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Although small mammals are cute and tiny, they can be a big responsibility. If you’re interested in owning a chinchilla, ferret, hamster, hedgehogs, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, and other small mammals, it’s important to learn how to properly care for each of these furry creatures before bringing them home with you.
Consider what size, temperament, and activity level are right for your household so you can choose the option that best matches your lifestyle. Are you looking for an animal that will take kindly to being petted and interact with you? Rabbits or guinea pigs are pets that enjoy cuddling once they’re gotten used to you. Be sure to choose a small mammal that has what you’re looking for and you’ll love having it around. Check out the articles below to learn more about the general care of each of these animals.
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Rescue Dogs
Category:
Newsletter Library, Newsletter Archive, Unbelievable Pets
Among the many heroes in the days and weeks following September 11 were search and rescue dogs. These dogs and their handlers were brought in from all over the country to help at the New York and Washington, D.C. disaster sites. Many people are not aware that the handlers of these dogs are not always
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Keep Your Pets Safe During Fireworks Season
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Fireworks are the perfect ending to any summer celebration, but while you are oohing and aahing as the night sky lights up, your dog or cat may be cowering in fear. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep your furry friend safe, calm and happy during a fireworks show.
Why Are Fireworks So
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Living with a Handicapped Pet
Category:
Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Strokes, vision problems, arthritis and other conditions don't just affect people. Pets also develop serious health problems that change their lives. Fortunately, you can help your handicapped pet enjoy a comfortable, happy life by making a few modifications to your home.
Make Your Home Accessible
Many
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Seasonal Allergies Can Make Your Pet Miserable
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Winter is quickly becoming a distant memory as the days warm up and plants and trees come into bloom. Unfortunately, the change in seasons can cause unpleasant symptoms for pets that suffer from seasonal allergies. Because dogs and cats do not experience the same allergy symptoms as people, you might
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Pet-Friendly Exercises Offer Benefits for Both You and Your Pet
Category:
Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Looking for a devoted workout partner? Consider exercising with your pet.
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Protect Your Pets with These Water Safety Tips
Category:
Newsletter Library, Newsletter Archive, Fun with Pets
There's nothing better than cooling off in a pool, lake or the ocean on a hot day, particularly if you wear a fur coat year-round. Unfortunately, our pets aren't aware of the dangers that water can pose. A few precautions can help you ensure that your pet enjoys the water safely this summer.
Can Your
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Protect Your Pet from Painful Paw Pad Burns
Category:
Newsletter Library, Pet Dangers
Have you ever tried to walk across the beach barefoot on a very hot day? After the first few steps, you probably set a new speed record as you sprinted to the water, or maybe you gave in and put on your sandals before taking another step. Your pet experiences the same reaction during summer walks on
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Does Your Dog Suffer From Anxiety?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Behavior & Training
Anxious dogs tend to act out in ways their people do not like. If you have ever returned home to discover shredded pillows or bite marks on your front door, you are probably familiar with the consequences of anxiety. Understanding why your dog is anxious is the key to helping your dog overcome this common problem.
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Cooking for Your Pets
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Read the back of a pet food bag and you will see a long lists of ingredients that features a variety of preservatives and fillers. While these ingredients may keep the food fresh, they are not always good for your pet. Luckily, you will find plenty of dog and cat food recipes on the Internet that will
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What You Need to Know About Rabies
Category:
Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Rabies is deadly disease, but, luckily, outbreaks are not particularly common in the United States. In fact, 95 percent of deaths due to rabies occur in Africa and Asia, according to the World Health Organization. Although rabies might not be widespread in the U.S., the consequences can be severe if
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What is a Raw Diet?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Raw diets offer an alternative to commercially prepared pet food and can be a good choice for some pets. Serving raw foods offer a variety of benefits, although the diet isn't appropriate for every cat or dog.
Why Offer Raw Food?
Commercially available pet food often contains preservatives or chemicals
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Is Your Pet Overweight?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Packing on the pounds is just as dangerous for your pet as it is for you. Being overweight or obese can lead to many of the same health problems whether you are a human, dog or cat. Luckily, with your help, your furry friend can easily lose that excess weight and enjoy a healthier, happier life with your help.
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Adopting a Pet From a Rescue Group
Category:
Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Are you interested in adopting a pet from a rescue group but aren't sure if it's the best option for you? We answer a few common questions about rescue groups and explain how adoptions work.
What Is the Difference Between Shelters, Humane Societies, and Rescue Groups?
Shelters are usually run by cities
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Who's Healthier: Purebreds or Mixed Breeds?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
For years, pet owners have disagreed about whether purebred or mixed breed dogs are healthier. Until recently, there was no scientific data to back up their opinions, but UC Davis researchers recently helped answer the question with a landmark health study.
The Arguments
Pet owners who thought that
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What is Mange?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Has your pet suddenly started losing hair? Mange may be to blame. The common skin condition affects dogs, cats and rabbits, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.
Tiny Mites Cause Big Problems
Mange is caused by a mite infestation. The microscopic parasites either burrow under your pet's skin
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Tortoises
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Turtles
Tortoises can make an interesting pet, although they can present a challenge, due to their size and dietary habits. Their diets vary based on species, but all need quite a variety of foods, with careful attention paid to the amount of roughage as well as calcium/phosphorus balance. Some species have
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