How to Cat Proof Your Christmas Tree

You’re enjoying a quiet evening at home, sitting by the fireplace, when a giant monstrosity of an object is shoved into your house and placed in the middle of the room. It smells strange; it’s leaving a trail of it’s material from you to the door; and it’s at least 60 times your size. Yet, still, you have to explore it- maybe even climb the whole thing.

The scene above is basically how your cat feels when you bring home your Christmas tree. It’s a new experience for them, and if we know anything about our cats, it’s that they are very curious creatures. So follow these tips to cat-proof your Christmas tree and keep your kitty safe this holiday season.

1. Consider the Type of Tree You Choose: A fake tree is actually safer for your cat, since the needles of a real tree can puncture skin and the pine itself is mildly toxic to animals. Also think about the size you pick- a smaller tree is better for younger cats who are more playful and likely to try to climb the tree.
2. Don’t Decorate the Tree at First: Give your cat time to adjust to the tree being in their environment. Discourage them from going near it with a stern “No!” or by spritzing the tree with citrus or Bitter Apple spray, as this will deter cats.
3. Watch Out for Certain Decorations: Avoid shiny or twinkling decorations since these will look like fun toys in your cat’s eyes. If you’re decorating with food, remember that chocolate is toxic to pets. Keep the tinsel stowed away as this can cause major medical problems if your cat ingests it. Pro Tip: Keep the majority of your ornaments at the top two-thirds of the tree, out of your cat’s reach.
4. Secure Everything: Make sure your tree is held firm in a sturdy base. Use metal wires or clamps to ensure ornaments aren’t able to be swatted off by the flick of a paw. Tape down any loose electrical wires and even spray the wires with Bitter Apple to prevent your kitty from chomping down on them.

Christmas is stressful and expensive enough without having to worry about an emergency trip to the vet. Follow these tips to keep Fluffy out of your Christmas tree and safe in your arms.

For more tips about keep your pet safe this holiday season, follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you are in Berkeley Heights, Summit, or New Providence, make Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital the trusted vet for your furry friend. Call us for an appointment at 908-464-0023!

How to Find the Right Vet for Your Pet

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Your pets are an extremely important part of your family, so we're sure that you wouldn't put them in the hands of just anyone when it comes to their medical needs. When you're ready to choose a veterinarian for your furry friends, remember that you're looking for someone who can do more than just address an animal's health and well-being - you're really looking for someone who can provide the loving care and attention that your pets need and deserve.

That said, whether you're looking for a veterinarian to care for your first pet or are looking for a new veterinarian to take over your current pets' needs, here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

Scope of services.
You'll want your veterinarian to be well-rounded in the services they provide, as your pet may have various needs throughout their lifetime. Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital we offer everything from wellness exams to animal dentistry, spays and neuters, surgery, preventative care, microchipping and more!

Emergency services.
Sometimes medical attention will be needed after normal business hours, so it's important for you to find a veterinarian that continues to provide care after a regular work day is over. We at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital have joined forces with 24-hour Newton Veterinary Hospital, so all of our clients can rest assured knowing that an expert is on staff at all times to aid with emergencies.

Affordability.
Medical expenses can add up, so you'll want to find a veterinarian that offers top-of-the-line services at a fair price - this is something we at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital pride ourselves on! Not only is the first exam FREE for our new clients, but we also offer specials (such as our $299 dental special) and we also offer one-year unlimited canine and feline well-care plans.

Experience.
It's very important for you to feel comfortable with the doctors and staff at the practice you choose, and years of experience can help with that! Did you know that we've been caring for people's pets since 1976? We've been working in this field for quite some time, so we know all of the best practices to follow when providing care!

For those of you in Berkeley Heights, Summit, New Providence, Murray Hill, Plainfield or Westfield, New Jersey, we would love to be the veterinarian you choose to care for your pets. All of our doctors and staff are committed to treating your pets as if they were their own, and we're confident that both you and your pets will love us!

To learn more about us or to make an appointment, please give us a call at (908) 464-0023 today.

5 Signs That Your Cat Needs a Trip to the Vet

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Whether it be for a routine check-up or to obtain medical attention for a problem or illness, part of being a pet owner means knowing when it's time to take your furry friend to the vet. Today, we're going to focus on cats - for all of you with a feline at home, would you know when a trip to the veterinarian's office is necessary?

Below, take a look at a few signs that suggest it's time to go:

1. They are making more noise than usual.

Some cats like to talk and some do not - here's where you need to know what type of personality yours has. If your cat tends to be on the quiet side, any time that they begin being more vocal than normal could indicate that they are in pain or distress. 

2. They are sleeping for too long.

Yes, cats can sleep for about 16 hours a day, but if they are sleeping for too long and/or are ignoring meal and playtime to get some more shut eye, it could mean that they aren't feeling their best. While they may just be experiencing a common cold, you'll want to have them checked out.

3. They aren't eating.

Cats that don't eat could experience extremely negative effects - for example, if they go two or more days without any food, they might develop hepatic lipidosis, which is fatty liver disease. Since this could go so far as to be fatal, it's crucial that you contact your veterinarian the moment you notice your cat hasn't touched his or her food.

4. They aren't using their litter box.

Cats will occasionally avoid their litter box if they feel it's not clean enough, however, if they continue to not use it, it could be a sign of something more serious. For example, your cat could have some type of infection or parasite that is preventing him or her from getting to the box on time.

5. They are losing a ton of fur.

Noticing some loss of fur on your cat is usually normal, but if you start seeing patches of fur fall off your cat in excess, it's time to get help. In some cases, this could be a sign of ringworm - cats with ringworm often lose fur in circular patches, which later reveals that they have scaly skin. On the other hand, this could have to do with fleas - losing fur could be an allergic reaction. Last but not least, the loss of fur could also be a sign of internal problems such as thyroid disease.

In addition to the above, it's also important for you to keep track of when your cat was last at the vet for a wellness visit - even if nothing is medically wrong, you should keep your cat up-to-date with their exams!

At Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we specialize in various veterinary care services, including vaccines, surgical procedures, spays/neuters, dentistry and microchips! So, whether your cat requires immediate medical attention (we are proud to offer emergency and advanced care!) or is ready for their next wellness visit, know that we are always available to help!

For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call (908) 464-0023. If your cat will be a new patient of ours, their first exam is FREE!

Pet Parasites To Be On The Lookout For

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Part of being a pet owner requires you to know how to keep your pet happy and healthy, and that doesn't stop at just taking them to the vet for their routine check-up. Although parasites can take over all throughout the year, as it gets warmer and you start to spend more time outdoors, it's important that you know what to look out for in case your pet happens to pick something up. Read on to learn about the dog and cat parasites we want you to focus on throughout the upcoming season.

Roundworms
If your dog(s) or cat(s) are dehydrated, losing weight, passing diarrhea or have anemia, they may be infected with roundworms - specific to dogs, you might also noticed a "pot-bellied" look in puppies. Aside from becoming infected as a result of their mother being infected, the environment plays a large role in whether or not your pet will wind up with roundworms, so be sure to keep their immediate environment as clean as possible.

Fleas
Pets are likely to contract fleas when they come into contact with other animals who are infested or if they are in an environment where fleas are living. An obvious symptom of fleas in dogs and cats are itching and scratching, and if it becomes severe, you may also notice hair loss, skin infections and inflammation. Additionally, although they are small, you may even be able to see what is called "flea dirt" on the surface of your pet's skin.

Ear Mites
Just like the name suggests, ear mites find a home in the ears of dogs and cats. As they feed off of the animal's ear lining, the dog or cat will show signs of scratching and/or head shaking to try and calm the itch. Since too much scratching can cause damage to an animal's ear, such as to the ear canals or ear drum, it's important that all pet owners take action when they see their pet shake their head and scratch their ears repeatedly.

Hookworms
Hookworms infect puppies and kittens by penetrating the skin through their belly or their feet, and then they attach to the animal's intestinal lining and tend to create bleeding internal wounds. If your pet appears to be weak or has pale gums, there is a good chance that they've been infected by this particular parasite - since severe infestations can be life threatening due to a loss of blood, these are symptoms you cannot ignore.

Regardless of the parasite an animal is infected with, it is extremely important to have them treated as soon as possible to prevent further illness. At Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we recommend an annual fecal testing for all dogs and cats to check for intestinal worms, an annual heartworm test for dogs, and a year-round parasite protection program for all animals - that also includes indoor cats!

For information about how our veterinarians can help animals who have been infected, as well as how we can help with parasite prevention, please give us a call at (908) 464-0023.

Five Pet Safety Tips For Young Children

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Did you know? Today is National Kids and Pets Day! While pets are an absolute joy for people of all ages, they are especially beneficial for children as they grow up. For example, The Huffington Post explains that pets can teach children about unconditional love, empathy and responsibility, as well as help children socialize and improve their verbal skills! But since animals are, well, animals, it's important for children to know a bit about pet safety so that they AND their furry friends are safe at all times.

Top 5 Pet Safety Tips For Kids

The following list includes five of what we believe to be the most important safety tips children need to know where pets and animals are concerned:

1. Don't sneak up on or approach an animal, even when they are your own, while they are eating or sleeping. Additionally, if an animal is playing with a toy on its own, children should also allow them to have their personal space.
2. Never touch an animal's eyes, ears, nose or mouth when approaching it for the first time. Instead, children should approach with their palm facing up so that the animal has a chance to sniff first.
3. Avoid making a lot of noise or sudden movements when approaching an animal. Similarly, if a child is approached by an animal that they don't know, they should also try to remain quiet and do their best not to scream.
4. When petting an animal, never pull or tug on any part of their body - always be gentle. When approaching an animal to pet them, also approach from a direction that the animal can see rather than come up behind them.
5. Regardless of how trustworthy a child and an animal is, there should always be adult supervision in case the child or the pet begins to act uncharacteristically.

At Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we know just how special having a pet can be for children, so we hope you'll share these tips with children you know so that they can enjoy their pets safely! And if you're part of a family who has pets as well, know that we're always here to help you care for them. From vaccines to surgical procedures, spays/neuters, dentistry, microchips and more, we do it all!

To learn more about our practice, please give us a call at (908) 464-0023 today.

Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe In Spring

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Although it's a bit chilly today for spring, as we start to embrace that warmer weather is coming, our pets are sure to get excited too. Let's face it, after a long few months of what might have included shorter walks and less time outside, they probably have the same spring fever that you do! But remember, with a new season comes new rules that you need to follow to ensure that your pets are kept safe:

Always Secure Pets In The Car
Your furry friend sticking his or her head out the car window with the wind blowing can be a super cute sight, but it can also be dangerous. If you plan to take your pet to the park on the next nice day, make sure they are kept secure during the ride by buckling them in with the proper seatbelt harness or use a crate.

Carefully Store Lawn Care Products
Now is the time where many of you may be starting your spring lawn care routine, but keep in mind that fertilizers and the like can be hazardous to pets. If you plan to work outdoors, make sure that you store all lawn and garden care products out of your pet's reach once you're done. Furthermore, if you plan to have a garden, make sure you're choosing pet-friendly plants.

Follow A Flea and Tick Control Program
As a result of your pets spending more time outside, they may be more exposed to bugs such as fleas and ticks. To prevent them from being harmed, ask your vet about a flea and tick control program that you can follow so that they remain 100% healthy all season long.

Install Window Screens
There's nothing like opening the windows on a beautiful spring day, but unless your windows are equipped with screens, you could be putting your pets at risk! To prevent your pets from jumping or worse, falling, out of your windows, install screens where they aren't already and check them regularly to make sure they are secure.

Be Mindful About Spring Cleaning
Even though your spring cleaning routine may differ from your friend's or your neighbor's, one thing that everyone has in common is the fact that cleaning products will be used. But, a lot of your typical household cleaners contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets! Make sure you're using pet-safe products by checking out the ASPCA's article on poisonous household products.

Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we care about your pets just as much as you do, which is why we want them to be kept safe at all times this spring! If you have questions about the proper spring safety measures or are in need of veterinary care, please give us a call at (908) 464-0023.

How To Celebrate Your Veterinarian on National Doctors' Day

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Happy National Doctors' Day! Although we are thankful for them every day, today we are especially grateful to have some of the top veterinarians on our staff. From wellness exams to surgery, dentistry, spays and neuters, and emergency care, our vets always view your pets as their number one priority and will do whatever it takes to ensure that they are well cared for.

We know we'll be celebrating our veterinarians and all they do for our practice all day long, but what about you? Here are a few ways that you can thank your vet today and every day:

1. Send a thank you card: Often times it's the simple things that mean the most, and a handwritten thank you card is one of those simple things that can really go a long way! It doesn't matter if you purchase a thank you card to write in or make your own - just the act of showing your vet that you appreciate their dedication to your pet(s) is viewed as something special (don't forget to include your pet's name in the signature!).
2. Bring in snacks: Food is one of those things that can put a smile on anyone's face, so if you want to do something a little more above and beyond, consider bringing your vet an assortment of their favorite snacks - cookies and donuts tend to be a fan favorite! If you want to take it even one step further, you may also want to consider donating some snacks for all of the furry friends the animal hospital cares for.
3. Verbalize your thoughts: The next time you bring your pet in for a visit, remember to verbally thank your vet and the rest of the hospital's staff for all of their hard work. Kind gestures like those in examples one and two are always appreciated, but hearing someone say thank you and recognizing your efforts in person surely means a lot.

Since 1976, the veterinarians here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital have been providing exceptional veterinary care services. To learn how we can help your pet next, please visit us on our website or give us a call at (908) 464-0023. And don't forget, the first exam for all new clients is FREE! 

Everything You Need To Know About National Puppy Day

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Tomorrow is National Puppy Day, and we couldn't be more excited! Celebrated every year on March 23rd, National Puppy Day was founded by Colleen Paige, Celebrity Pet and Home Lifestyle Expert and Author, back in 2006 - now it's considered an international holiday!

The Meaning Behind National Puppy Day

Although we certainly don't need an excuse to show our puppies, as well as the rest of the puppies all over the world, some love and affection, National Puppy Day is a day to do just that - according to the National Puppy Day website, it's a day dedicated to celebrating the magic and unconditional love that our puppies bring into our lives. But that isn't all it's about; it's also a day that is dedicated to helping save orphaned puppies and is meant to help educate the public about puppy mills.

How To Celebrate National Puppy Day

As some of the biggest pet lovers around, we'll definitely be celebrating National Puppy Day - will you? If you're looking for some ideas on how to do so, here are a few to consider:

1. Spend the day at your local animal shelter to help care for the puppies in need.
2. Pick out some of your favorite puppy toys and donate them to your local shelter.
3. Take some time to puppy-proof your home to ensure that your furry friends are kept safe 365 days a year.
4. Encourage others to adopt puppies looking for their furever homes and educate your friends and family on the issues surrounding puppy mills. You may even want to consider writing to your local leaders to encourage them to stand up to and ban puppy mills in your area.
5. Shower your puppy with lots of love, and maybe even a new toy or two!

If you've been thinking about sharing your home with a puppy for quite some time, now is also the perfect time to visit your local animal rescue or shelter and find your perfect match.

Adopt, Don't Shop

We couldn't finish our discussion on National Puppy Day without quickly touching on the importance of adopting. According to The Humane Society, there are about 10,000 puppy mills in the United States, if not more, and a major source of encouragement for the development of puppy mills is pet stores that sell what many call "designer puppies." But, if more of us begin adopting rather than shopping at these pet stores, it may result in puppy mills going out of business.

Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we love your pets just as much as you do! We'd love to hear how you're celebrating National Puppy Day this year, so be sure to stop by our Facebook page and share your ideas (and pictures!) with us.