What To Feed Ball Pythons

 

A ball python, much like the other snakes, can eat differently sized prey dependent on how large it becomes.  A younger and therefore smaller snake could probably eat big crickets, but it would be better if it is eating fuzzies or pinkies until they become bigger.  An adult ball python will consume adult rats and mice when they become large enough.  There are ball python keepers who feel very strongly regarding feeding only rats in different life phases throughout your pet python’s life, never offering it any mice or insects.

How To Determine The Right Prey Size

Usually, a snake can easily eat prey with a width that is the same as the widest portion of its body.  So, if the center of the snake’s body is around 1-inch wide, then your pet can easily eat mice that are also around 1-inch wide.  But then, there are some snakes that like smaller prey, so you might have to do some experimentation.  Try differently sized prey to determine which size your pet likes.  If you feed your pet with prey that is a bit too large, then the snake may just regurgitate the food or perhaps get it stuck in the esophagus or mouth instead.  If in doubt, offer your pet the smaller-sized prey instead of the bigger one.

Any the concern you may have about your pet’s diet should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian Dallas, GA.

How To Make The Most Of The Cat’s Litter Box

 

When you are getting a litter box for the first time, you will want to make sure that you will get your money's worth. It is important to plan where you will put the litter box around your house.

The first thing you should do is study the floor plan. By looking at the floor plan, you can decide where to put the litter box. As you plan the location of the litter boxes, keep in mind that the cat likes to stay in a quiet and isolated place to do her business. Choose a quiet spot in your house and put the litter box there.

Don’t put the litter box in a busy area to avoid instances where the cat might feel cornered as she eliminates.

A sudden change in your pet’s elimination habits should warrant an appointment with your vet Westminster, MD.

Why Isn’t My Cat Using The Litter Box?

Pet cats failing to use their litter boxes is the primary reason adult pet cats are being surrendered to rescues and shelters.  Even if at times, it may look like your pet cat is peeing outside her litter box just so she can spite you, like when you go on a weekend vacation, a lot of times, there is a medical root cause.  If your cat is hurting when she uses the litter box, she will avoid using it.
 
Cat owners somehow got this idea, most likely from their vets, that peeing outside the box always indicates that their pet has a UTI (urinary tract infections).  Actually, UTIs are found to be somewhat uncommon with cats below 1 year old, and a lot of young cats who pee outside their litter boxes might just have this condition known as FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease).
 
Cats that have FLUTD have UTI signs save one, there is no infection.  Affected cats suffer from frequent peeing, bloody pee, and pain, however, bacteria are not found in the animal’s urine.  Many experts think that stress can play a factor, as well as the lack of stimulation and enrichment for exclusively indoor cats.
 
 A sudden change in your pet's elimination habits should be brought to the attention of your vet Coral Springs, FL. 

Walking Your Dog In Severe Weather

 

There are dog breeds that are very vulnerable to extreme temperatures.  Your pet’s tolerance to extreme cold and hot weather will be dependent largely on his hair coat, health, composition, body size, and a lot of various factors.  Dogs breeds that have short noses (brachycephalic) like bulldogs and pugs, usually have it rough when the ambient temperature is warmer.  Therefore, if you are walking your pet, ensure that you take shorter walks or take rest often.  The recommendation is that outside activities have to be done in the late afternoon or early morning when the temperature is cooler.  Should you be feeling warm, then your pet is probably feeling warmer.  When walking, always be alert for signs that your dog is experiencing heat stress, such as weakness, anxiety, pale gums, excessive drooling, or less responsiveness than usual.  If you observe any of these, take your pet to the closest veterinary cleaning right away.  These signs are important indicators that the animal is experiencing heatstroke and could be fatal without immediate veterinary intervention. Take your pet to the nearest vet Roanoke, VA immediately. 

Letting Your Cat Graze The Entire Day Is A Common Feeding Mistake

Allowing your cat to graze the entire day on dry pet food, also called free feeding your pet, is one common feeding mistake.  Cats that are free-fed are usually bored, lethargic, and overweight.  In a cat’s natural environment, they do not graze, as food is less readily available.  Cats hunt for what they eat.  Avoid free feeding your pet cat, instead, feed her multiple times per day.  Also, try making her do some work for her food.

Experts say that cats should eat about five smaller meals daily.  Try using an automated timer-based feeder that uses ice packs to make it simple to feed the canned pet food variety, even when you are asleep or away.

Labels on pet food can be good guidelines.  But the research that was performed to formulate the recommendations on the labels is frequently done on cats that were not neutered or spayed.  Intact cats have higher metabolism needs.  So, if followed exactly to the letter and your cat has been neutered or spayed, then you may actually be overfeeding your pet.

Your pet’s diet is one of the important concerns that you should discuss with your vet during your pet’s wellness checks.

Stock up Extra Food for Your Dog in a Hurricane

If you live in an area prone to possible hurricanes then you should make sure you have a hurricane plan in place. For instance, you probably have your hurricane tracking map ready along with the usual stock pile of water, batteries, flashlights, food, etc. You may even have an evacuation plan in place. But, does this plan and your preparation list include your dog? For instance, make sure you stock up on extra food for your pup in case you lose electricity. Store extra bottles of water for your pup; bottles not included in the people count. Stock up on canned dog food in case you run out of dry food or need to improvise. If your dog is on any special medications, make sure to have an extra set available should you run out. Be sure your evacuation destination accepts dogs as well. For more tips, talk with your vets Ashburn, VA. Visit their site to know more.

Watery Eyes in Dogs Like the Yorkshire Terrier

 

Does your Yorkie’s eyes appear to be weepy or watery more than normal? If so, give your vet a call to find out what you should do. Weepy and watery eyes are not uncommon; however, excessive wetness around the eyes could indicate an infection or even an eye injury. You should also check the eyes for a green or yellow discharge as well. Inform your vet of all symptoms when talking to him over the phone. Your vet may advise you to check your dog’s eye for any obvious debris. Your vet may also suggest flushing your Yorkie’s eye or eyes with fresh water or eyewash specifically designed for dogs. If there’s no debris in the eye and the eye doesn’t appear to be injured, your dog may have allergies, an abnormal eyelash growth, or even blocked tear ducts. Take your dog to the vet and consult with your animal hospital Ashburn VA about treatment.