Spring Preparation

As the seasons begin to change and winter fades into Spring, and the April showers start to bring May flowers, it’s time to start getting your furry friend ready too. They will be happy with the weather and the rains will mean fresh new grass to run and play on. As a pet owner though, you want to ensure their health as head into Spring.

Slowly Increase Exercise

Depending on your locations winter, your pet may have been less active than normal. This could have lead to weight gain and a decreased level of energy. Encourage them to take things slowly as quickly getting back into being highly active or exercising could lead to injuries. If you plan to start outdoor exercise consider including your pet.

Yard Inspections

Winter season can be harsh, and depending on your location can affect your yard in a variety of ways. To ensure your pets safety give your yard a good overall inspection. Check for debris, fallen tree branches, trash, debris, and anything that could pose a danger to your furry friend.

Seasonal Allergies

If winter season where you are was above average on snow/rain then you could be experiencing allergies all ready. Just like you, pets are not immune and may show signs too. Unlike humans, pet allergies manifest through their skin so be on the lookout for excessive scratching and licking. If you see signs be sure to schedule an appointment for a Veterinary visit.

Prevention

As the weather warms those fleas and ticks that made it through winter will be back in full force. Along for warm up ride, mosquitos and Heartworm which can be carried by them. If you have not taken the steps to treat your pet with a preventive Heartworm, Flea, and Tick medication then now is the time.

Now that all that has been covered, it’s time to have some fun! Start enjoying the warmer weather with pet playtime and walks!

Pet Walks

Walks are great for not just you, but your pet(s) as well, and with today being National Walk Your Dog day we thought we would highlight those benefits. With the physical activity and the accompanying mental stimulation provided by sight and smell beyond the usual back yard when going for a walk, it can also aid in keeping weight in check. It also provides your pet with good joint movement while keeping their muscles in tone.

Take the following tips into consideration while creating a safe walk program for your pet.
Veterinary Consultation prior to starting any exercise program with your pet.

• Ensure they are in good health for the exercise they are about to take on. 
• Obey leash laws in your local city or county. 
• Ensure your pet is leash trained and properly behaves when leashed. 
• Start with shorter slower walks and rest as needed. 
• Gradually increase your walk times while ensuring both you and your pet get the necessary breaks. 
• If your pet wants to head home after starting each time, consider taking them to a local pet friendly park for a new experience. 
• Try to avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid surfaces such as asphalt that can burn their paws. 
• Allow your pet to enjoy their walk and the new environment, give them sniff breaks during the course of the walk. 
• Try to avoid walking on uneven surfaces and ensure safe footing to avoid slips, falls, and injuries. 
• If you see signs of lameness, difficulty with breathing, or they tire quickly, consult your veterinarian.
• Always remember to clean up after your dog. 

Similar to when we are warned about taking on an exercise program, the same goes for your pet. You want to ensure they are in good health and the program fits their health needs. If you are unsure where to start with a program for your pet, make an appointment to speak with your veterinarian.

Now get started on that next great walking adventure with your furry friend!

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.

Raccoon collected in South Brooklyn Tests Positive for Rabies

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Attention all pet owners: A message from the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.

Pet owners, earlier this month a raccoon that was collected in the Sea Gate area of Brooklyn tested positive for rabies. To date, this is the fourth raccoon to test positive in Brooklyn for rabies. However, it indicates rabies may now be present in South Brooklyn.

We highly recommend that you check with your veterinarian that your pets are up-to-date on all rabies vaccinations.

• A few friendly reminders to pet owners:
• Avoid contact with wild and stray animals.
• Make sure your cat or dog is up-to-date on all rabies vaccinations.
• Avoid leaving your pets outdoors unattended and feed them indoors.
• Avoid trying to separate animals that are fighting.
• Contact the Bregman Vet Group if your pet has been in contact with a raccoon, skunk, bat or any animal that be rabid.

We encourage you to report all suspected rabies cases to the Veterinary Public Health Services, Bureau of Communicable Diseases and the NYC Poison Control Center.  

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any one of our locations.

Pet Owners Advised to Watch out for Jerky Treats

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Pet owners are being advised to watch out for jerky treats made for dogs. Jerky treats that are made in China are being linked to the death of hundreds of pups and illness of many others.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to pet owners in late 2011, but has yet to recall the treat. According to NBC News, the FDA has done numerous tests attempting to figure out what is causing death and illness in so many pets, but are unable to pin point where the issue is stemming from.

To continue reading about this topic, please CLICK HERE.

Has your pet suffered any illness from jerky treats? Let us know on our Facebook page. 

Adding a Second Pet to Your Home

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Pixabay

Adding another pet to your home is a big decision.  Whether you have a dog, cat or bird – the transition can be dramatic for your current pet.  After all, your pet has probably already established their turf and the addition of another brother or sister could get their paws in a twist.  In order to make the transition a little easier, we've gathered some useful links from around the web on the topic.

Dogs

1.       The Barking Lot

2.       Veterinary Partner

3.       ASPCA

4.       The Indoor Pet Initiative

Cats

1.       Cat Behavior Associates

2.       Perfect Paws

3.       FourPaws.org

Parakeets

1.       BirdChannel.com

2.       The Nest

Whatever your plans may be, it’s always best to think about how the decision of adding another pet to your home will not only effect your family, but the quality of life that your loving pet at home is used to.  By taking your pet into consideration, you’re already on your way to making the right and responsible choice.  While it’s true what they say – the more the merrier; there’s even more truth to the benefits of careful planning. 

Whether you have 1,2 or 10 pets, make sure that you make an appointment with Bregman Veterinary Group for ALL your pet’s health care needs.  While the thought of having more than one pet may overwhelm you, it certainly won’t overwhelm us!  We are here for you!

Image Courtesy of Jupiter Images

Today is National Dog Day!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Today is National Dog Day! Are you a dog owner? How will you celebrate your furry friends today?

August 26^th marks the official date of National Dog Day, also known as International Dog Day or National Dog Appreciation Day. This is the perfect time to show your pets a little extra love and affection!

If you’re looking for ways you can celebrate National Dog Day, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of 50 Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day, courtesy of www.NationalDogDay.com.

Let us know how you’ll be celebrating National Dog Day on our Facebook page.

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.