If you’re looking for the perfect reptilian pet then check out the Iguana. The Iguana is a large tropical lizard with a spiny crest along the back. The iguana is native to the Americas and is primarily green in color. They can grow to be between 5 and 6 feet long and will need a habitat at least three feet longer than that. Iguanas are popular pets as they are docile and adapt well to habitats that have lots of space. Iguanas even like living in habitats with water because they are excellent swimmers. In the wild, iguanas will dive below surface to hide from predators. They may walk and move slowly on land, but in the water they are quite the athlete. Habitats should be between 88 and 95 degrees. Iguanas eat a typical lizard diet of insects, fruit and leaves. Your Louisville, CO veterinary clinic can recommend what types of fruit to feed.

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Whipworms are parasites that live in the large intestine and cecum of dogs. The name is derived from the whip-like shape of adult parasites. The common species of whipworms which are prevalent in dogs is Trichuris vulpis. Adult whipworms attach to the intestinal walls and cecum to feed on blood and tissue juices. Whipworms are generally acquired by ingestion of feces that contain parasite eggs. Ingestion of food or water which has been contaminated with whipworm eggs has also been pointed to as a source of infection. Under favorable environmental conditions, the eggs can thrive in the soil and bodies of water for years. Upon ingestion, the infective eggs are swallowed and stay in the large intestine and cecum to hatch and mature into adults in about 3 months’ time. Adult worms lay eggs which are passed out with the feces. Outside, the eggs has to remain in the environment for a month in order to develop into an infective stage.

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Your guinea pig is a big part of your life and you want to make sure you are offering her all that she needs to be healthy. However, you don’t really understand why she needs everything she does, like floor time. What’s the reason behind this?

Your guinea pig needs floor time in order to get out of her cage for a while. This gives her the chance to get a change of scenery and an opportunity to move about in an area that isn’t as confined as her enclosure. She needs to get some exercise, be able to socialize, and be able to check out some other areas of your home to stay stimulated mentally as well. This time gives her something to look forward to and allows you to form a close bond with your pet. For more information, please contact your local Ishpeming, MI veterinarian.

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Even if air travel will get you to your destination quickly, it is not the best way to transport your pet. The Humane Society recommends that pets should be transported by airplane only when it is absolutely necessary. Traveling by plane is particularly risky for brachycephalic dogs such as Pugs and Bulldogs. They are especially susceptible to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke because of their short nasal passages. If you really need to travel with your pet, try to consider all alternatives to flying. If you must fly your pet, get in touch with airline companies and ask whether they allow pets to travel in the cabin with their owners. There are airlines that allow pet owners to travel with their pet in the cabin for an additional charge. Calling the airline and making arrangements in advance will help ens ... Read more »