How to Control Fleas and Ticks

It's nearly summer, and you're probably beginning to spend more time in the great outdoors with your furry friend. While we certainly encourage playing with your pet outside, it's important to protect him from harmful insects. Below, we discuss how to control fleas and ticks:

Basic tips

There are certain things you can do regularly to find and remove fleas and ticks.

• Comb regularly with a flea comb
• Vacuum your home frequently (and dispose of the bags right away)
• Keep your lawn mowed short
• Clean your pet's bedding once a week
• Keep your pet groomed 

Treatments

You'll find a variety of flea and tick control products at the pet store. However, some of these treatments could be unsafe for your pet. Talk to your Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital veterinarian about the best option for your dog or cat.

Natural remedies

A simple Google search will yield tens of thousands of results for natural pet remedies. Dogs Naturally Magazine, for example, suggests making your own flea and tick repellent using lemon. If you'd like to go the natural route, be sure to talk to one of our doctors about an effective treatment.

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital has been caring for your sick pets since 1976. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions on how to control fleas and ticks! Give us a call at 908-464-0023 or visit our website.

For more pet care tips, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

Dog Bite Prevention Week: 5 Ways to Prevent Bites

We're in the midst of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which began on Sunday, May 17 and will run though Saturday, May 23. The goal of this initiative is to educate people about how to prevent dog bites.

There are an estimated 70 million dogs living in US homes, and every dog has the potential to bite. (Yes, even your furry best friend!) Here are five ways to prevent bites:

1. Stay away from unknown dogs

Stranger danger! If you're not familiar with a dog -- especially one that's loose and unsupervised -- don't approach it. Instead, call animal control for professional help.

2. Ask for permission

 
Don't just assume every dog likes to be pet. If you see a dog with his owner, ask for permission before touching.

3. Walk away confidently and quietly

If you're confronted by a dog that seems aggressive or uneasy, turn and walk away confidently. In the event that a dog comes after you, stand still with your hands low and keep your head down.

4. Avoid frantic gestures

Running, yelling or making sudden movements will only further rile a hostile dog. Always remain calm.

5. Give dogs their space

A dog's bed or crate is her safe place. Sometimes a dog can feel threatened when approached in this location.

Help spread the word about National Dog Bite Prevention Week by sharing this blog post on Facebook, Twitter and Google+! To get in touch with Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, call 908-464-0023.

How Neutering Affects Your Pet

There are lots of rumors about how neutering affects your pet -- low energy levels, high cost and resentment being just a few. But the truth is that neutering your pet offers a multitude of benefits. Below, we outline how neutering will change your pet for the better!

1. Medical benefits

Neutering your pet can help prevent testicular cancer and prostate cancer. These diseases are fairly common in older male dogs. Having your pet neutered at a young age is a smart move in terms of keeping him healthy.

2. Behavioral improvements

According to the ASPCA, "Neutering won't affect your dog’s working abilities, friendliness, playfulness or personality." In fact, it will likely have a positive impact on your pet's testosterone-driven behaviors like urine marking and roaming.

3. Control pet overpopulation

Far too many pets are euthanized each year because they can't find a home. Neutering your pet helps control the overpopulation crisis we're experiencing here in the United States.

The experts of Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital offer dog and cat spays and neuters. We make the experience as painless as possible; your pet is given a sedative and pain management medication prior to surgery to minimize anxiety and discomfort. Learn more about our spaying and neutering services here, or give us a call at 908-464-0023.

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube for more tips!

Benefits of Choosing Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

You have a lot of options when it comes to veterinary care for your pet. Unfortunately, not all animal hospitals are created equal. Why bring your pet to us instead of the other guys? Let's take a look at the benefits of choosing Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital:

A history of success

The doctors and staff of Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital have been caring for your sick pets since 1976. That's almost 40 years of experience! Pets are like family members -- we get that -- and that's why we take caring for your furry friends very seriously.

Cutting-edge veterinary care

Your pets deserve the best, and that includes top-of-the-line treatment. We offer the following:

• Vaccines
• Surgical procedures
• Dog and cat spays and neuters
• Animal dentistry
• Microchips
• State-of-the-art monitoring equipment
• And much more!

Easy to reach

Another benefit of choosing Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital is that we're easy to get in touch with. Give us a call at 908-464-0023, or head to our website where you can make a veterinary appointment or ask a vet just about anything!

Emergency care available

Perhaps most importantly, clients of Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital also have access to Newton Veterinary Hospital -- a 24 hour veterinary hospital in Sussex County, New Jersey. This means your pet's records can be access by Newton Veterinary Hospital at any time -- day or night -- in the event of an emergency. Emergency services include:

• Intensive care ward
• Animal blood bank
• Surgery
• In-house laboratory
• Endoscopy
• Ultrasonography

The benefits of choosing Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital are clear. We will treat your sick pets like family! Get more information at our website or by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

What's National Pet Week?

Did you know that it's National Pet Week? According to the initiative's official website, "National Pet Week® is dedicated to celebrating the more than 200 million pets that enrich our lives each and every day." Now that's a cause we at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital can get behind!

National Pet Week was established in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Its purpose is to recognize the array of important roles pets play in our lives. Moreover, National Pet Week seeks to encourage responsible pet ownership.

Some might say that a pet is nothing more than a domesticated animal. But we know better than that! Pets also serve as trusty companions, the funniest of comedians, and the fiercest of protectors. Our pets are always there for us; isn't it about time we return the favor?

That's exactly what National Pet Week is all about! Celebrate the bond you share with your pet or pets this week.

Plus, make sure you're providing your furry friends with everything they need for a happy, healthy life. We can help! Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital provides outstanding veterinary care for your pet.

Call us today to make an appointment! Dial 908-464-0023 to get started. Remember, caring for your pet is important every week of the year, not just during National Pet Week!

To keep up with tricks, tips and updates from Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.