The Importance of Cage Temperature on Snake Appetite

 

The temperature inside a pet snake's enclosure is vital. Snakes are cold-blooded animals, which means that their bodies cannot generate heat naturally. Specific bodily processes, such as digestion and metabolism, require heat. In the wild, snakes naturally get heat from their surroundings. A warm atmosphere enables snakes to digest food properly. They also stay in shaded areas to cool down their body temperature. As such, their enclosure must mimic their natural habitat. By having a temperature gradient, the snake can move from one spot to another to regulate its body temperature. A cold cage could make a snake stop eating and become sluggish. Low temperatures also make snakes prone to having respiratory problems. On the other hand, an enclosure that is always warm can also cause a snake to die from overheating. There are various reasons why a pet snake may lose appetite, and the enclosure's temperature could contribute to the problem.

Your veterinarian Dahlonega, GA is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and behavior.

Supporting Pregnant Cows Throughout Winter

 

Pregnant cattle require additional attention and care during wintertime when the weather is harsher. Protection is needed from freezing temperatures. They must have trouble-free access to ample water and food. It is important that pregnant cattle should be kept well-fed and healthy. Should there be more than one pregnant cow, segregate them into paddocks so that you can easily monitor them? The separation will also be more convenient for you when feeding them or providing water and shelter. Be ever vigilant with the monitoring when the calving date is approaching.

Other recommendations in making cows more comfortable are:

● Apply udder cream so that they can have relief from sore and cracked skin.

● A layer of sand bedding or having sloping water beds helps to ease the stress on the cows’ hocks and knees when at rest.

● Having an additional layer of bedding material for comfort and absorbency.

● Having additional space for resting and feeding.

Your veterinarian Dahlonega, GA can help you with the vaccination needs of your cattle as well as providing you with recommendations with dietary supplements and dewormers in preparation for the coming winter.

Preventing Thrush in Horses

 

If you are familiar with horses, you are likely aware of what thrush is and the dangers it presents. Thrush is basically a bacterial infection in the hoof. Left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to a horse's hooves, potentially rendering that horse unrideable.

There are some things you can do to help reduce the odds of your horse getting thrush. First and foremost, keep up with your horse's hoof cleanings and trims. Pick your horse's hooves out at least once a day, and before and after turnout and riding. Your farrier and vet will be able to recommend a schedule for trims. It’s also very important to keep stalls clean and provide fresh, dry bedding daily. Wet and/or muddy conditions often contribute to thrush, so it's also important to address any drainage issues. Finally, make sure that your horse is getting enough exercise and turnout time. 

For more information on preventing and treating thrush, reach out to your vet Dahlonega GA today!

Top Tips to Prevent Dog Hair Tangling and Matting

 

Do you have a long-haired dog at home? It's common for long-haired dogs to get tangles as well as mats on a regular basis, and this situation will need your constant attention, commitment, as well as support. If you think brushing alone will be the best solution, you should think again. Matting and tangling is a problem that can go beyond having just an unkempt pet. Matting and tangling can lead to having parasite or skin problems along the way, so you need to seriously attend to this matter. On the lighter side, it says a lot about the character of the pet owner if the respective pet is often unkempt or has mats and tangles. To prevent further problems from happening, you should follow the quick 

grooming tips below:

● You need to brush your pet's hair coat daily for at least 2 to 5 times every single week

● You need to have the proper grooming tools as well as know-how to use each one of them

Any sign of skin and/or hair coat problem should be brought to the attention of your animal hospital Dahlonega GA.