Interesting Facts About Pocket Pets: Rats And Guinea Pigs

 

Have you imagined yourself owning and caring for rodents as your home pets? Why not? Some types of rodents are adorable and have been domesticated for a few years now. So, it would not be hard for you to become a rodent parent. 

You can choose from two adorable rodents, rats and guinea pigs. To help you decide which to get, here are more facts about them:

Rats

• Intelligent
• Clean or tidy creatures
• Docile and submissive 
• Good for both kids and adults
• Need a spacious enclosure with multi-levels for their exercises and climbing needs
• Require a nesting box or hammock for their nap hour
• Eat formulated pellets available in the market
• Enjoy vegetables and fruits too

Guinea Pigs

• Sociable and low-maintenance pers
• Need a wire pen with proper ventilation and good bedding
• Eat pellets and hay grads
• Require a few vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C
• Chew a lot, so they enjoy chew toys or wooden blocks

If your pet is showing any signs of illness, make an appointment with your local vet clinic Tampa FL. 

Why Rats Make Great First Pets

A practical argument for getting a rat for a pet is that rats rarely get ill, meaning you would be spending less time in the vet's clinic and have more time to play. Rats are innately resistant to various illnesses, allowing them to live longer and be healthier. 

Some female rats may develop tumors in their mammary glands. However, the majority of rats have reasonably healthy lives.

Rats have an average lifetime of three years, which gives them plenty of time to bond with their owners. 

Pet rats are pretty clean. Compared to wild rats, the tame ones delight in maintaining a clean environment. Rats prefer their owners stroking and petting them to keep themselves clean.

When male rats share a cage with other rats, they mark their territory, leaving a unique odor, most likely to occur when a new rat is present, which lasts only a few weeks. 

Pet owners need to clean the cage and accessories weekly to keep any foul odors at bay.

Consult your vet Tampa FL about the best ways to protect your pet from various health issues. 

Temperament And Personality Of Boxers

 

These dogs are not called “boxers” for no reason. This dog breed features strength and agility and comes with a muscular build. These are a few reasons why Boxer pups are widely known as good guard dogs. However, their appearance might be serious and scary for some, but these pups have a positive temperament.

In previous years, these dogs were bred to serve as guards because of their alertness, strong bodies, and patient attitude. As years passed by, these Boxers developed a more playful attitude and have come to enjoy interacting with people, even children. So, do not get surprised when your Boxers always try to play fetch with you or always get your attention.

This particular dog type comes in seven breeds. So, you can choose from beautiful varieties. You have to know first the Boxer breed that suits best your family and your lifestyle.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your veterinary hospital Lakewood Ranch, FL. Click here to know more about their services.

Why Should Dogs Eat Specific Pet Foods?

Why do dogs need dog-specific foods instead of just the typical human foods? After all, they're omnivores, too. Here's why:

●Weight management

The right amount of dog food can provide the normal calorie amounts (25-30 calories every pound). For instance, a 10 pounds Chihuahua must eat 250-300 calories daily, while a 70 pound Lab must get the same calorie amounts for humans (7,150-2,100).

●Vitamins and minerals

Dogs and humans both get vitamins from foods, but our needs are different. Some nutritions needed by dogs can only be given by dog foods. For instance, specific amounts of taurine make their heart and eyes healthy.

●Proper nutrition

Nutritional deficiency may cause either obesity or malnutrition. Dog foods, since they're made for dogs, are balanced and can therefore give them proper nutrition. 

●Digestion

Sometimes, dogs can't just digest foods not made for them. It may cause mild farts, diarrhea, vomiting, and anything worse. Some human foods are toxic for dogs, so before you give them your food, be sure it's safe.

Your pet’s diet is one of the important concerns that you should discuss with your veterinarian Lakewood Ranch, FL during your pet's health and wellness checks. Learn more here.

Should Your Pet Always Wear A Flea Collar?

Your pets are not exempted from having ticks and fleas. These insects or bugs love to feed on dogs or cats that are difficult to get rid of. But, do not fret, pet owners. Several methods and remedies have been developed to help you address your pets’ flea and tick infestation.

One strategy you can employ is the use of tick and flea collars. These collars are found to be effective in removing ticks and fleas from your pets.

If you are not familiar with these devices and have not used any of them, here are a few things you must take note of:

• You should still use other products against fleas and ticks and observe proper care routine as you use these collars.
• You must understand first the following points about the collars before buying one– how the collars work, the different types of collars, the risks that come with the collars

Ticks and flea collars are only one product you can use to protect your beloved pets and your family.

Consult your nearest veterinarian Sarasota, FL about the best way to eliminate fleas and ticks from your pet and for protection from future infestations. 

How To Limit Excessive Shedding In Dogs

 

Does your dog shed too much? Does this badly affect his daily life and yours? It is probably high time to do something about it and not just waste your time cleaning all hair strands that fall off from your dog.

What can you do? Consider the following preventive measures that can assist your dog in limiting or controlling his shedding.

• Regularly brush your dog’s fur (generally three times a day, depending on the breed of your pup). Ensure that you have the right tools in doing this. Ask your vet for a recommended brush type for your dog. Brushing the hair of your dog will loosen the strands. In addition, brushing will stimulate your pup’s follicles for a smoother and shinier look.
• Address your pup’s flea infestation or allergic reactions. Doing so will stop him from scratching himself very often. Note that scratching increases the quantity of hair he sheds daily.
• Bathe your dog with a special type of shampoo to keep his fur coat shiny and healthy.

Excessive hair loss or other skin and hair coat issues should be brought to the attention of your veterinarians Louisville KY.

Should My Dog Sleep In My Bed? – Consider Your Health

 

If you let your dog sleep on the bed with you without any issues, then this might be good.  There is research that shows that almost 50 percent of pet dogs sleep on their owner’s beds with them, indicating this is something popular.

Some people could have allergic reactions to dogs.  Extended close quarters contact with dogs would mean exposure to the pet dander, resulting in respiratory distress.  But there are times when people who have no dog allergies would exhibit allergy symptoms when allowing their pets to rest and sleep on the bed with them.  When a dog goes outdoors, pollen and dust could get onto their fur, exacerbating their owner’s allergies, leaving around pollen and dander.

Wiping your pet using a moist towel before allowing him indoors can be a good everyday routine that helps minimize the levels of outdoor dust and pollen brought inside.  Giving your dog a bath, using home HEPA filters, and washing bed linens often will help in reducing exposure to these allergens too, letting your dog join you on your bed.

Your veterinarian Louisville, KY can enlighten you about important health issues that can affect your pet. Visit their site to know more.