1. It still isn’t going to be simple.  Keeping any animal other than fish tends to take work, and even many types of fish take a lot of work.  Like other pets, they have to be provided with clean housing, food, and water.  The feeding may not be as simple as visiting your local grocery store for a bag of kibble.
2. Do your research on the species.  Because they are less common pets, the pet store employees may not actually know much about them.  Frogs are complex animals and some species make better pets than others.  Some species can be venomous, while others will grow immensely.  For example, if you go to a pet store, you will see cute little frogs called “Pixie Frogs.”  Well, they can grow to be like this.  They are actually African Bullfrogs.
3. Try to get an active frog.  Much like geckos, some species of frogs are active, while others will just sit around and and eat and sleep.  Often, the cooler looking species will be on the less active end of the spectrum.  They will get boring quickly, so pass them up for an active frog.
4. Be ready to have to feed the frog some unusual things.  Like reptiles, many frogs will only eat live food.  Most eat insects, but some eat mice and even rats if they are large enough.  This said, you have to be okay with handling live prey or mice, which grosses many people out.

Keeping a frog can be very fun, but you must be prepared for it.  Keeping a frog can be a lot of work, so do your research and be prepared.

Is it true cats can be lactose-intolerant? What are the signs?

In this regard, cats are very similar to people. Kittens are born with the enzyme, lactase, which digests the lactose (milk sugar)found in their mother’s milk. As cats age, just like people, less and less lactase may be present in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the inability to digest lactose and an intolerance to dairy products. Some cats will continue to be able to handle milk with no problems, but others will develop the typical signs of lactose intolerance, namely, the GI symptoms of flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These signs usually appear within 8-12 hours of consuming milk.

Adult cats really have no need for milk or other dairy products, so while it sounds cute in fairy tales, there is no reason to give milk to your cats. However, if you’d like to use it as an OCCASIONAL treat, you can offer your cat a tablespoon or two and monitor for a reaction. If there is no problem, you can feel more comfortable allowing your feline to have a lick every now and then. Just don’t use milk as a substitute for fresh water and a healthy, well-balanced cat food.

The content provided on this site is for informational purposes only and
is not intended to constitute veterinary advice. The content is not be used for medical diagnosis, treatment, or any other veterinary service and should not be relied upon to guide the medical therapy of an animal. Further, the information transmitted does not constitute the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship between you and Dr. Teller. Always consult your family veterinarian in matters regarding the health of your pet.

Below are listed some of the ailments that betta fish can develop. With all of these conditions, as soon as you discover them in your betta fish, it is important to keep the Betta isolated so it does not contaminate any of the other fish in the tank. Also, even if  no other fish live in the tank, move the sick betta into a one-gallon bowl, where it will be much easier to administer the doses of medication. Use the same water that is in the tank to avoid any abrupt changes in the water that may actually make the fish sicker. Read on for the  list of common betta fish ailments. If you see any of these symptoms in your fish, be sure to call a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Clamped Fins. If the fish’s fins are close to its body, this may be a sign of clamped fins. This is a sign of poor water quality, and can be easily fixed by changing half the water every day until the quality is good. With this process, the fish’s fins should return back to normal.

Ich. Small, noticeable white spots on the beta’s body and fins may be the sign of this serious infection. Another major sign is if the betta rubbing on things in the tank as an attempt to “wipe off” the parasites. Fluctuating water temperatures or stressful conditions can easily cause this disease. Ich needs to be treated immediately.

Tail or Fin Rot. The sure signs of fin or tail rot are fins that appear to be shredded, have holes, or simply appear to be rotting. Rot can spread quickly around the entire body, making it imperative to treat immediately.

Constipation. If a betta fish seems to be acting normally, but has a swollen abdomen, chances are that it is constipated. The most common way that this occurs is if the fish’s food is not changed regularly, as betta fish are most healthy on a variety of foods.

Dropsy. Dropsy is a severe, yet common ailment for betta fish. A bloated belly and noticeably raised scales are clear sign of this ailment. Many experts claim that the raised scales look much like an open pinecone.

Tuberculosis. Surprisingly, this is the only disease that betta fish can pass on to humans. That being said, be very careful when handling the water of a fish that may have tuberculosis, especially if dealing with an already weak immune system. The worst it can do in humans is a skin infection, but wearing gloves can easily prevent this. Some symptoms in bettas are swelling, scale protrusion, weight loss, skin defects, loss of scales and appetite, and clamped fins.

I’ve read that eating raw eggs can make animals’ fur shiny — but can they get salmonella from them?

Animals can definitely get Salmonella from raw eggs. There risk is less than that of humans, but it is still a problem. They can develop severe diarrhea and GI upset when infected and may require IV fluids and antibiotics to recover.

Further risk occurs to humans also. Not only can humans get Salmonella from raw eggs when handling the eggs themselves, but the Salmonella will also be present in the pet’s food bowls. There have been cases of young children coming into contact with the used bowls and getting Salmonella from those.

Animals who are elderly, have another illness, or who are on immunosuppressive medications such as prednisone, cyclosporin, or chemotherapeutic agents are at higher risk and should never be given raw eggs. There are other things that can be done to improve the texture and shine of your pet’s fur, so please contact your veterinarian about your options.

The content provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute veterinary advice.  The content is not be used for medical diagnosis, treatment, or any other veterinary service and should not be relied upon to guide the medical therapy of an animal. Further, the information transmitted does not constitute the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship between you and Dr. Teller.  Always consult your family veterinarian in matters regarding the health of your pet.

To clarify, when I am referring to large lizards, I am referring to roughly iguana-sized or larger lizards.  Larger geckos and skinks are not going to be discussed in this article.  Here are my thoughts on keeping  larger lizards:

• Large lizards are expensive.  As a general rule, the larger lizards will be more expensive than smaller or medium-sized lizards.  There are exceptions, like rare or exotic small lizards, but they are normally less expensive.
• Large lizards tend to be more energetic than small or medium lizards.  Due to their higher activity, they need considerably more space.  Instead of a 20 gallon tank, we are talking about a cage that is six feet by six feet by six feet with a built-in pond or tub.  The tank may even be multilevel.  Some people even build an entire room to house the lizard.  Also, if you live in a warmer area, they can be let outside or even have an outside cage for the warmer months, but that can be dangerous to the animal.
• Because they are more energetic, they may also need to be handled more.  I know that many people walk their iguanas with a leash, and the animals actually enjoy it.  It also depends on the species.  Iguanas tend to be calmer, while monitors are very hyper.
• They will also eat a considerable amount of food.  Iguanas will eat a ton of food, but they only eat vegetables (mainly greens).  Still, they will chow down a decent amount.  Monitors eat mainly mice and rats, and they will continue to eat as long as you feed them.  They are hungry lizards.
• Temperament is one of the toughest issues with these animals.  Although iguanas tend to be tame, males can be very aggressive.  Aggressive Iguanas will whip you with their tail and it will leave massive welts.   Monitors are generally vicious animals, and will attack you if they are not properly handled.  The same can be said about Water Dragons.

Although keeping large lizards is a tasking and expensive adventure, many people love their large lizards and treat them like members of their family.  In the end, it’s up to you.

They purify the water of ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite, and also act as a part of the filtration system. If the plants are healthy and growing, they will also produce oxygen that will keep your fish happy and healthy. When choosing the plants it is very important, though, to do much research into the species of plant that is right for your purpose and your tank. If you are planting for landscaping, be sure to get species that the fish will not eat. Otherwise, the new plants will be gone in a matter of days or even hours. Larger fish can uproot the plants and consume them faster than you would ever expect. If the plant is for the purpose of feeding, be sure to purchase a plant that is suitable for your particular species of fish, as every plant is not suited for every fish.

These are a few species of plants recommended for tanks with goldfish, with the purpose of decoration and not food. Java Fern, Anubias, Java Moss, and Hornwort, are all fairly hardy and can live in low light. Goldfish are not attracted to them, and they grow rapidly. Crypts and Swords, Valliisneria, Hygrophilas, and Anacharis are also beautifully colored and are resistant to fish. Also, many of these species are hardy enough to be planted in the nutrient-rich soil of outdoor ponds.

Anacharis can also be the object of a goldfish’s appetite depending on the exact species that you have in your pond or tank. Duckweed is a tiny plant that is perfect as a floater in aquariums and outdoor ponds. It provides great cover for the pond, and also acts as great nutrient absorber. But beware; the fish are sure to treat this plant as a snack. For Betta fish specifically, it is important to go to your local pet store or research online which plants are appropriate for your tank or vase.

Many of my Betta fish owner friends prefer that natural look of bamboo in their tanks, especially because it almost completely takes over the need to feed the Betta fish at all. It is extremely common to find Bettas in vases with bamboo, as this is probably the most effective plant for them.

Remember that no matter what kind of fish you own, plants as food are usually a convenient and inexpensive way to keep your fish happy and healthy, but also spruce up the tank and save you tons of time.

Should a dog be taken for a walk right after a meal (It’s not mine!)?

Most veterinarians recommend waiting 30 minutes or more after eating before taking a dog on a lengthy walk. Certainly it is okay to take your dog outside to eliminate shortly after a meal, but for anything more vigorous, it is advised to wait a little while.

There is no scientific proof that walking a dog with a full stomach may lead to a gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists around on itself. This requires emergency treatment in order to
prevent shock and death.

Also, just after a dog has eaten, a higher than normal amount of the blood supply is directed towards the gastrointestinal tract to aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients. This means that the blood supply to other organ systems utilized during exercise (respiratory tract, etc) will be temporarilydecreased, making breathing, temperature regulation, and digestion less efficient. So better to play it safe and wait a short bit before heading out for that walk on a crisp autumn day.

If you notice your dog retching or vomiting during or just after a walk or if her abdomen swells, please contact your veterinarian immediately!

The content provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute veterinary advice.  The content is not be used for medical diagnosis, treatment, or any other veterinary service and should not be relied upon to guide the medical therapy of an animal. Further, the information transmitted does not constitute the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship between you and Dr. Teller.  Always consult your family veterinarian in matters regarding the health of your pet.

The first question you need to ask is about the gender of the mice. Female mice are the ones to buy. They are generally calmer and do not fight when placed with another female. The males are a lot more aggressive, especially towards other males.

You do not want to buy your mice in male-female pairs. Mixing a male with a female is a quick way to run out of cage space. They can produce a lot of baby mice in a very short period of time. If you do find some baby mice appearing after a short time, separate the adult mice immediately. Then separate the babies after they are weaned until the sex can be determined.

You can keep your mice in an aquarium or a cage with metal bars that are closely spaced. Pick a solid floor over one that is meshed.

You want to avoid pine or cedar shavings for the bedding. This is because those shavings have very strong odors that can hurt your mice. You can use sawdust. Don’t forget to include a little bit of paper for a nest.

They eat mouse food, which can be mixed up with some seeds. You do want to avoid giving them anything other than their food, because things like chocolate can be very toxic to them.

They will also need some toys to play with. The most common and popular mouse toy is the wheel. If you do intend on getting your mice a wheel, make sure it is a solid wheel to prevent the mice from damaging their feet.

You will need to spend some time accustoming them to being handled. Start off slowly after they have adjusted to your home. Then use treats and gradually build up to the point where they will tolerate being handled.

Be aware that the lifespan of a mouse is generally rather short. At best, you should expect around two years. Mice may not be the best pet for children who feel loss very deeply or who have a hard time understanding death.

Mice can make very good starter pets. But just like any other animal, they need to be taken care of. It is important to understand their needs before buying one.

One thought of ours was that she might have worms, but she doesn’t. It is important to treat and de-worm your puppy. Worms make puppies sick and they are typically found in the digestive tract. The worms take all of the nutrients that your puppy is supposed to get and this can cause weight loss, dehydration, vomiting, and more. There are two common types of worms–the roundworm and the tapeworm. Even if your puppy’s mom was healthy, your puppy will most likely get worms (90-98% of all puppies get worms). If your puppy isn’t treated and an infestation occurs, then you will be able to see the worms in your puppy’s stool. However, your puppy may have worms without you even knowing it. When this happens, your puppy will have worms in her or her digestive tract and you won’t be able to see that without an examination.

There are a few options when it comes to treating your puppy for worms (preventative or for treatment). The best option is to go to your Vet and have them prescribe something for your puppy. Another option would be to get the over-the-counter medication. In general, you will have to hold fast to a schedule until the puppy is 6 months old. After that it is best to switch to a heartworm medication. This should prevent your dog from getting worms in the future.

If it’s not worms, what is keeping Gracie so skinny? She likes her food, is getting fed constantly, and is not held under stressful conditions, so in theory, she should be gaining weight.

Time-Release Food Blocks: Blocks of food can be purchased rather inexpensively, and are perhaps the most convenient way of feeding your fish, or multiple fish while you are away. The feeder blocks are time-released, which means they slowly dissolve for the exact amount of time you will be gone. They can be purchased to last a couple of days, or even up to two weeks. Just be careful, as some brands can pollute the water in your tank, disrupting the ecosystem if you have multiple fish.

Mechanical feeders: This is the next step up from feeder blocks. The size of the food portions can be set, as well as the frequency at which the food is given. This is the easiest device for your fish to adapt to, as it is the most similar to a human dropping the food into the tank. They are suitable for numerous types of fish, and work well in both large aquariums, and small betta tanks. The only downside is that they can clog easily, and fall into the tank. Even though more expensive, they will be worth the cost in the long run, especially if you travel often.

Other Alternatives:Betta fish, as well as other types of fish, can live off of certain types of plants, which, if properly put in their tank, can work  while you are away, or any time at all. Adding hornwort or anacharis to the tank can allow 24 hour grazing. For other types of fish, a brine shrimp hatchery can be installed, and the small shrimps wander into the tank to be eaten by your fish.

Although the best way is to make sure your fish is properly fed while you’re out of town, these are some of the most popular and convenient ways if finding a pet-sitter is just not an option. Also, an important thing to keep in mind is not to give your fish extra food the day you leave, as this could be your fish’s last meal. So next time you go on vacation, use these tips and your fish will stay happy, healthy, and definitely not hungry.