable experience for both parties involved.  Try to ease your pet into grooming by gently massaging her coat each morning and gradually introduce a brush or comb.  This will help train your pet to feel comfortable and at ease when being groomed.

You'll also want to make sure that your pet is up-to-date on veterinary treatments, including vaccines.  Spayed and neutered pets are also calmer overall and will likely feel more at ease in a professional environment. If you're due for an update or your pet needs to be spayed or neutered, contact our office to schedule an appointment before you visit the groomer.

If you have any questions about how to choose the right groomer for your pet's needs, or if you have any questions about how to care for your pet, 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 Travel with Your Cat

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Planning a spring break getaway?  If you plan on bringing your feline friend along for the ride, here are a few tips to help you travel safely and comfortably.

How to Travel Safely:

By Car:
Keep your cat in a carrier.  It probably isn't surprising that cats aren't comfortable traveling in cars.  Since cats like confined places like a carrier, they will actually feel safer and more comfortable.  Your driving safety also won't be impaired, and you'll be able to drive comfortably knowing that your cat is safe and secure.  For added safety, use a seat belt to secure your carrier so that it doesn't bounce around and hurt your pet.  

If you're planning a long road trip, be sure to plan plenty of rest stops so that your cat has room to exercise and go to the bathroom.  Before you let your pet out, be sure that your cat has a collar, id tag, and leash.  

Never leave your pet alone in the car!  Even in the spring, cars can reach up to 116 degrees in just an hour.  The temperatures are even more drastic in the summer.  This is a year-round hazard.

By Plane:
If you plan on flying with your pet, you'll need to check with the airline to find out if your pet can travel in the cabin with you.  Most airlines will allow you to take your cat in the cabin for an additional fee.  Make sure that your pet has ID and a leash, so that you can keep your pet safe and secure while the carrier is being checked by security.  You can also request special screenings that won't require you to take your cat out of the carrier.

If you can't travel with your pet, we offer feline-only boarding services.  This ensures that your cat has a safe and enjoyable experience while you are away. You can relax and rest assured that your feline family member is in safe hands.  Contact one of our offices directly to learn more about our boarding services.

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