Archive for the "Pets" Category

The Perfect Pet-a RAT! Yes, REALLY!

Posted by: ArtInShamrocksin Pets, active kids, summer fun
17
Jul

A domesticated rat can make a perfect pet.  They have been given many bad raps but in actuality they are very affectionate, clean and intelligent.  Rats love to be cuddled and held and can even be trained to come on command.  They are also very easy to care for.  I’m serious about this so read on to see some suggestions if your child is asking for a pet.

Cage-you will need a 2ftx2ftx2ft wire cage or larger.   A wire cage is preferable to a aquarium because it is healthier for your pet. Rats are crafty so be sure your cage has a good latch that they can’t learn to open.
 
Bedding-shredded recycled paper is good and also a product called Care Fresh which can be found at local pet stores.  Do not use pine or cedar because it will make them sick!
 
Diet-it is fun to feed your rat because it will enjoy small amounts of fresh fruits and veggies everyday. Try things like grapes, strawberries, apples, carrots, an occassional peanut or unsweetened whole grain cereal.  Rats like people food so even a little cooked pasta or cheese might make them happy.  The main diet should consist of  a quality pellet especially formulated for rodents.   
 
Water-fresh water in a bottle every day is absolutely necessary.  All rodents drink a lot of water.
 
General Care-your rat should be played with at least 1 hour a day or more.  The cage should be cleaned twice a week or more often if necessary.  Hold your rat supporting their bottom and their back and let them cuddle with you or ride on your shoulder.  Like all rodents, rats need to gnaw to wear down their teeth so a couple wood blocks or sticks are good in the cage.
 
Toys-rats are good problem solvers so the trickier the toy the better.  They like boxes, ropes and swings, tunnels, platforms and may play with a little ball with you. 
 
A pair of females can be put together at anytime but a pair of boys fight.  Spaed females can live with males but don’t keep a male and a female together unless you want a million babies a year!  Harmful food include corn, candy, sugar drinks, onions, sticky food or junk food.  They are also natural chewers so watch when you have them out of the cage because they will chew on electrics cords.
 
Rats are very curious and like to explore their surroundings.  Your rat should go to the vet if you ever think he/she is not acting like themselves.  Simple items like large cardboard paper towel tubes or a small cardboard box makes a wonderful toy for them to chew on.  Be sure to rotate the toys so your rat doesn’t get bored.  With good care a rat will live 2-4 years.
This was one of the pets we had when we were raising our daughter and after I got use to the idea it turned out to be one of our favorites.  We still talk about that rat and all the fun the entire family had with her. 
 
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When a Pet Dies

Posted by: ArtInShamrocksin Pets, Toddlers
4
Jun

It’s extremely difficult to lose a pet especially if you’ve had the pet for a long time and your child is attached to it.  Maybe you’ve tried to explain to your child why his pal is not longer there, but your child is sad and confused–AND your heart is aching too.

Many times the death of a pet is the first time a child experiences death and the loss of a loved one.  Although this is an important step in his emotional development it is a difficult one as well.

Preschoolers don’t perceive death as permanent so the child may wonder where the pet is and who is taking care of it.  You can let your cultural and spiritual beliefs guide your answers as you assure him the pet is at peace and not in pain.  Try asking your child where he thinks his dog has gone to help you shape your talk with him. 

This loss may cause your child to become clingy, so assure him that you are just going to work and will return.  He might also think that something he said or did caused his pet to not return, so discuss why he thinks the dog died.  Be sure to reassure him that it wasn’t his fault and that some things like death can’t be controlled. 

If your child is moody and irritable let him know that it is okay to feel that way.  If he seems to be pouting or fighting with siblings or friends-redirect this attention to an activity he enjoys or do something fun like go to the park or bake a cake.  To help him overcome sadness-have him draw a picture or tell a story about his happiest times with the pet, but let him guide this activity.

As you comfort your child, don’t overlook your own bereavement.  He’ll feel your grief so let him know that sadness is a normal part of life for both kids and adults.  Be sure to validate his and your own feelings.  Don’t ever try to replace the pet immediately or conceal the pet’s death cause this may heighten your child’s anxiety- he’ll sense you are hiding something. 

Help your child express himself so he and you can work through this difficult time.

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Pets and Pills

Posted by: ArtInShamrocksin Pets, health
30
May

In this country we like to take a pill for just about anything so it isn’t surprising that we take that same attitude with our beloved pets.  Everyday new pet medications are popping up but here are some ways to avoid trips to the vet and some pet meds.

For car sickness you should start your pet young to get use to a car with short trips.  Avoid feeding them a few hours before the trip and if you are going on a long car trip be sure to stop frequently and exercise them vigorously. 
 
For depression your first step is getting a correct diagnosis.  Using these meds without knowing what is really wrong can be worse than no medication.  Try increasing play time, exercise, human contact or even bringing a new pet into the family to see if that helps before your vet gives you medication for depression.
 
For the overweight pet the routine is the same as with the obese owner.  More activity and less food!  Your vet can help you understand what a healthy diet is for your pet and how much you should actually be feeding the animal depending on what they should weigh normally.  It is a very slow process to take off ounces on an overweight snack loving animal but in the long run they’ll be more active and live longer.
Sometimes our pets seem like our children.  We love them and get very attached to them and they help make a house a home.  Like our family we only want what is best for them.  A good vet that you can talk to is extremely important to the health of your pet.
 
 
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