Pet Obesity

Just like us, a well-balanced nutritional intake and regular exercise is important for your furry friends. October 8 is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, and with that we thought it important to highlight approximately 54% of cats and dogs in the United States are overweight. Today we want to help raise awareness to the dangers obesity may have on your pet. 

If you are unsure your pet is overweight there are several tools for which you can utilize to help better assess. First and foremost is your veterinarian, followed by online resources that show specifics on breeds and their ideal appearance and weight. A general rule of thumb to go by is being able to feel their ribs, but not seeing them. 

Here are some additional tips to help aid in keeping your pets weight in check. 

1. Talk with your veterinarian as they are the best resource for helping you. They can work with you to create a plan to help control, monitor and improve your pet’s weight. They are also able to recommend ways to help your pet lose weight in a healthy and safe way.
2. Calorie control. A wide variety of pet foods exist, always be certain to check nutrition labels for the best quality ingredients. Avoid foods that contain fillers. Avoid table scraps and try to limit the number of treats. Try to ensure treats are of the healthy variety. 
3. Consistency. Ensure feeding portions are consistent, place a cup in the bag to keep amounts the same. Feed them on a consistent schedule, and avoid overfeeding. Consider using an automatic feeder as this helps to keep a consistent schedule and amount. 
4. Go outside! Not only is it great for your pet, but you too! Take a nice walk around the neighborhood or park. A session of catch is always a great way to keep your dog moving and staying healthy. 

Similar to humans, pet obesity can have the same severe unfavorable effects as well. Disorders that are common with pet obesity include high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and so forth. If you are unsure about your pets weight, schedule an appointment with us today and start the conversation of getting them on a healthier track! 

Pet Dental Disease’s Four Stages

As we have discussed in previous blogs, your pets dental health is very important! Periodontal disease is often seen by our veterinarians, and can be found in most dogs and cats. This disease can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss and damage to other organs.

Dental health for our pet patients is very important to us at Bregman Veterinary Group, so we would like to place the focus of this blog on periodontal disease and further educate you on the stages of periodontal disease that can occur in pets.

Periodontal disease can be broken down into four stages, they are as follows:

Stage 1
The early stage is characterized by gingivitis. This is an inflammation of the pet’s gums as it responds to the existence of bacteria and tartar. You might notice some minor swelling of the gum area. You may also notice a visible thin red line on the gums next to the teeth at this stage as well.

Stage 2
A.K.A. periodontitis. At this stage there is a small amount of bone loss,  < 25% , visible on oral x-rays. Inflammation of your pet’s gums may occur along with visible plaque and tartar and bad breath. At this stage, your pet should get a professional cleaning to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar, and to help reverse the progress of the disease.

Stage 3
At this stage serious damage starts. This stage is also known as moderate periodontitis. During x-rays 25-50% of bone loss can be found. Gums are swollen and aggravated and may even bleed. Significant pain may be present along with bad breath. It is recommended the infected/damaged teeth now be removed.

Stage 4
In the 4th and final stage, extreme periodontal disease is obvious. Bone loss is now >50%, visible in x-rays. Your pet could lose numerous teeth along with being in extreme pain. Infection could spread to internal organs as well now.

Preventing and Treating Pet Dental Disease

Periodontal disease can be treated, which is why you should always have an annual exam for your pet. This allows your veterinarian the ability to take the necessary steps for your pets oral care. These regular checkups, dental cleanings and daily brushing done by you go a long way towards a healthy mouth and life!
As always, your Bregman Veterinary Group is here for you and your pet! Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your pet’s next visit. Happy Brushing!

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. 

How To Keep Pets Healthy and Happy!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Did you adopt a new pet over the holiday season? If so, you may be looking for a few tips on how to keep your pets healthy and happy.

Here are a few strategies for pet owners on how to keep your pets healthy and happy. Let us know if you have any additional tips on our Facebook page, linked HERE!

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Invest in training
• Take time for dental care
• Keep cats hydrated
• Maintain flea, tick and heartworm preventatives
• Don’t underestimate the value of mental stimulation
• Buy pet insurance or start an emergency savings account