Valentines Day for Pets

Show your furry friend some extra love this Valentine’s day with some fun ideas and things to do for them! Here is a list of ideas to consider doing with or for your pet this Valentines.

• Just like kids enjoy the toy store and picking out what they want, your pet does too. Many pet stores have an open door policy for leashed pets, so take them in and let them smell around the shelves for that perfect toy to take home and start playing with. 
• Avoid the candy aisle for your furry friends Valentine’s day treat. Instead look for a Pet Bakery, this new phenomenon is becoming common all over, and they specialize in making treats that meet a pet’s dietary restrictions. Or if your feeling extra creative you could try making your own home made treats!
• Plan a day just for them. Maybe an extended walk or park adventure for the ones that love running around. Forget about the rough day at the office and relax and enjoy the time with your furry friend. Not only will this benefit your pet and their health, but yours as well! 
• Schedule some social time with fellow pet owners to get your furry friends together and enjoy some social time of your own while doing so. 

Whether February 14th is your favorite time of year or not, think outside the typical flowers and chocolates box when you’re planning out Valentine's Day with your pet. Be creative, have fun and remember it’s about letting your furry friend know they are appreciated and LOVED!

How to (Safely) Spoil Your Pets This Valentine's Day

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Valentine's Day is right around the corner!  As you start to think of ways to shower your loved ones this weekend, don't forget about your pets!  Your cat or dog will appreciate the extra love.

 

Celebrate Valentine's Day With...

 

With Lots of Playtime

New toys can be the perfect way to treat your pet.  Try the DIY route with these simple toys or pick up a new one at the store!  Spending quality time playing with your pets is a great way to show them affection.

With a Long Walk

If the weather cooperates, take your pet for a walk.  The fresh air and exercise is good for both you and your pet!

With Catnip

Cats go crazy for catnip.  Just the smell will leave them happily rolling or meowing.  Look for toys that have catnip in them as a special Valentine's Day treat for your feline friend.

With Baked Treats

Try your hand at baking a gourmet treat for your pet!  This recipe for Valentine's Day cranberry hearts for your pup or this recipe for Catnip Kitty Treats for your feline friend.

Your pets will appreciate the extra treats - just be careful of overdoing it on the extra calories.

Of course, you should also keep a few safety concerns in mind.  Some of the ways that we like to celebrate Valentine's Day can be unsafe for our pets.

 

Be Careful Of...

Chocolate

Every pet owner knows that chocolate can be potentially life-threatening.  Be sure to keep chocolate (especially dark chocolate) out of your pet's reach.  If your pet does accidentally find it's way into your chocolate supply, be sure to give our office a call.

Cocktails

Keep an eye on wine or champagne glasses (and spills).  Even a small amount of alcohol can be toxic to your pet.

Toxic Bouquets

Be mindful of what kinds of floral arrangements are sent to your home for Valentine's Day.  Lilies and rose thorns can be dangerous if your pet gets a hold of them.

Lit Candles

Candle flames can provide a beautiful evening glow, but be sure to blow them out before you leave the room.  You don't want your pet to accidentally burn themselves or knock over the candle when you're not around.

If you have any questions about your pet's health this weekend, we encourage you to contact one of our offices.  We're here to help you keep your pet's happy and healthy year-round.

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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Keep These Valentine's Day Gifts Away From Your Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Valentine's Day is a time for showing your loved ones how much you care, but certain treats can be dangerous and toxic to your furry friends.  Celebrate a pet-friendly Valentine's Day by keeping these common toxins away from your pet.

Valentine's Treats to Avoid:

• Roses - Although the flower itself won't seriously poison your pet (beyond an upset stomach), the thorns can cause trauma to the mouth and paws.  Look out for signs of vomiting,diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, discomfort, drooling and reduced appetite.  These are all signs that your pet may have found its way to your Valentine's Day roses.
• Lilies - Lilies can be used as an alternative to Valentine's Day roses.  However, lilies are extremely toxic to your pets.  They can cause acute kidney failure within one to two days of exposure in cats.
• Chocolates - Chocolate and cocoa contain a chemical called theobromine.  This ingredient is highly toxic to both dogs and cats.  The darker the chocolate is, the more theobromine the candy contains.  Semi-sweet and dark chocolate are toxic to pets, while white chocolate has very little theobromine.
• Chocolate Covered Raisins - Not only is chocolate likely to cause a stomach problem, pets are sensitive to both grapes and raisins.  Even if your pet ingests just a small number of grapes or raisins, it's considered an emergency.
• Xylitol - While the name xylitol might not seem familiar to you, xylitol is a common sweetener.  Many colorful Valentine's Day candies, sugar-free cakes and muffin mixes contain Xylitol.  When ingested, xylitol can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, as well as liver damage.

If you suspect your pet has come into contact with any of these harmful Valentine's Day toxins, give our office a call.  Our veterinarians can help determine the reason behind why your pet isn't feeling well and provide proper decontamination and care.  Visit our website to learn more about Bregman Vet Group and how we can help your pet stay healthy.

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Valentines Day Safety For Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

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.

Happy Valentine's Day from the Bregman Veterinary Group!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Happy Valentine's Day from the Bregman Veterinary Group! We hope that you enjoy your day with your furry friends and show them just how much you love them!

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