Unusual Pets Series: Part Three

Do you have a pet hamster? Well if you are thinking about getting one, there are some things you need to know:

1. It only eats a little. A hamster may eat sunflower seeds and some bits of little yogurt but not much.

2. It needs lots of love and care.

3. They get lost easily if they don’t have a cage.

4. They need toys and a good hamster wheel to keep them happy and healthy. You wouldn`t want an unhappy unhealthy hamster would you?

5. A hamster can reproduce very quickly once it finds its mate.

6. They`re very fragile and soft, so remember you have to be really gentle and you can`t hold them a lot or they might get sick. They get scared very easily. So there`s another reason why you can`t hold them; they might be afraid of heights.

Yes, there are challenges to owning a hamster, so before you get a hamster or a rodent of any kind (rat, mouse, etc.) make sure you are ready for the responsibility of having one. Having a hamster is challenging, especially because it is small. Be sure to stay updated on hamsters or any other kind of pets you or any of your family members might own because you never know what might change.

-Maria Solis-Palma & Lia Chavez

Unusual Pets Series: Part Two

Have you ever had an iguana? Let me tell you about mine. First of all, it’s a vegetarian even though it looks like a carnivore. Next, they can grow up to 6 feet tall. They can eat lettuce, tomatoes, and some special pellets to help their body. Finally, when they are hot in the summer or spring they shed their dried skin. WARNING: IGUANAS' TAILS CAN BE VERY SHARP!

-Dylan Mey

Unusual Pets Series: Part One

You might think having a rat is gross, but you’ll change your mind after you realize how easy they are to take care of.

First of all, to take a rat home you’ll need a sealed-in cage, food, water, and wood shavings.

Second, you don’t need to train a rat. They will already be trained. For example, rats will already know how to swim and how to drink water (you might think drinking water is easy, but rats have to have a special water bottle).

Also, rats are anything but dirty. In fact, rats are super clean! For example, if you were holding a rat even with gloves on she/he would clean himself right after.

Lastly, rats are really smart. For example, when I had my rat she could open up the cage all by herself; we didn’t have to teach her how to do that. That’s another reason why you need a sealed in cage because if you don’t have one she/he will get out into the dangerous world!

-Rose Solis

Introducing Our Unusual Pets Series

Do you know what it's like to have unusual pets? We're going to tell you about a few that you definitely want to know about. It's our unusual pets series!

We all love cats and dogs, but you will be head over heels for these adorable critters! Stay tuned...

Holiday Pet Care

The holiday season often brings beautiful decorations into your home, but these joyful items can be dangerous for your pet. The following tips will help you keep your pet safe and happy during the holidays:

1. Cookies and candies are all around during the holiday season. Though these treats are delicious to us, they can be deadly to our pets. You don't have to ban gingerbread men from your household; just make sure to keep sweet treats in closed containers and out of your furry friend's reach.

2. You know those beautiful red flowers that bring holiday joy into your home? Well, poinsettias are not so joyful to your pet's health. In fact, they can be deadly to animals if the leaves are ingested.

3. Though tinsel can add sparkle to your Christmas tree or household surfaces, it can be harmful to pets. The shiny strands can get caught in animals' digestive systems, causing great pain.

4. Shiny ornaments can become deadly hazards if shattered on the ground. Hanging ornaments look like toys to cats; they are tempted to take a swipe. Also, small decorations can be knocked off counters, so make sure expensive items and family heirlooms are kept out of reach!

These tips should help you and your pets enjoy a safe, happy holiday season!

Life Savers

This blog sets out to help pets, but it's important to remember that pets help us, too! Check out this website to see a slideshow about some special dogs that provide therapy for autistic students: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/11/11/giving/11dogs-ss.html

Doggie Dental Care

It is important to brush your dog's teeth before plaque develops. Plaque build-up can actually lead to deadly diseases. Take your dog to an animal clinic for a dental cleaning. It may be expensive, but it's important for your dog's health!

-by Randy and Dylan


P.S. Check out this video of Chris from Planned Pethood Plus explaining the importance of getting dental services for your dog: