Raccoon Confirmed with Canine Distemper Virus in Highland Park Area

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
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A raccoon near Highland Park in Brooklyn tested positive for canine distemper virus (CDV).  This is the second raccoon this year to test positive for the disease.

Canine distemper virus is a paramyxovirus that is related to human measles.  While it is not a threat to humans, it can affects dogs and other canines, as well as ferrets, minks and skunks.

Signs of canine distemper virus:

Fever

Anorexia

Fatigue

Upper Respiratory Illness

Oculonasal Discharge

Lower Respiratory Illness

Vomiting

Watery/Bloody Diarrhea

What does this mean for pet owners?

Dog owners should make sure that their pets are are vaccinated.  Especially young puppies and older dogs that are more susceptible to the disease.  

If your dog is due for a vaccination, please 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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How to Celebrate a Pet-Friendly Halloween

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Halloween is right around the corner!  Are you planning a Halloween party this year?  Be sure to celebrate a pet-friendly holiday by keeping these safety tips in mind.

Halloween Pet Safety:

• Keep Halloween Candy Hidden - Many Halloween candies, including chocolate and xylitol (found in sugar-free gums and candies), are very toxic to pets.  Be sure to keep these out of reach and be careful to keep them away from your pets.
• Make Sure Your Pet Has ID - Halloween is known for tricks and treats, but this can be frightening for pets.  Make sure that your pet has updated ID tags and if you can, microchip your pet.  In the unfortunate event your pet runs through the door while you're distracted by trick-or-treaters, updated ID tags will help your furry friend safely return home.
• Keep Jack-o-Lanterns Out of Reach - Lit candles inside of jack-o-lanterns might be eye catching to trick-or-treaters and pets alike, but if your pet knocks into them they can also be a fire hazard.  Use battery powered lights or make sure that your pumpkin is out of your pet's reach.
• Make Sure Pet Costumes are Comfortable - Many pets are uncomfortable wearing costumes.  If you do want your pet to wear a costume this Halloween, make sure that there are no pieces that can be easily chewed off.  If you notice that your pet is uncomfortable or it inhibits their sight, hearing or breathing, be sure to remove the costume.

Our experienced veterinarians and staff will help your pets stay happy and healthy this Halloween.  If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, 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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How to Care for Your Elderly Cat

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Health needs change throughout our lifetimes. As we age, we tend to slow down and pay more attention to our health needs. The same goes for our feline friends. These tips will help you care for your cat as he or she adjust to the senior lifestyle.

Health Tips for Aging Cats:

Don't Put Off Annual Exams

Routine veterinary visits are important for pets of all ages, but it's even more important with age.  In some cases, your senior cat should be examined twice a year to help prevent dental disease, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, and other medical maladies. 

Alter Their Diet Appropriately

Dietary requirements may change with age.  If your cat is no longer as active as he or she once was, you may need to alter their diet to help them maintain a healthy weight.  

Cushion Aging Joints

Does your cat have difficulty falling asleep?  Make sure that they have a comfortable bed to sleep in.  Provide plenty of blanket and cushions to support their aging joints.

Provide Healthy Playtime

Playtime is a great way to keep your cat entertained and help him or her keep their muscles and joints healthy and strong.  However, be sure to choose age-appropriate toys and keep an eye out for signs of pain.  If your cat suffers from arthritis, your cat may lose its desire to play.

If you have any questions about how to care for your senior cat or it's time to schedule your regular health check-up, contact one of our offices. Not only are our veterinarians experienced in caring for cats of all ages, we also have feline-only practices that offer added comfort and ease of care for your pets.  

Our experienced veterinarians can answer any questions you have about how to keep your pet happy and healthy.

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

Why Does Your Indoor Cat Need Parasite Prevention?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Did you know that 25% of cats with heartworm infections are strictly kept indoors?  

Parasite prevention is important - even for indoor cats!  Now that the weather is warming up, it's time to start taking steps towards preventing feline heartworm disease.  Whether your pet spends time outdoors on nice days or prefers to stay indoors, it's still important that pet owners protect their feline friends from parasites this spring.

Why is parasite prevention important?

• Cats LOVE Hunting - Cats are natural hunters.  This means that even though they spend most of their time indoors, your feline friend will jump at the opportunity to pounce on cockroaches, mice, and flies that carry roundworm eggs.
• Spring Gardening Increases Risk - 15% of commercial potting soil conttains round-worm eggs, according to The Veterinary Record.  If you plan on keeping any potted plants indoors, this could increase your cats risk of coming into contact with the parasite.
• High Populations of Roundworms - The Northeast has the highest prevalence of roundworms - higher than any other part of the country.  Even if your cat doesn't go outside, you can unknowingly bring these parasites indoors when you come home.

If you have any questions about why parasite prevention is so important for your pet, contact our office.  Our experienced veterinarians can provide you with advice, as well as prevention tips and treatments for parasites and feline heartworm disease.

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How to Welcome a Pet-Friendly Spring

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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Although warm spring weather may feel perfect, you still have to take precautions with your pet just like you would in the winter and summer months.  Here are a few tips to help you celebrate a pet-friendly spring season.

Spring Pet Care Tips:

• Maintain Their Coat - It's okay to let your pet have a shaggier coat during the winter, but as temperatures start to rise in the spring, it's important to maintain their coats so that they don't overheat.
• Care for Their Paws - As the ice begins to melt, chemicals can puddle in the roads.  When walking outside, make sure that your pet doesn't stop to drink from any puddles.
• Keep An Eye On Allergies - Suffer from springtime allergies?  Your pet may suffer too.  Look for itching, coughing, sneezing, flaky skin or an oily-feeling coat.  If you think that your pet is suffering from allergies, contact our office.
• Beware of Spring Bulbs - Before you begin spring gardening, be aware of what you are putting in the dirt.  Certain flower bulbs like tulips, and hyacinths can be toxic to pets if ingested.

For more spring safety tips, check out this article.  You can also contact our office if you have any questions about how to keep your pet happy and healthy.

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Why Do Veterinarians use a Treatment Room?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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Ever wonder why veterinarians need to take your pet to the back?  

We know it can upsetting to have your pet leave your side, but treatment rooms are an important part of every animal hospital.  Here are a few reasons why it's so important to bring your pet to the back for treatment.

Benefits to Your Pet:

• Calmer Care - Despite what you may think, pets are actually calmer when their not around their owners.  This makes it easier for veterinarians to care for your pet quickly and efficiently.
• Reduced Stress - Veterinary professions love animals and want to make sure that the procedure causes your pet as little stress as possible.  In the back, pets are always handled with respect and care, but it is easier to complete the procedure.
• Better Environment - In the back, veterinarians have better lighting, tables, and equipment.  This means that your pet is getting the care that they need!

Check out this great article for more information on understanding your vet visit.  If you have any questions, we are happy to answer them!

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Travel Safely During the Holidays

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Will you be making plans to travel with your pets this holiday season?  Here are a few tips to help make traveling safer for you and your pet.

Travel Safety Tips:

• Make Arrangements - Make sure that the family you are visiting is ok with your pet coming over while you visit.  If they don't have a place for your pet to stay, consider contacting our office to learn about our boarding services.  We even offer feline-only boarding so that your cat is comfortable while you're away!
• Bring Necessary Documents - If you bring your pet with you across state lines, bring a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.  You need to get this within 10 days of travel.  Bring your pet to our office for a quick exam and we will make sure that they are up-to-date on all vaccinations.
• Provide Identification Tags - Place a collar and ID tag on your pet before you leave the house. You can also microchip your pet to provide permanent identification - just make sure all of your information is up-to-date!
• Make Frequent Stops - If you plan on traveling for long distances, make frequent stops along the way.  This will give your dog plenty of time to stretch their legs and get some mental stimulation.

Read more about how to make traveling with your pets safe during the holiday season on the American Medical Veterinary Association (AMVA) website.  If you have any questions about how to keep your pet safe this holiday season, contact our office.

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Preventing and Managing Feline House-Soiling

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Feline house-soiling is one of the most common reasons that cats are abandoned.  However, this problem is often due to a specific physical, social, or medical issue that needs to be addressed.  The American Association of Feline Practitioners provides pet owners with information on how they can prevent, manage, and resolve feline house-soiling.

Causes of House-Soiling

• Environmental and Social Factors – Some cats may avoid using a litter box that is placed in a high traffic area.  They might feel intimidated by a more dominant cat or they may have had a negative experience when they were near the litter box.
• Marking Behavior – It is normal for cats to mark their scent.  Unneutered male cats and most unsprayed females will also use urine spraying as part of their sexual behavior.
• Medical Causes and Problems – If your pet experiences this behavior change, you should bring them to our practice for a physical examination and urinalysis to check for infections, cystitis, arthritis, kidney problems, diabetes, and other medical issues.
• Feline Idiopathic Cystitis – This medical condition increases the frequency of urination.  It can also cause difficulty and pain when urinating and your pet may have blood in their urine.

Many cats that are abandoned by pet owners due to house-soiling end up in shelters where they are often euthanized.  Although it can be a complicated problem, there are ways to prevent house-soiling. After you determine the cause behind your cat’s behavior problem, you can make the necessary changes to prevent house-soiling in the future.

For more tips on how to prevent, manage, and resolve feline house-soiling, read this brochure produced by the American Association of Feline Practitioners.  You can also contact Bregman Vet Group with any questions you have regarding your pet’s health.

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Recognizing the Signs of Asthma

  THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It’s normal for dogs to pant on hot days or when they feel tired, but pet owners should be aware that asthma can also make breathing difficult in pets.  This allergic reaction triggers inflammation that can narrow or block airways.  We remind pet owners to keep an eye out for clues that may indicate that your pet has asthma.

Asthma Symptoms:

• Heavy panting
• Extreme expansion and contraction of chest muscles
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Loss of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Pale or blue gums (in severe cases)

Both cats and dogs are susceptible to asthma.  If you notice that your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should bring your pet into our office for a visit.  We can help you determine the allergen that is causing your pet’s asthma.

For tips on how to create a safe living space for asthmatic pets, check out this article.  You can also contact Bregman Vet Group with any questions you have regarding your pet’s health.

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Pet Food Marketing Buzzwords

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Pixabay / bykst

We want to make sure that our pets are receiving high quality, fresh food.  However, the pet food market can be confusing and misleading.  With more than 3,000 different pet food brands, how do you know which option is best for your pet?  Here are a few tips to help you better identify healthy pet food.

Marketing Buzzwords:

• Natural
• Premium
• Gourmet
• Holistic
• Human-Grade

These marketing buzzwords don’t have a legal definition.  This means that there is no standard that products need to meet to say that their products meet any of these qualities.  However, marketers use them because they know they attract pet owners.  While pet foods that use these terms can be healthy, they do not necessarily guarantee that the pet food is healthy.  We remind pet owners to always read labels!  You can also look for foods that have undergone feeding trials as recommended by the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).  This will help ensure that the food is nutritious for your pet.

If you still aren’t sure what pet food is best for your pet, contact our office!  We can help you decide on a healthy and economical diet for your pet without all of the marketing hype.

Tips to Help Pets Stay Cool This Spring

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Image Source: Flickr

Does your pet love to spend time outdoors?  Don’t forget to be extra careful on hot days!  When your pets head outside to play, go for a walk, or take care of business, make sure that they do not overheat.  While we have sweat glands all over our bodies, a dog’s sweat glands are limited to their nose and the pads of their feet.  Here are a few tips to help your pet cool down on hot days.

Pet Cool Down Tips:

• Stay Hydrated – Just like us, pets tend to drink more water on hotter days.  Keep an extra eye on the water bowl.
• Kiddie Pool – Some pets love water.  If your pet likes to splash around, consider getting a cheap, child-sized pool for them to wade or lie in.  As an added bonus, you could even sneak in a bath during playtime.
• Treats – Feed your pets treats that are both cool and high in water content.  Dog ice cream can be found in many pet stores, or you can even make your own.  If you go the DIY route, be sure that the ingredients you use are ok for your pet.
• Shade – When your pets are outside, make sure that there is somewhere that they can go to take shelter from the sun.  A small tent or umbrella can help protect your pet.
• Grooming –Many dogs have coats that act as insulation against heat and sunburn.  They can also act as a natural cooling system.  However, a matted coat can prevent air flow across your dog’s skin.  Keep your pets groomed and brush them frequently to keep the coat healthy.

For more tips on how to keep your pet cool on hot days, read this article.  You can also learn more about how to care for your pet by contacting our office.  Bregman Vet Group is happy to answer any questions you have about caring for your pet!

Common Foods That Are Poisonous to Your Pet

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Photo Source: Wikipedia

Be careful when leaving table scraps and open containers around your house.  What is delicious to you might be very dangerous for your pet.   Dogs, cats and other animals can develop serious health problems if they consume poisonous foods around your home.

Foods your pet should NOT eat:

• Chocolate – This sweet snack stimulates the nervous system and the heart.  It is poisonous to all pets, but dogs are more likely to consume dangerous amounts.
• Grapes – Although healthy for humans, grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage in cats and dogs.  Your pet may experience increased thirst, urination, lethargy, and vomiting.
• Garlic – This can cause both cats and dogs to suffer from red blood cell damage and anemia.
• Xylitol – This ingredient is commonly found in sugarless gum.  It is poisonous to dogs and can cause low blood sugar levels
• Alcohol – Just like in humans, alcohol depresses the nervous system.  It is poisonous to all pets and can cause disorientation, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
• Dough – Raw yeast can ferment in the digestive track.  This causes alcohol poisoning. 
• Macadamia Nuts – Can cause muscle and nervous-system problems in dogs.
• Avocado – Poisonous to most pets, but birds are especially sensitive.  Avocados can damage the heart muscle.

Learn more about the foods your pet should not eat here.  If you have any questions about your pet’s dietary needs, contact our office.  

Does Your Pet Need a Trip to the Vet?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Does your pet need a trip to the vet? Now that 2014 is in full swing, it's important to start this year out healthy! However, realizing if your cat needs a check up isn't always that easy. To facilitate this process, here are some tips.

Excessive Meows: Don't forget to attend to your cats! If you hear more vocalizations than normal, perhaps your cat is looking for some attention. Sometimes, a couple of strokes or surprising them with a toy can fix a problem. However, your cat could be using their vocals as a sign of pain. Make sure you see the vet if there any kind of unusual signals coming from your cat.

Cold Symptoms: Cats generally show signs of colds similar to humans. If you notice crust around the eyes, a runny nose or frequent sneezes, seek medical attention from your vet. Visit your vet for yearly immunizations and make sure your cat's health is up to date.

Frequent Sleeping or Unusual Diet: A quick way to notice if your cat is ill to track how much they're sleeping and eating throughout the day. If you catch them snoozing more than playing, or their eating seems off, it's likely they are getting sick. Generally cats don't go more than a day of not eating. If your cat is possessing any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet.

Refusing the Litter Box: Either few or excessive trips to the litter box could be a reason to take your bet to the vet. If you've noticed this, first try to remove waste immediately after each time your cat uses the litter box. If this doesn't seem to change anything, try washing your little box frequently.

Fur Loss: If you see patches of hair missing or signs of an allergic reaction, your cat may have an infection. Cats, just like dogs, are able to catch fleas. A quick way to catch the problem early on is to nice how much your cat scratches him or herself.

If you have any questions about your pets health, please give us a call at any one of our locations. For more information on the Bregman Veterinary Group, please visit us online at www.bregmanvetgroup.com.

Would You Bring Your Pet to a Pet Psychic?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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Recently, ABC News interviewed Melissa Bacelar, an actress turned pet psychic.

Bacelar owns seven dogs and three rabbits and uses her psychic abilities to not only communicate with her pets, but the pets of others as well. Thanks to her telepathic abilities, she is able to understand what the animal is feeling based on messages they send through.

Bacelar couldn't ignore her strong connection to animals so she started taking classes to concentrate more on using her psychic ability properly.

Although dog whispering is Bacelar’s strong point, she holds sessions with both her clients and their pets to help the pair communicate and understand each other better.

While some may not believe her ability, Bacelar's clients know she is capable of communicating with pets because she verifies something only the pet and owner will know.

To read the full article on Melissa Bacelar’s psychic abilities please CLICK HERE

Bregman Veterinary Group wants to keep your pets happy also. For more information on proper care for your pets, please visit us on the web. 

Top Summer Tips for Pet Safety

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Summer is prime time for those family vacations, backyard BBQs, and being outdoors. All of which can be enjoyed with your pets, so long as you take the right precautions.

Here are some summer tips on how to make sure your pets are ready for what this season has in store:

Hot Weather:

• Never leave a pet in a car on a hot day - cracking a window isn't going to cut it. We all know how much hotter the inside of a car can get when sitting for just 10 minutes. Pets can only withstand a higher body temperature for a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage or even death.
• Be safe outdoors- pets can easily get overheated. Make sure your pet stays cool outside by always providing shade and cool water.
• Adjust your pet's exercise routine - exercise in early morning or evening hours for cooler temperatures. Keep in mind asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• Watch for heat stroke - Call your vet immediately. Signs of heatstroke include bright red tongue and gums, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive panting, and a body temperature of 105-110 degrees. If this happens, get your pet out of the heat, lay him on cool shaded grass and pour cool water over him. You can also give small amounts of water or ice cubes

Water Safety:

• Don't leave pets unsupervised around pools - not all dogs are good swimmers. Even if they know how to swim, they may not know how to get out
• Practice safety on boats - make sure your pet wears a flotation device and is rinsed off after swimming in the ocean

Backyard Safety:

• Don't allow your pet to partake in parties - human foods and drinks aren't always fit for pets to consume. Certain foods and drinks can be detrimental to a pets health

Traveling with your pet:

• Pack smart - make sure all necessary supplies and food are packed for your trip. Check out hotels ahead of time to be certain they allow pets
• Make sure your pet is health - set up an appointment with your vet before you begin your journey
• Don't schedule air flights during peak hours - peak periods usually mean delays and stopovers with your pet in a crate for a longer period of time. Try early morning or evening flights to avoid this, bonus is it won’t be as hot either.

What Did This Cat Eat? Can You Guess?

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Can you guess what this cat ate by looking at these images? Make your guess and scroll down for the answer! 

If you guessed a nickel and steel wool, you're correct! 

We removed these items through a surgical procedure on Friday night. Our feline friend is doing well so far!

Perfectly Timed Cat Photos!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Have you ever tried to snap a photo of your pet "in the act"? If you have tried, you know that if you don't act  quick, you can miss the hilarious moment! 

Here are a few perfectly timed cat photos, courtesy of buzzfeed.com! Let us know what you think of them on our Facebook page, linked HERE!

Happy Holidays from The Bregman Veterinary Group!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Everyone at the Bregman Veterinary Group would like to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season, and a very happy and healthy new year!

Please be sure to LIKE our Facebook page and FOLLOW us on TWITTER!

Happy Holidays!  

Another Hilarious YouTube Video!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

We have another hilarious video for you today! This YouTube video is a series of the funniest animal clips from America's Funniest Home Videos!

You will be laughing from start to finish! Let us know what you think! 

What Would You Do if Your Friends Began Acting Like a Dog or Cat? Watch this Video!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

If you're looking for a good laugh today, check out this hilarious YouTube video! How would you react if your friends began acting like a cat or dog? 

This video depicts the differences between cats and dogs and how humans would carry out the characteristics of each!

Let us know what you think of this video on our Facebook page, linked HERE!