Pet Owners Need to Protect Against Ticks in an Urban Environment

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's that time of year again -- with the warm, spring weather also comes flea and tick protection.  Even in the city, pet owners need to protect their pets.

The American Dog Tick doesn't just inhabit forests, it is also commonly found on urban wildlife, including raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels.  Even if you don't venture out onto any nature trails, your pet is still at risk in your backyard or at the city park.

Although it's called the American Dog Tick, this tick can affect cats, too!  That's why it's so important that both your dogs and cats are protected against ticks as we move into the warmer spring weather.

If you have any questions about how to protect your pets against ticks, how to identify them, or how to remove them, contact our office!  Our experienced and trained staff will help you keep your pet happy and healthy through the spring and summer months.

Please contact one of our offices below with any questions you have about caring for your pet this spring!

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

Wet vs. Dry Food

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Deciding on the right food for your pet can be tough.  There are hundreds of different brands, flavors, textures and varieties.  When it comes to choosing wet pet food or dry pet food -- which is the right one for your pet's needs?

Benefits of Wet Food:
Wet food helps your pet stay hydrated.  If your pet is reluctant to drink enough water, wet pet food might be the right choice for them.

It's also a great choice for older pets with missing teeth or poorly aligned jaws, who are more likely to eat foods that are richer in flavor.

Benefits of Dry Food:
It is much easier to store dry food.  It can be left out for your pet to eat at their own pace.  There is no need to worry about the food spoiling when left out.  It's fresh and cost-effective.  Some foods can even clean their teeth as your pet chews.

Consider your lifestyle and your pet's health needs when determining what type of pet food is best for your furry friend.  If you're still not sure, contact one of our offices below.  We can help you discuss any of your pet's dietary needs.

Please contact one of our offices below with any questions you have about caring for your pet this spring!

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

How to Start Spring Off on the Right Foot (or paw)

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Hello, Spring! We're looking forward to spending time outside with our pets, soaking in the sun!  As we get ready for all of the activities that come with spring, we need to remember that with the change in seasons comes a new set of pet safety tips to keep in mind.  

We hope that these tips will help you start spring off on the right foot (or paw)!

Be Mindful When Gardening -  Certain popular spring flowers are poisonous to our furry friends.  Be careful when deciding what to plant in your garden or keep inside of your home.  Easter lilies, Chrysanthemums, Hydrangea, and Carnations are just a few of the flowers that can upset your pet's stomach.

Put Cleaning Products Away - Warmer days are perfect for spring cleaning, but don't forget to put your cleaners away!  Pet owners should also be mindful of what they are using to clean the floors and other surfaces that your pets might come into contact with on a regular basis.

Make Identification Simple with Microchips -  Now that your pets will be spending more time outside on walks, it's a good time to make sure that your pet is equipped with proper identification.  In the unfortunate event that your pet is lost, microchips help your pet return safely back to your family. 

Protect Your Pet Against Ticks and Fleas - It's tick and flea season!  Make sure your pet is protected with a preventative treatment before they head outside.

Be Careful When Using Fertilizers and Pesticides - Certain chemicals can be harmful for your pets.  If your lawn has recently been treated, 

keep your pet off of the grass.

Keep Your Pets Groomed - With the weather getting warmer, you'll want to keep your pets well groomed.  This will help them stay cool on hot days!

Please contact one of our offices below with any questions you have about caring for your pet this spring!

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

What Flowers Can You Plant This Year?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's National Plant a Flower Day!  What better time to start planning your spring garden?

Whether you add them to your backyard or to your kitchen window sill, plants are a great way to brighten up your space.  Before you head out to your local garden center, you'll want to check to see what types of plants are safe for your furry friends first.

Cats sleep wherever they feel like it.

Our pets have a tendency to get into everything and although some plants are beautiful - they can also be toxic to your cat or dog. Below, you can see a few plants you should avoid, and what you should buy instead.

Cats

What plants are toxic to cats?

Easter Lilies

Tiger Lilies

Azaleas

Branching Ivy

Carnations

Chamomile

Chrysanthemums

Geraniums

Hibiscus

Hydrangea

What should you plant instead?

Basil

Blue Daisy

Canterbury-Bell

Cape Marigold

Jasmine

Cushion Aloe

Impatience Plant

Lady Slipper

Dogs

What plants are toxic to dogs?

American Holly

California Ivy

English Ivy

Carnations

Chamomile

Chrysanthemums

Daffodils

Daisies

Dahlias

What should you plant instead?

Basil

Boston Fern

Butterfly Iris

Cape Marigold

Canterbury-Bell

Cucumber

Dallas Fern

Be sure to check this complete list before heading out to pick up plants and seeds today.  

If you're not sure if a plant is safe for your pet, or your pet has accidentally ingested a toxic plant, give our office a call!  You can reach one of our three NY practices below:

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

Why Does My Pet Have Itchy Paws?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Itchy paws?  This is a common (and frustrating) problem among our furry friends.  

Here are a few of the most common reasons why your pet may be incessantly licking their paws.

Skin Parasites.  
If your pet is allergic to fleas and mites, even a single bite can cause a reaction.  It's important to have your pet checked for parasites.  They should be prescribed a preventative parasite medication, too, especially with spring right around the corner.

Food Allergies.
Have you recently added a new treat to your pet's diet?  Your pet may have a food allergy.  By replacing certain foods in your pet's diet for 8-12 weeks, you can determine if a food allergy is present.   We also do allergy testing in our office to better narrow down your results.

Dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a skin diseases that is caused by environmental allergens, like dust and pollen.  If you notice that your pet is licking their paws during certain seasons, it could be due to an environmental allergy.  We can test your pet through skin test or blood sample to see what allergens he or she is allergic to.

Surface Allergies.
Your floor surfaces, lawn, patio, etc., are all topical surfaces your pet comes into contact with.  Your pet may be allergic to certain chemicals, lawn fertilizers, detergents, etc.!

If you notice that your pet is licking their paws frequently, it's best to bring your dog or cat into one of our offices to have them examined.  During a veterinary visit, we can help you determine the reason behind your pet's paw licking and help them find some relief.

f you have any questions about your pet or your pet's health, don't hesitate to contact one of our offices!  We are here to answer all of the questions you have!

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

Dog Biscuit Recipes for Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Happy Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day!

Although nobody seems to know the origins of this holiday, it's a great way to celebrate with your pet by making healthy treats for the occasion.  Here are a few DIY dog biscuit recipes you might want to try tonight.

Dog Biscuit Recipes:

Spinach, Carrot and Zucchini Dog Treats
Dog treats are notorious for having tons of extra calories.  This recipe is a little bit healthier than a biscuit you would buy in the store!

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  In a bowl, beat 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup peanut butter, and 2 large eggs on medium high.  Then, you can gradually add 1/2 cup of old fashioned oats, and 2.5 cups of flour at a low speed.  Lastly, add 1/4 cup flour until the dough is no longer sticky.  Add 1 pealed carrot, 1 shredded zucchini, and 1 cup of baby spinach, beating until mixed.

On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough and use a rolling pin to roll into a 1/4 thick sheet.  Use your favorite cookie cutter shapes to cut out your biscuits and place them into the oven.  Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Visit this website for the complete recipe.

Blueberry Dog Biscuits
This recipe for blueberry dog biscuits has flax and blueberries with vitamins that are good for your growing pup.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, mix 1.5 cups oat flour, 2.5 cups quinoa flour, .75 cup flax meal, .5 cup frozen, unsweetened blueberries, .25 cup olive oil and one large egg.  Mix to form a dough and roll out the mixture between two sheets of plastic wrap.  Use a cookie cutter to make your biscuits.  Space biscuits about 1 inch apart and bake for 30 minutes, until brown.

View the complete Martha Stewart recipe here.

Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats
Coconut oil has been shown to improve metabolism and overall wellness - so why not include some in your dog's next treat?

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and combine 3 cups of old fashioned oats, 2 ripe bananas, 1/4 cup of peanut butter and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a bowl.  On a lightly floured surface, knead your dough mixture.  Use a rolling pin to roll the dough and cut the biscuits into your shape of choice.  Place in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are brown.

Visit this website for the complete recipe.

If you have any questions about your pet or your pet's health, don't hesitate to contact one of our offices!  We are here to answer all of the questions you have!

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

Why Your Pet Needs an Annual Veterinary Exam

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

When was the last time your pet came into one of our offices?  

Annual vet check-ups are an essential part of your pet's health and wellness.   Although your pet may not be feeling ill, an annual exam will help catch any health problems early on, as well as prevent problems from affecting your pet. 

What should you cover in your pet's annual veterinary exam?

Physical Exam

During your pet's physical exam, we will check your pet's temperature.  The condition of their skin and coat is also a good indicator 

of your pet's health and diet. 

Fleas & Ticks

During your vet visit, we check for fleas, ticks and worm infestations.  We also offer treatments to prevent parasites and tips on how to check for them on a regular basis - especially if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations help prevent certain diseases from affecting your pet.  It's important that your pet has their core vaccinations - especially their rabies vaccination.  The rabies vaccination is required annually or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine used. 

Dental Cleanings

February is National Pet Dental Health Month!  Your annual check-up is the perfect time to schedule a dental cleaning for your pet.  During a dental cleaning, we can check to see if your pet has any signs of gingivitis.  We can help prevent smelly dog breath!

Allergy Testing

You're not the only one suffering from allergies.  Dogs and cats can suffer from allergies.  You might notice your pet itching, licking or sneezing due to allergies.  We can perform an allergy test to determine the reason behind your pet's allergies, as well as offer suggestions on how to ease the symptoms.

If your pet is due for an annual exam, contact one of our offices 

below to schedule an appointment!

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest