7 Dogs Having Fun in Piles Of Leaves… Guaranteed to make you smile!

1. When you're way too comfortable.

2. Best friends!

3. Best. Day. Ever!

4. Two kids playing with their pup :)

5. Almost missed him!

6. This landing is gonna be EPIC...

7. Freedom!!!

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Fall Safety: The Season of Toxic Mushrooms

Pets are explorers and wanderers, and because of this they are at a higher risk for consuming toxic mushrooms in the fall season. The good news is, 99% of the mushrooms you will find in your yard or on a hike thru the woods are non-toxic, but it is important to remember that dogs and cats are not able to sniff out the toxic ones, so the best solution is to discourage investigation and consumption of mushrooms all together.

Some of the initial symptoms of toxic mushroom consumption include: bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, fever, and elevated heart rate. Without treatment of these symptoms, the pet is at high risk for liver and kidney failure within 3-5 days.

Three of the deadliest mushrooms your dog or cat might consume include:

Pets are attracted to these mushrooms due to their fishy odor.

If your pet may have been poisoned by a mushroom, try to get a sample of what they consumed to aid in identification. Immediately call your veterinarian or poison control center. Stay safe this season and keep an eye on your pet.

Our Recipe for Homemade Dog Biscuits

Baking your own dog biscuits can be a fun way to reward your pet for good behavior… And aside from being a fun activity, they are also healthier for your dog than the store-versions. See below for the recipe for homemade dog biscuits (Recipe credit to Cesar Milan).

*Note: buy all organic ingredients for an even cleaner alternative to store-bought treats!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (substitute regular flour or oats if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
• 1 tsp. salt (or less)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. Beef or chicken Bouillon granules (can substitute beef or chicken broth/stock)
• ½ cup hot water
• Optional: Add bacon or chicken broth, eggs, oats, liver powder, wheat germ, shredded cheese, bacon bits, to (your dog's) taste

Directions

1.    Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.    Dissolve bouillon in hot water

3.    Add remaining ingredients

4.    Knead dough until it forms a ball (approximately 3 minutes)

5.    Roll dough until ½ inch thick

6.    Cut into slices or bone shapes (you can purchase a bone shaped cookie cutter to make shapes with)

7.    Place dough pieces on lightly greased cookie sheet

8.    Cook for 30 minutes

Taking Care of Your New Kitten

It’s well into kitten season, and many people are bringing home a new kitten to become part of their family. Here are some important tips for taking care of your new addition.

1.     Find a safe space. Your new kitten should stay in only one room or an enclosure, such as a cage or pen, so that it can gradually adjust to its new surroundings. Try to find a place without any long curtains, cloth furniture, breakable items, or easily-opened cupboards. In many ways, a new kitten is like a crawling baby, so you may want to install child-proof latches in your home, particularly since kittens love to get into small spaces. Check for any potential dangers including fireplaces, poisonous substances, and plants to make your kitten as safe as possible. And always keep any windows, gates, and doors securely fastened to make sure your kitten stays secure and where you want it to be!

2.     Introduce a litter box. Having your kitten in one room is an important part of litter box training. Place a litter tray with low sides in a corner of the room away from the food and water bowls. It’s a good idea to place a mat or other covering underneath the litter box to make clean-up easier. After your kitten gets used to using the litter box, you’ll be able to move to a container with higher sides to keep litter from spilling out, but at first you want to make the litter box as accessible as possible.

3.     Create a warm haven. It’s a good idea to provide a cardboard box with soft bedding, a cat basket, or a semi-enclosed cat bed so that your cat has a safe place to hide until it’s feeling more confident. You’ll want to make sure that this sleeping space is away from any drafts so your new kitten doesn’t get chilled.

4.     Provide a scratching area. Some cats prefer an upright scratching post while others are drawn to a scratching pad. You may want to offer both at first so that you immediately train your kitten to only scratch on an appropriate surface. This will go a long way towards protecting your furniture and carpets in the long run.

5.     Play with your kitten. While kittens need a lot of sleep, in between naps they will have bursts of playful energy. Spending time playing with them using specific, safe toys that they will become familiar with is another way to channel their innate instincts into activities that don’t interfere with your lifestyle or damage your belongings. And playing with them is also a great way to bond!

6.     Feed your kitten carefully. When you first bring a kitten home, it’s a good idea to feed it the same food as it has already been eating, as a sudden change in diet may cause stomach upset and/or diarrhea. If you want to change their food, do so gradually by mixing it with the food it is used to and gradually increasing the amount of the new food. Kittens should be fed small amounts 3-4 times a day until they are at least six months old, and it’s a good idea to buy a high-quality, name-brand kitten food that has been specially formulated for their nutritional needs.

If you have any questions or concerns about caring for your new kitten, don’t hesitate to contact the veterinary staff at BregmanVeterinary Group. Soon after you welcome your new kitten, you should schedule its first vet appointment, and its first vaccinations should be given at 8-10 weeks of age. We look forward to meeting your new family addition!

Bringing the dog along: Beach Day Edition

The sun is shining, the van is packed and the kids won’t stop kicking and screaming the drivers seat. They say a dog is man’s best friend, but you’re unsure if you can handle the pooch on top of the already hectic environment. Not to fret, bringing the dog along for a beach day doesn’t have to be a hassle – you’ve surely got enough on your plate. Just follow these tips and everyone, dog included, will be taking in some Oceanside rays.

Find a Dog Friendly Beach

It’s important to note that not all beaches allow pets. So, when you have your destination in mind, double check by calling or going online to make sure your little drooling companion is legally able to visit.

Fresh Water, and Plenty of It

Just because Old Yeller spent an hour frolicking in the ocean doesn’t mean he’s hydrated. Make sure you bring along a dish and some fresh water to provide hydration. Salt water, and

Shady Naps

 We all have that one Irish friend who can’t tan. Sure, it’s entertaining to watch as the sun turns him into a lobster by 2 pm, but you don’t want that for your dog. Make sure you have an umbrella or small tent-type shader to provide your mutt shelter from the sun.

Choppy Waves are No Good

Large waves or areas with a lot of boats and jet skis can frighten dogs, so it’s best to stay away. Not to mention, if your dog isn’t the greatest swimmer, you might want to keep them away from heavy wave action.

Facts About Fleas and Ticks

There is no bigger pain on the planet than fleas and ticks – and that’s coming from someone who encounters bad drivers every morning. But, as a fellow pet owner, fleas and ticks take the cake.

What Are Fleas and Ticks?

Fleas are small insects that latch onto your pet. They can find a home on your pet during a walk outside, or even in your home – fleas attach themselves to socks and shoes. Yikes!

When fleas cozy up in your pet’s fur, they feed on blood. They’re mini vampires in this sense. After a while, they’ll look to mate – the females lay eggs, which can fall off your pet and into your home and yard.

Ticks, much like fleas, attach themselves to the pet’s body as well. They’re bloodsuckers as too, capable of transmitting diseases when they bite. The problem, though, is that ticks are subtler about they’re invasion – releasing an anesthetic so the victim doesn’t feel a thing.

Detecting Fleas and Ticks

Fleas tend to leave little dark brown flecks, which can be found combing through your pet’s skin. This coupled with constant scratching is a sure fire sign your pet has a case of the itchy-crawly’s.

When looking for ticks, run your hand along your pet’s body. If you feel a tiny lump or bump, stop and look at it. If the bump is red, almost like a blood blubble, it’s a tick.

Flea and Tick Prevention

While it’s true that fleas and ticks are more prevalent in the summer months, thriving in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees, they can linger indoors during the winter months. This is why it’s good to find a year-round preventative product for your pets. But remember, these products are different for cats and dogs (some dog treatments are toxic to cats, and vice-versa). Visit your veterinarian for more details.

Yes, Your Dog CAN Get a Sunburn!

Summer’s officially here. That means sunny days, lemonade and trips to the ballpark. For your dog, it may also mean getting sunburnt. That’s right, animals can get sunburns as well.

Does My Dog Need Sunscreen?

If your dog is going to be outdoors for a prolonged period of time, yes, he or she needs sunscreen. Dogs with light skin and white fur/hair are the most susceptible to sunburn. According to Richard Goldstein, chief medical officer of the Animal Medical Center in New York City, “A dog’s skin can be damaged by the sun just like our own skin, so they require the same protection against the development of sunburn and skin cancer.”

Sun exposure is at its highest during early morning (10 am) to late-afternoon (4 pm). If your dog finds themselves outside for a significant duration of time during this period, note that you should reapply sunscreen to the sensitive areas – nose, around the lips, tips of the ears, the groin and the belly.

What Kind of Sunscreen Should I Use?

The recommended sunscreen for dogs is sunscreen that is designated for dog use. Such sunscreens don’t pose a health risk to your dog. However, if dog sunscreen isn’t available, a broad-spectrum sunscreen for babies and children (SPF 15 or higher) can be used. Just note, if going the broad-spectrum route, to check the label for the following two ingredients: zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).  Both of these are toxic for dogs. You must use a broad-spectrum sunblock that does not contain these ingredients.