Pet birds can also develop behavior problems, which have been classified by experts into five types – screaming, territorial behavior, destructive behavior, biting, and feather-plucking.

Screaming

Some species of pet birds can scream loudly and persistently, so much so that there are pet owners choose to turn over their feathered pets to the shelter because they are unable to deal with their pet’s vocalization. In their natural habitat, screaming is actually a mode of communicating with other birds so they can be heard far and wide. Pet birds usually engage in raucous behavior when they are bored or subjected to stressors in their environment.

Biting

Birds use their beak to grasp objects; big species of birds can bite down hard, and many people perceive this as ag ... Read more »

One important indicator of a dog’s health and wellbeing is the condition of its haircoat. There are several important factors that play an important role in your dog’s skin and coat health. These include genetics, health, grooming, nutrition, and the presence of internal and external parasites.

Genetics has a major influence on the thickness, color, texture, and length of a dog’s coat, however the owner’s care will also have a big effect on the dog’s skin and coat health. The owner’s responsibility involves feeding a premium quality diet that is appropriate for the dog’s lifestage.

Protein in the diet is essential for the health of the haircoat; in fact hair is composed of 95% protein. Some essential fatty acids also support canine skin and coat health. Linoleic acid (a type of omega-6 fatty acid) helps maintain a full, glossy coat. However ... Read more »

Dogs are omnivores so their diet is mainly composed of both plant and meat components. However, there are some foods which are harmful or toxic to canines.

Some important things to remember when feeding vegetables to your dog:

• Green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants.
• Tomatoes should not be given to dogs because these contain solanine and natural toxins which can be harmful.
• Carrots should be given in moderation because they are high in sugar.
• Onions should not be given to dogs because they can damage red blood cells, eventually leading to anemia.
• Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage should be given in moderation because they are thought to increase the risk of hypothyroidism in dogs.
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Looking to buy a pet snake? If so, talk to your vet Moorpark, CA to find out what type of snake you should buy. Your vet most likely has a pretty good idea of what pet stores and local snake breeders will provide you with a top quality pet snake. He may also be able to save you some time by telling you who and what stores to stay away from. Purchasing a snake from a breeder can be a plus because you may be able to obtain a history on your snake such as lineage, behaviors, habits, eating preferences, etc. If you buy from a pet store you most likely won’t have much to go on besides the basic information of what type your snake is and what he eats. Pet stores usually offer some sort of money back guarantee, but you may be able to work something out with the breeder as well. Click here for more details.

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Have you ever wondered why your cat has a tail? Some cats are born with tails while other cats are born without tails. Some owners even have their cat’s tail docked (removed) at an early age. Your vet Moorpark, CA can help you understand why some cats have tails and some do not. In general, cats use their tails as a way to communicate with other cats, animals, and even people. The motion or position of a cat’s tail can reveal their temperament and moods. Some believe a cat’s tail helps provide balance or stability. In addition, cats have supracaudal glands located on their tails. These glands help produce scents and are used in marking and communicating with other cats and animals. A cat can lose her tail, break her tail, and even be born without a tail. Tails are important, but may not necessarily be vital to a cat’s overall health and wellbeing. More information here.

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If your dog has been diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) then you may want to talk to your vet Moorpark, CA about possible treatment for the disease. DM is an incurable disease of the nerves and spinal cord, which can cause loss of mobility and numbness or loss of feeling in the legs. Although there is no cure, there are treatments available to help delay the progression of the disease and improve the dog’s quality of life. One treatment option is meticulous supportive care or careful and precise planning to support the dog’s muscles and limbs. Your vet may recommend moderate exercise and other types of physical therapy to delay muscle deterioration and maintain mobility and strength. Experts believe that “range of motion” exercises are extremely helpful. These exercises involve the dog’s owner stretching and flexing the dog’s rear legs. Water therapy or water exercises are also recommended. To know more, ... Read more »

Although there is no cure for DM or Degenerative Myelopathy, owners of various dog breeds prone to DM development have found several treatments prior to a DM diagnosis to be effective in prolonging their dog’s mobility once DM has developed. Talk to your vet Minnetonka, MN about ways to help prepare your Old English Sheepdog should he develop DM. For instance, some German Shepherd and Boxer owners have found that exercise, diet, medication and other supportive means beginning at an early age can help prolong mobility for their dog in his later years whether he develops DM or not. Because DM is an autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system, some vets have recommended (if possible in your region) to avoid standard heartworm and flea prevention as these increase immune responsiveness. Talk to your vet about these preventative measures to determine what you should and should not use in the ca ... Read more »

Seizures in birds may be more common than you think. Talk to your local vet Minnetonka, MN about birds and seizures and you may learn that your pet bird is on the list of birds that are more prone to seizures. That list includes canaries, budgies, the Amazon parrot, African greys, finches, and lovebirds. If you own a canary then you should be cautious of the signs of seizures in birds. For instance, symptoms may include excessive flapping of wings, confusion, falling from perch, convulsions, and involuntary body movements. Call your vet if your bird has any of these symptoms. Your vet will most likely be able to diagnose and treat your bird. However, it will be up to you as the owner to keep an eye on your bird and make sure his seizures are monitored, reported, and treated accordingly. Most birds recover from seizures on their own and may or may not have another one.

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Domestic canaries are often known simply as canaries. They are a different from the wild species of canaries as they are more tame and suitable to be kept as pets. If you are looking to purchase a small bird then you may want to talk to your vet Minnetonka, MN about the canary. The canary is a small yellow songbird from the finch species or family of birds. They can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years and can grow to be around 5 inches long. Canaries are generally recommended for pet owners who have experience with birds. They are not typically meant for first time bird owners. Most canaries are known for their yellow coloring. They are also known for their ability to mimic just about any type of sound including alarm clocks and telephones. These particular birds do not like to be handled; however, they do enjoy their owners talking and whistling to them. Visit this website for more details.

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