Valentines Day for Pets

Show your furry friend some extra love this Valentine’s day with some fun ideas and things to do for them! Here is a list of ideas to consider doing with or for your pet this Valentines.

• Just like kids enjoy the toy store and picking out what they want, your pet does too. Many pet stores have an open door policy for leashed pets, so take them in and let them smell around the shelves for that perfect toy to take home and start playing with. 
• Avoid the candy aisle for your furry friends Valentine’s day treat. Instead look for a Pet Bakery, this new phenomenon is becoming common all over, and they specialize in making treats that meet a pet’s dietary restrictions. Or if your feeling extra creative you could try making your own home made treats!
• Plan a day just for them. Maybe an extended walk or park adventure for the ones that love running around. Forget about the rough day at the office and relax and enjoy the time with your furry friend. Not only will this benefit your pet and their health, but yours as well! 
• Schedule some social time with fellow pet owners to get your furry friends together and enjoy some social time of your own while doing so. 

Whether February 14th is your favorite time of year or not, think outside the typical flowers and chocolates box when you’re planning out Valentine's Day with your pet. Be creative, have fun and remember it’s about letting your furry friend know they are appreciated and LOVED!

Dog Park Success

While we encourage you to try and keep a regular routine of exercise for your dog, we also want to remind you to keep in mind that a good owner maintains leadership even while at the dog park. Let’s go over some tips on picking the best dog park, along with some etiquette and training ideas to help make the park trip as successful as it can be!

What to Look for in a Dog Park

Look for a dog park with a sturdy fence (at least 4 feet tall). It should also have a double-gated entrance, which helps prevent a dog from slipping out of the gate and running away. Check to see if there is a water source too, and if not, be sure to bring water. Some dog parks may divided into two areas, one area for small dogs and one for large dogs. This is a safe and great option if you have a smaller dog that may get scared of larger dogs.

Etiquette

We all want to be able to enjoy the dog park and have a good experience. Ensure other owners are engaged and keeping an eye on their dog. When socializing with other dogs it is important to ensure proper play. Some dogs may roughhouse more than others which could possibly lead to a more fearful dog going forward. When socializing with others dogs, it’s extremely important to watch their body language. You want to see wagging tails and loose body language. If another dog is getting too rough always remember you can move to another area of the park.

We hope you find these tips helpful while enjoying your next visit to the dog park with talk your furry friend!

If you have any additional thoughts or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Visit a Dog Park with Your Pet This Fall

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Fall is the perfect season to enjoy spending time outdoors with your pet.  It's a great way to get exercise, and keep your dog happy and healthy.  Here are a few of the many dog parks in Brooklyn to visit with your pet this fall.

Dog Runs
Dog runs are fenced-in areas where dogs can exercise unleashed.  There are several dog runs int he Brooklyn area.  Here are a few you might want to check out with your pet.

Adam Yauch Park
Columbia Place & State Street 

Cooper Park
Olive Street and Maspeth Avenue 

Herbert Von King Park
Columbia Heights & Middagh Street 

Manhattan Beach
East of Ocean Avenue, North Shore Rockaway Inlet

Off-Leash Areas
Certain parks allow your pet to be off-leash while the park is open.  Each park has designated rules that include making sure that your pet is well behaved, licensed, and vaccinated against rabies.  Here are a few of the off-leash areas in Brooklyn.

Asser Levy Park
Surf Avenue, Sea Breeze Avenue, West 5th Street, Ocean Parkway 

Brooklyn War Memorial
Cadman Plaza Park 

Coffey Park
King Street, Richards Street, and Verona Street at Dwight and Pioneer Streets 

Lincoln Terrace Park
Eastern Parkway between Buffalo and Rochester Avenues

Remember - New York State law requires that dogs be vaccinated against rabies.  If you are bringing your pet to a local park, remember to carry proof of your current dog license and rabies vaccination.  Read more about the New York City park requirements and the places you can bring your pet on their website here.

Contact our office if your pet is due for a rabies vaccine or your pet experiences any health issues when exercising at the park this fall.