Grooming your guinea pig (cavy) is a good way to handle, interact, and bond with your pet. It is also a time to examine your animal for any changes in its overall health.
Your guinea pig must feel secure when being handled and groomed. Before you begin the grooming process, put a low-pile rug or carpet sample on the top of a sturdy table. Place your pet on the covered table and get it used to being handled while on …
Guinea pigs are social creatures that love being handled. To create a greater bond with a guinea pig, you can spend time with them to allow them to feel comfortable and safe around you. One way to spend time with your guinea pig is by handling them.
Make sure to wash your hands before and after you hold your guinea pig. To minimize any harm to you or your guinea pig, always use both hands when picking it up.
To …
Guinea pigs make excellent pets for individuals and families. They do not take up much space and are relatively easy to care for. If you decide to bring a guinea pig home, be prepared before the big arrival. Essentials to have on hand include a cage, hut (hiding place), bedding, feed, feed crock, water bottle, and toys.
Cage:
Your new guinea pig will need a place to play, eat, sleep and feel secure. When selecting a cage, make sure it’s …
What are bladder stones?
Uroliths (bladder stones) are mineral structures that form in the bladder. These uroliths can remain in the bladder or get stuck in the urethra during urination. Sometimes small stones can pass as the guinea pig urinates but more often they cause a problem that can be life threatening. Uroliths can cause irritation to the bladder wall, bloody urine, or can completely block the urethra.
Bladder sludge is defined as gritty particles that accumulate in the bladder …
Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) is a preventable but serious and potentially fatal disease. It is caused by a parasitic worm that primarily infects members of the canid family, including domesticated dogs and wild canids, such as coyotes, wolves, and foxes. The infection is not limited to dogs, as it has been documented in other mammals as well, including cats, ferrets, raccoons, opossums, seals, sea lions, and rarely humans.
According to the American Heartworm Society, the first published …
“Pet-friendly” describes a human emergency shelter located in the same area or facility as an emergency shelter for pets. Typically, pet owners are allowed to care for their own animals.
Pet-friendly shelters were created as a result of lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina. On October 6, 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act). According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the …
The Companion Animal Community of Practice is pleased to announce 4-H photo and video contest.
These contests provide a venue for 4-H members across the nation to express their love of companion animals and demonstrate their photography and video skills.
This contest provides a venue for 4-H members across the nation to express their love of companion animals and demonstrate their filmmaking skills.
This contest provides a venue for 4-H members across the nation to express their love of companion animals and demonstrate their photography skills.
Euthanasia is a common procedure offered for dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets that are frequent patients to veterinary clinics. However, when it comes to fish, little information is readily available regarding the possibility of euthanasia. Owners must conduct their own research, typically by visiting fish forums, fish websites, and other sources to acquire information. Although these sources can provide some answers, the information is not always accurate and may represent only the opinions of other fish owners. Fortunately, the …
