Does Your Pet Need a Trip to the Vet?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Does your pet need a trip to the vet? Now that 2014 is in full swing, it's important to start this year out healthy! However, realizing if your cat needs a check up isn't always that easy. To facilitate this process, here are some tips.

Excessive Meows: Don't forget to attend to your cats! If you hear more vocalizations than normal, perhaps your cat is looking for some attention. Sometimes, a couple of strokes or surprising them with a toy can fix a problem. However, your cat could be using their vocals as a sign of pain. Make sure you see the vet if there any kind of unusual signals coming from your cat.

Cold Symptoms: Cats generally show signs of colds similar to humans. If you notice crust around the eyes, a runny nose or frequent sneezes, seek medical attention from your vet. Visit your vet for yearly immunizations and make sure your cat's health is up to date.

Frequent Sleeping or Unusual Diet: A quick way to notice if your cat is ill to track how much they're sleeping and eating throughout the day. If you catch them snoozing more than playing, or their eating seems off, it's likely they are getting sick. Generally cats don't go more than a day of not eating. If your cat is possessing any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet.

Refusing the Litter Box: Either few or excessive trips to the litter box could be a reason to take your bet to the vet. If you've noticed this, first try to remove waste immediately after each time your cat uses the litter box. If this doesn't seem to change anything, try washing your little box frequently.

Fur Loss: If you see patches of hair missing or signs of an allergic reaction, your cat may have an infection. Cats, just like dogs, are able to catch fleas. A quick way to catch the problem early on is to nice how much your cat scratches him or herself.

If you have any questions about your pets health, please give us a call at any one of our locations. For more information on the Bregman Veterinary Group, please visit us online at www.bregmanvetgroup.com.

Keep Pets Out Of The Emergency Room This Holiday Season With These Tips!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

You are aware that feeding your pet people food can have messy consequences, but who can resist those hopeful eyes?  So you give your pet a little taste of your delicious holiday meal.  One bite turns into five, and before you know it you've shared half a plate of turkey with your furry friend.  

Unfortunately our pets become accustomed to a certain diet and the addition of such people food inevitably messes with their digestive systems.  As a result, they often get sick.  To prevent your pet from such unpleasantness, and to avoid a costly trip to the vet, check out these holiday tips courtesy of www.mnn.com. 

"Keep Out Of Reach Of Pets": Survey your home for any off-limit items that may be accessible to your pet.  Move them to a higher location that will be out of their reach.

"Practice Makes Perfect": Now is the perfect time to brush up on some of those obedience rules you learned but were never quite dedicated to using! 

"Pet Zone": Designate an area of the home for your pet and fill it with a comfortable bed and some toys to keep them entertained. 

"No Means No": Make sure you alert your guests that feeding your pet is off limits! And when they stare at you with those puppy-dog eyes, say "no" and look away!

"Accidents Happen": Despite all your efforts, pets just have a knack for finding and consuming items that are off-limits. Accidents happen! Immediately noticing a change in your pet is key.  If they seem to be acting unusual, get them checked out.  It's better to be safe, than sorry! 

For more information on handling pets during the holidays, visit http://goo.gl/qbzVfg.  Don't forget to call Bregman Vet Group to schedule your pets next appointment! 

Table Foods to Keep Away from Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

With the holidays quickly approaching, there is no better time for a quick reminder on what table foods you should never let your pets get their paws on!

Although the food you're munching on is delicious and you want to share it with your adorable furry friends, these foods can often make our pets ill.

Check out the info graphic below, courtesy of www.mnn.com on tips on what NOT to feed your pets!

Let us know what you think on our Facebook page.

The Bregman Veterinary Group is Proud to Introduce VetOfficeSuite

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The Bregman Veterinary Group is proud to introduce a new way for veterinarians around the world to manage their practice- VetOfficeSuite.com!

VetOfficeSuite.com is a veterinary practice management solution that was envisioned by Dr. Eric Bregman.  Dr. Bregman wanted to be able to control and oversee the client records, schedules, inventory, and invoices for all 4 of his practices from a remote location.  After 3 years in development, VetOfficeSuite.com has officially been launched!

VetOfficeSuite.com can be accessed from any device that has an internet connection, like a desktop or laptop computer, a tablet, or even a smartphone.  Your veterinarian can create detailed client records, upload images and documents, create invoices, schedule appointments, create office documents, and manage inventory with only a few clicks.  There is also a patient portal where pet owners can access all of the records their veterinarian has on file. It’s a great way for you to see a history of your pet’s health!

Over the next few weeks, we will introduce the features of VetOfficeSuite.com, and explain how helpful it can be for veterinary practices around the world.  We encourage you to pass this information on to your veterinarian or their office manager.  In the coming weeks, we will be rolling out a contest for people who refer VetOfficeSuite.com, and they will be eligible to win an iPad mini!

Please visit the website at www.VetOfficeSuite.com, and reach out to us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions.  The Bregman Veterinary Group looks forward to sharing their creation with you! 

Halloween Costume Contest

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Need some inspiration for our Halloween Pet Costume Contest? Check out these photos of the cutest costumes out there (found on pinterest)! 

Submit your photos to us of your pet in their costume on our Facebook page and you could win a $150 credit to the Bregman Veterinary Group! 

May the spookiest costume win! 

Social Media Reminder - Are You Connected with The Bregman Veterinary Group?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you connected with the Bregman Veterinary Group? Find our social media pages and connect with us today!


FOLLOW us on Twitter @Bregmanvetgroup
LIKE our Facebook Page
VIEW our videos on YouTube
PIN our photos on Pinterest
VIEW our photos on Flickr
READ our blog posts right here on Blogger

The Bregman Veterinary Group has locations in both Long Island and in Brooklyn. We have over 50 years combined veterinary experience, and are able to provide your pets with the most modern and up to date veterinary care available.

Contact one of our locations today if you have any questions or are interested in more information.

The Cat Hospital: (877) 228-4131
5th Avenue Cat Clinic: (718) 398-1187
Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital: (718) 782-8387

Is Your Pet Overweight? Try a Pet Treadmill!

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Whether a pet is overweight, injured or just lacks exercise, taking them on a walk or letting them roam outside is pointless. If your pet doesn't enjoy getting exercise on its own, it should be forced to work out to stay healthy, and that’s what the pet treadmill offers.

Veterinarians are now using a special water treadmill to help cats and dogs rehabilitate and get them back to their proper health. Brittney Barton, a veterinarian who is working on this project states: “It’s kind of like a Cadillac. It’s a very specialized piece of equipment, so it has a very long bed treadmill. We can adjust the speed. We can even kind of mix it up a bit and put some exercise balls in and do some specialized exercises.”

During these sessions, patients can spend anywhere from fifteen to forty minutes on the treadmill, all depending on the health of the pet.

The treadmill seems to be working with most patients; mostly every pet that has been exercising on this treadmill has been getting stronger and fit. One of the patients, “Skinny the cat”, was rescued last year weighing 41 pounds, and since using the treadmill he has shed over 10 pounds of fat!

For more information on how to give your pet a healthy lifestyle, please visit our Facebook page or call any of the Bregman Veterinary Group locations. 

Have You Heard of Pet Flipping?

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Police fear a new heartless crime is growing throughout the United States. The crime is known as pet flipping. Criminals are continuing to find lost dogs, and instead of returning them to their owners, they are selling these pets for a profit.

One incident occurred in Indianapolis this summer. Leisa Waggoner's dog Rosie, a schnauzer, got lost on the streets of Indianapolis. Desperate, Waggoner posted flyers all over the neighborhood. When she went to a lost dog website the next day, she got great news, Rosie had been found. But there was a twist, a con artist, posing as Rosie's owner, had already claimed the dog off the website. The con artist claimed the dog and listed her on Craiglists for $50.

In Indianapolis, there were 10 such cases of “pet flipping”alone this year. Police say these crooks can make anywhere from $50 to $1000 on any lost pet, it all depends on the breed.

Although it’s a growing problem, pet flipping can be avoided. Never leave your pet unattended for in the front and backyard. If your pet does end up missing, check the pet’s section of Craigslist in your area to see if anyone is trying to sell the same breed. The best way to limit this issue is to get your pet micro chipped.  Micro chipping can help identify a pet and return it to its rightful owner.

For more information on pet flipping and tips to keep your pet safe, visit our website at Bregman Vet Group. Also, if you’re interested in micro chipping your pet, please call any one of the Bregman Veterinary Group locations. 

Meet Wasabi-Chan & Find out What to Do in This Situation

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Image courtesy of  @SHIMEJIWASABI on Instagram

Perhaps you've seen this image of the tiny kitty named Wasabi-Chan circling the internet. As cute as she looks in her little 'purrito' costume, maybe you didn't know that her stylish getup was created by her rescuer in order to save her life after a crow attack in June.

Her rescuer brought her to an animal hospital and upon learning her injuries, developed these costumes to prevent her from removing her feeding tube so she could receive the necessary nutrition to heal. Don't worry - she's made a speedy recovery!  

So what happens if you find an injured animal or if your own pet gets hurt? See below for the ASPCA's recommendations: 

• Bring the injured animal to your local animal hospital or vet. You can also dial 311 (for NY 5 boroughs) to contact Animal Care and Control
• If your pet is injured, contact your vet or 24 hour emergency animal hospital. Most emergencies require immediate veterinary care - but first aid methods can help you stabilize your pet for transportation, such as:
• If your dog/cat is suffering from external bleeding due to trauma, try elevating and applying pressure to the wound.
• If your dog/cat is choking, place your fingers in his mouth to see if you can remove the blockage.
• If you’re unable to remove the foreign object, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver by giving a sharp rap, which should dislodge the object, to his chest.
• If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435

Still unsure of what to do in case of future emergencies? Contact us today to discuss your emergency plan for your pets at www.bregmanvetgroup.com. 

Your Pet's Health is Important to Your Family's Health

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Keeping your family pet free of illness and disease can prove just as beneficial for your family as it is for your pet. Humans are definitely not immune to diseases that animals carry so it is important to keep your pet healthy. In order to keep your pet and family safe, you must learn about the animal you want, and then take care of it accordingly, says the dean of veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Joan Hendricks.

First you must understand your pet’s behavior. Knowing about the breed’s requirements for a healthy life is important in matching them to your family. Not satisfying a pet’s natural tendencies can lead to them getting sick, and behavioral disorders.

After finding the right breed for your family, training your pet properly is crucial for the safety of your family and others. A simple bite or scratch can spread a disease to your family.

Cleaning up after your pet should be an obvious way to prevent the spread of illness, but it is often looked over. Keeping up with your pets waste is important, especially if you have small children because they are more likely to put hands in their mouth.

Keep up with the medical records of your pet and make frequent veterinarian stops with a young animal. Make sure your pet’s teeth are healthy to avoid bacteria and large veterinarian bills. At the least, a once per year visit is necessary!

Trust in your pet food. A varying diet and overfeeding could upset your pet’s stomach or lead to obesity. Scraps from the table will do more harm than good (Vegetables are okay for dogs, not cats). The science behind pet food is highly advanced and will keep your pet in the best condition.

For more information on how to keep your pet in good health, please contact the Bregman Veterinary Group  by calling any one of our locations or by visiting us on the web. 

Pets - The Long Survivors of The Recession

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Luckily for your pets, they have not fallen victim to the current economic crisis. In fact, a new report published by the Bureau of Labor revealed that from 2007-2011, pet spending has remained consistent. Pet owners continue to spend an extensive amount of money on caring for their animal companions. According to WTOP.com, in 2011 alone, pet owners spent a total of $61.4 billion on pet care – and that’s not including fish!

Here are a few statistics, published by the Bureau of Labor on pet spending in 2011: 

• 75% of U.S households have pets, meaning the average household spent over $500 in pet care. That’s more than they spent on men’s clothing ($404).
• Homeowners went out to eat less at restaurants, but continued to spend the same amount on food for their pets.
• The average household spent $183 on pet food, which is more than they spent on bread ($107).
• Married couples without kids at home were the heaviest spenders on their pets.

 The Bregman Veterinary Group encourages all pet owners to spend an adequate amount of money on pet food and care!

Do you find these statistics to run true in your household? Let us know what you think about these facts on our Facebook Page! 

How To Travel Safely With Your Pets This Summer

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Summer is finally here, and the hot sunny weather encourages many people to take vacations.  If you can’t find a sitter or if you just can’t part with your pet, there are a few tips to help you travel safely with your cat or dog!

Before deciding to take your pet on your journey, ask yourself if your pet is up for the trip?  “Most cats are happier at home with a sitter,” says Louise Murray, director of medicine at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, in NYC.

Traveling long distances may be very uncomfortable and scary for your pet.  Whether you're traveling by plane, train or automobile, chances are this will be a new and scary experience for your pet.  Decide if the means of transportation you’re taking to reach your destination will be OK for your pet as well. 

If you’re traveling on an airline that doesn't allow pets to fly in the cabin, do you want your pet tucked away with the cargo? Often times, larger pets aren't allowed in the cabin and therefore are stowed with the cargo. Cargo can be unsafe, frightening and uncomfortable for your furry friends. If you do have a larger pet, taking the train may be a better option. “Trains tend to be a safe and comfortable travel option for short to medium distances,” says Murray. Just be sure the train company you’re using allows pets on board. 

For additional travel tips for pets, CLICK HERE. 

The Bregman Veterinary Group encourages pet owners to take these tips into consideration when traveling this summer. For more information and pet tips, visit us our Facebook page. 

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. 

Top Summer Tips for Pet Safety

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Summer is prime time for those family vacations, backyard BBQs, and being outdoors. All of which can be enjoyed with your pets, so long as you take the right precautions.

Here are some summer tips on how to make sure your pets are ready for what this season has in store:

Hot Weather:

• Never leave a pet in a car on a hot day - cracking a window isn't going to cut it. We all know how much hotter the inside of a car can get when sitting for just 10 minutes. Pets can only withstand a higher body temperature for a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage or even death.
• Be safe outdoors- pets can easily get overheated. Make sure your pet stays cool outside by always providing shade and cool water.
• Adjust your pet's exercise routine - exercise in early morning or evening hours for cooler temperatures. Keep in mind asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• Watch for heat stroke - Call your vet immediately. Signs of heatstroke include bright red tongue and gums, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive panting, and a body temperature of 105-110 degrees. If this happens, get your pet out of the heat, lay him on cool shaded grass and pour cool water over him. You can also give small amounts of water or ice cubes

Water Safety:

• Don't leave pets unsupervised around pools - not all dogs are good swimmers. Even if they know how to swim, they may not know how to get out
• Practice safety on boats - make sure your pet wears a flotation device and is rinsed off after swimming in the ocean

Backyard Safety:

• Don't allow your pet to partake in parties - human foods and drinks aren't always fit for pets to consume. Certain foods and drinks can be detrimental to a pets health

Traveling with your pet:

• Pack smart - make sure all necessary supplies and food are packed for your trip. Check out hotels ahead of time to be certain they allow pets
• Make sure your pet is health - set up an appointment with your vet before you begin your journey
• Don't schedule air flights during peak hours - peak periods usually mean delays and stopovers with your pet in a crate for a longer period of time. Try early morning or evening flights to avoid this, bonus is it won’t be as hot either.

Phone App Helps Keep Track of Pet's Activity

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Looking to track your pet’s activity? There’s an app for that!  

Whistle, an iPhone app and monitor worn on a dog’s collar that was launched last week, measures an animal’s activity throughout the day.  This is a brand new way for animal lovers to make sure their pets get the correct amount of exercise and nourishment each day.  This app can track how much your pet plays, runs, sleeps and eats.  It can track changes over time and compare exercise levels with other dogs of the same breed.  Whistle was created with input from veterinarians, to help owners detect early signs of medical problems by showing changes in a dog’s activity level and behavior.  It can become a network of comparisons with other dogs.  Veterinarians usually do not receive enough information from the owners to efficiently make a diagnosis; this app can give them all the information they need.  The app gathers data from a small circular device that can be easily attached to the dog’s collar.  The rechargeable, WiFi and Bluetooth compatible device detects motion using an accelerometer, helping to determine if the dog is playing, walking or resting.  It also detects changes in behavior, for example if the dog starts waking up in the middle of the night.  The lightweight monitor costs $99.95 and the iPhone app is free.  Whistle Labs said that it is currently gathering data about dog activity by breed and weight for research use. 

This app can create a very useful network that will connect owners all over the country and provide more information about specific breeds and sizes that was not available before!

Let us know if you use the Whistle app on our Facebook page! 

Harmful Food to Keep Away from Pets This Summer

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The upcoming summer months are usually accompanied by nice weather, outdoor parties and a care free attitude.  During the summer most people have barbecues or outdoor parties, where it can be easy to lose track of your pet which might allow them more freedom to get into some food that may be delicious for us but can be very harmful to them.  It is important to take the proper precautions to prevent your pet from eating a dangerous snack. 

It has become almost common knowledge that chocolate can be harmful to pets, but coffee and caffeine can be harmful for the same reasons.  All of these products contain substances called methylxanthines, which come from cacao seeds.  If your pet ingests methylxanthines it can induce vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.  So it may be smart to keep the desserts in the fridge until everyone is ready to eat and keeping a close eye on your pet during after dinner treats.  Alcohol can be just as common as dessert at a party and there is usually a spill.  It can be very dangerous for your pet to drink alcohol so be sure to clean spills immediately.  Just because a food is healthy for a human doesn't mean it is for your furry friend, foods like avocado, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic and chives.  It is clear that the Persin contained in the leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados is what causes problems for pets, while we can’t pinpoint exactly what part of macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins causes the side effects that include depression, vomiting, kidney failure and more.  Pets can have small bits of bread as treats but too much can cause yeast dough to rise and cause gas to accumulate in their digestive system.  Bones can also be harmful to your pets digestive tract, should they splinter or cause choking.  Raw meat and eggs can carry bacteria that can be very harmful to pets.  Xylitol, which may sound unfamiliar, is actually used as a sweetener in many products like gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste, and can cause and insulin release in most species that can lead to liver failure.  Try to keep your pets out of salty foods as well to avoid excessive thirst and urination and even sodium ion poisoning.  Finally Milk can upset the digestive system of most pets because they lack significant amounts of lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk.  Summer time can be a time for care free living, but always remember that your pet needs constant care.  If you can keep them out of all these foods and maintain your normal routines, it should be easy to avoid any complications with the health of your pet. 

Bregman Vet Group encourages you to enjoy your summer and keep your pet safe in the sun! For more information, visit us on the web at bregmanvetgroup.com.