Category: Exotic Animals

When Every Second Counts: Daytime Emergency Services at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center

Emergencies can strike without warning — and when they do, your pet deserves swift, expert care from a team you can trust. At All Pets Veterinary Medical Center in College Station, TX, we offer daytime emergency services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Whether your companion has been injured, is in sudden distress, or just isn’t acting like themselves, our skilled veterinary team is here to help.
What Qualifies as a Veterinary Emergency?

Emergencies come in many forms. If you’re not sure whether your pet needs urgent care, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Common emergencies we handle during the day include:

  • Difficulty breathing or severe coughing
  • Bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood)
  • Seizures or collapse
  • Heatstroke or hypothermia
  • Sudden weakness or lameness
  • Ingestion of toxins (medications, plants, chemicals, etc.)
  • Difficulty giving birth (dystocia)
  • Eye injuries or severe swelling
  • Foreign object ingestion

We also regularly see exotic pets for emergencies, including birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and more — a service not commonly offered in our area.

Why Choose All Pets for Emergency Care?

🏥 Experienced Team: Our veterinarians and support staff are trained to act fast and efficiently in high-stress situations.

🐾 Comprehensive Diagnostics: With in-house bloodwork, digital radiography, and ultrasound, we can diagnose and begin treatment immediately.

⏰ Same-Day Walk-In Availability: While we encourage you to call ahead, we accept emergency walk-ins during business hours.

🦜 Exotic Animal Expertise: From parrots to pythons, we offer emergency care for species that many other clinics cannot accommodate.

What to Do in a Pet Emergency

  • Stay calm and contact our clinic immediately at (979) 696-4411.
  • Let us know what’s happening so we can prepare for your arrival.
  • If safe to do so, transport your pet to our hospital as quickly as possible.

If your emergency occurs outside our business hours, we’ll help you find an appropriate referral hospital to ensure your pet receives care without delay.
We’re Here When Your Pet Needs Us Most

Emergencies are stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. The All Pets Veterinary Medical Center team is here to provide compassionate, lifesaving care when it matters most. We’re proud to serve the pets of College Station and the surrounding communities with emergency veterinary care that’s both expert and accessible.

Call us at (979) 696-4411 or come by during business hours if your pet is in distress.

Beak Trims for Parrots and Macaws: When Is It Necessary?

Expert Beak Care for Small and Large Birds in College Station, Texas

Parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and other psittacines rely on their beaks for more than just eating—they use them to climb, groom, and explore the world around them. When a bird’s beak becomes overgrown or misshapen, it can interfere with their daily life and may even indicate a serious health concern.

If you’re searching for beak trims for parrots in College Station, our avian team at All Pets Medical Center is here to help.

What Is a Beak Trim?

A beak trim is a veterinary procedure in which an avian veterinarian carefully shapes a bird’s overgrown or misshapen beak to restore its proper length, alignment, and function. Unlike nail trims or grooming tasks, beak trimming requires medical knowledge and experience—the beak is a sensitive structure with nerves and blood vessels that must be handled with care.

Beak trims are typically performed using a high-speed dremel or specialized tool and are generally quick and pain-free when done correctly.

Why Do Some Parrots and Macaws Need Beak Trims?

In the wild, parrots naturally wear down their beaks through foraging, chewing bark, and climbing on abrasive surfaces. In captivity, birds may lack access to these materials or activities, leading to beak overgrowth.

Common causes of beak overgrowth in parrots include:

  • Liver disease

  • Vitamin A deficiency

  • Beak trauma or injury

  • Viral infections (e.g., beak and feather disease)

  • Genetic abnormalities such as scissor beak

  • Insufficient chewing and enrichment opportunities

If your bird’s beak looks unusually long, uneven, or damaged, it’s important to get a professional evaluation.

Signs Your Bird May Need a Beak Trim

Your parrot or macaw may need a beak trim if you notice:

  • A long, hooked, or lopsided beak

  • Trouble grasping, chewing, or eating food

  • Peeling, flaking, or cracked areas on the beak

  • Asymmetry or crossing of the upper and lower beak (scissor beak)

  • Behavioral changes such as reduced activity or irritability

If any of these symptoms are present, we recommend scheduling a beak evaluation with an avian veterinarian in College Station.

How to Help Prevent Beak Overgrowth

While not all beak trims can be avoided, proper care and enrichment can reduce the need for frequent trims.

Tips for maintaining a healthy beak:

  • Balanced nutrition: Offer a pelleted base diet with vitamin-rich vegetables and limited seeds

  • Chewing opportunities: Supply safe wood toys and natural perches to encourage gnawing

  • Enrichment: Provide foraging toys and rotate them regularly to promote active use of the beak

  • Routine vet visits: Regular checkups with an avian vet help catch issues early

What to Expect During a Beak Trim at All Pets Medical Center

At All Pets Medical Center, our experienced avian veterinarians use low-stress handling and specialized tools to perform precise, comfortable beak trims.

During your visit, we will:

  1. Examine your bird’s overall health and beak condition

  2. Perform gentle shaping using a dremel or file

  3. Monitor your bird for stress or discomfort

  4. Discuss any underlying health concerns if present

In most cases, sedation is not needed. However, for especially anxious birds, light sedation may be recommended for safety and comfort.

Trust Your Bird’s Beak to Experienced Avian Vets

At All Pets Medical Center, we specialize in the care of exotic pets, including beak trims for parrots, macaws, cockatoos, conures, and other companion birds. Whether it’s a routine trim or part of a broader health concern, our veterinary team is ready to help.

We proudly serve College Station, Bryan, and the surrounding Brazos Valley area with advanced avian care.

Schedule Your Parrot’s Beak Trim Today

Don’t let an overgrown beak affect your bird’s quality of life. Call All Pets Medical Center to schedule a beak evaluation and trim with an experienced avian veterinarian.

📍 Located in College Station, Texas
📞 979-696-4411
🌐 www.allpetsmedical.com

Ways to Keep Your Hamster Healthy

There are several ways to keep your hamster healthy and happy:

  1. Provide a balanced diet: A hamster’s diet should consist of a commercial hamster mix, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional treats such as seeds and nuts. Avoid feeding your hamster sugary foods or foods that are high in fat.
  2. Keep the cage clean: Hamsters are prone to respiratory infections and other illnesses if their cage is not kept clean. Clean the cage at least once a week and spot clean as needed. Use a disinfectant to clean the cage and replace bedding, food and water dishes, and toys regularly.
  3. Give your hamster plenty of space: Hamsters are active creatures and need plenty of room to run and play. A cage that is too small can lead to boredom and stress, which can lead to health issues. Make sure the cage is large enough for your hamster to move around freely and has plenty of toys and activities to keep it entertained.
  4. Handle your hamster gently: Hamsters can be skittish and may bite if they feel threatened. When handling your hamster, use a gentle touch and make sure to support its body properly.
  5. Keep your hamster’s teeth trimmed: Hamsters’ teeth grow continuously, so it is important to provide plenty of chew toys to keep their teeth trimmed. You can also offer hard vegetables such as carrots to help wear down their teeth.
  6. Provide a healthy living environment: Hamsters are sensitive to temperature changes and drafts. Keep their cage in a room that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Avoid placing the cage in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
  7. Keep your hamster away from household toxins: Many household products such as cleaning agents and air fresheners can be toxic to hamsters. Make sure to keep these products out of reach of your pet.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your hamster stays healthy and happy for many years to come.

 

Tips to Care for Your Pet Bunny

Here are some tips to care for your pet bunny:

  1. Diet: It is important to feed your bunny a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat and protein. A good diet for a bunny consists of hay, a small amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. Avoid giving your bunny too many sugary treats or fruits, as these can lead to health problems.
  2. Housing: Your bunny should have a spacious cage with plenty of room to move around and play. The cage should be kept in a quiet, cool area of the house, away from direct sunlight and drafts. Bunnies also need daily exercise outside of their cage, so be sure to provide them with a safe area to play and explore.
  3. Grooming: Bunnies need regular grooming to keep their fur clean and healthy. You should brush your bunny at least once a week and give them a bath every few months, using a specially-formulated bunny shampoo. Trimming your bunny’s nails and checking their teeth regularly is also important to ensure their overall health and well-being.
  4. Health concerns: Bunnies are prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems and heatstroke. To prevent these issues, it is important to keep your bunny’s environment clean and cool, and to monitor their diet and exercise. Regular visits to the veterinarian are also essential to catch any potential health problems early on.
  5. Bonding: Bunnies can be very social animals and will benefit from spending time with their human companions. Spend time every day interacting with your bunny, whether it be playing with them, grooming them, or simply sitting with them. This will help to strengthen the bond between you and your bunny and keep them happy and healthy.

Overall, caring for a pet bunny requires a commitment to providing a healthy diet, a spacious and safe living environment, and regular grooming and attention. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your bunny lives a long, happy, and healthy life.

Keep Exotic Pet Safe from Household Toxins

Exotic pets, such as reptiles, birds, and small mammals, can be sensitive to household toxins that may be harmless to humans. These toxins can come in the form of cleaning products, pesticides, plants, and even certain types of human food. It is important to be aware of these potential hazards and take steps to keep your exotic pet safe.

One way to prevent exposure to toxins is to designate a specific area of your home for your exotic pet and keep all potentially harmful substances out of reach. This can be especially important for pets that have a tendency to explore and may be more likely to come into contact with toxic substances.

It is also a good idea to be cautious when using cleaning products around your exotic pet. Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Consider using natural or pet-safe cleaning alternatives, or make sure to keep your exotic pet out of the area when you are using any type of cleaning product.

Pesticides can also pose a risk to exotic pets. If you use pesticides in or around your home, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and keep your exotic pet away from the treated area. Some types of pesticides, such as those that are sprayed directly on plants, can be especially harmful if ingested by an exotic pet.

Certain plants can also be toxic to exotic pets. For example, lilies and sago palms are toxic to cats and can also be harmful to other exotic pets. It is important to research the plants you have in your home and make sure they are not toxic to your exotic pet.

Human food can also be toxic to exotic pets. For example, chocolate, avocados, and grapes can be harmful to some exotic pets. Be sure to keep these types of foods out of reach of your exotic pet and never offer them as treats.

By taking precautions and being aware of potential toxins in your home, you can help keep your exotic pet safe and healthy. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific needs of your exotic pet and any potential health risks they may be prone to. If you have any concerns about the safety of your exotic pet, be sure to consult with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about exotic pets.

Caring for Primates: How to Care for Capuchin Monkeys

how to care for Capuchin monkeys

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Caring for primates requires a lot of effort and patience. The Capuchin is a little primate that you often see in movies and television. It is famous for its small size and mischievous nature. Therefore, we will discuss how to care for Capuchin monkeys.

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Caring for Primates: How to Care for Marmosets as Pets

how to care for Marmosets

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Caring for primates requires a lot of effort and patience. Marmosets are quick and can live up to 20 years. Therefore, we will discuss how to care for Marmosets.

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Caring for Primates: How to Care for Guenons as Pets

how to care for guenons

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Caring for primates requires a lot of effort and patience. Similar to all primates, Guenons are very high maintenance. Therefore, we will discuss how to care for Guenons.

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Caring for Primates: How to Care for Tamarins as Pets

Tamarin Monkey: how to care for tamarins

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Caring for primates requires a lot of effort and patience. Pet Tamarins have specific requirements to ensuree both health and safety for both you and your pet. Therefore, we will discuss how to care for Tamarins.

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