Litter training any pet can make life a lot easier. It’s a must with cats, but just an option with ferrets, rabbits, and guinea pigs. What about hamsters? Can they be litter trained too?

You probably aren’t going to be able to train your hamster to use a litter box. As a matter of fact, you probably aren’t going to train your hamster to do any other tricks either. But, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on that litter box altogether.

Hamsters often go to the bathroom in the same area of their cage. If you place the litter box in that area, you may find that your hamster willingly goes potty in the box. Use the same bedding that’s already being used in the cage.

For more tips on getting your hamster to use the litter box, click here, or call and speak with your vete ... Read more »

It’s absolutely vital that you feed your pet rat a diet of pressed pellets. They will provide him with all the nutrients he needs, but how boring is that! You can also give your pet treats. How often should you feed your pet a special snack?

You can feed your pet a treat every single day, as long as you’re careful about what you feed him. For example, you can provide your pet with a tablespoon of fruits and vegetables every single day. Think broccoli, carrots, and bananas.

Other treats should be fed sparingly. Dried fruit is high in sugar and should only be offered once every week or two. Nuts are popular with rats too, but because they’re high in fat, they shouldn’t be fed very often either.

To learn more about your pet’s diet, click here, or call your veterinary clinic North ... Read more »

Cat owners know the painful experience of a cat kneading your lap. Feel flattered. Kneading is a sign of affection and is often accompanied with lots of purring. As a kitten, your cat kneaded her mother to stimulate milk and now she extends this feeling of nurturing to you. The more enthusiastic she is, the harder your cat will knead and the deeper she will dig in her nails. Cats also have scent glands in their paws and by kneading you, your cat is marking you as a part of her territory. Consider putting a blanket or pillow on your lap so your cat’s kneading isn’t painful to you. If you need to end the kneading, do so gently and never punish your cat for showing you love and kneading your lap. Trim your cat’s nails frequently to reduce the pain of kneading. Contact your Racine, WI vet to learn more.

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Have you ever wondered why your kitty displays certain behaviors that can sometimes be undecipherable? Here are two odd feline behaviors that experts have tried to explain.

Aggressive behavior while being petted

Perhaps you have experienced being suddenly nipped or scratched at by your kitty without warning, right in the middle of petting or stroking him. This is not really a sign that your kitty hates you. It is just his way of telling you to stop because the petting and stroking has gone on longer than what he actually enjoys.

Nocturnal Play

Even with domestication, cats still have a penchant for playing during the “unholy hours”, a habit they have inherited from their ancestors and cousins in the wild. Cats in the wild go on hunting forays at night time while r ... Read more »

Dog training is part and parcel of dog ownership. It is an important step towards having a pet that is a well-behaved and obedient member of the pack. However, there are minor mishaps that can get in the way, and although they may appear significant, you may be surprised to learn that even minor factors can impede your pet’s progress. One dog training mistake that you may actually be guilty of committing is putting off training.

Training should start the moment your new pet arrives home, regardless of his age. Waiting until your puppy is older may increase the possibility of bad habits developing before training. The ultimate objective of dog training is to mold the dog’s behavior, teaching your pet the correct way to respond to specific commands.

Basic obedience and housetraining are usually the first regimens that young puppies have to go through before they are old e ... Read more »

A fear of veterinarians or the veterinary clinic is a common phobia among pet dogs. The smell of disinfectant and scent of other patients, the poking, and prodding during each visit can certainly be overwhelming. On the other side of the coin, there are many dogs that absolutely love going to the vet.

Choose the right veterinarian

For many pet owners, finding an amazing veterinarian they can entrust their pet’s welfare with, can be a bit overwhelming. To help make the final decision, you have to take into consideration your dog’s opinion. In addition to asking for recommendations from friends with pets, your first few visits to the vet can tell so much about their work ethics and practices, including how they interact with people and their pets.

Your Plano, TX veterinarian plays a very important role in your ... Read more »

Keeping your dog contained is no easy feat, especially since installing a traditional fence can be extremely expensive. You may want to consider an electric fence, but is it appropriate for every dog breed?

You can use an electric fence with any breed, but it is extremely important to keep an eye on the voltage. If the voltage is too high for your small breed, it can do a lot of damage, not to mention,it can scare your dog into never wanting to go outside again.

If you decide to try an electric fence, choose one with a low voltage. It’s even better if you can choose one with a warning tone. With the proper training, you won’t need the electrical shock at all.

To additional information about electric dog fences, or for help finding the right one for your breed, contact your veterinary clinic Lafayette, LA.

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It’s normal for your dog to want to be around you all the time, and you probably like having your pet around too. However, there are some instances where having your dog around isn’t a good idea. Working in the garage is one of them.

There’s a lot to do in the garage. From moving heavy storage boxes to woodworking and household repairs, you might find you spend a lot of time in the garage, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good place for your dog. He can distract you and accidentally cause an accident.

Not only can having your dog in the garage be dangerous to you, it can be dangerous to him as well. Rusty nails and harmful chemicals can injure or make your dog sick.

For additional information about the importance of keeping your dog out of the garage, contact your veterinary clinic Lafayette, LA.

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Your guinea pig needs a variety of foods to stay healthy including a high-quality nutritionally complete pellet, lots of fresh greens, fruits and vegetables for snack and hay. Make sure your pig has access to hay at all times. Hay provides roughage and helps your guinea pig’s digestive system work well. It also helps keep your pig’s teeth trim since his teeth grows continually throughout his life. Alfalfa hay is okay for young guinea pigs but it provides too much protein for adult pigs so timothy hay is a better choice. Dried timothy hay from a pet store is okay but it is better if you can find a source of fresh timothy hay online or at a horse supply store. Keep the hay dry so it doesn’t mildew. Replace the hay in your pig’s cage since it can become soiled easily. Learn more from your Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian.

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Your dog loves to dig in the backyard, and this is mostly because of her love of figuring out new things. Her curiosity gets the better of her sometimes, and she just has to figure out what’s beneath the grass. Maybe she is looking for an animal she saw disappear beneath the surface of the lawn, or maybe she’s trying to find a place to bury a toy to come back and play with later on. Whatever the reason, she enjoys digging. This action gives her an opportunity to explore an area of her yard she hasn’t yet seen, and it also lets her get some exercise. Plus, it’s fun! She may be opting to dig simply because she doesn’t have anything else to keep her busy, and wants something to do. Your local Omaha NE vet clinic can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.

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Your kids are a wonderful part of your family, and they love animals almost as much as you do. However, before bringing a pet into your home, you will need to teach them about the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. It may seem like a simple thing to talk to your kids about, but it can make a world of difference when it comes to the ins and outs of having a pet in your home full time.

Try to talk to your kids in a way they will understand. Younger kids will need simple directions, and possibly some role playing to help them fully understand what you are trying to teach them. Let them ask any questions they may have, and make sure to answer them to the best of your ability. Your local Omaha NE vet clinic can help you better understand what your pet needs from you. Visit this website Omaha Animal Medical Group for additional details.

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Your dog loves spending time with you, and you enjoy her company as well. However, you can’t always spend time with your pet. You have other things to tend to, like work. Is your pet overly upset when you head out the door?

Separation anxiety in canines happens when your pet takes issue with you leaving to the point that he has a very intense, physical reaction to the event. This continues while you are away, and your pet grows more and more upset about the situation. It also means that your dog is unable to calm himself down during this time. He may take part in atypical behavior, and leave behind evidence of difficulties in your absence. Luckily there are measures that can be taken to help your pet deal with separation anxiety. For additional information, please contact your local Omaha NE vet.

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