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!

The Most Talkative Cat Breeds

If you’re looking to communicate with your cat, you can likely tell how they’re feeling based on their body language. While most cats speak through body postures, there are a few breeds known for being quite chatty. Instead of just meowing and purring, these cats love to talk out loud through chirping and sometimes even yowling. If you’re looking for a companion who loves to talk back, check out these talkative cat breeds.

 

Why people love talkative cat breeds

 

Before we dive into which breeds are the most talkative, a lot of people wonder why people love talkative cat breeds. The answer is simple, outside of enjoying a little banter, a kitten that chats back can help curve loneliness. It is also great for owners who want to learn their cat’s behavior quicker. When you pay attention to those chatty clues and body language habits, it’s easier to understand your kitten. If you want your cat to talk a bit more, encourage it to do so. Similar to dogs, you can train cats and with a little positive reinforcement you’ll enjoy chats for years to come.

 

Siamese

 

Siamese cats are well-known for their chatty habits. Full grown Siamese cats grow to be around 10-12 pounds and will tell you when they’re hungry or need cuddles. These are social cats and love companionship, so it won’t take long for you to hear their purrs, meows and cries for attention. These cats are also quite popular, and you may just recognize them from famous animated movies like The Aristocats and Lady and the Tramp.

 

Bengal

 

Some cats are more curious than others and the Bengal fits perfectly in that description. These courageous and daring cats are beautiful with fur that resembles leopards, jaguars, and ocelots. Their strong, athletic bodies may have something to do with the bravery and playfulness you’ll find with your Bengal cat. These kittens are playful and talkative from a young age, making them great pets!

 

Tonkinese

 

Tonkinese cats are known for their striking features and beautiful eyes. While they may gain a lot of recognition for their looks, it’s their personality that makes people fall in love. These cats are a hybrid between Siamese cats and Burmese cats, so it makes sense they take after the talkative Siamese breed. The cats have a ton of energy and therefore love to play around and talk while doing so. Because they’re so friendly, these cats make great pets for families with small children and cat-friendly dogs.

 

American Bobtail

 

Last, but certainly not least, we can’t mention talkative cat breeds without bringing up the American Bobtail breed. These cats have dog-like personalities and love to play games like fetch and hide-and-seek. Because they’re social and easygoing like many dogs, it’s natural for them to be chatty.

 

If you’re looking to add a cat to the family, the AVMA suggests you bring your kitten home when it is between 7 and 9 weeks old. When your new furry friend joins the family, make sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Scheduling appropriate vaccinations can help ensure your cat is protected from diseases and healthy from the start. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment today, reach out to our team at the Bregman Veterinary Group today. We can’t wait to meet your new 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!

3 Ways to Take Care of Your Cats’ Skin

 

Grooming your cat is an amazing way to ensure they are leading a healthier life. Overall grooming may involve many steps, but there are a few key areas to pay attention to. For instance, some cats are fussy and don’t like having their nails trimmed or being bathed but they’re both vital to your cat’s overall well-being. While these simple grooming habits are critical, arguably the most important element to your cats’ health you should pay attention to is their skin. Keeping your cats’ skin and coat in great condition is a key to ensuring they are leading a happy, healthy life.

 

Your cats’ skin will look and feel great with a balanced diet

 

Similar to how what we eat as humans affects our skin, our pets should be eating a healthy balanced diet. Ensuring you’re feeding your pet the proper nutrients appropriate for their age and activity level can help them live a more active and healthier lifestyle. Some of the most important nutrients for your cats’ diet are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients contribute to both a healthier skin and coat for your pet. If you’re not sure what food to feed your pet, make sure you consult your veterinarian.

 

Make sure to brush your cat often

 

Brushing your cat is an awesome way to help stimulate blood circulation, remove dead hairs and distribute oils throughout the skin and coat. Depending on the length of hair your cat has, you’ll want to ensure you’re brushing their hair as often as is appropriate. For cats with longer hair this means you might need to brush more frequently. Not only does brushing help avoid severe matting, it’s also a great excuse to bond with your cat.

 

Making sure you brush your cat frequently is a good way to make sure you notice if there’s anything wrong. According to the AVMA, cats are masters at masking signs of disease. Because of this, owners should make sure they are brushing their hair and checking in on their cat often. In doing so, they might be able to recognize signs of illness and pain much quicker. 

 

Don’t forget to bathe your cat 

 

Because cats are constantly licking and self-grooming, you may think you can skip this step but it’s still important. A good bath can be great for your cats’ skin, especially if your cat is sick or has an injury and is unable to groom themselves. If you’re unsure of how often to bathe or what type of shampoo (if any) to use, your veterinarian is a great resource. Bathing is an awesome way to remove airborne allergens and dust and keep your cats’ skin fresh and clean.

 

If you do your due diligence and take care of your feline best friend, the chances of them leading a happy healthy life are much higher. By feeding them a balanced diet, ang brushing/ bathing often you are providing the best care for your pet. If you are doing all you can to keep your cat healthy and notice they are scratching and/or licking their skin excessively, that might be a sign something is wrong. Keep an eye out for signs of illness and make sure to reach out to our team at the Bregman Veterinary Group if you happen to notice anything out of the ordinary. From seasonal allergies to parasites, your cat may need medical attention and our team is always there to help. 

Virtual Vetcare: Telemedicine for Your Pet

Connect with Your Veterinarian Virtually

When beloved pets are not looking or feeling well, pet owners want to immediately help them. They tend to venture online and google symptoms, especially in the current environment, only to become confused, frustrated, and sometimes frightened at what they may read.  Nothing replaces consulting with your trusted veterinarian to help your pet. However, making an appointment at the veterinarian right away is not always convenient or possible. With virtual vetcare, technology allows you to connect with your trusted veterinarian on-the-go and at a convenient time that works for everyone. 

Virtual Vetcare Provides Flexibility

TeleTails, a virtual vetcare service offered by our veterinary offices, offers both video chat and message-based consultations.  The technology provides the flexibility to use whichever is easiest and appropriate for the situation. Upload a picture or video of your pet and the concern, or start a live video consultation -- the TeleTails platform is flexible, meeting your needs under any circumstance.

Secure and Convenient Online Veterinary Service

All payments for this service are processed quickly and securely. Payments are encrypted from end-to-end to ensure that client data is completely safe. The TeleTails payment processor is certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1. This is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry. 

Implementing Virtual Vetcare With Clients

Clients can download the application to their iPhone, iPad or Android device. You may sign up for the service and request high definition, live video telemedicine consultations. Our doctors will receive your request and, in a timely manner. consult with you and your pet remotely. There is currently a $60 fee for this service that is charged by Teletails. Clients will consult with one of our Veterinary Doctors who is familiar with your pet. 

In order to maintain compliance with the State Veterinary Practice Act, please note the following:

• You must be an existing client of our veterinary offices.
• A valid client-patient relationship must exist. This means that one of our doctors must have seen your pet within the last twelve months.
• Note that a visit to our facility or an emergency hospital may be required depending on the issue you are consulting with us about.

5 Steps to Getting Started With Virtual Vetcare Technology

There are five simple steps to follow to set up the virtual vetcare technology and get your pet feeling better:

1. Download Teletails from the App store or Google play
2. Enable Notifications
3. Create a Profile
4. Use the Code:  Bregman in this case
5. Start a Consultation

Your veterinarian will make the appropriate recommendations for how to resolve your pet’s needs and get them on the road to feeling better and symptom-free. And, most importantly, in the case of a pet emergency, you should always call your Veterinary Hospital directly.

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!