A Hamster’s Sleep Schedule

Looking for a great pet for your child? A hamster is one of the best starter pets because they don’t take a lot of care and they don’t usually live past 3 or 4 years. There’s a long term commitment and yet it’s shorter than other pets. Before buying, though, make sure you realize that hamsters are nocturnal creatures. This means that the hamster will be sleeping during the day and staying active at night. Not a big deal unless the hamster is waking you up at 3 a.m. because he’s having a blast on his exercise wheel. For this reason, make sure you place the hamster’s cage in an area that won’t disturb your children’s sleep or your sleep. Understanding your hamster’s sleep schedule is important. You don’t want to keep him up during the day, but you should wake him up for some one on one bonding time. Learn more here or call your veterinarians Crown Point, IN.

Cat Coats in the House

Does your cat spend a lot of time outdoors during the colder months? If so, you may have him or her wearing a coat for an extra layer of protection from the elements. Be careful that your cat doesn’t leave the yard wearing the coat. The coat could get stuck or hung up if your cat goes wandering in the woods, etc. When your cat comes indoors you may want to remove the coat. If your home is on the warm and toasty side definitely remove the coat. If you like your home a little cooler or you just warm part of the house then leave the coat on. You can place your hand between your cat’s fur and the coat to see if she’s too warm. Breeds that may need a coat include the Manx, Siamese, the Sphynx, etc. For more tips and suggestions, consult with your veterinarian Crown Point, IN. 

Helping your Cat Exercise

Cats are often known for their ability to take long naps with little to no interruptions. Even if there is loud noise going on around them they are still able to sleep the day away. If your cat is sleeping too much and is in need of exercise try walking him outdoors in the early mornings or early evenings. If he wants to nap, make sure he earns the right first. Play with a toy for about 10 minutes or more. Go outdoors for a walk or just let your cat stroll around on his own. Teach your cat tricks and encourage him to earn his treats. The more your cat sits, lays down, rolls over, etc. the more he will be moving. Only reward him if he moves. You can also encourage your cat to self groom which counts as exercise too. For more ideas, consult with your animal hospital Crown Point, IN.

Keeping your Dog Comfortable in the Heat

Hot weather can quickly deplete your dog of all energy. If it’s an overly hot day, make sure you keep your dog indoors in a nice cool place. If you don’t have air conditioning, set up a fan on the floor and aim it towards your dog’s bed or area where your dog likes to nap. This will help keep him cool. Keep your dog’s bed in a cool part of the house such as a basement or on cool linoleum flooring where it’s cooler for your dog to lay down. Make sure you have a couple of water bowls filled with fresh cool water. Offer your dog cool treats such as ice cubes, frozen fruit, or dog safe ice cream to help him stay cool as well. If your dog is overheated, panting heavily, or appears lethargic, contact your vet Crown Point, IN right away.

How to choose the right pet for your family

You have been thinking long and hard about bringing a pet into your family and you can’t help but think that this will add a new dynamic to your household and have a positive impact on everyone. How can you choose the right pet to bring home?

You will need to take the time to thoroughly evaluate your family as well as any potential pets you would consider bringing into your home. This will help you identify the capabilities of your household as well as the preferences of your family members so you can then match these up with a pet who will really enjoy spending time in your home. The ideal pet will be able to thrive in your care and you will be able to look after her with relative ease.  For additional information, please contact your local Crown Point, IN veterinarian.