Pet Goddess

You can use a small box or even a low-sided can to put the “dust bath” in, as long as it allows ample room for a chinchilla to roll in it. Finely ground bone meal is one safe and inexpensive material you can use. These “dust baths” absorb the oil from your chinchillas fur leaving it very soft and clean.

The “dust bath” is an inherited characteristic unique to chinchillas and is a very amusing thing to watch. Using a low-sided can makes observing this all the more fun as you watch him roll “somersault-like” over and over until he has finished his “bath”.

You will need to know what to feed your new, furry little family member. Chinchillas require a high fiber diet; make sure to give them plenty of fresh hay every day. Timothy hay is best as alfalfa hay contains too much calcium in it. Knowing what to feed your chinchilla will have a large affect on the overall health of your pet.

Many chinchillas will take almost any kind of food from your hand so be sure that all who will be in contact with your pet know which things are good for them and which are not; candy, for instance, can make one very sick to his stomach as well as disrupt healthy eating habits.

Upon bringing your chinchilla home, make sure to “chinchilla-proof” it. They are very curious animals and may nibble or chew on things they are able to get to. You should make sure he can’t access things like electric cords or potentially poisonous house plants. Search the room thoroughly before you place your chinchilla down to play freely.

Posted December 15, 2009 Comments(0)

Chinchillas do make wonderful pets. Before you go out and buy one though, be sure you do a little research on these beautiful little creatures. Check up on things like how to care for them, their nutritional needs and all of the items you will need to make a home for them.

The following should of great help in getting you started:

When choosing a chinchilla be sure to look for possible signs of illness, such as hair loss, lethargy or any kind of eye or nose discharge. These things could mean something is seriously wrong with the animal. Some hair loss or signs of any lethargy though, may simply be due to stress.

This stress could be the result of lack of handling or attention, nothing that a good home, love, patience, proper care and nutrition can’t very well correct. Also, if you already have a chinchilla at home, be careful not to choose a cage mate that seems to be ill, as it could be contagious and may sicken your other pet(s).

Chinchillas need a large roomy cage and it is best to have a cage set up before you bring them home. They also like toys to play with, and to chew on. You will need to have a few other certain items present before you bring them home. such as a nest box to lie in, a water bottle to drink out of and the materials needed for them to take a “dust bath” in.

You should never give your chinchilla a bath in water, this could cause a fungus to grow on the skin. Chinchillas require and love to take a “dust bath,” you can purchase the needed products at your local feed or pet store.

Posted December 13, 2009 Comments(0)

Here is a handy article full of great advuce on how to travel successfully with your pet.

Travelling with your Pet

Posted October 25, 2009 Comments(0)

One of the most common problems affecting cats is an ear condition.  This is caused by mites that can reside in the ear canal.   

If you notice your cat’s ears are seeping a brownish discharge and they are scratching their ears constantly, they may be exhibiting symptoms of this condition.  To avoid this potentially medical problem, it is best to keep your cat indoors as these mites come from contact with other cats. While dogs can suffer from worm infestation, so can cats.  They can develop tapeworms from eating rodents, for example.  Tapeworms can be passed from cat to cat through the feces.  Thus, it is important to check their stool to look for signs they are infected with these parasites.  Visit a vet to determine course of treatment. Worms are particularly dangerous for kittens.  

Just as humans develop allergies, cats also suffer from this condition as well.  Fleas can cause a myriad of problems such as skin infections, tapeworms, and anemia.  

The best course of action to prevent cats from becoming infested with fleas is to consult your vet to determine what type of flea protection is best suited for their age and overall health. As with any pet, any change from their normal routine may signal that there is a problem.  Keeping a watchful eye on your cat’s behavior and habits can alert you when something doesn’t seem quite right.  

If your cat exhibits any sign that he or she is having a problem, it’s time to act.   

What signs should you look for?  A lack of eating or drinking is a clear sign that something is wrong. 

If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, inability to urinate, sluggishness, scratching of the ears, eating problems, or any drastic change in behavior, and or development of any lumps or sores under its coat, it’s time to visit the vet. 

No one knows your pet better than you, so keeping  a watchful eye on all of your cat’s activities will allow for immediate treatment before the condition becomes too serious.  No cat should go longer than 24 hours without eating. If it refuses, bring it to the vet. 

Your pet may look healthy, but it is relying on you to see the warning signs, and act fast to help it before it’s too late.  Make sure no matter if you have one cat, or several, you spend time with each one every day, and  note any change in habits.

Posted January 17, 2009 Comments(0)

Another condition that can affect a cat is kidney problems.  Usually associated with older cats, in cases where the kidney begins to malfunction, this can produce renal failure.  You may notice that your cat is drinking more water than usual, losing weight; and vomiting.   

While this is relatively common, you can prevent the onset of kidney failure by reducing the amount of protein and salt in their diet. There are many special diets now which can help you cope with these dietary restrictions. 

Always feed good quality cat food; the cheaper the food, the more likely they will have problems.  

Also make sure that you take your cat to the vet if you notice any significant changes in weight or amount of thirst, since this can also signal  the onset of feline diabetes.   

If you find that your cat is having a problem urinating, or the urine contains blood or mucus, this may be a sign that your cat has cystitis.  Make sure they have plenty of water, and take them to your vet.

Posted January 15, 2009 Comments(0)

Cats can have a variety of health problems as they mature.  Here are some common cat ailments and ways to avoid them. Cats have an innate ability to self-groom.  Observe any cat, from housecat to lion, and you will notice immediately after eating they lick their paws they gently “wash” their face.   

They groom themselves constantly and because they do, they swallow the hair that accumulates on their paws.  As a result, fur balls are swallowed and this leads to vomiting and gastric distress. In order to avoid this from occurring, brushing the cat’s coat frequently is recommended, as well as keeping the cat hydrated, and giving them a hairball treatment as needed to help the fur pass more easily through their digestive tract. 

Hydration also plays a vital role in bladder infections which cats often get, particularly in male cats because they have a much narrower urinary passage compared with a female. It is also advised to limit dry food intake by not keeping a plate of food available, but choosing the time in which they are to be fed. Wet food will help a male pass more urine.

Posted January 13, 2009 Comments(0)

Just as there are unscrupulous sellers throughout the world who sell prescription medications online that are tainted, or consist of placebos, so too, shopping for discount pet medications without the benefit of the expertise of a vet can be a bad experience. 

Talk to a qualified vet to determine what type of illness you pet has and whether or not the treatment is going to be long-term. Then and then discuss your medication options.  Discount pet medications may be safe, but they may not be practical. 

You might also consider Canadian pharmacies.  We have been using jandrugs.com very happily for over a year now for our cocker spaniel’s medication.  It is $200 for a 15 day supply in the USA, but only $40 in Canada, a huge savings for our family. 

For simple things like Frontline and Heartgard, medicines that you will use repeatedly over time, it make sense to shop around for the best price.  

So buyer beware when it comes to discount pet meds, but talk to your doctor about what your pet needs to take and why, and then shop around carefully, comparing prices, and also site reviews.

Posted January 11, 2009 Comments(0)

The question as to whether or not discount pet medications are safe is a valid one.  If your pet becomes ill, the vet will prescribe appropriate medication.   

If the medication is too expensive, you have an opportunity to ask if there is a less expensive medication available that is just as effective and safe.  It should be a medication that has very few side effects when administered over a long term. 

Sometimes in our endeavor to help our pets when they are sick, we may think that by researching the various medications online and finding one that is not only appropriate but inexpensive; that we are saving money in vet bills and the more expensive medications the vet may prescribe.  

The problem is that every pet is different; that medications prescribed by a vet depend on age, breed, and weight.  Can we honestly make the same judgment on what type of medication is best for our pet based on price?  Do we want to take the chance that the medication chosen is the correct one? 

If we assume that discount pet medications are safe, then it would be perfectly fine to choose among the many online companies who offer these medications.   

The question is whether or not we, as pet owners, are qualified to make such a diagnosis and administer the medication to our beloved pets.  If, on the other hand, a vet recommends a discounted medication, then it is appropriate to do so.

Posted January 9, 2009 Comments(0)

If your pet contracts tapeworm, or any one of a host of illnesses, that needs to be treated, the cost of medications to treat them can add up. Then there are the medicines each pet should have regularlly to protect against heartworm, fleas and ticks, and so on.   

Should you check online to find the appropriate medication?  If you find a specific type of medication that seems a bit costly, should you look further to find a cheaper brand?  Are discount pet medications safe? 

Due to the high cost of prescription drugs for humans, we are sometimes forced to purchase generic drugs to save money.  Does this mean the drug is not as effective?  Does it mean that it is less safe?   

With any drug, there may be side effects, but it doesn’t mean that it isn’t effective. It usually means that the dosage might not be the same, or that the inert ingredients are different and may thus affect the absorption of the medication when you take it. 

There are always safety factors to consider when taking a drug for the first time.  Unfortunately for most of us, it boils down to trial and error. 

While there may also be cost considerations when purchasing medications for pets, do we use the same methodology in determining the effects and safety of discount medications?   

Certainly; and just as we consult with a doctor regarding our own health, we consult with a vet to ensure that the medications utilized are safe, and effective at the same time.

Posted January 7, 2009 Comments(0)