Exotic Animal Category
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You might not have known that hedgehogs can be pets! Learn more here.
When it comes to the health of rabbits, it’s all about where they put their weight, where they chew their food, and where they digest. That will account for about 90% of a rabbit’s health issues. If you take good care of these parts, you are less likely to have more than your twice-yearly well check-ups at the vet.
Hamsters…they’re the stereotypical first pet for a kid. Small, easy, sweet and cuddly. Well, yes, they’re small. But it can kind of end there.
If you own or are considering getting a parrot, there’s something you probably already know. Parrots are smart. Parrots are clever. Parrots are social creatures.
If you own a parrot, or are thinking of one as a pet, here are 5 things you should know.
Many of my bunny owners come into my exam room having really read up. They have found reliable resources on appropriate caging, feeding, and general care. However, some old assumptions still manage to creep in. This is not a full overview of rabbit husbandry and medical care, just some of the pitfalls that even the best bunny owners may not know about.
Some tips on pet rabbits that every bunny owner should know.
Here's what you need to know about sugar gliders before bringing one home as a pet...
Thinking a hamster might be a good pet for your kids? Know these 5 things before bringing one home...
Bet you didn't know these 5 things about rats as pets! (hint: they're pretty amazing animals!)
They're soft, they're fast, they're weird-looking little creatures... but there's much more to know about chinchilla pet ownership...
Some VERY important guinea pig tips! Read on...
If you're thinking about a reptile for a pet, or already have one, be sure to read this post!
Everyone who owns an exotic pet should have a vet identified before you need him or her. In fact, it’s advised to have a first “well visit” with your veterinarian after acquiring your new pet. Not only do you establish an important relationship early on, but a vet who sees exotics can often provide super important health care information at that first visit…helping you and Rochester the Bearded Dragon avoid problems down the road.
Some kids are going to be amazing pet owners and do a lot of work. Others will lose interest quickly. If that’s a pet that requires a lot of attention and work, then this is not fair for anyone, especially the pet. Here are some tips for choosing the right pet for your family.
When clients ask me about getting a first pet, I ask them a lot of questions about what kind of time they’ll have, whether they want a pet they can handle and cuddle with, and how many years they can commit to their pet. This is especially important when kids are involved.
Any pet owner should seek out a veterinarian if they notice a change in their pet’s appetite, activity level, or overall health. With exotic pets, this can be a particularly time-sensitive issue.
I happen to live and work near an extraordinary reptile shop where the staff are extremely knowledgeable. Clients generally are told the correct way to care for their new reptile pet, whether it be a turtle or a lizard or a snake. Then it’s up to the client to have paid attention and keep up the good work.
Did you know that most of our parrot species were not meant to be seed eaters? Eating a seed diet is pretty much like eating fast-food French fries all day long, every day. High on fat, low on all nutritional value. It sure tastes amazing, but the body is going to pay.