Why Spaying Your Ferret is Important

On 11/06/2014   /   Exotic pets, VetCo  
neuter ferret albuquerque

neuter ferret albuquerqueWhy Spaying Your Ferret is Important

A female un-fixed, or unaltered, ferret is called a “Jill”. Most of the time when you buy or adopt a ferret, they will already be altered. In many states it is illegal to sell an unaltered ferret and breeders have to be licensed. However, sometimes someone winds up with a Jill.

Female ferrets are induced ovulators. This means that once they go into heat they will stay in heat until they are bred. In fact, no eggs are released during their estrus until they mate. The biggest problem with being an induced ovulator is that there are some serious health risks and consequences that can be disastrous.

If your ferret is in heat for longer than three seeks shemay have the following symptoms.

Signs of Prolonged Estrus in Ferrets

  • Weight loss
  • Hair loss
  • Bladder infections and stones
  • Estrogen toxicity- can cause bone marrow failure which can cause Aplastic anemia, hemorrhage and death.
  • Pale gums
  • Hind end weakness
  • Bleeding under the skin

If you get a ferret and you discover it is unaltered, get her to the vet immediately to get spayed. You will not only have a happier ferret but you will likely be saving her life.

Learn more about exotic pet care.

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Pumpkins for Pets

On 11/04/2014   /   Birds, cats, dogs, Exotic pets, Holiday, VetCo  

chickens eating pumpkinPumpkins for Pets

Now that Halloween is over, don’t throw away your jack-o-lantern, give it to your pet as a yummy and healthy treat.

Pumpkins offer great health benefits to your pets.

  • Great laxative: If your cat or dog is a bit stopped up, some pumpkin in their food will get things moving. It is a great source of fiber. It can actually help fight constipation and block up diarrhea.
  • Urinary health: Pumpkin is high in antioxidants and is believed to be be great for their coat and their urinary health.
  • Cancer reduction: The betacarotene, potassium and iron can even reduce the likelihood of getting cancer.
  • Weight Loss: If your pet is overweight, pumpkin is a great addition to their food. Remove some of their regular food and replace it with pumpkin. It will act as a filler, so they will feel full, but doesn’t have all the calories and fat.
  • Great for birds: Of course they will love the seeds but you can also hang chunks of pumpkin in your birds cage and they will love you. It is chalk full of excellent vitamins and minerals, and it is fun for them to eat.

Some other animals that can eat pumpkin are:

  • Omnivorous lizards like Bearded Dragons
  • Hamsters
  • Ferrets
  • Turtles
  • Chickens

If you are unsure if you pet can eat pumpkin, call your vet to ask.

 

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