Pet Savvy


Jul 24 2008

Ferrets

Published by Author under Ferrets

More people are considering ferrets as household pets. These creatures that are typically colored black, brown, white or mixed fur may grow up to 20 inches in length, 5 inches in height and weigh about 2 to 4 pounds. They have an average life span of 7 to 10 years that may live just as long as other animals kept inside a home.

The ferret belongs to the Mustelidae family and one of its closest relatives is the weasel. Studies have shown that it has similar qualities to badgers, skunks and wolverines so if you are planning to own one, keep in mind that this small creature is a carnivore.

This means that your ferret should eat either meat or poultry. When you are shopping for it at the grocery, make sure that it contains high level protein and low levels of fat. You must never get food that is rich in carbs or sugar as well as those that are intended for other animals as this may cause serious health problems for the animal.

One thing you should know before deciding to own a ferret is that unlike other animals, they require a lot of attention. They don’t like being locked up in a cage the whole day like your hamster or guinea pig so if you don’t have the time, you should think about getting something else.

If you have children at home who are below the age of 6, this should not be given to them because ferrets have sharp teeth and they will retaliate if they are attacked.

Most ferrets sleep for about 18 to 20 hours each day but when they are awake, they must be allowed to come out and play. The downside to this as some owners have experienced is that they will chew on just about anything that could do some considerable damage to the home. The only way to prevent that from happening is to ferret proof your home.

You can do this by putting metal coiling on all your electrical cords, blocking off certain areas of the house so your ferret will not go there, windows must be screened so the animal does not get out of the house, the floor must be cleaned at all time to prevent them from eating dirt that is on the floor and air ducts are covered using ferret proof vents.

The ideal cage for a ferret must measure 18” x 18” x 30”. This will give them space to move inside as well as play with toys that you provide them. There must also be a litter plan to collect their waste that can be removed, cleaned and returned once a week.

You will need to toilet train your ferret so when it needs to answer nature’s call, it can easily do so inside the litter box. The best one to get is the kind of made of recycled newspaper that will also need to be cleaned between one to two times daily.

Ferrets are now considered to be the third most popular pet in the United States. If you think you have the time to spend with such a cute little animal, go ahead and get one. You may not bring it around the neighborhood like a dog but you can spend quality time in the comforts of your home.

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Jul 22 2008

Nutro Natural Food

Published by Author under Dog Food

Is essentially made of natural ingredients.  These ingredients are made of superior quality. Nutro natural dog foods are known for their quality. Your dog is sure to remain healthy and fine with nutro natural dog food products. These foods are sure to deliver ultra nutrition to your dog. It is an easy way to keep your dog healthy.

Nutro natural dog food is made from highest quality ingredients. Hence positive results are guaranteed. These food products are considered to be the healthiest brand and hence are preferred by many.

When it comes to dog foods, nutro natural dog food is a natural choice for many. Many dogs like the taste of these foods. If your dog is underweight then the best way to gain weight is by feeding the dog with nutro natural dog food products. These products are excellent in terms of quality and your dog will simply love it.

A variety of dog foods are available in market. Many dogs find it difficult to digest corn. If dogs have any problem in digesting any type of food they should change the diet. These dogs can conveniently opt for nutro natural dog food products. Rice is a digestible serial grain and is the main ingredient of many nutro natural dog food products. It is the healthiest diet available.

These products contain vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamins include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and vitamin E. Nutro natural dog food products are scientifically formulated using more than 80 years of experience. Leading nutritionists and veterinarians have done a lot of research before preparing this product.

Every nutro natural dog food product that is made contains finest natural ingredients along with minerals and vitamins for superior nutrition, performance and taste. If the ingredients are indeed of high quality then your dog is definitely going to have a healthy and lustrous skin.
If the product has best ingredients then this means it is easier to digest and your dog will simply love it as superior ingredients give superior taste. A healthy and a happy live to your dog is guaranteed when you feed your dog with nutro natural dog food. These products contain protein for body maintenance and muscle development.

Although nutro natural dog foods are a bit costly they provide you the important nutrients that are essential for the development of your dog. Nutro natural dog foods are suitable for all life stages of your dog. If your dog has a sensitive stomach then some nutro natural dog food products are specially designed for such dogs.

Nutro natural dog food products are available in cans and pouches. Nutro natural dog dry foods are also available. These products are safe and reliable. All nutro natural products are thoroughly tested before they are brought into the market. Standard quality assurance methods are used in testing the product.

Nutro natural dog food products combine highest nutritional benefits with great taste that is hard to resist for your dog.

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Jul 19 2008

Pathology of Black Ferrets

Published by Author under Ferrets

You don’t need a medical degree for ferrets, but as a pet owner, you must be well acquainted on the dangers underlying your black ferret’s medical condition. There are some illnesses unique only to black ferrets and yet other which are also occurring in other members of kingdom Animalia. If you are a concerned owner of a black ferret, here is a guide that can help you become well-versed on the different pathological states that could happen to your black ferret.

Rabies
Ferrets get paralyzed in the hind leg when they have rabies, and just like any other mammal, it’s something that humans must watch out for especially if they get bitten by the ferret. But there are particular chemicals that when placed on the ferret will not allow them to secrete the rabies virus from their saliva, but this is also something that needs to be done with the ferret is still a kit.

Neural Tube Defects
The neural defect is a bit of an endemic condition which involves a deformed ferret skull that can also affect the tissue of the brain and the spinal column. Retardation imminent, there are also growth defects to ferrets which have this condition and they manifest as early as its birth. The loss of neural tissue may sometimes even be highly graphic and unpleasant.

Helicobacter mustilae and Gastric Ulcers
Old ferrets (four years and up) are prone to this condition. It is commonly known in human terms as gastric ulcers. Recently discovered, it has taken the lives of many ferrets and posed as one of the dangers that pet owners must consider when having a pet ferret. Peptic ulcers may also result after long term untreated state.

Megaesophagus
The esophagus of the ferrets dilate and may sometimes cause bronchopneumonia in some cases. Like dogs and cats who have it, ferrets who have megaesophagus are also at high risk of acquiring the candido infection.

Enteritis and Intestinal Parasites

Even ferrets run the risk of having parasites roam in their system, and this is exactly what happens when they get inflicted with enteritis, particularly of the eosinophilic variety. This diseases causes male ferrets of 1 year or younger to waste away. It is also closely linked to other diseases of ferrets, though there is really no tangible evidence of them.

Canine Distemper
Lesions and a deadly virus characterize canine distemper. Any ferret afflicted with this illness is sure to die and perish miserably. Treatment is really not an option since the only available things in the market today for this would be the vaccination which is more of a preventive measure. The thing with canine distemper is that it causes lesions and weakens your ferret until it dies.

Colic

Irregular bowel movements may also harm your pet ferret. Only few in a ferret colony get this kind of disease but their discharges often reeks of blood and mucus. Inside the body the epithelial tissues get thicker, altering the whole ferret body system completely.

Dental Disease
Like humans, the black ferrets’ dentures are exposed and are at risk for some diseases. The canine tips, for one, are most highly at risk since it is the most exposed and most used. Malformations in the teeth shape, discoloration of the entire set of teeth and broken teeth are just some of the examples.

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Jul 18 2008

Organic Natural Dog Food

Published by Author under Dog Food, Dogs

A variety of natural dog foods are available in the market. An important advantage of natural organic dog food is that they do no contain any undesirable ingredients that include blood, hair and low grade wastes. All these ingredients come from rendered remains of livestock animals.

Natural organic dog foods are processed minimally and preserved using natural substances that include vitamin C. Sometimes vitamin E is also used as a preservative.

Companies manufacturing natural organic dog food adhere to strict standards while making natural organic dog food. According to these standards use of pesticides, antibiotics, artificial ingredients, preservatives or genetically engineered ingredients is not allowed. Natural organic dog foods do not have any artificial colors and preservatives.

Care should be taken while preparing natural organic dog food. It should be prepared only under hygienic conditions. These foods are considered to be the best way to train a dog. Natural organic dog foods are a blend of proteins, vitamins, minerals and whole grains that maximize digestibility, palatability and nutrient assimilation.

Your dog would love to have these foods as they have a great taste. Natural organic dog foods are made with human grade chicken. It also contains carrots, peas and organic brown rice which are extremely beneficial for your pet dog. These foods are free of chemical additives. Chemical additives are said to have a negative impact on the dog. Flavor enhancers, corn, wheat or artificial colors are not used in these foods. Natural organic dog food provides balanced and complete nutrition.

You should always feed your dog with natural organic dog food as these foods are beneficial to your dog. Some of the benefits are as follows;

Natural organic dog food contains antioxidants which are helpful in maintaining healthy immune system. A healthy immune system is susceptible to diseases. Hence your dog will remain active if you feed your dog with natural organic dog food. These foods contain nutrients which are a major source of essential nutrients.

Probiotics promote intestinal health. These foods contain omega fatty acids which maintain the skin and coat of your dog. So if you want your dog to have a shiny, lustrous skin then natural organic dog food is the best option to get it. Crunchy kibble keeps your dog’s teeth clean.

Natural organic dog foods provide a great nutritional value and are must for your growing puppy.

These foods will promote longevity and vitality to your dog. Natural dog foods are high in protein as they are prepared from natural chicken meat, chicken liver, organic soybean meal and chicken meal. All these constituents are carefully mixed to provide the right quantity of amino acids.

Amino acids play an important role in making structural tissues such as muscles. Amino acids are also used to produce antibodies, hormones and enzymes. Chicken liver is a major source of vitamin A, protein and iron and helps palatability.

These foods also contain which are a good source of energy and other important nutrients that include potassium and magnesium. With so many benefits you simply can’t think of not feeding your dog with natural organic dog food.

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Jul 15 2008

Guinea Pigs - Common Illnesses Among Cavies

Published by Author under Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are subject to a number of common illnesses, including respiratory infections, skin problems and genetic disorders.

One common source of many skin conditions, for example, are the Trixacarus caviae, or mange mites. These small parasites cause itching, which can lead to excessive scratching and hair loss. Another common source, especially among those who are not alert to skin problems in long-haired breeds, are running lice (Gliricola porcelli). These small white insects move through the hair, feeding on skin cells and laying eggs. The eggs, which may be small speckles of black or white, hatch, starting the cycle all over again.

Hair loss may also be the result of hormonal problems that can result from a wide variety of underlying ailments. Ovarian cysts are relatively common. Genetic predisposition can lead to diabetes, problems with the thyroid and other issues that upset hormonal balance.

Heat stroke is a common problem in high temperature environments, especially among long-haired breeds such as the Peruvian. When summer temperatures linger above 90F(32C), cavies can suffer hyperthermia, particularly when humidity levels are above 70%. High humidity makes it more difficult to release body heat.

Other conditions in the guinea pig’s local environment can be a problem. Straw or hay is often used as bedding. But both stems and straw dust can cause ailments. Stems may lodge in the throat, leading to infection. Dust often finds its way into the cavy’s eyes, where eye infections are the typical result.

A number of genetic disorders are, though not overwhelmingly common, far from unknown in guinea pigs. Congenital eye disorders among Abyssinians are a well known tragedy. Waltzing disease, producing a palsy and deafness, are another. The disease is so-named owing to the cavy’s tendency to run wildly in circles.

Dental abscesses may result from occlusion. Since a guinea pig’s teeth continue to grow throughout his or her lifetime, any malformation of the molars or other teeth can grow into a painful condition. Oral infection is a common result.

Fungal infections are also all too common, as well. Ringworm is typical in climates with high humidity. Spores may be released into the air that hibernate for long periods, sometimes years. When the animal comes into contact with it, a skin lesion may result. The lesions appear as hairless ovoids that may exude serum until they heal.

A simple fungicide, often in the form of a shampoo, may be all that’s needed for treatment. Nizoral or Malaseb are two examples. In some cases it may be necessary to treat with topical creams, such as Miconazole or Clotrimazole. In rare cases, an oral treatment of Lufenuron is called for.

Providing your guinea pig with a good diet and a clean cage is the best first line of defense against disease. As prey animals, they commonly don’t show symptoms when they can avoid it. Alertness to changes in activity level, eating habits and skin condition is required at all times.

A guinea pig lives 4-5 years on average, and sometimes as many as nine or more. A long term commitment to health care is appropriate, as it would be for any other household pet.

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Jul 15 2008

What You Should Know If You’re Allergic to Chinchillas

Published by Author under Chinchillas

Chinchillas are capable of emitting proteins that cause allergies.  This can happen through the presence of saliva or urine.  They are also known to shed their fur every few months.  The hay and dust that come from chinchillas seem to be the biggest factor in people that have allergies.  It is not advisable to have a chinchilla for a pet if you are allergic to hay and dust from them.

In general, warm-blooded animals with fur have proteins in their body.  When these furry animals wet their fur by licking, saliva sets in.  After it dries, parts of the protein flutter about and end up on different material in the home.

This is why even though people initially get a pet chinchilla, they have to give it away because the hay and dust proves too much for them to handle.  Not only do the owners suffer, but their pets suffer as well.  They don’t get the hay or dust bath their supposed to get on a regular basis.  When they have to return the chinchilla it’s called re-homing.  Basically the pet is sent back to be reassigned to a new owner and a new home.

It can get so bad that as an owner of the pet, being allergic to hay and dust can cause breathing problems.  There have been cases where some owners ended up using an inhaler for breathing purposes.

The owner can become allergic to the pet itself and end up with rhinitis.  Rhinitis is when the mucous membranes of the nose get inflamed with a mucous discharge.  You can get contact with allergens just by touching the chinchilla.  The transmittal of this (antigens) can cause you to rub your eyes or touch your skin.  The interesting thing about this is allergies don’t always affect you right away.  Depending on your system, it can take weeks months or even years for the exposure to take affect.

It’s not surprising, even if you’ve had a pet chinchilla for a while, to eventually develop an allergic reaction to the dust and hay.  Especially dust, since it can accumulate from anywhere.  However, if you should become allergic to your pet’s allergy-causing proteins, you may have to consider re-homing (returning the animal so they can have another owner).

There are ways that you can minimize the allergic impact of dust from affecting you.  Keep your pet’s cage covered with a sheet and in a room where the door can be closed.  When applying dust to your pet, don’t turn on any fans.   The container should be your pet’s cage and place the sheet around it.  Leave the room for about ten minutes, making sure you close the door on your way out.  It should take that much time for the dust to get situated.

There are some different brands of bath sands you can use to reduce the dust from flying all over the place.  You may want to check it out thoroughly prior to purchase.  It’s been noted that it can reduce the amount of dust ingestion; it may not be effective in cleaning your pet’s fur.  It may take more than one pack and this just defeats the purpose of any cost-cutting measures.

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Jul 14 2008

Natural Dog Food in The UK

Published by Author under Dog Food

Taking care of your dog means feeding the right food which is possible only if your serious about your dog’ health. If you give proper food to your dog, your dog may fall prey to a disease which may result into untimely death of your dog. If you don’t want this to happen, feeding natural dog food is the best way to avoid it. High risk is involved in giving food that contains artificial and synthetic foods.

Natural dog food UK is preferred by many when it comes to feeding their dog. These foods contain natural ingredients of best quality. If you want your dog to be always energetic then you must feed your dog with natural dog food of uk.
Even you will feel better when you see a healthy dog. If your dog is healthy then it has a positive impact on your life. A healthy has the ability to cure many human diseases.

Natural dog food UK will enhance the appearance of your dog. It will give a complete different look to your dog. So if you want to give a gorgeous and stunning look to your dog then you can accomplish it by simply feeding your dog with natural dog food of uk.
Generally dogs that are not provided with natural dog food face many problems. Your dog’s skin quality is definitely going to improve if there is intake of natural dog food everyday.
If your dog is on this nutritious diet for a period of 8 weeks, results will be clearly seen.

Natural dog food of UK is known for its premium quality. Hence there is absolutely no need to worry regarding its reliability and safety.

If you are not interested in going from one shop to another in search of a good natural dog food of UK then there are various online sites that will provide instant delivery at your home. Many prefer online method to order the product as it is extremely convenient. Whenever you are buying see it to it that you are buying a genuine natural product. Most online companies of UK are manufacturing natural dog food for more than 30 years.

Natural dog food of UK is prepared by veterinary surgeons. Hence success is guaranteed. For excellent health of your dog you have no choice but to provide natural dog food of UK.

Generally, with regards to their pet dogs people prefer to give natural dog food UK market has kept a high standard of quality. As awareness is growing about natural dog food, UK made Dog food is maintaining a high quality standard.

Various brands of natural dog food UK market have many types to offer.
Nature diet is a must for your dog. Providing synthetic will make your dog vulnerable to diseases.

Skin irritation that is commonly found in dogs can be cured by intake of natural dog food of IK. In fact most of your dog problems will be solved with the help of natural dog food of UK.

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Jul 12 2008

What Do Ferrets Eat

Published by Author under Ferrets

Ferrets have a unique diet compared to other animals. This is because they need one that is rich in protein and low in fat. Aside from that, it must also not be rich in carbs and sugar.

Perhaps the best one to buy in the market is Totally Ferret. The problem is that it is not always available in the market. As a result, owners have to switch to something else like cat food and some examples of these include Iams, Science Diet and Pro Plan.

The products mentioned are not soft cat food which does not contain less protein that has the tendency to lead to tooth decay. Although these are quite expensive, buying an 8 pound bag of any of the brands mentioned will last up to 2months.

But ferrets in general are carnivores so when you feed them, make sure that you are using two types of food at all times ideally meat and poultry. This will prevent them from being stuck on only one type of food so they won’t have a hard time adjusting later on.

Aside from food, you should also give your ferret supplements. Examples of these include Ferretvite and Ferretone but only in moderation.

Using the right food will prove to be worth it when you notice that your ferret is very energetic and their coat are in excellent condition. Of course, you will still need to groom it by combing the hair and giving it a bath every so often because they tend too smell when they get dirty.

Once in a while, it wouldn’t hurt to feed your ferret some small pieces of fruit and vegetable. The same goes with sugar free cereal. This must never be given in large quantities as this causes gastrointestinal upset, a possible blockage and even malnutrition.

As your ferret grows older, you should change their diet to kitten food because studies have shown that these too much protein may cause kidney problems. This should only be given if ever your ferret is recovering from an illness or has undergone surgery.

Some ferret owners believe that a raw food diet may also work. One good example is raw meaty bones which, helps prevent tartar from forming on the teeth and also provides calcium in their diet.   Because of this diet, you will have a more active ferret around the house that has excellent coat condition. You don’t have to clean up that much after your pet because it also decreases the stool volume as the food ingested is absorbed by the body and their natural scent is greatly decreased.

Those who want to try the raw food diet should not be worried if ferret’s stool turns white to a grayish color because this is only temporary and will soon return to normal.  Since it takes time for the pet to adjust, you can mix it with ferret food that can be purchased from the store then gradually decrease this with raw bones from either meat or poultry.

Knowing what do ferrets each is just one of the many steps for those that want them to live for a long period of time. Proper care, attention and love are also needed because these creatures are great to have when you need a friend to take your worries away.

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Jul 11 2008

The History of the Chinchilla

Published by Author under Chinchillas

This exotic animal was named after the Chincha people of the Andes region.  The Andes Mountains in South America.  Chinchilla actually means “little Chincha”.  Back around the close of the 19th century, the animals were known for their thick and soft fur.

There are two types of chinchillas.  The chinchilla brevicaudata, which is also known as the Bolivian, Peruvian and Royal chinchilla, has a short tail.  They came from the Andes Mountains in the regions of Chile, Peru and Bolivia.  This chinchilla was on the verge of becoming extinct and were known for the exquisite fur.  Even with the fur, the population of these animals continued to decrease.  The chinchilla lanigera, which is also known as the Chilean, Coastal or Lesser chinchilla, has a long tail.

This species of chinchilla can be found in Chile.  Even though the word “lanigera” means “having a woolen coat”, they are covered with hair instead.  The hair is soft, sleek and sticks to their skin.   There are three types of chinchilla lanigera:  The LaPlata are muscular, round and have a short head.  The Costina has longer hind legs, slight hump and a pointed nose.  The Raton is similar to the LaPlata in they way it’s structured.  It has a pointed nose and they are of a smaller size.

Burrows or cracks in rocks are where chinchillas reside.  They can jump very well and at least up to 5 feet high.  When residing in the wild, chinchillas consume fruits, seeds, plants and small insects.   As far as breeding is concerned, that can take place at any time of the year.  When the female chinchillas do procreate, their average length of pregnancy is 111 days.  For a chinchilla, that’s a long period of time compared to other animals in that group.  Because their pregnancies are so long, their offspring are born with their eyes open and their body full of fur.  At the time of delivery, their litter is usually one or two, with the two more times than not are twins.

The first try of breeding started in 1895.  In that same year, the first animal was born and each year two litters were born.  In the summer of 1896, an unknown disease halted the breeding process.  By then, there were 13 animals and all of them succumbed within two months time.  Around 1918, there was a resurgence of chinchillas.  A man from California was interested in trapping chinchillas so he could raise them as pets.

At first, the Chilean government refused, but as the man kept asking, the government relented.  During three year period, only eleven chinchillas were captured.  They were brought back and bred in the United States.  This process started the first chinchilla farm.  This also started the process of the domestic chinchilla.

The interest in chinchilla fur started in the 16th century as international trade.  Chinchilla fur is prevalent because it has a soft texture.  Because of even color across the board, people like to use it for lining large pieces of clothing or small pieces of clothing.

The fur can also be used to create an entire large piece of clothing.  So many chinchillas must be destroyed in order to make a coat because their skin is so small.  Because of this, one of the species became non-existent and supply for the other became scarce.  People still hunt and kill domestic chinchillas to create clothing, but wild chinchillas are no longer targeted for hunting.

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Jul 10 2008

Natural Choice Dog Food

Published by Author under Dog Food

All natural choice dog food is a good source of fiber and antioxidants. Some natural choice foods contain manganese, phosphorous, calcium and potassium all these vitamins and minerals are very much necessary in their diet. There are many vegetable rich in antioxidant such as, dark green and bright orange. By feeding all natural dogs in their meal is just like getting an insurance policy for your loving pet.

There are lots of branded natural food available in market for your pet. However, it is better to consult with your veterinary doctor before feeding canned natural food. Advice of a doctor is very essential before going for an experiment because some canned food are made for specific dog breeds.

All these dog foods are 100% fat and oil free thus keep your dog healthy moreover; it is highly rich in protein and fiber. California natural dog food is particularly made for pets thus it give a high energy to the pets. All natural dog foods are a good source of fiber and antioxidant. Some of the natural food contain manganese, phosphorous, calcium and potassium all these vitamins and minerals are very much necessary in their diet.

There are many vegetable rich in antioxidant such as, dark green and bright orange. By feeding all natural dogs in their meal is just like getting a insurance policy for your loving pet. There is lots of branded natural food available in market for your pet. However, it is better to consult with your Viet nary doctor before feeding canned natural food. Advice of a doctor is very essential before going for an experiment because some canned food is especially kind of breads.

Every pet owner feel his pet should good breath, brilliant coat sheen, clean teeth, bright clear eyes and be healthy any time. For this entire thing, the pet should good quality of all natural food because a complete diet can only bring this affect to your adorable pet. One should take care about the health of their so that, pet also live a longer life.

If the pets are properly feed by rich nutrition then it will be prevention against common veterinary diseases. It is always suggested veterinary doctor to give holistic food to pet because home made food thus it keep pet away from artificial ingredients

There is a range of food should be avoided such as, cream, ice cream, fatty meat, raw pork and similar product. This type of product can cause indigestion to the animal which can lead dangerous diseases. A set of natural choice dog food should be given to the animal for the proper growth and good health of pet.

It is better to take the advice of doctor before making a diet for the animal. Junk food should not be given to the animal because it can cause food poison and other related digestion problem. Hence,  natural choice dog food products can keep your dog healthier and active.

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