Can Two Hedgehogs Be Housed Together?

 

Perhaps you know what hedgehogs are. But are you familiar with how they behave, how they survive, and how they choose to live their lives? Understand that hedgehogs are tiny, spiny mammals that can be found in Asia, Africa, Europe, and New Zealand. Over the years, these animals have been domesticated because of their charm and easy handling.

Yes, hedgehogs are easy to maintain and do not ask too much of your time and attention. However, you must understand the traits of these mammals if you want them to thrive in your hands. Know that hedgehogs are solitary animals. They choose to live alone because they are happier this way. Generally, they do not need companionship from their kind and even humans.

For this reason, you must not house two hedgehogs in a single cage. Experts stress these animals do not go well even with their parents or siblings. In particular, male hedgehogs are aggressive toward one another and may fight to the death. Female hedgehogs are less violent, but they should still not live together because of the risks.

Your vet Virginia Beach, VA is a valuable resource regarding issues affecting your pet’s health and behavior.

Gross! My rabbit is eating his own poop. How do I make him stop?

 

Coprophagy is a normal process in a rabbit's digestive cycle. Rabbits excrete poop in two forms. One form is comparatively hard, dry, and compact which you usually can see in the litter boxes. The second type is called cecotrope. Cecotropes are more like a cluster of grapes i.e: relatively soft and pungent. 

Now it is pretty normal if your rabbit eats up cecotropes as there are some important nutrients to reuptake with coprophagy. You don't need to be worried about this behavior of your bunny and you need to discourage it. 

Point to be noted: It is important to know that if your rabbit has a poopy butt (a messy behind) it is not normal. 

Your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and behavior.

Achieve Better Results With Portion Control In Pet Cats

 

Numerous studies have shown that a controlled feeding habit is more suitable for our domesticated cats. After all, their lives are nothing like their ancestors'. The latter had to go to great lengths to secure food. They needed all the protein they could get. Our cats, on the other hand, enjoy a more peaceful existence.

If we gave them unlimited access to food, they would only gain weight that would be difficult to remove. A diet that consists only of your pet's favorites would encourage a cat to eat more than what's necessary. But if you give your animal scheduled meals containing a good balance of nutrients, the feline is more likely to stay fit.

The relaxed nature of life with a good caretaker means they don't need to conserve their strength to look for food. A sedentary life combined with excessive food intake would do more harm than good. It's true enough for us humans, and we're so much bigger than they are.

Your pet’s diet is one of the important concerns that you should discuss with your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA during your pet’s wellness checks.

Some Well-Loved Fluffy Dog Breeds: Pomeranian And Siberian Husky

The Pomeranian and the Sibrian Husky are two of the well-loved shaggy dogs. Here are some facts about them:

Pomeranian

Aside from having a furry appearance, Pomeranian dogs are also famous for being tiny. Because of this, the Pomeranian dogs belong to the toy dog category.

Pomeranians are fluffy because they have double coats. Aside from that, they also have a frill on their chest. Because of this, Pomeranians need more grooming. They need thorough brushing once a week. In addition, you'll need to do more frequent brushing on them.

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies used to work in the harsh weather in tundras. It is the reason why they have thick fur. Overall, Siberians needed thick body coverings to survive. Today, Siberians are one of the loveliest shaggy dogs. They are friendly, cheerful, and strong. They also live a long life with an average of 12 to 14 years.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your vet hospital Virginia Beach, VA. Click here to know more about their services.

When Should I Begin Giving My Dog Joint Supplements?

 

Before you go hunting for joint supplements, you need to identify which of your pet dogs need them. For example, large dog breeds may need to take joint supplements earlier than the smaller breeds.

The Great Dane has a massive size, and its joints are under heavy strain to support the weight every day. You need to prevent joint problems from occurring in your dog, which is why you need to give joint supplements. Doing so will prevent you from treating your pet’s body joints problems later on.

Older dogs are like their human counterparts. They will feel old when their joints start to become painful. Also, dogs that run all the time when they are younger will need joint supplements as they get older. The supplement will support or manage the dog’s joints. After all, the dog’s age will also catch up with them in the future.

Do consult your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA before giving any supplements to your pet. Click here to know more.

Cats Like the American Bobtail and Arthritis

Does your older American Bobtail or other feline appear to be having trouble moving around? If so, please be sure to call your vet to schedule a checkup. Signs of mobility issues may include stiffness or swelling of the joints, lethargy, decreased flexibility, discomfort when petting them, decreased activity, messing outside the litter box because they cannot get in and out, and even hesitancy to jump or climb things. If your bobtail has any of these symptoms call your vet to schedule an exam. Your cat may have arthritis or he may be suffering from another condition. Your vet may prescribe medication for your cat. In addition to your vet’s instructions, you can also help your cat be more comfortable by giving him a softer blanket or cat bed, gently massaging him when he’s sleeping, and making sure he has easy access to food, water and his litter box. Learn more from your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA. Visit their profile to know more.

Four Common Health Issues of Gerbils

 

Gerbils are healthy animals. They are also easy to maintain. But they do encounter health issues at some point. Here are some of them:

●       A gerbil’s tail may break off when it is improperly handled.

●       A gerbil can get injured when it falls from a high spot. Its bones may break from the fall.

●       Gerbils can get heat stress or heat stroke. When they are under immense heat, they can become lethargic, might experience trembling. They may even die from too much heat. To prevent heatstroke and heat stress from happening, make sure that the enclosure is well-ventilated.

●       A gerbil may have convulsions if it is shocked or dropped roughly.

●       These are some of the health issues that need to be addressed immediately. Don't let complications develop because it can end in something fatal.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should prompt a call to your veterinarian Virginia Beach VA.

When Feeding Veggies To Dogs

Canines are true omnivores, therefore, their food can be made up of meat and plant ingredients.  But do note that certain things are toxic or hazardous to dogs.  Below are essential reminders when feeding plant-based food to your pet:

●Green leafy veggies are always a great resource for antioxidants.  But tomatoes must not be offered to canines as they have solanine and other natural toxins harmful to them.

●Carrots must be offered in limited quantities as they are very rich in sugars.

●Onions damage a canine’s red blood cells which could lead to anemia, therefore must not be offered to dogs.

●Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower must be given moderately because, in dogs, they might increase the propensity to develop hypothyroidism.

●Radishes are healthy doggie treats with a crunch.  They are very good sources of potassium, essential vitamins, and folic acid.

For more information on your pet dog’s nutritional requirements, visit your animal hospital Virginia Beach VA.

How To Keep Your Pet Cat More Comfortable During A Storm

Many cats suffer from storm phobia. During a thunderstorm, a cat that is usually placid and tame can become overly nervous, agitated, and clingy. The loud noise of the thunder can sound deafening to their sensitive ears and the flashes of lightning can cause them a lot of fright and stress. The changes in barometric pressure can also cause worsen the pain and stiffness of the ailing joints of senior pets. Here are some tips to keep your pet calm when a before and during a thunderstorm:

● Place your pet in a safe place where there are safe places to hide. Ideally, the room should be without windows so they won’t know what’s happening outdoors. You can place your pet in the bathroom, basement, comfort room, or laundry room. Some cats hide behind the toilet or inside the bathtub when frightened. 

● If you are aware that a thunderstorm is brewing, you should stay at home to keep your pet company. If you can’t be at home, get a family member or a pet sitter to watch over your pet. 

● Keep your cat occupied to keep his mind off the raging storm. Play music to drown out the noise of the storm, and engage him in interactive activities to keep him busy. 

If you have concerns about your pet’s health and/or behavior, don’t hesitate to talk with your veterinarian Virginia Beach, VA. Visit this site to know more.

Health Issues In Pugs

Pugs have their share of health problems brought about the shape of their heads. These adorable dogs are brachycephalic, which means their heads and nose are short.  This anatomical defect, although normal for the breed, can give rise to respiratory problems. The reduced skull length and their compressed faces cause soft tissues to obstruct the pug’s airways making it difficult for them to breathe. They are also prone to reverse sneezing when fluids and debris accumulate in their narrow air passages. 

Pugs are also prone to a collapsed trachea. Affected pugs already have the defect when born. The defective cartilage in the trachea (windpipe) collapses which can cause breathing difficulties. 

Another cause of breathing problems in pugs is stenotic nares. It occurs because of the narrow nasal passages, making it harder for a pug to breathe normally. This causes them to breathe through the mouth. 

All these breathing issues make pugs less tolerant to heat and physical activity. If signs of respiratory difficulties persist, contact your vet Virginia Beach VA immediately. 

Where to place your pocket pet’s enclosure

Your pocket pet depends on you for a lot and you want to make sure you are giving her exactly what is needed to help her make the most of her time in your care. This will mean making sure she not only has a nice enclosure to call her own, but also that she is able to enjoy it in a safe area. 

To determine where to put your pet’s enclosure, you will need to think about where she will be able to stay safe and comfortable. This means keeping her out of high traffic areas where she will get bumped into frequently as well as areas where the temperature changes regularly, like near air vents or frequently opened doors. This should also be in a place where she is able to get away from other pets and unsupervised children. Your local trustworthy veterinary clinic Virginia Beach VA can help you better understand what your pet needs from you.

Caring for a cat

You have wanted to bring a feline friend into your life for a while now and you are eager to get to know a new addition. How can you take the time to prepare for her care?

Your time with a cat will give you a wonderful chance to look after a furry friend who can become a part of your family. This means that you will need to anticipate spending plenty of time with her so she can get to know you. Your little fur ball needs you to take the time to think about all the different pet supplies she will need so you can bring them home to her. You will also need to take the time to ready your home to keep her safe while also clearing portions of your schedule to tend to her needs. For additional information on looking after your pet, please contact your local veterinarian Virginia Beach VA.