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.

Does catnip have any long-term effects on cats?

Catnip is quite the treat for many cats! Approximately half of all cats will be genetically predisposed to enjoy this herb. Catnip is a member of the mint family — actually there are several different types of catnip, but what makes cats so in love with this herb is a chemical in the leaves known as nepetalactone.

Young kittens, less than 3-6 months, will not be attracted to catnip, but once they pass that age, they will go gaga for it. When you first give your kitty some fresh or dried catnip, you may notice that he sniffs it, then rolls around in it, and then he finally eats some. It is really the smell that seems to give cats the “high” that they get from it.

Different cats react in different ways, again depending on their genetic predisposition. Some cats may become incredibly playful and others may become very mellow. It’s thought that catnip has a hallucinogenic effect.

But two interesting things: the effects are short-lived and don’t last more than 10-15 minutes AND catnip is not addictive to cats. They know when they’ve had enough and will walk away. If you give your feline some catnip and then offer some more a short while later, your kitty will not be enticed. And no, there are no long term effects from catnip on cats. So feel free to let your cat indulge!

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.

Cat Scratch Disease

I got the phone call while away in college. “Your mom is in the hospital with cat scratch fever,” my dad lamented. At first I thought he was joking, but his serious tone convinced me that my mother really had this strange sounding illness. I must admit, I had heard the song with a similar name by Ted Nugent (Cat Scratch Fever), but I didn’t know anything about cat scratch disease.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes cat scratch “…as a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella henselae. Most people with CSD have been bitten or scratched by a cat and developed a mild infection at the point of injury. Lymph nodes, especially those around the head, neck, and upper limbs, become swollen. Additionally, a person with CSD may experience fever, headache, fatigue, and a poor appetite.”

I found out from my dad that our kitten had scratched mom during play, and that’s when my mom had become infected. Although complications like my mother’s are rare, cat lovers should still try to prevent contracting the disease.

The CDC recommends that you do not engage in rough play with your cats – play that promotes scratching or biting. Also, if you are bitten or scratched, wash the site thoroughly with warm water and soap. Health experts also advise controlling fleas on your animals.

Toxoplasmosis

I first learned about toxoplasmosis when pregnant for the first time. The doctor, knowing I had a cat, advised me to refrain from changing the litter box. Why? Because toxoplasmosis may be present in cat feces.

ASPCA explains that “toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can be found in garden soil and raw meat. Cats can get toxoplasma infection by killing and eating infected prey. The disease can also be passed on from cats to humans. If a woman is infected while pregnant, the growing fetus can also become infected. This can result in cysts in the fetus’ brain, and can lead to developmental abnormalities, miscarriage or stillbirth.”

As outlined above, cats, especially those allowed to hunt outside, may end up with toxoplasmosis. In order to not become infected, women who are pregnant should not change litter boxes. Also, always make sure to wash your hands with soap and water after handling your pet and before eating.

Being the owner of cats is both rewarding and fun; however, make sure to understand that there are certain risks involved, including cat scratch disease and toxoplasmosis. If you understand what these illnesses are, you will be able to prevent transmission.

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.

Will a puppy show signs if it hasn’t lost its baby teeth, or should we check?

During puppyhood you will probably not see clinical signs from retained deciduous (baby) teeth. However, problems are beginning and can lead to symptomatic dental disease as your dog gets older.

If baby teeth do not fall out as the adult teeth grow in, then they can cause a misalignment of the teeth and potentially lead to an abnormal bite as the puppy develops. This may or may not cause some oral pain when the dog is older, depending on the severity of the misalignment. The bigger problem is that because the mouth is overcrowded with teeth, there is a greater incidence of tartar and plaque build-up, which accelerates the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

These can lead to abscesses,infection, tooth mobility, and eventually loss of some teeth. These can also be painful and cause the dog to have a harder time eating, which can lead to irritability, weight loss, foul breath, and withdrawal from normal activity.

If a dog’s dental disease is allowed to progress, it can also  exacerbate other conditions that older dogs may have, such as diabetes, liver problems, kidney, and heart disease.

Your veterinarian will check your puppy’s mouth at each wellness visit and can show you which deciduous teeth are still present. Generally, if your puppy has not lost his baby teeth by the time he is 6-7 months old, they are not going to come out on their own. At this time, your veterinarian can do a brief oral surgery procedure to extract the retained teeth and prevent those from playing a role in future dental problems. This can be done in conjunction with your dog’s spay or neuter surgery, if that has not already occurred.

Cats can also have problems with retained deciduous teeth, though it is not nearly as common as it is in dogs.

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.

Does a turtle need a UV light in its tank?

Ultraviolet (UV) light is critical for turtles to be able to produce Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential for proper absorption and metabolism of calcium, which is needed for growth and overall health.  Deficiencies in Vitamin D3 and calcium can cause problems with shell growth, bone density, and can even lead to death.

UV light is divided into two main types, UVA and UVB, which are both required for healthy turtles.  UVB light is especially crucial for vitamin D3 productions, but UVA is needed for normal activity and behaviors.  Sunlight is the best source for UV light and should be provided if possible.  Unfortunately, UVB cannot penetrate glass, plastic, or fine mesh, so animals that are housed indoors need additional lighting.  Special bulbs are available that can provide broad spectrum light and there are UVB bulbs manufactured that are able to pass through glass.  The distance away from the enclosure that the light is placed is also important.  Refer to the manufacturers recommendations for exact distances to use.  Based on the species of your turtle, you can determine the which bulb to use that emits the correct amount of UVB light and decide how many hours a day to keep the light on.  It is important to remember that these bulbs have a decreased output over time and need to be replaced on a regular basis.

The exact amount of vitamin D that is required varies by species, so you will want to research the exact requirements for the type of turtle you have.  The variations in vitamin D can stem from differences in the characteristics or the turtle and their normal environment.  Is it a land or water species?  Is it an herbivore or
carnivore?  What is the normal geographic range (temperature, climate, etc.)?  The age of your turtle and the diet you feed can also affect the requirements. Supplementation of vitamin D and calcium may still be required even with proper lighting and diet.

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. Baker.  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.

The main reason is that curiosity often gets them into trouble. Everything is a potential toy. They love to play with things that they shouldn’t. It isn’t easy to ferret-proof a house. Their bodies are long and lean. This means they can get into more places then most cats. As a result, they have a higher potential to get hurt. They are harder to keep up with than a crawling baby.

Toddlers and ferrets don’t mix well. Both are insanely curious and it is easy to lose track of a ferret in the chaos. Dealing with the very high energy of both will quickly overwhelm a parent. It can be chaos at its finest.

Ferrets do need to have their scent glands removed. This is called descenting. It is important to do this for the health of the ferret. If you intend on getting one for a pet, check into these costs with your vet. Also, make sure that your vet has experience in treating ferrets, since they tend to get into a lot of trouble.

They like to eat kitten food and fruit. However, avoid feeding them anything in the dairy or grain department such as milk or bread.You also should not feed them nuts.

They can be litter trained and will use a litter box. The important thing is to make certain that they have access to the litter box during the day.

They can be housed in cages for safety reasons. The cage should be comfortable enough for them to sleep in and they should have some space to play around in. You don’t necessarily need a large space for them to play in.

The ferret does well in pairs and will play with other ferrets. Just keep in mind that two of them can be more trouble than one.

Ferrets are the third most popular pet to have. However, their insatiable curiosity does not suit them well to some families. Wait until children are much older and more responsible before you decide upon this type of pet. When you do decide to adopt, consider getting them from a rescue organization.

There’s been an outbreak of feline calicivirus in our community – would it be a good idea to wash our cats’ things with a bleach solution?

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a virus that is one of the possible causes of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. This disease cannot be transmitted from cats to humans.  Cats that are infected by feline calicivirus can have an acute infection, chronic infection, or may not show any signs at all.  Cats can become carriers of the infection after they contracted the virus, become sick, and recovered.  The virus can be transmitted in several different ways.  Direct contact from secretions from the eyes, nose, or mouth and in the urine from a sick or carrier cat is one mode of transmission.  It can also be transmitted via indirect contact with things such as food and water bowls, bedding, litter boxes, and carriers.  Calicivirus is resistant to many disinfectants and can live in the environment for long periods of time.  A 1:32 bleach and water solution can be effective against the virus.

To prevent infection it is important to keep your cat up to date on all vaccines.  The vaccine may not always be 100% effective, but it has been shown to reduce the severity of infection if a vaccinated cat does become infected.  If there are no new cats that have been brought into your household, there is no reason to disinfect your cat’s things with a bleach solution.

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. Baker.  Always consult your family veterinarian in matters regarding the health of your pet.