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.

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.

There are several ways to assist with this important cause. By doing one or more of the following things, you can help give a deserving pet a loving home (or make their wait in the shelter a more pleasant one).

1. Sponsor an Ad
Many local newspapers provide space for ads to aid the adoption process. Pictures of cute cats and dogs are pictured together with the animal’s name and a brief synopsis of temperament. If your local shelter works with the newspaper in this manner, consider providing the funds for one or more of these ads. The cost is relatively inexpensive, and they do work to match pets to the right owner.

2. Collect Free Food Samples
Free samples of cat and dog food remain easy to obtain, both from local vendors and over the Internet. All you need to do is be on the lookout for these offers. For example, Rachael Ray now has free samples of  dog food on her Nutrish website. Other offers are easy to find just by searching the terms, “free cat and/or dog food.” This would be a great project for a youth group or senior center to tackle. Once you, or your group, have accumulated a box full of samples, drop them off at the local shelter or rescue.

3. Actively Seek Pet Adopters
Can’t take another pet yourself? Maybe you have a friend or two who have been thinking about getting a purebred dog or cat. Why not steer them to the local shelter? The Humane Society claims that “25 percent of pets in shelters are purebreds.” You not only will save your friend lots of money by letting him or her know that the dog or cat they have been wanting can be found at the shelter, you will be saving an animal’s life.

4. Support Fundraising Events
Many shelters and adoption groups host fundraising events. Make a point to support these events. One unique fundraiser held in Fayetteville in 2011 was the PAWcasso event, where cats “painted pictures” with their paws! The pictures were then sold as a way to raise money for the shelter. (I can imagine one of those masterpieces hanging on my wall). Other shelters raise money by hosting 5K’s or even dances. You can have fun while helping out.

5. Donate Old Linens
Shelters are always in need of blankets and towels, especially during the cold winter months. Don’t throw away your faded linens, give them to the local shelter to make a cat or dog more comfortable.

The first step to solving this issue is to figure out why your pet is biting you. Is her bite more like a nip that doesn’t really hurt? Does he show signs of frustration when you’re trying to put him in his cage? If the bite is more like the former, chances are your pet is sending you a message — but if the bite feel hard(and shows signs of frustration), your bird is probably not happy with the way you’re handling them.

The best way to deal with a biting bird is patience. After your pet bites you, your first reaction should be to remain calm and to gently place your bird inside the cage and close it. Take a few steps away from the cage and figure out what is causing this reaction in your bird. Is it because you’ve been a little hasty or maybe a little rough? Whatever the reason is, you might want to gauge your pet’s reactions as you closely monitor your own actions. If you’re still stumped or your pet’s behavior hasn’t changed or gets worse, then you might want to consult the veterinarian.

Once you’ve figured out the reason for aggression, it’s time to take action. For instance, if you’re still getting used to your new bird and she clearly doesn’t feel comfortable around you, you might want to take the time to chat with her and make her feel more at home before you attempt to take her out of the cage. If your pet bird is growing into his adult years, his biting issue is part of the natural process of growing up. This is a temporary issue only and in time, it will subside. The best thing to do here is to avoid a lot of contact when your pet is showing signs of hormonal changes and to wait until the bird relaxes a little. Remember that this issue is only temporary.

Birds are generally gentle creatures and it takes a lot to ruffle their feathers. It’s important to properly train them and monitor their health on a daily basis, in addition to regular veterinary checkups. Taking care of your bird’s biting problem may not always be an easy thing to do, but it can be done.

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.

Ideally, it is best to pack and move your aquarium separate from all of the other boxes and clutter, as that can take away focus from the health and safety of the fish during a move. Also, do not feed the fish within 24 hours of the move, as this will cut down on the waste in the water of the travel container. When packing the aquarium, take out and wash the decorations first, then catch the fish and put it into its travel container (we will get to that in shortly), and then empty the water from the aquarium, but not before filling the travel container with water directly from the aquarium. If the decorations in the tank are breakable or expensive, be sure to wrap them in paper or Styrofoam, as well as keep them together in one box so they do not get displaced in the move.

As for the container in which the fish should be moved in, a Styrofoam box appropriate for the journey can be found at most local pet stores. Be sure to fill the container directly with water from the home aquarium before emptying it for the move. To protect the Styrofoam container further, most pet shops recommend using a plastic liner, as well as an outer cardboard protective shell. Just be extremely careful if using a plastic bag or liner, as, if little oxygen is allowed in, your pet fish may be dead before you even pull out of the driveway. While on the road, it is best to cover the fish with a blanket, and to resist checking on them often, as this scares them.

A few hours later, once at the new location, the aquarium should be set up in a nearly identical manner to that at the old location. It is also best to use the old gravel, as it will still contain many necessary bacteria that the tank needs. Water should be added, and the purifier added, and then should be left to acclimate to room temperature. Once the water is at room temperature, slowly add in your fish, and welcome them to their new home.

There are also a couple of other things you need to consider before purchasing one. They will not do well with young kids in the household who are rough in their handling. They are also nocturnal pets and will play at night. They also cannot be potty trained. They should not be kept with other pets such as snakes or large birds because they see these animals as threats.

Sugar Gliders need lots of height to their cages. They love to climb, jump, and basically glide through the air. So, you need a pretty tall cage to house these pets. You should also have lots of toys for them to play with. Additionally, you need a place where they can stay warm.

Their diet is a complex mixture of fruit, and insects. Their wild diet is varied and their domestic diet must be as nutritionally balanced. Check with your vet or an expert on the sugar gliders to determine a suitable diet plan.

They are very social creatures that like to bond with others. They will readily bond with humans if approached carefully. This type of interaction is normal for them. They also like having playmates and do fairly well with the same sex in the cage.

They can live up to fifteen years. So be prepared to have them around for awhile if you are deciding on them as a pet.

Their vet needs are minimal but you should check with your vet to see if he can handle their care.

Sugar Gliders can be good pets. The biggest thing they need is to interact with others. Other than their diet, they are easy pets to take care of.

Although everyone celebrates Christmas in their own special way, a recurring theme I see amongst many families is the giving of gifts to the pets on Christmas.  I think it is a fun and creative way to involve the pets in family celebrations.  At my Dad’s house this Christmas, we gave our dog several toys as Christmas presents, and my uncle gave his dog some presents too.  Sadly, at my mom’s house, neither the chickens nor Gonzo got Christmas presents.  So, I was thinking about whether or not it is actually worth getting your pet a present.

1. It really depends on the species of pet you have.  I’m pretty sure that every time the chickens get human food, they consider it a holiday.  Gonzo is in a similar situation.  Every time he is fed, he is probably happy, and adding a new fixture to his tank may freak him out just as much as it could make him happy.  On the other hand, smarter animals like cats and dogs are excited to get new things and may actually make a connection with the festivities and gifts.
2. It also depends on what they are getting.  If you decide you want to give your dog a sweater, he may not be overly pleased with the gift du jour.  At the same time, my dog was very excited to get new chew toys and a blanket (he piles the blankets in his bed and sleeps in them).
3. Be careful with the festivities.  I know many people who have dogs who can unwrap presents and get the gift out.  This is all fun and games, but be careful to make sure that Fido doesn’t ingest any of the wrapping paper or ribbon.  This could make him one very un-jolly pooch.

With this in mind, have some Happy Holidays!

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.

Joe, the oldest cat, has kept somewhat busy by helping me wrap Christmas presents. He especially loves tissue paper, as well as the thin curling ribbon. To keep him occupied, I’d place a piece of tape on the end of his tail, and he’d spend a few glorious minutes chasing it around and around.

Bear, the younger cat, seems to be suffering from the blues. He sleeps a lot, and he meows a lot. Poor little guy keeps forgetting it is still cold outside, no matter if he uses the front door or back door.  (He gets so mad he buries himself under the top blanket of my bed for hours on end).

So what’s a pet owner to do to help his or her stir crazy cat? Give them something to think about, of course. Here are a few ideas for helping your indoor/outdoor cat survive the rest of the winter ahead.

1. Boxes

Since Joe had such a good time helping me to wrap presents, I realized that he would be happy with an assortment of boxes to play in. With presents arriving from around the country, we were blessed with an assortment of box sizes, some in which he fit quite well, and others where he struggled to sit down. But each box brings intrigue into his life.

2. String

To help keep both cats happy, I play with them using the curling ribbon I mentioned above. I walk quickly through the house, the string trailing behind, and the cats love the challenge of catching it.

3. Furniture

This might not work for all cats, but my cats love when I change the furniture around. They spend time exploring the new layout, as it gives them something to occupy their minds. In addition, I always make sure they have a lookout. By this I mean that although they do not like being outside in the cold, they still like to watch the squirrels and birds, so I always have a special perch for them to do this.

4. Toys
I do invest in a few cat toys in the winter as well. Those filled with catnip make Joe and Bear especially happy. My cats also like playing with pens and the plastic circles that surround milk cartons; however, I let them play with these items only when I am around to make sure they don’t try to chew (or swallow) them.