The Importance of Routine Pet Healthcare

You make it a point to visit your doctor once a year. Doesn't your pet deserve the same?

Bringing your four-legged friend to the vet for routine visits is super important. Here's why:

Tip-top shape. Your veterinarian knows exactly what to look for and can therefore catch ailments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Everything that goes into regular visits -- like blood work, listening to the heart and lungs, and even looking at your pet's paws -- will help keep him in good health.

Parasite prevention. Dogs and cats are at risk for parasites like roundworms, hookworms and heartworms year-round. We recommend annual fecal testing (to check for intestinal worms) for all our dog and cat patients, as well as annual heartworm tests for dogs. Remember, these parasites not only pose a threat to your pets, but also to your family!


Vaccinations. Scheduling regular wellness exams for your trusty companion ensures she's up-to-date on all vaccines. These vaccines protect your pets from potentially fatal diseases. If you're unsure whether your furry friend is due for his or her next vaccine, give Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital a call at 908-464-0023.

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

4 Fall Activities for You and Your Pet

As cooler weather enters our area and we close up our windows and doors, you and your pet might feel a bit cooped up. Just because it's fall doesn't mean the outdoor fun has to end! Here are four fall activities you can enjoy together:

 

1. Get some yard work done


OK, raking leaves may not sound like a whole lot of fun. But when you invite your furry friend along, yard work becomes an entirely new experience! What's cuter than watching your cat or dog chase leaves around the yard?

2. Go for a hike

Is your pet the adventurous type? Take her on a hike to explore the great outdoors! Just don't forget to pack a water dish and some food for your trusty companion.

3. Have a festive photo shoot

Admit it: Your phone's camera roll is filled to the brim with shots of your pet. Unfortunately candid pictures don't always turn out so well, especially if your mushy mutt has a lot of energy. Get him to pose by holding a treat or toy near your camera.

4. Celebrate Sunday football

Is your team's performance subpar this season? Stop screaming at the TV, and play fetch with your dog instead!

What activities do you and your pet enjoy during the fall? Share your thoughts with Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital on Facebook and Twitter!

Why Dogs Tilt Their Heads When We Speak

There's nothing cuter than when you're talking to your dog and he tilts his head every so slightly. It's as if he's trying his hardest to understand the words coming out of your mouth. Adorable!

But what are dogs really trying to achieve with that oh-so-charming head tilt? Here are a few possibilities:

1. They want to see our faces better

Our furry friends are constantly scanning our faces to understand our emotional state and gain information. Unfortunately, their muzzles can get in the way of that! Psychology Today surveyed pet parents and found the following:

71% of the owners of the dogs with the larger muzzles report that their dogs often tilt their heads when spoken to. On the other hand only 52% of the owners of the flatter faced, brachycephalic dogs reported that their dogs often tilted their heads when spoken to. This is a statistically significant difference that clearly suggests that head shape, and size of the muzzle does influence head tilting in dogs.

2. They want to hear us better

Pups can move their ear flaps to determine the source of a sound. They also can use their heads to figure out time differences between the noise arriving at each ear. Even just a modest tilt of the head might provide a dog with the information needed to accurately judge a sound's location.

3. They want us to know they care

Any pet parent will tell you that their canine is very in tune with their emotions. It should come as no surprise, then, that dogs may tilt their heads to show empathy. Could it be that our furry friends just want to show how much they care?

No matter how you look at it, dogs are simply delightful -- head tilt and all. For more tips and tidbits on all things pets, connect with Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital on Facebook and Twitter!

Top 5 Halloween Costumes for Dogs

A lot of us treat our pets like our own children. So it should come as no surprise that pet Halloween costumes are becoming increasingly more popular.

This year, the selection of dog disguises is more impressive than ever! Let's take a look at 2015's top five Halloween costumes for pooches:

1. Superman

A classic superhero costume that never goes out of style, Superman is perfect for your crime-fighting canine. We love this version, available from Party City for just $12.99!

2. Party animal

Who doesn't love a good pun? Transform your pup into a party animal by picking up this adorable luau shirt.

3. Lion

Is your dog king of the forest? Give him the mane he deserves this Halloween. Better get working on that ROAR!

4. Raptor

If your pet's spent countless nights watching Jurassic Park movies, this raptor dog costume is for her. It's super easy to put on and take off, too.

5. Bettlejuice

Throw it back with 80s favorite "Beetlejuice!" That is, if your pup will wear the wild wig.

Are you dressing up your pet this Halloween? If so, share your photos with Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital on Facebook and Twitter!

When Should Your Pets Get Checkups?

Most of us try to see a doctor at least once a year for an annual checkup. But what about our pets? Do they need to see the vet as often as we need to see our general practitioners?

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on a lot of things, like your furry friend's health, age and whether she's an indoor pet or outdoor pet.

If you notice any of the following signs, you should bring your animal companion into a veterinary office immediately:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy or depression
• Vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools

If your pet is otherwise healthy, adhere to these guidelines from PETA for scheduling checkups:

• At least once a year for dogs and cats under 10 years old
• At least once every six months for pets 10 years and older

Not sure whether or not it's time to bring your pup or kitten in to see a doctor? Contact the veterinary experts of Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital today at 908-464-0023. Learn more about our wellness exams here.

Keep up with Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube!

Learn More About National Veterinary Technician Week

Did you know that National Veterinary Technician Week is October 11-17, 2015? The nationwide observance honors veterinary technicians, who are crucial to the day-to-day success of veterinary practice. Learn more about the celebration below:


National Veterinary Technician Week began back in 1993, and it takes place every year in the third week of October. It's the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the contributions made by veterinary technicians across the nation.

Veterinary technicians help keep our pets healthy and safe!  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, veterinary technicians assist with all the following tasks:

• Obtaining and recording patient case histories
• Collecting specimens and performing laboratory procedures
• Providing specialized nursing care
• Preparing animals, instruments and surgical equipment
• Assisting in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures
• Exposing and developing x-rays
• Advising and educating animal owners
• Supervising and training practice personnel
• Performing dental prophylaxes

We'd like to take a moment to recognize Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital's spectacular veterinary technicians. Thank you for all you do, and Happy National Veterinary Technician Week!

To make an appointment for your pet, give us a call today at 908-464-0023. Keep up with Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube!

Fact Friday: All About Felines

In honor of Fact Friday, we're shining the spotlight on our feline friends. There's probably lots you don't know about your cat! Let's take a look at some cat facts you may find surprising:

1. Cats' front paws have five toes, and their back paws have four
2. In the US, there are 88 million cats and 74 million dogs, making them the most popular pet
3. Cats begin dreaming when they're just one week old
4. Kitty litter was made from sand until 1948, when researchers found that clay was more absorbent
5. While the human ear only has six muscles, a cat's ear has 32
6. A cat ran for mayor of Mexico City back in 2013
7. Cats don't like their food too hot or too cold -- they prefer room temperature
8. The cat flap door was created by Isaac Newton
9. The average cat will sleep for about 70 percent of its life
10. An adult cat will only meow in order to communicate with a human

Did you learn anything new about your furry friend? Happy Fact Friday! Share your cat facts with Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

To make an appointment with one of our veterinarians, give us a call at 908-464-0023. We treat your sick pets like family!