Cold Weather Care For Small Pets

A backup on your heat source is essential to small pets during winter— consult the vet for the best choice. Battery-powered heating sources are helpful during power outages, while

water bottles are useful when pipes freeze. Air-activated warmers can be used, too— add fabric between your heat source and pet for protection. Hot water bottles/warmed potatoes are also helpful during vet appointments.

Prepare for snow storms— keep enough heating options and carriers. Accidents (failing heaters, perhaps) may occur when you're not home, so think in advance to keep your pet

safe. Also, check on your neighbour/friend/nearby boarding facilities to bring pets in case of emergencies. Prepare an alternative plan for monitoring their healthcare.

Be sure there's someone to check on your pet when you'll be gone for too long. Regardless of the type of pet (even those who eat only from time to time), asking a neighbour/friend to regularly monitor your pet is still essential. 

Consult your vet Marion, IA area about the best ways to protect your pet from various health issues.

How To Encourage Your Cat To Drink More Water: Liquid To Avoid And Other Tips

 

As a fur parent, you must try your best to motivate your cat to drink water though she hesitates most of the time. Your cat needs water for sustenance and survival. So, take note of the do’s and don'ts as regards this matter. 

If you have forgotten the basics, here are some things you must NOT give your cat when you ate encouraging her to drink more water:

• Salty liquids like brine
• Milk, especially when your cat has a kidney disease
• Cow’s milk (Cats cannot fully digest this drink, causing diarrhea)
• Liquids that have onion powder or onions, such as stock

Meanwhile, here are some tips you can do to motivate your cat to drink:

• Give water or other liquid that is at room temperature
• Adopt a wet diet than a dry one (but consult with your vet first)
• Add additional amounts of water to wet food
• Add a few drops of water to dry food
• Gradually implement changes in the water or food intake of your cat so as not to stress her

A sudden change in your pet’s drinking and/or urinating habits should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian Marion, IA area.

Bearded Dragon Housing

Bearded dragons kept as pets can live for about ten years with the proper nutrition and care.  These reptiles can reach up to twenty-four inches in length, therefore, you will require a very spacious glass enclosure with a length of around 32 to 36 inches.  To avoid escapes, this enclosure has to have a cover that could be fastened securely.  Bearded dragons like warm dry environments, so there has to be a source of heat inside the enclosure as well.  As they are solitary creatures, it is not recommended to keep them with others.

To approximate a bearded dragon’s natural habitat, you will want to have reptile carpet (for the younger dragons) or sand lining the enclosure’s bottom about two to three inches deep.  Any waste material has to be scooped out about one or two times per week.  The old substrate has to be properly disposed of and then replaced once per month with fresh new bedding.  Sudden changes in your bearded dragon’s behavior and habits have to be brought to the attention of your vet Marion, IA area. Click here to know more.