Pumpkin Ice Bites for Dogs

Want your dog to have a delicious and safe holiday treat? Here's a simple recipe you can make at home:

Blend 1 cup of canned pumpkin with 1 cup of plain non-fat yogurt and freeze in an ice tray. Dogs can be given these one cube at a time (outside, because they can be a little messy for carpet!). 

This mixture can also be stuffed into a Kong or rubber stuffable toy and frozen. That will allow hours of dog entertainment!

Hurricane Sandy

Dear Owner:

If you become displaced because of the hurricane and need to house your pet temporarily, please contact our Bridgewater office us at (908) 725-1800.  Our hospital would be more than happy to do so at no charge.  If there is a medical emergency and we are closed, please contact Animerge at 908 707-9077 (21Route 206 North in Raritan).

The following guidance will help keep your pet safe during evacuations and other emergency situations.

Hurricane Sandy and Animals
The most important thing a person can do is to plan ahead. If you are asked to evacuate, you need to bring your pets with you. You need to start thinking today about where you will take your pets -- ask a dependable friend or relative who lives some distance from the evacuation area if you and/or your pets can stay with them until the all clear is given. An alternative is to find a pet friendly motel. There a number of them listed on the web:

http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/pet-friendly-hotels-newjersey.html
http://www.bringfido.com/lodging/state/new_jersey/
http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Weekend_Getaways/HOTELS.HTM

You should have a portable pet carrier for each animal and identification with each animal. Bring copies of the pet's licenses, leashes, water and food bowls, pet foods, bottled water, special medications and instructions for their administration, any special needs for your pet, blankets, handy wipes, paper towels and litter or bedding.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/petbro.pdf for more information on emergency planning for pets.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/livestockbro.pdf for more information on emergency planning for livestock.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/prog/helpfullinks.html for other helpful links.

Listen for public safety announcements and if you are called to evacuate -- DO NOT leave your pets behind!

Provided by: Shari C. Silverman VMD, Principal Veterinarian, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health

Be safe!

Your friends at SVG

Keeping Your Cat from Getting Bored

There is ample evidence that cats who spend their lives entirely indoors live much longer than their outdoor-only counterparts. But keeping an indoor cat happy as well as healthy means providing more than just good nutrition and regular veterinary care - you must also enrich your kitty's environment. Eliciting a cat's natural behaviors with hunting and foraging games can do wonders for your companion's well-being.

With a little creativity, you can keep your cat stimulated and interested, even in a small apartment and on a limited budget. And the good news is that enrichment research has shown that toys that are removed and then returned after several weeks regain much of their novelty; extend your enrichment budget by rotating your cat's toys regularly. Get started with a few of these feline friendly activities, but begin slowly and be sure to get a thumbs up from kitty's veterinarian.

Foraging Fun

Separate each day's food rations into small batches. Place the clusters around the house and then toss a few small treats in random directions. Not only will this encourage active foraging, it'll also keep kitty from scarfing down her food too quickly.

Pleasurable Puzzles

Toss a few treats into a square Rubbermaid® bottle and leave it on the floor with the lid off for a great beginner puzzle.

Any plastic container with a secure lid can become a hanging puzzle. Just cut two or three slots around the bottom outer edge of the container and place a few treats in the center. String a cord through the lid and hang this puzzle over a doorknob. Once your cat gets the hang of it, you can encourage exercise by raising it higher.

Scent Searching

Use old socks as washable scent baits. Just mark the sock with a dab of perfume, lotion, vanilla extract or even peanut butter, or place a pinch of any aromatic spice inside, then rub it over a slice of lunchmeat to pick up the scent. Scatter the socks throughout the house and your cat will be on the prowl for hours, delighted by the variety of scents. If you're pressed for time, simply mark a scent trail with a bit of cheese and then hide the cheese at the end of the trail.

Bird Watching

Attach a suction-cup bird feeder outside your cat's favorite window. Hungry birds will provide hours of entertainment. Don't place feeders too close to the ground as it leaves birds vulnerable to enemy attacks, and be sure to keep the window closed - 'excited cats can push right through screens.

Mouse Trap

Leave a ping-pong ball in the bathtub and watch as your cat makes it sail around the curves during her hunt for the elusive orb.

Crafty Cardboard

Use cardboard boxes as beds, dens, tunnels and mazes.

Make a "busy box" by attaching small toys to short lengths of cord and suspending them from the ceiling of a large box. Cut window flaps in the den at various heights.

Add a "Tiger Tug," ' a miniature version of a game popular with both tigers and chimps. Feed both ends of a length of parachute cord into the box through small holes. Tie a toy or a large knot on each end. When the cat tugs at one end, the other end mysteriously comes to life. For multicat households, run the ends into separate boxes.

Article written by W.R. Shaw and originally published by PetFinder.

Camping with Your Dog

Summer is nearing its end, and lots of families are thinking about end-of-season camping trips before kids head back to school. Are you planning on taking your dog on a family camping trip? Remember that camping can be a great experience, as long as everyone is safe. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on flea and tick preventative before heading out to the woods. Also, be sure to bring plenty of dog food so that your dog doesn’t get tempted to eat your family’s picnic food. And lastly, make sure your campground of choice doesn’t have any pet restrictions posted because of the danger of large, predatory mammals in the area. Once you’re all ready for your camping trip, have a great time! 

Hot Weather and Cats

During hot weather, it’s important to think about your inside pets, such as cats! When your air conditioning stops working, or when your power goes out, remember that your indoor cat may become just as overheated as you or your other pets. Watch for signs of discomfort such as panting, anxiety often characterized by pacing, respiratory distress or hyperventilation evidenced by heavy breathing, or lethargy. Some options to cool your pet are to wrap a cold compress (a bag of frozen peas works great) in a towel and place it in your cat’s bed, or wipe them down with a cool wet towel. If their symptoms worsen, you may want to see medical help from us. 

Bee Stings and Your Pet

Bee stings are painful and irritating, even for people who don’t experience severe allergic reactions. It’s the same for pets. If your pet is stung by a bee, it’s important to remove the stinger as quickly as possible, in order to lessen the irritation, and to apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling. Remember to be as calm as possible, because your pet is looking to you for assurance that everything is going to be okay. Keep an eye on your pet for the next 24 hours to watch for any additional symptoms of illness, and bring them in for a check-up if you notice anything out of the ordinary. 

New Fines In Place For Cats And Dogs That Don’t Buckle Up In New Jersey

Click it or ticket. It’s not just for people anymore — at least in the Garden State.
Police and animal control officers are authorized to cite drivers with unrestrained animals in the car. Yes, that includes the back of a pickup truck too. Violators can be fined $250 to $1,000 per offense.

Ray Martinez, head of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, just wants to avoid distracted driving.

“People actually driving with a dog or a cat on their laps. It’s not cute. It’s actually dangerous for the driver. It’s dangerous for other drivers and it’s dangerous for that pet.”

Dogs can be placed in harnesses that click right into the seat belt buckle. Cats don’t take well to harnesses for the most part, so they need to go in a carrier. And the carrier needs to be buckled down.

 http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/06/02/new-fines-in-place-for-cats-and-dogs-that-dont-buckle-up-in-new-jersey/#.T84bgBZ5vPE.email

June is National Pet Preparedness Month

June is National Pet Preparedness Month so it’s important to think about your pet’s disaster preparedness plan as well as your own. We want to help you to all that’s necessary to ensure that you and your pet will be reunited if you’re separated. 

The following guidance will help keep your pet safe during evacuations and other emergency situations.

Hurricanes and Animals
The most important thing a person can do is to plan ahead. If you are asked to evacuate, you need to bring your pets with you. You need to start thinking today about where you will take your pets -- ask a dependable friend or relative who lives some distance from the evacuation area if you and/or your pets can stay with them until the all clear is given. An alternative is to find a pet friendly motel. There a number of them listed on the web:

http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/pet-friendly-hotels-newjersey.html
http://www.bringfido.com/lodging/state/new_jersey/
http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Weekend_Getaways/HOTELS.HTM

You should have a portable pet carrier for each animal and identification with each animal. Bring copies of the pet's licenses, leashes, water and food bowls, pet foods, bottled water, special medications and instructions for their administration, any special needs for your pet, blankets, handy wipes, paper towels and litter or bedding.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/petbro.pdf for more information on emergency planning for pets.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/livestockbro.pdf for more information on emergency planning for livestock.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/prog/helpfullinks.html for other helpful links.

Listen for public safety announcements and if you are called to evacuate -- DO NOT leave your pets behind!

Lily and Lola Calio are ready for Hollywood!

2012 All-American Chip-a-Thon

The 2012 All-American Chip-a-Thon will run until Labor Day so make sure your pet is protected by having them microchipped, if they’re traveling with you, or even if they just like to wander. Somerset Veterinary Group will offer microchipping AND the first year of membership with HomeAgain...now through Labor Day for $52.99. Microchipping ensures that your pet has a permanent form of identification linking them to you, in case you should be separated. Call us at 908-725-1800 for more details about the 2012 Chip-a-Thon!

Happy Birthday Sue!

Happy Birthday to Sue, Technician at Somerset Veterinary Group! We appreciate all of your hard work and are grateful to have you on our team! We wish you an incredible birthday!

Outside Pets

Just because it’s warm outside doesn't mean your pet wants to be outdoors all day, especially during the afternoon, which is the hottest part of the day. They’re susceptible to heat and sunstroke too. Somerset Veterinary Group wants to remind you that when your pet spends the afternoon outside, they should be able to drink plenty of cool, fresh water and have a shady place to relax. 

Bark in the Park: Summer Dates

Bring your dog out to the Somerset Patriots ballpark for fun with the whole family at 'Bark in the Park'. There will be a pre-game Pooch Parade beginning at 6:30 pm. The dates are Monday June 25th, Tuesday July 24th, Monday August 27th and Tuesday September 18th. Here is a picture of Dr. North throwing out the first pitch.

Heartworm & Pets

Warm weather means the return of mosquitoes and the heartworm disease that they carry. Because a single bite from a mosquito could transmit the deadly heartworm parasite to your pet, it’s important that your pet stay on a heartworm preventative at all times. We can’t prevent the mosquitoes from biting, but we can prevent their harmful effects. We would love to discuss heartworm prevention for your pet!

Warm Weather Brings Pesky Parasites

Most pet owners know that the return of springtime temperatures will also hasten the return of itching and scratching due to fleas. What many owners don't know is that besides the irritation, fleas can also spread numerous serious diseases and parasites such as tapeworms. Although fleas seem to hold an upper hand, your veterinarian can help you win the battle against these pests. Watch this video to learn more.

Mobilize the Earth for Earth Day 2012

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life to speak out against the deterioration of the environment and demand change. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed,and the modern environmental movement was born.

Today, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year, in the face of global inaction on pressing environmental problems, we must harness that power.

Earth Day Network is calling upon individuals, organizations, businesses and governments to Mobilize the Earth™ and demand that environmental issues become a top priority.

Our patient, J.R. is a star on Animal Planet!

March is Poison Prevention Month

March is Poison Prevention Month. Did you know that some regular household substances can be poisonous to your pet? It’s important to keep an eye on the things that your pet consumes, and that includes things out in the yard! We suggest keeping your poisonous substances, such as fertilizers, pesticides, paints, and cleaning products on high shelves inside the shed or garage. And be sure to thoroughly clean any spills on the driveway or garage floor. You never know what your pet might get into!

Tomorrow is 'If Pets had Thumbs'

Sam is our Pet of the Month! Sam is a nine year old Doberman Pinscher who was rescued at 15 months. Sam has had his teeth brushed everyday along with Hills t/d diet, marrow and nylabones as treats. At the age of 5, Sam had a dental cleaning but only had minimal tartar. Daily oral care and appropriate chewing toys certainly pays off!

 

Delivered via C-section today by Dr. North ("Topsy" Ely's pups).

Puppy Socialization and Exploration at Camp Bow Wow

Check out Puppy Socialization and Exploration at Camp Bow Wow Bridgewater. Somerset Veterinary Group is sponsoring this fun event every Saturday in the months of February and March, making it free for all puppy participants. Join us this Saturday February 11th! Contact Camp Bow Wow Bridgewater at 732-805-0888 to reserve your spot or for more details about this event.

 

 

Dental Open House

BREED SPECIFIC PROBLEMS IN DOGS

• Boston Terrier, Pug/French Bulldog/any mixes including these (puggle etc):
• Dry Eye- Don’t produce enough tears and require life long medication to treat
• Corneal ulcers- damage to the cornea that requires treatment and can result in loss of vision or of eye itself
• Facial fold dermatitis- infections in the folds of the face. Require treatment and lifelong cleaning of the facial folds

• Golden Retriever/Labrador Retriever:
• Allergies- usually involves itchy skin, secondary infections, ear infections
• Weight gain- can lead to severe problems such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, torn cruciate/other ligaments, endocrine disease, spinal disk injuries
• Cancer- usually involving the liver or spleen. Can cause sudden bleeding into the abdomen which will cause pet to have pale gum color and become suddenly lethargic. Must seek vet care immediately if this is seen

• Bulldogs/brachycephalic breeds (shortened muzzle):
• Brachycephalic syndrome- small nostril openings making breathing more difficult, too long of a palate causing problems with breathing especially when excited. Surgery is available for this problem to help improve breathing, quality, and longevity of life.

• Small Terriers:
• Pancreatitis- inflammation of the pancreas often caused by fatty treats/meals or stress. Can range from minor requiring only a few days of intravenous fluids to severe requiring weeks in hospital. Advise not feeding any fatty meals to these breeds.

• Large breed dogs (Rottweilers, St. Bernards etc.)
• Bone Cancer- usually found in the limbs. The first sign is usually pain on touching the leg, limping, and lethargy.

• Boxers, Doberman Pincers, King Charles Cavalier Spaniels
• Heart Disease- These breeds commonly can develop heart disease at any point in their lives. It can range from mild to severe and usually requires medication daily.

All breeds have the potential for being excellent pets. It is, however, an excellent idea to know the potential problems that you may need to deal with before bringing a pet into your family.

Provided by:

Somerset Veterinary Group

908.725.1800

Pets with iPad Apps

These curious creatures love playing with Pet Apps on iPhones and iPads. If you have an iPad or iPhone, do you have any Pet Apps installed on them? If so, which do you recommend for pet owners and their furry family members?

WINTER IS HERE…SO IS DRY SKIN

We all know that when winter arrives, and the heat goes on in the house, we start to notice that our skin dries out.  We naturally apply hand and body creams and use up tubes of chapped lip medication.  It should be no surprise then, that these conditions also affect your pet.  Dry skin leads to flaking and itching, more dander, and a poorer hair coat.  There are some things that you can do to make your pet more comfortable during these chilly months.

·        Bathe your dog with regular shampoo as infrequently as possible to prevent drying.  Don’t bathe your cat unless there is a specific need.  Avoid using shampoos with perfumes or strong odors.

·        Ask your veterinarian for shampoos that will aid in moisturizing and caring for you pet’s particular skin problem.

·        Gently brush your pet frequently, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for your pet’s particular coat and skin. 

·        Use a good quality pet food.  These nutrients are what will make or break a great hair coat.

·        Don’t use creams or lotions on your pet’s coat; they will just mat down the hair and cause problems.

Fireplaces and wood burning stoves dry out the air even more.  A humidifier is a great way to keep you and your buddies more comfortable.   Drinking lots of water works for your pets as well as you.  Also, check areas like your pet’s ears and belly frequently.  Dry skin often makes the ears itchy and can lead to problems and/or infections.

Baby Deer and Baby Kitten

Exercise: Moving Toward a Healthy Outlook

 Rule #1: Make It Fun!

Like most pet owners you probably have a backyard or a place you let your

dog out to run – and this is his/her daily exercise. Unfortunately most dogs

won’t exercise when they are left outside by themselves. As an owner, you

want what is best for your dog – freedom to play – but you don’t want to turn

that play into work.

Most people don’t equate exercise with fun. In reality, exercise is healthy for your dog’s body and mind. Exercise can be used a reward for your dog – giving you the added benefit of time to bond with your faithful friend – a friend that is counting on you to do what is best for them. Here are some tips that, with your veterinarian’s permission, could turn work into reward:

• Make a Friend! Taking your dog to a local dog park can be a treat for both of you. Your dog can run with some friends while you have a chance to share tips and relax with their companions. If the park does not provide water, be sure to bring some along – making friends can build up quite a thirst.

• Go Fetch! Your dog can “fetch” a lot of entertainment out of something that may not seem all that exciting to you. A favorite toy and a safe area to run can lead to a very happy dog. Just a few safety tips:

   • Don’t use a stick for your game of fetch; many dogs are injured this way.

   • Keep your throws low to the ground to avoid injury to your dog’s legs when jumping to catch objects.

• Hidden Rewards! Put aside some of your dog’s normal diet, or choose another low calorie snack, and hide it inside a toy. You can also wrap a favorite toy or small treat inside a towel and let your dog try to unwrap it. These games provide a workout for both body and the mind – and a reward for persistence!

• Routine Play! An everyday walk can become an amusement park for your dog. Set up a small obstacle course, let your dog jump across a fallen tree, or hide a favorite toy along the way for them to find. You can also add a little resistance (and burned calories) by taking your walk in snow, along a sandy area, or in shallow water.

• Exercise Can Go “Swimmingly”! If your dog likes the water, swimming can be a great exercise. Water provides a soothing space for your dog to make full use of his/her joints. A short swim can provide the same amount of exercise as a hard run, without unnecessary stress to the body and joints.

• Indoor Fun! In cold or inclement weather, fun can also be found indoors. Sign your dog up for an agility or obedience class. You can usually find information on classes in your area from your veterinarian or at a local pet store or grooming shop. Dogs (and their owners) can play and learn at the same time!

Somerset Veterinary Group

1074 Highway 22

Bridgewater,NJ-08807

Phone #908-725-1800

2011 Most Popular Pet Names

Most popular feline names for females
1. Bella
2. Chloe
3. Lucy
4. Sophie
5. Lily
6. Molly
7. Gracie
8. Princess
9. Sasha
10. Cleo
Most popular feline names for males
1. Max
2. Oliver
3.Tiger
4. Charlie
5. Simba
6. Buddy
7. Smokey
8. Tigger
9. Jack
10. Sammy
Most popular canine names for females
1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Molly
4. Daisy
5. Maggie
6. Sophie
7. Chloe
8. Sadie
9. Lola
10. Bailey
Most Popular canine names for males
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Charlie
4. Rocky
5. Bailey
6. Jake
7. Cooper
8. Jack
9. Toby
10. Cody
VPI's compete list of popular pet names for 2011 will be released in early January, 2012.

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day! The mission of this day is to save lives by creating awareness of the vital need for pet safety in all areas of travel. Safe travels!