Library

Preventive Care & Wellness

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 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.
How Do I Know if My Dog is in Pain?

Since dogs 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 dog may show uncharacteristic behavior to other pets or family members. If you notice any of these changes, contact your veterinarian.
How Old is Old? Comparing Dog Age to Human Age

The old theory that one dog year is seven human years does not hold true due to a variety of factors including breed and size of the dog. This handout discusses emotional aging and senior statuses for different breeds of dogs.
How to Bathe Cats with Medicated Shampoo

Baths should be performed in a comfortably warm area, using lukewarm water. Medicated shampoo should be applied to a clean, wet coat, so start by thoroughly rinsing your cat with lukewarm water. Shampoo should be worked into the coat thoroughly and allowed to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian.