When nervous, ball pythons curl into tight balls, hence the name. They are known for being gentle thus they make great pets. However, many ball python owners find it difficult to feed their pets, particularly if it was caught in the wild. Many owners tend to offer mice to their ball pythons but this is a far cry from their diet in their natural habitat, which includes birds, amphibians, small mammals, and other snakes. A drastic change in their diet often make pet ball pythons finicky eaters for weeks, or even months of captivity.

As for their housing needs, 10-20 gallon glass tanks can comfortably house a ball python. Take note that your pet reptile can easily escape from the tank if the screen lids are not tightly fitted. Placing some tree branches inside the tank will give your ball python opportunities to climb and engage in natural behavior. The tank should have a temperature gradient to create an ideal environme ... Read more »

If your pet has led a sedentary life for most of his life, it is a good idea to take him to your veterinarian before starting him on a new fitness regimen. A thorough checkup will help determine if your pet is fit enough to engage in various physical activities without any risk of injury and/or health problems. Your vet will advise you regarding what type of physical activities are appropriate for your pet. Make sure to go slow to give your pet’s body enough time to adjust to the new routine. Start with short walks, gradually increasing the distance and the speed as your pet gets used to the activity. 

Fitness tips for sedentary pets

• Young dogs should never be subjected to long jogs or runs or any type of strenuous physical activity, for these can exert pressure on their still-growing bones and muscles.
• Choos ... Read more »

Rabbits need a lot of fiber and carbohydrates in their diet. They are herbivores and they won’t thrive well on a diet that mainly consists of commercial rabbit pellets that you can buy from pet stores. An all-pellet diet is a recipe for obesity, especially if pet rabbits don’t engage in regular physical activity. Most rabbit pellets are formulated for rabbits that are raised for meat.

Experts recommend that a healthy diet for rabbits should be made up of hay, vegetables, and fruits. Only a small amount of pellets should be given.  

Components of a healthy ration for pet rabbits

• Hay

Eighty-five percent of a pet rabbit’s diet should be hay. They need fiber for efficient digestion. Munching on fibrous matter also kee ... Read more »

In addition to pet smells, one of the challenges that many cat parents face is dealing with their cat’s messy eating habits. Having the patience and ingenuity in dealing with these problems will eventually make them manageable and easy.

While cats are known for their fastidious habits when it comes to keeping themselves clean, they tend to be messy when they eat. Pet owners often find themselves stepping on stray kibbles or canned pet food, which can get really messy. If you are also having the same problem, try using a rubber boot mat with raised edges and place the cat’s food and water bowls on top. The raised edges of the mat will prevent cat food from spilling to the floor. The mat can also help lessen spills, plus they are also very easy and convenient to clean.

Make sure to talk to your Pikeville, KY vet when you notice distinct changes in your ... Read more »