In Hong Kong, many owners treat “turtles” as entry-level exotic pets, but aquatic turtles actually have high demands regarding their environment, temperature, lighting, and nutrition. If kept in improper conditions, they are prone to serious problems such as respiratory infections (pneumonia), reproductive organ or rectal prolapse, refusal to eat (anorexia),
Seeing a dog constantly scratching, licking its paws, or rubbing its body day and night is a scene that causes distress and worry for every owner. A dog “itching” and “losing fur” are two of the most common reasons for visiting a veterinary clinic. However, “itching” and “hair loss” are
What is Pica? Why Do Pets Swallow Foreign Objects? Pica refers to the repetitive consumption of non-food items (cloth, plastic, string, toys, etc.). Pica may be associated with anxiety, boredom, competitive/stealing behavior, or medical factors (such as chronic intestinal disease, nutritional problems). Research suggests that chronic intestinal disease can be
Why You Must Take Dog Fights Seriously Fights often happen in a matter of seconds. Small dogs face a higher risk of injury when confronted by large dogs. Bite wounds are puncture wounds, often introducing oral bacteria directly into deep tissue, which can lead to complications such as cellulitis and
Environmental Control: UVB, Temperature/Humidity Gradients, and Ventilation Chameleons are extremely sensitive to light and their environment. A UVB light source is used to synthesize vitamin D3, which helps with calcium absorption. Light tubes should be replaced regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The cage should be set up with a
What Are Exotic Pets? Exotic pets generally refer to non-canine and non-feline animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets, as well as reptiles like turtles, lizards, and snakes, and amphibians. These animals are becoming increasingly popular in Hong Kong, but their physiology and wild habits vary, requiring specialized
Why New Owners Should Know About “Hamster Vets” and Exotic Pet Clinics Hamsters fall under the category of exotic pets. They are small, have a fast metabolism, and are skilled at hiding discomfort. In addition to learning about daily care, new owners should also familiarize themselves with “hamster vets” and
Common Hamster Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Attention Hamsters are small and tend to hide discomfort, so owners must pay attention to early warning signs. Common illnesses include wet tail, respiratory infections, overgrown teeth, skin problems, and gastrointestinal issues. Common symptoms include decreased appetite, reduced activity, hiding in a
Guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C. A deficiency can lead to swollen joints, loss of appetite, a rough coat, and a weakened immune system. Vitamin C Deficiency: Symptoms and SupplementationVitamin C deficiency is common in guinea pigs, with symptoms including loss of appetite, painful and swollen joints, bleeding
Hedgehogs (African hedgehogs) have become popular exotic pets in recent years, but they can suffer from neurological diseases like “Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome” (WHS) and skin mite infestations. Early symptom identification and appropriate treatment are crucial. Common Neurological Disease: Wobbly Hedgehog SyndromeWHS is a neurodegenerative disease that typically begins in hedgehogs
