Did your rat get out of the cage? It’s important that you try and get him back, but rescuing includes much more than returning him to his cage. While he’s out and about, you have to keep him safe and healthy.

Hopefully you’re able to pinpoint which room he’s in. This is especially important if you share your house with a cat or a dog. Shut the door so the other animals in your home can’t get to your rodent first.

It’s important that your pet has the option to eat food and drink water. Leave some out for your pet at night. Not only will it keep him healthy while he’s not in his cage, it can actually help you track down and pinpoint his location.

For help catching your rat and returning him to the cage, ask your veterinarian Somerville, MA for advice.

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Your hamster spends a lot of time in her enclosure, so it’s important that she is able to relax and enjoy her time in this space. Her comfort and health matter quite a bit, and you will need to take these into account when choosing a bedding material for her.

There are a lot of different types of bedding material on the market, but not all of them will be appropriate for your pet. Consider the fact that she is in contact with her bedding on a near constant basis, so you will want it to be as natural as possible. This will prevent her from being stuck continually breathing in perfumes or artificial ingredients that could have an adverse impact on her health. Also, think about how you will be keeping her enclosure clean, and opt for bedding that will help you with this endeavor. For additional information, please contact your local Marietta ... Read more »

Yes, dogs can also get the blues, just like humans do. There is a long list of potential causes of depression in dogs including sudden changes in their immediate environment, illness, phobia, or grief. The owner’s disposition can also have an important influence on the dog’s disposition.

If you think your dog is depressed, your first stop should be your Bolingbrook, IL vet clinic. Potential health problems should be ruled out before other interventions can be given. If your vet doesn’t find something physically wrong with your pet, then it’s time to introduce more “life and color” to your pet’s life. Outdoor excursions, visits to the dog park, doggie play dates, and other activities keep your dog on his toes while burning pent-up energy. These activities are also excellent opportunities for you to bond with your canine buddy and feed your pet’s social needs, while boosti ... Read more »

Cats and dogs may have similar digestive systems but they differ in their needs for specific nutrients. Many people think that dogs are carnivores but they are technically classified as omnivores because they require a diet that has both meat protein and plant-based components. On the other hand, cats are true carnivores; they thrive with a high-protein diet that contains meat from named sources. They need daily intake of the essential amino acid Taurine which can only be found in meat. Their body is unable to make taurine, that’s why it has to be provided in their diet. Taurine deficiency can lead to excessive hair loss, dental problems, heart problems, and even vision loss. The protein requirement of cats is about 45% which is quiet higher than that of dogs and humans.  Humans and dogs can utilize plant-based protein, but cats must have protein from meat or fish.

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Did you know that about 90% of overweight or obese dogs have piled on the pounds as a result of their owners’ generosity? Yes, which means that only a significantly small number of overweight and obese dogs suffer from health issues that predispose obesity. Unfortunately, there are pet owners who think that being generous with food and treats is one of the best ways to show their love for their pets. But that is absolutely incorrect!

A common notion that many people have about spayed or neutered dogs is that the procedure can make dogs fat. But this is not really true. What’s true is that spaying or neutering can reduce the rate of metabolism in dogs, so they won’t need as much calories as when they were still intact. Adjusting the amount of food that is given every day and regular physical exercise can help ensure dogs maintain a weight that is within healthy limits. If you are not sure how much foo ... Read more »

Looking for a fun thing to do this summer? Consider going to the horse races!

You don’t have to wait for the Kentucky Derby and take a long vacation just to watch the races. Horse races are happening all the time. You just have to know where to find them.

Do a quick search to find the nearest races and schedule near you. You can also do a quick search for horse races while you’re on vacation.

Traditionally, people bet on horse races, but you don’t have to. In addition, they often do special races just for the kids. In between horse races you might get to watch ostriches or dogs race!

In some cases, local race tracks may even allow you to enter your horse into a race! To learn more about going to the horse races, click here, or give your veterinary clini ... Read more »

Bathing is a common chore for many pet parents, but knowing if you can bathe your critter is tough if you share your home with an uncommon animal. Can you bathe a sugar glider?

Sugar gliders are pretty difficult little critters to take care of. From their cage needs to their diet, don’t make things even more complicated by thinking you need to give your pet a bath! Sugar gliders are actually pretty good groomers. You should never have to bathe your furry little friend.

There’s always an exception to every rule. If your pet got into a bit of a mess, or if he is ill and isn’t cleaning himself like he should, you might have to give him a bath. If you do bathe your pet, it’s important that you use a sugar glider-friendly shampoo. Human shampoo could dry out his skin.

Your veterinarian Happy Valley, OR can give you ... Read more »

It’s important to clean your rat’s cage if you want to keep him happy and healthy. The trouble is, cleaning the cage can do a number on the environment. Here are a few tips that will enable you to clean your rat’s cage the green way.

Avoid disposable wipes when you’re cleaning the cage. That means not using disinfectant wipes or paper towels when you’re wiping the cage clean. Use washrags that can be thrown in the washing machine instead.

The cleaners you choose can make a difference too, not only to the environment, but also to the health of your pet. Make your own cleaner using vinegar and water instead of using harsh chemicals from the store.

When dumping out your rat’s bedding, put it in a biodegradable garbage bag! For more green tips, click here, or ask your ... Read more »