How To Distinguish Between Female And Male Degus

 

A Degu’s lifespan is typically between 5 and 9 years.  These are very social animals so do not keep just one.  The recommendation is to keep at least two Degus, more if possible, so that a family structure can be promoted.  But do not pair a female degu with a male degu because then they would be prone to fights.  In their natural habitats, Degus live with large family units like prairie dogs would in complex systems of tunnels beneath the earth.  Degus naturally love to explore, dig, and climb around their environment.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to distinguish between female and male Degus from each other, so, awkwardness ensues.  There are instances where Degu owners think they have two male Degus, then weeks later discover that one of the pair is female.  Like most other small rodents, the female of the species could get pregnant again even just after they give birth.  Therefore, if one morning you see baby Degus in the enclosure, separate your adult pets from each other to prevent additional pregnancies.  If breeding Degus is something that you want to do, check with your vet Covington, GA to make sure that your pet is healthy for this.

Are Chihuahuas An Aggressive Dog Breed?

 

It is sad to note that Chihuahuas have been thought of as being aggressive breed.  But this is only due to Chihuahuas are very protective of their human companions and themselves, leading to a strong guardian behavior.  The breed is prone to snapping and barking at anything that they perceive to be threatening, whether that be another person or dog.

This often leads to issues when in dog parks, especially because of the Chihuahua’s brave nature.  A Chihuahua will not hesitate in fending off even a much bigger dog.  Even when playing, a Chihuahua is highly likely to get injured because he will not realize his own stature, and the larger dog may not be aware of how fragile the breed is.

Much of the breed’s undesirable behavior could be avoided by socializing and training your pet early.  This teaches the puppy to be more confident and appropriately behave when among others and helps him feel more secure and safe.  In addition, a breeder has to look at temperament the same way he would check the animal’s physical traits to make sure that future progeny are friendly and confident pets.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s behavior, don’t hesitate to contact your animal hospital Covington, GA.

Pet Rabbits and Hair Loss

 

If you’ve noticed that your pet rabbit is shedding more than usual, then you may want to call your vet. Irregular shedding may include excessive hair loss or even bald patches on the rabbit’s coat. In general, rabbits tend to shed at least twice a year. Most healthy rabbits are able to grow a new coat not too long after shedding out their old coat. There may be times when some rabbits, depending on age and breeding, are prone to shed more than twice a year but that could be their particular normal. You may not be able to tell this if you haven’t had your rabbit for more than a couple of shedding seasons. Talk with your vet or schedule an exam to find out the reason for the hair loss. Some common reasons include sores on the skin, illness, and hormone imbalance. Consult with your vet Covington GA to learn more.

Riding with Your Snake in the Car

If you’re planning to travel and you will be taking your snake with you, here are a few traveling tips that may be of some help. First, make sure your snake is traveling in a cage or habitat that is car safe. Don’t transport in your large glass tank. Find a smaller tank for reptiles that travel. Your local pet store should have some of these in stock. Make sure the tank is secured tightly so your snake cannot get out. Secure the tank so that it can’t slip or move should you stop abruptly or take a sharp turn. In addition, make sure you keep your snake in the back snake so he won’t be a distraction. The backseat also provides more protection for your snake than being in the front seat. If you plan to travel far, make sure you bring extra bedding, food, water, etc. For more tips, call your veterinarian Covington, GA.