Can Guinea Pigs Catch a Cold?

A human cold or flu is caused by a virus. Guinea pigs or cavies can get colds, but theirs is more of a respiratory illness typically caused by bacteria or fungal infections. So your guinea pig can’t catch a cold from you, but he can still get sick. If bacteria of fungal infections develop then your cavy can develop an illness. It’s important to contact y our vet if your guinea pig is sneezing a lot, has watery eyes, or has a discharge from his nose similar to a runny nose. Your guinea pig may show signs of lethargy and loss of appetite or desire for water as well. The sooner you notify your vet and have your guinea pig checked out the better. Some infections can develop into pneumonia, which can be difficult to treat and can lead to severe diarrhea and dehydration. Contact your veterinarians Las Vegas, NV to learn more.

Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs

Are you aware of degenerative myelopathy as a disease in dogs? This disease is also referred to as DM and is common in a variety of dog breeds including the Great Dane. Degenerative myelopathy is an incurable disease. It involves the nerves and spinal cord and can cause loss of mobility and numbness in the legs or loss of feeling in the legs. There is no cure for this disease, however, there are treatment options that can help alleviate the symptoms. Symptoms often appear in dogs later in life when some dogs start to naturally develop joint and mobility issues including arthritis and osteoarthritis. If your older dog is having mobility trouble, call your vet and schedule a checkup so your vet can examine your dog and diagnose the particular ailment so treatment can be prescribed. To learn more about DM, call our pet clinic Las Vegas, NV.

How to Desensitize your Puppy

What does it mean to desensitize your puppy? Basically, desensitizing your puppy is the process of getting him accustomed to coming into contact with different things so that he has no reaction or reacts appropriately. For instance, if your puppy is going to come in contact with cats on a daily basis then you’ll want to desensitize him by introducing him to cats, teaching him how to react, and continually expose him to cats until he learns not to bark or chase cats but instead ignore them or get along with them. Other things to desensitize your puppy from include loud noises (i.e. fireworks or gun shots…if you are around them a lot), the mailman, other loud dogs, cars, etc. If you need help, contact your local dog trainer or call your pet store and ask for trainer referrals. Read more here or call your vet clinic Las Vegas, NV.

Obtaining an AKC Registration for Your Purebred

Do you own a purebred canine like the Akita, Pomeranian, Bichon, Dalmatian, etc.? If you own a purebred dog then you may want to look into having him official registered with the AKC or the American Kennel Club. Registering with the AKC and also becoming a member yourself gives opportunity to you and your dog to show in sanctioned AKC shows, participate in AKC events, and more. It’s easy to register your dog with the AKC. Simply go online and look for their registration form. In most instances, a purebred dog is eligible for AKC registration because he is purebred. The litter should have already been registered by the breeder. You should have received a certificate stating registration when you purchased the dog. You will need the certificate to verify your dog’s breeding and for registration. If you rescued the dog then you may need the help of your veterinarian Las Vegas, NV in obtaining a purebred certificate.

Things to Ask Your Vet at Your Cat’s Checkup

It’s important to make the most of your cat’s annual vet visits. The time is all yours so take advantage of it and run things by your vet that you’re unsure about when it comes to your cat’s health and habits. For instance, ask your vet if your cat’s weight is good or if it’s over or under what it should be. Tell your vet what you feed your cat (food and snacks) and ask if there’s something you should do different. Tell your vet how much and how often you feed your cat. If your cat has any peculiar habits that he’s just started (i.e. missing the litter box occasionally) tell your vet. This is also a good time to make sure your cat is drinking enough water and getting enough exercise. There’s not a wrong question you can ask your veterinarians Las Vegas, NV so any concerns you have about your cat voice them at your appointment.

Fun Facts about Ferrets

Ferrets are one of the most popular exotic pets. They are curious, intelligent, loyal, loving, and extremely playful and energetic. They require consistent training and handling to cultivate a bond with their owners. They’ve been considered pets in the U.S. for the past 300 years, however, some parts of the world still uses ferrets to hunt small game including rabbits. Ferrets come in various colors and have a short to medium length fur. Like cats and dogs, ferrets should be neutered or spayed at 6 to 8 weeks of age. The average female ferret can be about 14 inches long and weigh between .75 and 2.5 pounds. The average male ferret can be about 16 inches long and weigh between 2 and 3.5 pounds. Ferrets have a general lifespan of around 6 to 8 years although some have been known to live for 12 years. For more fun facts, talk to vets Las Vegas NV.

What to look for when purchasing a litter box

You will soon be bringing a feline friend into your life, and you know that she will need a litter box within your home. What should you look for when purchasing one?

It’s important that you choose a litter box that your pet will be comfortable in, otherwise, she may not use it. Think about your pet’s size and general preferences when looking at your options. There are likely some things that will work better than others in your household, like adding a hood to a litter box to keep other pets from snooping around this area. You should also consider the litter that can be used in different boxes, as this could significantly impact your decision. Many cats will prefer a certain type of litter over others. For additional information, please contact your local Pet clinic Las Vegas, NV.