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!

Why Do Our Pets Hide When They're Sick?

Sometimes it can be frustratingly difficult to tell when our pets are injured or sick, and it’s mostly due to their own habits. As much as we might wish for our pets to be able to tell us when something is wrong, many pets will instinctively hide if they are not feeling well. If you notice your pet hiding, it’s definitely a good idea to bring them into your vet so they can get checked out to see if anything is wrong! But why do animals do this?

Your Pets Might Hide To Protect Themselves

The instinct to hide is based on behaviors that were beneficial when the animals were living in the wild. Wild cats and wolves hide when they are sick or injured in an attempt to protect themselves. If other animals can see that they are unwell, they’re at a greater risk of being attacked when they can’t defend themselves. It can be beneficial for them to hide until they are feeling better. Fortunately, our pets no longer have to fend for themselves when they’re sick, especially once you know that hiding is a warning sign!

What To Do Once You Know They’re Sick?

The most important first step is to take your pet to the vet so they can be checked out and your vet can go over treatment options. Your pet might be feeling sick thanks to an illness that can easily be treated with antibiotics so you can get them feeling better fast! If the problem is more involved, the sooner that you can get them seen, the sooner they will feel better. 

Once your pet is back home and you are helping them recover, they may still be tempted to hide. According to the American Humane Society, you can make them more comfortable by confining them to a quiet, comfortable space where they can feel out of the way and hidden but you can still check on them. Keeping them somewhere out of the way can also make it easier for you to find them to give them any prescribed medication. If your pet has been put on a special diet, keeping them separated from the other animals in your home can help you make sure that they are only eating their prescribed food — and that other pets are not eating it!

Remember To Always Get Your Pet Checked Out

The biggest thing to remember when your pet is exhibiting any unusual behavior like hiding is to bring them to the vet so they can be checked out as soon as possible so they can be feeling better and comfortable as fast as possible. Keep in mind that hiding can be a sign that something very serious is wrong and this isn’t a time to put off a vet visit! If you have concerns or questions about your pet’s behavior, contact the Bregman Vet Group to make an appointment for your pet in addition to talk about the questions you might have.

Why Is Your Dog Barking And What Can You Do About It?

While some dogs are quieter than others, barking is a perfectly normal behavior in dogs. They might bark while they play or to greet you when you get home. Are you noticing excessive barking and aren’t sure why? Pay attention to your dog’s behavior and you may be able to figure out the cause as well as get the barking to stop.

They’re Telling You What They Need

Your dog might not be barking for no reason, there might be something that they need your help with that they’re trying to alert you to! This might be a reminder that they haven’t been fed dinner yet, if your schedule is off (although keep tabs to make sure they aren’t tricking you into giving them extra food!) or maybe their water bowl is empty. They might be asking for a trip outside so they can relieve themselves or maybe a favorite toy has been dropped somewhere that they can’t reach. Checking on your dog’s immediate needs is a great way to troubleshoot before you consider other concerns.

They Want Your Attention

You are the centerpiece of your dog’s world and sometimes they will bark to remind you that they need attention. If you think your dog might be barking just for attention, consider if they’re getting enough playtime. Bored dogs may bark to amuse themselves, according to the American Kennel Club. 

You can cut down on this sort of barking by making sure they’re tired out — a nice long walk to the dog park or a great game of fetch in the backyard might be exactly what they need. Just take care to make sure that you aren’t rewarding bad behavior; if your dog’s needs are being met, the best way to get them to stop barking is with consistent discipline.

Someone (or Another Dog) Is Nearby

There’s a reason that the term “watchdog” exists. Traditionally, dogs have been seen as a great pet that can help you keep your home safe by altering you to visitors — and potentially scaring off unwanted visitors with their bark! They also might bark if another animal (in particular, another dog) wanders onto your property, either in excitement or out of a desire to chase them away. 

This territorial behavior may be desirable if you are concerned about your family’s safety (or if you often don’t hear your doorbell), and it can be a good idea to teach your dog the “quiet” command. According to the Humane Society, this can be done so your dog’s barking will stop as soon as they hear the command which can help quiet your dog when visitors come over or whenever their barking is a nuisance. You can also try teaching them another behavior that will prevent them from barking, such as asking them to lay down in a specific spot or to bring you a toy so their mouth is occupied.

They Might Need Medical Help

As nice as it would be for your dog to be able to use words to let you know that they don’t feel their best, barking might be their main tool for communication and according to the ASPCA, they might use barking to let you know something isn’t right. If your dog is barking excessively, it’s a good idea to get them checked out by a vet so you can rule out any medical problems. Your veterinarian might also have additional resources and advice for you regarding your pet’s behavior.

If you’re interested in more information about your pet’s health and behavior, schedule an appointment today with Bregman Veterinary Group to keep your pet healthy and happy!

3 Major Reasons to Spay and Neuter Your Pets

When welcoming a new pet into a home, owners should make a point to bring their pet to the veterinarian for both a health checkup and to ensure that their new pet receives the appropriate vaccinations. You may have also been told to spay and neuter your animals so they don’t have kittens or puppies. But you may be feeling on the fence about spay and neuter. There are important reasons why your pet should be spayed or neutered. 

What Exactly Does It Mean To Get Your Pet “Fixed?”

It’s on the to do list of responsible pet owners when they adopt a pet: get them a check up, get their vaccinations, and get them “fixed”. What exactly does this mean? Typically when pet owners take their animals to the veterinarian to “get fixed,” male animals are neutered by having their testes removed. Female animals are spayed, meaning their ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes are removed. In both cases, this results in your pet being unable to reproduce. 

Some veterinarians may use other options, so if you have any questions about the procedure and what will work best for your pet’s health, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your vet so they can explain their recommendations to you. However, here are some compelling reasons to get your pet spayed or neutered: 

1) Health Benefits

There are serious health benefits for pets that are spayed and neutered. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying female animals reduces the risk of breast cancer and uterine infections. Neutering male pets helps to prevent prostate problems and testicular cancer. Eliminating these potential health problems can add happy, healthy years to your pet’s life and give you some valuable peace of mind that you are taking steps toward your pet’s wellbeing.

2) Improved Behavior

Spaying or neutering your pet can cause big improvements in your pet’s behavior and can also prevent bad habits from forming. This works because once spayed or neutered, your pet will no longer produce the hormones that give them the drive to find a mate and reproduce. This typically means that pets are more docile and less likely to be aggressive toward animals that they may otherwise view as “competition.” They also will be less likely to try and physically mark their territory — behaviors like spraying are much less likely to develop. Female animals will not go into heat. 

Your pets will also be much less likely to wander away from home if they are spayed and neutered as they will not go out searching for a mate. This will save you a great deal of stress and will mean that they are much safer. It is also a popular belief that animals who are spayed and neutered form stronger bonds with their human owners, whether proven or not.

3) Reduced Number Of Unwanted Pets

Spaying and neutering your pets reduces the overall pet population. Every day, many homeless animals are euthanized in shelters because animal shelters are crowded and resources are sadly not always available. You can help shelters and homeless pets by not increasing the overall pet population. 

You might reason with yourself that you’ll definitely be able to find homes for your cat or dog’s entire litter; however, if everyone who took a kitten or puppy from you instead adopted a shelter pet, that would free up more space in the shelters. Male animals might also father kittens or puppies without you ever realizing it. If they mate with a stray pet, you might not know to help. 

If you have more questions about getting your pet spayed or neutered, want more information on the process, or want to figure out when the best time to get your pet in for the procedure, contact Bregman Vet Group today to schedule an appointment! Helping your pet can help the pet population overall!

Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe Through The Fall Season

Fall is a festive time in lots of homes. Families enjoy wonderful meals together, fun holidays are celebrated and everyone enjoys cooler weather. Have you ever considered how the change in seasons and our holiday parties might impact your pets? Here are some tips that can help you keep your pets safe and happy during the fall season!

Keep Pets Away From The Holiday Table

Most people celebrate Thanksgiving and other harvest themed holidays in the fall with an elaborate meal for their families and friends. While you might be tempted to include your furry family members in your holiday meal, it’s much safer for them if you leave them out of those particular festivities. Poultry bones are brittle and shatter. They aren’t safe to give to your dog to chew on.  Be careful to keep them away from your pets after you dispose of them. 

You may be tempted to make your pets their own plate of holiday food.  However, lots of foods that humans enjoy are harmful and even poisonous to animals.Turkey and turkey skin can cause pancreatitis in dogs according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Onions, raisins, and grapes are also poisonous to pets. If you do decide to give your pet a special treat for the holidays, stick to something specifically designed to meet your pet’s dietary needs like their favorite dog or cat food.

Along with an indulgent meal, many people like to decorate their homes as they welcome in friends and family, or may receive flowers or a new houseplant as a gift. Double check any plants you display in your home (or outside your home if your pets can get to them).  Many decorative plants are harmful to animals. Leaving out certain decorations can save you from a heartache and an emergency vet appointment.

Stay Safe Around Houseguests

While you may want your pet to be social when guests come over, it can often be better to keep them away. This is especially important if they are prone to anxiety and might bolt for a door that a guest mistakenly leaves open. It’s a good idea to double check their collar and identification tags before guests come over so if your pet does get out, it will be easier for someone to get in touch with you. 

Even if your pet does well around new people, not all people do well around pets. If a loved one has an allergy or you think your dog might play a little too rough for a small child, it can be a good idea to keep them securely in a room with a closed door. Generally, keeping them in a familiar bedroom with a favorite toy and a comfortable bed is a good way to keep them safe and content while company is over. Be sure to give them plenty of attention when guests have left in case they’ve missed you!

Stay Safe As Temperatures Drop

Even if you’re living in a warm area like Florida, pets’ needs change as the temperatures drop. While animals have thick fur and may be comfortable in temperatures a little lower than humans are, that doesn’t mean that they should be left out in the cold! If you are concerned about your pet in the weather, talk to your veterinarian about ways to keep your pet comfortably at an appropriate temperature while you take them out. 

In addition to keeping your own pets safe, keep an eye out for animals that live in your community. It is very common for stray cats to seek out the warmth a car’s motor can provide. Protect them by giving them a heads up before you start your car. Knocking on the hood and slamming your car door can give them (or any other critter!) a heads up to make their way out of the car before you start the engine and injure them. It is also wise to take a peek under the car and make sure that no one taking shelter underneath!

The Perfect Time For A Check Up

Fall is the perfect time to take your pet in for a checkup, especially if you will be traveling soon. It’s a great idea to bring any questions about how to keep your pet healthy and happy to your veterinarian, like what foods might make a perfect special occasion treat or if your favorite plant is safe to keep nearby. Bregman Vet Group is happy to answer your questions and help you take care of your pet all year long!

4 Tips to Help Keep Your Pet Safe in the Car

Whether it’s for a joy ride, a road trip, or moving to a new home, lots of pet owners love taking their pets for a ride in the car. While this can be fun for everyone involved and is often necessary, there are inherent risks involved when it comes to taking your pet for a car ride. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to make sure that your pet stays safe and happy in the car.

1) Keep Them Cool

One of the most common causes of pets being harmed in a vehicle is when they are left inside a hot car. It can be tempting to leave your pet inside your car while you run an errand that you think will be quick, such as a trip to the grocery store, but even just ten minutes inside a hot car can cause the temperature to increase to dangerous levels. 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in ten minutes in 80 degree weather, the temperature inside the car will increase to nearly 100 degrees. After an hour, the air temperature inside a vehicle may be forty degrees hotter than the air outside. These temperatures are hot enough to cause illness or even death to your pet. Unfortunately, safety measures like cracking a window do little to maintain a safe temperature inside a parked vehicle. 

If you are planning to frequently travel with your pets, you may wish to look into vehicles such as safety features which will allow you to lock the vehicle with the car running and the air conditioning, with your keys safely in your pocket. If this isn’t an option and you can’t have someone sit in the car with your furry family member with the air conditioning running, it’s best to leave your pet safely at home.

2) Use Safety Restraints

You are probably well aware of the safety benefits of using restraints like seat belts and booster seats in cars when it comes to children. Just like humans, pets are much safer when they are restrained in a moving vehicle. There are different methods that you may want to use depending on the size of your pet. Small animals, like a cat will often be more secure if they are traveling in a carrier. Dogs (or more curious cats!) often do well with a harness. There are different styles and you can discuss which option is best for your particular pet with your veterinarian. One popular style is a harness that can be clipped into the car’s existing seat belt. This can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury if you are involved in a car accident. 

3) Keep Them in the Back Seat

Just like children, pets are often much safer in the back seat of your vehicle. This is because the airbags that are installed in the front seats of vehicles are designed for average adults — not children or pets. An airbag can cause serious injury if your pet is sitting in the front passenger seat or in your lap. Sitting in the front seat also makes your pet more likely to go through the front windshield in case of a collision. Keeping your pet in the back seat will also help you make sure that small pets stay out from underfoot. The last thing you need is to be distracted by your cat getting under your feet while you’re trying to drive!

4) Keep the Windows Up

While your pet might enjoy the breeze if you let them ride with their head sticking out of the open window, this unfortunately isn’t very safe for them. Your pet might be able to jump out of the window into traffic if the window is open very far. No matter how much you trust them or how well behaved your furry friend normally is, all it takes is one temptation to make them jump. If your pet has their head out the window when you are involved in a collision, they are likely to be seriously injured. They also may be injured by debris in the air whipping into their face, such as particles hitting their eyes when you’re moving quickly down the road. Turn the air conditioning up to make sure your pet has a breeze in the car.

Do you have questions about the best ways to keep your pet safe in the car? One of the best things you can do is bring those questions to your veterinarian so they can go over options and troubleshooting with you. Contact Bregman Veterinary Group today to get in touch so we can help you keep your furry copilot safe and happy!