When we picture a cute little bunny, images of them gnawing on a big orange carrot often come to mind. While it is largely assumed that rabbits need only carrots and lettuce to survive, this simply isn’t true.
Read moreWhy Your Rabbit Cannot Live on Just Carrots and Lettuce
Ringworm is a common condition that can affect both pets and humans. A fungal infection of the superficial layers of the skin, hair, and nails, the name ‘ringworm’ comes from the round, red, raised ring that marks the boundary of the inflammation.
It is safe to say that most people have either had ringworm themselves, or known someone who has. There are several different forms of ringworm that you should be aware of in order to know how to treat it in either you or your pet.
Veterinarians are trained to trim your pet’s nails, but owners themselves can learn how to do it too. What’s important is that it gets done regularly. But how should you go about it?
Common pests and parasites that usually infest cats and dogs can also affect pocket pets, such as guinea pigs, ferrets, gerbils, hamsters, and rabbits. Unfortunately, the medications that work for your other pets may not be the best treatment for smaller animals.
Preventative care in these cases is crucial. Here are the various parasites that can harm pocket pets and the preventative actions you can do to keep them safe.
Guinea pigs are wonderful little companions that are actually quite healthy, overall. However, if they do happen to get sick, their health can deteriorate rapidly and it can cause a great deal of heartache for pet owners.
New to caring for a ferret? Already own one? Here are some fun ferret facts for both new and seasoned owners.
As with humans, prevention is key when it comes to rabbit illnesses. In fact, most diseases in rabbits can be avoided through appropriate care, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, a proper diet, and clean living quarters. But sometimes, your pet bunny can still get sick. Here are signs to watch out for:
Many people do not realize it is a good idea to have small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, spayed or neutered. While we often only think of cats and dogs when it comes to these services, they also apply to small pets.
Before bringing a small pet into your home, it is a good idea to sit down and meet with your local veterinarian to get a better idea of some of the most important small animal care tips. For many people, this may mean having your rabbit, ferret or guinea pig spayed or neutered. Your vet may suggest this not only for the health of the animal, but also in order to ensure they are a good fit for your family’s home. There are a handful of other reasons why it is beneficial to your pet to have them altered, several of which we will go over below.
As always, if you have any questions about the information in this blog, or if you would like to speak with one of our veterinarians, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic.
Read moreSpaying and Neutering is a Beneficial Part of Small Animal Care
Pet dental health wasn’t always seen as a valuable service in the veterinary field. Prior to the 1970s, veterinary dentistry was often overlooked as an area of importance, but over the past 20 or more years it has become an instantly recognized and respected discipline. What makes it relevant today, and how does it help your pet?
Dentistry for pets is a much-needed service. Up to 80% of dogs, cats, rabbits and even smaller pets suffer from dental or oral problems at some point in their lives. Of all the conditions that veterinarians treat, the most common is dental disease.
Small pet dental care includes checking for tartar, red gums, cavities, fractured teeth, orthodontic abnormalities, reptile mouth rot and many other conditions causing pain and eating difficulties. Dentistry increases the chances of early detection and treatment of oral problems. With the slow onset of periodontal disease, warning signs are subtle and can easily be missed.
Read moreThe Best Pet Dental Health Services Include Small Animal Dentistry
If you’ve heard the term ‘pocket pet,’ you may have guessed what it meant, and probably guessed correctly—a pet so small, you can carry it in your pocket. These tiny little pets have become so popular that today, they can be found in more than four million homes in the United States.
The most common pocket pets are hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats and guinea pigs; however, a number of households also own more exotic species such as sugar gilders, chinchillas, flying squirrels and hedgehogs.
Many of these animals were bred as domestic pets just recently. In earlier years, such tiny creatures were regarded as nuisances and not welcomed in homes at all. If they were discovered on someone’s property, people got rid of them if they could, believing all rodents carried diseases and threatened crops. However, times have changed and now these little creatures are now dubbed ‘pocket pets’ and are prized and loved by many pet owners.
Read moreA Tiny Pocket Pet Fits Right into Your…Well, Yes, Pocket!