Thanksgiving Pet Safety

The holiday season is upon us, and as Thanksgiving approaches family and friends will be coming together. This time of year also means risks for pets as well. Whether traveling with your pet or having guests, ensure the proper precautions are taken to ensure holiday foods and sweet treats are kept away from your furry friends to help ensure they stay safe and healthy during the holiday season. Here are some steps to help keep them safe.

While holiday food is fun to feast out on, it’s not good for your pets to join you in feasting. Poultry bones can be damaging to their digestive tract, fatty foods are hard to digest and those amazing sweets have ingredients that can be poisonous to pets.

• Holiday meal stays on the dining table – Eating turkey skin can be dangerous and could lead to pancreatitis. Fatty foods are also difficult for pets to digest. Some items you may consider healthy actually aren’t, such as raisins, onions, and grapes. 
• Desserts – This definitely a no for your pets. Chocolate is harmful and ingredients like xylitol found in sugar-free foods can be deadly. The dough used in baking can also be dangerous due to the yeast, which can cause gas and dangerous bloating. 
• Trash – Ensure the holiday meal trash is not easily accessible by your furry friends. Items like the turkey carcass or items used in preparation and cooking of the meal can be enticing, so ensure your furry friend is not able to access it once you dispose of it. 
• Decorations – Remember that some holiday plants and flowers can be toxic for pets. Included in this are some of the common holiday plants such as hydrangeas, certain ferns, and baby’s breath. 
• Take Action -  If you think your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t have or been poisoned, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately!  Signs of pet distress include sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian immediately. 

We hope these tips are helpful for you and your furry friend during the holiday season, and if you are traveling we hope you have safe and fun travels to your destination!

Traveling and Your Pet

With the holidays quickly approaching, travel plans abound with you planning travel, or those planning to travel and visit you. Take in mind these precautions during the upcoming holidays or during any other time of the year. 

Travel by air

If your travel plans include flying to your destination, talk with your veterinarian. Flying can put your pet at risk, particularly if you have a short nosed dog breed. Your veterinarian is your best source for on guiding you on how to safely travel with your pet. 

Travel by car/vehicle

When traveling by vehicle, NEVER leave your pet alone in the vehicle regardless of time or weather conditions. Ensure they are safely restrained in the car using either a carrier or harness system. Be sure they are placed clear of airbag deployment zones in case you are in an accident. Keep them away from food and other items you may be bringing along to ensure no distractions while driving. If you plan to travel outside of the country, be sure you have the necessary certificates from your veterinarian to travel there. 

Packing 

If you plan to travel together, take time time to pack for them like you would for yourself. Ensure you have enough medications, food, records and other necessary information you may need for them. 

Boarding

If you plan to drop them off at a boarding facility before you leave, take the time to visit your veterinarian to discuss their vaccinations and other ways to help protect them while they are there.

We hope these tips are helpful during the busy holiday travel season and beyond, and if you are traveling we wish you a safe and fun journey!

Halloween Safety

Trick or Treat! Halloween is a fun time for families, especially when you involve the family pet in the costume designs! However, just as fun as it can be for everyone, it can also prove to be a very dangerous time for your pet when it comes to candy. 

Help ensure a safe Halloween for you and your pet by following these guidelines. 

1. Don't feed pets Halloween candy, especially if it contains chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free candies and gum).
2. Make sure your pet is properly identified (collar, ID tag, and microchip) just in case they make a dash out the door as you're distracted by trick-or-treaters.
3. If your pet is wary of strangers or tends to nip/bite, put them in separate room during trick-or-treating hours or provide him/her with a safe hiding place.
4. Ensure Jack-o-lanterns and lit candles stay out of reach of your pets. 
5. If you decide you want to put a costume on your pet, make sure of a few things including 
• Proper fit and comfort.
• It doesn’t have pieces that can easily be chewed off.
• doesn't interfere with your pet's breathing, hearing, sight, opening its mouth, or movement. 
• Get your pet accustomed to the costume before Halloween.
• NEVER leave your pet unsupervised while wearing a costume.
6. Glow sticks/ jewelry should be kept away from pets. The liquid in these products may be non-toxic, however the taste is very bad and can make pets salivate excessively and act strangely.

Have a Spooktacular and safe Halloween this year! 

Pet Obesity

Just like us, a well-balanced nutritional intake and regular exercise is important for your furry friends. October 8 is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, and with that we thought it important to highlight approximately 54% of cats and dogs in the United States are overweight. Today we want to help raise awareness to the dangers obesity may have on your pet. 

If you are unsure your pet is overweight there are several tools for which you can utilize to help better assess. First and foremost is your veterinarian, followed by online resources that show specifics on breeds and their ideal appearance and weight. A general rule of thumb to go by is being able to feel their ribs, but not seeing them. 

Here are some additional tips to help aid in keeping your pets weight in check. 

1. Talk with your veterinarian as they are the best resource for helping you. They can work with you to create a plan to help control, monitor and improve your pet’s weight. They are also able to recommend ways to help your pet lose weight in a healthy and safe way.
2. Calorie control. A wide variety of pet foods exist, always be certain to check nutrition labels for the best quality ingredients. Avoid foods that contain fillers. Avoid table scraps and try to limit the number of treats. Try to ensure treats are of the healthy variety. 
3. Consistency. Ensure feeding portions are consistent, place a cup in the bag to keep amounts the same. Feed them on a consistent schedule, and avoid overfeeding. Consider using an automatic feeder as this helps to keep a consistent schedule and amount. 
4. Go outside! Not only is it great for your pet, but you too! Take a nice walk around the neighborhood or park. A session of catch is always a great way to keep your dog moving and staying healthy. 

Similar to humans, pet obesity can have the same severe unfavorable effects as well. Disorders that are common with pet obesity include high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and so forth. If you are unsure about your pets weight, schedule an appointment with us today and start the conversation of getting them on a healthier track! 

New Puppy Care

Bringing home a new puppy is an incredible one of a kind experience. From those sweet puppy licks to the adorable tiny paws, cute puppy eyes, and fun snuggles a remarkable bond is being built. Along with those adorable features comes the other aspect, the proper care and training that will now be devoted to that cute little bundle as they grow.

Your pet health care team at Bregman Veterinary Group is committed to providing you with the tools you need every step of the way!

The Basics
Whether you are a newbie or seasoned pet owner, being prepared can help ease the stress that comes with adding a puppy to your household. Less stress means more fun bonding time with your newest addition. To help you out here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Veterinary Support – One of the most important things you can do is have an exam scheduled with your veterinarian for your new addition. This should take place as soon as possible upon getting them home. During this time your veterinarian will also discuss the proper diet,  immunizations, spay/neuter, and microchipping with you.

2. Supplies – Ensure you have the necessary basic items prior to bringing your new puppy home. Items such as collar, leash, bed, crate (if using), chew toys, food/water bowls. A baby gate is also a good idea as it will help to help keep them out of certain areas of your home you don’t want them in.

3. Puppy Proofing – Puppies love to chew, so it is best to take time prior to bringing them home to ensure your home is proofed and ready for them. Just like a child, they love to get their mouth on anything and everything, so chocking and poisoning are great concerns, so ensure you put away any items you don’t want them to get ahold of.

4. House training – Get your puppy outside throughout the day so they are able to expel. Getting them out first thing in the morning, before bed, after naps and after meals will help lead to successful training. Try to keep on schedule, and if you are unable to, find help such as dog walking company, family or a friend.

Diet
It is important to ensure your puppy receives proper nutrition and caloric intake while they are still growing. Choosing a high quality dog food that is formulated for them is very important and will help ensure healthy growth. As your puppy grows the number of feeding times will change. Recommended feeding frequencies are as follows

Puppies age 6-12 weeks should be fed 4x per day
Puppies age 3-6 months should be fed 3x per day
>6 months can be reduced to 2x daily


Socialization
For your puppy to grow into a happy and safe part of society, socialization is necessary. This should start to occur in the first few months and after being fully vaccinated.

With good socialization to other people, dogs, animals, locations and things your puppy will learn to become well-adjusted.

Your friends at Bregman Veterinary Group look forward to getting to know you and your new puppy! Give us a call with your questions, or to schedule an appointment.

Pet Dental Disease’s Four Stages

As we have discussed in previous blogs, your pets dental health is very important! Periodontal disease is often seen by our veterinarians, and can be found in most dogs and cats. This disease can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss and damage to other organs.

Dental health for our pet patients is very important to us at Bregman Veterinary Group, so we would like to place the focus of this blog on periodontal disease and further educate you on the stages of periodontal disease that can occur in pets.

Periodontal disease can be broken down into four stages, they are as follows:

Stage 1
The early stage is characterized by gingivitis. This is an inflammation of the pet’s gums as it responds to the existence of bacteria and tartar. You might notice some minor swelling of the gum area. You may also notice a visible thin red line on the gums next to the teeth at this stage as well.

Stage 2
A.K.A. periodontitis. At this stage there is a small amount of bone loss,  < 25% , visible on oral x-rays. Inflammation of your pet’s gums may occur along with visible plaque and tartar and bad breath. At this stage, your pet should get a professional cleaning to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar, and to help reverse the progress of the disease.

Stage 3
At this stage serious damage starts. This stage is also known as moderate periodontitis. During x-rays 25-50% of bone loss can be found. Gums are swollen and aggravated and may even bleed. Significant pain may be present along with bad breath. It is recommended the infected/damaged teeth now be removed.

Stage 4
In the 4th and final stage, extreme periodontal disease is obvious. Bone loss is now >50%, visible in x-rays. Your pet could lose numerous teeth along with being in extreme pain. Infection could spread to internal organs as well now.

Preventing and Treating Pet Dental Disease

Periodontal disease can be treated, which is why you should always have an annual exam for your pet. This allows your veterinarian the ability to take the necessary steps for your pets oral care. These regular checkups, dental cleanings and daily brushing done by you go a long way towards a healthy mouth and life!
As always, your Bregman Veterinary Group is here for you and your pet! Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your pet’s next visit. Happy Brushing!

Pets benefit Mental Health

There is an increasing amount of research being done that shows how people with mental health issues can benefit from having a pet. The studies being conducted are now being meta-analyzed and providing evidence to support this fact. Studies have been done interviewing  individuals with varying backgrounds of conditions including PTSD, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Benefits
As the studies being conducted have shown, having a pet provided an unconditional support and love for owners. This helps to ease feelings such as loneliness, distress and worry.

"Pets provided acceptance without judgment, giving unconditional support, which [participants] were often not receiving from other family or social relationships,"
- Dr. Helen Louise Brooks

It has been found that owners stated their pets required them to stay connected with the outside world. Through different factors pets require physical activity, such as dogs that require walks and being outside. This would encourage owners to have social interaction and created strengthened ties to the community.

Study has also shown that those who own pets helped them with keeping a solid sense of self-worth, identity and meaning. One participant in a study noted  "When I was so depressed, I was kind of suicidal. [...] The thing that made me stop was wondering what the rabbits would do. That was the first thing I thought of and I thought, oh yeah, I can't leave because the rabbits need me." Another response included "When he comes and sits up beside you on a night," said another pet owner, "it's different, you know, it's just, like, he needs me as much as I need him, sort of thing."

With studies related to this subject continuing, the increase of knowledge in this area is quickly growing. Animals of many types can help calm a person when it comes to fear, stress and anxiety. As veterinarians we can see the benefits for owner’s of having a pet as part of their lives and we wanted to share those thoughts with you!

Tips For Keeping Your Pet Cool In The Summer

Summer is quickly approaching, which means extra fun with your pet enjoying the outdoors. However it also means rising temperatures, for not just you but your pet too! Here are some tips to help you beat the heat for your pet and keep them safe this summer!

5 Tips for keeping pet cool

1. Shade. While out enjoying the sun at the park or beach, be sure to take breaks and seek out shade for a cooling off period. A pets fur can trap heat, making it even hotter for them, so ensure both them and you get a shade break. 
2. Time of day. Exercising your pet is great, but should be done with caution during the hotter months of summer. Rather than a mid-day walk, take them out early in the morning or later in the evening when the heat is less intense. 
3. Get a fan. Set up a nice cool enjoyable breeze for your pet to enjoy while you are gone during the day. This will help them stay comfortable while your away. Be sure to set it up so in a manner that keeps them from pulling it over and causing an injury. 
4. Grooming. If your pet has a thick fur coat, consider getting trimmed to an appropriate length for summer temperatures. This will allow them to stay cooler and comfortable. 
5. Frozen treats. Make your pet a fun tasty summer treat that will help keep them cool. Add treats to ice cubes creating a fun pet popsicle for them to enjoy. 

Happy First day of Summer everyone, and stay cool!

National Animal Disaster Preparedness

Preparing for a natural disaster is never an easy task, especially when you have a family that includes pets. As storm season approaches we would like to take this time to help you with disaster preparedness. Preparing earlier, rather than later can ensure you have all the necessary items needed for proper care during a time of disaster.

Food

One of the biggest issues when dealing with a disaster situation is running out of pet food. It is extremely important to ensure you have enough pet food stocked up and ready prior to a natural disaster. Ensure you have enough water and dry food put away to last up to 10 days for your pet.

Supplies

Another area pet owners need to do a check up on is additional supplies. If at some point you are required to evacuate you will want to ensure these items are readily available. Items to include in your emergency supplies include

• Extra copies of veterinary records
• Extra collars 
• Extra leashes
• Extra sanitation bags
• Bedding
• Toys
• Disinfectants

Evacuations

If you do end up having to evacuate your home, be sure to have handy evacuation route maps and a list of places that are pet-friendly shelters. You should also know of pet-friendly hotels or family members that could possibly take your pet for short time if needed.

Post Disaster

Both human and pets can be greatly affected post-storm. Watch pets closely, monitoring for any changes in their attitude and behavior. When walking your pet be sure to leash them and keep them close by as drastic changes to their environment may confuse them.
 
Being disaster-ready takes planning and preparedness, but with the right steps, you can ensure both you and your pet are properly prepared. If you still have questions, talk with us to make certain you have taken the all the necessary steps to ensure the best and safest outcome for you and your pet.

Hairball Management

Yes, cats are adorable, hairballs however not so much. Cats are known self-groomers, always working to keep their fur clean and in order. As a kitten grows into a full grown feline,  the amount of fur to deal with grows exponentially. This, in turn, means coping with hairballs.

As a cat licks itself, its tiny sandpaper-like tongue acts as a means to groom out the loose fur it has. This fur is then swallowed and enters the gastrointestinal tract. It generally exits in the cat’s feces, but not always. The fur that does not get passed ends up staying lodged in the stomach until being vomited out, aka a hairball.

Helping to Diminish

1. Ensure your cat is entertained. The more active a cat is the less likely it is to groom itself in an excessive way. 
2. Groom your cat every few days to help reduce the amount of fur consumed by your cat. 
3. Cat food. Certain foods help the cat to pass along swallowed fur. Talk with your Veterinarian to find the right food for your cat. 
4. Supplements. Certain ones may help your cat with passing it out. Talk with your veterinarian to help with the right supplement choice. 

Do know that hairballs are a normal event with a cat. They are especially normal during season change such as winter to spring, as the cat is shedding its heavier winter coat. It’s normal to see a few hairballs during this time, but if your cat is excessively getting rid of hairballs then it may be time to take them to your veterinarian.

Hairballs that do not make their way back up can also cause gastrointestinal issues for your cat. You will want to bring your cat to your veterinarian If you begin to notice symptoms such as

• Change in appetite
• Lethargy
• Excessive retching or gagging
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

 If you find your cat is starting to groom itself beyond normal reason, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam. We hope you find these tips useful when it comes to dealing with your feline friend and their hairballs!

Preparing Your Pet For Flea & Tick Season

As the warm weather makes its way in for the summer it’s time to start thinking about protecting your pets from those pesky summer pests. Fleas and ticks can cause a host of different problems for your pet including infections and disease. Thankfully we can help to make sure these little buggers won’t mess with your summer fun and pet walks!

Tips for keeping your pets safe from fleas and ticks

• Collars

Tick collars are a good option and can be most effective at protecting the head and neck area. After attaching the collar ensure it is not too tight and allows for adequate room to breather. Also, follow up and check for signs of irritation or reactions to the collar.

• Flea & Tick treatments

Spending time outdoors with your pet means a higher level of exposure to fleas and ticks. Using a preventive treatment can help to reduce the chance of bites and infection. Consult with your veterinarian  about which treatments would best be suited to your pet.

• Wandering

Keep the amount of time your pets spend wandering through high grass and wooded areas to a minimum. Try keeping them in grassy areas that are well maintained. Also going for walks on sidewalks or trips to the beach are all great options for time outdoors.

• Lawn care

With a properly maintained lawn you can help with keeping fleas and ticks to a minimum. By trimming your lawn and bushes you help prevent spots for ticks to be, thus reducing the number in your yard. You may also consider a lawn treatment if you find areas on your property that have a concentration of ticks. You must exercise caution though as these treatments could be harmful to your pets.

• Be vigilant 

If your pet does spend a regular amount of time outdoors, be sure to check them daily for any signs of fleas and ticks. Keeping your pet’s coat shorter during the summer months can also aid with spotting the elusive little buggers on them.

While fleas and ticks can be a nuisance to you and your pets, following these helpful tips can help reduce the chances of picking them up. Always be sure to consult your Veterinarian regarding health topics for your pets and any preventive treatments you may be considering for them!

Ways Pets Help Improve Your Health

Coming home from a busy day at work, you are greeted at the door by your furry pal waiting for you. A wagging tail and a happy look on their face is all it takes to make your hard day melt away. Having a pet provides you with love and unconditional acceptance not to mention they are always there for you. This bond helps drastically in mental health. Here are some other ways pets help improve your health.

1.     Reduced Pain. It has been shown that with chronic pain such as arthritis, migraines and other conditions that pets can be an affective medicine. A Loyola study found that patients that received therapy dog visits post joint replacement needed 50% less post-op pain medication compared to other patients.

2.     Lower Cholesterol/Triglycerides.  The American Heart Association notes dogs help their owners adopt a healthier lifestyle. Studies show dog owners engage in more walking and physical activity than non-dog owners.

3.     Lower Blood Pressure. Having a pet has shown to decrease and help keep blood pressure in check, especially with people who are at risk or diagnosed with high blood pressure.

4.     Stress Management. Thanks to their continual entertainment and loving ways pets provide a joyful mental break from whatever stresses may be beleaguering you.

5.     Depression Help. Along with medication in mild to moderate depression, those with a dog/cat seem to feel better. Their unconditional love helps with self-esteem along with positive focus provided by caring for them.

6.     Less Allergies. Recent studies have shown infants exposed to dogs have up to a 50% reduced risk of developing allergies and asthma.

Your pets are the heart and soul to your wellness. Through their unconditional love they help you enjoy and live a healthier life!

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Originally the third week of March was dedicated to Poison Prevention Awareness, it has since grown to encompass the entire month. To help keep your pet safe and healthy it is extremely important to understand the harmful poisons that can be present in both your home and yard. Some of the items you may recognize easily, while others you might not have been aware of. 

Common items

Many items you can commonly find in a household such as food, plants and products. Here is a list of common items to help you better know what to be on the lookout for; 

• Chocolate 
• Poisons (rodenticides) 
• Household plants 

1. Lilies 
2. Aloe 
3. Philodendron 
4. Elephant ear 
5. Ivy 
6. Pothos 
7. Jade 
8. Dieffenbachia 
9. Sago Palm 
10. Zamioculcas 
11. Corn plant 

• Medications / Vitamins 
• Xylitol 
• Caffeine 
• Household Cleaners 
• Antifreeze 
• Insecticides 
• Herbicides

What to do?

If you suspect your pet has consumed any of these or another questionable substance, IMMEDIATELY call Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian for assistance. The effects of ingestion can be instant or may take a few days. Accurate and timely identification of the questionable substance is also very important. Any information such as a label or ingredients can help save precious time and the life of your pet!

We love our furry friends, and they are an important part of our family. Knowing which items can pose a risk to your pet can help prevent unintentional poisoning! Do your part to keep them safe, stay educated, and if anything does happen don’t hesitate to call!

World Spay Day

February is recognized as spay/neuter month, and February 27^th is World Spay Day. The purpose of this recognition is to help raise awareness about pet overpopulation, the importance of spaying/neutering your pets and the added benefits it can help provide your pet.  

What is Spaying/Neutering

When you have a pet spayed or neutered you are removing their ability to produce offspring. Spaying is the removal of the female reproductive tract while neutering refers to the removal of the male's testes.

Why Spay/Neuter?

When your pet is spayed/neutered there are a number of added benefits to take into consideration. By helping to prevent the birth of unwanted litters you can help keep the pet population down. Spaying and neutering can also help lower the chances of health issues in the long term along with behavioral problems that can occur.

Other benefits include:

• Reduced risk of cancer
• Reduced aggression
• Reduced roaming
• Reduced spraying & marking
• Increased lifespan (3-5 years)

Spay/Neuter Procedure

When a pet is spay/neutered they will go through a full surgical procedure. This is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by a veterinarian. Your pet will undergo a regular surgical process that includes sterilization and general anesthesia. After completion, your pet will then be prescribed medications to help minimize the pain that may accompany the procedure. For the next few days after it is best to keep your pet as relaxed and calm as possible as this will help allow the incision from surgery to heal.

When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet spaying/neutering is one of the most significant choices you can make. Contact us to schedule an appointment or for any additional information about spaying/neutering your pet.