Chewy Claus made tens of thousands of pets’ dreams come true in 2024. Check out some of the incredible ways we’ve brought holiday magic to pets below, and don’t forget to send your pet’s letter to Chewy Claus this holiday season.
Baby guinea pigs are such precious little creatures. Ears and legs bigger than the rest of their body they are precious little ones who should be handled with the greatest care but, yes, they can be handled from the moment they are born if you are not interfering with the birthing process and you are doing so with the utmost care. The mother guinea pig will not reject them because you are handling them. Just like the human baby being passed around after birth, they have been listening to your voices, movies, music for however many months they have been in your home in their mother’s womb. So they are no strangers to you, your family or your pets. It has been my experience that handling baby guinea pigs from early on makes them very calm and easygoing with people. Baby guinea pigs can be sexed at birth, but usually only by an experienced guinea pig person like your veterinarian or someone with lots of guinea pig familiarity. Male guinea pigs can become sexually active at 3 weeks (with minimal effectiveness but no less a nuisance). Female guinea pigs need to stay with their mother for four weeks. Male guinea pigs will appear to have a white ring in their genital area. Female guinea pigs will have what looks like a tiny grain of rice. Baby guinea pigs are born supercharged and will start nursing somewhere in a 24-hour period, so don’t panic if they don’t latch on right away. A mother guinea pig needs to clean the babies and eat the afterbirth to chemically generate the mammary glands to start producing milk. Even human moms do not produce milk right off the bat; it takes a day or two. Baby guinea pigs start nursing in 24 hours, and eat solid foods at three days as mom shows them how. They will need to nurse for at least three weeks no matter what. During this time, the mother guinea pig does a lot of other things for her baby guinea pigs. She stimulates them to urinate and defecate by cleaning their bottoms periodically throughout the day. She has to do this for at least three weeks. The mother is also producing a softer stool for the babies to consume so that they have the proper bacteria in their digestive systems. So being with the mother guinea pig for three weeks is very important. A mother-daughter guinea pig combination is often the best. If you are able to pair the male guinea pigs in some capacity with each other, it would be nice to keep the family together because male guinea pigs are difficult to pair, and the best pairings are brothers. While the mom is nursing you can offer her alfalfa, which is a very rich grass. This is one of the few times you can offer it to her and the babies without worrying about the calcium content. Give the mother guinea pig and her babies the freshest and best of foods to ensure a sound base for them to grow from. “A handful of hay a day keeps the vet away,” is my motto. Of course they get about a flake of timothy hay each day because it is so high in vitamin C and there’s no worry about the calcium content. A flake is a segment of a bale of hay. It is about 3 inches wide and the width of the hay bale. Baby guinea pigs grow quickly, and before you know it they will be ready for their own lives. Interacting with them as much as you can will make them the best and most desired of guinea pigs because of their socialization and fearlessness with humans. By: Shannon Cauthen Feature Image: Marco_Piunti/iStock/Thinkstock,Q:
Amy Burkert recommends the following five tips to make going to a big-time baseball game fun and safe for everyone:,What could be better than going to a baseball game with your best friend? Plenty of dogs love the sights and sounds of being at a baseball stadium, not to mention spending quality time with their people.
Cats are curious by nature and enjoy having the freedom to investigate their surroundings. It’s also in their nature to pick cozy spots at home and claim them as their own. But there may come a time when you need to temporarily confine your kitty to a smaller space. Setting up a separate room might not be possible or may provide too large of an area depending on the reason for confinement. Add to that, feline agility in climbing and jumping, how does one confine a cat without her getting out of the designated space? After all, cats easily can jump over a baby gate or climb out of boxes and containers you might try to put them inside. A cat pen or other type of cat enclosure can not only help to keep your cat confined, but it also might become a place of comfort and fun for your feline family members, if you set it up properly.
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Spending some time in nature is one of the best ways to unplug and recharge your batteries. But you don’t have to enjoy “roughing it” in order to do so. Forget pitching your own tent and spending hours arranging your sleeping essentials. The latest trend in camping involves simply showing up to a pre-set up luxury tent or a furnished cabin and enjoying a cozy weekend in the woods. And what better way to bond with your pup than by taking him along for the ride?
Like any other animals, horses, donkeys and mules have their own set of species-specific infections that can develop and spread amongst them. Strangles in horses, also known as equine distemper, is “an upper respiratory bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus zooepidemicus var. equi, formerly known as Streptococcus equi,” says Dr. Douglas Thal, DVM, owner of Thal Equine and Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. “The name ‘strangles’ comes from the fact that when abscesses become large, they can exert pressure on the upper airway, causing respiratory noise, and rarely, difficulty breathing,” adds Dr. Thal. Marked by its highly contagious nature and shocking appearance, horse strangles is actually a common infection with a notably good prognosis. What are the symptoms of strangles in horses? Dr. Thal notes that, “The disease manifests as classic large swellings under and behind the jaw—abscessation of the lymph nodes. These swellings grow until—in most cases—they finally rupture, draining yellow pus for days to a week before finally healing from the inside out.” Due to the location of the open wounds, it is recommended to feed hay and grain on the ground, encouraging the horses to lower their heads and promote drainage. Due to the physical and emotional toll that horse strangles takes, working closely with a veterinarian can speed up the healing process. “Horses with strangles often also have a cough, fever and nasal discharge,” explains Dr. Thal, “They are depressed and may not each much, especially as the abscesses are growing,” so a speedy recovery is imperative to their spirit and well-being. How does horse strangles spread? Strangles is highly contagious and transmissible between horses through direct, or indirect, contact; specifically, contact with horse care professionals clearing drainage or secretions from a sick equine. Keeping sick horses isolated is the best way to contain the disease within a barn; however, “Once there has been an outbreak at a facility, the facility is considered strangles endemic, and horses visiting there are at risk of contracting the disease,” warns Dr. Thal. Keeping a separate set of horse care grooming equipment, such as the Oster Equine Care 7-Piece Grooming Kit for Horses, for each horse in a barn and not sharing tack are good habits to practice to help mitigate the risk of spreading diseases like equine distemper. “[Strangles in horses] can also be transmitted through contact with handlers, unknowingly transporting the bacteria on hands, equipment or clothes,” continues Dr. Thal. “The bacteria can persist in the environment around a facility for months to years.” Sanitizing hands, equipment and even clothing is vital to keeping strangles contained, especially when traveling between facilities. How is horse strangles treated? Because horses are herd animals, once one horse at a barn contracts equine distemper, it is common for it to be transmitted throughout the others before you even notice symptoms. “Once a horse contracts strangles, in most cases, it will just take time to heal,” says Dr. Thal. “The use of antibiotics is controversial [and is] usually reserved for after abscesses become large and prior to rupture. Vets often open these abscesses, providing drainage and relief to the horse. Once abscesses break and drain, horses often act normal, and the swelling drastically decreases.” Due to the strain that the infection takes on a horse’s body, it is important to give him time to rest and heal without strenuous exercise. How can you prevent strangles in horses? While there are equine distemper vaccinations, Dr. Thal clarifies that they can be problematic due to the risk of complications or lack of efficacy. “The most important part of prevention is avoiding exposure to the bacteria. General immunity is maintained [with] general health—good nutrition and preventative care,” explains Dr. Thal. Due to horse strangles being highly contagious, once there has been an outbreak at a facility, it is best to limit any contact between horses and keep any horses from coming to or leaving the facility until a veterinarian has declared the outbreak over. Proper horse care and preventative measures, such as quarantine when a new horse arrives at your barn, will help mitigate the risk of equine distemper.
That sneezing, wheezing, congested, itchy eye, must-escape-this-room-because-I-can’t-breathe-around-this-cat feeling can ruin even the best of days—especially if you are a cat lover. But now, you might be able to avoid the allergies altogether, instead of avoiding the furry feline. You read that right. There have been some very promising scientific breakthroughs that can help alleviate the symptoms of cat allergies altogether. Breathing comfortably without red, itchy eyes could become the norm for allergy sufferers. And we aren’t talking about allergy shots or desensitization therapy, either. These new treatments for cat allergies aren’t for you—they’re actually administered to your cat. The goal is to help make them less likely to incite an inflammatory process in you. Here’s everything you need to know about the potential new cat allergy treatments. Am I Allergic to Cat Hair? To help you understand how these new treatments would work, let me quickly break down cat allergies. If you are amongst the 1 in 5 people worldwide who suffer a range of allergic symptoms when you’re near a cat—or even near someone who has a cat—your allergies are actually NOT caused by the animal’s fur. This is why a short-haired cat likely invokes the same allergic response as a long-haired Persian cat. The culprit behind your sneezing and wheezing and puffy eyes is a protein in a cat’s saliva and sebaceous glands (hair follicle glands that produce sebum, an oily secretion that waterproofs their coat and maintains skin health). That glycoprotein is called “Fel d1.” When cats groom themselves, some hairs break loose and become airborne. The offending protein in the saliva—that Fel d1 allergen—is carried on the hairs, so they become distribution vehicles for the potent allergen that’s causing your inflammatory response. Recent Studies for Cat Allergy Cures For the first time ever, science is offering hope to cat-allergy sufferers everywhere. In just a few years, your options may extend beyond HEPA filters, asthma inhalers, allergy medications and avoidance. Two studies have discovered different ways to tackle the problem at its root. The idea is to neutralize the feline allergen itself instead of trying to minimize a person’s allergic response. HypoPet AG Vaccine Study Scientists at a pharmaceutical company in Switzerland have announced the development of a conjugate vaccine called HypoCat (hypoallergenic cat) that binds to and neutralizes the major cat allergen, Fel d1. According to the studies recently performed, cats who received the HypoCat vaccine according to the protocol did indeed have lower levels of Fel d1 in the blood. Although it is somewhat more subjective, the allergic humans involved in the study did show less allergic symptoms around the vaccinated cat compared to unvaccinated cats. Due to the encouraging results, the Swiss company is moving ahead with registration studies and discussions to bring the vaccine to market in the US and Europe. HypoPet is hoping to have their HypoCat vaccine on the market in 2022, and they also have a HypoDog vaccine in the pipeline too. Purina Institute Cat Allergen Diet Study The Swiss scientists aren’t the only ones to bring a cat de-allergenator to market: Purina Pro Plan LiveClear cat foods. Purina has taken a different approach to tackling the Fel d1 protein. They are working to neutralize the allergen through a cat’s diet. The company recently published a study explaining how an egg product ingredient can be introduced to a cat’s diet to help neutralize the major cat allergen, Fel d1. The concept is similar to the vaccine, with the goal being to decrease levels of active Fel d1 found in cat saliva. While Purina’s study did not yet incorporate humans’ allergic response rates, an encouraging 86% of cats saw at least a 30% reduction from the baseline Fel d1 levels. What This Means for Pet Parents With Cat Allergies The reality is that many people go through extreme efforts to “manage” allergies to keep their beloved feline in their home. While a number of those people are successful, a number are forced to re-home a cat if someone new to the household has an intolerable allergy. These two studies and potential new products offer a glimpse of hope for cat-allergy sufferers. As this research is still ongoing, I would anticipate the efficacy of this product only to improve. Fighting the problem at the source, instead of alleviating the symptoms—it’s so brilliant, and yet so simple. It’s one of those times that I find myself wondering, “Why didn’t I think of that?” By: Laci Schaible, DVM Featured Image: iStock.com/domepitipat
Abscess in Rabbits An abscess is a localized collection of pus contained within a capsule-like lump under the skin. Unlike those of cats and dogs, abscesses in rabbits usually do not burst and drain fluid. These abscesses can grow very quickly, often extending into the surrounding soft tissue and bone. Abscesses are extremely common in pet rabbits and are the most common cause of swelling beneath the skin. There is no certain age or sex more susceptible to abscesses, although dwarf and lop-eared rabbits are believed to be predisposed to abscesses and dental disease. Symptoms and Types An abscess is usually the secondary symptom of another health problem, thus symptoms will vary, depending on the primary cause. For example, if the abscess is a result of dental disease, additional symptoms may include discharge from the nose or eyes, anorexia, and depression. A physical examination by a veterinarian is necessary to detect additional symptoms and diagnose the exact cause. Causes There are many causes that can lead to the presence of abscesses. One primary cause is dental disease resulting from food lodged in the teeth or gums. Another cause is bacterial infection such as fusobacterium nucleatum. These cases are often related to dental disease or abscesses in the mouth. There are many other types of bacteria that lead to abscess, including pasteurella multocida, staphylococcus aureus, and streptococcus spp. Bites and foreign objects piercing the skin also lead to abscesses. Some risk factors can increase the odds of developing abscesses. For example, elongated cheek teeth (known as mandibles) may develop from a diet lacking rough feed, and may lead to the formation of abscesses. Diagnosis The exact diagnostic procedures undertaken will depend on the location of the abscess and any other symptoms. For rabbits with facial abscesses, a thorough oral examination is crucial for diagnosis. Another common diagnostic procedure is to take a tissue sample from the affected area and test for bacterial infection. Further tests may include urine analysis, X-rays, and ultrasounds to see if other organs are affected. Treatment Treatment will depend on the abscess’ location and the underlying cause. But the rabbit may be treated at home with antibiotics, if a bacterial infection is to blame or if the case is mild. For more serious cases, surgical removal of the abscess and hospital care may be necessary. Living and Management Activity should be restricted until all tissues have been properly healed. The patient should be monitored after treatment, and follow up visits to the veterinarian — especially if surgery was performed — are a necessity. Any prescribed medications should be administered on a regular basis. Prevention In some cases, abscessation can be prevented in rabbits. Providing high-fiber foods and good quality hay, and periodically trimming overgrown crowns in the mouth may prevent dental disease. Joint and feet abscesses may be avoided by providing clean, solid surfaces in the animal’s home habitat. A generally healthy diet and lifestyle is also advised.
Though technically not a disease, ammonia poisoning is incredibly common in new fish tanks. Ammonia is a byproduct of the process of organic material breaking down and it can be incredibly toxic for fish. Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate, which is less harmful.,When you catch a case of the sniffles and start to feel run down, you know it’s time to book an appointment with your doctor. You know your body well enough to be able to tell when something is off, but identifying the signs of illness in pets can be tricky—especially aquarium fish. Many fish diseases present subtly but, without prompt treatment, they can worsen and may even become fatal. Proper diagnosis is key if you want your fish to make a full recovery. For aquarium fish living in a captive environment, every detail matters. Something as seemingly minor as a drop in temperature can stress your fish and make them more susceptible to illness. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common aquarium fish diseases to determine how to identify and treat them.
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