2017 is the Year of the Rooster: What We Can Tell You About Chickens as Pets

RoostersChickens are great, comical creatures that have been domesticated for thousands of years. Keeping backyard chickens was common 100 years ago, but in the 1950s the advent of factory farming and inexpensive store-bought eggs led to a decline in its popularity. However, recently there has been a resurgence of interest in keeping one’s own chickens, both for pleasure of fresh eggs and for the entertainment pet chickens offer. All domesticated chickens belong to the same species, Gallus gallus. There are hundreds of different breeds within this species. However, all chickens have the same basic requirements to remain health: a good quality diet, a clean environment and protection from the elements and predators.

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Oral Hygiene for Dogs

teethsThe oral cavity of dogs is a perfect incubator for all kinds of bacteria, partly because the mouth is warm, moist and has significant nutrients present for organisms to grow on. While most are normal and natural, once plaque and calculus (tartar) form on the teeth the normal microbial flora gets out of balance — and if pathogenic organisms proliferate, trouble ensues.

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Monkey Business!

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This is 2016: The year of the Monkey. According to Chinese astrology, if you were born in monkey years (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004) then you are intelligent, witty, and inventive -just like our primate friends!

Primates come in all shapes and sizes, but had you ever heard of a Bushbaby? They are the SMALLEST primates in Africa. Some are kept as pets Continue reading Monkey Business!

Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

Traveling with your dogThis is a joyful time of year — holiday parties, family gatherings and visits with friends cover the calendar. For many pet owners, spending the holidays away from their pets in inconceivable. With a bit of planning you can ensure that everyone—including the furry members of the family—has a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your holiday is a merry one!

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Tips for Protecting Pets for Winter

10172828_711107185614321_5747443987048895088_nWinter is the season of cold and for some areas, numbing wetness. Make sure your pets stay safe and warm  by following these simple guidelines.

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Cold Weather Activities for Pets

10172828_711107185614321_5747443987048895088_nDoes this cold winter weather of you and your pet feeling a little antsy? If you’re used to spending time outdoors, then chances are you’re both probably starting to feel a little restless by now.

Making an effort for both you and your pet to stay indoors this winter is great for the mind and body. Your pet will enjoy and appreciate the chance to play and be able to stay active and healthy at the same time. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

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Fall Weight Management Tips for Your Pet

13634795461edmuIt is officially Fall! This means shorter days, changing leaves, a crisp breeze, football, holidays and food. And with food comes the seasonal weight gain. We seem to find more and more excuses to stay inside our homes as the temperature drops. Add this to the holiday celebrations with the natural tendency to crave comfort food for the colder months, and you have the perfect combination for seasonal weight gain.

Overweight pets face many of the same health issues and concerns as people, including: heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bone and joint problems, various forms of cancers, and a shortened life expectancy, just to name a few. Fortunately, with a few simple modifications, you and your pet can avoid the seasonal weight gain.

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Could Your Dog Have Fall Allergies Too?

file1491279116895We’ve all seen or felt it before: the sneezing, the itching, the watery eyes, the irritated nasal passages and so on. But your dog is now exhibiting signs of the typical behavior for fall allergies in humans. Could your dog have allergies too? Is this even possible? What are the signs and symptoms you should be concerned about, and when is the appropriate time to call the vet?

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The Chemistry Panel in Dogs and Cats

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Have you ever wondered what the normal values for the blood chemistry elements for dogs and cats are? Well, “normal” is actually quite relative. Every veterinary diagnostic lab and “in clinic” laboratory equipment will have its own set of calibrated values that are considered “normal”. So as to be expected, the “normal values” will vary.

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