How to Ensure Your Pets are Safe During the 4th of July

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Most animals become frightened and stressed out by fireworks because of the loud sounds. In fact, July 5^th is one of the busiest days for animal shelters because many animals tend to run away. Statistics show a 30 to 60% increase in lost animals every year between the 4th of July and the 6th.

So how can you keep your pet stress-free during the holiday? You should first designate a safe space for your pets during the festivities. A quiet place inside is preferable to block out some of the sound. You can also play soft, calm music or put on the television to block out some of the noise. If you notice that your pet seems to be nervous or is pacing around you can try to distract them with a treat or two.

Most importantly make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag on their collar with updated information, just in case of an emergency. If your pet is outside during the fireworks and becomes startled, it may try to run away. It might also be a good idea (not just for the holiday) to have your animals microchipped.

Fireworks aren’t the only threat to your pet on the Fourth of July, be sure to place alcoholic drinks out of reach from your pets, especially if left unattended. Keep glow sticks away too because the substance inside can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested.

Hopefully with these tips both you and your pet can have an enjoyable Independence Day holiday.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

How to Take Your Dog to Work

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Tomorrow is National Take Your Dog to Work Day, so celebrate by bringing in your four legged best friend to your office. But before doing so you should consider these things so you have the most relaxing day possible!

1. Make sure your coworkers are okay with you bringing in your dog first, they may be allergic to or afraid of dogs.
2. Bring supplies! Make sure to bring food and water (and bowls), toys, a bed, and poop bags. This way you can keep your pet busy and content while you get your work done.
3. Make sure your dog is bathed. No one’s going to appreciate you bringing in a stinky dog!
4. Check that your workspace is dog-proof. You don’t want your dog chewing on stray cords or knocking things over while you’re working.
5. Don’t bring in your dog if you know they can’t behave well for an extended period of time. If your dog doesn’t behave well with other dogs, maybe consider leaving them at home too.
6. Don’t let your dog wander around. Make sure you keep your dog leashed if they can’t stay near you on their own.

If you follow these tips you’re sure to have a productive day with your furry friend by your side!

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 Pick a Shelter Cat

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com
Deciding to adopt a pet is a big decision and comes with lots of factors. Since June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, we are providing a list of tips on how to select the perfect cat for you. In selecting a cat you should consider the following:

Physical characteristics of the cat

Do you want a kitten or an older cat? An older cat will require less training, but may be prone to more health problems. Long hair or short hair? Purebred or mixed breed? Different breeds exhibit different behaviors.

Do you have a family?

Be sure to bring your family to the shelter with you to make sure the cat interacts well with everyone. It is also important to note that young children and cats don’t always mix well. Young kids don’t know how to properly handle cats, and babies or toddlers can grab the cat incorrectly leading to a safety hazard.

What kind of personality do you want your cat to have?

Do you want a mellow cat, or one with a lot of energy that likes to play? Do you want a cat that likes being held or one that prefers to be left alone? A quiet cat or a talkative one? These are important questions to consider when selecting a cat.

 Do you have other pets?

It’s important to consider the pets you already have in deciding to add a new one. Not all cats get along with other cats and not all dogs are good with cats. Adding a new cat to your home when there already is one may actually distress it and lead to urination, fighting, or hiding.

How much time will you have for your new pet?

The younger your cat is the more energy it will have and the more playtime it will require. A younger cat is also going to require more training most likely than an older one.

Take some time to interact with the cat at the shelter.

Try petting the cat or picking it up. Does it try to bite or swat at your when you do so? If the shelter has a space for it, see if you can get alone time with the cat before you bring it home.

Ask the shelter employee as many questions as you like!

It’s better to know as much about the cat as you can before you bring it home. How long has the cat been at the shelter? Why was it brought into the shelter? Where did it come from? What’s the cat’s medical history? What is it’s normal behavior like? Has the cat had any behavioral issues? No amount of questions is too many.

Making the decision to adopt a cat is a great one, but you should consider ALL of the factors when doing so.

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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What Is Parvovirus And How Can It Be Treated?

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Parvovirus, also called pavoviral enteritis, is caused by a very virulent virus. This virus, which can be contracted by canines, can be very serious.

This virus seeks out and kills the cells that rapidly reproduce within the dog’s body. These are the cells that line the stomach and intestine, so the most common signs are vomiting and diarrhea. When the damage occurs, the body calls up white blood cells to fight infection, and those cells are then targeted by the virus (http://goo.gl/sJwcx).

Dehydration can be one of the issues the dog may have as the fluid loss is so severe and can leave your pet very weak. Puppies have no way to fight this infection and the death rate can be very high. It can be diagnosed by a stool sample and looking at the numbers of white blood cells in the blood. Although these tests aren’t 100 percent, they are still very good.

This disease can be prevented by vaccination by your veterinarian if it is done before the disease is incubating within the dog’s body. If you have had your pet vaccinated every year, as you should have, the chances of your dog getting infected with parvo is zero.

This is a very serious and contagious disease. If your dog is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea or any fluid loss, please call us at the Bregman Vet Hospital so we can look at your pet and help out as quickly as possible.