Pet Reptiles Must Be Handled Carefully

One important thing you should know regarding the handling of pet amphibians or reptiles is that they do not particularly like it if they are handled.

Yes, some individuals might gradually become accustomed to being held and picked up, but most will just not.  Either way, always exercise care even if your purpose in picking up your pet is just to examine it.

Having a poor vision is among the main reasons why pets like these are quite skittish.  Amphibians and reptiles spend a lot of time just staying in the darkness, inside a burrow, or beneath the undergrowth as they locate their next meal.

Additionally, all except for one genus of snakes are unable to change their eye lens shape to focus.  What they do is they move their eye lens forwards and backward, much like how your camera works, which is not as efficient.  This focusing method prevents them from focusing easily on objects that are stationary, thus they are quite sensitive to any movement.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should require a visit to your veterinary hospital Middletown, DE for proper medical attention.

Helping Pets With Cognitive Dysfunction Live Better Lives

Cats make terrific pets, as any cat parent will confirm. They are simple to groom and care for, affectionate and have distinct and entertaining personalities. Cats also have strong cognitive abilities. They know how to eliminate using the litter box and have an incredible memory. However, studies revealed that between the ages of 11 and 15, an estimated 28% of the feline population would lose some cognition. Over the last decade, that figure has risen to a stunning 50%.

Cognitive impairment in both canines and felines might make it difficult for these pets to perform tasks when they get old. They may experience difficulties using the litter box and vocalizing and may have abnormal sleep patterns. They may appear more anxious or unmindful than usual at times. 

As a pet owner, you can reduce the likelihood of this cognitive deterioration by providing an environment conducive to physically and mentally stimulating your pet.

A sudden change in your pet’s health and/or behavior should warrant a visit to your animal hospital Middletown, DE. Visit their website to know more about their services.

Maintaining The Cleanliness Of A Pet Snake's Enclosure

 

Dirty and unkempt snake enclosures could make the pet snake likely develop health issues, perhaps even also the owner. As with a lot of other reptile species, snakes have also been associated with many Salmonella outbreaks.

Disinfecting and cleaning the enclosure regularly will help in keeping the pent and the pet owner safe. Without regular maintenance, unpleasant odors could accumulate around pet snake enclosures.

Ensure that you have the proper cleaning materials so that the task becomes easier. Be aware that you have to store the cleaning materials used for your snake’s enclosure separately from those used to clean your house. Also, remember not to wash these cleaning materials in the sinks used to clean your own face, wash your dishes, or prepare your food.

The basic items needed for this task include:

• A backup enclosure. This is where you can put your pet snake in as you clean the main enclosure.

• Various brushes of different sizes. These are to ensure that every corner and nook of the enclosure is cleaned properly.

• Buckets

• Rubber gloves

• Paper towels

• Terrarium-specific cleaning products. Purchase ones that are able to dissolve any hard matter.

• Sand sifter

• Detergent or liquid soap that is snake-safe.

• Three sets of sponges. One for cleaning, one for scrubbing, and another one for rinsing.

Your veterinarian Middletown, DE is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and needs. Visit this link to know more. https://www.galenaanimal.com/

Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs Like the Irish Setter

 

Different breeds have different health conditions that are commonly associated with them. For instance, some Irish Setters have been known to develop Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).  DM is an incurable disease of the nerves and spinal cord. This disease can lead to the loss of mobility and numbness or loss of feeling in the legs. Some experts have compared it with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease in humans. DM is considered to be a chronic, progressive, degenerative disease that leads to eventual paralysis. Signs or symptoms of the disease usually appear later in life in most Irish Setters and affects the hind limbs causing a decrease in mobility. Although there is no set treatment for this disease, some owners have found various types of physical therapy to help prolong quality of life. If your Irish Setter has been diagnosed with DM, talk with your vet Middletown DE, the Galena Animal Medical Clinic to learn more about treatment options.

Ketoacidosis in Cats Like the American Wirehair

If your American Wirehair or other feline friend has been diagnosed with feline diabetes, please talk with your vet more in depth about treatment options and immediate treatment plans. Your vet will most likely have a plan already in place after diagnosing your American Wirehair, if not, push for treatment to start right away. In some American Wirehairs if treatment is delayed or is not given, there could be fatal consequences. For instance, a condition called Ketoacidosis could develop. This condition is a metabolic imbalance that occurs with unmanaged or poorly regulated diabetes. Ketoacidosis is caused when fat and protein is broken down for more metabolic energy. The excessive breakdown of these reserves causes a toxic by-product called ketones. While the ketones continue to build in the blood stream, the pH and electrolyte imbalance continues as well. Consult with your great animal hospital Middletown DE regarding possible symptoms including loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, dehydration, etc.

Vaccinating your Finch

If you’ve recently purchased a Finch, check with the former owner or pet store associate to find out if the bird has received any vaccinations. As with dogs and cats, vaccines differ from region to region. In general, the only vaccine that birds need is the Polyomavirus vaccine. The Polyomavirus is a virus that can affect a bird’s organs and other parts of its body. Baby birds are the most susceptible to this virus and rarely survive. The vaccination schedule should be given to baby birds at five to seven weeks of age. Juvenile and adult birds can be infected by the virus, but are most often able to overcome the virus and make a full recovery. It’s important to keep infected birds separated as the virus can easily spread. Click for more information or give your vets Middletown, DE a call for additional assistance and details.

Myth-Busting: Myths About Hamsters

Although hamsters are among the most popular pets around, there are still myths that make the rounds of pet owners and those that are planning to bring home a pair or two. Here are the most common myths about hamsters:

Myth #1 - Hamsters can be housed in small cages because they are small. 

No, even with their small size, hamsters won’t thrive in small cages. They need enough space to engage in natural behaviors, such as burrowing and roaming around. Also, it has been observed that hamsters living spacious cages tend to be more docile. The minimum space requirement for dwarf hamsters is 70 cm by 40 cm, while for Syrian hamsters, it’s 80 cm by 50 cm. 

Myth #2 - A hamster should be housed with another hamster so they could keep each other company.

Nope! Hamsters are solitary creatures. They are very territorial and could be very aggressive and fight it out with another hamster. Housing hamsters together can be very stressful for them. 

Myth #3 - Scented litter can be used as bedding for hamsters

Hamsters are very sensitive to strong scent, thus you should only use unscented bedding. Steer clear of pine or cedar bedding materials because they contain a substance that can cause adverse reactions, such as respiratory issues in hamsters.

Your veterinarian Middletown DE is a valuable source of information about your pet’s needs.