Outdoor access
The daily news reports are rather alarming regarding the zoonotic infection H5N1. They are focused on the potential for a pandemic when the avian flu mutates and begins transmitting from human to human. We have to consider that public panic and ... [... more]
Bella Online |
Evacuation of Exotic Pets - Exotic Pets
There are several things you should have prepared and ready to go at a moment's notice for an evacuation. Your pet may act out and become timid or aggressive. Do not assume that because they have never bitten or scratched anyone that they will ... [... more]
Bella Online |
Exotic Pet Quality of Life - Exotic Pets
When you own an exotic pet you have a responsibility for their well-being. Their well-being includes physical and mental care. This week (April 16, 2006) in Texas several exotic animals (bears, tigers, boars, macaw) were seized because of legal ... [... more]
Bella Online |
MRSA in Pets - Exotic Pets
Methicillin Resistant Staphyloccocus Aureus (MRSA) is an infection that animals and humans can share; often referred to simply as "staph". MRSA is called a "superbug" because of its resistance to common antibiotics. Medical [... more]
Bella Online |
Disaster Planning for Exotic Pets - Exotic Pets
The pet planning disaster wisdom used to be to leave your animals with a few days worth of food and water in a protected area like a bathroom. Hurricane Andrew (Florida 1992) and Hurricane Katrina (Louisana 2005) demonstrated that the old wisdom ... [... more]
Bella Online |
Exotic Pet Life Spans - Exotic Pets
Every living thing has a finite life span. We are all born and we all die. Some animals have relatively short life spans, the hamster is one example. Some animals, especially of the reptilian and large bird variety, can live for twenty years, ... [... more]
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Medication
Disasters can strike with little or no warning. Here are some basic items to have on hand for emergencies: If your pet takes medication on a regular basis for a medical condition you should always have at least a 30 day supply on hand. If your ... [... more]
Bella Online |
1. How many hours per day will my animal be in this cage?
Would you stick a 5 year old child in a washing machine box for a third or all of his life with a bowl of food, water, and a toy? What do you think would happen if you did? Would he become neurotic? Would his muscles atrophy? When you buy a cage ... [... more]
Bella Online |
Shelter in Place Recommendations - Exotic Pets
Store clean water for your pets. Several companies sell 5 gallon bottles that are easy to store although a bit difficult to manage. You can also buy camping water containers or use clean milk jugs. Never assume your home well or city water supply ... [... more]
Bella Online |
Social Needs of Exotic Pets - Exotic Pets
A successful relationship between you and your exotic pet depends on many factors; the social behavior is one such factor. Many exotic pets can be as little as one or two generations from the wild. Over time it may be possible to breed out ... [... more]
Bella Online |
The Hybrid Pet Controversy - Exotic Pets
There is a great deal of controversy and several pending laws concerning hybrid animals kept and sold as exotic pets. One controversial factor is whether or not hybrids are "natural". Where territories overlap in the wild, hybrids can and do ... [... more]
Bella Online |
Zoonotic Infections - Exotic pets and your health - ...
Which of these have you heard (and feared) in the last few years? H5N1, influenza, anthrax, salmonella, MRSA ... these are all potentially transmissible from animals to humans. Even if an animal has not been proven to transmit a disease to ... [... more]
Bella Online |
