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Small Animals Need to Keep Cool in High Temperature Weather

6/11/2015

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
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Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved
If you have small animals, like hamsters, guinea pigs, or rats, don't forget they can get hot and dehydrated too. Just because some are less likely to be outdoors doesn't mean they're safe from the summer sun. Small animals need to keep cool and require special care during the summer. The methods we use for ours may surprise you as can some of the methods we do not recommend.

A small, thin build means more vulnerability to heat and dehydration. Hamsters, rats, and other small animals have very thin skin. They also have fur. While they are not likely to get as hot as we are, the effects of the heat can be very detrimental. Since small animals have such a thin frame, their bodies often react to overheating very rapidly, which can be extremely dangerous when it comes to heat exhaustion. The effects of dehydration can also come on quickly in such a small animal.

Can I spray my small animals with a mister? No. Many small animals can become ill or even die of they get wet. This is because they can get too cold and get the chills. While it may at first seem like a great way to quickly cool them off, it can become deadly very quickly. Instead, buy your small animal some unscented chinchilla sand to roll around in or a chinchilla granite slab to lounge on and cool off.

Cage location is key. Absolutely do not keep a small animal's cage near the window, especially not in the summer months. The sunlight can heat up the cage quickly. Animals in glass aquariums may feel like they are in a constant sauna. We like to keep our hamsters and guinea pig in a basement area where there are no windows. Because this area is also our family room, the animals still get plenty of attention. But they are much less vulnerable to the heat.

Provide shaded shelter. Our hamsters and guinea pig each have a special hiding spot in their cages. Whether you use a grass hut or another type of small animal house, be sure your pets have something to hide underneath. The shade will help keep them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. We prefer the miniature grass huts as the small animals seem to enjoy those the most. The hay may be providing a cooling effect.

Make cool, fresh water readily available. Ice is too cold. Never, ever give your small animals ice cubes. Just like being too hot is bad, so is being too cold. Many small animals, like hamsters, are prone to getting the chills. Therefore, ice is a very bad idea. Instead, change the water supply often and make sure the water is clean and cool.

Air conditioning or a cool mist humidifier is essential. Fans are a no-no. Never ever face a fan toward a small animal. Since they are so tiny, they are more vulnerable to inhaling small particles of dust and other contaminants. It's much safer to keep their room cool with a cool mist humidifier that is across the room or with an air conditioning system. Proper ventilation and filtration is also a must for the same reason you don't want a fan blowing around. Too much dust is very bad for small animals.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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5 Ways To Ensure Your Dog Stays Healthy

3/14/2015

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
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Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved
A healthy dog is a happy one and if you are a pet parent, their happiness is top on your list. Health is essential at all stages. But as a dog ages, it becomes even more important. There are simple everyday actions you can take to ensure your dog stays healthy as he grows older.

Regular visits to the vet are essential. A specialist in animal health care can detect issues that an untrained eye cannot. Just like people, dogs need to see doctors regularly for routine checkups and procedures. There are also care and maintenance tips unique to each dog that a vet can provide based on analysis. Keep up with vet visits to ensure your dog stays healthy.

Dental hygiene helps keep your dog healthy for several reasons. Dogs use their teeth for eating and for play. Both are essential to life in various ways. When the teeth are not healthy, a dog cannot chew his food properly, which can lead to poor digestion and other health issues. Dental diseases can also infect other areas of the body. Dogs with poor dental health also may not be able to defend themselves properly, due to weak teeth.

Your dog needs exercise every day. Take your dog outside to play. This could be a walk to the park, around the neighborhood, playing a game of discus or fetch in the backyard, or even a physical therapy regimen, if he needs it. Staying active helps your dog live a longer and happier life. Exercise keeps him in shape, as well as helps keep him from getting pent up energy and frustration. If your dog is lying around too much, that can do unseen damage.

Keep a proper and consistent diet for your pet. Talk to your vet to find out which foods are appropriate for your dog and stick to that diet consistently. It's important that your dog get essential nutrition every day. Any treats should also be counted in this plan to ensure your dog does not get too much or too little of the recommended vitamins and nutrients. Overfeeding and underfeeding can both cause serious damage or even death. As your dog ages, to keep him healthy, be sure to reevaluate his nutritional needs as often as recommended by the vet.

Mental well-being is just as important as the physical. Giving your dog a large dose of love and care is good for his mental state. It's also a big part of being a pet parent. Show your dog you love him by playing with him, holding him, talking to him, and being attentive to his wants and needs. Also make he sure he gets plenty of sunlight and is regularly exposed to other people and animals. Remember that depression can lead to other health issues, so it is important to keep your dog's overall mentality in mind when considering his health.


*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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