The Exotic Pet Vet Blog

Where do your exotic pets go when you go on vacation?

You plan an exotic, or perhaps not so exotic, getaway for you and your family. Tickets are booked, hotel plans are made, then you are stuck with the question – what do I do with my beloved exotic pet? Some owners bring in a pet sitter who will come twice a day to visit, feed and clean their pet in their home. While there are benefits to having someone come to your house when you’re away, a lot can happen to your pet during the hours the sitter is not there. Another option is to bring your pet to the…

The Animal Kingdom’s Hardest Working Dads

As we’re celebrating our own dads this Father’s Day weekend, don’t forget that there are plenty of patriarchs in the animal kingdom who deserve to be celebrated, too. Of course,…

Why Unusual Pets Need Exotic Animal Vets

“Calm down,” I told the distraught client pacing back and forth in the exam room, gesturing frantically at a large cat sitting quietly in his carrier. Finally, he managed to convey…

How to Keep Your Exotic Pet Safe When a Hurricane Hits

Thinkstock Hurricanes are phenomena no one can be completely prepared for, as demonstrated by the devastation to people and property caused by some of the powerful storms that have hit…

Why Guinea Pigs Are The Best Pets!

Thinking of getting a pet but don’t want the responsibility of a cat or a dog? How about a guinea pig? March is Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig month, so…

Hedgehogs as Pets: What You Need to Know

A recent story on Good Morning America looked at the rise in popularity of hedgehogs as pets; the story included a video of a cat playing with — and sitting on —…

10 Tips for Stress-Free Exams for Birds and Exotic Pets

Annual checkups are as important for birds and exotic pets as they are for dogs and cats. Many bird and exotic pet owners know this, but are reluctant to bring…

People and Exotic Pets: Medical Problems We Share

Age is not a disease. Veterinarians commonly say this in response to pet owners’ comments that animals are sick just because they’re old. While certainly age isn’t a disease, it’s…

Why birds and exotic pets need to see the veterinarian

“He’s never been sick before, so I’ve never had to bring him to a vet.” This is the answer I commonly hear from bird and exotic pet owners when I…

Holiday travel is here: boarding birds and exotic pets when you’re away

It’s holiday time, and you have planned an exotic, or perhaps not so exotic, getaway for you and your family. Tickets are booked, hotel plans are made, then you are…

Omega-3 fatty acids: for everyone feathered, furred, or scaly

Do you take an omega fatty acid supplement in your diet? Omega-3 fatty acids – alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) – are the buzz words…