Pet Health Library

Home » Pet Health Library

• Household Hazards: Toxic Hazards for Cats

  Cats, with their curious nature, may fall victim to poisoning within the home. Cats’ small size, lack of ability to metabolize certain drugs, and their tendency to hide symptoms when ill, make their poisoning less obvious compared to dogs and may also delay treatment.

• Housing and Environment for Your Mini-Pig

  Mini-pigs may be housed successfully inside if they are given enough space, an area in which to root, and proper environmental enrichment. Ideally pet pigs should have access to a safe area of untreated lawn outside in which to root and chew on grass. Pet pigs generally like to urinate and defecate in a single area that is far from where they eat and sleep and can be trained to eliminate either inside and outside. Pigs in urban environments may be taught to walk on a leash/harness and go outside like dogs. If this is not feasible, they can be trained to use a litter pan indoors.

• Housing Aquatic Turtles

  Aquatic turtles should be kept in an aquarium that is as large as possible, with enough water for the turtle to swim, a heated and dry area where the turtle can bask, a heat source, and a source of ultraviolet (UV) light. This article discusses how to keep the aquarium clean, proper temperature gradient, how to set up a basking area, using plants or rocks in the aquarium, UV light requirements, and other health and safety considerations.

• Housing Box Turtles

  Box turtles may be housed indoors or outdoors, depending on environmental conditions, in an escape-proof enclosure that ensures the animal’s safety from predators or household pets and from other dangers inside. A 20-gallon aquarium is usually adequate to begin with, depending on the size of the turtle, but as your turtle grows, you may need to provide it with a 60-100-gallon aquarium. This article discusses types of bedding to consider, light requirements, and additional features your turtle may need, as well as outdoor housing options and safety considerations.

• Housing Large Birds

  In general, the bigger the cage, the better. This article provides recommendations on the best cage for your bird, including size, shape, material, and safety concerns. Preferred perches, feeding dishes, and toys are also addressed in depth.

• Housing Rodents

  Any cage used to house a pet rodent must be easy to clean, as poor husbandry and hygiene can contribute to illness in these animals. The bigger the cage, the better, as rodents need room to exercise and explore. While some species of rodents may be housed in pairs or groups, intact (unneutered) males and females should not be housed together, or they will breed. Different species should not be housed together. Rodents should be provided with paper bedding or shredded or recycled paper in their cages. Cleaning, enrichment, and exercise recommendations are also discussed.

• Housing Small Birds

  In general, the bigger the cage, the better. This article provides recommendations on the best cage for your bird, including size, shape, material, and safety concerns. Preferred perches, feeding dishes, and toys are also addressed in depth.

• Housing Your Rabbit

  A large, well-ventilated cage with a plastic bottom and wire walls and top is suitable. Wire-bottom rabbit cages are acceptable, but to decrease foot trauma, at least half of the wire floor should be covered with plastic, Plexiglas, or untreated wood. The bottom of the cage can be lined with hay or commercially available recycled paper products. Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box. Rabbits should never be allowed to run loose in the house unless they are supervised or contained in a rabbit-proof room.

• How Do Emergency Clinics Work?

  If your pet had an emergency crisis, how would you manage it? Ask your veterinary hospital how they handle after-hour emergencies. Use this handout to help you plan ahead and be prepared in the event of a pet-health emergency.

• How Do I Know if My Cat is in Pain?

  Since cats are living longer and longer, they are also experiencing the deterioration and debilitation that goes along with aging. This includes the development of osteoarthritis. No one is in a better position to identify the subtle changes in behavior that may signal pain than human family members. You may observe changes in the following: vocalization, daily activities, daily habits, facial expressions, or posture. Your cat may show uncharacteristic behavior to other pets or family members. If you notice any of these changes, contact your veterinarian.