Every individual, regardless of species, has their own preferred optimum temperature range (POTR). For pet reptiles and amphibians, achieving their POTR is essential to their physical and mental well-being. Without the ability to generate their own heat, these exotic pets rely on external heat sources. It makes sense then to think that reptiles and amphibians would enjoy some time in the summer heat. It’s a great opportunity, but allowing an exotic pet to experience the full splendor of the season should be done under caution and constant supervision. Cold-Blooded Pets When reptiles and amphi ..read more

It’s time to dive head-first into summer fun, and if your plans include lazy days by a swimming pool with your pet, you’ve come to the right place! At Ten West Bird & Animal Hospital, we want you to fully enjoy the summer season with your pets by your side, so we’ve put together some swimming pool safety tips to protect your furry friends around the swimming pool this summer. Dogs are Naturally Good Swimmers, Right? You might be tempted to assume that all dogs are good swimmers, after all, they have a swimming technique named for them! But not so fast. Both dogs and cats do have instincti ..read more

Ferrets require more care and attention than a pocket pet like a hamster, but they need less indoor and outdoor space than a dog. Their diet and habitat requirements are pretty specific, and they have that distinctive musky aroma that is just part of who they are! Basically, ferrets are not for every family. But if you’re ready to welcome a spunky, curious, social, and intelligent critter into your home, read on to learn more about the basics of ferret care. A Safe and Cozy Habitat Because their bursts of energy are high, ferrets do tend to sleep quite a bit between play and socialization tim ..read more

It starts with a strange whiff coming from your pet’s mouth. Then, over time, that odor gets stronger and is accompanied by odd behaviors. Before you know it, your pet won’t eat and withdraws from previously enjoyed activities. These are common signs of periodontal disease, a serious condition that often results in tooth extractions for dogs and cats.  What to Look For At every wellness visit, we inspect the appearance of the teeth and gums. Depending on the level of visible tartar build up, a professional cleaning under anesthesia may be recommended. This service not only reduces the ch ..read more

You can often tell how good a cat feels by virtue of their coat’s appearance. A full, shiny, thick fur coat is certainly a sign of health, just as a dry, flaky, crusty coat signals that something is off. And while all cats self-groom (some more than others, of course), not all cats cough up those sticky, tubular balls of absolute yuckiness. Cat hairballs are widely perceived as normal, but if they happen more than 1-2 times a year it may be time to investigate what’s truly going on. A Learned Behavior Kittens learn the art of self-grooming from their mothers, but they don’t really excel at th ..read more

Pets might appear happy and healthy, but just the opposite could be the case. Most pets are adept at eluding the keen observations of their owners, instinctually masking any signs that they are ill or injured. This is why pet wellness care is so important. These exams can detect problems early, and increase the odds of a good prognosis.  Everything Is Fine Many of us go through life assuming we are fine until we are in need of urgent care. This same is true for pets. Pet wellness exams provide the chance to get to know a pet. Establishing a healthy baseline not only helps us maintain the ..read more

The holiday season is a time of joy, festivities, and sharing delicious meals with our loved ones. As pet owners, it’s only natural that we want our furry companions to partake in the celebrations. However, it’s essential to be aware that not all holiday foods are safe for our pets. At 10 West Bird & Animal Hospital, we prioritize your pets’ well-being, so we’re here to guide you through the potential hazards of toxic holiday foods for pets. Chocolate and Sweets: A No-Go Zone for Your Pets We all know how tempting it is to indulge in holiday chocolates and sweets. However, chocolate conta ..read more

Just because you suffer from allergies doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get to enjoy a four-legged friend. Depending on the situation, dogs for people with allergies exist, and Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital is all about helping people and pets connect! Pet Allergies and People Allergies to pets are not uncommon (as many as 10-20% of people have them), but not everyone has been formally diagnosed. You might be allergic to pets if you suffer from allergic symptoms including: Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Itchy, watery eyes Congestion Cough Wheezing Rash or hives An allergist can help you t ..read more

If we could, we’d take our pets everywhere. Unfortunately, most animals aren’t cut out for a weekend in Las Vegas or a work trip full of seminars. It’s never easy to leave your pet behind, but when you feel you’ve made the right decision for their care, safety and comfort, you can hopefully have some peace of mind. There are pros and cons to nearly every tough decision, and we can help you choose between boarding your pet or hiring a sitter. Long Before You Go The best way to approach this situation is to conduct a search long before you absolutely have to leave town. Give yourself plenty of ..read more

Are you bringing home a feathered friend for the first time? You’re in for a treat! The bond between a bird and its pet parent can be one of the strongest in the world of pet parenting. But providing appropriate husbandry care for birds takes some effort. If you’ve never cared for a domesticated bird before, learning avian husbandry care is key. The team at 10 West Bird & Animal Hospital would like to share the basics of setting your bird up with a perfect home environment.  Pet Bird Care 101 1. Bird Cage Basics A bird cage should be big enough for your bird to walk around or stretch ..read more