What Dog Breeds are Best for Kids?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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Deciding on the right dog breed for your family can be tough.  How do you know which type of dog will be best for your home and kids?  Here are a few tips to help you pick the right dog for your family's lifestyle.

Best Breeds for Kids:

Bulldog
Bulldogs are not very energetic pets, but they are a great choice for families with kids.  They are comfortable living in large houses, as well as apartments.  While they may look a little intimidating, they tend to be friendly, gentle and loyal.

Beagle
Beagles are perfect for homes with active kids.  They like lots of exercise, so be sure to take them on a daily walk.

Bull Terrier
Bull terriers require lots of playtime.  They are perfect for large families, where they will get plenty of attention.  

Collie
This dog breed was made famous by Lassie!  They are very gentle and love to protect their family. 

Newfoundland
These dogs are gentle and patient.  However, they prefer to spend time inside with their family (not outside in the yard).

For more tips on choosing the right dog breed for your home, check out this article.  You can also contact one of our offices with any questions you have about your pet.

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Does Your Pet Suffer From Seasonal Allergies?

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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Just like you and me, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies.  Now that allergy season is rearing its head once again, it's time to pay attention to how your pet is reacting.  

While we experience itchy eyes and sinus pressure, pets manifest allergies in the form of skin problems.  They can have a reaction to something they inhale or something that they eat.  Common pet allergies include: mold, grass and tree pollen, dust, cigarette smoke and cleaning products, among others.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Allergies?

• Increased Scratching 
• Red Or Itchy Skin
• Licking Or Chewing Their Paws
• Rubbing Face On Couch Or Carpet
• Runny eyes
• Sneezing
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

If your pet is showing symptoms of allergies, it is important to get them to the vet.  At Bregman Veterinary Group, we perform thorough testing through Nelco Vet to properly diagnose your pet. 

For more information about pet allergies, or to schedule an appointment, view our website or give us a call at 718.782.8387.

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What To Do When You Find A Lost Pet

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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Do you know what to do when you find a lost pet?  Taking the right action can help return the pet to his or her owner!  Here are a few steps to take if you find a pet that looks lost.

Lost Pet Tips:

• Approach Carefully – Always use caution when approaching an unfamiliar pet.  They may be frightened or injured.  If the pet is afraid, they may behave unpredictably. 
• Check Tags – After you approach the pet, you should first check for tags.  This will help you identify the owner.  Your local animal control office can provide you with information on how to use a dog license number to locate the number.
• Check for a Microchip – If the pet doesn’t have visible tags, take the pet to our office or to a local shelter!  The pet may be fitted with a microchip that is matched to the owner’s contact information.
• Work with a Shelter or Animal Control Department – These organizations can help you find the lost pet’s owner, as they are the first place many pet owners come to look for a missing pet. 

If you have any questions about what to do if you find a lost pet or how to care for your own pet, contact Bregman Vet Group!  We even offer free microchips to help keep your own pet protected with any regularly priced spay or neuter!  This small chip is a great way to make sure your pet returns safely home in the unfortunate event they become lost.  Visit our website or call our office for more information.

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photo credit: Joybot via photopin cc

Local Rescue Cat Adoption on 5th Avenue

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Dr. Eric Bregman, VMD, talks about Bregman Vet Group's adoption service at their 5th Avenue adoption clinic in Brooklyn. For many years now, they take in local cats, then examine, vaccinate, de-worm, and test all of them for feline leukemia and feline aids, before helping to find them new homes. For more information on adopting a cat, and Bregman Vet Group, please visit -http://www.bregmanvetgroup.com 

Visit all of our convenient locations:

Long Island: 
The Cat Hospital - 2 Hillside Avenue, Suite E in Williston Park

Brooklyn: 
Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital - 99 North 9th Street in Brooklyn 
5th Avenue Cat Clinic - 225 5th Avenue in Brooklyn 

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Blogger - http://bregmanvet.blogspot.com 

Music - "Happy Alley" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

What Does “Organic” Pet Food Really Mean?

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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

While organic food can be healthier for your pet, the term actually refers to how the food is processed.  The USDA has strict standards that manufacturers must comply with in order to bear this label.  These are just a few of the many standards a food product needs to meet in order to be labelled as USDA certified organic.

USDA’s National Organic Program Standards:

• No fertilizers and pesticides
• No irradiation
• Outdoor access for livestock
• No antibiotics
• No growth hormones
• No animal byproducts used as food for animals

Many pet foods market themselves as organic without bearing the USDA label.  If you want to make sure that your pet food is meeting these standards, the USDA label is the only valid certification.  All of the ingredients in food products that are labeled “100% organic” must comply with the USDA’s standards, while 95% of ingredients must comply in those labeled “organic.”  Foods that are labeled as “made with organic ingredients” must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. 

While pet food is not necessarily healthier because it is labeled as organic, it will contain fewer suspect ingredients.  Many pet owners feel that this is a better option for their pet.  Just make sure that you read the label to make sure that you are getting a good nutritional value!

Learn more about USDA organic standards here.  You can also contact our office for more information on the types of pet food your furry friend should be eating.

Poisonous Plants to Avoid

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Photo Source: Wikipedia

Getting ready to plant your spring garden?  As you pick out the trees, flowers, and shrubs you want to decorate your yard, don’t forget about your pet!  If your cat or dog spends a lot of time outdoors, you need to be able to accurately identify which plants are poisonous to your pets.  Many common household and outdoor plants can be highly toxic to your furry friend.  Here are a few plants we recommend avoiding this spring.

Poisonous Plants:

• Tulips
• Sago Palm
• Spanish Thyme
• Rhododendron
• Yew
• Chrysanthemum
• English Ivy
• Pothos
• Castor Bean

Many of these poisonous plants cause similar effects, ranging from irritation, difficulty breathing, and incoordination to severe gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular problems.  If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these plants, contact Bregman Vet Group for immediate care.

Cinco De Mayo Safety Tips

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Happy Cinco de Mayo!  Are you planning any festivities to celebrate this annual holiday?  Remember to keep your pet’s safety in mind!  While pet owners love to include their pets, we remind you to always keep alcohol out of reach.  Alcohol consumption in pets is dangerous even in small amounts.  

Here are a few warning signs to look for if you suspect your pet has slurped up some of your beverage.

Alcohol Warning Signs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Breathing
• Lack of Coordination

It is difficult for pets to distinguish between different types of liquids.  Some pets can even be attracted to the smell of alcohol.  Remember to keep all open containers away from your cats and dogs. If you choose to include your cat or dog in Cinco de Mayo festivities, make sure that your celebration is pet-friendly! Contact Bregman Vet Group for medical care if your pet is exhibiting any of the signs associated with alcohol consumption.

Why Does Your Cat Love to Nap?

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Ever wondered why your cat spends so much time sleeping?  On average, cats sleep an average of 15 hours a day!  Here are a few reasons why your cat loves to sleep.

• Active Hours – Many new cat owners find it surprising that cats are actually the most active at night.  When you are getting ready for work, your cat will probably be getting ready for a nap.  However, cats are also highly sociable and can adapt their sleeping habits to their feeding schedules.
• Energy Reserve – Although cats are domesticated, they still retain the instinct to creep in the shadows and pounce on their pray.  When your cat is sleeping, they are reserving energy for running, pouncing, climbing and stalking.
• Sleeping Patterns – Cats switch between a light sleep and a deep sleep.  Cats doze off for fifteen minutes to a half hour at a time, positioning themselves so that they can spring up into action at any time.  They alternate this with a  five minute deep sleep.
• Weather – Just like us, cats tend to be sleepier on cold and rainy days.

To learn more about your pet’s habits and health, visit Bregman Vet Group! 

Common Pet Pain Signals

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You always want to make sure that your pet is happy and well cared for.  Since dogs don’t show pain in the same way that we do, it’s important to be able to recognize when they aren't feeling well.  Here are a few tips to help you identify common signs that your dog is in pain.

Common Pain Signals:

• Heavy Breathing – Panting is normal for dogs.  However, if they are panting for no apparent reason, it could be a sign that your pet is in pain.
• Licking and Biting – If your dog is licking or biting a specific area, they may be doing so because they are in pain.  Dogs have a tendency to lick or bite and broken nails, wounds, irritated paw pads and tumors under the skin.
• Loss of Appetite – Has your dog been eating lately?  If your pet is refusing to eat, they may be in pain.  Your dog might not want to bend over to eat from its food bowl if it is causing pain.
• Limping – It seems obvious, but limping is a sign of arthritis, a pulled muscle, ligament damage, back injury, neck injury, stiff joints, or broken bones. 
• Drooling – Certain dog breeds have more of a tendency to drool than others.  However, if your dog is experiencing excessive drooling for their breed, it could be a sign that they are having stomach pain or nausea. 
• Behavior Changes – Is your dog acting more aggressively?  Does your pet seem sad and depressed?  Any abnormal behavior could mean that your pet is in pain.

Learn more about common pet pain signals here.  Remember, if you think that your pet is experiencing any of these common pain symptoms, visit Bregman Vet Group.  Our experienced veterinarians can determine if your pet is experiencing any health issues.  We can help provide your pet with the care they need for a speedy recovery.

Pet Food Shopping: How Do You Decide Which Is Best?

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Photo Source: Wikipedia

It is easy to become overwhelmed when shopping for pet food.  There are so many different brands and food options available.  How do you know which one will be best for your pet?  

Here are some tips on what you should look for when deciding on a healthy diet for your pet:

• AAFCO Certification - The Association of American Feed Control Officials certifies foods that meet their strict standards.

• Review Ingredients - Ingredients are listed in order of abundance.  Keep your pet's nutritional needs in mind. For example, cat owners should avoid foods high in carbohydrates.

• Ignore Vague Food Labels - Many products offer vague claims like gourmet, premium, super or ultra premium, or natural.  However, there is no nutritional standard that products have to meet to make this claim.  Foods marked with these labels are not necessarily better than those without them.

• Animal By-Products - Although animal by-products are not bad or unhealthy for your pet, many owners choose to avoid products with this ingredient.  By-product meal is created from various sources.  Avoiding this ingredient can be done at your discretion.

You can learn more about how to choose the best food for your pet on the ASPCA website.  If you still aren't sure what diet is best for your cat or dog, contact our office!  We are happy to help pet owners find the right foods for their pet.

How To Keep Your Pet Happy And Healthy On A Budget

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Caring for your pet can be expensive. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your pet happy and healthy on a budget. Here are a few tips on how you can save money, while providing your pet with the care they need:

• Regular Check Ups - Don't forget to visit our office for an annual checkup! Although you think you are saving on the initial exam cost, missing a vet care visit can mean you are missing out on addressing and preventing diseases when they are small and treatable.  This minor investment can help save you a lot of money in the long run by avoiding bigger and more expensive health problems.

• Improved Diet - Feed your pet healthy, fresh and nutritious foods. These foods have a higher initial cost, but they can keep your pet healthy longer. Try foods with no preservatives or even home cooked meals.

• DIY Treats and Toys - If you want to give your pet a treat, try a healthy snack like homemade chicken jerky. Toys can be made at home too! 

To learn more about how you can save money on pet care, visit us online at www.bregmanvetgroup.com or call any one of our office locations. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about how you can make pet care more affordable! 

Does Your Cat Look Forward To Teeth Brushing Time?

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Brushing your cat's teeth shouldn't be a chore for you or your furry friend. Instead, it should be an enjoyable time for the both of you. As you know, do not overly restrain your cat. If you take things slow and give lots of praise, you and your cat will start looking forward to your brushing time.

Brush your cat’s pearly whites at home by following these simple steps:

• Before starting, get your cat use to the idea of having their teeth brushed.
• Gently message their gums with your finger or with a cotton swab.  
• Then, put a little cat-formulated toothpaste on their lips to get use of the taste. 
• After, introduce the toothbrush, try to get a small and soft bristle brush. They make toothbrushes that go over your fingers to help message your cat’s teeth. 
• Lastly, apply the toothpaste and gently brush your furry friends teeth.

A veterinary exam before may help to find out if your cat’s gums are inflamed or have gingivitis. If this is the case, brushing too hard could damage their gums.

If you have any concerns in regard to your pets health, please contact the Bregman Veterinary Group at any one of our locations. For more information, please visit www.bregmanvetgroup.com.

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Parasites and Your Pet

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When it comes to your pets health, parasites are often overlooked. There are the common cases of ticks and fleas, however, there are several other parasites floating around that spread easily within families and pets. Those parasites include hookworm, tapeworm, coccidia, roundworm and giardia. 

 

It's important to be wary of these parasites because they can be found anywhere, and they tend to spread quickly. 

 

If you think there could be a chance your pet is infected by a parasite, see below for some of the first signs of detection.

• Vomiting 
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Diarrhea 
• Decrease in appetite

The best way to determine if your pet is infected with parasites is to have a fecal examination performed. Below is the recommended schedule for fecal checks based on your pets age.   

• Puppies and Kittens: 2-4 times a year
• Adult Dogs and Cats: 2-4 times a year (not taking preventative medication)
• Adult Dogs and Cats: 1-2 times a year (taking preventative medication)

As a pet owner, there a few measures you can take to protect your pets from parasites and reduce their risk of getting infected. The number one way to protect your pets is to remove their feces from your yard immediately after letting them outside. It's also important to protect yourself and your family from parasites. Try to avoid letting your pet lick any family members around their mouth and be sure to wash your hands well with soap and water after playing with your furry friends outdoors. 

 

If you have any questions about parasites and how to protect your pets, please give us a call at any one of the Bregman Veterinary Grouplocations. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you have. 

Valentines Day Safety For Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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Valentine's Day is just days away! You know what that means, love is in the air! Each year, poison control and veterinarians around the country see an increase in cases linked to pets getting sick by unsafe foods, candy and flowers around Valentine's Day.

Here is a guide, courtesy of the ASPCA, to help keep your furry friends safe during this lovey-dovey holiday!

Pet-friendly Flowers- Flowers are one of the most popular gifts given on Valentines Day. Most pet owners don't realize that if one of these floral arrangements end up on the floor and pets consume it, your pet can be in big trouble. Flowers can cause pets to have various stomach issues, especially vomiting. So, keep your flowers out of your furry friends reach!

Alcohol Accidents- We're sure you and your valentine will have a cocktail to celebrate this special day. However, an accidental spill that isn't immediately mopped up can be harmful to your pets. A little bit of alcohol can go a long way in pets, causing diarrhea, tremors and lack in coordination. Be careful with cupids concoctions around your pets!

Sweet Tooth- Candy is another big concern around this holiday. Chocolate can be extremely harmful to your pets health. The caffeine in chocolate can trigger stomach issues for your pet along with an abnormal heart rate. Our suggestion, hide the sweets!

Who doesn't love presents?- After exchanging gifts with your sweetheart, be sure to gather up any lingering ribbons, bows, tape, etc. and discard it immediately. Although your pets may look at these items as a great toy, these items can be dangerous if they swallow them.

Thank you to aspca.com for these wonderful tips. We hope they will help keep your furry friends happy and healthy this Valentine's Day!

If you should run into an issue on Valentine's Day with your pets health, please contact the Bregman Veterinary Group immediately. For more information, visit us online at www.bregmanvetgroup.com.

Looking To Start Your Weekend With A Good Laugh?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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TGIF! Thanks to Mashable.com, we can now provide you with the perfect way to start off your weekend. Check out the Top 10 Funny Dog Videos on YouTube!

Let us know which video is your favorite on our Facebook page. Have a great weekend!

To watch all of the videos, please CLICK HERE.

'Need to Know' Facts Before Purchasing a Cat

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Often times when people consider adopting a pet, if they have a demanding schedule or other obligations, they tend to lean towards cats thinking they are less maintenance than a dog. 

While this may be generally true, have you ever stopped to think about how much work a cat really is?  If you've answered no, take a look at some of the below 'need to know' facts before making any commitments:

• Cats are a lifelong obligation - they can live up to 20 or more years of age. You must be ready to supply food, water, and love to your feline companion for that length of time.
• Prior to bringing your new pet home, be sure to have all the basic supplies such as food, water bowl, litter box, toys, etc. Cats are naturally curious animals so don’t forget to cat-proof your house before they start exploring! Small objects or strings will become your kitty's new obsessions.
• Introduce your cat to their litter box right away. Make sure they know where the box is located and refrain from moving the box after they establish the location. It’s important to clean the box at least twice a day to avoid a full, dirty litter box.
• Decide on indoors or outdoors. Most cats don’t actually need to go outside; inside cats tend to live longer since they easily avoid diseases from other outdoor critters.
• While cats are pretty self sufficient, they do still enjoy your company. Spend time at home and get to know your cat - you’ll start to learn when your kitty needs more attention than other times. Also, if you have any small children, introduce your cat to them and teach them how to properly hold and approach the cat.
• Make sure you have the proper finances to care for your cat. Usually, the annual cost can range from $800 - $1,000. This includes medical costs, toys, food, and litter. If your cat gets sick or needs other medical attention, the medical cost will change depending on what the problem is.

We hope the above has helped in your future pet adopting decisions. Cats are great companions but like all pets require love and care. Should you plan on adding a cat to your household contact us to schedule your kitty's first check up!

For more tips regarding getting a cat, click here »

If you're interested in learning more about the Bregman Veterinary Group, please visit us on the web at www.bregmanvetgroup.com. 

New Additions To Our YouTube Channel

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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Have you checked out our YouTube Channel lately? We've added a couple of new videos that you don't want to miss out on!

Let us know what you think on our Facebook page! For more information on the Bregman Veterinary Group, visit us online at www.bregmanvetgroup.com.

Prepare A First Aid Kit For Your Pets

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Having an emergency first aid kit ready to go at home for your pets can be extremely beneficial to your furry friends health. An emergency kit may come in handy if your pet is injured and you can't get them to the veterinarian immediately.

You can assemble a first aid kid for your pets by gathering a couple of items from around the house. What items are in your pets first aid kit? Let us know on our Facebook page.

Here are a few items to include in the first aid kit:

• Cotton Balls and Swabs
• Scissors and Bandage Scissors 
• Tweezers
• Eye droppers or syringe 
• Sterile Gauze Pads
• First Aid Tape
• Antibacterial Ointment
• Antiseptic Wipes or Wash
• Muzzle
• Leash
• Sterile Eye Wash
• Nail Trimmer
• Thermometer 
• Phone Number for your Veterinarian 

If you have any questions about how to prepare a first aid kit for your pet, give us a call today at any one of The Bregman Vet Group locations.

Are You Looking For a Veterinarian For Your Pets?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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Are you looking for a veterinarian for your pet? The Bregman Veterinary Group has over 50 years of combined veterinary experience. Through our experience and dedication, we’re able to provide your pets with the most modern and up to date veterinary care available.

Hear what some of our clients are saying about their experience with us. For more information on the Bregman Veterinary Group, visit us online today at www.bregmanvetgroup.com

“I am very happy with the level of service myself and my animals receive at 5^th Avenue Cat Clinic.”

-Leonie C.

“I always feel totally confident about the care my cat receives at The Cat Hospital from Dr. Eric Bregman. Cleo has had many of her “nine lives” saved by Dr. Bregman.”

-Andrea G.

“I've been a client for many years and have seen numerous doctors over the years. Very satisfied overall and I recommend your clinic to everyone who asks.”

-Joseph Y, of Paws and Claws Vet Hospital

“When I first took Shoes Alexander to the 5^th Avenue Cat Clinic he was very sick and had been seen by several other Veterinary Hospitals. You were my last hope and 2 years later, Shoes is still with me. There are no words to express the depth of my gratitude. Thank you!!!”

-Angela T. 

American Red Cross Pet First Aid App

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

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The American Red Cross has come out with a convenient and helpful app for smartphones and tablets. The pet First Aid App is dedicated entirely to your furry friends!

The app provides safety tips, quizzes and instructional videos for cats and dogs. You can even register your veterinarian and pet on the app!

More features include:

• Pet hotel locator
• Tips for traveling with your pet
• Pet profiles
• Poison control tips
• Preventative care
• Medication help
• Allergy care

(Photos Courtesy of Google Images) 

To learn more about the Red Cross Pet First Aid App, please CLICK HERE.

If you have any other pet health concerns, please contact Bregman Veterinary Group at any one of our locations. For more information, please visit www.bregmanvetgroup.com.