Summer weather is perfect for spending time outdoors with your pocket pet. However, temperatures are at their all-time high, increasing your pet’s risk to heat stress and other health problems which are often prevalent when the weather is hot. If you share your home with a pocket pet, such as rabbits, chinchillas, cavies, etc. make sure to keep these important tips in mind.

• Many species of pocket pets can hardly withstand high temperature, so keep your pet in a place that’s cool, making sure that fresh water is available and easily accessible.
• Some types of pockets originally come from regions with cold climates. They possess thick fur coats to protect from the cold weather. During summer, their thick coats and the lack of sweat glands make them highly vulnerable to heat stress.

Heat stroke can be fatal. If your pocke ... Read more »

A new kitten needs enough time and space to get used to his new surroundings. There is also a need to take your furball to your veterinarian for a thorough checkup and to have your pet vaccinated and dewormed. The kitten’s first year of life will be full of visits to the vet clinic to have his vaccines updated and for regular deworming to protect him from parasites. The types of vaccines indicated for kittens are generally the same, regardless of whether you have bought your kitten from a reputable breeder or adopted him from the shelter. There may be some slight difference, depending on whether your kitten will be an indoor cat or allowed to spend time outdoors. Your Livonia, MI veterinarian may also recommend tests for certain medical conditions that can seriously affect cats of all ages, such as Feline AIDS (FIV) and Feline Leukemia virus ( FeLV). To know more, visit this website Healthy Pet Company - Countr ... Read more »

Scooping the litter box can be such a pain, especially when you have to do it every day! You may want to skip a day here and there, but you may just be encouraging your cat to go potty elsewhere.

Cats have a much better sense of smell than we do. If you think your pet’s box smells dirty, imagine how smelly it is to him! Add to that the fact that cats are naturally clean creatures, and it should be no surprise that a cat may decide not to use his litter box after all.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to encourage your cat to go potty where he should. Skip the covered box, as it can trap odors. If you really hate scooping, consider purchasing a self-scooping litter box.

Your veterinary clinic Temecula, CA can tell you more.

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Many pet owners have to deal with pet dogs that are shy and fearful. This is often the result of poor or lack of socialization and obedience training while dogs are still very young. Take note of the following tips if you have a fearful or timid pooch.

• Each dog is a unique individual. If you have other dogs, avoid comparing your timid dog to the others. Once you acknowledge your dog’s undesirable behavior, it will be easier for you to take steps to address the problem.
• Don’t tolerate your pet’s behavior. When you do, your pooch will easily take advantage of your vulnerability and tolerance. Resist cuddling your pet when he displays the undesirable behavior because you are only reinforcing his fear or shyness. Always be calm and confident when dealing with your pet.

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Your hamster sleeps most of the day because hamsters are pretty much nocturnal. He may have active periods during the early morning and early evening but then your hamster may be up all night. Take advantage of your hamster’s awake time to play. Remove him from his cage for socialization and exercise. Keep him moving so he gets tired and gets enough exercise so he doesn’t get fat. This can also help your hamster sleep more during the night. However, never wake a sleeping hamster. This could startle him and cause him to lash out and bite you. Keep active toys and climbing apparatus in your hamster’s cage so he can play even if it’s in the wee hours. Just check that your hamster’s play is quiet so he doesn’t disturb your sleep. If the hamster wheel squeaks, lubricate it or remove it. Contact your Savannah, GA vet to learn more.

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Each reptile species has specific care needs so do a lot of research before committing to a reptile as a pet. Look at the reptile’s diet. Some reptiles are strictly herbivores but need a good mix of vegetables and fruits to meet their nutritional needs. Other reptiles eat live or dead animals such as crickets, mealworms or even live mice. Consider your feelings on feeding your reptile these foods before you bring one home. Learn about life span and size since you will need to accommodate your pet reptile in an appropriate enclosure. Reptiles are cold blooded so you will need to control the temperature and humidity in your pet’s environment with lighting and heat lamps for both daytime and nighttime. Some reptiles like to be handled while others don’t. Think about the other humans in your household since some people are fearful of reptiles. For more information, contact your Scottsdale, AZ veterinaria ... Read more »