Your parakeet needs exercise to stay healthy and happy. Since your bird spends most of its life in the cage, make it a place that encourages movement. Perches at different levels encourage your bird to hop around. Add a ladder, swing, bell toys or other items to make cage life fun. However, don’t add so many things that it makes it difficult for your parakeet to move around. Flying is the best form of exercise for birds so plan on fifteen to twenty minutes of time outside the cage daily. Secure the room and make it safe for your bird. Turn off any fans. Remove any toxic plants your parakeet might nibble on. And make sure nothing can fall on your bird. Use your bird’s outside-the-cage time to socialize and bond with your bird. Practicing tricks and giving your parakeet exercise apparatus makes thi ... Read more »

Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin or your cat’s inability to manage the insulin her body creates. This condition can occur at any time during your cat’s life especially if she is or has been obese. Diabetes is a manageable condition and your cat can live a long time with it if it is diagnosed and treated properly. Untreated, diabetes can cause other health issues such as kidney disease, neurological problems and other conditions that can lead to death. Your cat may exhibit symptoms such as an increase or decrease in appetite, excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, lethargy and an unkempt look. Since these symptoms are common to other conditions, you need an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan from a medical professional. Treatment may include a change in diet or regular insulin injec ... Read more »

You need to take care in picking up your dog so you don’t injure him or yourself. Make sure your dog is calm and won’t wiggle away from you unless it is an emergency and you just need to pick up your dog quickly. If your dog is small, start by placing one hand under his chest and use the other hand and forearm to support his rear end. To lift a larger dog, lift from the underside but use your entire arm rather than just the hands. Bend your knees to lift your dog so you don’t injure your back. Pull your dog close to your body for better support. Never lift your dog by a limb, the tail or the scruff of the neck. Never pick up your dog by his front legs as you would a small child. Any of these methods could injure your dog. Learn more from your Vete ... Read more »

There are many accessories to buy when you have a dog. Some accessories you need multiples of, like dog toys. Others, like your pup’s food bowl, you only need one. What about your pet’s leash? How many does he need?

The bare minimum is one leash. If you choose to have just one leash, choose a traditional leash that’s sturdy enough to control your dog.

Many pet parents find it nice to have two leashes. The sturdy traditional leash is perfect for walks, but you may find that a retractable leash makes taking your dog outside to go potty easy. Just don’t plan on using a retractable leash to walk your pet. It teaches dogs to pull.

Need a little help choosing the right leash or leashes for your pooch? Your vet Lakeville, MN will be able to provide you with professional advice. Or visit this s ... Read more »

Nearly all of us have to leave during the day to go to work. Because of this, many dogs get left behind at home. The question is whether or not it’s good for your dog to be left alone all day.

For most dogs, it isn’t a problem to leave them alone for between six and eight hours a day. This is especially true if you support your dog by kennel training him, creating a dog-proof room, or leaving him in the backyard while you’re gone.

However, even the most well-behaved dogs can get bored, while others can be downright destructive. Your dog would be much happier if you hired a dog walker or if you dropped him off at doggy daycare.

For help deciding what you should do with your dog during the day, call a ... Read more »

It’s no secret that you need to give your cat water. The trouble is, all water isn’t created equal! What kind of water should you be giving your cat?

There’s nothing inherently wrong with giving your cat tap water. If it’s safe for you to drink, it’s safe for your furry friend to drink. However, it doesn’t always taste the best. If your cat doesn’t drink tap water like he should, you’ll likely have to try something different.

Distilled water sounds like a great idea because it is absent of other chemicals, but it’s also devoid of minerals that are actually good for your cat. Instead, try giving your cat filtered water. With a clean taste, your cat is more likely to drink it.

You can always put a little chicken stock in your cat’s water! For more tips, ... Read more »