Where to Purchase Exotic Pets

Looking for an exotic pet? Did you know that they can be considered rare or hard to find pets too? Exotic is given to them as a category name because they often include pets that aren’t your average house pet. For instance, you’ve probably seen dogs, cats, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, and even some birds and reptiles at a pet store. But what about sugar gliders, ferrets, chinchillas, hedgehogs or even tarantula spiders? These are all considered to be exotic. You may find them in a chain pet store around the holidays when people tend to purchase pets more, but other than that they can be hard to find. You should look through the newspaper, online ads, and check for local breeders. Check shelters for abandoned exotic pets to adopt. Always check references before buying or adopting. If possible, have your exotic vet at the veterinary clinic Louisville, CO examine the pet before purchase too.

Setting Up Your Chinchilla’s Habitat

Your chinchilla’s enclosure needs to keep him safe while giving him room to run and play. Purchase a large enclosure with a solid bottom since your chinchilla’s feet are sensitive. He could damage his feet if the floors are wire. Bedding pellets or shredded paper will absorb liquids and control odor. Don’t use wood shavings since they will poke into your chinchilla’s feet. Dust from wood shavings can cause respiratory issues. Hang your chinchilla’s water bottle to avoid contamination from droppings or bedding. Give your chinchilla a heavy ceramic food bowl that won’t tip over. Use a hay rack to keep his food dry. He will need a hidey house for privacy. Ramps or an exercise wheel help provide needed exercise but check that the apparatus bottoms are solid to protect your chinchilla’s sensitive feet. Toys to play with finish the enclosure so your chinchilla is ready to move in. Contact your vet London, ON to learn more.

Otitis Externa Infections In Dogs

Ear infections are common in dogs. Otitis externa simply refers to an in infection affecting the outer part of the dog’s ear. Dogs are prone to ear infections because of the anatomy of their ear. Their ear canals are very long and narrow. In some breeds, it can be several inches long. There is a bend in the ear canal where debris and liquid tend to get stuck and becomes a favorable spot for bacteria and yeast to colonize. Some breeds, like beagles, spaniels, and retrievers, have pendulous ear flaps, that can seal in the warmth and moisture of the ears and creating the right environment for the growth of yeast and bacteria.

Dogs with ear infections tend to shake their heads, scratch at their ears, and may have a brownish ear discharge. The ear canal may appear reddish and a foul odor from the infected ears may also be evident.

If you notice your pet displaying any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD sooner rather than later.

General Tips For Feeding Pet Dogs

Contrary to popular notion, dogs are omnivores not true carnivores. A complete and balanced diet should have both plant and meat components. Here are some tips for feeding pet dogs:

l  Give a premium quality diet that is appropriate for your pet’s lifestage.

l  Although there are many types of human foods that can be given to dogs but as much as possible give them in moderation for it may affect their interest on their meal.

l  Avoid giving foods that are too rich because it may cause digestive upsets and even pancreatitis.

l  Follow a daily mealtime schedule regularly because dogs are creatures of habit.

l  When choosing pet food, never compromise your pet’s health by choosing quantity over quality. The money that you will save in buying generic pet food can eventually mean paying veterinary bills as a consequence of poor nutrition.

Your pet’s diet is one of the important concerns that you should discuss with your veterinarian Aurora, CO during your pet’s annual checks.

Pancreatitis In Cats

Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and overreacts by producing more enzymes that can digest itself and sometimes adjacent organs and tissues.

The pancreas is an organ that products digestive enzymes that help break down nutrients (proteins, fats, and carbs) into their simplest forms so they can be used by the body. The organ also produces glucagon that is essential in making insulin, which is essential in maintaining the stability of blood sugar levels. Diabetes mellitus can occur when there is something wrong in the production of glucagon and insulin.

Experts have been unable to determine the ultimate cause of pancreatitis. But several factors are though to possibly trigger the problem. These include a high fat diet, direct trauma to the pancreas, reaction to certain medications, liver disease, parasites, and certain health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Sudden changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian Salem, VA. Learn more here.

Common Liver Problems In Pets

The liver plays several major functions in the body, making the organ more prone to various medical conditions that can negatively impact its integrity and function. Some of these problems include:

Fatty liver disease

Also known as hepatic lipidosis, this can happen when obese or overweight cats are placed on a crash diet or starved. Starvation mobilizes the fat deposits in the body which can overwhelm the liver with fat. When fat infiltrates the cells and tissues of the liver, the organ can no longer function and results in liver failure.

Toxicity

Many types of humans medications can be toxic to cats. This is attributed to the fact that the metabolism of cats differ from that of humans. Cats lack certain chemical pathways that can help breakdown harmful chemicals. In cats, poisoning causes major damage to the liver that is often irreversible.

Sudden changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior should be checked out by a veterinarian Aurora, CO.

Teaching your child to interact with your cat

You have a child in your life who couldn’t be more excited to get to know your feline friend. How can you teach her to interact with your car in a safe way?

You know your pet, so take the time to think about what types of interaction he would be receptive to. This will likely mean taking the time to determine what boundaries need to be set and what activities should be introduced. Talk to the child you spend time with and help her understand that your pet needs her to behave in a certain way in order to have a positive interaction with him. Explain how she can appropriately approach your pet and be there to offer guidance every step of the way. This will help you show her what your pet needs and how he will enjoy playing. Your local vet Riverbend, ON can offer additional suggestions. Visit this website for additonal advice.