3 Major Reasons to Spay and Neuter Your Pets

When welcoming a new pet into a home, owners should make a point to bring their pet to the veterinarian for both a health checkup and to ensure that their new pet receives the appropriate vaccinations. You may have also been told to spay and neuter your animals so they don’t have kittens or puppies. But you may be feeling on the fence about spay and neuter. There are important reasons why your pet should be spayed or neutered. 

What Exactly Does It Mean To Get Your Pet “Fixed?”

It’s on the to do list of responsible pet owners when they adopt a pet: get them a check up, get their vaccinations, and get them “fixed”. What exactly does this mean? Typically when pet owners take their animals to the veterinarian to “get fixed,” male animals are neutered by having their testes removed. Female animals are spayed, meaning their ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes are removed. In both cases, this results in your pet being unable to reproduce. 

Some veterinarians may use other options, so if you have any questions about the procedure and what will work best for your pet’s health, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your vet so they can explain their recommendations to you. However, here are some compelling reasons to get your pet spayed or neutered: 

1) Health Benefits

There are serious health benefits for pets that are spayed and neutered. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying female animals reduces the risk of breast cancer and uterine infections. Neutering male pets helps to prevent prostate problems and testicular cancer. Eliminating these potential health problems can add happy, healthy years to your pet’s life and give you some valuable peace of mind that you are taking steps toward your pet’s wellbeing.

2) Improved Behavior

Spaying or neutering your pet can cause big improvements in your pet’s behavior and can also prevent bad habits from forming. This works because once spayed or neutered, your pet will no longer produce the hormones that give them the drive to find a mate and reproduce. This typically means that pets are more docile and less likely to be aggressive toward animals that they may otherwise view as “competition.” They also will be less likely to try and physically mark their territory — behaviors like spraying are much less likely to develop. Female animals will not go into heat. 

Your pets will also be much less likely to wander away from home if they are spayed and neutered as they will not go out searching for a mate. This will save you a great deal of stress and will mean that they are much safer. It is also a popular belief that animals who are spayed and neutered form stronger bonds with their human owners, whether proven or not.

3) Reduced Number Of Unwanted Pets

Spaying and neutering your pets reduces the overall pet population. Every day, many homeless animals are euthanized in shelters because animal shelters are crowded and resources are sadly not always available. You can help shelters and homeless pets by not increasing the overall pet population. 

You might reason with yourself that you’ll definitely be able to find homes for your cat or dog’s entire litter; however, if everyone who took a kitten or puppy from you instead adopted a shelter pet, that would free up more space in the shelters. Male animals might also father kittens or puppies without you ever realizing it. If they mate with a stray pet, you might not know to help. 

If you have more questions about getting your pet spayed or neutered, want more information on the process, or want to figure out when the best time to get your pet in for the procedure, contact Bregman Vet Group today to schedule an appointment! Helping your pet can help the pet population overall!

4 Tips to Help Keep Your Pet Safe in the Car

Whether it’s for a joy ride, a road trip, or moving to a new home, lots of pet owners love taking their pets for a ride in the car. While this can be fun for everyone involved and is often necessary, there are inherent risks involved when it comes to taking your pet for a car ride. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to make sure that your pet stays safe and happy in the car.

1) Keep Them Cool

One of the most common causes of pets being harmed in a vehicle is when they are left inside a hot car. It can be tempting to leave your pet inside your car while you run an errand that you think will be quick, such as a trip to the grocery store, but even just ten minutes inside a hot car can cause the temperature to increase to dangerous levels. 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in ten minutes in 80 degree weather, the temperature inside the car will increase to nearly 100 degrees. After an hour, the air temperature inside a vehicle may be forty degrees hotter than the air outside. These temperatures are hot enough to cause illness or even death to your pet. Unfortunately, safety measures like cracking a window do little to maintain a safe temperature inside a parked vehicle. 

If you are planning to frequently travel with your pets, you may wish to look into vehicles such as safety features which will allow you to lock the vehicle with the car running and the air conditioning, with your keys safely in your pocket. If this isn’t an option and you can’t have someone sit in the car with your furry family member with the air conditioning running, it’s best to leave your pet safely at home.

2) Use Safety Restraints

You are probably well aware of the safety benefits of using restraints like seat belts and booster seats in cars when it comes to children. Just like humans, pets are much safer when they are restrained in a moving vehicle. There are different methods that you may want to use depending on the size of your pet. Small animals, like a cat will often be more secure if they are traveling in a carrier. Dogs (or more curious cats!) often do well with a harness. There are different styles and you can discuss which option is best for your particular pet with your veterinarian. One popular style is a harness that can be clipped into the car’s existing seat belt. This can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury if you are involved in a car accident. 

3) Keep Them in the Back Seat

Just like children, pets are often much safer in the back seat of your vehicle. This is because the airbags that are installed in the front seats of vehicles are designed for average adults — not children or pets. An airbag can cause serious injury if your pet is sitting in the front passenger seat or in your lap. Sitting in the front seat also makes your pet more likely to go through the front windshield in case of a collision. Keeping your pet in the back seat will also help you make sure that small pets stay out from underfoot. The last thing you need is to be distracted by your cat getting under your feet while you’re trying to drive!

4) Keep the Windows Up

While your pet might enjoy the breeze if you let them ride with their head sticking out of the open window, this unfortunately isn’t very safe for them. Your pet might be able to jump out of the window into traffic if the window is open very far. No matter how much you trust them or how well behaved your furry friend normally is, all it takes is one temptation to make them jump. If your pet has their head out the window when you are involved in a collision, they are likely to be seriously injured. They also may be injured by debris in the air whipping into their face, such as particles hitting their eyes when you’re moving quickly down the road. Turn the air conditioning up to make sure your pet has a breeze in the car.

Do you have questions about the best ways to keep your pet safe in the car? One of the best things you can do is bring those questions to your veterinarian so they can go over options and troubleshooting with you. Contact Bregman Veterinary Group today to get in touch so we can help you keep your furry copilot safe and happy!

What to Feed Your Puppy

Walking down the dog food aisle at any grocery store can be overwhelming. Even more so if you are a first-time puppy owner. Puppies grow fast. Providing them with the best nutrition is vital. We are trying to maintain our adult dogs weight because they are already full grown. However, puppies require different food. They need extra nutrients that will fuel their growth. This will help establish strong bones and teeth as well as build muscle as they grow. 

What Ingredients are Important for Your Puppies Growth

Including the right nutrients in your puppy’s diet is vital to their growth.  When you buy puppy food pay attention to the words used on the label. Certain words on the label can clue you in on whether or not it’s right for your pet. Phrases like “complete and balanced nutrition” or anything backed up by the AAFCO will ensure your puppy gets the nutrients he needs. There are some important things you want to include in your puppy’s food. Lots of protein is important. Protein helps build your four-legged friend’s tissues. Fats are also essential. Fat helps develop healthy skin and hair. Additionally, fat helps develop your puppy’s brain and vision. Moreover, it’s important to include carbohydrates for energy and lots of water!

 Different Puppy Food Types to Consider

With so many varieties, it’s important to choose the right food that’s aligns with puppy’s nutritional needs. There are three main types of dog food: 

1. Kibble/Dry: Kibble is an economical type of dog food. This makes it most popular amongst dog owners. Its crunch can also prevent tartar buildup which helps your pet’s oral hygiene.
2. Canned/Wet: Not only does canned food have a long shelf life, but dogs love it. However, it’s important to read the labels. Most canned foods don’t provide your puppy with the best nutrients. Reading the label will ensure most of the ingredients are digestible.
3. Semi-Moist: These are foods shaped like other foods. For example, dog food shaped like pork chops, burgers or other meaty foods. They contain many artificial flavors and colors. This makes them the least nutritional food in the bunch. Semi-Moist dog food can be given as an occasional treat, but shouldn’t be used in their regular diet.

 How Much and How Often to Feed Your Puppy

It is important to know how exactly to feed your puppy. Different breeds require different feeding schedules. Therefore, knowing the specifics can help prevent future obesity, overeating and other diet related side effects.

For a 6-12 week old puppy, feeding them four times a day is ideal. You should make the transition from puppy to un-moistened food by week 9-12 depending on your puppy's size. By months 3-6 puppies tend to start losing their “baby weight”. This is when you should convert from four to three feeding times a day. However, if your dog isn’t losing their pudge quite yet, continue to feed them puppy sized portions until their body type matures.

During months 6-12 owners can start to feed their puppy twice daily. This is the usual time your dog would get neutered or spayed. After the procedure, you can make the switch from nutrient filled puppy food to maintaining adult foods. However, it depends on how old your puppy is. If you’re unsure it’s better to feed them puppy food longer than cutting it short. By age 1 most owners feed their dogs two half-portions of adult food a day.

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What you feed your puppy from the beginning can have an impact on their future health. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out the best route to take with your pet. Likewise, it can get confusing deciding when you should switch from puppy to adult food. This being said, The Bregman Veterinary Group experts have all the answers for you. They can help ease the mind of any and all new puppy owners.

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!

Dental Health and Your Pet

Dental health is not only important for humans, but pets as well. A pet should have its teeth and gums checked annually to ensure a healthy mouth and help detect any problems early. Dental problems if left untreated may cause health issues for your pet. Some of the most common dental problems are very similar to people’s and include cavities, tissue inflammation and gum disease.

Brushing your pet’s teeth

Brushing your pet’s teeth may not be easy, but is a great way to help ensure the health of their teeth, gums and mouth. Regular brushings can help prevent many of the common oral issues a pet will encounter. This in turn could also help reduce trips to the vet down the road for dental problems. Not only does brushing help keep a pet’s teeth healthy, but the proper diet (more dry food, less wet) and treats formulated to help with dental health are also very beneficial.   

Health

It is important to have your pet’s teeth checked annually. This allows for early detection of a possible problem along with keeping your pet healthy.  Your pet should have its teeth checked sooner if you notice problems such as:

·      Bad breath

·      Discoloring of teeth, or excessive tartar

·      Pain around the mouth area

·      Bleeding from mouth

·      Broken/loose teeth

·      Extra teeth

·      Unusual chewing, drooling or mouth drooping

·      Refusing to eat, or reduced appetite

·      Swelling around mouth area

Veterinarian Dental Exam

When you take your pet to the veterinarian for their dental exam, it will begin with an oral examination of the pet’s teeth and gums. If needed, x-rays may be taken to help further evaluate the tooth structure unable to be seen. A thorough cleaning will then take place, and this is generally done under anesthesia to help minimize stress and ensure the safety of the pet and veterinarian. The cleaning includes similar procedures a person would experience including scaling (scraping off of tartar) followed up by polishing of the teeth.  

If you are unsure on the proper way to take care of your pet’s teeth, talk with your veterinarian. They can help instruct you on how to properly brush your pet’s teeth along with offering recommendations on dental products, foods and treats. Happy Brushing!

Protecting Your Pet From The Weather

These last few years we have seen drastic and unseasonably warm and cold weather. As these weather trends continue to happen, now would be a great time to refresh on how to best keep your furry friend safe and protected with the ever-changing weather conditions. 

First and foremost, your pet should have their wellness exam. It is recommended to have a yearly checkup. This will help ensure their continued good health through the seasons.

Many people believe because of their fur that pets are more tolerant of the cold, this is untrue. Pets are just as susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite as their human counterparts are.  This is why it is important to understand your pet’s ability to tolerate the cold. Pets with shorter hair and thinner coats will feel the cold much quicker, whereas pets with longer and thicker coats may be able to tolerate the cold better, but they too can still be affected. A jacket/coat is a great option for pets as well. Depending on your local climate you may want to consider shortening the length of the walks you take with your pet too.

Summer heat can be just as dangerous, as pets can suffer heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms include panting heavily, lethargy, drooling, vomiting and collapse. If you plan to take them outdoors try to walk them early morning or in the evening. Avoid hot sidewalks and blacktop to keep their paws from burning. Utilize shade when you can to help them stay out of direct sunlight and stay cooler. Ensure they stay hydrated too by having water with you during your walks. 

As weather can greatly vary depending on your geographic location, so will your approach to protecting your pet. We want to help ensure the safety of your furry friends and hope you find these tips useful!

Tips to Prevent Dog Bites

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, so there’s no better time to talk about how you can keep your family, and canine friends safe and free from dog bites. Whether they’re small nips, or actual attacks, dog bites can be very harmful, with approximately 800,000 incidents requiring medical attention each year. Keep reading to find out our helpful tips for preventing bites.

Choose your pet carefully

Surprisingly, there is little evidence to show that dog biting is more common in some breeds than others, however you should still select your pet carefully. Before and after you choose your new dog, your vet is the best place to go for information on potential behavior, health, and suitability.

Introduce pets and children with care

Dogs and kids can become best of friends, but it’s important when you’re introducing any new member to your family that you take the steps to ensure a successful introduction. Always supervise your children’s interactions with dogs, including your own, and don’t put your dog in a position where he/she feels threatened or teased.

Keep your dog healthy and well-trained

Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are kept up to date to prevent the spread of diseases. Overall health care is important as it can impact the way your dog feels, and therefore his/her behavior. Training your dog (including basic commands like sit, stay, no, and come) is also important in developing an obedience bond. Avoid rough games like tug of war or wrestling.

Be responsible

Lastly, being a responsible pet owner is one of the most important things you can do to prevent dog bites. Obey leash laws, make sure your fence and gate are secure, and walk/exercise your dog regularly to stimulate their minds. Also consider having your dog spayed/neutered, as research has suggested that this may be beneficial in behavior control.

You can find more information on dog bite prevention from the AVMA here, and please contact us if you have any questions we can help answer.

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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It's National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

You probably have a plan for your family in case of a natural disaster… but what about your pets?

It’s just as important to ensure that your pets will be safe and healthy in case of an emergency, and with hurricane season approaching fast, now is the time to get ready, and here’s how:

No pet left behind

If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your pet. If you have to evacuate, ensure you bring them with you or find a suitable shelter or foster home for them until you can return home again. Ensure that whoever is looking after your pet is prepared to take on the responsibility, and provide them with a cheat sheet including feeding times, any medications required, and behavior issues, as well as your vet’s name and number.

Alert rescue workers that there are pets in your home

Just in case there’s an instance where your pet does get left behind, the ASPCA supplies free rescue alert stickers to advise rescue workers that there’s animals inside. Make sure you fill them out entirely, and place them on or near your front door for easy visibility. In case of an evacuation, if time permits, make sure you write EVACUATED on the sticker. You can order them for free here.

Prepare your disaster kit

Make sure you have a fully equipped disaster kit for your pets too, and store it close to your front door. It should include food, water, medications, photos of your pets, and sturdy leashes. The Humane Society has a printable PDF of everything your disaster kit should include right here on their website.

Practice makes perfect

Once you have your disaster plan in place, conduct a run through with your family to make sure that all of you (including the furry members) make it through safely.

Click here for more information on preparing for natural disasters in Nassau County, and click here for New York City.

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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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

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest