5 Tips to Improving Your Cat’s Diet

 

Our four-legged companions mean the world to us, that’s why it’s important to take great care of them so they can live long, healthy lives. There are so many options when it comes to cat food, which can be confusing for pet owners. While choosing organic expensive food can feel like the way to go, it’s important to understand these basic tips and tricks to improving your cat’s diet. 

 

Instead of kibble, try canned food for your cat’s diet

 

Kibble may seem like a great option when it comes to cat food, but in reality, it doesn’t contain all of the nutrients they need. Most kibble is lower in animal proteins, which cats need for a healthy diet, and extremely low in water which isn’t great for your pet. Instead of grabbing a bag of kibble at the store, you should check out the canned food. This food generally contains much more water and tends to be higher in animal proteins.

 

Pay attention to your cat’s weight

 

We’ve all seen cats of various sizes but finding the sweet spot when it comes to weight for your cat is key to them living a healthy lifestyle. It’s important to try and avoid obesity, which can be dangerous for a cat and possibly lead to many health problems. Try to avoid overfeeding your cat and make sure to consult a veterinarian if you think your cat’s diet could use some improving.

 

Water is key

 

Cats in the wild typically get water from their prey, but with canned food (and especially kibble), they may not be getting the right amount of hydration. Having fresh water readily available is important and encourages your cat to stay hydrated. Make sure to change the water often so it’s as fresh as possible for your furry friend.

 

Cats eat smaller meals throughout the day

 

In nature, cats eat smaller meals a few times throughout the day. By mirroring this diet and feeding small, repeated meals, you’re mimicking their natural habits and helping them maintain a healthy diet. While it may feel easier to leave food sitting out all day, be careful to watch and make sure your cat isn’t overeating. 

 

Stay away from toxic foods

 

While these tips are some of the top tips to improving your cat’s diet, there are a few key foods the AVMA says you should avoid. Some of the foods to stay away from include chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, and avocados. 

 

In addition to these tips and tricks, keeping food and water bowls clean and placing them away from litter boxes are also good ways to help your cat stay healthy. If you have questions about your cat’s diet you should make sure to consult your veterinarians. Veterinarians can also help you select food specific to your cat’s needs. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment, reach out to our team at the Bregman Veterinary Group. We’re here to help you take amazing care of your feline best friend!

4 Ways to Help Your Pet Recover from Surgery

 

Surgery can be incredibly stressful on anybody, especially when it’s performed on your pet. That’s why it’s important that you know just how to take extra care of your pet while they’re recovering. While it’s impossible to tell how long recovery will take, there are clues that show fast your pet might recover. Things like their health, age, and procedure type factor into the speed at which they'll get back to feeling better.

 

After surgery your pet will need to rest

 

Immediately following surgery, your pet will likely be sleepy and lethargic for the first 12-24 hours. That’s why it’s crucial that you let them rest with minimal movement throughout those initial hours. To keep your pet as cozy as possible, you may want to give them plenty of bedding or blankets. Keep in mind these might come in contact with the site of the wound so having clean bedding is important. Dimly lit, quiet rooms will help give your pet a sense of calm and allow them the space to rest.

 

Limit their movement

 

If your pet moves too much right after surgery, they run the risk of not healing properly (or at all). This means that if your dog or cat is particularly hyper, you may need to put them in a space that makes it hard for a lot of activity. Confining your pet and restricting their movement will encourage them to slow down and focus on healing. 

 

Pay particular attention to the medications prescribed to your pet

 

When you leave the veterinarian’s office or pet ER, you’ll receive instructions on any post-op medications to use. It’s incredibly important to pay attention to the instructions on when and how to use these. Some of the antibiotics given may help prevent infection and others can help relieve any post-op discomfort or pain. To make sure your pet is getting the care they need, following these instructions can be the key.

 

Check the wound often for any sign of infection

 

Infections happen, especially around the site of an incision. Keeping your pet comfortable and following medical instructions can help and monitoring the site of a surgical incision alone is your best bet. If you are unsure of how to check for signs of infection, make sure to consult your veterinarian before leaving the hospital. Infections can be extremely painful, so it’s important you check the wound often and take the proper steps to fixing it should you suspect infection. 

 

While some procedures can be done without anesthesia, there are often times when the surgery needs to be done for a pet that is asleep. The AVMA recommends a few key things to reduce your pet’s risk with anesthesia. First, you’ll want to make sure your veterinarian is aware of all medications and supplements your pet is taking. You should also mention if they have ever had a reaction before to anesthesia. You’ll also want to follow your veterinarian’s instructions before anesthesia, especially regarding food and medications.

 

Following these steps will help lead your pet to a speedy recovery, but it’s important you check in with your veterinarian before driving away after the appointment. Because each surgery affects every pet differently and some are more invasive than others, there may be extra steps you need to follow. If you have any questions about how to help your pet recover from surgery or would like to schedule a consultation, reach out to our team at the Bregman Veterinary Group today!  Just remember, a little bit of rest, relaxation and care will go a long way and help your best friend to feel better in no time!

Everything You Need to Know About the Canine Flu

 

Flu season is just around the corner, and humans aren’t the only ones affected. As the cold days of winter set in, reports of canine flu happen more frequently. When your furry friends start showing flu-like symptoms, it’s important to get them the help they need. The first steps to taking care of your dog is through understanding the symptoms and knowing what to do should you suspect your pup is feeling under the weather.

 

What is the canine flu?

 

The canine flu is also commonly referred to as the dog flu. The CDC defines it as a contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It is caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs. There are two specific Type A canine influenza viruses in the United States, H3N2 and H3N8.  It’s important to know that there is no evidence of the spread of canine influenza viruses from dogs to humans. Although people can’t catch this virus, it’s common in dogs, especially as the weather turns colder and can be dangerous.

 

How is the virus spread?

 

Unfortunately, the canine flu is extremely contagious and can be spread from one dog to another quite easily. Similar to how viruses spread among people, the canine flu is airborne. That means if dogs come in contact with another dog that has the flu or an infected object, they can easily catch it. During colder months it’s best to be mindful of areas where you will find many dogs like pet stores, dog parks, groomers, etc.

 

Objects are also important to keep an eye on because the virus can live up to 48-hours on a surface. Some examples of contaminated objects include crates, collars/ leashes, and water dishes. If you think you may have come in contact with a sick dog, make sure to wash your hands and anything it may have touched before handling your dog.

What are the symptoms?

 

The canine flu has many of the same symptoms we as humans notice when we become sick. Some of the most common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny eyes/ nose, fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. They can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and range in level of severity. Because it varies from dog to dog, it’s important you monitor how your pup is feeling consistently.

 

How can you treat canine flu?

 

Treatment of the canine flu varies from case to case, but the basic principles are the same. As soon as you notice any symptoms of the flu, we recommend you consult your veterinarian. They can test your pup for the virus and give you specific instructions on how to care for your dog. Making sure your dog is drinking plenty of water and is resting often can help keep them comfortable while recovering. Something to keep in mind when going to the vet, is you should call them before entering the building. This will help reduce the risk of other pets catching the virus and keep your pup safe.

 

Is there a vaccine available?

 

There are vaccines available for both H3N8 and H3N2 as well as one that combines the two. The AVMA states that these are “lifestyle” vaccines and the decision is solely based on a dog’s risk of exposure. If you’re considering vaccinating your pup, make sure to consult with your veterinarian to determine if your dog needs it.

 

Understanding the symptoms and causes of canine flu is a great way to help protect your pet, especially as colder months approach. Keep an eye on your furry friend and avoid spending a ton of time in areas with many dogs during the peak of flu season. If you notice any flu-like symptoms in your dog, it’s important to give your veterinarian a call right away. To set up an appointment with us at the Bregman Veterinary Group, reach out to us today!

Welcoming a New Cat

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Adopting a new cat is an exciting time.  However, you always want to make sure that your new kitty feels welcome and at home.  Whether this is your first pet or you are looking for a friend for your current cat, there are a few things that every pet owner should keep in mind when introducing a new cat into their home.

• Identification – This is one of the first things you should do when introducing a new kitty.  It is important to prevent any accidents by being able to easily identify your new pet.
• Toxic Materials – Protect your new pet by hiding bathroom cleaners, laundry detergents and cords, making sure that the plants in your home are non-toxic to cats, and keeping garbage can lids secure.
• Comfort – It’s common for cats to feel overwhelmed when they enter a new home.  Buy your new cat food, toys and a scratching post before they arrive.  This will help them feel comfortable right away.  You can also help the cat feel comfortable by sitting near where it is hiding and speaking gently.
• Kittens – If you are adopting a kitten, it’s highly recommended that you adopt more than one.  Kittens need constant stimulation.  A pair of kittens can keep each other occupied with playing and exploring together.
• Fighting – Play wrestling is normal and healthy for cats.  If the fighting becomes aggressive and involves hissing, then there is a problem.  End territory battles by providing each cat with their own space.

Read more about how you can introduce your new cat here.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have about your new pet.  We are happy to offer tips on how to help you keep your new cat happy and healthy.

Does Your Cat Look Forward To Teeth Brushing Time?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

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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Keep Your Pets Warm and Safe this Holiday Season

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The cold and snow this season can harm your pets. It is essential to keep your pet warm and safe from the frigidness of winter. ABC Action News has great tips to help your pet from falling ill.

Keep your pet indoors this winter, if you have a neighbor who keeps their pet outdoors persuade them to bring the pet in. Pets are easily susceptible to frostbite mostly on the paws, ears, and tail.

If you do keep your pet outside make sure they have proper warm shelter to keep them from getting sick. The weather can lead to hypothermia. Straw can keep a doghouse warm as well as elevating the house off the ground.

Always provide water for your outdoor pets and make sure it does not freeze. Snow is not good enough to hydrate pets. Providing extra food this season will help build body fat to keep your pet warm. Ice melting salt can harm and irritate your pet’s paws.

Some symptoms of hypothermia in dogs include excessive shaking, shallow and slow breathing, slow heart rate, tiredness and muscle stiffness. In some cases a dogs eyes can dilate and their gums can turn pale. In a serious case of hypothermia your dog could potentially fall into a coma. Immediate care is needed to save your pet from hypothermia. If the temperature is too low to restore, hypothermia will become fatal. (ABC Action News)

If you are too cold to be outside then your pet is too. If you see a pet in need and not properly taken care of this winter, be the voice for that pet. Notify the pet’s owner about the damages of the winter.

For more information on this article, please CLICK HERE.

If your pet needs any care this winter season, please give us a call. For more information on Bregman Vet Group, visit us online. 

Are You Communicating with your Pets?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It may sound silly; however, do you ever have a difficult time communicating with your furry friends? Sometimes the way we interact and speak with our friends and family, won’t always work when it comes to your pup.

Your husband or wife may love a hug, or your niece may enjoy a head rub. But if you try that with your pets, you may get a negative reaction.

Here are a few tips, courtesy of parade.com, on how to effectively speak dog!

• Don’t pat his head: Often times, patting a dog’s head is a threatening gesture.
• Don’t stare a dog in his eyes: Many pet experts don’t recommend staring contests with pets.
• Defuse tension with dog by looking away: Dogs can feel aggression. So, looking away from your dog can help ease a tense situation.
• Approach a dog from the side, not head on: Some dogs that are more social will handle being faced head on than a more submissive dog. Approaching a dog from the side is always the better option.
• Get on dog level: If you’re looking to speak with your dog, especially a timid dog, squat down and let the dog approach you. Yelling or barking orders at the dog from higher up can intimidate a pooch.

Let us know what you think of these tips on our Facebook page! 

Would You Bring Your Pet to a Pet Psychic?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

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.