Cat Tree

Make Sure Your Christmas Tree is Cat Proof

Are your holiday decorations cat-proof?  Sparkling decorations can attract your pets attention.  Here are a few tips to help you keep your Christmas tree in tact through the holidays.Christmas Tree Tips:Create a Cat Tree – Make your cat …

How to Own a Pet Even Though You Have Allergies

Allergies are tough.  Itchy, watery eyes and congestion can be hard on any pet lover.  If you or a family member suffers from pet-related allergies, there are ways to help make breathing easy.  With a few changes to your home, you can en…

Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy This 4th of July!

Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy This 4th of July!


The Fourth of July is a time when the entire family gets together around the grill. The perfect time to share stories and food in the comfort of your own backyard; but perhaps it isn’t exactly safe to include your four legged friend in on the festivities. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center cautions that the holiday food can in fact be potentially dangerous for your fury loved ones; here are the following tips to keep your pet safe.
Beware of the Piña Coladas: Alcoholic beverages pose a potential risk to your pets if consumed. They can lead your friend to depression or a possible coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a posing threat in the worst case scenarios.
Do not share your insect repellent or sunscreen: The consumption of sunscreen products and insect repellent may lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme thirst and complete lack of energy. Any insect repellent that contains DEET is said to leave neurological problems
Never let them help light the grill: Some brands of matches contain certain substances that are poisonous for your loved one. Chlorates can possibly harm your pets blood cells that lead to difficulty breathing, possibly Kidney disease in the worst case scenario. Lighter fluid, whether ingested or inhaled can lead to many health problems such as: gastrointestinal irritation, depression in the central nervous system, aspiration pneumonia and the development of breathing problems.
Everyone should keep an eye on what they eat: Remember that they are family but cannot eat everything you eat. Certain foods like onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can be toxic for all animals. As their owner, you should be especially careful if your pet is not as young as they used to be; older pets have harder times with digestion and more nutritional requirements.
Be on the lookout for glow sticks: Glow sticks can be a fun additional accessory for every party but not so much for your pet. If consumed you’re looking at the possibility of gastrointestinal irritation, excessive drooling and even intestinal blockage from swallowing the plastic container. Lets keep an eye on what is in their reach, especially if you have a curious friend.
Citronella candles, insect coils and oil products are as harmful as they are useful: Consumption of any of these products could lead to more gastrointestinal irritation and depression in the central nervous system. If they inhale the oils, you could be looking at aspiration pneumonia for your loved one.
Keep them away from the fireworks!: We all know what exposure to any lit fireworks can do but even toxic substances in the unlit ones can cause harm; potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals are potentially fatally dangerous if exposed to your pet.
Even the festive firework displays are a nuisance: Make sure they are in the house, where they can fully be protected from the noise that’s going on outside. Keeping your pet safe is going to be easy this Fourth of July as long as you are an educated owner. 

Helping Pets Cope with Thunderstorms

Helping Pets Cope with Thunderstorms

Photo Source: Wikipedia
Do thunderstorms cause your pet anxiety?  Your pet is not alone.  Many animals are afraid of the loud roar of thunder.  Fortunately, there are ways to help your pet cope with this fear and stay calm during a storm.

Calming Tips:
  • Quiet Hideaway – Make sure that your pet has access to a quiet place where he or she can go to hide.  If possible, try to block out the lightening and cover up the sound of the thunder.
  • Stay Distracted – Sometimes playing a game or distracting your pet with their favorite toy can keep them at ease.
  • Conditioning Behavior – Behavior modification can desensitize your pet to the sound of a storm.  Try playing recordings in short intervals for conditioning.

If you are still having trouble keeping your pet calm during a thunderstorm, visit our office.  The experienced Veterinarians at Bregman Vet Group can help you determine the best possible coping method for your pet.  You can also read this article to learn more.