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Welcome to the Pet Center Pharmacy blog!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Don't Forget About Fish for Pets!

When finding the perfect pet for you, don't just think about dogs and cats--think out of the box! If you are allergic to cats or dog dander, you should look into getting a fish as a pet. Although, you cannot physically play with your fish, they're all beautiful to look at, and they do not take up much room in your house.


Finding a great filter for your fish tank is very important. A filter is supposed to keep the tank functioning well, and everything in it living. You want to be sure that the filter you do buy, is the right size for the tank that you have. And don't forget to change the filter when you are supposed to, to make sure that everything in the tank is maintaining to be healthy! The water needs to sit with the filtration system for about a week without any fish, to ensure that everything works correctly. Most fish are accustomed to warmer water, that's around 76 degrees to 84 degrees, unless you have a cold water fish or in some cases a goldfish!

When searching for a fish that is right for you, you should always research different kinds of fish. You should find out the various traits of the fish and see which are compatible with you and also other fish. Some fish cannot be in the same tank with each other, and you definitely need to find that out asap before purchasing two of them! You can always ask a professional at a pet or fish store to help you find the right fish for you, too! Although, you do not want to over crowd your tank with too many fish. It gets confusing for the fish and keeping a good ratio can help eliminate a lot of problems in the tank.

After your new tank is set up, fish and all- you should take your tank to a pet or fish store to get a biological analysis, which will show if more than one fish can be added and many other things. They will also let you know when you first set up your fish tank, do not be too quick to add a lot of fish at once--just buy one at first. Because adding too many fish at once can increase the ammonia levels in the tank--and can be fatal to your new pets.

Center Pet wishes you and your new fish a great start, and you follow our rules to keep them safe and healthy!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Keeping Your Bird Safe When Traveling

When you like to travel a lot and want to take your pet with you, you want to make sure that your pet is comfortable and likes traveling, too. Traveling with your bird is special because they want to have a great experience with you, and wants to do it safely.

Be sure to have accommodations that allow pets, such as birds, make your reservations and be on your way! Make sure the hotel you are staying at is smoke free because smoking can irritate birds and make them very sick.

While driving or flying to your destination, make sure to have a health certificate from your veterinarian. And talk to the airlines you are flying with to see how they treat pets on their flights.

When traveling with your bird, always make sure to have clean water with you at all times. Dehydration is prevalent in animals and is something that is completely, preventable. And do not over feed your bird before you leave for the trip, you don’t want any accidents while traveling! But bring food cups when traveling to feed your bird at the appropriate times. Or if flying, lodge a food cup into your birds cage so they do not go hungry.

Always stick to your normal habits with your bird and daily routines. If vacation makes you want to just lie around, don’t-it can throw off your bird and cause them to be confused.  They’re already going to be in a new place and that’s confusing enough already, don’t make it worse for them.

Above all, have fun traveling with your bird but do it safely!

How to Keep Your Ferret Fit

Having small pets like ferrets healthy is not hard, but you need to make sure that they get enough nutrients and exercise to survive. They’re very cute animals but if you don’t treat them right, then it could be fatal. Without exercise, ferrets can get obese and turn extremely lazy.

Did you know that ferrets are supposed to be outside of their cage for at least four hours? And two of those hours are supposed to have human interaction involved. Ferrets are very curious animals and like the communication with humans and other ferrets. They like to play tag and follow objects that are on poles, as well.

Some ferrets even enjoy multi-level cage and exercise pens. The multi-level cage allows your pet to go up and down ramps an stairs, and be entertained while inside. It is also a great way for them to exercise, while having a lot of fun-alone. With the exercise pen, you can let your ferret roam around in your house but in a single area, without getting lost or into some trouble. Your ferret will not get into any trouble in this isolated spot that you make for them.

Ferrets are fun animals that enjoy wrestling around and digging holes. But if you take your ferret to a public area, you may want to provide a lead, with a harness so you can keep track of them at all times. You don’t want to lose your cute, yet very entertaining furry friend! Also be sure to use flea and tick medication on your ferret before you go outside and play.

But beware of the heat when it gets extremely hot outside, because ferrets do get heat stroke. And always hydrate your ferret in hot weather! Dehydration is a serious problem, in many animals today.
We hope our handy guide to keeping your ferret healthy and fit, has helped you and your little friends! And remember if your ferrets need any medication, to call us to get it for you!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Dog Blood Donations

Humans donate blood to help and save other people. Bet you didn’t know that dogs can donate blood to help other dogs, too! They can save another dogs life, and be a hero pup like Lassie. Every day more and more dogs need blood transfusions and life-dependant operations and with the blood donations, more dogs are being able to get help and live a full-long life.

Dog blood donors need to fit a list of requirements to make sure that their blood is good to use. Different blood banks and veterinarians have different requirements. But some common requirements are, they have to be over 50 pounds, be between 1-7 years old, be very healthy and in-shape, cannot be on any medicine, and has to be a universal blood donor. The most common dogs who are universal blood donors are grey hounds and pit bulls.

Also, all blood donors should be happy and calm dogs. Along with that, they should be obedient and have to lie down on their sides or sit for a little while. But if a dog is too hyper and cannot sit still, then they would not be able to give blood. Donors are never forced to give blood, and can donate when they feel the time is right.

The blood is normally taken from the jugular vein in the neck. Donating blood does not take a long time, just about 20-30 minutes in total. And after the process, you should let your pal rest for the day. As they should be rewarded for giving the gift of life to a dog in need.

Dehydration in Cats

Did you know that most animals are made up of about 60 percent of water? But for cats when that amount of water drops to even about five percent below normal, they become dehydrated. And if it drops anymore past 10 percent below normal, then it can be deadly. Dehydration can have many lasting effects on cats like kidney problems and circulatory problems.

There are many symptoms you can watch out for; like dry mouth and increased heart rate, to make sure your cat is fully hydrated and nowhere near the point of dehydration. Sunken eyes, thick saliva, and fatigue are also symptoms of dehydration. If your cat has diarrhea and is vomiting, call a veterinarian immediately because they can be a cause and lead to dehydration. Although there are many causes of dehydration in cats, some are: having a fever, blood loss, and increased urination (because of medical conditions.)

Treating dehydration for your cats is easy, hydrate them! See your cats veterinarian before doing anything though. Intravenous fluids is a great rehydration method, you can find out more about that and catheters by your veterinarian.  

To ensure that your furry friend does not get dehydrated, you should always make sure that there is fresh, water provided for your cat. When you and your cat are playing outside, play in a sheltered place-not just in the sun. And if you put a little bit of water in your cats food, it will keep them more hydrated.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Choosing the Dog Breed That is Right For You

When looking to buy a dog, it is important to understand the traditional characteristics of the breed of your possible new dog. For example, is your new breed prone to illness, and are you willing to keep up on dog medications? How is your breed around children? Is she prone to running away? The answers to these questions can prove vitally important while making sure you have the right pooch.

Breeds Prone to Illness

There are many dog breeds that are prone to many different types of illnesses. Take eye problems, for example. Collies, Retrievers and Spaniels all commonly have eye troubles. It’s important to see how different breeds compare in eye problems. And that, of course, is just one type of illness. According to the Morris Animal Foundation, Golden Retrievers are very prone to cancer (60% die of it). As with eye troubles, certain breeds are susceptible to different cancers. These things can cost a lot in dog medications, so it’s good to know how much you should be prepared to spend to keep your breed healthy.

Breeds Good for Children

Certain dog breeds have more temperamental and/or violent tendencies than others–see: Poodles, Pit Bulls–while some tend to be more loyal and nurturing–see: Retrievers, Collies. It’s important to know what kind of temperament the breed you are considering usually has when choosing a family dog. There are lists of the best dogs for children, and these tend to be pretty good. Normally, you want dogs known for loyalty and patience. The Golden Retriever–America’s favorite dog–is one of the best dogs there is for children. The Collie is another great one. In the end, though, all dogs (even those with certain tendencies) are different. Best thing to do is take your children around the new dog you are considering and see how they interact.

Breeds Prone to Running Away

High-energy dogs are always the ones most prone to running away, especially if they are left alone all day. Dogs, especially intelligent dogs, can be a lot like people: they get bored and want something better. Hunting dogs are very prone to running as they evolved from a life of wandering to find their prey. It’s important to know what kind of dog you are getting in these senses. Is your dog from one of the smartest breeds? Did she evolve from a breed who is used to wandering? How much time will you be able to devote to your dog? The less time you can be there, the less intelligent you want your breed to be. Smart dogs will find ways to entertain themselves, which can have disastrous results for your things or can be prone to running away. Remember, though, no matter what your dog’s tendencies, it’s good to implant a microchip in your pet to find her if she does run away.
It’s important to thoroughly research the tendencies that appear in your pet and figure out what is best for you and your family.
Categories: Dogs, Pet Pharmacy

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Summer Hazards That Can Harm Your Pet


As the sun starts to stay out later for the Summer time, your pet will want to bask in the daylight, too! But there are some hazards you need to know before letting your pet roam around outside. Here are some tips to help your pets not get sick or hurt in the spring time!

It is very important for us to know what to do to stay cool in hot weather. It is as equally important for us to keep our pets cool, as well. Always provide your pet with cold, fresh water every day in their favorite bowl. Just like humans need to stay hydrated, so do your pets.

 Constantly refill empty or nearly-empty bowls and freshen water often. But never give your pet freezing cold, ice water because it can shock your furry friend’s system.
 
    
Another important point dealing with water is swimming with your pets. We all know that cats do not like water, but on the other hand dogs do like to swim. Unfortunately, chlorinated water can irritate their eyes. Do not leave your pet unattended near a pool or a lake. Without help, most dogs cannot get out of a pool and start to panic.
Do not under any circumstance leave your pets in the car for any amount of time. The temperature almost doubles while in an automobile, and your pets cannot handle that. Even leaving windows slightly open does not guard or protect your pet from overheating and/or suffering from heat stroke during hot days. Vital signs of heat stroke often include heavy panting, hyperventilation or deep breathing, increased salivation, weakness, confusion, vomiting and diarrhea.
    
While playing outside with your pets, remember that concrete or asphalt can get very hot and does not feel good on your pets’ paws. Make sure that there is shelter around so your pet does not over heat.
    
Also, make sure if you have just fertilized your lawn, to keep your pet inside for about 24 hours after applying the chemicals to your yard. The chemicals will only irritate your pet when they lick their paws. But if your pet steps in a big puddle of pesticides it could be poisonous to them. Be sure to get up any spills and puddles of chemicals before your pets step in them.
Spring time is a great occasion for you and your pets to play and enjoy the longer days and sunshine. At the same time, you must know all of the hazards that come with the spring. Risk and danger for your furry pals is lurking around the corner, or in this instance, creeping in your backyard.
Categories: Cats, Dogs, Healthy Pet Tips, Kittens, Pet Pharmacy

Rescue Pets Need Some Lovin'

Just like humans, animals need families and warm homes, too. For that reason, many families around the world are rescuing animals and bringing them into their loving homes.  The animals that are being rescued could be from many different places, including the streets or abusive homes. But these proactive and compassionate people want to better the lives of these animals and help them find the meaning of family, by adopting them or helping them find a good home.



Photo Credit: Photo borrowed from the Animal Rescue Foundation LUXIST

 














 
 

Many different societies and associations have helped create the idea of rescuing pets, and making more people want to do it. Numerous rescue organizations are volunteer operated and help shelters with taking pets. Pounds have seemed to be replaced with  various shelters and organizations, where the animals are being taken care of by volunteers who come in and want to help find the animals homes. The volunteers want to help raise understanding and awareness towards rescue animals and the optimistic effects of adoption.
 
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ website is catered to fight animal cruelty and help rescue and adopt dogs and cats. You can adopt animals from their site, and they even have a mobile adoption van! The ASPCA is kicking their goal into high gear and trying to help as many animals as they can.
 
Another big player in helping families rescue animals is The Humane Society of the United States. Their website is easy to use, and you can find an animal to adopt, train and play with. They are advocates of stopping puppy mills, which is an ongoing problem in the United States. Also, they are believers of ending the killing of animals for fur products.
These neglected animals deserve an excellent family to love them, instead of roaming the streets or living in a bad home. Also, spaying and neutering your pets can help lessen the number of homeless animals. It takes a lot of courage to rescue a pet instead of just buying one at the pet store. It may take more effort to rescue a pet, but in the long run it will make your family and you feel much better about helping a furry friend. Animal friendly people should take any action in helping these rescue animals. If you want to help, you could start with signing petitions and speaking up about the exploitation of animals. But if you want to make a big difference, adopt an animal and make a friend for life.
Categories: Animal Rescues, Birds, Cats, Dogs, Kittens