Snakes aren’t exactly the cuddliest of pets, but they can be a lot of fun to handle! But there are times that are better than others to remove your snake from his cage.

You must first consider your snake’s temperament. Some snakes, especially baby snakes, need to get used to being handled. It’s best to keep sessions short and make sure you handle your snake gently. You may also want to consider wearing thick gloves, if you worry about getting bitten.

Snakes are cold blooded and require outside heat to stay warm. If you’re going to remove your snake from his cage, choose a time when the temperature exceeds 75 degrees. Otherwise, he’ll spend the whole time trying to regulate his body temperature, which can be tiring for your slithery friend.

For more snake handling tips and tricks, call your vet Garden City.

Probiotics contain beneficial or ‘good’ bacteria which support the health and integrity of the digestive system. This latest trend has got many pet food manufacturers to incorporate probiotics in many of their products.

Probiotics are popular for the following reasons:

• Beneficial microorganisms can enhance the digestive process.
• Live ‘good’ bacteria can boost the microflora of the digestive system, thus supporting its function.
• Probiotics are often used by more and more veterinarians as supportive treatment for digestive problems. One type of probiotic has been demonstrated to shorten the course of acute diarrhea in dogs.
• Probiotics are often prescribed to repopulate the digestive microflora after a dog has undergone antibiotic therapy. ... Read more »

Akita dogs are generally stubborn and independent. These qualities are attributed to their spitz-like bloodline. Being highly social dogs, they love spending time interacting with everyone in the household. They are very affectionate and devoted to their human family, to the extent that they can be overprotective.

However, Akita dogs will not make great pets for everyone; but with the right owner, these dogs will thrive and flourish.

The Akita’s grooming needs are relatively easy except during the shedding season when they shed of their thick and heavy winter coat. For most days, a weekly brushing is enough to get rid of falling hair.

Being highly energetic, an Akita will be most happy with adequate physical activities and mental motivation. He needs viable outlets to vent off excess energy so he will be spent and well-behaved at the end o ... Read more »

Cats are prone to hairball formation in their stomach because of their grooming habits. Although most of the hairs swallowed by the dog come out with his feces, some can clump together inside the digestive tract, and may become an obstacle that prevents efficient food passage.

Here are some ways to prevent your kitty from forming hairballs in their stomach:

Daily brushing

This is the most inexpensive way to prevent your kitty from swallowing loose hairs during grooming. There are different combs and brushes you can choose from. Long-haired cats will benefit from daily hair brushing even if they are fastidious groomers.

Dry cat food products

Some kibbles are formulated with fiber which can help promote the efficient passage of food along th ... Read more »

Housetraining is one of the first responsibilities that a new pet owner has to deal with. Here are some ways to attain your puppy’s housetraining success:

• Be consistent in following a feeding schedule; remember, dogs are creatures of habit.
• Offer a diet that is appropriate for your pet’s lifestage. Get the best premium quality pet food you can afford.
• Bring your pet to a designated potty area in your yard at regular intervals. Give him no more than 3 minutes to do his business. Be quick to praise and give him a treat if he eliminates. After 3 minutes, bring him back inside and him inside his crate, or keep him at your side so you can keep an eye for any signs that he wants to go potty. Bring him back to the potty area after one hour.

Aside from socialization, bringing your pet to ... Read more »