Handling Your Pet Gerbil

Gerbil is one of the favorite pet choices, especially for kids and first-time pet owners. They are cute, entertaining, and very social. However, gerbils are also quick to feel frightened, often resulting in nipping their handlers. That is why pet owners should teach little children how to hold a gerbil properly to prevent injuries. As they are fragile pets, holding them should be with great care. Most gerbils tolerate handling if they have human interaction starting at a young age. But, if they have a negative experience while being held, they tend to feel cautious towards humans. Never hold a gerbil by its tail as its tails are sensitive and can break off easily. Pet owners should also place gerbils away from other house pets, such as dogs and cats that may see gerbils as prey. Just like other house pets, gerbils need regular wellness visits to a veterinary clinic McHenry IL.

Possible Signs of Bloat in Dachshunds

 

Canine bloat is a common and often fatal condition that affects dogs of all breeds and sizes including the Dachshund. If you’re not familiar with bloat, your vet can help you learn about the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Bloat occurs when an irregular amount of gas, food, or fluid builds up in the stomach causing it to expand. Stress can often be a contributing factor. General symptoms of bloat may include unsuccessful attempts to vomit, abnormal behavior, anxiety, restlessness, hunched up appearance (as if in stomach pain), no normal digestive sounds in the stomach, bloated or tight abdomen, whining, pacing, foaming at the mouth, drooling, unsuccessful attempts to defecate or poop, heavy breathing, excessive drinking, weakness, and even collapse. Bloat can lead to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The condition is almost always fatal if immediate treatment is not received. Contact your veterinary clinic McHenry, IL to learn more.

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.

Proper Time to Switch Your Pet’s Food

When it comes to switching your pet's kitten or puppy food to that of adult pet food, the general advice is to make the switch when your pet has reached 9 months up to 1 year of age. But you must note that this general advice is not always applicable.

For instance, a pup of a large dog breed must keep using the growth formula for a much longer time than many dog breeds. Meanwhile, the switch to special adult pet food from adult pet formula is generally recommended to be done once your cat or dog has reached about 7 years of age. It's very important for you to know the right time to switch these foods so you can maintain your pet's health. You could increase the chance of your pet becoming overweight if you fail to switch to adult pet food from the growth formula. Don't forget to purchase pet food that is high quality and appropriate to your pet's life stage.

Do consult your vet clinic McHenry IL before making any changes to your pet’s diet.