When searching for the best pet for your family, you’ve likely stumbled upon all the different types of pocket pets that people love and enjoy having in their home day after day. What are the benefits to this type of pet?

Many people choose to own a pocket pet because it gives them the opportunity to bond with a furry friend and have some company in their home. The small size of traditional pocket pets allow them to be kept in smaller spaces, like apartments and homes without much yard space. They are kept in their enclosure unless specifically taken out, so pocket pet owners don’t come home to any unexpected messed in various areas of their homes like those with some other pets may. Also, the care needs of pocket pets fit into many people’s schedules, offering them a reasonable amount of responsibility to add to their life. Your local San Jose, CA veterinarian can offer ... Read more »

Your guinea pig needs a ton of exercise in order to stay happy and healthy, and one of the best ways to do this is to offer her plenty of time outside of her cage to move about more freely. Floor time has become popular with guinea pig owners because it is an effective way to get these pets more physically active.

To do this, make sure you have an area of your home that has been guinea pig proofed. This means removing all hazards from your pet’s reach, and blocking off areas you don’t want her to venture into. Then, take out some toys for your guinea pig to play with and sit on the floor alongside her. Offer her some companionship, and make an effort to include some activities she is familiar with so she can have some extra fun. For additional information, please contact your local San Jose, CA veterinarian.

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It can be extremely beneficial to kennel train your dog, but there’s a lot more to it than just placing your dog in his crate. You have to think about where to put it. Unfortunately, many people put their dog’s kennel in the wrong spot.

Avoid placing your dog’s kennel in the garage. The temperatures can fluctuate, which can make relaxing very challenging for your furry friend. The garage can also be very loud, which isn’t very relaxing.

You may be tempted to place your dog in the basement so that he’s out of the way, but this isn’t a good idea either. Dogs like to feel like they’re a part of your family. If you rarely go in the basement, your dog will be forced to entertain himself, which can make him feel lonely.

For more kennel placement tips, call your pet clinic Niagara Falls ON.

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Iguanas are easy to find in stores but consider using a breeder or getting an iguana from a rescue. These sources will not only provide you with an animal that needs a home, they will most likely become a great source of information. Iguanas don’t stay the six or eight inches starting size. They can get to be six feet long and weigh 20 pounds at their full size. They can also live up to 20 years so iguanas are a long-term commitment. You will need to plan for a very large enclosure when it reaches adult size. Iguanas are cold-blooded and tropical animals so you will need to provide heat at all times. Feeding an iguana isn’t difficult but require a lot of fresh vegetables, which could get expensive. Thoroughly research all the needs of an iguana before your bring one home. For more information, contact your Oshawa, ON veterinarian.

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Some cats don’t care where you pet them as long as you pet them. Others are very particular on what spots are okay for petting. Make sure you teach your children the most acceptable petting spots to avoid angering your cat. Always pet your cat in the direction the fur grows and if she stiffens or shows signs of irritation, stop. Cats usually like scratches under the chin and behind the ears. However, until your cat is accustomed to you, avoid the top of the head, especially if your hand blocks her eyes. Strokes down the back to the base of the tail are usually welcome and may result in “elevator butt.” The sides may be questionable but the stomach and legs are often off limits. Never grab for your cat. Allow her to approach you on her own terms. Be patient and kind. For more information, contact your Oshawa, ON veterinarian.

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Some cats will gobble down their food with gusto while others are picky. Sometimes cats have a definite preference about whether to eat wet meat or dry cat food. And if you offer the wrong one, your cat may not eat it. And if you feed your cat yummy treats throughout the day, she may want more of that and resist eating her nutritionally complete cat food. So step one is to back off on the treats. Feed your cat several small meals throughout the day. Remove the food after about 15 minutes whether your cat has finished or not. If you leave meat out too long it could start going bad and taste funny. Some cats are sensitive to temperature so you might need to warm up food that has been kept cold. Be patient and work at it. Also be sure to rule out any medical issues. For more information, contact your Oshawa, ON veterinarian.

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Exercise is an essential part of keeping your dog trim. And since obesity can cause mobility issues and put your dog at risk of disease, you need to work regular exercise into your dog’s life. Exercise can also help your dog work off excess energy and keep him from getting bored. The amount and type of exercise may change from dog-to-dog and breed-to-breed so you might need to experiment a little. Start slow and pick up the intensity and distance as your dog becomes conditioned. Examine any behavior problems that may be a result of inactivity or boredom. This includes digging in the yard, chewing and destructive scratching, excessive barking and jumping up on people. Your dog may also appear somewhat hyperactive and play too rough. Bond with your dog during your exercise and play sessions and be patient with him as you work through behavior issues. For more information, contact your Oshawa, ON veterinarian.