Springtime Pet Safety

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Source: Flickr

Springtime means warmer weather and more time spent outdoors.  As you get ready for the change in seasons, remember to keep your pet’s safety in mind.  The ASPCA offers a few seasonal tips to keep your pets safe this spring.

Spring Safety Tips:

• Easter Candy – Chocolates and candies are toxic to most pets, including cats and dogs.
• Window Screens – As the weather warms you want to open your windows to let fresh air in.  Make sure that you have screens in your windows to keep pets from falling or jumping outside.
• Cleaning – Spring is a great time to clear clutter and clean your home.  Remember to keep cleaners and chemicals away from your pets.  Don’t leave home improvement products like paints, nails, staples and power tools out in the open.
• Gardening – Many popular springtime plants are highly toxic to pets, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and Easter lilies.  Pet parents should also be careful when using fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides on their lawns and gardens. 
• Allergies – A change in seasons brings about allergy problems for both you and your pet.  If you notice your pet might have springtime allergies, bring them to our office!

Read more about springtime safety tips on the ASPCA website.  You can also contact our office with any questions or concerns you have about your pet’s health!

Nail Trimming Tips for Cat Owners

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Having trouble trimming your cat’s nails?  It can take time for your kitty to adjust.  Our experienced veterinarians are here to help, but we want cat owners to be comfortable with caring for their cats too.

Check out these tips on how to help your cat relax:

• Start Early – Introduce your cat to nail clipping as a kitten.  This gives them time to get used to the process.
• Set the Mood – Make sure your cat is comfortable.  Choose a chair in a quiet room where your cat can sit on your lap.
• Massage the Paw – Gently massage your cat’s paw for a couple of seconds.  If your cat pulls away, that’s ok.  Wait until your cat relaxes again.  Try to take the paw and press the pad so that the nails extend out.  Give your cat a treat afterwards.  Do this every other day until you and your cat are comfortable with the process.
• Make Sounds Comfortable– Let your cat get used to the sound of the clippers before you trim the nails.  Try clipping a piece of uncooked spaghetti next to your cat.
• Never Cut to the Quick – The quick is the pink part of the nail where the nerves and blood vessels are.  This area is very sensitive.  Only cut the white part of the claw.
• Take Your Time – Don’t trim more than two claws in one sitting until your cat is completely comfortable.  Reward your cat with a treat.  Let them become comfortable for the first couple of sessions.

Read more about how you can trim your cat’s nails on the ASPCA website.  If you are still having trouble, contact our office.  We are happy to provide you with tips to help you and your cat become comfortable with nail trimming.

Pet Food Shopping: How Do You Decide Which Is Best?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Wikipedia

It is easy to become overwhelmed when shopping for pet food.  There are so many different brands and food options available.  How do you know which one will be best for your pet?  

Here are some tips on what you should look for when deciding on a healthy diet for your pet:

• AAFCO Certification - The Association of American Feed Control Officials certifies foods that meet their strict standards.

• Review Ingredients - Ingredients are listed in order of abundance.  Keep your pet's nutritional needs in mind. For example, cat owners should avoid foods high in carbohydrates.

• Ignore Vague Food Labels - Many products offer vague claims like gourmet, premium, super or ultra premium, or natural.  However, there is no nutritional standard that products have to meet to make this claim.  Foods marked with these labels are not necessarily better than those without them.

• Animal By-Products - Although animal by-products are not bad or unhealthy for your pet, many owners choose to avoid products with this ingredient.  By-product meal is created from various sources.  Avoiding this ingredient can be done at your discretion.

You can learn more about how to choose the best food for your pet on the ASPCA website.  If you still aren't sure what diet is best for your cat or dog, contact our office!  We are happy to help pet owners find the right foods for their pet.

Informative Video on Flowers that are Poisonous to Pets - A Must See for Pet Owners!

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Attention all pet owners. This is a must see video from the ASPCA informing pet owners which types of flowers are poisonous to pets.

Let us know what you think on our Facebook page.