Sugar gliders are small tree-dwelling nocturnal marsupials, and, until very recently, have not been classified as a companion animal species. However, over the last decade, sugar gliders have been increasingly kept as pets largely in the United States, Canada, and Japan. Sugar gliders are valued as pets because of their cleanliness, attraction, and hardiness. Sugar gliders have a relatively low rate of health issues; however, this natural hardiness can be quickly degraded if these animals are kept in improper social, …
How much space does my bird need?
The amount of space should be large enough for the birds to fully stretch their wings, and allow for some flight, but also for your birds to hop, climb, feed, socialize, and exhibit other natural behaviors. Long-tailed species, such as parakeets, cockatiels, and macaws, will need housing that will accommodate their tails as they move around. If a cage is too small for these long-tailed species, the tails may become damaged. Adequate-sized housing is important not just for physical health, …
Hot Weather Care for Dogs
Many dogs like to be outdoors during the summer, but too much heat and humidity can cause them stress. Signs of heat stress can include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, depression, bloody vomiting and diarrhea, collapse, and seizures. At temperatures over 85ºF, dogs may show signs of overheating. The humidity level is also a factor. A warm, humid day with full sunshine may cause more problems than a hotter day with a nice breeze and …
Dropsy in Fish
Dropsy is a common but often fatal fish disease that causes distinctive raised scales pointing away from the body in an affected fish. Although used as the name of the disease, it is more accurate to say that dropsy describes the symptoms of the disease as it is due to the swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the tissues or body cavities of an animal. The actual cause of the swelling and of the disease consists of a variety of …
Nutrients Required by Dogs
A nutrient is a chemical or substance that an animal requires to live and grow. Nutrients can be found in food, synthesized in the body, or taken in from the environment. Nutrients that must be consumed in the diet because the animal cannot produce them or cannot produce them in sufficient quantities are considered essential nutrients. Those the animal can synthesize to meet its needs or does not need from its diet are considered nonessential nutrients.
All animals …
Companion Animal Internships and Job-Shadowing Benefits and Tips
When looking for a companion animal-related career or applying to veterinary or graduate school, hands-on experience is often required. Internships can be a beneficial tool in preparing for the real-life work environment. It can be a great opportunity to gain experience in an area of interest or major and can teach career and life lessons. Having an internship experience will potentially improve your understanding of your career choices and help you decide what best fits you, as well as improve …
Dog Boarding
When dog owners plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, the question always arises: what to do with the dog? Many owners turn to boarding kennels to overcome this obstacle. Kennels are secure, dependable, and provide proper care for your dog. Choosing the correct kennel can ease the mind of dog owners while they are away.
Choosing a Boarding Kennel
Many factors should be considered before choosing a boarding kennel where you are comfortable leaving …
Oyewole Ajifolokun
Dr. Ajifolokun provides teaching and leadership in science and small animal health programs in Cook County. He is a member of Cook County Extension- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) team. He teaches various topics in biology and animal science as well as offering professional development programs to both elementary and middle school science teachers.
Dr. Ajifolokun earned his doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and a master’s degree in business administration from the University …
Lucinda B. Miller
Lucinda B. Miller, Ph.D, is an Assistant Professor with Ohio State University Extension. As an Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, Miller is responsible for providing leadership to Ohio 4-H small animal and companion animal science programs, focusing on life skills, best practices, and career development. Miller also provides leadership to 4-H PetPALS, a volunteer leader-directed animal-assisted activities program linking youth and their pets with senior adults.
Miller lives on an 86-acre farm in Central Ohio with her husband, 14 Quarter …
Elizabeth Wells
Dr. Elizabeth Wells is an extension educator at Michigan State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Communications and her master’s in Continuing Education from Michigan State University. Her doctorate from MSU is in Agriculture and Extension Education. Her research is in the area of the use of technology in extension. She provides leadership for the companion animal 4-H program in Michigan and develops educational programs for the dog project related to training, care, and health issues.
Dr. Wells …