Articles about Small Animals

Product Review: Super Pet Critter Litter

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

Critter Litter Pearls 4lbsSuper Pet Critter Litter Potty Training Pearls is specially formulated to be 99% dust free and super absorbent. It is made from non-toxic all-natural minerals, absorbs moisture on contact and inhibits the bacteria that causes pet waste odors.

Critter Litter is manufactured in special pearl-shaped pellets that reduce the production of dust. In combination with a potty training program, Critter Litter will reduce cage cleaning by 30% or more. It is made from 100% all-natural Bentonite. This is a pure, non-toxic, inert clay material found in many areas around the world.

To potty train your pet, such as ferrets or rabbits, observe your pet’s instinctive behavior to utilize one corner of their home as a toilet. Pets do not usually eliminate where they eat, drink and sleep. You can encourage your pet to use a specific corner if you place its food bowl in one corner, their water bottle in another corner, and their bed in the remaining corner. Fill a litter pan with 1 1/2 to 2 inches of Critter Litter pearls and place the pan in the corner your pet uses as the toilet.

Initially, place a small amount of soiled bedding or droppings directly in the litter pan so your pet will know this is the designated toilet until they are fully trained. Keep the litter pan fresh by removing the solid waste on a daily basis. Completely replace all of the Critter Litter in the pan at least once per week.

For more information:
Super Pet Critter Litter

Pet Care Tip – Chinchilla Care

Friday, May 7th, 2010

ChinchillaChinchillas are one of the softest creatures there are. If you are thinking about getting a chinchilla as a pet, here are some things you should know about them.

Chinchillas must be kept relatively cool; that is, not in too warm an environment.  They do not do well if they are kept too warm. Also, it is important to avoid getting their fur wet or to allow it to remain wet if it does get wet. Their fur will mildew if not kept dry.

A chinchilla has very thin, hollow bones, so you will want to exercise caution when handling them. When you pick out a cage, find a cage that is tall, as they like to jump up and down onto different levels.

Never feed them nuts as a treat, but they do like raisins and raisins are okay to feed them.  Put a container with the chinchilla dust bath in their cage about once a week. They love to take a dust bath.

Chinchillas can make a good pet. Just give them proper care, and they will do well.

Pet Care Tip – Overweight Pets

Friday, April 30th, 2010

This pet care tip is mainly for cat and dog owners, but does apply to just about all pets, including fish.

If you have a cat or a dog, and your pet maybe is getting on in years, you may notice that your pet has put on a few pounds. Dogs and cats, as they age, slow down in metabolism and are just not as active.  Their slower metabolism combined with less activity may cause them to gain weight. Just like with us humans, too much weight gain can be very bad for your pet. With a lot of dog breeds, such as dachshunds, and other long bodied breeds, the back and spine can be hurt with extra weight around the middle.  Extra fat on dogs and cats can cause many health problems.  A little extra weight may not hurt much, but a lot of extra weight can be very damaging.

Try to limit your pet’s food intake by feeding a set amount of food, rather than feeding an unlimited amount.  If your pet is older, there are many senior, low fat , foods that can be fed. Try to avoid table scraps, as they can cause your pet to become a little heavy.  Even if your pet is not old, you can find lower fat, lower calorie foods for them.  There are even special feeding bowls to help slow down your dog’s eating.

SLOW FEEDING BOWL MED

SLOW FEEDING BOWL LRG

SLOW FEEDING BOWL JUMBO

Product Review: Oxbow Timothy Hay

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Western Timothy hay is a grass hay with a sweet smell reminiscent of the farm. Its fragrant aroma stimulates your pet’s appetite and encourages consumption. Western Timothy is the number 1 recommended hay by veterinarians for the health of your animal.

Oxbow Western Timothy grass hay is hand-selected, hand-packed and quality-assured to meet the nutritional needs of your pet. Many small animals kept as pets eat hay, including: rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, prairie dogs and tortoises.  If you own one of these herbivores, they will appreciate having good quality hay to eat.

Grass hay is absolutely vital to the health of small herbivores. It provides not only fiber, but environmental enrichment that mimics your pet’s natural habitat. As the caregiver, it is your responsibility to offer your pet the hay it needs every day.

To feed: Place large handfuls of hay in your pet’s habitat daily. If your pet finishes what is given, offer more.

For more information:
Oxbow Western Timothy Hay – 15 oz.
Oxbow Western Timothy Hay – 25 lbs.

Product Review: Zoo Med Eco Earth Bedding

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Zoo Med Eco Earth BeddingZoo Med Eco Earth bedding is a compressed coconut fiber expandable substrate made for all types of reptiles, amphibians, small animals or insects.

It comes in a very compact size, as it is very tightly compressed.  The brick  measures about 2″ x 4″ x 10″ long.  This compressed brick will expand to make 7-8 liters of  bedding.

It is made from an eco-friendly renewable resource.

It naturally absorbs and breaks down odor and waste products. Use it damp for tropical species, and dry for desert species, or mix with an organic fertilizer for the perfect Vivaria soil.

Instructions for use:
Place brick in a pail, bucket or sink. Add 4 quarts of water. Allow brick to expand for 20-30 minutes. Wring out excess moisture. For small animals, snakes and tarantulas, use dry, by laying out moist substrate in the sun before moving to your animal’s enclosure.

For more information: Zoo Med Eco Earth Bedding