Submissive Behavior of Exotic Pets

 

Submission is a natural behavior in the animal kingdom, in which animals accept the dominance of another superior animal. This behavior is common among species that observe social hierarchy, such as dogs, cats, fish, birds, and other animals. Among exotic pets, submissive behavior is also present. Bearded dragons slowly circularly wave one of their arms or puff up. On the other hand, Degus and ferrets expose their bellies, similar to dogs. Some pet degu bites, and if you have one, you may restrain it while lying on its back to show your dominance. Same with an aggressive ferret, make it submissive to you by holding its scruff then flipping it on its back. A submissive guinea pig allows the dominant pig to mount on it. You may be able to see this behavior of your pet in the presence of another animal of the same kind. For concerns about your pet’s behavior, always consult your veterinarian Louisville, CO. 

Tips for Eco-Friendly Pet Care

Most of us would like to do our part to help the earth be a better place to live. Did you know that there are plenty of ways to care for your pet in an environmentally friendly way? Here are a few suggestions:

●       Buy in bulk. Not only is this better for your wallet, it’s good for the environment because you’re using up less plastic packaging and lowering your personal carbon emissions by traveling to the store less frequently.

●       Purchase eco-friendly pet products. Biodegradable dog poop bags, toys made from recycled materials or hemp, pet food from companies committed to lowering their carbon footprint… the list goes on.

●       Adopt, don’t shop. Adopting a pet from a shelter is very eco-friendly because you’re freeing up resources for the next pet in line. And you’re saving a life! 

Click here to set up an appointment for your pet with your veterinarian Louisville, CO.

Are you ready to look after a feathery friend?

You have always loved the idea of caring for a pet in your home and you want to make sure you are ready to take on this responsibility before making the effort to bring a new addition home. How can you tell if you are ready to look after a feathery friend?

Your pet needs you to be aware of the fact that there are plenty of ways she can lead a healthy life, but that you will need to be flexible with her to determine the ideal options. She will need daily care and this will include not only meeting her needs, but also offering her plenty of love and attention. You will need to upkeep her cage and make sure to give her the veterinary care required to help her stay healthy and happy. For more information, please contact your local vet clinic Louisville, CO.

Feeding your iguana

You have a wonderful iguana in your life and you want to make sure she is able to enjoy her meals just as much as you do. What should you offer her to munch on to keep her happy and content?

Your iguana will need you to give her a variety of food in order to meet her nutritional needs. This means that you will have to have different options on hand to give her when it comes time to eat, and this may require preparing, cleaning, and cutting up some fresh options on top of offering some commercial products. Keep in mind that iguanas are herbivores, which means their diets are made up of mostly plant material. Your pet’s veterinarian can help you pick out specific items to offer your new addition. Your local pet clinic Louisville, CO can offer additional guidance.

Stressed Birds Are Vulnerable To Illness

Being exposed to stressors can have a negative effect on the health and well-being of pet birds.  A ‘stressor’ creates a situation where birds can suffer from strain or tension, like overcrowding, extreme temperature or humidity (high or low), as well as the presence of potential predators.

Birds can suffer from physical and psychological stress. Physical stress can be triggered by an emergency that warrants a ‘fight or flight’ reaction’ or a continuing stress such as overcrowding inside the enclosure. In a way, stress can be beneficial because it keeps the bird on his toes, allowing him to react more capably to a perceived threat.

The effects of stress on pet birds are often more pronounced when the stressor is overwhelming. Stress is often considered an important predisposing factor to serious illness because it can lower the integrity of the animal’s immune system.

Any change in your pet’s health and/or behavior should be brought to the attention of your veterinarians Louisville, CO.

Your Parakeet’s Diet

Many novice pet owners see parakeets as a beginner pets and assume that a bowl of seeds and some water is enough. However, seeds alone can’t meet your parakeet’s nutritional needs alone. Seeds should only comprise 10% of your bird’s diet. Rely on high-quality parakeet pellets as the main food in your parakeet’s diet. Buy these pellets from a reputable pet supply company with high turnover so you know they are fresh. Your parakeet needs fresh leafy greens such as romaine lettuce or spinach. Offer crunchy vegetables such as squash or carrots too. Your parakeet will enjoy small pieces of fruit such as apple slices or strawberries as a treat. A cuttlebone will give your parakeet extra calcium and all that gnawing will keep his beak trim. Ensure your parakeet has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Contact your Louisville, CO vet to learn more.