Birds groom themselves almost constantly: they clean themselves, sharpen their beaks and bite. But sometimes our feathered friends need a little help.
At first, have a veterinarian trim the claws so you can see how it works. You will soon get the hang of it and be able to do it yourself with a pair of claw clippers.
The beak is a different story. To allow the bird to wear down its beak itself, the perches in its cage should be made of natural wood. It is important that the perches are of different thicknesses and heights so that the bird can position its beak differently and achieve different levels of abrasion. This allows the beak to wear down in a "natural" way. You can also place small branches and/or whetstones in the aviary to help with abrasion. There are also toys and even snacks that are designed to help keep the beak in shape. If the beak still becomes too long or appears very cracked, a visit to the vet is essential. Please do not shorten your bird's beak yourself with claw clippers, as you could cause too much damage.
To keep the beak supple, you can apply appropriate oils. A deformed beak is not a good sign – in this case, please visit your vet and have the cause checked. Beak mites, for example, are a danger to birds. Protective cream or a wound healing cream can help; your vet will advise you accordingly. It is therefore important that you take a closer look at your birds from time to time.
Even if your bird looks like a plucked chicken one day or is constantly picking at its feathers, there is no way around a trip to the vet. You can make an appointment directly via petsXL.
As a general rule, it is better to take preventive measures once too often and enjoy a healthy, happy bird for a long time!
You've probably heard sayings like these before: Cats only see their owners as "can openers"! Cats aren't dogs, waiting to serve their masters... But cats can learn rules too.
One of the horses in your stable has a fever and nasal discharge. This is not necessarily cause for concern, as it could just be a harmless cold. But a few days later, three more horses in the stable have exactly the same symptoms. It is noticeable that all affected horses have severely swollen lymph nodes on their heads. By now, at the latest, the veterinarians who have been called in are alert, because this respiratory disease is obviously very contagious. Swab samples are sent to the laboratory and the suspicion is quickly confirmed. It is strangles, a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract in horses. Even though the disease is not notifiable or reportable, stable owners and horse owners should now act carefully to prevent further spread.
Age is not a disease. We all get older and our bodies show signs of wear and tear. Some of us age faster than others, while others stay fit a little longer. Our horses are similar. From a certain age onwards, the signs can become increasingly noticeable. But this is no reason for us horse owners to get nervous. With keen observation skills and a little support, our beloved animals can grow old in good health.
Horses are flight animals. They need their sense of sight to spot enemies as quickly as possible. We therefore sometimes have to battle our favorite's instincts, because a horse sees—and flees.
Sarcoid is the most common tumor in horses worldwide. It is a connective tissue tumor involving the skin that does not form metastases in internal organs but often recurs after surgical removal. It is therefore referred to as a semi-malignant tumor. Horses of all breeds and ages are affected, as well as donkeys and mules.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is currently the most dangerous disease affecting rabbits. It is caused by a virus and causes blood clotting disorders (hemorrhagic = bleeding, causing hemorrhages). It is highly contagious and occurs worldwide in both domestic and wild rabbits. The infectious disease was first described in China in 1984, which is why it is also known as Chinese disease. Young animals and unvaccinated adult animals are particularly at risk.
Horseback riding is a wonderful hobby, especially with your own horse! When humans and animals form a strong team, you develop a completely different connection than when you are "jumping" from one horse to the next at a riding school. But how can you find happiness with a permanent horse partner if you can't afford to buy your own horse? Or if you can't find the time to devote to a horse on your own? A riding partnership could be the best decision for you and your horse.
Malassezia dermatitis is a skin disease caused by yeast fungi, which often manifests itself in dogs as an outer ear infection but can also affect the entire body.
Echocardiography refers to the ultrasound examination of the heart, which is used in the diagnosis of heart disease. This requires a special ultrasound device and a veterinary practice specializing in cardiac ultrasound.
Horse ears come in different sizes, depending on breed and genetics. They usually feel soft and fluffy – but not every horse likes to have its early warning system touched. If you are a horse owner and your horse lets you stroke its fluffy ears, this is actually a sign that your horse trusts you. The horse's ear is something very special.
Basically, senior cats are just like people who are getting on in years: not everything works as well as it did when they were young. They have a few aches and pains, and sometimes, unfortunately, serious illnesses. And everything can slow down a little. It happens gradually: age becomes more and more noticeable over the years. Some cats age earlier, while others remain young and fit for longer. In any case, the aging process can be accompanied by good care.
Gerbils are sociable pets that are fun to watch as they go about their business. But they also need attention. Before you know it, these little speedsters can jump out of their enclosure with a high leap.
