VCBE Blog

Rodents: more than just vermin

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Dr. Laurie Hess

When I tell people I treat rodents, often their initial reaction is, “You treat what?!” I know that at this point, they’re thinking about pesky vermin that get into the trash in your garage or that run through the subway. … Continue reading →

Posted in animal hospital, choosing a pet, exotic care, exotic facts, exotic pet, Pet Health Care, rodent, Uncategorized, veterinarian, veterinary exam | Tagged animal hospital, chinchilla, degu, Dr. Laurie Hess, exotic animal care, exotic pet, exotic pet care, exotic pets, gerbil, guinea pig, hamster, mice, rats, rodent, veterinary, veterinary care | Leave a comment

It’s OK To Lay But Bad To Bind: Egg Binding in Birds and Reptiles

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Dr. Laurie Hess

It’s that time of year again. Hormones are raging, and animals everywhere are getting ready to mate. Spring time is a time of birth – flowers are sprouting new buds, mammals are courting each other, and birds and reptiles are … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, bird care, egg binding, exotic care, exotic facts, exotic pet, lizards, Pet Health Care, reptiles, snakes, Uncategorized, veterinarian, veterinary exam, veterinary exam | Tagged avian, behavior, bird, bird behavior, breeding, Dr. Laurie Hess, egg binding, egg bound, egg laying, exotic animal care, exotic pet, exotic pet care, exotic pets, flighted birds, Laurie Hess, lizard, red eared slider, reptile, turtle, UV light, veterinary, veterinary care, vitamin D | Leave a comment

More great reptiles!

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Dr. Laurie Hess

Previously, I went over some common reptiles that make great pets. This week, I’d like to continue that discussion in part two of my reptile blog. Below are two more great options for anyone looking to add a reptile to … Continue reading →

Posted in choosing a pet, exotic care, exotic facts, exotic pet, lizards, Pet Health Care, reptiles, snakes, veterinarian, veterinary exam | Tagged Dr. Laurie Hess, exotic animal care, exotic pet, exotic pet care, exotic pets, Greek tortoise, Laurie Hess, lizard, pet, red eared slider, reptile, snake, toroise, turtle | Leave a comment

Slithery, scaly, shiny creatures – what are they? Reptiles, of course!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Dr. Laurie Hess

Some people love them. Others fear them. Regardless, most of us would agree that they are at least very interesting to look at. Reptiles: they can make fascinating pets if you are a reptile fan. Whether they hop, climb, or … Continue reading →

Posted in animal hospital, choosing a pet, exotic care, exotic facts, exotic pet, lizards, Pet Health Care, pet housing, veterinarian, veterinary exam | Tagged animal hospital, ball python, bearded dragon, boa, Dr. Laurie Hess, exotic animal care, exotic pet, exotic pet care, exotic pets, gecko, Laurie Hess, leopard gecko, lizard, pet, reptile, reptiles, snake, veterinary, veterinary care | Leave a comment

Taking exotic pets outdoors: precautions & cautions

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Dr. Laurie Hess

It’s spring! Time to bring your pets outside to get fresh air and sunshine – But wait! Things to remember before bringing your exotic pet outdoors: – Furry mammals, like rabbits and ferrets, are susceptible to flea and tick infection, … Continue reading →

Posted in animal hospital, bird care, exotic care, exotic facts, exotic pet, ferret care, flea and tick prevention, microchipping, Pet Health Care, pet housing, pet safety, safety, summertime pet care, toxicity, Uncategorized, veterinarian | Tagged animal hospital, avian, bird, bunny, D. Laurie Hess, Dr. Laurie Hess, exotic animal care, exotic pet, exotic pet care, exotic pets, ferret, flea, flight, guinea pig, lizard, microchip, outdoors, Rabbit, reptile, rodent, spring, tick, toxic, toxicity, toxin, veterinary, wing clip | Leave a comment

Parrots, Problems, and the Power of the Positive

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Dr. Laurie Hess

It happens every year. Birds scream. People scream back. As the days get longer and temperatures start to climb, the screaming gets worse. Some pet parrots scream all year long, but many scream louder when their hormonal clocks get wound … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, bird care, exotic care, exotic facts, exotic pet, training, Uncategorized, veterinarian, veterinary exam | Tagged animal hospital, avian, behavior, bird, bird behavior, bird feathers, check up, Dr. Laurie Hess, exotic animal care, exotic pet, exotic pet care, exotic pets, Laurie Hess, positive reinforcement, screaming, training, veterinary, veterinary care | Leave a comment

Tips for Keeping Your Exotic Pet Safe from Household Toxins

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Dr. Laurie Hess

All of us with exotic pets strive to give our pets a safe and comfortable home. But, as we animal lovers know, our pets tend to get into anything and everything, given the opportunity. Here are some important safety tips … Continue reading →

Posted in exotic care, exotic facts, exotic pet, Pet Health Care, pet safety, safety, Uncategorized | Tagged bird, bunny, Dr. Laurie Hess, exotic animal care, exotic pet, exotic pet care, exotic pets, guinea pig, Rabbit, reptile, safety, toxin | Leave a comment

Peanut – Ferret Extraordinaire by Angela Cerone, Receptionist

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Dr. Laurie Hess

Hi. My name is Peanut. I am a 5 year old ferret and my mom is the best! I was rescued by my mom’s friend, but her friend got sick and couldn’t take care of me or my … Continue reading →

Posted in animal hospital, Boarding, choosing a pet, exotic care, exotic facts, exotic pet, veterinarian, veterinary exam, wellness examination | Tagged animal hospital, check up, enrichment, exotic animal care, exotic pet, exotic pet care, exotic pets, ferret, veterinary, veterinary care | Leave a comment