Cleaning of Substrate in Snake Enclosures

 

When taking care of reptiles, routine cage care is a must. A clean enclosure helps in keeping pet snakes healthy, safe and comfortable.

The lining at the bottom of your tank that provides a natural and pleasant environment for your snake is called the substrate. A snake may dig into anything, such as layers of paper towels down to underneath smooth sand. Old newspaper, cypress mulch, aspen shavings, and dried leaves are all appropriate materials. The ones we use are made of live oak. Avoid using too much cedar or fragrant wood shavings.

You should regularly clean and replenish the substrate as it also acts as a holding area for your snake's waste. Cleaning the whole tank along with this is a good idea. Water with mild soap, glass cleaners with alcohol-base, and dilute Clorox® and Roccal® solutions are all good cleansers. The use of pine cleansers or anything that contains phenol should be avoided.

Your veterinarian Michigan City, IN is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and needs.

How Are Teacup Pigs Bred?

 

Teacup pigs may appear small and cute. But the method of their breeding has serious health implications later on. Breeders use inhumane methods just to create a teacup pig.

Inbreeding is one method used. It involves the inbreeding of pot-bellied pigs to created a stunted offspring. However, because there is a lack of genetic diversity, the offspring will encounter plenty of health issues late on. It is also prone to respiratory problems due to its squished snout.

Starvation is also another method to ensure the stunted growth of pot-bellied pigs. This is why breeders encourage owners of teacup pigs to restrict the diet so they will not grow fully. While the pig does not grow physically, its skeletal system suffers. Eventually, the teacup pig might develop bone deformities and suffer from serious medical problems due to a lack of nutrients.

If you notice any serious changes in your teacup pig’s health, visit your veterinarian Michigan City, IN immediately.

Stairs for Small Dogs

Small dogs such as toy breeds and miniatures may need a little help when it comes to getting on furniture in your home. Even if some small dogs can make the jump to your chair or loveseat it could do damage to their little joints especially when jumping down. You can help prevent this with pet stairs or a pet ramp. Stairs or a ramp are designed with small dogs in mind. These options allow your small dogs to gain access to and from furniture and even your bed without hurting themselves or placing unnecessary pressure on their joints. Make sure when picking out pet stairs or ramps that you check the weight capacity and not the breed that it recommends using the product. For instance, some stairs may say OK for Pomeranians with a weight limit of 12 pounds. This wouldn’t work for the Throwback Pomeranian which can be over 15 pounds. Click here for more information and talk with your vet Michigan City, IN.

Fireworks and Dogs

No matter the time of year, there seems to always be a reason for fireworks. If you know that there will be fireworks happening around your area, make sure you keep an extra eye on your pup. Some dogs have been known to escape during fireworks because they are scared. They end up running away only to get lost and unable to find their way home. Make sure you keep your dog indoors when there are fireworks or other loud noises going on (i.e. your neighbor is target shooting). Don’t assume your fence, electric fence, or screen in porch/door will keep your dog safe. If he’s scared then he’s going to run either through the fence or under it by digging. Some owners use anxiety calming measures to help their dogs in times like these (i.e. a Thunder Shirt). For more tips, call your vet Michigan City IN.

Autumn Fun with Your Dog

As the weather turns chilly and the leaves begin to fall, you and your dog may get an to get outside. Regular dog walks may feel very different when it is a little chilly and there are rustling leaves under your feet. There are all new smells for your dog to explore and the autumn breezes will blow in earnest. Consider taking your dog hiking on dog-friendly trails nearby.  Your dog can enjoy a new type of exercise on these trails as you enjoy the beauty of autumn season. Your local dog park may be more crowded now that the heat of summer has passed. This gives your dog more opportunities to socialize. And after a fun day in the great outdoors, you can bond with your dog as you curl up in your home with a blanket. For more information, contact your vet Michigan City, IN.

Keeping Your Guinea Pig From Getting Lonely

Your guinea pig is a very social animals and he will enjoy interacting with you. Your guinea pig will get lonely if he is left alone for long periods of time. Locate your guinea pig’s enclosure where he can observe and interact with your family. However, don’t put it in the main flow of household traffic. He needs some privacy and quiet time to rest. Schedule time to play with your guinea pig outside his enclosure daily. These sessions offer a chance to exercise, socialize and get enough mental stimulation. Ensure that the whole family interacts with your guinea pig. Consider getting a companion guinea pig If your work or recreation schedule makes it that your guinea pig could be alone all day. Your two guinea pigs can interact and play with each other throughout the day. You should give your pig(s) attention when you get home. Learn more from your pet clinic Michigan City, IN.

Amazing Facts About Dogs

For more than 10,000 years, dogs have faithfully shared man’s life and home. Yet, there are some juicy tidbits about dogs that many pet owners are not still unaware of yet. Here are some of them:

l  Dogs are just like humans in a lot of aspects. They possess individual personalities, and have an extremely high level of social intelligence. They can learn via various avenues such as observing the behavior of other canines, reinforcement, as well as from observing humans. They also go through a series of cognitive development stages, just like we do.

l  Dogs are capable of displaying a wide range of emotions including depression, jealousy, and optimism. Canine behavioral studies have also demonstrated dogs being able to show empathy for others.

l  Yawns can also be contagious from humans to dogs. This is often a common display associated with empathy.

Have your dogs checked regularly at a vet clinic Michigan City, IN. 

Providing Long Term Care for Cats with Fatty Liver Disease

Treatment for cats like the American Longhair or other breeds with fatty liver disease can range from simple to complex depending on the severity of the disease. Many cats require hospitalization for severe fatty liver disease. Treatment for these cases includes fluids and vitamins in order to reverse the state of starvation that often triggers the start of fatty liver disease. Once treatment is given, the cat will need continued long term care to prevent relapse. This will include important at home care that will revolve primarily around the cat’s diet. Your veterinarian may recommend feeding your cat with a syringe in order to ensure the cat eats enough food daily. The first few days of home care can be critical to your cat’s overall recovery. Make sure your talk with your pet clinic Michigan City IN team regularly and follow their instructions for treatment to help ensure your cat’s health and recovery. For further details visit: https://maplecityanimalhospital.net/