Dental Care Tips For Your New Puppy

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

You've just welcomed your brand new pup into your home and you've gotten started on the training process - now what? Although as humans we put a lot of emphasis on keeping our teeth healthy, a lot of the time new pet owners forget how important it is to do the same for their furry friends. So, once your pup has gotten settled into their new home and has become acquainted with your family members, it's time to get into a smart dental routine.

To keep your puppy from experiencing major oral problems as he or she grows and matures, here are three very important things you should do in your first year together:

1. Get your puppy used to people touching his or her mouth. The easiest way to get your new puppy used to the feeling of someone touching his or her mouth (whether it be you or your veterinarian) is to do exactly that - touch his or her mouth. However, don't go at this aggressively - a good time to start is when you two are sitting and cuddling together. And since animals respond positively to praise, make sure you reward your pet for letting you touch their mouth, such as by giving them a treat afterwords. Tip: if your pet is extremely uneasy the first few times you handle their mouth, dip your finger in something that they'll enjoy the taste of.
2. Watch what your puppy is munching on. Despite the fact that puppy teeth do fall out eventually, you still want to keep them in good shape - a broken puppy tooth or two will land you in the vet just as if it was one of their adult teeth. So, monitor what they munch on and try to keep them only chewing on toys that are safe for their little teeth - there are plenty of toys specifically made for teething purposes! A rule of thumb to find out if a toy is safe or not is to see if you can dent it with your own fingernail - if you can't, it's too hard for your puppy!
3. Start brushing regularly. Like human teeth, unless puppy teeth are brushed regularly, it's likely that they'll develop tartar, which later leads to health concerns like gingivitis and periodontal disease. That said, once your puppy feels comfortable with you touching his or her mouth, start to introduce the idea of brushing. While you do want to brush all teeth, the first few times you may only be able to do a few, and that's okay! Even if it's a slow start and takes a while for your puppy to warm up to the idea of having their teeth brushed, what matters is that you're developing the right habits early.

Still have questions about how to care for your new puppy's teeth? Write to us on Facebook or Twitter or contact us at (908) 464-0023! We recommend that you bring your dog in for an annual dental exam and teeth cleaning to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy, and we are currently offering a $299 dental special that includes a cleaning, scaling and polishing!

For more information, please visit www.berkeleyheightsah.com or give us a call today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spays and Neuters

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Welcoming a new pet into the family is one of the most exciting things we can do, but with it also comes a lot of new challenges and responsibilities - starting with your first trip to the vet! You want to make sure that your new pup or kitten is as healthy as can be, so you'll need to make an appointment with your veterinarian to start learning about routine check-ups and vaccinations. Then, there's having your pet spayed or neutered.

As this is a surgical procedure, we know that families have a lot of questions about the process and how it affects their furry friends. That's why today, we're here to answer a few of them for you:

Q: When should I spay or neuter my pet?

A: We recommend that you spay or neuter your pet once they reach 6 months of age. 

Q: Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

A: Spaying or neutering is important for a few reasons: 1) it can help prevent overpopulation of cats and dogs, 2) it can help prevent health problems, and 3) it can help prevent behavior problems.

For example, female animals that are not spayed have a higher risk of developing mammary tumors and uterine infection, which require very critical surgery. Additionally, since female dogs and cats do not completely stop going into heat despite their age, there is a chance that they can become pregnant when it is not safe for their bodies. Lastly, male animals that are not neutered are more likely to develop behavior problems, such as urinating throughout your house or being aggressive towards you and perhaps even your other pets. 

Q: Is having my pet spayed or neutered safe?

A: Absolutely. Spaying and neutering is an extremely common surgical procedure, and the veterinarians working on your pet will always put their health and safety first. Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we require pre-operative blood work to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia, and we follow a number of safety precautions throughout the procedure. For example, we:

• administer IV fluids during surgery to sustain body temperature, fluid and electrolyte levels
• use sterile surgical packs to minimize the risk of post surgical infections
• monitor your pet while they are under anesthesia to check on their heart rate and oxygen levels

Q: Is my pet going to be in pain?

A: When spaying and neutering we give your pet a sedative as well as pain management medication in order to help minimize any anxiety they feel as well as to reduce feelings of discomfort - we do everything we can to make the procedure as comfortable and painless as possible!

Q: Will my pet's personality change after undergoing surgery?

A: No, and if it does, it's usually for the better! As we mentioned earlier, male animals in particular are likely to develop behavioral problems by not being neutered, so having the procedure done can actually help to keep them happy and chipper!

We know that it can be easy to worry about your pets in surgery, but when you choose Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, you can rest assured knowing that they are in great hands. Our highly trained veterinary technicians monitor your pet both during and after the procedure, and are committed to making this experience easy for both you and them.

Still have questions? We'd love to be able to answer them and put your mind at ease - just call (908) 464-0023.

Top 5 Tips For Keeping Your Pets Healthy

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

They may not be able to talk to us the way we talk to others, but our pets can truly be some of the best friends we ever have in our lifetime. That said, we know you'd probably do just about anything to keep them healthy and ensure a long, prosperous life - are we right?...We thought so!

Although there are always things that we can't control, the following are a few ways that you can help keep your pets healthy for years to come.

Limit stress.
Just like stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health, it can also be pretty damaging to animals. Knowing this, it's important to do whatever you can to create a stress-free environment for your pets to live in. One of the best ways to do so is by making sure that your pets have access to the things they need - food, water, room to exercise, and perhaps even a toy or two to prevent boredom.

Promote exercise and good heating habits.
Cats and dogs that are overweight are more likely to experience health problems, so you'll want to ensure that your pet is getting the exercise they need and eating the right foods. Since nutritional needs may differ for each individual animal, ask us which foods we recommend as well as which exercise routines we suggest the next time your pets come in for a visit! If you don't want to wait, you can always give us a call too!

Focus on hygiene.
We brush our teeth every day, so why shouldn't your pets get the same care? Although it's a bit different considering they can't brush their teeth themselves, as the owner, it's up to you to do it for them regularly to prevent problems such as gum disease. Additionally, you'll want to make sure that your pets don't go too long without a nail trimming, as healthy nails promote healthy joints! Last, but certainly not least, have your pets follow a regular grooming schedule - this can help with skin health and may even alert you of issues that you wouldn't have noticed otherwise.

Provide water.
Your pets are just like us in the sense that they need to stay hydrated. During periods of dehydration, their kidney and hearts need to work harder, and it can even slow the passage of blood through the spleen and the liver. That said, your best bet is to provide your pets with a bowl of fresh water every day.

Schedule check-ups.
You should never - we repeat, never - skip a vet appointment! Even if nothing appears wrong, it's imperative that you bring your pets in for a wellness exam to have them checked out. For dogs and cats under 7 years of age, we recommend an annual exam. However, for pets over 7 years of age, we recommend a wellness exam every 6 months.

If you're located in New Jersey and have pets at home that need to be cared for, choose Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital for all of your veterinary needs! We've been caring for animals since 1976 and would love to be able to care for your pets next.

For information about our veterinary services or to make an appointment, please call (908) 464-0023. If you haven't seen us before and are a new client, your first exam is FREE!

4th of July Safety Tips For Your Pets

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Happy (almost) 4th of July! How will you be celebrating this weekend? Whether you have plans to grill in your own backyard or attend a neighbor's BBQ, we know that you may have the desire to keep or bring your furry friends with you. However, before you think about doing so, remember that your pet's safety should be kept top of mind.

To ensure that your pets are kept safe this weekend, we've collected a few safety tips for you to read through below.

1. Keep alcoholic drinks out of reach. Unfortunately, alcoholic drinks can poison pets and cause severe harm, so it's important that all cups, glasses and bottles are kept well out of reach. But since there is always the potential for a spill, we highly encourage you to closely monitor your beverage (and ask others to do the same) so that if anything should be knocked over, you can clean up the mess immediately.
2. Avoid feeding your pets table food. We know that it can be especially tempting to slip your pet some of your leftovers when they look up at you with those adorable eyes, but as hard as it is, you need to avoid giving in. That's because "people food" can be harmful to pets and cause an upset stomach or various other health issues.
3. Make sure your pet has the proper identification. This tip applies to your every day, but especially on a holiday where people may be walking in and out of your home/yard constantly, make sure your pet is wearing the proper identification. This way, if they should accidentally slip out the door or under your gate, it is easier for friends, family members and neighbors help you find them.
4. No party accessories! Planning to hand out glow necklaces and bracelets to your guests? If so, don't hand over any to your pets! Sure they may look cute with a red, white and blue necklace on, however, ingesting the luminescent substance inside can be harmful. Not to mention, if your pet chews on them and eats the plastic, they could wind up with some pretty major intestinal problems.
5. Put pets indoors during fireworks shows. Fireworks sure are pretty, and we bet your pets would think so too. However, loud noises can be especially frightening for pets, and when subject to listening to them, it can be easy for them to get nervous and run for cover. That said, keep them inside the house and perhaps even turn on the TV so that you can drown out the loud booms.

For additional 4th of July safety tips, check out what the ASPCA has to say.

From all of us at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we wish you (and your pets!) a very happy and safe 4th of July. Should your pet need emergency care over the weekend, please give us a call at (908) 464-0023.

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!