5 Apartment Friendly Pets - That Are Not Cats or Dogs

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Apartment Living can be tough if your building management is strict on the pets they allow. But sometimes you just want some company! Here are our recommendations for small critters that will do well in your small space.

Fish

Studies have actually shown that fish are good for mental health! Results of these studies have shown a decrease in blood pressure and stress with fish owners. A small fish tank doesn’t take up much space and only requires minimal upkeep in changing the water and daily feeding. The downside to a fish though is it’s not going to be very cuddly or playful.

Reptiles

Snakes, lizards, geckos, turtles – there are tons of different types of reptiles that will do well in an apartment setting. Most of them tend to do well on their own for extended periods of time and they make for a quiet pet. Reptiles also tend to have longer lifespans than other pets. Just be aware that some snakes need to be fed live food!

Birds

Feathered friends are great for apartments and they have an inexpensive upkeep. However, be ready for some noise as these pets don’t like to keep quiet. Some types of birds also require constant interaction, so if you’re out of the apartment for extended periods of time maybe consider a different type of pet.

Rodents

There is a wide variety of rodents – hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, guinea pigs, and more! They are small and inexpensive pets to have, with minimal upkeep (cleaning their cage). They require playtime and interaction so be prepared for supervised time outside of their enclosure. Another thing to note is that some rodents cause allergy issues, so make sure you interact with your pet in the store before you bring it home to make sure you won’t have an issue later on.

Ferrets and Rabbits

If you’re looking for a higher energy small pet, these are the ones for you. They too require supervised playtime so set aside time for that every day. With ferrets just be wary that they’re illegal in some municipalities, so check the legislation in your local area before committing to one as a pet.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

H3N8, aka Dog Influenza, Is Back!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.bregmanvetgroup.com

The dog influenza virus, H3N8, has moved into the state of Ohio recently, and owners are encouraged to have their dogs vaccinated.

The flu-vaccine is recommended for dogs who are most likely to be exposed to the highly contagious virus -- those that frequent dog parks, attend dog daycare centers, boarding kennels, training facilities, veterinary clinics, and/or dog shows and groomers (blog.cleveland.com).

Dogs initially receive two injections under the skin at least two weeks apart, then one dose every year. The vaccination was invented in 2009.

Although the vaccination is not 100 percent effective, the chance of your dog getting the canine virus is less likely if you get the shot than if you don't elect to. Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, fever and runny nose.

H3N8 does not affect people, and most dogs fully recover on their own within two weeks, though some develop pneumonia that requires treatment, especially older dogs and puppies, said veterinarian Bob Litkovitz at Gateway Animal Clinic in Cleveland (blog.cleveland.com).

Litkovitz also added that dogs that stay home all day and take long walks in the neighborhood aren't likely to get the H3N8 virus.

If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms mentioned, come see one of our great Veterinarian's at one of the Bregman Vet Group locations and we can help you! Click HERE for a full list of locations.