Exotic pet grooming has become a very popular business. Many owners are looking to spice up their lives with some flair and fun. Small pocket pets such as ferrets, bunnies, hedgehogs and guinea pigs require special attention to maintain their health and pizazz.
We are proud of our ability to provide all types of exotic pets grooming. This includes ferrets (and rabbits), guineas pigs (and guineas), sugar gliders (and amphibians), and snakes.
Our veterinarians have completed specialized training in veterinary medicine for a variety of exotic animals, resulting in top-notch medical care for your critter.
Most exotics require routine wellness exams, vaccinations and other preventative measures to stay healthy. Our veterinarians are well-versed in the newest advances in exotic pet care, including advanced diagnostic imaging techniques for ferrets and bunnies.
Besides the obvious spa treatments, we can also help with cage cleaning and a little education on the best way to care for your animal's dietary needs.
Our expert oral surgeons can provide the best dental care for your cat.
The best part about our specialty services is that we're able to do it all in one place. Call us to make an appointment if you want the best exotic pet care in Higgins. Wheeling, or Arlington.
If you have any questions, you can call us or come in to our shop. We will be happy to help you. We would love to hear from you, and see you in the near future! Enjoy your grooming up until then!
- Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM
Copyright 2018 Wheeling Animal Hospital. All rights reserved.
FAQ
Three things you should think about before getting a cat.
These are the questions to ask before you buy a cat.
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Are there any health concerns for the cat?
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Will my cat eat all the food I have prepared?
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Is it because I am a lover of cats or do you just want a pet to play with?
How to train a pet?
When training a dog, cat, or other animal, consistency is key. Be consistent in your treatment of them. If they think you're mean they won't trust you. They may also begin to believe that all people are like them.
If you are inconsistent in treating them, they won't know what to expect from you. This could cause them to become anxious around others.
The best way to teach a dog or cat is by using positive reinforcement. Rewarding them for doing a good job will encourage them to do the same.
Punishing them when they do something wrong will associate bad behaviors with punishment rather than rewards.
To reinforce good behavior, treats such as toys and food are a great way to reward your efforts. You should also praise your behavior whenever you can.
You can use clickers to help train your pet. Clicking allows you to tap on a button and tell your pet that it was successful.
This is because clicking indicates "good job" to animals.
First, show your pet the trick. After that, reward him with a treat and ask him to perform it.
When he does it correctly, give him praise. But, don't go overboard. Do not praise him more than one time.
You should also set limits. Don't let your pet jump up on other people. Also, don't let your pet bite strangers.
Be sure to keep your pet safe so he doesn't get hurt.
What should you think about when purchasing a pet for your family?
You must first consider what kind lifestyle you wish for yourself, your family, and your friends. Do you have children? If yes, how many? How old are they now? Are there any special dietary preferences?
Do you have allergies? Is there anything you need to know more about your pet
After answering these questions, consider whether you are looking for an active companion or a calm lap dog, a house-trained pet, or a tank of tropical fish.
If you're considering adopting a puppy, make sure you visit a shelter or rescue group where you can meet the animals and see if you feel comfortable with them.
You will also need to confirm that the animal has been immunized against rabies or other diseases.
Also, inquire about the owner's willingness to take care of your pet while you travel. This will allow you to leave your pet at home and not worry about it.
Remember that pets are part of the family, and you shouldn't adopt one unless you really like him or her!
What should I consider before getting an exotic pet?
Before you purchase an exotic pet, you should think about these things. It is important to decide if the animal will be kept as a pet, or if it will be sold for profit. If you intend to keep the animal as a pet then ensure you have enough space. Also, it is important to calculate how much time you will spend caring for the animal. Although it takes time to care and love an animal, it is well worth the effort.
If you want to sell the animal you must find someone who is willing to buy it. It is important that anyone who purchases your animal understands how animals are cared for. Don't give your animal too much food. This could cause health problems later on.
You need to thoroughly research exotic pets before buying them. Numerous websites offer information on different types of pets. Be wary of scams.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance provides financial protection for your pet's health and safety in the event that they become injured or sick. It also covers routine veterinary care such as vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
Additional benefits include emergency treatment in the event your pet becomes ill or is involved in an accident.
There are two types if pet insurance:
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Catastrophic: This type of insurance pays medical expenses if your cat sustains serious injuries.
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Non-catastrophic: This covers routine vet costs such as microchips and spays/neuters.
Some companies offer both catastrophe and non-catastrophic coverage. Others only offer one.
These costs are covered by a monthly payment. The amount of your pet's care depends on what you spend.
The cost of this insurance varies depending on what company you choose. Shop around before making a purchase.
Some companies offer discounts if you purchase more than one policy.
You can transfer your pet insurance plan to another company if you are already insured.
If you don't want to purchase pet insurance, you will have to pay all the costs yourself.
There are still many ways to save money. Ask your veterinarian about discounts.
If your pet sees you often, he may discount you.
Another option is to adopt a pet from a local shelter instead of buying one.
It doesn't matter what kind or type of insurance you have, you should always carefully read the fine print.
It will inform you of the amount of your coverage. If you aren't sure about something, call the insurer immediately.
What age is appropriate for a child to have a pet?
Children younger than five years should not have pets. Young children shouldn't have pets other than cats and dogs.
Pet owners often end up with their children being bitten. This is especially true of small dogs.
Some breeds of dog, such as pit bulls, can be aggressive towards other animals.
Although a dog may seem friendly, that doesn't necessarily mean that it won't attack an animal.
So, if you choose to get a dog, ensure it is well trained. Ensure that your child is always supervised when playing with the dog.
Statistics
- It is estimated that the average cost per year of owning a cat or dog is about $1,000. (sspca.org)
- * Monthly costs are for a 1-year-old female mixed-breed dog and a male domestic shorthair cat less than a year old, respectively, in excellent health residing in Texas, with a $500 annual deductible, $5,000 annual benefit limit, and 90% reimbursement rate. (usnews.com)
- Here's a sobering reality: when you add up vaccinations, health exams, heartworm medications, litter, collars and leashes, food, and grooming, you can expect a bill of at least $1,000 a year, according to SSPCA. (bustle.com)
- In fact, according to ASPCA, first-year expenses can sum up to nearly $2,000. (petplay.com)
- It's among a relatively few companies that provide policies with a full (100%) coverage option, meaning you are not responsible for any co-payment of bills. (money.com)
External Links
How To
The best way to teach a dog where he should go to urinate
It's essential to show your pet how they should use the toilet. It's important to learn how to train them to use the toilet properly if your dog starts to venture outside. These are some helpful tips for teaching your dog to use the restroom correctly.
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Start training early. You don't want any injuries during playtime. Start training today!
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Use food rewards. If you reward your pet after every successful trip, it will bring you better luck.
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Be sure to keep treats out of the area where your dog pees. This could cause him to associate the smell of urine with his favorite treat.
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Before letting your dog go, make sure that there aren't any other animals around. Dogs may be influenced by the behavior of others who relieve themselves.
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Be patient. It might take your puppy a little longer to learn than an adult.
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Before you let your dog go to the bathroom, let her sniff everything. It will make her learn quicker if she has the opportunity to smell the toilet before entering the bathroom.
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When you are doing business, your dog should not be allowed to sit next to the toilet. That could lead to confusion.
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When you finish, wipe down the seat and the floor around the toilet. These areas will serve as reminders of what you need to do next.
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Any messes must be cleaned up immediately. Make sure your dog is completely clean after an accident. He might try to get rid of himself again if he is not careful.