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.

Which Thanksgiving Scraps are Safe for Pets?

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and eating good food with our family members. If you're like us at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, your pets are a big part of the family. Before you set up your pooch or kitten with a Turkey Day plate of his or her own, familiarize yourself with the following safety tips:

• It's OK to give your turkey meat is in small pieces. Make sure it's boneless and fully cooked through. Don't feed your pet the turkey's leftover carcass, which contains bones that can cause issues in his or her digestive tract.
• If you're baking bread, keep the dough far away from your furry friend! Once ingested, the yeast will convert the dough's sugars into carbon dioxide and alcohol. A drunk pet might sound funny, but it could become a life-threatening emergency!
• Vegetables like sweet potatoes and green beans are perfectly healthy for cats and dogs. They help put the perfect Thanksgiving twist on your pet's usual dinner. Consider adding dribbles of gravy too!

Follow this guide to keep your pets safe this Thanksgiving. A good rule of thumb is to let your cat or dog indulge in moderation. Otherwise, your furry family member could end up with a stomachache, diarrhea or even pancreatitis.

If you're concerned about your pet's well-being, contact Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital today at 908-464-0023. We'll treat your sick pets like family!

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

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!