African Pygmy Hedgehog Health Issues

 

Like other pet animals, African pygmy hedgehogs also suffer from health issues. One of the most common problems is obesity. Hedgehogs become obese if they do not get adequate physical activity. Overweight hedgehogs usually have difficulty with mobility. Obesity also causes the development of severe illnesses. Obese pets require a balanced and healthy diet and regular exercise. Mite infestation affects hedgehogs, which causes itching, skin irritations, and quill loss. Regular cleaning of the enclosure helps the prevention of mites. Respiratory infections are also common in hedgehogs, particularly pneumonia. Affected hedgehogs display symptoms like sneezing, coughing, weakness, and loss of appetite. Pet owners should bring hedgehogs with respiratory problems to the veterinarian for treatment. Another common health issue in hedgehogs is the Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WBS), a genetic condition in which a hedgehog wobbles as it struggles to stand still. WBS progresses to paralysis with no known cure. Pet owners should regularly bring their hedgehogs to a professional veterinarian  Dahlonega GA for routine checkups.

How to Give Your Dog His Pill

 

It’s safe to say that at one point or another, you’ll need to give your dog medication in pill form. And that can often be easier said than done. Our canine friends don’t usually like taking pills because of their bitter taste. Here are some tips to give your dog a pill successfully: 

● Hide the pill in food. Try pushing it into a glob of wet dog food or wrapping it in a bit of deli meat. Your dog might scarf down the morsel without realizing there was medicine inside. 

● Crush or grind the pill. Then, you can sprinkle it over Fido’s meals. Always ask your vet before doing this, though, because it could render medicine ineffective.

● Administer it manually. Open your dog’s jaws and put the pill as far back on the tongue as possible. Close the jaws and stroke Fido’s throat to stimulate swallowing.

Consult your veterinarian Burlington, ON for more advice.

Help Your Cat Have Fewer Hairballs

 

Hairballs are a part of life for most cats. And unless they’re happening frequently, they’re not much cause for concern. That doesn’t mean they’re very pleasant, though! Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to help your cat experience fewer hairballs. 

First, brush your cat regularly. This removes a lot of loose fur from Fluffy’s coat. Since hairballs happen because your cat swallows a lot of her own hair while grooming, getting rid of that loose hair is a good way to cut down on hairball production. It’s also important to feed your cat a high-quality diet. When your pet gets the proper nutrition, her skin and fur stay healthy and she experiences less shedding. That means fewer hairballs! Ask your vet about a hairball-specific formula if your cat produces an excessive amount of hairballs. 

Consult your veterinary clinic Dutchess County, NY for more insights into your cat’s hairballs.

Keeping Your Pet Warm in the Winter

Your pet might be wearing a permanent coat of fur, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get cold. In fact, pets can easily get cold in the winter, and can even experience frostbite and hypothermia if exposed to the elements for too long! Here’s how to keep your pet warm this winter: 

● Keep outdoor time short. When your pet goes outside to play or use the bathroom, make sure they’re not left out for too long. Unless you have a pet like a Husky who is well-acclimated to the winter weather, your pet will be most comfortable indoors. 

● Dress your pet up. Try jackets, parkas, or a sweater for those chilly wintertime walks. 

● Check the bed. Make sure your pet isn’t going to sleep at night near a drafty window or door. 

Want more tips on keeping your pet safe and warm this winter? We can help. Contact your vet Spring Hill, TN today.

How to Care A Pet Corn Snake

 

If you want to have a reptile for a pet, the corn snake (Pantherophis guttata) is a good choice to start. It is small and easy to care for. It also has a good temperament. All these reasons make a corn snake a popular choice for a pet.

• When it comes to their housing requirements, a typical 2-feet corn snake can be placed in a 15-gallon tank. Choose a tank that is sturdy and has an escape-proof lid.

• Ensure that there is a temperature gradient inside the cage. The cold side should be around 75 degrees, while the warm side should be at 85-90 degrees. This setting will help in the thermoregulation in reptiles.

• When a corn snake is properly cared for, it can live up to 25 years even in captivity. Taking care of their needs and providing the needed nutrients will make this possible.

• Of course, any changes in your pet snake’s behavior should be consulted with your veterinary clinic Glen Ellyn, IL.

Amazing Facts About Cats

 

Cats are adorable but independent, and this makes perfect pets for people who are not able to meet the demands of other types of pets. Check out our list of interesting facts about cats: 

● The ridges of nose pads of every cat have a unique pattern which is similar to how human's fingerprints work

● A cat's tongue, much like its bigger cousins, have tiny spike-like projections, also known as papillae, that are pointing inwards; these are not only helpful for grooming but also responsible for them being able to hold their prey intact.

● Cats do not have sweat glands.

● A litter of kittens is called 'kindle' while a group of adult cats is 'clowder'.

● Cats are capable of jumping as high as 7 times their height.

● Cats can make more than 100 types of vocalizations.

● Cat's front paws consist of 5 toes while their hind paws only have 4.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your animal hospital Bend, OR. Schedule an appointment today!

Common Health Issues Of African Pygmy Hedgehogs

African Pygmy Hedgehogs are small tiny mammals that have short spines covering their upper body. These animals are also susceptible to contracting different medical conditions. With the right amount of attention and care, there can be the prevention of these diseases.  Different stressors can cause illness in your pygmy. Health issues in hedgehogs can be of infectious and non-infectious causes. One of the most common problems is obesity. Obesity can not only bring more serious medical problems but it can also develop issues with the mobility of your pet. Their diet can also greatly affect their overall health. Giving them a proper diet and a nutritionally balanced meal will prevent them from contracting diet-related medical issues. Regular maintenance of their nest will also prevent them from acquiring ear mites as well as skin conditions. Negligence in cleaning their cages will only result in respiratory problems. Wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) is a neurological disease that affects their hindquarters. This disease is considered to be a progressive paralysis. Regular health checks with the local veterinarian Acupuncture will prevent your pet from having medical issues.