Are you considering adopting a reptile? Reptiles are by far the most popular exotic pet out there. A study by iDiv found that bearded dragons, ball pythons and leopard geckos were the most popular. Reptiles have some very specific care needs, though, so you’ll need to pay close attention to your pet’s health and well-being. A Covington, GA vet discusses reptile care below. Do Some Research Many reptiles have very specific heat, light, and humidity … Read More
Did you know that cats are considered seniors as young as age nine? Fluffy will always be a kitten at heart, of course. Many of our feline patients are now living well into their teens, so a nine-year-old kitty may still have a long retirement ahead of her. However, her needs will change as she ages. A Covington, GA vet discusses senior cat care below. Offer Kitty Comforts Fluffy may become stiff and sore in … Read More
Winter is coming! Dogs and cats have some protection from the weather, as they have fur coats on. However, other pets are even more vulnerable to cold weather. Many exotic pets and reptiles can get very sick if they get too cold! And while we aren’t exactly the coldest state, we do get those chilly nights and weeks. A Covington, GA vet offers some advice on caring for exotics and reptiles in winter below. Temperature … Read More
It’s Pet Wellness Month! Of course, here at Oak Hill Animal Hospital, we’re always concerned with pet wellness. Here, a Covington, GA vet offers some tips on keeping your furred, feathered, or scaled friend happy and healthy. Diet A proper diet is the starting point for any good pet care regimen. Offer your animal companion a high-quality, nourishing food, one that’s appropriate for their age, weight, health, and lifestyle. As far as treats, just stick … Read More
Are you interested in taking your pet reptile for a walk? While not all of our scaled friends will enjoy going for strolls, some do. There are a few things to keep in mind here, though. A Covington, GA vet offers some tips on walking your reptile below. Choose The Right Gear You’ll need to get a harness, rather than a collar, for your scaled buddy. Get something that you can adjust. A ferret harness … Read More
Have you recently adopted an iguana? One thing you’ll need to do is make sure that Iggy gets enough bath time. This is very important! Lizards must soak to hydrate themselves, get clean, and facilitate shedding. A Covington, GA vet discusses bathing iguanas below. Pools If you have a pool, Iggy will probably want to swim in it. However, this can be dangerous. Pools aren’t easy for iguanas to climb out of. Plus, if your … Read More
Do you have a hedgehog? If so, you have a very fun and cute little pet! Hedgehogs are becoming quite popular, and with good reason. They’re not only super cute, they’re also very quiet, and are typically very gentle. Hedgie also isn’t difficult to care for. Just like any other pet, your spiky pal will need a proper diet, fresh water, a comfy cage, and regular veterinary care. But what if you want to really … Read More
You’ve definitely heard of antioxidants before. They’re found in many human foods and offer us many health benefits. The question is, do antioxidants offer those same benefits for our canine companions? The answer is yes—antioxidants are important for keeping your pup happy and healthy throughout their life. Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits of antioxidants for dogs. They Keep Food Fresh Antioxidants do just what their name suggests: battle oxidation. Oxidation … Read More
Part of being a good pet parent is taking care of your animal companion during their golden years. This applies to reptiles just as much as any other animal! A Covington, GA vet discusses caring for an aging reptile below. Research Life Span Expected life spans vary wildly with reptiles. Some, such as lacertid lizards, only live about a year, and can become seniors as early as 9 months! Others, like green anoles, rarely live … Read More
Has your little one been asking for a pet reptile? Our scaled pals can be absolutely captivating. However, there are some definite pros and cons to getting your youngster a tiny dinosaur. A Covington, GA vet discusses choosing a reptile for a child below. Pros Reptiles do have some great characteristics. They’re beautiful, quiet, and don’t need any training. A snake or lizard won’t bark all night, chew your shoes, or scratch up your sofa. … Read More