Pet Bird Nutrition

Bird owners might want to rethink their pet feeding strategy if they rely on a diet that is exclusively seeds.  Many years ago, a diet that is only composed of seeds for birds was the common practice.  However, experts today have discovered that only giving your bird seeds for all its meals is not very healthy.  Seeds are rich in fat and will increase your bird’s chances of being overweight.  Birds need to have a diet that is nutritionally balanced because, without it, they have a tendency to develop very specific deficiencies of certain nutrients.  Seeds should only comprise a fraction of a bird’s daily food ration.  Other components should be food that is rich in vitamin A, calcium, and iodine.  For skin and feather health and development, be sure to also give your bird sources of Linoleic acid, and other important fatty acids.  Calcium is needed for bone, claw, and beak health.  You can include mineral blocks, oyster shells, and cuttlefish bones as calcium sources for your pet bird.

Consulting your veterinarian McHenry, IL will make you more knowledgeable on how to fulfill your pet bird’s nutritional requirements.

Behavior and Temperament of Degu

 

A degu (scientific name: Octodon degus) is fast becoming popular especially to pet lovers who like uncommon pets. Degus live pretty much like prairie dogs when they're living in their natural environment. Degus are social creatures and they prefer to live in a community. And like some rodents, they can dig complex burrows with adequate space where they can keep their food as well as sleep. But unlike some of their rodent relatives, degus are diurnal creatures (they are active during the morning). Degus are known to have a dog-like friendly personality.

Once a degu is fully grown, it can grow to as much as 5 to 7 inches long and with a tail that can reach 6 inches. You should be careful not to pick him by his tail because it can shed off its tail as a protective measure (almost like how a house lizard does it).

Your veterinarian McHenry IL is a valuable source of information about your pet’s health and well-being.

Flystrike Problem in Guinea Pigs

Flystrike problem in guinea pigs is a common but serious problem that you need to avoid as much as possible. Flystrike in guinea pigs (which is medically known as “myiasis”) is a condition by which maggots from flies are laid in the skin of guinea pigs and eat away at your pet's flesh while releasing lethal toxins. The maggots come from flies' eggs and they live in your cavies' coats until you clean them up.

Flystrike issues are really common during the summer season.  Flies love the summer and their eggs turn into maggots due to the heat in the environment. Thus, you need to check each furry cavy you have at least twice a day to detect maggot infestation as early as you possibly can. If left untreated for a considerable amount of time, cavies may have wounds and you might even see some loss of skin tissue.

Make sure to clean your cavy's housing regularly and visit your pet clinic McHenry IL to get more tips.

How To Give Medications To Your Pet Dog

It’s common for pet owners to rush to the nearest vet clinic for their pets’ ailments. Though this is a good practice, it wouldn’t hurt to learn some basics. One of the few things that pet owners should know about is how to administer medicine to their pets. Handling your dog’s mouth should start at an early age so that they can get used to the sensation. Start by placing the pup on your lap, this way he’s easier to control. Then, gently hold his muzzle and lower jaw with each hand and gently pry open the pup’s mouth. While open, a small treat can be placed at the tip of his tongue to avoid accidentally choking him before releasing your hold on his mouth. The treat is for positive reinforcement of desired behavior. You can also ask your pet clinic McHenry IL to show you how it’s done.