Posts Tagged health

10 Foods You Shouldn’t Feed Your Bunny

Posted by Animal Spirit on Thursday, 12 November, 2009

bunny rabbit eating nom nom nom

A rabbit’s diet should consist mostly of hay (alfalfa, timothy or oat), pellets, vegetables and water. However there are some plants that are toxic to rabbits.

  1. Nuts
  2. Beans
  3. Tomato (leaves an vines)
  4. Indian Hemp
  5. Oak (acorns, foliage)
  6. Wild Carrots
  7. Apple seeds
  8. Rhubarb leaves
  9. Eucalyptus
  10. Coffee beans



For a complete list of toxic foods, see the list on rabbit.org

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Sandboxing Your Bunny.

Posted by Animal Spirit on Wednesday, 11 November, 2009

bunny rabbit in the grass

Much like a kitty, your bunny rabbit can do her business in a litter-box. It is vital to use the correct lining and dispose of the waste regularly. An unhealthy litter-box can lead to health problems such as kidney disease.

Documented scientific research has already shown that aromatic softwood beddings are potent enough to alter biological functions of the liver.

– Vesell, E.S. (1967) Induction of Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Liver Microsomes of Mice and Rats by softwood bedding. Science. 157, 1058

Good lining choices are:

  • Paper pulp
  • Dry grass pellets
  • Peat Moss (though it’s very smelly) Compressed sawdust pellets
  • Straw (chnge regularly)

Unhealthy lining choices:

  • Silica gel litters
  • Pine shavings Chemical sand.
  • Corn cob
  • Clay




Source: rabbit.org

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You Can Fix That Bunny

Posted by Animal Spirit on Wednesday, 4 November, 2009

bunny in the grass

The other day I was wondering if you could spay and neuter rabbits, this is what I found out about pet rabbits.

As far as veterinary care goes your bunny will need to be de-wormed and vaccinated. The vet should also regularly check the weight of your rabbit as well as for dental problems.

It seems that you can spay and neuter your rabbit and that this could also prevent reproductive cancers. “Fixed” rabbits will also be calmer and less destructive.

Many vets are not experienced with performing this procedure, so you should check that your vet has spayed and neutered bunnies before.

You can spay a female bunny at around 4-6 months of age and a male rabbit at around 3.5 – 5months (as soon as the testicle have ascended).

It is not recommended to breed your rabbits, as many health complications can occur.

Source: Rabbit.org

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Chihuahua

Posted by Animal Spirit on Monday, 28 September, 2009

chihuahua dog on sofa

The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed. It is of Mexican origin and got its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The State borders the USA, which is how Chihuahuas got introduced to the US.

Chihuahuas are delicate little dogs and are very popular among lovers of miniature pets. They have become somewhat of a fashion accessory amongst celebrities; Paris Hilton carries her Chihuahua in her designer handbag.

The modern Chihuahua breed is thought to have originated in the 1800s. They breed was recognized by the American Kennel club since 1904.

Chihuahuas can vary in size, but on average are 15 – 25 cm heigh. The show-standard for weight is 1.5 –3 kg, but pet Chihuahuas can weigh more.

They have thin legs and may at times appear shaky. They have larger pointy ears and sharp noses giving their heads a deer (bokkie) like appearance.

Coats come in longhair or shorthair and a variety of colours. Some kennel clubs disqualifies the Merle (spotted) colour pattern, since it was not traditionally accepted for the breed and is possibly related to genetic problems. The longhair variety surprisingly sheds less than the shorthair and requires less grooming than other longhaired dogs.

The breed requires special veterinary care and is the only dog breed to be born without a complete skull. The gap in the skull will close, as the dog grows older. The breed is also prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), epilepsy, seizures, hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and eye infections. To combat hypoglycemia your doggy should eat small regular meals.

Chihuahuas are alert, energetic and territorial dogs. They usually choose one person to bond with and will be protective and jealous if others get attention from their human. They prefer the company of their own kind above other breeds. They are not usually well suited for little children.

A Chihuahua can be a good choice if you have limited space, but they require special care. They are well-suited to the South African climate. Be responsible when buying (or adopting) a dog and remember that they are living creatures; not fashion accessories!





Source: Wikipedia

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Human Foods That Can Harm Your Dog.

Posted by Animal Spirit on Tuesday, 15 September, 2009

dog eating from dogfood bag

Just because your dog will eat it or seems to like the taste, it doesn’t mean these foods are good for them. Dog also love attention, so they might eat certain foods when you feed them, but not when they see them lying on the ground. Human food can be unhealthy for dogs and even toxic. Here are some foods to avoid feeding your dog:



*chocolateChocolate (also coffee or anything with caffeine)
The chemical stimulants in these human foods are too much for your doggy’s system. They can lead to heart-irregularities, bleeding, hallucinations, seizures and death.

*Beer (the hops in beer is also harmful to dogs), alcohol, marijuana or drugs:
Can result in intoxication, heart-irregularities and death.

*Onions or garlic:garlic
Can cause anemia

*Grapes and raisins:
Can cause kidney damage.

macadamia nuts*Macadamia nuts and walnuts:
Poisonous to dogs.

*Bones – especially fish or chicken bones.
Might obstruct breathing or pierce organs.

*Fruit pips:
Can obstruct digestion. Some pips when chewed release a substance poisonous to dogs.

lollipop candy*Xylitol (A sugar-alcohol used in sugar-free gum and candy)
Might cause liver damage. But don’t give your pet a lot or sugar either because it might cause diabetes.

*Raw dough containing yeast.
It will swell up in the dog’s stomach

*Cat food
Contains too much protein and fat for a dog’s system

*Dairy milk in glass
Dogs and cats are lactose intolerant.

*Raw eggs and fish (especially salmon))
Can spread salmonella. Fish also has other parasites which are harmless to humans, but bad for dogs.

*Human medications.
Ask your vet for medicine suited to your dog.



Some people say raw meat is dangerous (salmonella etc), whilst other seem to believe that dogs should be eating raw meat, since that is what they would eat naturally

In general if you’re not sure about a human food, don’t give it to your dog. Don’t give your dog junk food. Ask the vet about human foods that are okay for dogs. Don’t give your dogs foods that are off or mouldy that you wouldn’t eat yourself.

Stick to a good quality dog food that is especially formulated to give dogs the nutrients they need. You could also look at dog food labels to see what ingredients they contain. For instance some dog foods contain rice, so you can in most cases give your dogs rice. They can also eat peanut butter, which is useful for keeping them busy. Don’t overfeed your dog. Ask your vet about proper nutrition.





Sources:  Wikipedia,    Pet education

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