The Importance of Grooming Your Pet

There's nothing cuter than a freshly-groomed puppy or kitten, complete with a big red bow for the holidays. But grooming your pet is about more than looks; it's an integral part of keeping him or her healthy.

Here's why it's so important to keep your pet well-groomed: 

• Matted fur can lead to pain and health issues
• An accumulation of dirt and oil can cause skin infections
• Extreme matting can affect your pet's vision, mobility and eating habits
• Proper grooming can prevent and treat fleas
• Long nails can become painful and make walking more difficult
• Brushing your cat can prevent fur balls
• Checking your dog's ears can help prevent ear infections
• Brush your pet's teeth to prevent decay and bad breath

For more tips on how to groom and care for your pet, contact Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital at 908-464-0023. Our caring veterinarians will treat your pets like family!

Don't forget to find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

This Year's Best Holiday Gifts for Pets

The holiday season is the perfect time to spoil your furry friend. Repay your pet for all the joy he brings into your life by giving him a great gift (or two)! Not sure what to get for your dog or cat? Not a problem.

We've scoured the Web to find this year's best pet gifts:

1. BarkBox

Get your pooch the ultimate holiday gift: a BarkBox subscription. Your trusty companion will receive a surprise bundle of treats, toys and gadgets. Choose from several different subscription levels, from one-month to 12-month.

2. Petzi Treat Cam

This one's for dogs and cats alike! The Petzi Treat Cam allows you to check in on and even interact with your pet -- no matter where you are. Set up the treat dispenser in your home and "see, speak, snap, and treat your pet" through your smartphone or tablet.

3. Ratherbee Teddy Bear Organic Catnip Toy

For cat lovers on a tighter budget, a catnip toy is just right. Your feline friend will find this adorable velveteen teddy bear to be both adorable and intoxicating! Best of all, it's made from 100 percent organic catnip, so you'll know you're giving your pet the best.

Have you found the perfect holiday gift for your pet? Tell us about it on Facebook and Twitter!

To make a veterinary appointment with Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, call us at 908-464-0023.

The Case Against Giving Pets as Holiday Presents

The world would be a better place if every stray had a home. And one might argue that giving pets as holiday presents is the perfect way to achieve just that.

But the unfortunate truth is that too many puppies and kittens that were given as Christmas gifts share the same fate: ending up in a shelter. That's because becoming a pet parent should never be a surprise. Adding a new family member needs to be planned for!

Slate explains:

The arrival of a dog changes a household considerably—for years. Someone has to take responsibility for their daily needs—feeding, exercise, health care, grooming. The decision should be thought about, talked about, negotiated. A new dog, not necessarily a puppy, either, should be the result of a process, not an impulse.

That's not to say you shouldn't purchase or adopt a pet during the holiday season. Families that have carefully considered the pros and cons of bringing a four-legged friend home should certainly do so -- this December or any time of year. Just beware of puppy mills and bogus breeders!

For more tips on pet care, connect with Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Holiday Decorating Hazards & Pets

'Tis the season for family, flickering fireplaces, decking the halls and... sick pets?

The holiday season is here! As you and your family get ready to decorate, be aware of the following pet safety tips:

• Make sure your holiday tree is firmly in place. The last thing you want is for it to fall on your curious furry friend. It's also important that tree water -- which could contain fertilizers, bacteria and pesticides -- is out of reach from your pets. Drinking from the tree stand could make them very sick.
• Hang tinsel and ornaments up high. These flashy decorations are especially appealing to cats. Not only do they pose a choking hazard, but when eaten, they can cause blocked intestines and obstructed digestive tracts. Keep these light-catching adornments out of reach, or find a pet-friendly alternative.
• Don't leave holiday candles lit and unattended. One swift tail wag, and your pet could suffer a serious burn. Knocking over a candle could also lead to a house fire. When you are in the mood for that soft, festive glow, place candles in hard-to-reach spots and avoid leaving the room.
• Resist the temptation to dress your four-legged friend up in bows and ribbons. You might find it adorable, but your dog or cat will probably think it's annoying. Next thing you know, he's gnawing away at -- and potentially even choking on -- the festive frill.

Don't let your pet get sick this winter! Follow these guidelines for a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.

If your beloved animal does get into trouble this holiday season, the veterinarians of Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital are here to help. Simply give us a call at 908-464-0023 to make an appointment. We will treat your sick pets like family!

For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.