Guinea pigs make great pets, but like any pet, they have unique health needs and medical issues. These are some of the most common medical problems afflicting guinea pigs. Knowing the signs and symptoms of disease can help you keep your guinea pig healthy.   1. Malocclusion Guinea pigs have open rooted teeth that grow continuously. Unfortunately, this makes them prone to overgrown teeth and malocclusions. While genetics, infection and trauma can make malocclusions more likely, diet is a major reason why guinea pigs often develop malocclusions.   Signs of Malocclusions How do know your guinea pig has overgrown teeth or a malocclusion? The first sign you will see is your guinea pig having trouble eating. You may also notice excess drooling or their chin or forepaws may be wet from wiping their mouth and chin. Since they have difficulty chewing, this results in inappetence, the medical term for lack of appetite. Eventually, your guinea pig will lose weight from not eating.  Diagnosis Malocclusion is diagnosed by your veterinarian after a careful examination of your guinea pig’s mouth and teeth. Since guinea pigs have very narrow oral cavities, examination of their back teeth often requires sedation.  Treatment Overgrown teeth require trimming. This is typically done under anesthesia and will likely need to be done every 4-16 weeks as the teeth grow. Malocclusions can occur due to vitamin C deficiency, as the decrease in collagen formation leads to tooth movement and loose teeth. Malocclusions due to vitamin C deficiency are treated by supplementing with vitamin C.     2. Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) Guinea pigs are susceptible to vitamin C deficiency because they lack an enzyme that is involved in the synthesis of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) from glucose. Without this enzyme, they are dependent on getting all of their vitamin C requirements from their diet. In order to get enough vitamin C, guinea pigs require a daily dietary source of vitamin C. Lack of vitamin C results in a disease called scurvy. Vitamin C is essential for proper bone and collagen formation, blood clotting, and cell function.  Signs of Scurvy Since vitamin C plays an important role with various functions, the signs of vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, in guinea pigs are varied. They may include weakness, rough hair coat, inappetence, diarrhea, loose teeth, grinding teeth, delayed wound healing, lameness and increased susceptibility to infections. Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency can appear as early as 2 weeks. Young growing animals require more daily vitamin C and thus are more susceptible to developing scurvy.  Diagnosis Veterinarians typically diagnose vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) in guinea pigs based on their history, clinical signs and physical examination findings but occasionally may need x-rays or ascorbic acid blood levels to confirm the diagnosis.  Treatment Your veterinarian will likely recommend starting treatment with vitamin C injections initially, followed by oral vitamin C supplementation. After vitamin C levels are replenished, it is important to ensure that your guinea pig is getting enough vitamin C from the foods they eat. Foods that contain high levels of ascorbic acid include: spinach, kale, parsley, beet greens, chicory, red and green peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, and kiwi fruit. Remember guinea pigs should eat a diet that consists of guinea pig pellets, alfalfa and grass hay, and fresh vegetables containing vitamin C every day. 3. Respiratory Disease Many people do not realize that guinea pigs are susceptible to respiratory diseases. Stress alone or being housed in a cold drafty room can increase their susceptibility of developing a respiratory infection.  Signs of Respiratory Illness If your guinea pig has a respiratory infection, you may notice discharge from their nose and eyes and hear them sneeze or cough. Affected animals may sound congested and may have a decreased appetite or stop eating all together. Severe respiratory infections can lead to pneumonia and cause trouble breathing.   Diagnosis Diagnosis of a respiratory infection is typically based on examination findings alone. While there are blood tests available to diagnose bacterial pneumonia, the stress of obtaining samples in a sick guinea pig limit their use. Likewise, x-rays are not routinely performed, as they can also cause be very stressful for a sick guinea pig.  Treatment Treatment is often started based on clinical signs alone and usually involves a course of antibiotics, fluids. Vitamin C supplementation, force-feeding and sometimes supplemental oxygen are needed in severe cases.   4. Pododermatitis Pododermatitis, also called “bubblefoot,” is an inflammation of the feet and is commonly seen in guinea pigs. Overweight guinea pigs and guinea pigs housed in wire cage or cages with abrasive bedding are more likely to develop this medical condition. Initially the bottoms of their feet get thickened and then develop ulcerations which can get infected easily. Infections often spread from the skin to the tendons and even underlying bones leading to painful osteomyelitis (bone infection).  Signs of Pododermatitis You can tell your guinea pig has pododermatitis by seeing sores on their feet. As these sores get inflamed, they become swollen and red. These sores are painful and your guinea pig may be reluctant to move. Another sign you may observe is vocalization when moving due to pain. If these sores get infected, they become so painful that your guinea pig may stop eating or drinking. You may also notice a foul discharge or bleeding from their feet.  Diagnosis The diagnosis of pododermatis can be made by a veterinarian based on examination findings alone. However, x-rays are often taken to look for underlying bone infection (osteomyelitis).  Treatment The treatment of pododermatis involves cleaning and debriding the wounds, foot soaks, antibiotics and bandaging the affected feet. It is important to note that pododermatitis can be prevented by taking certain precautions with their housing. Avoid keeping your guinea pig in a wire cage which can cause small cuts and abrasions that can lead to pododermatitis. Always keep their cage clean and dry. Use a soft, nonabrasive bedding like carefresh and remember to change it frequently. Obesity is another risk factor because extra weight puts excess pressure on their feet. Monitor your guinea pig’s diet so they do not become overweight and susceptible to pododermatitis due to extra weight on their feet. 5. Diarrhea Just like other animals, guinea pigs can develop diarrhea. Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, antibiotics and also diet. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is one of the most common causes seen in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have delicate gastrointestinal flora that can easily be disrupted when certain antibiotics are used.  Signs of Diarrhea The signs of diarrhea in a guinea pig will likely be obvious. Instead of finding normal hard fecal pellets you will notice loose watery stools. Guinea pigs with diarrhea may also have dried stool in the hair around their bottoms or you may notice stool-stained hair in that area.  Treatment The treatment for diarrhea in guinea pigs depends on the cause. Sometimes a diet change and probiotics are all that is needed, while other times medications will be necessary. It is important to note that excessive diarrhea can lead to fluid loss and ultimately dehydration. If your pet has loose stool be sure to contact your veterinarian right away to find out what you should do.   Contact your Vet for early diagnosis While guinea pigs are relatively hardy and easy to care for, like other pets, they are prone to certain health issues and can get sick. Becoming familiar with some of the common health problems facing guinea pigs can help you detect a medical problem early. Remember, most diseases are easier, and less costly, to treat when diagnosed earlier rather than later. Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your guinea pig or their behavior.    

Picking the right pet for your family is more important than you may think. It can be the difference between a seamless fit or a mismatch with your lifestyle and expectations. Unfortunately, shelters are full of pets that ended up in there because they were a poor fit for the family or the they underestimated the level of responsibility or financial impact of having a pet.  Dogs The decision to get a dog should not be taken lightly. Though dogs make wonderful companions, they are a significant investment of time, money and emotions. Before you decide to get a dog, you need to ask yourself these questions: Do you have time for a dog? Do you have enough space for a dog? Can you afford to properly care for them? Are you prepared to take on this responsibility for the life of the dog, which could be 10 to 14 years? Do you have someone to watch your pet when you work or travel? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you meet the bare minimum requirements to be a responsible dog parent, but you still have to decide which type of dog is best for you. To find the right dog for you, you need to consider how their size, coat, grooming needs, level of activity, ease of training, temperament, and breed-specific health issues match your lifestyles. For example, a high-energy Visla would get bored and destructive if they don’t get enough daily exercise, which is a recipe for disaster. However, the same high-energy Visla would be the perfect pet for an avid runner who wants a running buddy to join him on his daily runs. There is no perfect breed of dog or mixed-breed, but if you do your research, you can find the perfect dog for you and your lifestyle.  Cats While cats may be easier to care for than dogs, they still require a sizable commitment. Even though you don’t have to walk your cat, your cat needs a litter box which requires regular maintenance. Are you prepared to scoop poop every day? Another difference between cats and dogs is that cats can get onto just about anything. No counter is safe and they seem to have a knack for finding the most expensive things to knock over! Like dogs and humans, cats also need regular check-ups, immunizations and parasite control. While cats are generally clean and self-groom, long-haired cats, like Perisans and Ragdolls, require daily brushing to avoid mats. If you aren’t willing to brush your cat everyday, consider getting a short-haired cat. It’s not about a beauty preference, it’s about being realistic about the grooming demands of having a long-haired cat. Even short-haried cats have grooming needs. Short-haired cats shed more than you would expect and brushing them on a regular basis keeps the shedding at a manageable level. Since cats can live 20 years if you are lucky, picking the right cat is an important decision with lasting consequences.  Small Animal Pets Not ready to commit to a dog or cat? Guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice also make great pets. I know because I have had them all! As a veterinary student, I even had a hedgehog. Though small pets are less demanding for attention and require less maintenance than cats and dogs, they still need proper care. You need to clean their habitats, change their bedding, and give them fresh water and food daily. And though these pets have an independent streak, they still enjoy spending quality time with you. Just remember that their diminutive size makes them vulnerable to falls and injuries. Be extra careful if you have small kids as a fall can be fatal. To avoid falls, have your kids sit on the floor and have them hold their pet on their laps. And always remember to supervise your kids around small pets. If scared, small pets can bite over eager little fingers.    Choosing your next pet is an important decision with lasting implications. Although all pets require care and attention, some pets have greater needs. Ultimately the joy and love they give back makes it all worth it. To avoid disappointment, just remember to do your homework and pick the right pet to match your lifestyle and expectations.  

Cats are cute but they can be messy. Whether it’s endless shedding, litter tracked everywhere, or stepping on a hairball, these elegant creatures are not always the tidiest roommates. Thankfully, having a cat doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are some ways to minimize the mess and keep your house neat and clean. Shedding With the exception of a few breeds, like the Sphynx and Devon Rex, all cats shed, some more so than others. One way to decrease shedding is to brush your cat regularly. Brushing your cat on a regular basis removes dead hair, prevents tangles, is enjoyable to your cat, and decreases shedding. Of course, even with brushing, fur may still end up everywhere. If you are tired of vacuuming hair every day, consider getting a robot vacuum. Robot vacuums, can make your life a lot easier. It can be programmed to run several times a day, offers multiple cleaning modes, and will automatically recharge when the battery is low. Robot vacuums do all the work for you so shedding is no longer a chore. Litter Litter can be messy and smelly, but it doesn’t have to be. Choose a high-quality litter, like ökocat, to absorb and neutralize smelly odors. ökocat is made from reclaimed wood and has superior odor control without added chemicals, dyes or fragrances. ökocat comes in different formulations to suit your cat’s tastes. To make kitty clean-up easier, ökocat makes their Less Mess Clumping Low-Tracking, Mini Pellets Wood Cat Litter. This litter is all-natural so it’s a cleaner, healthier litter for your cat and you! The low tracking formula helps keep litter in the box where it belongs. For added mess protection, use a litter mat to trap any loose litter pellets. Hairballs Every cat parent can relate to sleepily walking to the bathroom at night only to suddenly step on a warm, squishy hairball with their barefoot. Unless you have a hairless Sphynx cat, hairballs are the inevitable price we pay to have such clean pets. Cats naturally keep clean by licking and grooming themselves fastidiously. Unfortunately, hairballs result when cats ingest their fur and regurgitate it. You can reduce hairball production by brushing your cat regularly. You can also give them over-the-counter hairball medication which coats the ingested hair, making it easier to pass through their gastrointestinal tract. You can also consider switching your cat to a cat food formulated to help reduce hairballs. Accidents Anyone who has cats can attest that they can be messy roommates. Whether it’s litter box accidents, hairballs, or vomiting, it is inevitable that you will need to clean up after your cat. Besides cleaning up the accident, it is important to use the right product. Choose a cleaning product that is safe to use around your pet and that is formulated to neutralize pet odors. For example, urine smell can remain even if it seems completely cleaned-up. To prevent your cat from having another accident because they can still smell the urine, use a product that neutralizes rather than covers up the smell. House Cleaning Advice Just a word of caution regarding cleaning and pets, you need to be careful with cleaning products around your pets. Always keep them stored safely away from pets and children and remember if you clean the floor or counter, make sure it’s dry before you let your pets walk on it. Remember cats often lick their feet and can ingest any chemicals that get on their paws. Cats can be messy, but they give us so much love and joy…they are worth it. With the right products cleaning up after your cats doesn’t have to be hard.    

April 22nd is Earth Day, our yearly reminder to reflect upon how our actions impact the planet. However, as pet parents, we need to also think about how we can reduce our pet’s carbon pawprint. How can we ensure that our pet is eco-friendly?  Waste Management Anyone who has ever had a pet knows that pets make lots of waste. Whether you are picking it up, or scooping it, it is estimated that 10 million tons of waste from pets fill landfills every year. How can we make a difference? If you have a dog, use biodegradable poop bags instead of plastic bags to pick up your dog’s poop. Even better, use an in-ground waste disposal system. In-ground waste disposal systems are mini septic systems that allow you to dispose of your dog’s waste right in your back yard. There are several companies that sell kits you can buy to create your own environmentally-friendly dog waste disposal system. If you have a cat, switch from a clay-based litter to a biodegradable litter like ökocat to cut down on the estimated 2 million tons of clay litter that end up in landfills yearly. Learn how to compost ökocat litter here.   Don’t Pollute Always pick up after your pet. Besides being inconsiderate, leaving your pet’s waste behind can pollute water sources from runoff. Follow the backpacker’s motto and pack out what you pack in and leave only footprints (or pawprints) behind.   Buy Green Buying green can include purchasing products made from recycled or sustainable materials, or buying products that are chemical-free. Nowadays, you can buy beds made from reclaimed memory foam scraps and recycled plastic water bottles, or leashes and collars made from sustainably grown hemp. You can purchase ökocat litter that is made fragrance and chemical-free. Buying chemical-free products is not only good for the environment, but better for you and your pet.  Read more going green tips Buy in Bulk Buying pet food and pet supplies in bulk not only saves money, it also conserves fuel and lowers emissions by saving you extra trips to the store.   Pet Overpopulation Make sure your pet isn’t adding to the pet over-population problem by having your pets spayed or neutered.   Adopt a Shelter Pet Don’t forget about your local animal shelter if you are thinking about getting a pet. There are lots of “recycled pets” that need a good home. While adopting one of these deserving pets may not lower emissions or save fuel, it can save a life. By adopting these simple tips, you and your pet can live green and make the planet a better place.

Did you know that February is Adopt-a-Rabbit Month? While rabbits make great pets, many people do not realize the commitment of being a rabbit parent. Rabbits can live 8 to 12 years. To make sure that your bunny has a long and healthy life, you will need to provide a nutritious diet, proper housing, and become familiar with their health issues. Here are some of their most common health problems.   Overgrown teeth Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously. Unfortunately, this means that if they do not wear them down, their teeth can become sharp and overgrown. This can cause trauma to the cheeks and tongue and be painful. In severe cases, the front incisors can get so long that they curl around and prevent a rabbit from closing their mouth and even eating. So how do you know if your rabbit’s teeth are too long? Rabbits with dental problems often stop eating. If you notice your rabbit’s face is wet or they aren’t eating like they used to, be sure to check their teeth or see your veterinarian. The best way to prevent your rabbit from having overgrown teeth is by making sure your rabbit always has access to fresh hay, like carefresh Timothy Hay from chewy, and toys to gnaw on. Chewing hay, or gnawing on toys, helps wear down teeth and prevents them from getting too long.       Upper Respiratory Illnesses Respiratory infections are common in rabbits, especially when rabbits are housed in crowded stressful conditions. Likewise, rabbits kept in dirty enclosures with inadequate ventilation are more susceptible to these types of infections.  Pasteurellosis is the most common causes of bacterial upper respiratory infections in domestic rabbits and its often referred to as “snuffles.” It is highly contagious and spread through sneezing, coughing and direct contact. It causes an inflammation of the mucous membranes and lungs and left untreated can lead to pneumonia. The typical signs of an upper respiratory infection in rabbits are: runny nose, nasal or eye discharge, sneezing and coughing, and decreased appetite. Rabbits wipe their noses with their front feet, so sometimes people will notice their bunny has wet matted fu on their front legs. Infected rabbits require treatment with antibiotics and supportive care.   Gastrointestinal Stasis For many years, it was believed that rabbits stopped eating due to intestinal blockage caused by hairballs from excessive grooming. This condition was often referred to as “wool block.” However, we now know that it is normal for rabbits to have some amount of hair in their stomach since they are fastidious groomers. When rabbits stop eating, it is usually caused by gastrointestinal (GI) stasis rather than true blockage. GI stasis refers to slowing of the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Veterinarians now believe that GI stasis in rabbits is caused by a change in the intestinal bacterial, also known as gut microbiome. These bacteria are beneficial and help a rabbit digest its food. When rabbits develop GI stasis, they stop eating, stop passing stool, become bloated, and can die if untreated. Treatment involves IV fluids, syringe feeding if the rabbit is not eating, antibiotics if there is an infection, and drugs to speed up gut motility. The risk of GI stasis can be reduced by feeding your rabbit hay and a high-fiber diet and by exercise your rabbit to stimulate gut motility.     Ear Mites Ear mites are a common parasite seen in rabbits. Rabbits with ear mites shake and scratch at their ears. In addition, affected animals usually have thick, dry, brownish crusty discharge in one or both ears. Ear mites are highly contagious from rabbit to rabbit and can lead to a head tilt if left untreated. Treatment is simple and involves an injection or topical medication.   Ulcerative Pododermatitis Ulcerative pododermatitis, commonly called “sore hocks,” is an infection of the soles of the rear feet. It occurs when rabbits develop pressure sores on their rear feet that then become infected. This occurs more frequently in overweight rabbits that are housed on wire-floor cages. Urine-soaked droppings and dirty bedding create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can colonize irritated and inflamed skin leading to infection. Signs of ulcerative pododermatitis include: abnormal walking, limping, and sitting in a peculiar position with weight shifted off the rear feet. Treatment involves moving affected animals to a clean cage with a solid floor and soft bedding. Topical and oral antibiotics are used to treat the infection.    Myxomatosis Myxomatosis, often called “big head disease,” is a deadly viral disease seen in domestic rabbits. It is caused by the myxoma virus, which is a type of pox virus and is transmitted by mosquitos, biting flies, ticks, fleas and direct contact. Rabbits with myxomatosis often have nasal and eye discharge, nasal swelling, fevers and lethargy. Unfortunately, there is no treatment and the disease is usually fatal. The best way to prevent this horrible disease is to protect them from the insects that transmit the disease. Talk to your veterinarian about the best parasite control measures for your rabbit.   When to call your veterinarian Like people, rabbits can become sick, but unlike us, they can’t tell you when they don’t feel well. In addition, they are very good at hiding signs of illness, a trait that was necessary for their wild rabbit cousins. So how do you know when your bunny is sick? Common signs of illness in rabbits include: nasal discharge, congestion, eye discharge, lethargy, poor appetite, diarrhea or reduced stool. If you notice any of these signs, notify your veterinarian right away.   Prevention So how can you keep your rabbit healthy? Make sure they are fed a nutritious diet that includes fresh hay daily. For more information about what to feed your rabbit, check-out this article. Rabbits also need to kept in a well-ventilated clean habitat with proper bedding and a litter box, using carefresh® bedding or litter. Soiled bedding should be removed daily and entire habitats should be cleaned weekly. Just like dogs and cats, rabbits should be spayed and neutered and have annual veterinary check-ups to ensure they are healthy and up-to-date on preventatives.  >>> Learn more about rabbit care, bonding and playtime    By feeding your rabbit a nutritious diet, housing them in a clean and tidy habitat, looking-out for common health problems, and taking them to the veterinarian regularly, you can give your rabbit the best chance to live a long healthy life.