Ferrets thrive well when they are placed inside a spacious enclosure with other ferrets. They are social creatures and will be happier if they have someone to play and interact with anytime.

If you are considering a pet ferret, it is a good idea to bring home a pair so they can keep each other company. A ferret that lives alone inside an enclosure can easily become bored and lonely; this can pave the way for problem behaviors to develop.

Take note though that even if ferrets are friendly and social creatures, they won’t make great pets for very young kids who tend to handle these delicate creatures roughly. Small children still lack manual dexterity and self-control and when a pet ferret is held tightly or roughly handled, the animal may become nervous and nip or bite the person holding them.

For additional guidance you should talk to your Las Vegas, NV veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s hea ... Read more »

Flea collars are impregnated with certain chemicals, such as organophosphates, which have been associated with cases of poisoning in pets. These special collars are often used in cats and dogs to offer protection or eliminate flea infestation. However, wearing flea collars can increase an animal’s risk to overexposure to these harmful chemicals. Most cases of toxicity occur as a result of product misuse or when a dog or cat is exposed to two or more types of chemicals in insecticides at the same time.

The adverse side effects of organophosphates often depend on the type and amount of insecticide the animal has been exposed to. The general symptoms reflect the effect of the chemicals on the nerves and muscles.

Common symptoms of organophosphate poisoning in dogs and cats include:

•    Drooling
•    Vomiting
•    Diarrhea
•    Muscle weakness
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Dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes congregate in the dog park, an environment that can pave the way for easier transmission of disease and parasites. Here are some tips to keep in mind before your pet’s next visit to the dog park:

•    Bring your pet’s own water bowl. Sharing water bowls is an important way of transmitting disease and parasites. For convenience, you can buy a collapsible water bowl which is available in pet stores.

•    Responsible pet owners clean up after their dogs. Feces of infected dogs can contaminate food, water, or surfaces.

•    It is a good idea to consult your veterinarian Las Vegas NV regarding your pet’s risk for exposure and resistance before your next excursion to the dog park or other places where dogs congregate.

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Your dog needs to be bathed when he gets dirty, and you know that this is something he will need your help with. Your pet will likely need to get cleaned up if her gets into something messy, starts getting a bit smelly, or simply hasn’t had a bath in a while. Some pet owners like to have a bathing schedule, but others find that utilizing an as needed basis  for bathing works better for them. Find a dog shampoo that you are comfortable using on your pet, and that is both healthy for his skin and coat, as well as economical. Also make a point to dry your pet off and brush his fur to make sure he is looking his best and can be comfortable. Your local Greensboro, NC vet clinic can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.

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Does your Pug have bad breath? Is he having difficulty chewing or eating? If so, he may have gingivitis or another type of periodontal disease. Call your vet to set up a wellness exam to determine the source of the bad breath. Gingivitis is usually the culprit of bad breath. This disease involves inflammation, redness and swelling of the gums due to the build-up of plaque, which is food or other debris. Only your vet can tell you if your Pug has gingivitis. Your vet will need to perform a physical exam on your dog and will most likely ask you for a detailed history of your Pug’s overall health. Be prepared to describe any symptoms your Pug may be experiencing including when the symptoms appeared and how long they last. Also tell your vet what type of food you feed your Pug. For additional information, consult with your vet London, ON.

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Are mosquitoes, gnats and other bugs bothering your little Golden Retriever? If so then you may want to know if you can help protect him by spraying on a bug spray or cream. People bug spray and creams may not be appropriate for your Golden Retriever. Always call your vet and discuss your options with him. Some pet owners have been told by their vet that certain insect repellents are OK to use on dogs; however, do not assume this is true for all dogs. Always consult your vet before using any kind of spray or chemical spray on your Golden Retriever. DEET is a common ingredient in human insect repellent and should not be sprayed on dogs. If your dog ingests DEET call your vet right away. Signs and symptoms of DEET ingestion include drooling, wobbly gait, seizures, vomiting and loss of appetite. Click here to talk with your vet clinic London, ON if your dog has any of these symptoms.

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If your American Shorthair has recently been diagnosed with gingivitis, then you may want to talk with your vet to learn more about periodontal disease and ways to treat it. One of the first things to understand is that gingivitis in American Shorthairs is similar to gingivitis in humans. This means the disease is caused by food or plaque build-up. It also means that it can be treated and reversed if caught early. In people, plaque can build-up due to a lack of teeth brushing. The same can be said in American Shorthairs. This is why some vets recommend at home teeth brushing or professional teeth cleaning for your American Shorthair. Gingivitis causing plaque build-up can also occur for other reasons including old age, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, soft food, breathing through the mouth, bad chewing habits, uremia and diabetes, autoimmune diseases, FeLV (Feline Leukemia), and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). Contact your veterinary clinic London, ON for ... Read more »