Celebrate Earth Day with Eco-Friendly Pet Care Tips

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Happy Earth Day from all of us at Bregman Vet Group!

Today, we are all looking for ways to give back and make our lives a little bit more eco-friendly - but what about your pets?  How do we reduce the environmental impact of our four-legged friends?  Here are a few tips to help you "green" pet care.

Eco-Friendly Pet Care Tips:

• Spay or Neuter Your Pet - There are 70,000 puppies and kittens born every day in the United States.  In order to prevent homeless animals, it's important to have your pet spayed or neutered.  As an added bonus, spaying and neutering will help your pet live a longer, healthier life.  The process reduces or eliminates the possibility of uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancer.
• Choose Natural and Organic Pet Foods - These pet food products use meats from animals that are raised under sustainable conditions. They're better for the environment and don't contain pesticides, hormones, or artificial preservatives.  Just make sure that they meet USDA guidelines!
• Clean Up After Your Pet - We love to take our pets on walks on nice days, but remember to clean up afterwards.  Carry a plastic bag with you so that you can pick up your dog's poop.  You can even opt for a biodegradable poop bag so that the products will eventually break down.
• Choose Sustainable and Recycled Products - Buy pet toys that are made from sustainable or recycled materials.  Instead of using new, raw materials to make your toys, you'll have more eco-friendly toys for your pet to play with.

Do you have any questions about your pet's health or how to make your pet care a little bit more environmentally friendly?  Give us a call our schedule an appointment at one of our offices below.  We're happy to help!

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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National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month.  Although first aid is often one of the last things on our minds, it's important to know how to care for your pet in the event of an emergency.  
By taking a few moments to learn how to recognize the signs that your pet is in distress, you can save your pet's life in an emergency confidently.

Heat Stroke.  The weather is starting to warm up.  This means that you need to start looking out for signs of heat stroke in your pet.  Remember to never leave your pet inside of a warm car.  Even during a short trip, the air inside of a car can reach 120 degrees!  

Look for signs of:

• Heavy Panting
• Being Unable to Calm Down (even when lying down)
• Red Gums
• Fast Pulse Rate
• Unable to Get Up

What to Do:

If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, you need to cool your pet off immediately.  Use hose water to cool your pet off and bring them to one of our offices to make sure that your pet doesn't suffer from any health damage.

Choking.  It's easy to see how our pets can be prone to choking.  They love to chew on food and may even get caught rummaging through the garbage.  If your dog is choking, wait a few moments to see if they are able to cough up the obstruction.  

Look for signs of:

• Gagging
• Drooling Excessively
• Wheezing
• Gasping for Breath
• Grey or Blue Gums
• Loss of Consciousness

If your pet has any of these symptoms, it's important to take action immediately.  Encourage your dog to swallow by gently rubbing its throat or offering a treat.  You should also look inside of your pet's mouth.  You can look far back in the throat with a flashlight and try to remove it -- just take extreme caution to not accidentally force the object further back.  You should also bring your pet to the office.  With emergency veterinary care, we can make sure that your pet is in good hands.

If you have any pet emergency, it's important to always be cautious.  If you have any questions at all about your pet's health, we encourage you to contact one of our offices below.

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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Celebrate National Pet Day!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Happy National Pet Day!  It's almost time to finally get home to your furry friends after a long Monday.  Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate.

Celebrating National Pet Day:

• Give Your Pet a Bath - We know that baths are not every pet's favorite activity, but it helps keep your furry friend clean and healthy.
• Watch a Pet-Friendly Movie - Relax after a long day with your favorite pet-themed movie.  Air Bud, Aristocats, Ratatouille, and Homeward Bound are just a few ideas on what you can watch with your furry friend.
• Give Them Some Extra Love - Show your pet just how much you care with a long belly rub or playful exercise.  Spend some time throwing a ball with your dog or playing with your cat and their laser pointer.  It's a great way to give your pet some exercise and spend some time bonding with your pet.
• Take Photos of Your Pet - Take a few photos of your pet to remember the day.  Don't forget to share them with us, too!
• Give Them A Treat - Make your own DIY treat or try a store bought version of your pet's favorite treat to make them feel a little bit more special.  Just remember not to overfeed your pet.  Treats can be high in calories!
• Schedule An Exam - When was your pet's last veterinary visit?  Regular checkups help us catch problems early on, and help your pet live a long, happy and healthy life.

If your pet is due for an annual exam, vaccine, or flea and tick prevention, schedule an appointment at one of our offices below.

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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Why Your Pet Needs a Rabies Vaccine

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Is your pet protected against rabies?  

This notorious virus doesn't just affect outdoor animals.  It can affect all pets, including indoor dogs and cats.  That's why it's so important that pets are protected against the virus.

In New York City, it is the law the protect your pet against rabies.  All puppies and kittens need to receive a rabies shot between three and four months of age.  Then, they need to receive a booster shot every 1-4 years following.  

Animals affected by rabies may exhibit aggression, avoid food and water, drool or have difficulty walking.  If your pet is bitten by an animal that has rabies, whether it be a raccoon, bat, cat, dog, etc., it's important that you contact one of our offices immediately.  If your pet has a current vaccine, your pet will be observed in your home for 45 days.  If your pet is not vaccinated, it is important that your pet is quarantined and receives the care he or she needs.

Learn more about the importance of protecting your pets against rabies here.  You can also contact one of our offices directly with any questions you may have and to schedule an appointment for your pet's rabies vaccine.  

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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Why Do Cats Love Cardboard Boxes?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Despite all the fancy cat toys you buy, nothing seems to beat the simplicity of a cardboard box.  What is it that makes these confined spaces so attractive to our feline friends?  

What Makes Cardboard So Intriguing:

It helps your cat feel safe.  Cats like to seek out confined spaces.  It's actually an instinctual behavior that helps them to feel safe and secure.  In the wild, big cats seek out places where they can both hide from predators AND stalk their pray.  

Although we look at our cats, confused about why they enjoy fitting into an awkward space, it's likely that your cat is using the box for safety and protection.

They're curious. Cats are curious creatures.  Your cat might just enjoy exploring the box and enjoy the fun of playing with it!  As long as your cat is in a safe area, it's perfectly fine to let them play with the cardboard box.

They like to chew.  Chew toys aren't just for dogs.  Your cat likes to chew too, just make sure that your cat isn't chewing an harmful materials.  Keep wires and cords away!

It's comfortable.  Cardboard might not seem cozy, but when your cat is surrounded by four cardboard walls, they may feel relaxed and warm.  Boxes provide your cat with a safe place to sleep (after all, they sleep for up to 20 hours every day)!

Learn more about why your cat like cardboard here or here.

If you're curious about your cat's behavior, or you have any questions about your cat's health, contact on of our offices below:

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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Wet vs. Dry Food

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Deciding on the right food for your pet can be tough.  There are hundreds of different brands, flavors, textures and varieties.  When it comes to choosing wet pet food or dry pet food -- which is the right one for your pet's needs?

Benefits of Wet Food:
Wet food helps your pet stay hydrated.  If your pet is reluctant to drink enough water, wet pet food might be the right choice for them.

It's also a great choice for older pets with missing teeth or poorly aligned jaws, who are more likely to eat foods that are richer in flavor.

Benefits of Dry Food:
It is much easier to store dry food.  It can be left out for your pet to eat at their own pace.  There is no need to worry about the food spoiling when left out.  It's fresh and cost-effective.  Some foods can even clean their teeth as your pet chews.

Consider your lifestyle and your pet's health needs when determining what type of pet food is best for your furry friend.  If you're still not sure, contact one of our offices below.  We can help you discuss any of your pet's dietary needs.

Please contact one of our offices below with any questions you have about caring for your pet this spring!

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

Why Does My Pet Have Itchy Paws?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Itchy paws?  This is a common (and frustrating) problem among our furry friends.  

Here are a few of the most common reasons why your pet may be incessantly licking their paws.

Skin Parasites.  
If your pet is allergic to fleas and mites, even a single bite can cause a reaction.  It's important to have your pet checked for parasites.  They should be prescribed a preventative parasite medication, too, especially with spring right around the corner.

Food Allergies.
Have you recently added a new treat to your pet's diet?  Your pet may have a food allergy.  By replacing certain foods in your pet's diet for 8-12 weeks, you can determine if a food allergy is present.   We also do allergy testing in our office to better narrow down your results.

Dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a skin diseases that is caused by environmental allergens, like dust and pollen.  If you notice that your pet is licking their paws during certain seasons, it could be due to an environmental allergy.  We can test your pet through skin test or blood sample to see what allergens he or she is allergic to.

Surface Allergies.
Your floor surfaces, lawn, patio, etc., are all topical surfaces your pet comes into contact with.  Your pet may be allergic to certain chemicals, lawn fertilizers, detergents, etc.!

If you notice that your pet is licking their paws frequently, it's best to bring your dog or cat into one of our offices to have them examined.  During a veterinary visit, we can help you determine the reason behind your pet's paw licking and help them find some relief.

f you have any questions about your pet or your pet's health, don't hesitate to contact one of our offices!  We are here to answer all of the questions you have!

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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Why Your Pet Needs an Annual Veterinary Exam

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

When was the last time your pet came into one of our offices?  

Annual vet check-ups are an essential part of your pet's health and wellness.   Although your pet may not be feeling ill, an annual exam will help catch any health problems early on, as well as prevent problems from affecting your pet. 

What should you cover in your pet's annual veterinary exam?

Physical Exam

During your pet's physical exam, we will check your pet's temperature.  The condition of their skin and coat is also a good indicator 

of your pet's health and diet. 

Fleas & Ticks

During your vet visit, we check for fleas, ticks and worm infestations.  We also offer treatments to prevent parasites and tips on how to check for them on a regular basis - especially if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations help prevent certain diseases from affecting your pet.  It's important that your pet has their core vaccinations - especially their rabies vaccination.  The rabies vaccination is required annually or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine used. 

Dental Cleanings

February is National Pet Dental Health Month!  Your annual check-up is the perfect time to schedule a dental cleaning for your pet.  During a dental cleaning, we can check to see if your pet has any signs of gingivitis.  We can help prevent smelly dog breath!

Allergy Testing

You're not the only one suffering from allergies.  Dogs and cats can suffer from allergies.  You might notice your pet itching, licking or sneezing due to allergies.  We can perform an allergy test to determine the reason behind your pet's allergies, as well as offer suggestions on how to ease the symptoms.

If your pet is due for an annual exam, contact one of our offices 

below to schedule an appointment!

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

Celebrate Love Your Pet Day

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's National Love Your Pet Day!  

While we love our pets every day, be sure to show your pet a little extra attention in honor of this special holiday.  

Here are a few ways to spoil your pet today!

How to Celebrate Love Your Pet Day!

• Have a Play Date - Pets love attention.  A play date is a simple, stress-free way to let your pet burn off some extra energy.  Just be careful and make sure that it is a calm environment, especially if they're meeting for the first time.  If your pets aren't getting along, don't force it.
• Bake a Homemade Treat - What pet doesn't love a homemade treat?  Try a simple recipe for dog biscuits like this one.
• Adopt a New Friend - If you're ready to add a pet to your family, today is the perfect time to adopt!  Just be sure to give us a call afterwards for your pet's first medical checkup and vaccinations.
• Get Crafty with a DIY Project - DIY projects can be fun for both you AND your pets.  Try making your own cute treat jar.
• Bring Them In for a Check Up - One of the best ways to truly show your pet how much you care is to bring them in for an annual exam.  Through preventative wellness exams, we can help make sure that your pet is on the right track for a long, happy and healthy life.

If you have any questions about your pet or your pet's health, don't hesitate to contact one of our offices!  We are here to answer all of the questions you have!

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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Why Do You Need to Neuter Your Puppy?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Neutering your dog is an important step in helping your pet live a long and healthy life.  In addition to the numerous medical benefits, it also helps reduce overpopulation by keeping the number of stray puppies and kittens down.  


Neutering FAQs:

What is the difference between spaying and neutering?
Neutering is for male dogs, while spaying is for female dogs.  Your pets gender will tell us which procedure your pet needs to undergo.

Is neutering a safe procedure?
Of course!  Neutering is a common medical procedure and our staff take the utmost pride and care in your pet's experience at our practice.

When should I neuter my pet?
Neutering can be done as early as two months (or two pounds).  However, the average age for neutering is four months.

What are the health benefits of neutering?
Male dogs have a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer and eliminate the risk of developing testicular cancer.  This procedure can also help reduce some behavioral problems, such as roaming, marking and aggression.

If you have any questions about neutering, don't hesitate to contact our office!  We are here to answer all of the questions you have about your pets health.  Contact one of our offices below to schedule a spaying/neutering appointment.

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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How to Celebrate a Pet-Friendly Super Bowl Sunday

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you ready for Super Bowl Sunday?  As you start to prep for game day - stocking up on snacks, and inviting over friends and family - don't forget about your furry friends!  You can include your pet in your super bowl festivities, too!

Follow these tips for a pet-friendly super bowl celebration.

Pet-Friendly Super Bowl Tips:


Make sure they feel safe.  With all of the yelling that goes on during a football game, pets can become nervous and scared.  Make sure that they have a safe place that they can go to while the game is on to get away from the commotion.

Help them feel included.  Try making a pet-friendly super bowl treat!  While you snack on traditional wings and dip, your dog can try this football treat.  Try this recipe for football shaped dog biscuits.

Keep your snacks out of reach.  Many of the foods that we love are toxic for our pets.  Onions, grapes, alcohol, chocolate, guacamole, and other ingredients that are commonly found in super bowl snacks are toxic.  If your dog or cat tends to climb up on your furniture, make sure that your food is safely out of their reach.  You should also be careful of any crumbs and foods that are dropped on the floor!

If you have any questions about your pet's health or your pet ingests something they shouldn't this Sunday, give one of our hospitals a call.  We're here to help your pet stay happy and healthy!

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

National Train Your Dog Month

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Although we get our pets with the best intentions, it's not always easy to train a new puppy.  Every dog has a different temperament.  You might find that your dog is hyperactive, aggressive, shy or even nervous from past experiences.

While behavioral issues can be frustrating, it's important that pet owners train their pets correctly, with long-term fixes rather than temporary solutions.

Here are a few dog training tips to help your puppy overcome a few of the most common behavior problems that pet parents face.

Dog Training Tips:

Watch Their Body Language

Get to know your dog and listen to his body language.  Don't push your pet to do something that he is not comfortable doing.  If your dog looks uneasy when meeting a new animal or person, don't force it.  Wait until a time where your new pet can meet your family and friends in a comfortable setting.

Keep Training Consistent

You want to make sure that you're consistent with the message that you're giving your pet.  Make sure that your whole family is on the same page with what you are telling you dog.  Inconsistencies can be confusing for your pet.

Have Realistic Expectations

Training your dog takes time.  Have realistic expectations about how long it will take your dog to learn new behaviors.  It can be hard to 

break habits (and instill new ones)!

Reward Your Pet

Using a treat to reinforce good behavior is great way to make your pet comfortable with adjusting their behavior.  Just make sure that you don't over do it!  Keep an eye on the calories you're giving your pet in between meals.

If you have any questions about your pet's behavior, contact one of our offices below.  We can help you correct your pet's behavioral issues and even recommend the right trainer for your puppy.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

What Causes a Smelly Pet?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

We love our pets, but any pet owner knows that despite best efforts to keep them clean - sometimes our furry friends can stink!  

There are a few reasons why your pet may smell a little funky.  Here are a few possible causes and what you can do to help them smell their best.

Possible Causes:

They Have An Ear Infection - Ear infections are common in dogs and cats.  Whether they are bacterial or fungal, ear infections are one of the biggest culprits of a smelly pet.  If your pet has an ear infection, you may notice that they shake their head in an effort to find relief.  If you think that your pet is suffering from an ear infection, schedule a visit at one of our practice and we can provide your pet with the appropriate medication for the type of infection that they have.

They Have a Dental Disease - While we brush our teeth every day, our pets don't.  That's why pets are so prone to dental diseases.  If you notice that your pet has bad breath, this is a sign that tartar is building up on their teeth, causing an infection.  Annual dental cleanings and regular tooth brushing habits at home will help keep your pet's mouth healthy.

They Have a Skin Problem - Dogs and cats who suffer from allergies are prone to chronic skin infections.  This can lead to greasy coats and crusty skin - both of which can cause your pet to smell.  If you know that your pet is suffering from a skin condition, we can provide antibiotics and antifungals to help keep your pet's fur smelling fresh.

They're Suffering from Diarrea - Of course, excessive gas and diarrhea can be smelly.  This is often a sign of an underlying gastrointestinal disease.  Your pet may also express their anal sac (either accidentally or on purpose).  If your pet's anal sacs are expressed frequently, it's time to schedule a visit to see what's wrong.

Do you have any questions about why your pet may be smelling stinky?  

Visit one of our veterinary practices below and we can help you figure out how to get your pet to smell their best (and stay healthy in the process).

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

How to Take the Perfect Holiday Pet Portrait

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It comes as no surprise that many people will include their pet's in their holiday cards (after all, you want to include the whole family!).  

Will you be taking any holiday photos with your pets this year?   Here are a few tips to help you get the perfect shot.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Pet Photos:

• Get Your Pets Familiar - Many cats and dogs will feel startled by a camera and the noises that it makes.  Get your pet comfortable with the sights and sounds of a camera before attempting your holiday photo.
• Keep Lighting In Mind - Try to utilize natural light when taking photos of your pets.  This will help avoid getting red or yellow eyes in your photos. 
• Keep Distractions Minimal - Take your photos in a place where there are limited distractions.  Keep your pet's focus on the camera.
• Let Your Pet Feel Natural - Capture your pet's personality in your holiday photo!  Rather than forcing them to sit there in uncomfortable positions, let your pet play in the photo and be himself!
• Shorten Your Session - Many pets aren't willing to sit for long periods of time.  Keep your photo sessions short.
• Be Patient - Pets have short attention spans and get bored quickly.  Don't be discouraged!  With some patience, you can get the perfect photo you're looking for.

If you have any questions about your pet's health during the holiday season, contact one of our offices below!

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