|

Small
animals, dogs and cats for Adoption at the Hollister
Animal Shelter, as well as lost pets, are now
listed on the Pet Harbor web site.
Please
click on the link below and follow the simple
instructions to view all our amazing animals...

Reptile
Handling
As
with many other animals, reptiles carry Salmonella
bacteria which can make people sick. To reduce
the chance of infection, follow these safe reptile
handling steps.
- Always was your hands thoroughly after you handle
your pet reptile, its food and anything it has
touched.
- Keep your pet reptile in a habitat designed
for it; don't let it roam around the home.
-
Keep your pet reptile and its equipment out of
the kitchen or any area where food is prepared.
-
Don't nuzzle or kiss your pet reptile.
-
Keep reptiles out of homes where there are children
under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune
systems. Children under 5 should handle reptiles
only with adult/parental guidance. And they should
always remember to wash their hands afterwards.
**
Taken from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A
Quick Guide to Rabbit Care...
...because bunnies need more than carrots
and a cage.
Rabbits
are intelligent, social, and cute animals who
make wonderful companions. The problem is, too
many people think of them as "low-maintenance"
pets, when in reality they require lots of care
and attention. Whether you've had a pet bunny
for years or are about to bring one home for the
first time, follow these simple guidelines to
keep your rabbit happy and healthy.
Caging.
Like
all companion animals, rabbits should be kept
inside with the family. Although rabbits should
be given supervised run of the house, they need
a place of their own for security and quiet time.
Rabbits' cages should be spacious to give them
room to exercise and stretch out. For a 6-pound
rabbit, the cage should be at least 24-inches
wide by 18-inches high by 24-inches deep. A large
cage, however, is no substitute for socialization
and running time around the house.
Housetraining and Bunny-proofing.
You
can help make housetraining easier for your rabbit
by placing a litter box inside the cage and at
least one outside the cage, too. Before you let
your bunny run around the house, make sure all
electrical cords are concealed. Rabbits are natural
chewers, so give them chewing material to deter
them from chewing furnishings.
Handling.
If you have children, supervise them with the
rabbit and make sure they never pick the rabbit
up by the ears or let the body hang (a rabbit's
weight must always be supported with another hand).
A rabbit's natural instinct is to be close to
the ground, so try sitting on the floor until
your rabbit becomes more comfortable being handled.
Feeding.
Provide your rabbit with
fresh water daily, and clean the water bottle
frequently. When feeding your rabbit, remember
that moderation is the key. A rabbit's diet should
consist of a reputable brand of pellets; greens
such as parsley, dandelion greens, and carrot
tops; and small quantities of snacks such as golden
raisins, shredded wheat, and dried bread. Never
feed your rabbit lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, or
table scraps; these foods can cause bloat and
diarrhea. Make sure your bunny has fresh hay available
at all times for chewing and roughage.
Health Concerns.
Bunnies have sensitive
respiratory and digestive systems. Because rabbits
cannot vomit and are susceptible to fatal blockage,
it is essential they be fed a proper diet and
be groomed regularly to prevent hair balls (use
special grooming tools, never scissors). Because
your rabbit's teeth grow continuously and are
susceptible to a condition called malocclusion
(improper bite), you must check the teeth regularly.
To learn more about rabbit health concerns, consult
your veterinarian.
Spaying and Neutering.
Spaying
or neutering your rabbit not only helps fight
rabbit overpopulation, but also improves litter
box habits, corrects chewing behavior, and decreases
territorial aggression. Have your rabbit sterilized
between 3 1/2 and 6 months of age by a veterinarian
experienced in rabbit care and surgery.
Supplies.
Housing: roomy cage, resting board, litter box,
pellet bowl or feeder, water bottle, chewing material
(such as untreated wood approved for rabbits).
Foods: fresh pellets, fresh water, limited treats
(veggies, fruit, barley, oats, crackers), hay
(for chewing and to aid digestion), multiple enzymes
(to aid digestion and prevent blockage), and petroleum
laxative (for passing hair). Grooming: flea comb,
brush, and toenail clippers. Cleaning supplies:
dust-free litter (or paper-product litter), scoop,
broom/dustpan, white vinegar (for urine accidents),
and chlorine bleach (for disinfecting).
Rabies Information
Center for Disease Control Rabies Information
Center for Disease Control Rabies and Kids Information
School of Veterinary Medicine Rabies Information
Rabies Vaccination Information
Feral Cats and Rabies
|