Fur slip in chinchillas occurs when large clumps of hair come out when held tightly. It is generally associated with stressful situations in which the animal is trying to escape potential threats.

Proper handling of a pet chinchilla is an important way to prevent fur slip. The proper way to hold a chin is to grasp the animal at the base of the tail, right where the tail attaches to the body. Doing so will encourage the animal to sit on your hand while you keep your grip on his tail. This will prevent you from squeezing his body. When you hold him around the chest or abdomen, he may try his best to wiggle out of your grasp, which can eventually be followed by a fur slip.

However, a chinchilla that is used to handling and regular human interaction while still very young, may tolerate being gently held ... Read more »

Regular visits to your vet’s clinic is important to your dog’s health, but visiting the groomer can be just as good for his health. However, you may be hesitant to spend even more money on your pooch. How much does the groomer cost?

There are many things that go into grooming a dog. You might want to have his nails clipped, his fur shampooed, or his coat trimmed. The more things you have done to your dog, the more it will cost.

Your dog’s breed may make a difference too. Smaller dogs and puppies tend to cost less money than large dogs. Dogs with matted fur will cost more too.

In general, expect to pay no less than $40. If you want the works, you may pay $90 or more. That’s why you should ask f ... Read more »

When bringing home a newborn baby, you’ve got a lot to think about. From bottles to clothes, formula, and furniture, there’s likely a lot you’re already worried about. Should you be worried about your cat too?

For the most part, cats aren’t dangerous to newborn babies. Newborns don’t get up to much, so there’s no way for your child to interact with your pet. If your feline friend doesn’t care for the baby, he’ll likely just avoid him.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep your eye open for strange feline behavior. You should also shut the door when your baby is sleeping so your pet can’t disturb him.

You should worry more when your child becomes more mo ... Read more »

Normally, sneezing in cats may or may not be accompanied by a few liquid droplets. A cat that is sneezing once in a while is not really something to be worried about, especially if he is otherwise active and healthy. But if sneezing becomes frequent and is accompanied by any of the following – blood, mucus, eye discharge, and/or cough, the sneeze may indicate an underlying health issue. Here are some possible reasons why your kitty may be sneezing:

•    A reflexive sneeze caused by dust or a mild irritant

•    Respiratory infections most often caused by virus – Common examples include herpesvirus and calicivirus infections, chlamydia infections, and bacterial infections (e.g. Mycoplasma)

•    Noxious fumes or smell associated with tobacco s ... Read more »

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Taking your Pomeranian on walks in the summer can be a lot of fun as long as you go for walks at the right time of day. Don’t try and take your pup out for a two hour walk during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest and so are the temperatures. If possible, plan on walking your pup early in the morning or later on in the evening. Your dog will enjoy a more cooled outing outdoors if you can go at these times. Never keep your dog outside for long periods of time in the summer. If you must take a walk in the middle of the day, make sure you ... Read more »

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Taking your Pomeranian on walks in the summer can be a lot of fun as long as you go for walks at the right time of day. Don’t try and take your pup out for a two hour walk during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest and so are the temp ... Read more »

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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If you’re getting ready to take your cat into your local veterinary clinic, you’re probably stuffing him in a kennel. Unfortunately, cats don’t really like being confined to crates, which means your furry friend is likely to meow and howl the whole way there and back home. Is there anything you can do?

There really isn’t a whole lot you can do to get your cat to stop meowing completely. However, you can try distracting him with his favorite treat, a little catnip, or his favorite toy.

That may reduce his meowing a bit, but it isn’t likely to eliminate it altogether. You may be tempted to try and talk to your cat to ease his nerves, but this isn’t a good idea. He’ll think you want to talk! Instead, it’s better just to quietly drive to your destination.

If your cat is extremely distressed, talk about ... Read more »

You should always assume your German Shepherd is at risk for heartworms. The heartworm can be easily transmitted through mosquitoes, which makes dogs and other animals very susceptible to the disease. The best way to protect your pup is to have him tested for heartworms at his annual wellness exams. You should also have him on a monthly preventive medication. This type of medication can come in the form of a chewable pill, a pill that needs to be swallowed whole, or most recently as an injection. Talk with your vet to find out if your German Shepherd is currently on this type of preventative. Heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states of the U.S. It’s presence is all around and should be considered a threat to your pup. Protect your pup and have him tested and treated monthly by ... Read more »

Your pet means the world to you, and you want to make sure you are able to offer him everything he needs for pet supply items. However, this doesn’t mean that you have an infinite supply of money to purchase these items with. How can you save money as a pet owner?

Your pet needs you to take the time to evaluate his actual needs, then find ways to meet them. This may not require the most expensive items on the market. In fact, a lot of the times you can find cheaper options that will work just as well. When you can’t, you can keep an eye out for sales and coupons to help lower your costs. Sometimes buying things in bulk, like pet food, can save you money in the long run. Your local Fort Collins, CO vet clinic can help you care for your pet. Schedule an appointment today.

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Your family is looking into different pocket pet options for your family, and you have narrowed down your choices to a hamster or a gerbil. However, since you know they are quite similar, you are having trouble deciding between the two. What factors could help influence your decision?

Hamster’s and gerbils differ in when they tend to be awake, as well as the amount of social interaction they prefer. Hamsters tend to spend their active hours in darkness, leaving little time for interaction during the day. They also tend to live a life that includes more solitude than gerbils. If you are looking for more time to play with your pet, a gerbil will offer more waking hours during typical times that humans are up and about, and tend to be a bit more social. Your local vet services Fort Collins, CO can offer additional advice.

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Your hamster is a wonderful part of your life, and you enjoy being able to spend time with her whenever you can. You want to understand her better, and to help her trust you more, so you are looking to further your bond a bit. Would training be a good way to do this?

Training your hamster will take a lot of consistency and patience, but it can be done. It will require a significant commitment from you, but will ultimately be worth the time you put into it in the end. It can help you both get to know one another more thoroughly, and it can also help you work together for something. It will give you an activity to take part in together, and help you bond more closely. For more information, please consult your pet clinic Fort Collins, CO.

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