Your hamster is pretty much nocturnal so getting him to exercise may be difficult. Exercise helps keep your hamster healthy and provides mental stimulation. Plan on daily exercise sessions. Never wake your sleeping hamster or he may bite you. Take advantage of his awake times for active play. Provide climbing apparatus, a hamster wheel and other exercise equipment in your hamster’s cage to make it a fun place to be. However, don’t add so many things that it becomes difficult to move around. Plan on time outside the cage daily under strict supervision. Encourage your hamster to run around and explore, climb over you, through PVC or cardboard tunnels and anything that might be fun. A hamster ball is fun but take care that no one accidently kicks the ball or that it is at risk of falling down stairs. For more information, contact your Marion, IA veterinarian.

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You can injure your guinea pig if you handle him roughly and may even die if you drop him. Thus you need to learn to pick up your guinea pig properly. Ensure that your pig is comfortable with you. Sit by your guinea pig’s cage and speak or sing to him softly. Drape your hand into the cage for exploration. And try hand feeding your pig. When you pick up your guinea pig, act efficiently. Place one hand under his chest behind the front legs. Use the other hand to scoop up the rear end and keep him horizontal. Lift and then pull your pig to your chest for best support. Be prepared to lower your pig to a safe surface if he starts to wriggle away. An older child can be taught to pick up your guinea pig properly but always bring your pig to a seated younger child. For more information, contact your Louisville, CO veterinarian.

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The summer is nearing its end, and you know that there will be some seasonal chances happening in your area. How can you ready your pet for fall?

Since there will be new things to assess, take the time to do just that. Look around your home and determine if any of your fall décor can be altered to keep things safe for your little fur ball. Consider his time outdoors as well. Will there be anything you need to do to keep him content in the changing weather? Since things change gradually, you will have plenty of time to think about things to come prior to them doing so. The key here is to evaluate them against your pet’s needs, and see what areas will need some improvements or alterations to help keep her happy and healthy. Your local Marietta, GA vet clinic can offer additional advice. Visit their site ... Read more »

Your dog is an excellent friend, and you really like the idea of sharing your life with him. However, sometimes this may not be the best idea, like when it comes to food. How can you share a snack with your friend safely?

Your pet isn’t necessarily concerned about what foods are safe for him to consume, as he will typically focus on what tastes good to him. This means that it’s up to you to figure out what you can offer him without negative consequences. To share food with him, you will need to research anything you are considering giving him for safety, and then be sure you are offering it in an appropriate portion size. There are many dog-friendly recipes to be found, so consider seeking these out if you plan on sharing food with your little fur ball. For additional information, please contact your local Marietta, G ... Read more »