Rats thrive with variety in their diet, as long as they contain all food groups. Commercial rat nuggets are formulated to contain all the nutrients that rats need. Nuggets are also designed to prevent selective feeding, which is common in muesli diets, where the rats eat only what they like and leave out the rest, increasing the risk for nutrient deficiencies.

When bringing home a new pet rat, continue to feed the same type of food given at the breeder or pet store. You may choose to switch your pet's diet, introducing the new food gradually over a period of 7-10 days to avoid digestive upsets.

Pet rats can also be given cooked chicken scraps, cooked egg, and fresh fruits and vegetables that are washed thoroughly. These are additional sources of essential nutrients for rats. Treats should be given in moderation to prevent stomach upsets and weight gain. 

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Grooming is an important responsibility of dog owners. Regular grooming keeps a dog clean and healthy. Grooming sessions are also great opportunities to bond with pets.

Long-haired pets need to be brushed at least 3-4 times a week, while short-haired dogs can do well with once or twice a week. Having the right grooming tools and knowing how to use them properly will help ensure a hassle-free session. A comb is used to work out knots and tangles before running a brush through your dog's hair coat.

The shorter the hair a dog has, the finer the comb that is needed to iron out tangles. Start from the neck, methodically working your way down the dog's body in small sections. You can use a pair of scissors to trim problem areas or you can work through matted hair with a slicker brush. A shedding blade is used to trim down hair coat that is particularly thick. A flea comb can help ... Read more »

Take your time in picking your new kitty’s name. Keep it short and easy to say so your kitty will recognize the sound from any other words you are saying. Some people name their cats after a favorite childhood pet such as Cuddles XIV. Others observe physical characteristics or behavior to guide them, giving us Smokey or Mischief. You can take inspiration from your cat’s breed and give your Siamese cat an Asian name or your Havana a Latino one. You can research popular cat names and pick one that you just like the sound of. Or you can pick a name with a nod to one of your interests such as Puck for Shakespeare lovers or Jeter for baseball fans. Whatever name you come up with, be sure to visit your Poway, CA veterinarian so they can get to know your kitty better and help you with their care.

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Being social animals, dogs are in their element when they are around people and other dogs, and interacting with them. They are also pack animals, which means they have the natural tendency to occupy the rungs of a social ladder in the home. Knowing their rank and respecting the alpha leader who occupies the topmost rung will help keep harmony within the pack.

Dominant dogs usually occupy the upper rung of the ladder, making lower ranked dogs nervous in their presence. This is often displayed when a dog likes to establish his dominance by bullying other dogs.

Early socialization is a very important factor in developing the self-confidence of dogs. Pets that feel well-loved and adequately socialized have been found to possess better self-confidence. On the other hand, those that suffered abuse or experienced neglect often become timid as they lose their self-confidence.

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Have you noticed your pet dragging his behind across the ground or floor? Chances are your pet has an anal sac problem. Dogs tend to display the behavior more commonly than cats. Since the animal usually uses his two front paws to propel himself while dragging his backside, some owners get worried because they think their pet has injured his hind limbs. Without proper veterinary attention, the problem can worsen, becoming extremely painful.

The anal sacs of dogs and cats are located near the opening of the anus. These are paired glands that contain a strong-smelling secretion which is released as fecal material passes by the glands during elimination. The anal gland secretion gives poop its characteristic scent.

Problems usually start when there is an infection of the anal glands. Pain and discomfort may also be present when the glands get blocked, causing the animal to seek relief ... Read more »

Cats are true carnivores and without meat in their diet they won’t be able to have essential nutrients which are important to their health and wellbeing. Felines are unlike humans and dogs which are omnivores, which thrivse with a diet that is composed of both plants and meat sources.

Cats are unable to synthesize taurine in their bodies, thus they need to have adequate intake of the nutrient from meat in their daily diet. Good quality meat will help ensure adequate intakes of taurine and other essential nutrients.

Pet owners should realize that cats are unable to thrive when given food formulated for dogs. They differ in their nutritional needs, with cats being quite inflexible when it comes to the components of their ration. Dog food also contains higher amounts of carbohydrates than cat food.

Know more about your pet’s nutritional ... Read more »