Pet Health Articles
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Chinchillas are native to the Andes Mountains in South America. In the wild, they primarily eat grass, hay, wild berries, nuts, roots, twigs, stems, and tree bark. Pet chinchillas require a high-fiber diet and grass should be the main component. This handout provides the information needed to feed your chinchilla a balanced and healthy diet.
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Ferrets are carnivores and cannot digest a diet that contains more than 4% fiber. A good quality ferret diet should contain 32% to 40% protein and 10% to 15% fat. This handout provides the information needed to feed your ferret a balanced and healthy diet.
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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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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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Prairie dogs require a diet high in fiber. As they are hind-gut fermenters, they need alfalfa up to one year of age and timothy hay after one year of age, as well as a high-quality prairie dog pellet. Treats should be kept to a minimum as prairie dogs are prone to obesity.
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Pet rodents have slightly different nutritional requirements depending on the species. All must be fed a good, high-quality rodent chow available at pet stores. This handout discusses common questions about feeding pet rodents.
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Sugar gliders have become popular pets over the last decade. There are several well-known diseases or conditions that owners of sugar gliders should be aware of. Tooth decay from tartar build-up can lead to tooth root abscesses. Improper diets can lead to low blood calcium, obesity, and tooth decay. Intestinal problems may be caused by an improper diet, a bacterial infection, or a flagellated protozoal infection. It is essential to consult a veterinarian familiar with sugar gliders to select a proper diet and keep your sugar glider healthy.
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Sugar gliders are opportunistic omnivores, which means they eat a wide range of food items, depending on what is available. Improper nutrition is one of the most prominent causes of illnesses in sugar gliders. This handout provides the information needed to feed your sugar glider a balanced and healthy diet.