Introduction
Ferrets are curious and intelligent creatures. This makes them both fun and entertaining companions, but it can also be the cause of serious injuries and sometimes death. Before buying your companion ferret, it is important to “ferret-proof” your home. While this task may take some time, it is well worth it to keep your ferret safe from pain, serious injuries, and costly surgeries that could occur. It is also important to monitor your ferret when it plays outside of …
Internal parasites can be found in many different organs and tissues of an animal’s body. One area commonly targeted is the intestines. Parasite infections can occur through a number of possible routes, depending on the parasite species and the stage of the parasite’s life cycle playing a role in transmission. A primary route of infection is ingestion of infective eggs from the environment. Typically this happens when a dog or cat ingests fecal matter or soil that contains fecal …
To remove a tick from a pet in just a few simple steps, please do the following. We have included a video from the TickEncounter Resource Center for your convenience.
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, …
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, …
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 …
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 …
The most frequently used and probably best type of bedding for a bird cage is newspaper or another paper product. Newspaper tends to be cheap and easy to obtain. You may use unprinted or printed newspaper. Do not use the glossy ads because they contain inks that may be unsafe for your bird. Newspaper is easy to clean up and dispose of, and using newspaper allows you to closely monitor your bird’s daily routine. You may use paper towels, but …
A baby parrot goes through five basic developmental stages: neonate or hatchling, nestling, fledgling, weanling, and juvenile or pre-adolescent.
The first stage is the “neonate” or “hatchling.” This newly hatched baby still has its eyes closed and is completely dependent on its parents or humans to provide food and a warm environment.
The second stage is the “nestling.” At this point, the bird’s eyes are open, but it still relies on a parent bird or human for feedings. It …
Ecdysis refers to the process by which reptiles shed their outer skin, a process that occurs regularly with growth and wear. Some species of reptiles shed an entire layer of skin as one whole piece, whereas other species shed several small pieces at a time.
Dysecdysis refers to incomplete or abnormal shedding. Improper or difficult shedding can be caused by a number of environmental and dietary issues, but reptile owners can be prevent it by practicing good husbandry and making …
