As veterinarians, we understand that caring for a pet bird can be both rewarding and challenging. Pet birds come in a variety of sizes, colors, and personalities, and each requires a specific type of care.

As veterinarians, it's our job to ensure prospective exotic pet owners know how to properly care for and distinguish between certain animals. The last thing we’d ever want is for someone to adopt a pet and then lose them due to improper care!

The birth of a foal is an extraordinary experience to witness, but it also comes with heightened anxiety for the horse owner. With an average gestation period of approximately 340 days, many questions can arise over such a long period — especially for an owner foaling for the first time. From ensuring proper care of the pregnant mare to monitoring closely as the due date approaches, there are several steps to take that will ensure a smooth process for both the expectant mother and the horse owner.

Guinea pigs have long been popular companion animals—especially for kids— and it's easy to see why. They're gentle, social creatures that are relatively easy to care for, and they have fun and adorable personalities that make them a joy to have around.

Owning horses is a wonderful experience. Sharing your life with a horse (or an entire herd!) is very rewarding, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. Simply having a deep love for these majestic creatures isn't enough. You must also understand their needs and have the financial means to keep up with those needs. And, of course, you'll need to have the time and energy to dedicate to caring for your equine companion.

Every dog owner has the best of intentions when it comes to their dog’s health. It goes without saying that they want their dogs to be happy and healthy, enjoying their years to the fullest. The thing is, dog wellness is multifaceted, covering exams, vaccinations, nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation. Because it can feel overwhelming to busy owners, critical elements of their dog’s well-being can be overlooked.

Doggos. Need we say more? Probably not, but we will because, sigh—aren’t they just the best? Admit it - you even love their funky smells, including that stinky breath and those paws which inexplicably smell like Frito’s. As Author of tearjerker Marley & Me, John Grogan, says, “Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.” Need a tissue? We get it.

Blood tests are an easy, safe, and relatively inexpensive way to peer inside your pets and find potential health problems. Analysis of the numbers and structure of blood cells is important in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease and infection. These tests can help us identify a problem before clinical signs or symptoms appear. But what exactly are we looking for when we do a blood draw on dogs and cats?