Pet Health Articles
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Proper housing is essential for your ferret’s health, safety, and well-being. This article outlines cage requirements, bedding and enrichment recommendations, and important ferret-proofing considerations. Learn how to create a safe, comfortable environment for your ferret at home.
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Ferrets are generally good-natured, inquisitive, playful animals that enjoy the company of humans. They can make great pets. This handout provides some basic facts about ferrets and what you need to know about keeping one as a pet.
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Guinea pigs are herbivores (plant eaters), and hay is the most important part of their diet. Guinea pigs must have vitamin C in their diet to avoid scurvy, which can be provided through their pelleted food and vegetables. This handout discusses common questions about feeding your guinea pig.
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Guinea pigs can be hardy and easy to care for when provided an appropriate environment for their unique needs. Like all animals, guinea pigs are susceptible to certain problems and diseases. This handout outlines the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for some of the more common health problems of guinea pigs.
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Rodents commonly develop certain health problems, including rabies (unlikely in pet rodents housed inside), hair barbering, foot necrosis, vitamin C deficiency, heat stroke, antibiotic toxicity, chromodacryorrhea, diarrhea, bone fractures, bacterial skin infections (dermatitis), and seizures.
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Hedgehogs can have several unique problems, including cancer, dental disease, obesity, and foreign bodies. It is important for an owner to understand what these problems are so veterinary care can be provided to their hedgehog when needed and in a timely manner.
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The African pygmy hedgehog is an omnivore. In the wild, these hedgehogs eat a diverse selection of insects as well as some plant material and sometimes small or baby mammals like pinkie mice. Hedgehogs have a propensity for obesity if their food intake is not monitored or controlled. This handout provides the information needed to feed your hedgehog a balanced and healthy diet.
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Hedgehogs are active animals and require lots of room to move around and exercise. They are very good climbers, so they need an enclosure they cannot escape. Other factors include temperature control, a respite from bright light, and appropriate bedding and toys that are safe for this unique pet.
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Hedgehogs can make interesting, somewhat challenging, yet fun and enjoyable pets. The four-toed, or African pygmy, hedgehog is the species commonly kept as a pet. They are nocturnal mammals whose entire backs are blanketed with spines like a porcupine. They like to stay active and are skilled at climbing, digging, and even swimming.
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Home renovation can be arduous for every member of the household. Awareness of possible construction site problems will help homeowners avoid pet-related issues. A little planning can make the renovation process run more smoothly everyone.