Introducing Your Dog to a New Baby

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Bringing home a new baby is an exciting time.  While you make adjustments to your own life, you should take the time to gradually adjust your dog’s life too.  Now that you have new responsibilities, your pet care schedule is likely to change.  Here are a few tips to help you and your dog adjust to life with a newborn.

Dog Introduction Tips:

• Bad Habits – Everyone gets a bit lax on the discipline from time to time.  However, now is the time to ensure your dog is well-behaved for your child’s safety.
• Grooming - Make sure that there isn’t pet hair hanging around and that your dog doesn’t bring dirt into the house.
• Acclimate – When your new baby arrives, it is going to be your number one priority.  Unfortunately, this means that you might be spending less quality time with your dog.  Gradually adjust your pet by practicing baby routines throughout the day so that your pet learns how to entertain itself for a few hours of the day.
• Introduction – Try to introduce your dog to your friends’ babies.  This experience will give them a better understanding of what it will be like when your newborn arrives home.
• Dog Sitting –Make sure that you schedule time for any dog walkers/sitters, depending on your work and life schedule.
• Exercise – Before introducing your pet, let them exercise.  This will reduce your dog’s energy and help make sure that he or she is calmer when around the baby.

Don’t wait until the baby is born to make these changes.  Give your pet plenty of time to adjust to everything associated with your newborn.  Contact Bregman Vet Group if you have any questions regarding your pet!

Introducing Your Child to a New Pet

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Have you decided to buy or adopt a new pet?  During this exciting time, we encourage you to teach your kids how to interact with this new member of your family.  Here are a few tips to help your kids adjust to a new cat or dog.

How to Interact With a New Pet:

•  Be Gentle – Make sure that kids know to interact with your new pet in a non-threatening way.  Allow your pet to sniff and become familiar with your kids.  Offering a low, closed fist or open palm is a great way to become introduced.
• Be Cautious – New pets are often scared and timid.  Emphasize personal space and keep your kids at a safe distance to make sure that they don’t feel overcrowded.
• Be Calm – Pets react differently from humans.  Loud noises and quick movements can startle them.  Your new pet will feel more at ease if you are gentle and attentive.
• Be Aware of Warning Signs – It is easier for adults to judge when an animal feels uncomfortable.  If your pet turns their head, walks away, puts their ears back, cowers, hides their tail, or bares their teeth, kids should know that it is not a good time to play.

Read more about how you can introduce your child to a new pet here.  New pet owners can also contact any of the Bregman Vet Group offices for advice, medical care, and new pet assistance.   

The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

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We recommend that everyone considers spaying or neutering their pet.  While the procedure primarily prevents unwanted litters, it also offers several life-long health benefits to pets.  Here are just a few benefits that spaying or neutering can offer.

5 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet:

Source: Flickr

• Life Expectancy – Spaying your female pet before her first heat helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer.  Neutering also prevents testicular cancer in males if done before they reach six months old.
• Heat – Female cats will go into heat 4-5 days every three weeks during breeding season.  Spaying your cat will avoid many of the side effects associated with cats in heat, including yowling and urinating all over the house.
• Safety – Neutering will keep your pet from roaming to find a mate and risking injury.
• Behavior – Unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine around the house.  This aggression can be avoided by early neutering.
• Strays – Stay animals are a serious problem in many parts of the country.  Spaying and neutering your pet can help reduce the number of animals on the streets.

To learn more about the benefits of spaying and neutering, visit the ASPCA website or contact one of our offices in Brooklyn or on Long Island.  

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! 

Are You Looking For a Veterinarian For Your Pets?

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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

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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.

Table Foods to Keep Away from Pets

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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

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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.

Fall Safety Tips for Pets

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Fall is here. With the leaves changing color and the crisp air all around, we’re sure you want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather with your furry friends before winter sets in.

There are a few things you should be careful of while you’re outdoors with your pets this fall. Below are a few dangers to avoid this fall to ensure your pets are safe. If you have any additional tips on keeping pets safe, let us know on our Facebook page.

• Antifreeze
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Mushrooms
• Compost Pile
• Rodenticides
• Candy
• Thanksgiving
• Cold Weather
• Decorations
• Plants 

Check out the Cat Hospital

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The Cat Hospital in Williston Park is the perfect place to bring your cat to get the care he/she deserves. The Cat Hospital is a feline only hospital and we provide an atmosphere that will make your pet feel comfortable and peaceful.

Check out what the Long Island Cat Hospital has to offer by watching our YouTube video below. For more information about the Cat Hospital and to schedule your appointment, please CLICK HERE. 

Social Media Reminder - Are You Connected with The Bregman Veterinary Group?

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Are you connected with the Bregman Veterinary Group? Find our social media pages and connect with us today!


FOLLOW us on Twitter @Bregmanvetgroup
LIKE our Facebook Page
VIEW our videos on YouTube
PIN our photos on Pinterest
VIEW our photos on Flickr
READ our blog posts right here on Blogger

The Bregman Veterinary Group has locations in both Long Island and in Brooklyn. We have over 50 years combined veterinary experience, and are able to provide your pets with the most modern and up to date veterinary care available.

Contact one of our locations today if you have any questions or are interested in more information.

The Cat Hospital: (877) 228-4131
5th Avenue Cat Clinic: (718) 398-1187
Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital: (718) 782-8387

Interested in Teaching Your Pet New Tricks?

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Are you tired of teaching your dog the same old boring tricks like sit and give paw? Dogs can be very intelligent, and with the proper training, they can be taught many of the same things that humans can do.  An article on sheknows.com has outlined a few tips on how to teach your furry friend some new and unusual tricks!

Have you ever seen the videos of dogs hopping on skateboards and going for a ride and wished your pup could do it too?  Well this is not an easy trick to learn, but can definitely be taught by taking small steps.  The first thing you want to do is get your dog used to the skateboard by making it stable.  You can use beanbags, weights or even remove the wheels.  Feed him a treat every time he puts a paw on the board to reinforce that this is positive behavior.  Once he become a bit more comfortable you can begin to manually put his paws on the board and eventually get his entire body on it, still giving him positive praise and treats whenever he interacts with the skateboard.  Once he seems secure on his new toy, start to get him moving with small pushes and tugs.  Eventually your pup will be flying around on his skateboard having a great time. 

For more tips on how to teach your dog other unusual tricks like opening and closing doors, salute, shoot hoops and more, click here!

Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to receive more tips like this & much more! You can also visit us online at www.BregmanVetGroup.com.

Have You Heard of Pet Flipping?

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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. 

Would You Bring Your Pet to a Pet Psychic?

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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. 

How Can The Bregman Veterinary Group Serve You and Your Furry Friends?

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The Bregman Veterinary Group has three locations that are full service veterinary hospitals! We offer a full array of preventative veterinary medicine including wellness exams and routine vaccine protocols. We perform routine surgical procedures as well, including spay and neuters. We also offer feline boarding and prescription pet foods for many metabolic diseases by Hills, Purina, and Royal Canin.

Some of the more advanced services we offer are listed below:

•  Dental prophylaxis with Digital Dental X-RAY
• Veterinary medicine including laboratory evaluation of blood urine and tissue
• Advanced imaging including digital radiology and ultrasound with the incorporation of board certified radiologists to review the images
• Endoscopic procedures and biopsy of the upper gastrointestinal tract
• Soft tissue and orthopedic surgery including bone plating
• Surgical CO2 Lasers that decrease pain, swelling, bleeding and recovery time 

If your pet needs any of these services, call us at one of our locations! You can read more about us by CLICKING HERE or visiting us on our Facebook page. 

Pets - The Long Survivors of The Recession

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Luckily for your pets, they have not fallen victim to the current economic crisis. In fact, a new report published by the Bureau of Labor revealed that from 2007-2011, pet spending has remained consistent. Pet owners continue to spend an extensive amount of money on caring for their animal companions. According to WTOP.com, in 2011 alone, pet owners spent a total of $61.4 billion on pet care – and that’s not including fish!

Here are a few statistics, published by the Bureau of Labor on pet spending in 2011: 

• 75% of U.S households have pets, meaning the average household spent over $500 in pet care. That’s more than they spent on men’s clothing ($404).
• Homeowners went out to eat less at restaurants, but continued to spend the same amount on food for their pets.
• The average household spent $183 on pet food, which is more than they spent on bread ($107).
• Married couples without kids at home were the heaviest spenders on their pets.

 The Bregman Veterinary Group encourages all pet owners to spend an adequate amount of money on pet food and care!

Do you find these statistics to run true in your household? Let us know what you think about these facts on our Facebook Page! 

Poisonous Plants to Keep Away from Your Pets!

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With the warm weather finally here to stay, we’re sure that you’ll be spending a lot more time outdoors with your pets the next few months!

Although everyone loves the warm months, pet owners must be extra careful and keep a close eye on pets this time of the year, especially when plants are in bloom!

Here is a list courtesy of www.aspca.com of 17 poisonous plants! If you’re a pet owner, it’s extremely important you don’t leave any of these plants lying around your house or plant them in your garden!

• Lilies
• Marijuana
• Sago Palm
• Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
• Azalea/Rhododendron
• Oleander
• Castor Bean
• Cyclamen
• Kalanchoe
• Yew
• Amaryllis
• Autumn Crocus
• Chrysanthemum
• English Ivy
• Peace Lily
• Pothos
• Schefflera

For more information on pet safety, visit us on the web at www.BregmanVetGroup.com! 

Tips to Help Save on Pet Care Costs!

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Did you know that Americans spent $50 billion on their pets last year? If you’re a pet owner, you've probably noticed that pets can get pricey! Here are 10 tips to help you save on pet care costs!

Find the right pet/breed for your budget- There are many factors when considering what kind of pet to bring into your home. You may want to ask yourself questions such as: Do I have the time to provide long walks and activities to fulfill the needs of a larger dog? Would a smaller dog or indoor cat be a better fit for my household?

Adopt a pet- If you’re on a tight budget and looking to do a good deed- adopting a pet is a great option for you.

Find coupons for food and toys- If you do your research, there are plenty of deal sites out there on the web that cater to pet freebies and promotions! Another great way to save money is to buy your pet food in bulk.

Invest in preventative care- Be sure to keep up with routine vet checkups for your pets. This can help dodge bigger medical issues and bills in the future.

Treat illness promptly- Don’t put off vet care until an illness worsens – this will most likely result in your vet bill costing an arm and a leg for care!

Consider pet insurance- Many people have different opinions on pet insurance and question whether it’s worth it or not. However, in some cases, the right pet insurance could help alleviate big financial blows of medical emergencies.

Learn DIY (do it yourself) grooming- Grooming your pet each month can become extremely expensive. You can learn to groom your pet on your own or you can choose a pet breed that is low-maintenance.

Invest in training- Pet training isn't cheap, however, having a well-behaved pet can reduce the likelihood of accidents happening later on. For example, if you train your dog to get along well with other dogs, it is less likely your pet will have a bad run in with your neighbor’s dog!

Find a reasonably priced sitter- There are many ways to find reasonably priced pet care if you’re going out of town. Start by asking your veterinarian for recommendations! Make sure that your pet sitter is bonded, insured and certified by a professional organization!

Skip the fancy extras- Skip the pricey toys, gourmet foods and treats and the trendy pet clothes – they really add up!

Do you have any other additional tips to help save on pet care costs? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE!