Care Tips For Pet Birds

 

Like other pets, birds can be quite high-maintenance and require more effort to take care of. Don’t underestimate their size, they might be relatively smaller than dogs or cats but their necessities are less than ordinary. As a pet owner, you should understand and accept the responsibility of owning a pet bird. Make sure that their necessities are met.

 

Nothing beats knowing all the essential facts about your pet bird once you decide to take one home with you. Being knowledgeable about them can make it just as easy to form a strong bond with them. And you’re surely on your way towards being a responsible owner of your feathered friend. Take time to set your pet birds free to flap their wings outside daily. This allows them to actively engage in activities that are beneficial to both their physical and mental well-being. Outside their cages, they have the liberty to be how they naturally are in their habitat which in turn fends off boredom and undesirable habits.     

 

While indoors, you should still always keep in mind the safety of your pet bird. The room should be a space where it can move freely about that has been bird-proofed to avoid the risk of unwanted accidents.

Know more about your pet bird’s needs by calling your veterinarian Glen Ellyn IL.

Poison Ivy in Cats

Did you know that your cat can pick up or be a carry of poison ivy? Your cat may not necessarily break out in a rash of her own or even start itching excessively. However, she could have the poison ivy toxins on her coat and if you pet her then you could get poison ivy. It’s important to keep poison ivy cleaned up and cut down around your property to prevent your cat from getting into it. Poison ivy is common in wooded areas and can grow as shrubbery, groundcover or climbing tree vines. The plant is identified by three almond shaped leaves and its hairy vine. It is often light to dark green in the summer or a bright red or yellowish orange in the fall. Your cat may be just a carrier or she could develop a rash around her underarms or on her belly. If you see a red rash on her, please call your vet Glen Ellyn IL .

Getting Rid of Your Dog’s Skunk Smell

There’s nothing like a dog that smells like a skunk. The stench can be strong. It never seems to go away no matter how many times you bathe your dog. Have you been in a situation like this? Perhaps you tried some common home remedies like washing your dog in tomato juice or spraying him with a lemon or orange citrus cent to cover up and hopefully get rid of the smell. Any luck with those? If not, perhaps you should try a newer home remedy that has gotten a lot of positive reviews. Granted, it may not work in all case, but it’s worth a shot. Mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of vet approved liquid soap together. Soak your dog in the bathtub with warm water, apply the liquid and work into a lather. Let set for 3 or 5 minutes then rinse your dog. Check with your vet Glen Ellyn IL beforehand.

What are the Signs of Heartworms in Dogs?

 

Have you heard of heartworm disease in dogs? Heartworms are dangerous worms that can infiltrate the blood system of your canine causing damage to major organs like the heart, lungs and even the blood vessels. Heartworms, untreated, can cause lung disease and even heart failure. Signs of heartworm disease in dogs may include a persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue, decreased appetite and weight loss. Your dog may not show symptoms until the disease has progressed. Untreated heartworm disease can cause swollen belly or abdomen which could be signaling heart failure. Please have your dog tested for heartworms annually. A heartworm test is simply a blood test that your vet can give in office. If your dog tests positive he will need immediate and aggressive care. If you’re your dog tests negative then he should be on a monthly preventative medication. Talk to your veterinarians Glen Ellyn IL for more information.

Microchips For Exotic Pets

The use of microchips for pet identification not only for cats and dogs. In fact, these are now used for many species of animals. Exotic pets have now become a lucrative business resulting in rampant theft of these pets. If you a pet bird, hedgehog, or reptile, having it microchipped is one of the best decisions you can make for your pet. If ever it is stolen, you have a better chance of getting reunited with your pet. The grain-size microchip is inserted under the animal’s skin in a quick and relatively painless procedure. If you are buying pet insurance, having a microchip on your pet can spell a big difference because insurers assume that there is a lesser probability that they will receive a claim on a pet that has been fitted with a microchip. You should talk to your veterinarians Glen Ellyn, IL if you have any questions and/or concerns about microchips in pets. 

Picking Up Your Guinea Pig

Your guinea pig is sturdy but can be injured if you pick him up improperly. He could even die if you drop him. Ensure that your guinea pig is comfortable with you by sitting by his enclosure as you speak or sing softly to him. Drape your hand in the enclosure to explore and try to hand feed him. When you are ready to pick up your guinea pig, act efficiently. Place one hand under your pig’s chest just behind the front legs. Use the other hand to scoop up his rear end. As you clear the enclosure, pull your guinea pig close to your chest so he doesn’t wriggle away. Be prepared to put your pig down on a safe surface rather than drop him. Never pick up your guinea pig by a leg or the scruff of the neck. Contact your animal hospital Glen Ellyn, IL to learn more.