There are many wonderful things about owning a reptile or other exotic species as a pet, and Shiloh Veterinary Hospital knows this more than any other. Caring for these special animals does come some extra responsibility, however. From having an intricate understanding of their dietary needs to supplying the right amount of environmental stimulation, exotic pet ownership doesn’t come lightly.

Understanding the risk of Salmonella in reptiles and exotics is also an essential part of enjoying your pet. No one wants to get sick, and Salmonella is a very real problem. 

Scary Salmonella

Salmonella is a family of bacteria that is common in our world. You can find Salmonella in the intestines of many species of animals, including humans. 

Most types of Salmonella are not dangerous. Some, however, can result in an infection called salmonellosis. People affected by salmonellosis can have a fever, stomach cramping, and serious diarrhea. 

Most people with a Salmonella infection recover in about a week without serious issues. Some, however, can become seriously ill. Very young people, older people, and immunocompromised people are at higher risk of very dangerous illness. 

Many animals carry Salmonella and may shed it in large numbers in the feces. This occurs in particular when they are stressed or affected by other illnesses. Humans often become exposed to the bacteria while handling their pets or items that the pets utilize. 

The Risk of Salmonella in Reptiles and Exotics

Salmonella is often part of the normal flora in healthy reptiles and amphibians such as turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, and salamanders. Many carry and shed this organism all the time without issue. Even though it isn’t a problem for them, it can mean big trouble for us. 

When it comes to Salmonella in reptiles and exotics:

• Consider a different pet if you have children under five or immunocompromised individuals in your home.
• Wash your hands each time you handle your pet or touch any part of their equipment or habitat.
• Supervise small children around your pet.
• Do not keep your pet or their items in areas that food is prepared.
• Do not keep reptiles or amphibians in children’s rooms. 
• Reptiles and amphibians should not have free range of your home. 
• Clean your pet’s habitat, bowls, and other items outside of your home using dedicated equipment and away from gardens or drinking water. Consider using gloves. 
• As tempting as it may be, avoid snuggling with and kissing your scaly pal.
• Do not keep turtles with shell lengths of less than four inches as they have a higher incidence of carrying Salmonella.
• Let us examine your exotic pet regularly to be sure it is healthy and so that we can help you provide the best care. 

Salmonella is no reason to not enjoy your reptile or exotic pet. Taking a few extra precautions will help to keep you and your family safe, though. As always, please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about your pet and its care. 

The post The Microscopic Menace: Salmonella in Reptiles and Exotics appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Can you imagine living out your entire life in one room? It sounds crazy, but this is often what we ask of our birds and exotic pets. Environmental enrichment is so important for every species. Without it, behavior and health problems often arise.

Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is all about keeping our pet patients happy and healthy. While environmental enrichment is vital to this goal, it is also important to do it safely. Keep reading for ideas for safe toys for birds and exotics that are sure to keep them engaged.

Things to Think About

Our less traditional pets are definitely not short on personality. Many of them are quite curious and even mischievous. When thinking about environmental enrichment for them, it is important to take into account how they view and experience the world.

Most birds and exotics explore with their mouths. This makes it essential to look at any toys or objects in their space with a critical eye. Be sure to steer clear of toys and other additions that:

• Have small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed
• Can easily be chewed apart and is not intended to be digestible
• Contains ingredients that are potentially toxic/not designed to be put in the mouth
• Are not specific for the size/species of your pet
• Have strings or loose pieces that could entrap your pet

Potential toxins, digestive upset, strangulation, and even foreign body obstructions can be devastating when toys aren’t safely selected. 

Safe Toys for Birds and Exotics

Thankfully, there are plenty of options out there that are great, enriching items for pets. Our favorite safe toys for birds and exotics include:

• Mirrors
• Swings and perches, especially for larger birds
• Sturdy ropes for larger birds to gnaw on (best used under supervision)
• Recycled, size appropriate, PVC-free baby toys for birds
• Cardboard boxes for hiding and playing
• Cardboard tubes for tunneling
• Wooden block or chew sticks for small mammals
• A size appropriate Nylabone
• Fabric hammocks for ferrets, guinea pigs, and chinchillas (avoid adornments or loose strings)
• Platforms

It is also important to not overwhelm your pet. Put a few toys and objects in the enclosure and then rotate them out every few days. You will get to know your pet’s favorites and be better able to pick new toys over time. 

Enriching your pet’s environment can make such a big difference. Safe toys for birds and exotics can help you to enjoy your pet more and help them to live better lives. What’s not to like? As always, if you need help with your pet, feathered, furred, or scaled, we are here to guide you. Give us a call any time for advice about safe toys, good husbandry, or anything else you have questions about. 

The post A Whole New World: Safe Toys for Birds and Exotics appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

What better way to keep our feathered friends safe than keeping them inside our secure, climate-controlled houses? Bird lovers can sometimes forget that there are dangers for our avian friends indoors, too. 

Keeping our pets safe and healthy requires research, effort, and a little forethought. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital reminds you that we are here to help you do this and wants to bring your attention to those household bird toxins that you may not have thought about before.

It’s in the Air

Birds have exquisitely sensitive respiratory tracts. If you keep birds in your home, you need to consider what airborne dangers you may be exposing your pets to. Of particular concern:

• Teflon-coated pans (best to keep these out of your home altogether)
• Fumes from the clothes iron (often coated with Teflon)
• Cigarette smoke
• Oven cleaner
• Scented candles or air-fresheners
• Aerosol cleaner or other sprays

Things that are only mildly irritating or even go unnoticed by our respiratory tracts can be devastating to the avian species. 

Be sure to remove your birds from your home if using any of the above items. If you choose to use non-stick cookware be sure not to overheat it, and don’t leave the kitchen while cooking.

Gases like carbon monoxide and radon are not good for us, but they affect birds even more.  Consider having detectors for these toxic gases in your home. 

Other Household Bird Toxins to Consider

There are other potential bird toxins in our homes to think about as well:

• Be sure to keep medications stowed safely in closed cabinets or closets in childproof containers. Pills can be attractive to birds and many of them are unsafe. Preventing exposure is crucial as there is often little to be done if a pet bird takes human medication.

• If you have beverages out, keep them covered. Any caffeine-containing drink, including tea, can be very dangerous to a thirsty bird. Alcohol ingestion is also toxic. Invest in a covered insulated tumbler to keep your drinks safe from your pets.

• Many other human foods are dangerous for birds as well. Things like avocado, garlic, onion, chocolate fruit pits or seeds, and any food containing a lot of salt, and xylitol are of concern.

• When bringing plants into your home, you should also be sure that they are bird-friendly. Some common species including lilies, poinsettia, daffodils, ivy, mistletoe, and honeysuckle are toxic to birds if ingested. 

Our staff at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital loves all birds, and we want to help keep them safe. Be sure to not let your guard down even in your own home – some everyday things that we take for granted are actually dangerous bird toxins!  Because of their fast metabolisms, it is even more vital that you act quickly.

Please call us right away if you suspect that your bird may have been exposed to something toxic.

The post Danger at Home: Household Bird Toxins to Know About appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

It is more and more common for us at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital to see people with pets other than dogs and cats. No matter the species, we think that your animal family members deserve the best in veterinary care.

Pot-bellied pigs as pets are an increasingly popular choice and they can make absolutely amazing additions to the crew. They aren’t for everyone, though. Before considering a pot-bellied pig as your next pet, it is important to do your research.

Learning the Basics

Before committing to a new porky addition, there are a few basic requirements that you  need to be sure that you meet. Find out the following: 

Am I allowed to keep a pig? — In some jurisdictions pot-bellied pigs are considered livestock. Be sure that the area you live, including your home-owners association if applicable, allow you to keep pot-bellied pigs as pets. How heartbreaking would it be to have to get rid of your pig because you didn’t research first?

Does my home provide a pig-friendly environment?  — Pigs need a little space –  ideally an outdoor area – to root and roll around in that is secure from predator species including dogs. 

Do I have knowledgeable help with my pig?  — Your pig will need veterinary care and you will likely need advice on proper care for your pet. Do you know who you will turn to? (Hint:  Drs. Rosen and Anderson are happy to help you with all of your pot-bellied pig questions)

How will I transport my pig?  — Pigs occasionally must be transported to the vet and other places. Do you have a vehicle large enough and appropriate for a pig passenger? Keep in mind that Shiloh Veterinary Hospital comes to you!

Consider, too, that a pot-bellied pig is a long time commitment. These adorable creatures live up to fifteen years, not reaching their mature size until between three and five years of age. It can also be difficult to know how big your pig will become as genetics can be somewhat complicated. There are no guarantees, no matter what your pig’s breeder may claim. 

Caring for Pot-Bellied Pigs

Pot-bellied pigs aren’t dogs, and it is important to remember that fact. Pigs, no matter how well-trained, will always act like pigs. This means that they often strive for dominance and may have aggressive tendencies with you, other pets, or children in the home.

Pigs are also very social animals. Most do best with another piggy pal in the home, begging the question – do you have the time, space, and resources for two pigs?

Some basic care is the same from species to species, however there are some special considerations when it comes to pigs. 

• Pigs need mental and physical stimulation and can be very demanding of your attention.
• Pigs can be destructive and mischievous – secure fencing is a must!
• Regular hoof and tusk trims are required.
• Pigs enjoy the outdoors and should have a yard to explore with shade and a pool to wallow in.
• Rooting is a normal piggy behavior that is adorable but may make a mess of your home, their feeding and watering area, and the yard.
• Nutrition is important due to pig’s fast growth rates. A balanced, pelleted feed should make up most of a pig’s diet with grazing intake considered in total calorie allotment. 
• It is generally recommended to spay or neuter pot-bellied pigs around 3 months of age. 

A Few Considerations

Having pot-bellied pigs as pets can be an incredibly worthwhile and rewarding experience. They are extremely smart and can be endearingly affectionate, these guys and gals are truly amazing animals! 

Owning pigs isn’t for everyone, but there are plenty of rescues and sanctuaries in California where you can get your porcine fix if needed. 

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The tiniest members of our families may not always be cats or dogs. In fact, the number of pet owners that are bringing unusual and wonderful exotic pets into their families seems to be increasing! Small mammals like guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets, birds of all varieties, reptiles and amphibians, and other exotic pets are a popular choice for those who seek the unique. 

Exotic pets make excellent pets, but their care is different from other domestic animals. The Shiloh Veterinary Hospital team is here to put a spotlight on exotic pet care and veterinary examinations for the best health and wellbeing of your pet.

Exotic Pet Care 101

Exotic pets are a great choice for those with an interest in non-standard pets. They are perfect for those with allergies to dogs and cats, and tend to be easier to manage in an apartment or shared space. 

But what separates exotic pets from other domestic pets is the fact that they, aside from certain birds, live shorter lives and are much more fragile than cats and dogs. Without the right husbandry, or care, they become susceptible to illness and disease. 

The very basics of exotic care is really getting to know your pet’s needs, which are different from species to species.

Here are some important suggestions for caring for these unusual companions:

• Ensure that your pet’s enclosure is the right size and temperature for their species. Some pets, like reptiles and amphibians, require a heat lamp or matt. Give enough room in the enclosure for movement and ease in getting around and place the enclosure in a draft-free area of the home.  
• Keep enclosure clean by changing bedding or newspaper frequently to prevent bacteria and potential infection or illness.
• Enrichment for your pet is a must. Keep them active and interested by placing things like faux plants, things to hide in, mirrors, wheels and other toys (small mammals), and items that are appropriate for their species. Never put too small items that can be ingested and choked on in the enclosure, since this can cause an intestinal obstruction or choking.
• Keep water bottles and dishes clean and free of debris. Clean bowls and bottles in the microwave to sterilize them or in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
• Handling your pet also requires extra vigilance in keeping both them and you safe from disease. Reptiles, avian species, and some amphibians carry salmonella and e. Coli, so washing your hands before and after handling is imperative.
• The correct diet is essential for exotics to keep them healthy. Use the prescribed diet for your species and supplement with fresh leafy greens and certain fruit (for some).

Exotic Wellness Exams

Consistent wellness care is important for all pets, but your pet may require extra exams each year. This is because most exotics have shorter lifespans and their health may change more frequently than that of cats or dogs. Because exotic pets are easily stressed, having a veterinarian who is experienced in treating small mammals and exotics is important to their comfort and safety during an examination.

Some of the components of an exotic wellness exam include:

• Visual and physical examination
• Dental exam
• Blood draw for complete diagnostic testing
• Nail and/or beak trim
• Nutritional consultation

We will also help instruct you on at home care and answer any questions you may have about your special pet. These exams are typically done once a year, but sometimes more frequently when a pet is older or more delicate with their health status.

If you have any questions about exotic pet care, or would like to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to call. 

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