How to Keep Your Dog Active While Having to Stay Home

Due to the coronavirus, our world has significantly changed. Activity outside of the home was put on pause and we are spending more time with our pets than ever before. The extra time and attention we are now giving our furry friends is a great benefit to staying home. One thing to note though is that pets can sense stress and be affected by it. According to the AVMA, “stress can affect pets and cause them to feel anxiety. In some cases, dogs will exhibit anxious behaviors such as barking, aggressive behavior, or destructive behavior.” 

It’s important for us to note that COVID-19 has changed life drastically for our pets too. Finding a healthy balance between activity and alone time is very important. During this time at home, many people are turning to adopting and/or fostering pets and interaction has been at an all-time high. Our furry friends are a great source of companionship and help us fight loneliness. It’s vital for us to keep them active but also to give them their space so it won’t be such a shock when we do go back to normal. While you’re sheltering in place or just practicing social distancing more, here are some great tips to keep your dog active.

Schedule out daily walks

Without the structure of commuting and social plans, it can feel overwhelming to get anything done. If you schedule your daily walks, it gives you a plan to look forward to and keeps a routine for you and your pet. Remember, if you are practicing social distancing, it’s important to also social distance your dog. Switch up your routine and pick a new route each time. It’ll keep you active and your dog will love the exercise. Not to mention the change of scenery can be therapeutic for you both!

Teach them new tricks

There are tons of videos online to guide you when teaching your dog new skills. This is the perfect time to pick a few tricks to master and work towards that goal. It’ll feel like a huge accomplishment and help you and your dog bond. Start with the basics if you don’t already have those down and then move on to more advanced skills.

Entertain them with puzzle toys / brain teasers

Pet stores are starting to carry more and more pet puzzles and we are loving this trend. Just like it’s good to keep your mind active with puzzles and brain teasers, your dog can benefit as well! If you can’t make it to the store, there are some great alternatives. Some of the most creative puzzles we’ve seen involve using your delivery boxes to hide treats. There are endless things at home you can use to create a fun activity for your dog. It gives them something entertaining and productive to do and might be the perfect way to distract them while you’re on a zoom call!

Keep downtime as part of their routine

As the world slowly returns to normal, it’s likely you won’t spend as much time at home with your pets again. It’s good for you to keep downtime part of their routine so there isn’t as much of a shock when we do start going out again.

Keeping your dog’s active will help build healthy muscles and keep their joints strong. If you need a check-up or have questions about how to build a healthy exercise plan for your pet, reach out to the team at the Bregman Veterinary Group!

5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Hydrated During the Hottest Months

July is National Pet Hydration Month and helps bring focus to the important topic of keeping your pet hydrated. Summer has the hottest months of the year and it’s natural to want to spend more time outside with your pets. Your pets will most likely love spending time with you doing physical activities outside like hiking, walking, or swimming. While we all know how important it is for people to drink lots of water, it’s also important that our pets stay hydrated.

Did you know, humans are made up of only 55-60% water but 80% of your pet’s body is water? This means your pet can also be at a high risk for heat exhaustion or dehydration similar to people. These 5 tips are great ways to keep your pet hydrated during summer.

Make water accessible at all times

Even if you’re not around all the time, a water source should be available to your pet at all times. Leaving a bowl of clean, fresh water is important and can help keep your pets cool and hydrated. If you’re going on a long walk or out to somewhere new, make sure to bring a water bowl with you. Collapsible bowls are great to fit in backpacks and purses for water bowls on the go.

Give them a place to cool down

Pets (especially those with a lot of fur) heat up in the sun quickly. Make sure your pet has access to a nice shady spot so they can cool off. It’s important to avoid putting a leash somewhere that only gives them room to run in the sun. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your backyard, make sure to check on your pet often and give them time in the air conditioning to cool down if needed.

Replace water frequently

Water can get stagnant and become unhealthy for pets if sitting too long. According to the AVMA, you should keep food and water receptacles readily accessible and shall be cleaned regularly. Changing the water frequently and cleaning bowls can help prevent bacteria from growing and keep your pet hydrated.

Add water to their food

Adding water or wet food to their food can help increase the amount of water your pet is getting. Often people get water from the food they eat, specifically fruits and veggies. Wet food or a little bit of water added to dry kibble can help your pet get the water they need. It’s a little trick that goes a long way. Another way to offer your pets a refreshing treat is to give them ice cubes to chew on. The ice will feel good and it’s a great way to give them water throughout the day.

Look for signs of dehydration

Even if you have clean fresh water readily available to your pet, they may still become dehydrated. Knowing the signs of dehydration can help you react quicker and take care of your pet. Symptoms include:

• Little energy
• No interest in eating
• Sunken eyes
• Dry mouth
• Lethargy
• Excessive panting

It’s important to keep your pet hydrated year-round but especially important to pay attention to the amount of water available during hot months. Supervise your pet and make sure they have plenty of shade and fresh water available. Keeping your pet well hydrated is important in keeping them safe. It will make those long summer days outside feel more comfortable for the whole family. 

Coronavirus: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Pets

The recent outbreak of COVID-19, commonly known as “the coronavirus” has caused a great deal of concern among pet owners and veterinarians. The CDC defines coronaviruses as “a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals.” Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people. The main symptoms of the virus include fevers, coughs, and shortness of breath. The disease is known to mainly affect older adults and those with serious chronic medical conditions. Since this particular strain of the illness is relatively new, there are a whole lot of questions that accompany the public’s concerns. Pet owners, animal lovers, and those who work in close proximity to animals may ask the questions “Can pets get coronavirus?” and “How can I prevent my pet from getting sick with it?”. While the status of this illness is changing and new information continues to arise, we have compiled information from reliable sources to answer these questions with the knowledge available at this time.

Can I Get Coronavirus From My Pet?

The virus likely emerged from an animal source, but there’s no reason to believe that animals and pets are a source of infection, according to the CDC. There is no evidence that supports that animals can spread the virus to humans. However, since humans have been able to contract other diseases from animals in the past, experts recommend that pet owners and handlers wash hands after interacting with animals as a precaution.

Can Pets Get Coronavirus?

Many of us who own beloved pets are likely to feel worried during these times of uncertainty. We may want to call up our vets, local news sources, or take to google to ask: “Can pets get coronavirus?” To answer the question on many pet owners' minds- it is unlikely. So far, the CDC has not received reports of pets or companion animals sick with the coronavirus, and there is no evidence that they become very sick if infected at all. However, The CDC says that anyone who is sick with the coronavirus should restrict contact with animals, just like you would around other people.

What Should I Do About Coronavirus and My Pets?

If someone in the household does become sick with coronavirus, an uninfected person should care for them instead. Infected people should also avoid petting, snuggling, kissing, being licked by, and sharing food with pets. If interaction with pets is a must, infected caretakers should wear a mask and wash hands before and after handling pets. Experts of the disease encourage pet owners to take their pets to their trusted veterinarians to vaccinate their pets. While there is no vaccine for coronavirus yet, getting your pet vaccinated for all other illnesses will decrease the likelihood that they become sick, making them less susceptible to the unwanted coronavirus. In these times filled with trepidation and the unknown, it is best to be as safe and proactive as possible. Call Bregman Vet Group today to schedule your pet’s immunizations and keep their immune system strong enough to fight off any infection!

Call us at (863) 588-4200 for Davenport or (407) 545-7789 for Celebration!

4 Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy As They Age

Thanks to the advances of modern medical technology, people and their pets are living longer, healthier lives. As your dog ages, you will need to make some changes in how you care for them in order to ensure that they are healthy and happy.

 According to the American Medical Veterinary Association, dog owners should: “Talk to your veterinarian about how to care for your older pet and be prepared for possible age-related health issues. Senior pets require increased attention, including more frequent visits to the veterinarian, possible changes in diet, and in some cases alterations to their home environment.” You can make changes as your dog ages that can help them live a long, healthy life.

Age Is Relative

In general, dogs are considered seniors around age seven, although larger dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller dogs. One important thing to keep in mind is that being of advanced age isn’t an ailment. Your pet can be in wonderful health and have many happy, healthy years ahead of them, even after they are medically considered geriatric. This categorization is primarily helpful when it comes to making adjustments to your dog’s care.

Screen For Health Problems

Just like people, dogs are more likely to develop health problems as they age. Some of the ailments that you will want to look out for are cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease. The best way to combat these problems in elderly pets is to regularly take them to the veterinarian and pay close attention to any changes in their behavior as they may be signs that your pet isn’t feeling well. Once your dog is considered geriatric, it is advised to bring them in for a wellness checkup twice a year.

Adjust Their Diet

As your dog ages, you will need to adjust their diet. According to AMVA, “Geriatric pets often need foods that are more readily digested, and have different calorie levels and ingredients, and anti-aging nutrients.” You will also want to carefully monitor your dog’s weight as older dogs will often gain weight as they become less active which can cause potential health risks such as diabetes and put stress on their joints.

Changes To Their Environment

As your pet ages, you may need to make adjustments to their living environment. If your dog begins to develop arthritis or other issues related to their mobility, you may want to move their bed, food, and toys all to the same level of your home so they are not forced to climb stairs. If you allow your pets on furniture, you may want to provide them with a stool or a step so they can climb up instead of jumping from the floor. If your pet develops vision or even memory problems, it can be helpful to avoid or limit major changes to your home’s layout so they don’t get “lost.”

Talk To Your Veterinarian

The best way to help your dog enjoy their golden years is to talk with your veterinarian about their health. Your veterinarian can help you come up with an individualized care plan for your dog and can help you come up with a schedule for regular checkups based on your dog’s existing health. To set up an appointment and get more information, you can contact the Bregman Veterinary Group today to get started!

Introducing Your Dog to Healthy Exercise

One of the best ways to keep your pet healthy is to keep them active with regular exercise. This can help them stay at a healthy weight, help their joints stay strong as they build up healthy muscle, as well as keeping them entertained and mentally stimulated. If you naturally have couch potato instincts, here are some great tips to help you and your dog stay active and healthy!

Start With A Walk

Walks are one of the best ways to exercise your dog. Dogs love to be able to safely roam the neighborhood with you, getting to smell all sorts of exciting smells and see and hear new things which helps stimulate their brains. Walks are also great in that they can be tailored to your dog’s current exercise needs. 

Some dogs may benefit from a simple walk around the block with lots of time to stop and sniff at new surroundings and make friends with other dogs (with approval from the other pet’s owner). You can also build up to longer walks at a more brisk pace. Keep in mind that just like humans, your dog will need some time to warm up and cool down. Don’t encourage them to push themselves too hard. Keep in mind that on hot days, you will need to make sure that the ground is cool enough for your dog to safely walk on. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws.

Running Buddies

First, it must be said that not all dogs make fantastic running partners. You won’t want to take your dog for a run if they haven’t been cleared by their vet saying that they’re in good health. Some dogs don’t thrive in certain climates, such as long haired dogs in warm climates or short furred dogs in colder conditions and you might have to make conditions. Furthermore, short nosed dogs such as pugs tend to have difficulty breathing when they exert themselves.

That said, if your dog is a good candidate to be your running buddy, there are some simple steps that can set up the two of you for success. You’ll want to bring plenty of water for the both of you. Don’t forget to bring a travel bowl with you so your pet can stay hydrated and refreshed. You will also want to have a good idea of your route before you head out, and keep in mind some place where you can stop and rest. 

Remember that your dog will be much more sensitive to high heat than you are. According to the American Medical Veterinary Association, “Have you ever run in a fur coat? Your dog is doing it every time they run, so if you're feeling warm, your dog is feeling much warmer. Most importantly, dogs don't have the same cooling mechanisms we do — a dog's primary method of cooling is panting, and it's not as efficient as sweating.” All of that said: as long as you keep your dog’s best interests in mind, they can potentially make great running bodies that won’t shame you for missing a workout (but will give you those puppy eyes letting you know that they want to go out and have fun with you).

Talk To Your Vet First

Just like with humans, if you are planning to make changes to your dog’s exercise routine, it’s a good idea to talk to their doctor before you get started. Call the Bregman Veterinary Group today to talk about your dog’s wellness and come up with a healthy exercise plan that is appropriate for your pet. Getting healthy with your pet can help you ensure a long, happy life for them and has the bonus side effect of getting you active yourself!

5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Warm in the Winter

Chances are, you’ve probably heard about health and safety concerns regarding pets and extreme heat; but as the temperature drops outside, it’s just as important to make sure that your pets are warm in the winter. Your pet may be happier, more comfortable, and healthier if you can make a few basic changes to your daily routine in the winter. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Not All Pets Have The Same Tolerances

It’s important to remember that cold weather safety is not one size fits all when it comes to taking your pets outside. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association: “Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground.” 

This means that just because one dog might be comfortable with spending lots of time outside in the winter, that doesn’t mean that all dogs will be comfortable on long walks. An individual animal’s needs will also change over the course of their life. Pets who develop arthritis or health conditions that impact their ability to maintain a consistent body temperature will need to spend less time outside. Clothing like sweaters and coats can be helpful, just make sure that they don’t end up overheating.

Make Changes At Home

Being ready for winter weather isn’t just a concern outside. You may also need to make changes around your home. Pay attention to parts of your home that tend to be cold, such as windows or doors that may let in a draft. While your cat may normally prefer to perch near a window so they can watch the birds and squirrels outside, you may want to move their cat tree or bed to a warmer location. You may also want to reconsider how much access your pet has to the outdoors in the winter and limit the time they spend enjoying your backyard!

Keep An Eye Out For Stray Pets

Often, outdoor or feral cats will seek out the shelter of a warm car’s engine to stay warm on cold nights. Before you start your car, make sure to alert a dozing cat to your presence by banging on the hood or loudly shutting the door so they can get away before things get dangerous! You will also want to look beneath your car to see if any animals are sleeping underneath. You can avoid these dangers for your pet by keeping them safely inside.

Take Care Of Their Paws

When you’re taking your dogs out for a walk, pay special attention to their paws. If it is particularly cold, pet paws might crack or bleed. If you’re in an area where there is ice or snow on the ground, it might get stuck between their toes and be very uncomfortable! You will also want to wipe down their feet (and their belly if it may have come in contact with the ground) after a walk as products like deicers and antifreeze are poisonous and can make your pet very sick if they lick their feet.

Consider A Winter Wellness Check

If you’re concerned about your pet’s health this winter, it’s a great idea to make an appointment with your vet. They can help you understand any potential health problems that may be aggravated by cold weather, such as arthritis, and help ensure that your pet is maintaining a healthy weight which will help them stay at a comfortable temperature. Contact the Bregman Veterinary Group today to make an appointment and get started on good health this winter!

4 More Tips to Manage Your Pet's Destructive Scratching

We love our cats, but we don’t always love how they treat our furniture! While a little bit of wear and tear is normal, cats can be very destructive when it comes to furniture, carpet, and curtains. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to discourage destructive scratching and understanding our cats’ behaviors can help owners make sure their pets are healthy and happy. 

We discussed some details related to destructive scratching in this post, and we will go into more detail about understanding why your cat’s scratch and stopping it here!

Scratching Is Necessary For Health

The first thing to understand is that cats have real reasons to scratch. Despite what the internet might try to tell you, your cat doesn’t exhibit destructive behaviors like scratching furniture or tearing up carpets to be a jerk. They exhibit behaviors like these due to issues like boredom and as a part of good hygiene. Scratching helps cats clear off the dirty, dull, and potentially jagged outer layers of their claws. Cats will also scratch as a way of marking their territory and even out of boredom. 

This all means that the best way to care for your cat while also caring for your furniture is to direct them toward more appropriate materials and refocus their energies while helping them keep their claws clean and healthy! Keep this in mind that scratching is a healthy, needed behavior for cats — you just need to refocus your cat’s attention to appropriate places to scratch!

Provide Lots of Scratching Posts!

One of the best ways to get your cat to stop clawing your furniture and carpets is to give them cat-friendly alternatives! When you are initially trying to introduce your cat to scratching posts and scratch friendly furniture, you will probably want to try out lots of different styles of scratching posts to determine what your cat likes best. Some cats will prefer different materials like carpet or cardboard. Your cats may also prefer different shapes, like something tall they can also use to stretch against or something on the ground that they can dig their claws into. This may take a little bit of experimentation, but once you figure out what your cat prefers, it’s a good idea to purchase several scratching posts and place them throughout your home. It’s a good idea to keep a scratching post near any furniture that your cat has already started to claw! 

Protect Your Furniture

If you are struggling with getting your cat to leave your furniture alone, it may be time to cover it or rearrange the room so they are less tempted. Putting plastic or even double sided tape on furniture can deter your cats your cats from using it, which will hopefully help you break them from their bad habits. If you still see them trying to claw the furniture, try redirecting their attention with a toy.

Make Sure Your Cat Isn’t Bored

Many people think that cats are completely self sufficient but this isn’t inherently true! Your cats need interaction and if you are noticing destructive behaviors, they might be bored or understimulated. One of the best things you can do is enjoy some quality time with your pet by playing with them. One of the great things about cat is that you don’t actually need things like expensive cat toys. You can have a blast with your feline friend just by playing with a crumpled up piece of newspaper or a simple wand toy. Make sure they have a wide variety of toys available when you can’t be home to play with them and you may see some behavior problems vanish!

Reach Out For Help!

If you are concerned about your cat’s destructive behaviors, it’s a great idea to reach out to your veterinarian to get more specific advice. Your veterinarian may also be able to help you maintain their claws so your cat isn’t so tempted to take care of the situation on their own. Contact the Bregman Veterinary Group today to make an appointment so your cat can get a checkup and you can discuss their behavior concerns. This is a great way to make sure your pet is happy and healthy and you will have peace of mind about your decor!