The Colorful Cockatiel

If you’re familiar with the cockatiel, then you may know that it’s typically a bird with a gray and yellow head and orange patches around and near the cheeks. But, did you know that the cockatiel actually comes in all kinds of colors? There are various color mutations that have occurred in this bird over the years. Today, there are the usual colors plus colors known as lutino, albino, pied, and cinnamon. These colors have also mutated into newer color patters in the cockatiel. The different color patterns make the cockatiel a pretty unique bird. He’s also unique because he’s the second most popular pet bird. He’s often described as loyal, playful, intelligent, personable, sweet, cuddly, and puppy like in the way he follows people around when out of his cage. The cockatiel is also a great first bird for pet owners and he does well with children. For more information, talk with your veterinarian Ellicott City, MD.

Cat Treats That Don't Come From the Pet Store

You can definitely make a pitstop at your local pet store if you want to get a few treats for your cat, but you don’t have to! There are plenty of treats that your cat will like that don’t come in a bag.

Cats are carnivores, so you can bet that your feline friend would like a meaty treat. Just make sure it’s fully cooked first so he doesn’t get sick. Tuna is okay for your furry friend too, as long as it’s given to your pet in moderation.

Cats also like dairy, but you do have to be a bit more careful with this treat. Some cats are lactose intolerant, so if you decide to give your pet a little milk, cheese, or ice cream, keep an eye on his behavior and the litter box to see if it upsets his stomach.

Your Sayville, NY pet clinic can provide you with a complete list of treat ideas.

Your Hamster’s Diet

Your hamster is small so he may not eat much each day. Thus it is essential that you select foods that will provide him with a nutritionally complete diet. Choose a high-quality hamster pellet. Feed your hamster a few tablespoons daily. Only use seed mixes as supplemental food since your hamster will just eat the foods he likes. He may not choose the foods that will completely meet his nutritional needs. Your hamster may stash some pellets in stashes in his enclosure to eat later in the day. Give your hamster his food in a ceramic bowl that cannot be tipped over. Small pieces of fresh, high-nutrition fruit and vegetables make yummy treats throughout the week. Ensure that your hamster has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Use a water bottle rather than a bowl, which can be knocked over or contaminated with food, droppings and bedding. Contact your vet Los Gatos, CA to learn more.

Accommodating Visitors Who Are Allergic to Your Dog

 

Not everyone loves dogs. Some people are allergic to them, which can make visiting houses with canines very uncomfortable. Although you shouldn’t feel like you need to get rid of your furry friend while your friend comes over, there are a few things you can do to make it easier on your visitor.

If you have time, do your best to clean common areas where your visitor is likely to hang out. That means vacuuming the floor and the furniture in the living room. Dusting can help too. Try and clean at least an hour before they arrive so the dander that doesn’t get cleaned up has a chance to settle.

Even if your visitor may want to pet your dog, they probably shouldn’t. Keep your dog in his kennel or put him in the backyard so your visitor doesn’t have to interact with him.

Your veterinary clinic Fox Chapel, PA can tell you more or for more information click here.

Your Cat’s Kneading

Cat lovers know the please and pain associated with your cat’s kneading. As a kitten, she kneaded her mother to stimulate milk so when she kneads you, she is transferring that nurturing role to you. Your cat also kneads to mark you as her own using scent from in glands in her feet. Thus the kneading is all about showing you love. Even though this behavior can be quite painful, you should never punish or yell at your cat while she is kneading you. Trim her nails frequently to dull your cat’s weapons so the kneading will be less painful. Consider slipping a small pillow or lap blanket between your cat’s nails and your lap. Enjoy the time with your cat at close hand and listen to her ubiquitous purring. And don’t forget to take some time for cuddling. For more information, contact your veterinarian Los Gatos, CA.

The basics of Shedding

If you share your home with a furry friend, there is a good chance that you share your living space with a lot of shed fur too. Why is this and how can you handle it?

Shedding is a natural part of your pet’s life. Fur is shed often and new fur is grown in to help maintain your pet’s coat and keep it healthy. You may find that your pet sheds more during certain seasons, like in the spring when the warmer weather is approaching, or if she is going through something stressful. You should talk to her veterinarian if you feel she is shedding excessively. However, some shedding will likely always be taking place in your home. You can help keep things neat and tidy by brushing your pet often to remove the fur in a controlled manner and using cleaning supplies made for pet owners. For further information, please contact your local Pickerington, OH veterinarian.

Protecting Your Dog From Dangerous Human Foods

Generally speaking, only feed your dog food and treats formulated for dogs. Choose a high-quality dog food to meets your dog’s nutritional needs. Try your best to resist sharing your food with him. It is very tempting to give your dog a human snack. He may also steal food or get into the garbage. There are some human foods that could make him sick or even kill him. There is a stimulant in chocolate that affects the central nervous system and can lead to seizures and death. Caffeine in any form can lead to health issues. Onions and garlic can upset your dog’s stomach and cause damage to the red blood cells. Kidney failure can result from eating raisings and grapes. Of particular concern is the possibility of a lethal release of insulin after eating just a tiny bit the artificial sweetener, xylitol. Contact your vets Los Gatos, CA to learn more.