Generally speaking, guinea pigs are sturdy animals who stay pretty healthy with a minimal of fuss. But if your guinea pig gets ill, it can turn very serious quickly and lead to death. Watch for a runny nose or eyes, diarrhea, coughing or sneezing, weight loss or hair loss. These are classic signs of illness. Check your pig frequently for unusual lumps, cuts and abrasions that may need medical care. Look for sores and inflammation on your guinea pig’s feet. Long nails can catch and tear or cause difficulty walking so trim the nails as needed. Walking around in damp shavings and filth can introduce bacteria into your pig’s bloodstream so keep the cage clean. Your guinea pig can get parasites from other pets and develop a number of health issues. Ensure that your pig’s teeth wear evenly and straight. Watch for any abnormalities or sores in your pig’s mouth. For more information, contact yo ... Read more »

Your cat has a lot of neat habits, and you’ve enjoyed getting to know her. You’ve taken the time to determine why she does a lot of the things she does, but there is one behavior you simply don’t get – kneading. Why does she do this?

Your pet kneads in order to satisfy a deep-rooted need for comfort prior to settling in for a nap. She used to knead as a kitten, but instead of doing so on her bed like she does now, she kneaded up against her mother. This helped to stimulate milk production, thus offering her a better meal. This was comforting to her, and helped her relax. She still associates kneading with relaxation, so she takes part in it when she wants to help calm herself down. Your local Colorado Springs, CO vet can help you care for your pet. Visit site http:/ ... Read more »

You will soon be going to pick up your new pet, and you couldn’t be more excited for her homecoming. The rest of your family is excited as well. How can you introduce your new addition to everyone?

While it may be tempting to rush in with your new little fur ball and have everyone crowd around her, this can be pretty overwhelming to your pet. She doesn’t know any of these people yet, and she doesn’t understand that she is heading into her new home. She needs time to think about what is going on around her and to process things in her own time. Introduce her to your family one at a time, and make sure to space interactions out a bit so your pet can meet her new household in a low-stress environment. Your local most recommended Colorado Springs CO veterinarian can offer ... Read more »