Q:
Do Pet ferrets require routine veterinary care?
A: Ferrets should be vacinated yearly
for distemper and rabies after going through an initial series of
vaccinations as a "kit". They should also be checked yearly
for internal and external parasites.
Q:
Can I feed my ferret cat food?
A: NO. There are high quality ferret
foods available that contain all the nutrients needed for your ferret.
Most local pet stores carry these.
Q:
Why can't my ferret seem to make it in time to his litter box?
A: Ferrets have a short digestive tract
and therefore may suddenly have the urge to use their litter box without
having time to reach it. It is best to have several litter boxes for
your ferret if it is allowed to roam the house freely.
Q:
Is there anything else special I should know about taking care of
my ferret?
A: Ferrets who are allowed to roam the
house freely often end up in dangerous places such as reclining chairs,
and can be killed. Cover the bottom of all furniture with screen wire
to protect them from this danger.
Q:
Why are there always so many pets left at the animal shelter by their
owners? These don't seem like bad animals, so what's wrong with them?
Or is it their owners that have a problem?
A:
Too many people view pets as a "throw away" item. he most
common reasons given at shelters are as follows:
- We're moving.(Didn't
like the dog anyway)
- He's perfectly
housetrained (sure)
- He's wonderful
around my grandchildren (lawsuit waiting to happen)
- My child is
allergic to him ( I don't like cleaning up dog hair)
- I'm sure he'll
get a new home (the kids are tired of him)
- I can't afford
to feed him ( I'd rather spend the money on __________)
- He is well
trained ( he is trained to jump on everyone that comes through the
door)
- He needs to
live in the country (I'm too lazy to walk him)
- He never barks
or chews ( unless he can find some other mischief to get into while
we're gone)
- I thought
it would be good company ( I didn't think he would do any of the
above
Q:
Can I give my cat over the counter pain relievers if it acts sick?
A:
NO!!!!! Aspirin, tylenol, advil, etc. are POISONOUS to cats. Call
your veterinarian for medication.
Q:
Can I give my dog over the counter pain relievers when he acts arthritic?
A:
Aspirin may be alright, but you should cconsult your veterinarian
for the proper dosage. DO NOT give advil or tylenol or other drugs.
These are TOXIC to dogs.
Q:
My dog ate all of my daughter's Easter candy, it was mostly chocolate.
Is that okay?
A:
NO , it isn't okay. Depending on the size of the dog and how much
chocolate it ate, it could be fatal. An ingredient in chocolate affects
the dog's heart and can cause serious illness or death if not treated.
You should call your veterinarian immediately if this happens.
Q:
My large breed dog started vomiting about an hour ago and hasn't
stopped. Now his belly looks like it is getting big. Will he be okay
if I just leave him alone for a while?
A:
NO!! This is most likely "bloat" and is life threatening.
Call your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Sometimes dogs "bloat"
with gas and this may cause their stomach to twist upon itself. This
cuts off circulation to the stomach and it must be surgically corrected
as soon as possible . It is an extemely painful condition. It is most
common in large breed dogs , and is sometimes brought on by a large
meal or drinking a lot of water. It is suggested that large breed
dogs be fed several smaller portions to help avoid this problem
