How To Keep Your Pets Safe In The Heat

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

With summer in full swing, it's only natural for us to spend as much time outdoors as we can - pets included. But, although the warm weather can be inviting, it can also be dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken.

To ensure that your pets have the best summer possible, we've rounded up a few of our favorite tips for how to keep them safe in the heat; take a look below.

Never leave pets in the car.
It doesn't matter if you'll be back in two minutes - your pets should never be left in the car. According to the American Red Cross and The Humane Society of the United States, the inside of your car can reach temperatures of 102 degrees or even 120 degrees, and no, this doesn't really change if you're parked in a shady spot. So, as much as you may be tempted to bring your furry friends with you to run errands, unless you know they can come inside the stores with you, your safest bet is to leave them at home.

Keep an eye on the humidity.
High humidity levels are hard enough for people to deal with, so imagine how your pets must feel when outside on an extremely humid day. When the humidity is too high animals can have trouble keeping themselves cool, and the result is having their temperature rise to dangerous levels faster than you may even realize. That said, if you know humid conditions are coming, it's best to leave your pets inside.

Provide enough water.
Animals are just like us - they need water to help stay hydrated and keep cool. If you'll be bringing your pets outside, make sure that you have a water bowl readily available for them to drink out of. On extra hot days, even throw in some ice cubes so that the water stays cold.

Be smart about exercise.
On those extremely hot summer days, avoid taking your pet out to exercise when the sun is the strongest and temperatures are the highest. Instead, restrict outdoors time to early morning or late at night when temperatures haven't reached their peak yet. Reiterating the previous tip, regardless of when you take your pet out, always make sure that you have water with you so that you limit the chances of your pet becoming dehydrated during activity.

As a pet owner, it's also extremely important that you know the warning signs of heatstroke in case of an emergency. Some of the most common include:

• Heavy panting
• Fast heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Increased salivation

If you notice any of these signs in your pet, start by taking them into a cool, air-conditioned room (or shady spot, if you're outdoors), and place an ice pack or cold towel on their neck, head or chest to help him or her cool down. While you call your veterinarian, provide your pet with some cool water or ice cubes that they can lick in the meantime.

Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we know just how hot it can get in New Jersey during the summer, and if your pet doesn't react well to the heat, we want to help.

For information about our emergency veterinary care services, please visit us at www.berkeleyheightsah.com. Additionally, if your pet shows any of the above signs or other warning signs of heatstroke this summer, please call us at (908) 464-0023 right away so that we can provide the care they need.

5 Things To Do Before Bringing Your Dog To Work

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

No one likes having to leave their pups behind when they head out to work each morning, but what if we said you might not have to? At least for one day, that is - June 24th is Take Your Dog To Work Day!

If your company is participating in this event, how could you say no to bringing your furry friends in? We work with animals all day long, so we know just how much more enjoyable they can really make a day at the office!

Should you have the opportunity to bring your dog in this year, here are a few tasks to complete before you do:

1. Make a spot for them. Don't wait until your pup arrives to figure out where they'll stay all day - instead, clear a space close to your desk beforehand so that you can set up a pillow or dog bed for them to rest on as soon as they get there. 
2. Puppy-proof your office. Or your cubicle, or any other work space you may have. That means, make sure there's nothing dangerous on the floor (such as exposed wires your pup can chew), and take anything off of your desk or shelves that are low to the ground that you think your pup can get a hold of.
3. Talk to your colleagues. Just because you love dogs doesn't mean everyone in the office does; you may even have some coworkers that are allergic. So, before you commit to bringing your dog to the office, talk to those you work closely with and sit near to ensure that they're okay with you bringing a guest.
4. Check their medical records. Is your four-legged friend up-to-date on his or her vaccinations? Especially if other dogs will be joining yours on take your dog to work day, you want to make sure that yours is healthy and prepared to be around other animals.
5. Have an emergency plan. It's not unusual for animals to feel stressed in a new environment, so you'll need to have a plan for what you'll do if your dog exhibits signs that they're feeling uneasy. For example, if you notice that your dog is panting or drooling more than usual, it's probably best that they are removed from the situation and given a chance to calm down. 

If you're definitely planning on bringing your dog to work this year but still have questions on how to prepare, write to us on social media! We want your pets to be as safe as possible in your work environment and would love to be able to answer any questions you may have!

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

How To Show Your Pets That You Appreciate Them

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Aside from the love you receive from your family and friends that are close to you, there really is no love greater than the love that comes for your pet. Although they cannot talk and tell us how they really feel, you can just tell by their actions that their love is forever and unconditional.

While you likely feel the same and provide your pet with a similar unconditional and forever love, since this week is Pet Appreciation Week, we think it's appropriate to take it up a notch - here's how you can do so:

1. Shower your pet with love and attention when you get home from a day at work, school, or any other activity that keeps you out of the house for an extended period of time. You know they missed you, so let them know you missed them too!
2. Set aside some play time for just you and your pet. It doesn't matter if you play a game of fetch in your yard or take them on a walk/run for some exercise, all that matters is that you give them your undivided attention for a bit - they'll know and appreciate it more than you can imagine!
3. Don't skimp out on the treats! Especially if your pet is young and still in the training process, make sure they know when they've done a good job. And although you don't want to give them too many treats in one sitting, a little something extra this week won't hurt.
4. Bring them a gift. If it's been a while since your pet received a new chew toy, or if they've been sleeping in their same bed for a few years now, think about presenting them with something new! Should you go the new toy route, remember tip #2 and set aside some time for the both of you to play with it.
5. Spend some more time petting and cuddling. Let's face it, your pets just want to be with you as often as they can, so the more time you spend with them, the better! Whenever your pet or cuddle them, remember to get down close to their level so that you can be face to face rather than tower over them.

Last but not least, you can also show your pet how much you care by making an appointment for a wellness visit with your vet! While your pet may not be a fan of the vet, making sure they are healthy and in good shape is one of the best ways for you to keep looking out for them.

For those of you in Berkeley Heights and New Providence, NJ, we at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital can provide all of the medical care your pet needs! We've been caring for pets since 1976, and would love to have you and your furry friends come on board. 

To learn more about our veterinary services, please call (908) 464-0023 or visit us on our website. And don't forget, for all of our new clients, the first exam is FREE!

The Benefits of Adopting a Cat

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Did you know? June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month! As is explained by the ASPCA, June begins the height of kitten season, which means there will be tons and tons of felines out there looking for their forever homes. That said, there's no better time than now to start your search for the perfect addition to your home if you've been thinking about adopting! But if you haven't been, here are 7 reasons why you should adopt a cat right now:

1. Adopting a cat helps you contribute to the larger effort that is to minimize overpopulation in shelters.
2. Animal shelters are truly focused on the best interests of the animals rather than making a sale, so you can rest assured knowing that your kitten has been well taken care of before they enter your home.
3. If you find the right place, sheltered cats may already be spayed or neutered so that you don't have to take on the responsibility of having it done (if your cat hasn't had this type of medical attention yet, though, we can help with that!).
4. Between their sweet, soothing purrs and soft fur, cats are awesome stress relievers for their owners.
5. Cats can be extremely independent, so your schedule won't be too heavily impacted by having one to care for.
6. Cats can be the best friend you never knew you were missing and will stand by you every step of the way.

And most importantly, the seventh reason why you should consider adopting a cat is that you'll be saving a life.

Do we have you convinced yet? If you're ready to rescue a kitten and make them the newest member of your family, know that the team here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital will be there for all of their medical needs! From spays and neuters to dentistry, other surgical procedures and emergency care, we truly do it all.

For more information about our veterinary care services, please visit our website or call (908) 464-0023. And don't forget, the first exam for all new clients is FREE!

How To Keep Your Pets Safe During Backyard BBQs

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

With Memorial Day weekend just a few days away and the weather warming up to our usual spring and summer temperatures, we wouldn't be surprised if most of you are breaking out the grill to get ready for what might be your first BBQ of the season. Not to mention, May is National Barbecue Month! Whether or not you have a cookout prepared for this weekend's holiday, if you'll be hosting a BBQ at some point this summer, we want to make sure your pets are kept safe and sound.

Below, take a look at our favorite tips for keeping your pets safe during backyard BBQs:

1. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar. With you and your guests entering and exiting your home, via both your doors and possibly a gate, there is a greater chance of your pet slipping underneath your feet and getting away from you. Should your pet accidentally get out, you'll want him or her to have the proper ID so that neighbors know where to return him or her to. Bonus tip: if your pet will be allowed outdoors during your barbecue, consider keeping it on a leash so that it doesn't roam too far.
2. Warn guests about people food. More people means more opportunities for your pets to get fed, but remember that your pets should not eat people food! Politely ask guests beforehand to keep their food to themselves (no matter how cute your pet may look), and have a bag of pet-friendly treats ready to give your pet instead.
3. Keep grilling tools out of reach. In addition to your cooking utensils, make sure that items such as plastic wrap and tin foil are also kept high and out of reach - if your pet makes any of these grilling accessories their new chew toy, they could wind up with tummy troubles that require serious medical attention.
4. Don't leave drinks unattended. If alcoholic beverages will be served, make sure that any open bottles or cans are always being watched while your pet is around. Although your pet isn't going to pick up the drink themselves, if something should get knocked over and spill, it can be super dangerous for your furry friend to start licking up the mess. 
5. Use the grill away from guests. If your pet loves attention, you can bet they're going to flock to all of your guests. So, to keep them away from your grill and the hot flames/dangerous materials, make sure that you aren't grilling near the seating you've set up - if your guests aren't hanging out around the grill, there's a better chance that your pet won't be either!

Summer events and parties are meant to be fun for everyone, including all of your fur babies, so we encourage you to follow these tips during every backyard BBQ you host this year. But, if despite your efforts your pet should still pick something up that they shouldn't have, the veterinarians here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital would be happy to provide the care they need - our relationship with Newton Veterinary Hospital makes our care available 24 hours a day.

For more information about the veterinary services we offer to pets in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Murray Hill, and Summit, New Jersey, please call (908) 464-0023 today.

The Benefits of Choosing Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Whether you've just welcomed a brand new puppy or kitten into your family or have an older pet to care for, we know just how important it is to find an animal hospital that you can trust for all of your pet's health and wellness needs. After all, they're a very special part of your family, and if you're like us, you'd do just about anything to make sure that they're well cared for.

For those of you who live in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey or one of the surrounding areas, we at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital would be more than happy to provide the veterinary care your pet requires. Below are just a few of the many benefits that come with choosing our practice:

We offer 24 hour care.
Owned and operated by Dr. Don Costlow, owner of the 24 hour veterinary hospital Newton Veterinary Hospital in Sussex County, NJ, all of the patients at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital also have access to 24 hour emergency care. Our medical records can be accessed at any time from Newton Veterinary Hospital so that their emergency doctors can treat your pets quickly and safely regardless of the time of day.

We offer more than just basic services.
Our veterinarians are equipped to provide a comprehensive list of veterinary services, including vaccines, spays and neuters, dentistry, microchips, and surgical procedures! Regardless of what medical care your pet needs, we're confident that we have the solution you're looking for.

We've been in business since 1976.
We've been caring for animals for 40 years this year, so we have a ton of experience in the various procedures you can rely on us for. Between our expert veterinarians and our support staff, both you and your pet(s) will feel right at home with us, and we promise to deliver exceptional service that you can trust every time!

From the moment you walk into our office, you can rest assured that we're going to treat your pets like family - they're just as important to us as they are to you!

For more information about the veterinary care we offer, please visit us on our website. To make an appointment with us (the first exam for new clients is FREE!), call (908) 464-0023.

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.