Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots?

Are you familiar with a ferret? These are small animals widely domesticated in the United States. They come from the Mustelidae family and showcase a friendly and curious disposition. If you are ready for the challenge of bringing home a ferret, you must understand its needs. Ferrets are not the usual domestic pets many households have, like cats and dogs. This condition entails that ferrets may have a different set of necessities for them to thrive healthily and happily.

In terms of maintaining good health, ferrets need wellness checkups. They also require vaccinations to avoid getting sick all year long. What are the shots ferrets need?

Every year, ferrets must receive two vaccines against rabies and canine distemper. These diseases are serious that can cost the animals’ lives.

In particular, canine distemper is contagious, which is why your ferret should receive this shot. This particular vaccine is divided into three within a year. Meanwhile, rabies is also viral but much worse – why? Rabies is a zoonosis, meaning you and your family can acquire it. 

If you have questions and/or concerns about vaccines and vaccination don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian Savannah, GA. 

Signs Of Sickness In Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are generally pretty hardy and healthy. However, just like any other animal, they are susceptible to illness and injury. Part of being a responsible pet owner is keeping a close eye out for any indications of illness.

Here are a few common ones:

●       Appearance

●       Unkempt, Greasy, Or Matted

●       Sunken Or Watery Eyes

●       A Bloated Stomach

●       Crusty Eyes Are Another Visible Indication Of Illness In Cavies.

●       Hair Loss Is Also A Symptom Of Illness In Piggies.

●       Lack Of Appetite

●       Excessive Thirst 

●       Weight Loss

●       Waste

●       Straining To Defecate Or Urinate

●       Blood In Your Pet’s Feces Or Urine

●       Diarrhea

●       Breathing Problems

●       Behavior

●       Sit In A Hunched-Over Position

●       Listlessness

●       Limping

●       Scratching

●       Tilt Over

In general, any unusual behavior in Guinea pigs bears close watching. Animals often mask illness, so your pets could be very ill before you notice anything wrong.

Contact your local veterinarian Savannah, GA if you know or suspect that your Guinea pig is sick.

Hair Coat Of English Setters

 

English Setters have a flat coat, with hairs longer on their chests, bellies, thighs, legs, ears, and tails. Despite looking lovely, the featherings do not hinder the English Setter in field activities.

English Setters may come in orange/lemon Belton, blue Belton, liver Belton, and blue Belton with tans. Belton was the place where these hunting dogs worked the most— this is also where Edward Laverack, the founder of this breed, lived. Although their coats are mostly white, they also have darker hairs scattered throughout their bodies.

Therefore, all colors of English Setters are tri-color— with blue Belton having black marks, liver Belton with reddish brown marks, and the others having tan marks. Usually, English Setters are white during puppyhood, although you may see a subtle presence of black, liver, or orange in other puppies.

To maintain healthy skin and shiny coat, English Setters need daily (or three times every week) brushing— stiff bristle brushes and steel combs are the ones recommended.

Any skin and/or hair coat issue exhibited by your pet should warrant an appointment with your pet clinic Savannah, GA. 

Benefits Of Rotational Diet For Pets

 

A rotational diet is a feeding technique where you practice rotating your dog’s foods instead of keeping them consistent permanently. The rotation involves the vitamin or mineral content, type of food (wet or dry), etc.

This has been practiced over the past few years, and many benefits have been observed from this feeding technique. Here are some of the benefits of a rotational diet:

●      It keeps the mealtimes always exciting for your pets. This helps them to always look forward to their next meal and addresses the issues about your pets getting bored during meals.

●      It prevents food allergies. Food allergies can sometimes result from food intolerance. This happens when your pets are always exposed to foods that cause adverse reactions. With rotational diet, it prevents the exposure of your pets to their triggers.

●      It can improve the health of the digestive system. Having variations in your pet’s diet introduces different healthy bacteria to their bodies. The more variations are there for the healthy bacteria, the healthier is the digestion process of your pets.

Do consult your veterinarian Savannah, GA before making any changes to your pet's diet. Learn more here.

What Do Pet Ferrets And Sugar Gliders Need?

 

Looking for sociable pets that can go well with your entire family? Dogs and cats are overrated. Why not consider having sugar gliders and ferrets as pets? They sure can be your new home companions.

Sugar Gliders

These creatures enjoy socializing a lot. They can become depressed and misbehaved when they are not satisfied with the interaction they get. So, if you are getting this specie, be sure to get more than one to house them as a group. For their new home, sugar gliders need a spacious and towering cage. They need enough space for flying and roaming. They love to eat insects. But, avoid giving them several fruits and sweet treats at one sitting because they might misbehave.

Ferrets

These species can be very sociable if handled well since they are young. Though they are small, ferrets learn fast and are trainable. Like sugar gliders, ferrets need a large cage with multiple levels for their roaming and climbing activities. They also enjoy a cozy place for sleeping, like a hammock or a cushion.

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

Set an appointment here: https://www.westchathamvet.com/.

Interesting Facts About Pet Rats And Guinea Pigs

What do you think of rodents for pets? Probably not a good idea at first, but you might want to rethink that. Some rodents are not as wild as you know. Some can be submissive and friendly.

Guinea pigs and rats are two rodents that can be a part of your family. Here are some interesting facts about them.

Guinea Pigs

●      They are a special type of small rodents.

●      They are low-maintenance pets and are not expensive to care for.

●      They eat pellets (made for their kind) and hay grass.

●      Their living quarter can be a simple cage with proper ventilation and a  cozy spot where they can rest. You may use a towel or bedding.

●      They chew a lot. Giving them chew toys (like a wooden block) is a plus.

Rats

●      They are known to be intelligent, obedient, and tidy species.

●      They consume pellets, vegetables, and fruits.

●      Their new home can be a large cage with multi-levels. Provisions for exercise and climbing are recommended. Add a cozy area for their nesting needs, like a hammock.

Guinea pigs and rats can make interesting pets. You do not have to spend a lot just to let them feel welcomed to their new home.

A sudden change in your pet’s behavior should warrant a visit to your animal hospital Savannah, GA. Visit their website to know more about their services.

Handling Tips For Pet Guinea Pigs

 

Guinea pigs can be a little skittish even around their keepers.  Try to always make your guinea pigs feel safe and comfortable while you hold them.  Be patient when gradually building a relationship with them.  Strive to make sure that your pet guinea pigs feel secure whenever they are handled.

Below are some suggestions when caring for guinea pigs

●      Avoid letting your pet guinea pigs outside the cage when you first welcome them into your home. It might also be best not to handle them for several days as they acclimate to this new environment.  Even if you do not handle the guinea pigs physically, you could still make the effort to forge a bond with your pets.

●      Talk to your guinea pigs through their cage so that they get used to the sound of your voice. Pet guinea pigs should start becoming comfortable with your scent.  They then relate you to feeding time, which is always a good experience.  Since you are not forcing interaction with your pets right away, in time, they will accept you as something positive in their lives and not a burden.

 

●      Do note that pet guinea pigs have to feel safe and secure.  When taking your pets outside their enclosure, allow them to walk around.  Also, try sitting down so your pets become more comfortable as they see you on their level, on the ground.

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

Can Fur Slips In Chinchilla Be Prevented?

 

Fur slip is primarily a protective mechanism for the chinchillas and therefore shouldn’t be confused for shedding. It is the release of huge patches of fur when they are exposed to stress, for example, when suddenly held tightly. Now that we know the process by which fur slip occurs, it is important to understand that the only method to prevent this is to hinder any possibilities of stress to them. The most common stress for them occurs during handling. To improve the handling technique, gently hold them at the base of their tail. You maintain this specific point of contact, and then slowly let them sit on the hand, making sure that there are no sudden movements. Holding them on the other parts of their bodies beside the base of their tail will cause them to feel like they are being squeezed and will try to escape, thereby causing a fur slip.

Your vet Savannah, GA can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet.

Reasons Why Pet Syrian Hamsters Need Spacious Enclosures

 

A Syrian hamster, being a solitary creature, will want to have its own enclosure. But during the mating season, it will tolerate the presence of the opposite sex.

Outside the mating season, a Syrian hamster will usually go out at night to run around and look for food. As the Syrian hamster finds food, it will put seeds in the cheek pouch until the cheek appears plump. When it has gathered enough food, it will return to its burrow or house.

This is the same behavior it exhibits in the wild, including the search for a suitable mate. This behavior plus the desire to run around are the reasons why you should get a bigger enclosure for your pet.

If you have the funds, you can add tubes and tunnels inside the Syrian hamster’s enclosure. These contraptions will encourage the pet to move around. But on the other hand, you can opt to have a hamster wheel instead. This is a cheaper alternative to get your pet to exercise.

Your veterinarian Savannah GA is a valuable resource when it comes to your pet’s health and needs.

Four Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Litter Box

If you have a feline friend in your home, you know that she will need a litter box to keep the house clean and orderly. It has to be the right type so your pet cat will want to keep using it. 

Let your cat know that you can help her with her needs. And one of your responsibilities is to get the right litter box for your cat. Here are some points to remember:

● Consider your cat’s needs

● Find the size that suits her

● Choose the litter that your cat likes

● Find the right accessories to complement the litter box

Once you have identified your pet’s preference, you will be able to find the model and type that works for her. If you have chosen the right size, then you are assured that she will have no problem getting in and out of the litter box. Most importantly, keep the litter box clean all the time so that your cat will keep using it. 

If you have any questions about your pet’s potty habits, call your animal hospital Savannah GA, or visit their site for additional information.

Why your pet needs to trust you

Your little fur ball needs to be able to trust you, as this is an important part of building a relationship together. Why is so much emphasis placed on this part of your bond?

Trust is what will help your pet feel relaxed and content in your care. She still has a strong survival instinct even though she spends her time in your home, which means that she will have to be absolutely positive that her needs will be met in order to feel at ease by your side. Her trust in your consistent care will give this to her and also help her to feel more secure in her safety. Trust will also help you better understand one another better and feel more confident overall. If your pet is unsure of a situation, she may look to you to see how you are reacting to judge her own response. Your local vet clinic Savannah GA can offer additional guidance.

How can you prevent your hamster from becoming overweight?

Your hamster needs your help in order to stay happy and healthy. This means that you will not only be on the lookout for ways to help her get the nutrition she needs, but also to help her get some exercise.

You will need to look at her health from multiple angles in order to prevent her from becoming overweight. This means that she will need you to offer her a nutrient dense food in portion sizes that are appropriate for her to munch on and to encourage her to get moving with fun activities that will give her the physical exercise her body craves. Making these habits will help work these into your routine in order to make sure healthy guidelines are followed and that your pet’s needs are being met. Your local animal hospital Savannah, GA can help you better understand your pet.