Why You Should Be Microchipping Your Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

August 15^th is National Check the Chip Day, meaning it’s time to schedule your appointment to make sure that your pet’s microchip is still intact. If your pet doesn’t have one yet, here are some reasons why you should consider getting one.

Now what exactly is a microchip?

It’s a computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted into pets. Each one is uniquely coded with the owner’s contact information, so when scanned you can view the information on it. Implanting the chip is easy and can be done with a syringe, so it’s no different than your pet getting a vaccine.

Why is microchipping so important?

Pets get lost all the time. In fact, studies have shown that one in three pets will get lost at least once at some point in their lifetime. Sure your pet has a collar, but what if the collar falls off while your pet is lost? You then have no way of your pet being returned to you. Since the microchip is implanted under your pet’s skin it can’t be lost unintentionally. If your pet is found and it has a microchip, your contact information is in a national registry and your pet can be reunited with you no matter how far they managed to wander. Additionally, if you move or get new contact information, you need to buy a new collar which doesn’t always happen right away. With a microchip you can easily update your information in the registry.

So how effective are microchips?

It has been shown that dogs with a chip are 2.5 times more likely to be returned to their owners if lost. With cats that have microchips, they are TWENTY times more likely to be returned if lost. Getting a chip is also generally inexpensive, we charge only $45 for this service.

Book an appointment to have your pet microchipped here.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Introducing Your Dog to a New Baby

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Bringing home a new baby is an exciting time.  While you make adjustments to your own life, you should take the time to gradually adjust your dog’s life too.  Now that you have new responsibilities, your pet care schedule is likely to change.  Here are a few tips to help you and your dog adjust to life with a newborn.

Dog Introduction Tips:

• Bad Habits – Everyone gets a bit lax on the discipline from time to time.  However, now is the time to ensure your dog is well-behaved for your child’s safety.
• Grooming - Make sure that there isn’t pet hair hanging around and that your dog doesn’t bring dirt into the house.
• Acclimate – When your new baby arrives, it is going to be your number one priority.  Unfortunately, this means that you might be spending less quality time with your dog.  Gradually adjust your pet by practicing baby routines throughout the day so that your pet learns how to entertain itself for a few hours of the day.
• Introduction – Try to introduce your dog to your friends’ babies.  This experience will give them a better understanding of what it will be like when your newborn arrives home.
• Dog Sitting –Make sure that you schedule time for any dog walkers/sitters, depending on your work and life schedule.
• Exercise – Before introducing your pet, let them exercise.  This will reduce your dog’s energy and help make sure that he or she is calmer when around the baby.

Don’t wait until the baby is born to make these changes.  Give your pet plenty of time to adjust to everything associated with your newborn.  Contact Bregman Vet Group if you have any questions regarding your pet!

A Quick Guide to Follow When Traveling with Pets!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

In recent years, vacations have been extended to the whole family. Both AAA and Best Western International claim that more then 50% of pet owners in the United States now travel with their pets around the world.

Pets may not exactly love being shoved in the backseat of a car, or put below a plane. So here are some tips that can help smooth the transition for your pet no matter where your family is traveling:

• Trial run- Take shorter drives with your pet and see how they react before dragging them on trips that are further away.
• Buckle up- Thousands of accidents per year occur because of pets that are unrestrained, buckle up your pet so it’s not a distraction while driving.
• Pit stops- Stop every 2-3 hours so your pet can go to the bathroom and exercise.
• Hydration- Keep a gallon of water on hand to make sure your pet stays hydrated throughout the trip. Also, avoid leaving your pet in the car at all costs, temperature levels can sky rocket, which can be fatal.
• Prepare for the worst- Incase of an emergency; always have your pet’s medical records on hand.

The most important thing you must remember before traveling with your pet is to check in with your veterinarian. Ask them any questions you may have and let them advise you on the situation at hand, you can NEVER be too safe with your pet.  

For more information on how to travel with your pet, visit www.BregmanVetGroup.com or call any one of our locations. Happy Summer! 

Best Dog Parks in Brooklyn!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

With springtime here and summer approaching, we’re sure you’re probably looking for a few outdoor activities to do with your pets after a long winter indoors!

Luckily for you, we've scoped out some of the best dog parks in Brooklyn for you to check out this spring/summer with your pets! Let us know which park is your favorite on our Facebook page! Also, if you have a favorite park or great summer spot you take your pet, be sure to post about that as well!

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Location: Adams Street and Plymouth Street

Cooper Park

Location: Olive Street and Maspeth Avenue

DiMattina Park

Location: Hicks Street and Woodhull Street

Dyker Beach Park

Location: 7^th Avenue and 86^th Street

Herbert Von King Park

Location: Marcy Avenue and Lafayette Avenue

Hillside Park

Location: Columbia Heights and Middagh Street 

Exercises for Pets Living the City Life!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Do you ever worry your pet isn't getting the proper exercise because you live in a big city? Although you may feel like the exercise options are limited due to your location, there are plenty of ways you can keep your city pet fit!

You don’t need a giant backyard or spacious dog park to give your pet the proper exercise they need. You can live in a high-rise and still find many options to keep your pet healthy and in shape.

Here are a few ways to keep your city pet fit. Let us know if you have any additional tips on our Facebook page, linked HERE!

Hire a dog walker- Dog walkers have become very popular in large cities. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy, especially for those with busy schedules!

Walking/bike paths and parks - If you live a big city, we're sure you have a few local spots that you tend to go to exercise. Next time you're heading out, bring your pet along!

Doggie day care centers and spas - Doggie day care centers and spas are seen all over nowadays! Check out a few in your neighborhood and see what kind of programs they offer for your pet!

Swimming facilities for pets - Swimming is great exercise for pets! Check around your neighborhood for facilities that will accommodate your pet.

Exercise at home - Exercise at home for your pets is also a convenient option. There are many items available, such as doggie-treadmills, that you can purchase for your pet to ensure they're getting the exercise they need!