Puppy Nutrition
Feed a high quality diet designed for puppies. A wide variety of diets and formulations are available and your veterinarian should be your primary source of information as to the best choice for your puppy. The amount fed will vary with the type of food and the individual dog, but in general, should only be as much as the puppy can consume in 5 to 10 minutes at a given meal. Puppies are usually fed 3 times daily when between 6 and 12 weeks old, 2 times daily when 12 weeks to 6 months old, and may be fed 1 or 2 times daily when older than 6 months. For certain large breeds of dogs, your veterinarian may recommend that several smaller meals be fed rather than 1 large meal (even when your dog becomes an adult) because an association has been suggested between the consumption of large meals and a serious medical condition called gastric dilatation/volvulus or "bloat."
Some of the grooming services we offer include:
- Anal gland expressions (dogs only)
- Breed standard haircut or haircut based on owner preferences
- Dematting
- Ear cleaning (if there is anything abnormal the veterinarian will be notified)
- Full bath and brush-out (or blow-out depending on breed)
- Medicated bath for pets with skin allergies
- Medicated flea bath
- Nail trimming
- Stripping treatment
- Teeth cleaning
Parasites, Bacteria and Viruses
Parasites, bacteria, and viruses are fairly common among pets. Whether acquired from another pet, a wild animal, or their own mother, infection typically occurs within a pet’s direct environment. Many of these contagions are also zoonotic or capable of being transmitted to human pet owners, which makes them even more concerning.
While a veterinary exam is not always necessary as some viral infections can subside on their own, others need immediate care, so it is always best to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. If you notice abnormal behavior or symptoms in your pet, please contact our office so we can determine what is ailing them.
Read through the following sections to learn more about common viruses, parasites, and bacteria which affect pets.
Owning a Rabbit
Rabbits are often believed to be a low-maintenance pet; this is a common misconception. Rabbits are a rewarding pet that take time and interaction in order to really bond with their owner. Similar to cats and dogs, they also require regular veterinary exams and should be spayed or neutered. The average rabbit lifespan is seven to ten years, so if you’re considering a pet rabbit, be sure you’re willing to commit to a pet long-term.
While on your path to finding the perfect pet, don’t forget to check out local animal shelters for rabbits. There are often pet owners who find they don’t have enough time to dedicate to their rabbit and are forced to turn them in. Oftentimes, these older rabbits are already litter-box trained and are waiting for a pet owner to give them the affection they desire.
Behavior
Rabbits have unique personalities; however, most are initially timid and shy. Daily interaction and play with your pet rabbit alongside hand-feeding is a proven way to get your pet rabbit comfortable and allow them to open up to you.
There are many similar qualities rabbits share with cats and dogs. Cats and rabbits can both be trained to use a litter box and prefer to do so. Pay close attention to your rabbit to learn where their “restroom area” is within their enclosure, and place their litter box in that same area. Be sure to use rabbit-specific litter, as cat litter can cause major health concerns. Rabbits and dogs are both easily bored and resort to chewing and digging for entertainment. Rabbits are very good diggers, so you cannot leave them in a yard unattended, even for a short period of time. To help rabbits who are very apt to chewing and digging, provide toys such as chew sticks and old telephone books.
What do pet rabbits eat?
Initially, a rabbit’s digestive system requires extra fiber, which they can obtain from rabbit pellets, but as a rabbit ages, the amount of pellets they need lessens. Diet should primarily consist of grass hay and fresh green vegetables, including collard greens, lettuce, and turnip greens.
Rabbit housing
Most often, a new rabbit owner thinks their pet wants to be outside and places their cage accordingly. Contrary to this belief, rabbit enclosures should be kept indoors, because rabbits are very social animals and require a lot of human interaction. Keeping a rabbit inside allows you to continually see and meet their needs. Also, having a pet rabbit outside exposes them to potential harm, such as parasites, animal attacks, or unforgiving weather.
Multiple rabbit owners should contain each rabbit within their own enclosure unless all rabbits have been spayed or neutered. Also, before placing multiple rabbits in one cage, an owner must appropriately introduce the animals to one another and ensure they get along. Rabbit enclosures should be quite large, especially if multiple rabbits are to be housed together. The smallest recommended enclosure size is 3 feet by 4 feet, but a larger space is always acceptable.
What does my pet rabbit need?
- A feeding rack with ceramic water bowl
- Digging box
- Enclosure or cage with a solid bottom
- Grooming brush – bristled, not metal
- High-quality rabbit pellets
- Litter box with rabbit-specific bedding
- Rabbit-safe chew toys
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)