Great Choices for First-time Bird Owners

 

Are you considering adopting a bird to add to your family? Birds can make wonderful pets for the right people. If you’re a first-time bird owner, you’ll probably want to avoid jumping in headfirst. Luckily, there are some great options for beginner bird owners.

Budgies, more commonly known as parakeets, are a good first-time choice if you’re interested in keeping a bird as a pet. Budgies are small and easy to care for, and they’re very friendly and affectionate when they’re socialized and well-cared for. The canaries are another good option—they’re simple to take care of and don’t need a lot of physical handling, and their vibrant colors are always a hit. Last but not least, cockatiels are very popular. Females are recommended as they tend to be a bit less aggressive than their male counterparts. 

If your new pet bird needs their first veterinary checkup, consult your vet clinic Salisbury, NC for help.

The Basics of Catnip

 

You’ve probably heard of catnip before. And if you’ve ever tried it on your feline friend, you might have seen her go crazy for the stuff. But what exactly is catnip? And more importantly, is it safe for your pet?

Catnip is an herb, closely related to other common herbs like mint and basil. It grows in the wild all across North America and in many parts of the world. In pet stores, you’ll find a dried and processed version, often called “raw” catnip, and you can also find toys, sprays, and other products infused with catnip. And it’s perfectly safe—it causes a chemical reaction in your cat’s brain but it’s perfectly harmless, and your pet can’t get addicted or overdose. The effects wear off after only a few moments, so don’t hesitate to give your pet catnip as often as you’d like.

Learn more about catnip and your cat’s behavior by calling your vet Savannah, GA.

Are You Making These Common Pet Owner Mistakes?

 

All of us strive to be the best pet owners we can possibly be. But everyone makes mistakes. All that matters is that you try to avoid them as best you can. It’s helpful to know what to watch out for so that you don’t make the same mistake twice!

One of the leading mistakes pet owners make is not keeping up with preventative medications. Having your pet wear a year-round heartworm medication and a flea and tick preventative are important steps to staying disease- and infestation-free. It’s also important that you feed your pet an appropriate diet that’s made for their age, breed, and size. Finally, don't forget to schedule regular checkups at the vet’s office. That way, your vet can examine your pet regularly and catch any health problems early on. 

Is your pet in need of an exam? Click here to get in touch with your veterinary clinic Chesapeake, VA.

What Causes Obesity In Pet Rabbits?

 

Pet rabbits that are mostly kept at the confines of their enclosure, with less time outdoors will struggle with obesity. Consuming excessive amounts of calories than they can manage to burn off with physical activities is a risk factor for obesity. Rabbits can pack on extra pounds if fed with sugary treats. Treats only add more calories to your rabbit’s daily food intake limit. Practice moderation when feeding them. Fruits and vegetables are healthier substitutes if you do offer them treats. Rabbit owners should give their pet rabbits some freedom to spend some time outside their respective enclosures. This would allow them to actively act based on their instinctive behavior of jumping and hopping around from time to time. Before allowing them to escape, check if the room is already rabbit-proofed to prevent unwanted accidents from happening.

Is it possible to know when your pet rabbit has gained some weight? As it turns out, there are established standards set for each rabbit breed. Based on these standards, the normal body weight and size of the breed serves as the basis for body condition score determination. Veterinarians are quite familiar with this process; you can ask your vet Ellicott City, MD should you need help.

Preventing Thrush in Horses

 

If you are familiar with horses, you are likely aware of what thrush is and the dangers it presents. Thrush is basically a bacterial infection in the hoof. Left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to a horse's hooves, potentially rendering that horse unrideable.

There are some things you can do to help reduce the odds of your horse getting thrush. First and foremost, keep up with your horse's hoof cleanings and trims. Pick your horse's hooves out at least once a day, and before and after turnout and riding. Your farrier and vet will be able to recommend a schedule for trims. It’s also very important to keep stalls clean and provide fresh, dry bedding daily. Wet and/or muddy conditions often contribute to thrush, so it's also important to address any drainage issues. Finally, make sure that your horse is getting enough exercise and turnout time. 

For more information on preventing and treating thrush, reach out to your vet Dahlonega GA today!

Can Dogs Suffer from a Concussion?

 

Yes, dogs can also suffer from a concussion, just like humans. A concussion is also known as head trauma. A concussion happens when a hard surface or object hits the head with a strong impact. Some causes of concussion include vehicular accidents, blunt blow by hard things, fight with another animal, or falling to the ground. The symptoms of dog concussion are also similar to the symptoms experienced by humans. Vomiting, losing consciousness, nose bleeding, dilated pupils, seizures, and losing balance are among the signs that a dog is suffering from a concussion. Please pay particular attention to the symptoms as dogs cannot tell you what it is feeling. If your pet displays any of the symptoms after an incident, bring your pet to the animal clinic immediately. A concussion is a severe injury that may cause brain damage. Your vets Bucks County, PA will check for the seriousness of the injury and may conduct a brain scan to determine if there is internal bleeding.

Teaching A Guinea Pig Tricks

 

Did you know that Guinea pigs can learn some simple tricks? These guys, also called cavies, are actually quite smart. You may be able to teach your adorable little pet to turn in a circle, jump through a hoop, come when called, or go into his cage on command.

In many ways, training a Guinea pig is very much like training any other animal. It's important to have an established bond, so don't start training right away. Let your furry friend get settled first.

You'll want them to associate a reward—usually a treat—with the desired behavior. You can find instructions online for teaching specific commands. Repetition, time, and patience will get you there! 

Your veterinary clinic Mesa, AZ can give you more information on how to care for a Guinea pig. Call anytime for tips on diet, habitat, and wellness care.

Click this link to know more: https://agapeanimalclinic.com/