Tips to Help You Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

You wouldn't go a day without brushing your teeth, so why should your dog go for a long time without any dental care? Although it can be difficult to really get in there and scrub, it's just as important to brush your dog's teeth regularly as it is to brush yours. And since proper dental hygiene is so crucial for pups everywhere, we'd like to take this opportunity to share some tips on how to make the process easier:

1. Set up a routine. It may take some time for your dog to get used to the idea of someone brushing their teeth, and that's perfectly okay. What's really important here is that you get them comfortable with it and set up a routine that they're familiar with - for example, brush their teeth every day at the same time, and make sure it's when your pup is in a relaxed state.
2. Approach your dog correctly. Use body language to help your dog feel comfortable so that they don't feel like they're being threatened or put in an upsetting position. That said, avoid towering over your dog, but rather kneel or sit right next to him/her. And remember, if your dog is showing that they're nervous, it's okay to wait a few minutes until they calm down.
3. Start slowly. You don't have to dive into everything all at once. Instead, start off slowly and get your pup used to the idea of someone touching his/her mouth. For example, spend a little while just rubbing your finger on your pup's gums and teeth and see how they react - as they start to ease up, then you can move on to using a toothbrush and some doggy toothpaste.
4. Brush in circles. Once you're ready to fully tackle brushing your dog's teeth, do so in a circular motion and make sure you're addressing both their top and bottom teeth. If you notice a little bleeding every so often, that's okay. However, if you see bleeding every time and it's heavy, you could be brushing too hard or your pup may have gum disease - this you can consult your vet about!
5. Be a source of comfort and end with a reward. Throughout the entire process of brushing your dog's teeth make sure you're speaking to him/her in a positive tone and reassure him/her of how good they're being. And after you're done, don't forget to give him/her a treat!

Remember - it will probably take some time for your dog to get comfortable with you brushing their teeth, and even though they may fuss the first couple of times, what matters most is that you're doing something positive for their health and well-being!

Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we recognize how important it is for pets to exhibit good dental hygiene, and we also know it can be difficult for pet owners to get their pet to let them in their mouth. That's why part of our veterinary care services are specifically dedicated to animal dentistry! We recommend an annual dental exam and teeth cleaning for your pet and are available to help with a number of dentistry related services such as oral surgery, dental extractions, ultrasonic scaling of the teeth, ultrasonic polishing of the teeth and more!

For more information about our animal dentistry services or to make an appointment, please give us a call at (908) 464-0023 today.

Fun Fall Activities You Can Do With Your Pet

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Pets are a major part of the family, so it's not surprising that most pet owners look for ways to incorporate their furry friends into their every day activities. With fall officially in full swing, what plans do you have that your pet can tag along for? If you're looking for a few ideas, we've got you covered:

1. Go hiking. Your pets need exercise just as much as you do, so consider a hiking trip and bring them with you! Not only will a hike get them moving, but it'll also give them some time to enjoy the great outdoors.
2. Take them pumpkin picking. What's cuter than your pet sitting in a field filled with pumpkins? We can't think of much! So long as the pumpkin patch is pet-friendly, pack up your pet and let them help you find the perfect pumpkin for carving this year.
3. Play football. Fall is all about football, so get your pet in on the action and head outdoors for a game or two! No, they won't be able to catch the ball and toss it back to you, but we bet they'll love running around and chasing after the football when you throw it.
4. Go costume shopping. Humans aren't the only ones who can dress up for Halloween - there are plenty of pet costumes too! That said, plan a day where you shop to find the perfect Halloween costume for your four-legged friend - pet stores that are pet-friendly are the perfect place to start (maybe your pet will even hint at which costume they like best!).
5. Watch a scary movie. There's nothing like cuddling up on the couch with your pet, so plan a night where you'll stay in and hang out just you two. And while you're making yourself some popcorn, make sure you have treats ready for your pet to enjoy too.

Have another activity that you and your pet enjoy doing every fall? If so, be sure to share your thoughts with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital has been caring for pets since 1976. Veterinary care services include, but are not limited to, animal surgery, spays and neuters and animal dentistry. For more information, please call (908) 464-0023.

7 Things Your Pets Really Wish They Could Tell You

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Imagine what it would be like if your pets could talk? Just think about all of the things they would tell you! Despite the fact that our pets can't speak to us through words, though, they can talk to us through their behaviors, and animal behaviorists, nutritionists, veterinarians and pet groomers have also shared their ideas on what animals would say if they had a voice - here are some of the top things your pet wishes they could tell you:

"That's too much food, I'm full!"
Especially during the training period, food is often used as an incentive. However, if your pet doesn't show any interest or doesn't seem motivated when presenting them with treats, you're giving them too much!

"Please don't make me rush when taking me out."
Dogs may seem like they're wasting time when going to the bathroom, but all of their sniffing and circling around is for good reason - in addition to wanting to mark their territory and find the perfect spot, it could also have to do with the earth's magnetic field and their desire to be aligned with it when taking care of business.

"I CAN be trained, please just be patient."
Training an animal can be tough, and in some cases you may think your pet is just untrainable. Of course, though, this is not the case - you just need to be patient and remember that it could take some animals longer than others.

"I just want your attention."
Some pet owners will view behaviors such as excessive barking or knocking things down as bad, but truth is, your pet is just looking for some attention! They love you just as much as you love them and just want to spend some time with you.

"I can't eat what you eat."
Even when your pet sits at your feet while you eat dinner, you must remember that their stomach is not the same as yours, and thus shouldn't be eating the same food! People food can be extremely dangerous for pets, so stick with the dog/cat food you know is safe.

"I would appreciate if you introduced me to people when I'm young."
Meeting new people can be scary for your pets, so it's best to work on introducing them to others in their first few months of being home. The earlier that they get acquainted with different people, the better!

"If I'm not acting normal, I don't feel well."
Even the smallest changes in behavior are signs that your pet isn't feeling their best, which is why it's so important to get to know their personality. If anything seems unusual, know that your pet wants you to get them medical attention!

Now that you've gotten inside your pet's head a little bit, the next time you see them exhibiting a certain behavior, take a moment to think about what they might be trying to tell you! And if it's the last on our list that you notice - that your pet isn't acting normal - know that you can always call Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital to get them the care they need.

For more information about our veterinary services, please call (908) 464-0023 or visit our website today.

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.

Tips for Puppies Who Are Teething

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

If you've ever had a puppy before, then you know that biting and chewing are natural behaviors, especially at a young age. However, if you haven't gone through this experience but plan to bring a new puppy home, then this type of behavior is something you'll have to get used to! 

Now we know what you may be thinking - will my puppy ruin my furniture, shoes and other household items during his or her teething phase? While they may resort to chewing anything they can get their little teeth on, the good news is that there are ways to help them develop better teething habits. Here's how:

1. Use taste deterrents to direct your puppy away from items that you don't want them to chew, such as couches, tables, chairs, dressers and more. Puppies are smart enough to recognize when they don't like the taste of something, so applying deterrents around your home can help send them elsewhere for relief.
2. Block off areas that you don't want your puppy to access, such as your closet if you don't want them to chew at your shoes. While this may require you to do some rearranging with your furniture for the time being, you'll be grateful once the teething phase is over and your personal belongings are still intact!
3. Provide your puppy with chew toys that can keep them busy. When purchasing toys for your pup, keep in mind that their teeth are not as strong as adult dog teeth, so you'll want to choose products that are on the softer side.

Speaking of your puppy's teeth, don't forget about how important it is to care for them all throughout their life - taking care of their teeth is actually one of the best ways to extend the life of your pet! 

Our veterinarians recommend an annual dental exam and teeth cleaning for your dog so that their teeth and gums stay healthy for years to come, and we're available to perform various dentistry services such as these exams, oral surgery, dental extractions, ultrasonic scaling of the teeth, ultrasonic polishing of the teeth and more!

To learn more about our dentistry services, please call (908) 464-0023 today!

How to Tell if a Stray Cat is Spayed or Neutered

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Spaying and neutering is so important for cats and dogs for a number of reasons:

1. Females that are not spayed have a higher risk of developing mammary tumors and uterine infections.
2. Female dogs and cats never stop going into heat completely, so there is a risk of potential pregnancy problems at an advanced age.
3. Males that are not neutered can develop behavioral problems, such as urinating in the house and being aggressive.
4. It helps to reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats.

All that said, if you've gone out intentionally to bring an animal home, then you were probably given all of the information you need about when it would be time to spay or neuter them if the procedure wasn't done already. But what about those stray animals that you see sitting on your front porch sometimes or soaking up some sun in your driveway? 

If you come across a stray cat and are considering rescuing it, here's how you can tell if it was already spayed or neutered:

Inspect the cat's abdomen.
If the cat is cooperative and will let you hold and handle them, flip it onto its back and look at its abdomen area. The fur on this part of the cat is typically shaven before a spay or neuter procedure, so if the fur here is mostly missing or looks shorter than the rest of the cat's body, that could mean they were recently spayed or neutered. However - keep in mind that this isn't the only surgical procedure that requires fur to be shaved, so you'll want to check the cat in some other ways too in order to confirm what has actually been done.

Look for a scar.
Particularly in female cats, a scar should be visible in their lower abdomen if they were spayed recently. You may have to move some of the fur on the cat's abdomen to get a good look if it's already started to grow back, and you should be looking for a straight, thin line that runs down the center of the cat's lower abdomen.

Compare the cat's ears.
A rather obvious way to tell if a cat has been spayed or neutered is to check their ear - if one of the ears looks like it's been clipped, that's a sign that the procedure was most likely already taken care of. You may also find a tattoo within the cats inner ear, or for females, a tattoo marking may be near the scar. Tip - if you find an "M" tattoo, this does not give insight into spaying and neutering, and rather means that the cat has been microchipped.

Aside from all of the self-checks you can do, one surefire way to figure out if a cat has been spayed or neutered is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They certainly know everything to look for and can give you their professional insight on the situation!

For those of you in Summit, Berkeley Heights, Murray Hill, New Providence, Plainfield or Westfield, New Jersey, you can always count on the team here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital to help with spays and neuters. 

To learn more about our spay and neuter services, as well as our other veterinary care services, please call (908) 464-0023 or visit our website 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!