Selecting an appropriately-sized cage is important to ensure your new pet bird’s comfort and protection. Place the enclosure in a safe room in your home; one with less stressors and where the family usually gathers. Avoid placing the cage near radiators, windows, fireplaces, heating and cooling vents because fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels are important stressors for birds.

The size of the enclosure must be at least double the size of the bird’s outstretched wings. If you have the budget, you can buy the biggest cage you can afford so you can put in various natural wood perches for your pet to enjoy. Dowels or cement perches are not recommended for they can cause bumblefoot, an inflammatory condition affecting the foot.

Know more about your pet bird’s housing needs by visiting your Longmont, CO veterinarian. Check out more pet care tips on this ... Read more »

In general, cats don’t like water, but that doesn’t mean that your cat won’t end up in the pool anyway! Here are some tips for keeping your cat safe around the pool.

Whether you have a cat or a dog, it’s always a good idea to install a scamper ramp. That way, your cat won’t get stuck in the pool and drown. These also have the added benefit of allowing wild animals a way to escape the pool too.

If your cat does fall in the pool, make sure you dry out the interior of his ears with a clean cotton ball. This will prevent bacteria from growing and causing an ear infection.

The area around the pool can get extremely hot, so keep an eye on your cat if he spends a lot of time outside. Check his paws for burns and make sure he’s well hydrated.

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You love your dog, and you enjoy his company day after day. However, you could do without his jumping. How can you teach him that this isn’t acceptable behavior?

Your dog jumps onto you to try to get your attention. He is seeking out your eye level, so one way to prevent jumping is to bring yourself down to his level when you are interacting with him. If your pet still jumps on you, stand up and turn around. By doing this you are showing him that he won’t be rewarded for the behavior by receiving your affection. Offer him plenty of praise when he places all four paws onto the floor, and he will begin to understand that he gets what he wants only when he doesn’t jump. Your local Vancouver, BC vet can help you determine the best training method for your pet.

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You love your pets, and consider them a part of your family. Because of this, you want to make sure that your hamster is as healthy as he can be. How can you help him get enough exercise?

Since rodents are very active in the wild, your pet will need plenty of space to move around, and lots of activities to take part in. Be sure he has an adequate enclosure and offer some toys that will encourage movement. Give your pet enough time outside of his enclosure as well by playing with him regularly. Offer a safe space for him to roam while under your supervision so he can move in ways he can’t within his cage. Make sure to do this on a daily basis so he is regularly getting enough exercise. Your local Vancouver, BC vet can help you care for your pet. Please click here for additional information.

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Your guinea pig is a wonderful pet, and you want to make sure he is able to get the nutrients he needs from the food you provide him with. Since your pet depends on you for all his food options, it’s up to you to decide what to offer him. What should you be feeding your guinea pig?

Your pet will need a variety of foods in order to get all the nutrients his body needs. Since there are many quality guinea pig foods on the market, feel free to utilize them. Try to get a mix that is all natural, and absent of artificial ingredients. Your pet will enjoy some fresh produce as well, but make sure to wash it thoroughly before offering it to your little fur ball. Hay is a staple in guinea pig’s diets, so make a point to offer plenty of it on a daily basis. For additional information, please contact your local Vancouver, BC vet.

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Seizures affect a variety of birds including the Amazon parrot, African grey parrots, budgies, canaries, finches and lovebirds. When a parrot or bird has a seizure he may fall from his perch, act disoriented, restless, agitated, and may even go into sporadic convulsions. If this happens to your Amazon parrot, call your veterinarian North Phoenix, AZ right away. Your vet may run a variety of tests to determine a cause for the seizure. If an underlying cause is found then treatment will start there. For instance, if a vitamin deficiency is discovered, your vet will most likely treat that first. Your vet may also treat the seizure directly through medication. Please note that there is not a specific cure for seizures. Most treatments are used in an effort to lessen the occurrence and severity of seizures. Always ask your vet additional questions if you are unsure about a treatment or diagnosis.

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Your veterinarian North Phoenix, AZ can tell you that Belgian Sheepdogs are among several breeds of dogs that are prone to illnesses and diseases that can affect their mobility. One such disease is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), which can cause the loss of mobility and feeling in the legs. If your Standard Poodle has been diagnosed with a condition that affects his mobility, talk to your vet about a specialized dog cart or wheelchair for your dog. Specialized carts have been created to give your dog back some of his mobility. For instance, Eddie’s Wheels and K9Carts.com develop carts for dogs with DM. These carts are standard rear wheel carts that are essentially used like walkers. The cart allows the dog to take his regular stride with the front legs while the cart rolls along carrying the backend. Models are available for all dog sizes and can be ordered to specifically fit your Belgian Sheepdog.

Hepatic Lipidosis or fatty liver is a disease that occurs in a variety of birds including cockatoos, the Amazon parrot, Quaker parrots, lovebirds, budgies, and cockatiels. Symptoms of fatty liver disease in birds including the cockatoo may include a sudden loss of appetite, lethargy, and depression. If your parrot has any of these symptoms, call your vet Glendale, AZ immediately. Parrots that are overweight are prone to fatty liver due to additional storage of fat that occurs in the liver. A distended abdomen, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, abnormal droppings, and poor feather health may also occur. In addition, poor liver function can lead to problems in the central nervous system which may cause seizures, loss of balance or even muscle tremors. Some birds may exhibit all or none of the symptoms listed. Death often occurs suddenly. It is important that the disease be diagnosed and treated in the beginning stages. ... Read more »

If your cat has been diagnosed with feline diabetes or diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) then he may require routine check-ups with your vet Glendale, AZ along with a change in diet, change in environment and daily medications either orally or by injections. Monitoring your cat’s blood sugar will most likely be split between you and your vet. Routine monitoring is required as your cat’s blood sugar levels may change over time and require an increase or even a decrease in medications. If your cat starts to show increased appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and weight loss, call your vet right away. It’s important to always report to your vet as changes in your cat’s condition could occur suddenly and require immediate treatment. If your cat needs regular testing on a daily basis, ask your vet if a home glucose or sugar testing kit would be suitable for your cat. More information ... Read more »

If your Amazon parrot has been diagnosed with Hepatic Lipidosis or fatty liver disease then you may want to talk to your vet Glendale, AZ about treatment options. Fatty liver disease occurs in a variety of birds and usually happens when large amounts of fat are deposited in the liver. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, distended abdomen, diarrhea, poor feather health, etc. A full physical exam and liver tests may be needed for diagnosis. Treatment may include placing the bird on a low-fat diet that may consist of pellets along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Birds with fatty liver disease may not want to eat and tube feeding may be required at the start of treatment. Your vet may also prescribe supportive care to include supplemental heat and fluids. In severe cases, liver function can cause damage to the central nervous system. Lactulose may be prescribed to decrease this possibility. ... Read more »