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Mia Carter's BlogPosted by Mia Carter On October 12, 2008, I received this question from a reader of How Old is My Orphaned Baby Squirrel?: "I have two baby squirrels that fell out of a tree five weeks ago. No mother around.The boy is a mess and plays constantly, but the girl refused to take her formula or even her apple yesterday. The girl has a rapid heart beat and sits with her head down. I hope my vet will look at her tomorrow. Is there anything I can give her tonight in case she has something in her lungs? I don't want to loose her. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Dianne." Thanks for your question, Dianne. You're right that she may have aspirated some of her formula, resulting in a lung infection or pneumonia - a relatively common situation with these little baby squirrels. It's also possible that she's gotten sick due to her young not-quite-developed immune system. Either way, I agree that a vet visit as soon as possible is the best course of action. In the meantime, there are a few supportive measures that you can try to keep her in good condition until she makes it to the veterinarian. Firstly, I would try again to get her to eat. Make the formula a little more concentrated than normal and try to hand feed her. You don't really need her cooperation for this - you open her mouth slightly and place formula on her tongue, one drop at a time - no more, or you'll risk putting her in a situation where she could inhale the formula. But one drop at a time is relatively safe and the calories will prevent her from going downhill too quickly. You may also try tempting her with other fruits or veggies or nuts that are new to her - this can work on occasion. We do want her to eat, if possible. I would also work to keep her warm. So I'd warm up a Squirrel Buddy (click here for directions) and keep her with a heating pad or heating lamp (which she should have until she's around 11-12 weeks anyways.) Now, her breathing can indicate one of two things. Heavy breathing can be due to a physical problem with the lungs, like an infection. Or it can be due to stress that's brought on by an illness. Only a veterinarian can tell by listening to her chest and she may require x-rays as well, if he suspects pneumonia. To help her breathing, we want to keep her in warm, moist air. If you have a humidifier, turn it on right near where she sleeps. If not, I'd try two things: I'd get a few wet towels and hang them near her cage - they will add water to the air as they dry. And I would try to get her into a steamy bathroom for about 20 minutes every three hours or so. If you can move her cage into the bathroom and keep it there overnight, with the door closed and running the shower periodically to steam up the air, this is even better. This will help her to breathe easier. You can also check out my tips for caring for a sick rat - rats are very prone to respiratory problems and the supportive care measures are essentially the same for rats and squirrels when it comes to breathing problems. I hope your little girl squirrel makes a speedy and full recovery! And of course, you can check out other squirrel care articles on my Baby Squirrel Care Page. Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter On October 10, 2008, a reader of Care for an Orphaned Baby Squirrel asked the following question: "Hi there! I too have a baby squirrel courtesy of Hurricane Ike. She seems very healthy and eats well but seems to have at least 1 if not 2 bum eyes. One eye has a glaze over it and I'm pretty sure she can't see out of it and I am beginning to wonder about her other eye. I've raised baby squirrels before and this one is acting very different. I really don't think she can see me. I can almost poke her in her eye before she blinks and I think she feels me almost at her eye and doesn't see me. Anyhow, can you give me some hints at what I can look for to determine if she is blind or not? I figure she's 6-7 weeks old and otherwise healthy. (She explores some, but not very much and seems to go to the same places after each exploration, like she's memorizing the area. She just yesterday began walking off of a towel on the floor. She holds her head down to the ground a lot and scoots most places she's never been.) The more I write this down the more I think I'm answering my own questions. Suggestions?" This is a great question. And I think you're right - it does sound like she has at least a moderate degree of blindness. Often, orphaned baby squirrels are physically handicapped as a result of the situation that led to their orphaning (i.e. a fall from the nest or attack from a predator). In other cases, baby squirrels are thrown out of the nest when a parent squirrel detects a physical handicap or illness - I know it sounds a bit cruel, but nature is often "cruel" by human standards. A blind or otherwise handicapped squirrel will not reach adulthood in the wild, so throwing it from the nest is the mother squirrel's way of speeding up the inevitable, while giving her other healthy babies a better chance at survival (more food to go around, more room in the nest, etc.) That said, it does sound like this little squirrel is sight-impaired, if not completely blind. The cloudiness in the eye that you describe could be one of a few things. It could be cataracts, which can be inherited and therefore can appear in young animals, as well as elderly animals. Cataracts are certainly treatable, and this would enable her to be released into the wild, providing she has at least some sight at the beginning of her life. A baby squirrel (or any other animal for that matter) whose eyes never experience vision will loose the ability for vision as time progresses. If unused from day one, the portion of the squirrel's brain that oversees vision will not develop and the squirrel will loose the capability for vision. It's also possible that the clouding in her eyes is due to some sort of scarring or infectious process - it's difficult to determine the precise situation without a visit to the veterinarian. The behaviors you suggest are very consistent with a vision impairment in your squirrel, though I should note that squirrels, like all other animals, learn to adapt over time. They will use their other senses, like hearing and smell to compensate. So much so that it's difficult to tell if an animal is blind. I have two blind dogs and you'd never guess they were blind unless I told you. The degree of compensation from other senses is incredible. Testing for Vision To confirm whether an animal is blind, a visit to the veterinarian is essential. The veterinarian will have the ability to look inside the eyes at the inner structures, in addition to performing some basic tests if it's suspected that there is at least some vision capability present. Here's a few tests you can try at home - it's not a diagnosis, but it will give you a better idea of her visual abilities. I learned these through my work with special needs animals, which includes several blind or partially blind animals who are currently in my care.
Blindness in an Orphaned Baby Squirrel For obvious reasons, a blind or sight-imparied squirrel cannot be released into the wild. So alternate arrangements will need to be made to keep the squirrel in a captive situation, either as a pet or in a wildlife sanctuary. In fairness, all available options should be explored with the squirrel's best interest in mind. It can be tempting to just keep the squirrel as a pet, but this is not always the best option. When considering making a squirrel a "pet," I urge squirrel caretakers to at least visit a wildlife sanctuary and research it as an option. I should also reiterate that all orphaned squirrels should be examined by a veterinarian prior to release into the wild. Problems like partial blindness and other physical disabilities that would make living in the wild dangerous, if not impossible, and these problems are not always this obvious. And after spending so much time rehabilitating and caring for an animal, it would be a shame to release her into a situation where she's doomed to failure and very unlikely to survive. Visit my Squirrel Care Page for more articles on squirrel care, more answers to baby squirrel questions, and more. Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter On October 7, 2008, a reader of Pet Food Recall Issued by Pedigree, asked this question: "I purchased by Pedigree Puppy food in GA and the data below 'best before' is not readable. I can read the date, but not the numbers on the second line. My puppy is experiencing some looser, more liquid stools, but no other symptoms. Is this food the culprit? Best advice?" This is a great question that I'm sure many other pet owners have encountered, since packaging tends to undergo all sorts of wear and tear while in transit, making print faded or illegible in some cases. Fortunately, Mars Petcare has issued a complete list of the UPC code numbers for all of the recalled pet foods, so pet owners can check their pet's food against this list to determine if their pet's food may be involved in the recall. The list of recalled pet food UPC code numbers can be found on the Mars Petcare website. Diarrhea - defined as looser-than-normal stools of varying degrees - is a key sign of salmonella, but it can also be attributed to many other fairly benign causes, such as nerves, eating "people food," or eating any other sort of unfamiliar food item, including a different than usual pet food. This is a case where I would recommend taking the conservative route: I'd stop feeding the Pedigree and I'd switch to a bland diet of plain white rice and boiled hamburger meat (with the fat strained away) and I'd serve this for several days to allow the digestive system to settle. If the symptoms do not improve within 12-18 hours of stopping the kibble, or if the symptoms are getting worse, I'd seek immediately veterinary attention. Sometimes, a few days of a homemade bland diet is all that's needed to get a pet back on track. For more information, visit the Pet Food Recall Page to learn more about the salmonella-related pet food recalls, how to handle possibly-tainted food, salmonella and the upcoming melamine testing that will soon get underway on pet food in Asia. Posted by Mia Carter On October 6, 2008, a reader of Pet Food Recall Issued by Pedigree asked this question: "I had Pedigree dog food with 'PAE' on the label and returned it to Costco. I stored the dog food in big metal can (used for this purpose). Obviously, I emptied it and threw out the old dog food. What is best way to sanitize this can so I can reuse with the new dry dog food?" This is a great question. So good, in fact, that I wrote a new article to address the question of how to properly clean a container that stored recalled pet food that is possibly tainted with salmonella. With the pet food recall affecting Pedigree and more than a dozen other brands of cat and dog food, there are a few special measures that pet owners should take to ensure that all traces of bacteria that could cause a case of salmonella are killed. I've also written another article concerning proper handling procedures for recalled pet food, which may be of interest to pet owners who suspect they've purchased recalled Pedigree or one of the other 13 cat and dog food brands that were included in the recall. For more information on this most recent pet food recall, visit my Pet Food Recall Page, with information on the Pedigree pet food recall and the more recent expanded pet food recall issued by Mars Petcare, and learn how to recognize the symptoms of salmonella in dogs and cats, how to safely handle possibly tainted pet food and more! Posted by Mia Carter On October 1, 2008, I received the following question from a reader of How Old is My Orphaned Baby Squirrel?: "My name is Marianne and I am the new mommy of a baby squirrel. We found him in the cemetery near our house the other day completely soaked to the bone and almost gone. We bundled the baby up in a soft towel and brought him home. I have been giving him Pedialyte along with kitten formula but he isn't very hungry. He seems to be sleeping a lot in the pet carrier that we put it in. I have a heating pad under a very soft blankie and he likes to curl up in it and have a soft baby towel over it. Am I doing something wrong that it isn't eating as much as it should? It looks like it is about 5-6 weeks old as it's eyes are open. It will move around some and likes to crawl in my lap and my son's lap also. We named it Alex as we aren't sure if it is male or female. if you have any more suggestions and all i would greatly appreciate them. Thank you, Marianne." Thanks for your question, Marianne. It sounds like you're off to a good start with your little squirrel. There are a few small changes in care that I would recommend. Baby Squirrel Age & Feeding Requirements Firstly, I would switch this little guy over to the Esbilac Puppy Formula instead of the kitten variety, as this is better tolerated by baby squirrels. Have you read my articles on determining a squirrel's age? These articles have descriptions of a baby squirrel's features for each of the first twelve weeks of life. This can help you better pinpoint his age. And once we pinpoint his age, we can determine precisely how much he should be eating and how often. If he appears to be eating less than he should, then you can try two things. Firstly, you can purchase the powdered Esbilac Puppy Formula, and you can make it a bit thicker than normal to get him some extra calories. The second way to get him to eat a bit more is to feed him a bit more frequently. Some of these baby squirrels tend to get full a bit faster than they should, so this helps to compensate. Here are the three articles that will help you determine age and proper feeding:
Sleeping and Bedding for a Baby Squirrel In terms of his bedding and sleeping situation, lots of sleeping is perfectly normal. Until around seven weeks of age, baby squirrels spend 95% of their time sleeping and eating - just like a human baby. It's only once their eyes have been open for a week or so that they'll start to explore more and sleep less. You can also throw in a Squirrel Buddy (you'll find Squirrel Buddy directions in this article) or two to help keep him warm, along with a heat lamp aimed inside the carrier - he should be kept around 96 degrees. I would also look into finding a veterinarian who can see this little guy. If he's suffering from intestinal parasites or another not-so-obvious illness, this could explain his poor appetite and failure to thrive. So you'll definitely want to address all of those potential problems with an examination by a vet. It's also good to have a veterinarian on-hand who can assist if an emergency arises, so I recommend calling around to locate someone who will see this baby squirrel. I encourage squirrel caretakers to visit my ever-growing Baby Squirrel Care Page for more information on caring for orphaned baby squirrels. I hope Alex is doing well! Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter On October 3, 2008, I received the following question from a reader of Care for an Orphaned Baby Squirrel: "My family and I have raised squirrels for a while. Several weeks ago we obtained another squirrel about 6 weeks in age. It had fallen from a tree and was dehydrated and weak. The little girl got better and boy is she a spaz! She is definitely not ill now. And I'd say she is about 9 1/2 to 10 weeks old now. I am concerned though. From day 1 she was making sniffling/sneezing sounds and even now continues with them. We thought she had pnemonia, but it looks like she may have a possible respiratory disease? She banged her head in the fall and has a wound on her head. It's healed, but scarred. When we found her she had blood around her nose. I saw an article on the web that said it could be an injury to their teeth. I flipped her over and looked and as far as I see they look normal. Both bottom ones are straight up and together and she has 2 little ones visible at top. They too appear normal. Though, I don't have anything to compare them with. Any idea what is happening to our little Camo?" Signs of a Respiratory Infection in Squirrels It is possible that this little girl squirrel is suffering from a chronic upper respiratory illness, which is slightly different from pneumonia, which affects different structures in the lower portion of the respiratory tract. The discharge is a common symptom of an upper respiratory infection (URI), along with sneezing and coughing. If the blood at the nose is slight, it's possible the constant discharge has had a drying and irritating effect on her nasal passages, essentially leaving them cracked and sensitive and prone to minor bleeding (which will appear more serious than it is sometimes, when the blood is mixed with the other discharge). Treating a Respiratory Infection in Squirrels It's likely that her immune system is fairly robust and it's been keeping the illness in check at a low-level, but it's not something we want to ignore just because it's not acute. This is a situation where I would bring her to the vet for an examination. I would be willing to bet that they will want to prescribe an antibiotic to help her combat the respiratory illness that she's been fighting. This is a case where I would recommend acting as soon as possible, because even though she's been stable, she could go downhill at any time and it could be quickly fatal. So that's something I would definitely get addressed with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Tooth Problems in Squirrels Squirrels, like all other rodents, have teeth that grow continuously - about six inches per year. Injury to the mouth and cheeks can occur when the teeth overgrow, but this is not common in young squirrels. But a problem with a tooth that's not descending properly or a tooth that's abscessed below the gumline could certainly cause symptoms that closely mimic a respiratory illness. So this is another reason why I would recommend a vet visit as soon as possible. One article that you may find helpful is an article I wrote concerning respiratory illness in rats. Their physiology is fairly similar and many of the home treatment techniques for a sick squirrel (i.e. providing lots of food, fluids, a humidifier, shower steam, etc) are essentially the same. I encourage squirrel caretakers to visit my ever-growing Baby Squirrel Care Page for more information on caring for orphaned baby squirrels. Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter On October 4, 2008, I received this question from a reader of my article titled Causes for Itchy, Flaky Skin in Dogs: My one-year-old Shih Zhu is itching and scratching especially at night. She recently got something that looks like ringworm on her back. Vet gave her fluconazole. She's still scratching. I feed her science diet and bathe her with Malaseb every month and a half. I kept her hair short this summer. We checked her for fleas. Vet performed some tests and stated she found some bacteria on site. I don't know what to do. I'm worried about having to leave her alone when I go to work because she will scratch and I won't be there to massage her and keep her busy. I will give her the Omega oil and a little bit of olive oil on her food which I just read. Is there anything else that can help her dry skin especially now in the winter? This question is a prime example of why skin problems are the bane of many veterinarian's existence! Skin problems - just like you describe - are notoriously difficult to remedy and unfortunately, situations like this are not all that uncommon. And it sounds like you're doing essentially everything I would recommend to someone in your situation - so let's look at a couple new avenues here. A couple of things come to mind when reading your post. You said your dog was checked for fleas, and it sounds like she's been treated for a fungal infection (with the fluconazole) and her skin has been cultured as well, since you've determined there is a bacterial infection component to the problem. But has she undergone a skin scraping? Simple procedure where the surface of the skin is scraped and the cells are examined under the microscope for signs of parasites. Not all parasites are visible like fleas - some are tiny and live inside the hair follicle, like demadex. So I'd be sure that this avenue has been fully investigated. It can take a few scraping procedures before the results are conclusive. My overall impression? In my experience, what this dog is experiencing sounds like an allergy. Has she been tried on an anti-histimine medication? It doesn't work for all allergies, but it can make a difference and reduce the itching in many situations. The problem with an allergy is determining precisely what allergen is causing the irritation. Once the allergen is identified, it's a matter of removing the allergen from the equation. So I'd strongly recommend investigating a food allergy in particular - maybe try her on a homemade exclusion diet for a week or two and wait to see if there's any improvement. Here's two articles that will tell you a bit more on the topic of allergies in dogs, exclusion diets, allergy diagnosis, etc: I should also note that a skin allergy would also be consistent with the bacterial component to the equation. When there is itching and scratching, the dog's nails break the skin (often, the damage isn't all that evident to the naked eye). This is then prone to infection and invasion from bacteria. I think if an allergy does not turn out to be the case, I would recommend speaking with your vet about getting a referral to a veterinary dermatologist. A specialist will take a fresh look at the situation and he/she will be able to diagnose the more uncommon and difficult-to-diagnose ailments that many vets - who are more of a general practitioner, rather than a specialist - may not be able to effectively treat. I hope your dog is feeling better soon! Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter As a writer, I understand that writing is an ability that does not always come easily or naturally to many individuals. To help guide new writers and to help existing writers improve, I've assembled this page of resources for student writers and aspiring professional writers. Consider checking out the following resources for students who are looking to write a better term paper, research paper, essay or other written school assignment: Professional writers and aspiring professional writers are sure to enjoy the following articles, which provide basic information on the various types of writing, including writing for the web, newspaper writing, how to write press releases and more:
In addition, professional writers who are writing for newspapers, broadcast or the web are sure to enjoy these articles on libel, how to find paying web writing jobs, how to use Google AdWords to boost web article page views and revenue and other miscellaneous resources:
Do you have a writing-related question or idea for an article? I welcome comments, questions and suggestions on all of my articles and blog entries, so I encourage readers to share their thoughts! Posted by Mia Carter On October 3, 2008, a reader of Care for an Orphaned Baby Squirrel posted the following question: "...My dad found a baby squirrel at a job site that had fell out of a tree and was wandering around, he brought it home, and now we aren't sure what to do with it. He wants to keep it, but isn't that illegal? We're keeping it in our hamsters old cage, with a shoe box and blankets, and their is one of those water bottle things in it, but I'm pretty sure the squirrel doesn't know how to use it, and all it has for food it dry cat food and nuts, which I'm pretty sure it doesn't know how to eat it either, I'm afraid it'll die without proper food/water.. We also haven't taken it to the vet, because dad thinks they'll take it away... it seems healthy..but.. Help?"
The Legalities of Keeping a Baby Squirrel So, generally speaking, it is not illegal to rescue a baby orphaned squirrel. Laws do vary depending on state and county, but most areas have a provision that allows people to rescue and care for baby squirrels without a permit. Even in locations where a permit is required to care for even a baby squirrel, it's highly unlikely that you'll end up getting fined or otherwise penalized as you attempt to seek help for wildlife in need. Typically, once the squirrel reaches a certain age (i.e. six months), a special permit is required to keep the squirrel, but again, this varies depending on state. The essence of these laws is to prevent people from snatching wild animals from their wild parents so the animal can be kept as a pet - these laws are not designed to discourage animal lovers from helping an orphaned or injured animal in need. Nevertheless, these are all questions that a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator in your region will be able to answer more specifically, as laws do vary greatly from region to region. As for concerns about the veterinarian taking the squirrel away, this is not something that I would be overly concerned about. No ethical veterinarian who treats squirrels would remove it from a capable caretaker without their consent. Veterinarians aren't typically in the business of patrolling squirrel caretakers on the legalities of keeping these wild orphans - they're more concerned with seeing the animal get proper care and veterinary treatment.
Proper Food & Baby Squirrel Care The more pressing issue involves the food and water situation for this baby squirrel. It is doubtful that the baby squirrel is able to use a water bottle on his own. Depending on his age, it's also unlikely that the food you've provided is suitable. You will likely need to rehydrate this little guy, either with subcutaneous fluids or with Pedialyte. This must be fed separately from the food, as discussed in this article. Depending on his age, you will also need to hand feed him, and then gradually switch over to solid foods as he grows. So, I would get to work immediately learning about the care requirements for this baby squirrel if you're interested in caring for him. Otherwise, if the responsibility is one that you'd rather not take on, I would actively attempt to locate a wildlife rehabilitator for him. But he will need food and water in the meantime and you will need to provide that by hand. I have all the basic information that you will need posted on my Baby Squirrel Care Page. You will first need to determine the baby squirrel's approximate age, so you'll want to read Squirrel Age and Development - Weeks 1 to 5 and Squirrel Age and Development - Weeks 6 to 12. These articles will also guide you in providing proper age-appropriate foods and care. In addition, I would also recommend reading the following articles for information on getting started with baby squirrel care: Warming a Baby Squirrel Tokeep the baby squirrel warm, I would recommend placing a heating pad under this little guy's cage to keep him warm. They make wonderful reptile heating pads that stick to the bottom (underside) of the cage to provide warmth, without exposing the baby to wires. In the meantime, a heating lamp can be utilized, along with a Squirrel Buddy. Make a Squirrel Buddy by filling a large sock with uncooked rice or uncooked beans. Then, place the Squirrel Buddy into the microwave for a couple of minutes to heat it. This non-toxic Squirrel Buddy can then be placed in the orphaned squirrels cage for warmth and comfort - he'll cuddle up to it, as it feels like another squirrel's body. It will need re-warming once every 60 to 90 minutes. I would also recommend a vet visit for this little squirrel ASAP, to help maximize the baby squirrel's chances for survival. Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter On October 4, 2008, I received the following question from a visitor to my blog titled Why Won't My Baby Orphaned Squirrel Return to the Wild? The reader asked: I have 3 baby squirrels, all siblings who are about 6-7 weeks old. One of the girls has taken to nursing on herself even after feedings. I was wondering if this is a habit she has developed (ie. sucking thumb for a child) or if it isn't something more serious. Her stools appear to be watery and the other two squirrels' stools are golden but mushy. Otherwise they seem to be healthy. They are just now getting to be very active and stay awake more often. I am feeding them Esbilac liquid formula 4 times a day, five hours apart. They have not taken much interest yet in solid food. "Also, I don't know if I'm feeding the proper amount. I give them each about 1 1/3-1 1/2 tsp. at each feeding yet they still seem hungry. I am afraid to give them more because of the stool issues...I just want to make sure that I'm giving them the best possible care so they are completely healthy when I release them." Suckling in Baby Orphaned Squirrels Suckling is a common behavior among animals who are orphaned. Most pet owners will be familiar with this behavior as it's seen in kittens and even adult cats who will often suckle on fabrics. This is a soothing habit, much like a child who sucks his thumb. Loose Stools in a Baby Squirrel For the baby girl squirrel, I would offer her some probiotics to help her digestive system. Orphaned squirrels and orphaned rabbits in particular are prone to digestive upset due to a lack of "good" bacteria in their gut. Fortunately, this "good bacteria" can be replaced using a probiotic containing Lactobacillus Acidophilus, which is available at large pet supply stores like Petco and PetSmart. If this does not remedy the problem, I would arrange for a vet visit, as other ailments, such as intestinal parasites, can cause chronic diarrhea and dehydration. Feeding Amounts for 6 to 7-Week-Old Squirrels In terms of feeding amounts for a six or seven-week-old squirrel, the average amount is around 9cc's per meal. Once the squirrel reaches the age of seven weeks, there is no longer a limit on how much they can eat. The squirrels can eat until they are full, as by this age, they have a sense of feeling "full" that's not present in younger squirrels. For a look at the feeding schedule for these little guys, you can check out Squirrel Age and Development, which looks at squirrel care and development for babies ages six weeks to 12 weeks. My article titled Feeding a Baby Squirrel also has some great information on feeding young squirrels. Weaning Baby Squirrels & Switching to Solid Foods As for solid foods, I would continue to offer a small amount of solid foods to the baby squirrels on a daily basis, and as they grow, they will naturally begin to gain interest in solid foods. Some baby squirrels tend to begin eating solid foods sooner, while others switch over a bit later. You also must remember that we cannot be 100% certain about their age - we can only make an educated guess about the baby squirrel's age. So they may actually be a bit younger than you realize, making their unwillingness to eat solids completely normal for their age group. Notably, squirrels are natural weaners - there is little effort required to wean a baby squirrel. It's a process that occurs naturally and gradually. Weaning problems are very rare in baby squirrels, who tend to self-wean as they age and grow. Weaning and the squirrels' switch to solid foods is also discussed in Squirrel Age and Development. As always, I urge visitors to check out my ever-growing Baby Squirrel Care Page for more information on caring for orphaned baby squirrels. Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter On October 4, 2008, I got a question from a reader of Helping a Dog Who Won't Eat. This pet owner asked: "I'm not sure if my dog is sick or just old. Does a dog quit eating when she is at the end of her life? She is 14-years-old." Unfortunately, without a physical examination, it's difficult to determine whether the dog is just ill and suffering from a curable or treatable illness or disease or whether this dog has started the dying process. Older dogs are prone to developing a wide spectrum of diseases and illnesses, many of which can be treated or cured with medication and other various treatments. A poor appetite in a dog or a dog who is refusing to eat is almost always ill. But, considering the dog's age, there is certainly a chance that the dog could, in fact, be in the process of dying. Many dogs will stop eating near the end of their life - usually within a matter of hours before passing. This is a situation where I would offer supportive care - tempting foods, extra fluids and hand-feeding, if necessary. I would also visit the veterinarian as soon as possible for an examination and some diagnostic testing like blood work, which will help determine whether this dog is suffering from a curable or treatable illness. Even in the case of a terminally ill dog, there are medications and treatments that can make the dying process easier and more comfortable for the dog. I also have a few reading recommendations that should be helpful in guiding this pet owner in caring for this dog. Even a dog who is dying should be provided with supportive care to make the dying process as comfortable and peaceful as possible for the pet. The following articles should be helpful: In addition, I would also recommend reading my article on treating vomiting in dogs, which provides information on how to feed a sick dog, how to keep a dog from suffering from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and how to combat dehyration - three problems that will also face a dog who is not eating. Dehydration is a big problem for a dog who's not eating and drinking properly. This excerpt is from my article titled Treating a Dog's Diarrhea at Home and it includes helpful tips that can be used for a dog who is not eating and drinking to successfully ward off dehydration: "To counteract the dehydrating effects of diarrhea, provide your pet with unflavored Pedialyte, which can be added to the dog’s water bowl in a 50-50 mix. Pedialyte ice cubes can also help in the battle against dehydration, as many pets enjoy ice cubes as a treat, particularly in warm weather." So in sum, I would recommend a visit to the veterinarian as soon as possible for an exam so that the exact nature of this dog's ailment can be determined. And in the meantime, provide supportive care (fluids and tempting foods, Nutri-Nal or maple syrup) to help prevent dehydration and hypoglycemia. Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter On October 1, 2008, I received a question from a reader of Is My Cat Sick? This reader asked the following question: "My three-year-old cat sometimes urinates outside the litter box in the other room. It's sometimes brownish or reddish in colour. Do you know what that might be?" There are a couple of situations that may lead a cat to urinate outside the litter box. A cat with a behavioral problem may urinate outside the litter box, as will a cat who is experiencing a bladder infection, urinary tract infection or another problem involving the cat's bladder, kidneys and urinary tract. In this case, the key to determining the cause of the cat's tendency to urinate outside of the litter box is lies in the fact that the cat's urine is often brown or reddish in color. This is indicative of a health problem as the root cause of the cat's occasional bathroom accidents. Cats are prone to developing a condition known as crystalluria. A cat with crystalluria will form struvite crystals in the urine. These crystals form thanks to the minerals in the urine and they can accumulate in the bladder and urinary tract. Some cats are more prone to crystalluria than others. Diet plays a large role in the formation of crystals, and the most common cure involves a prescription diet, combined with anti-inflammatory medication. Cats with crystalluria often urinate outside the litter box. Cats will also urinate frequently at times, and some cats even have blood-tinged urine. The blood in the urine can appear reddish or more brownish in appearance - it simply depends on how long the blood was present in the bladder before the cat urinated, as older blood is more brown in color. A small amount of bleeding is common when inflammation is present due to crystals or bladder stones. which can also cause similar symptoms. A cat with a urinary tract infection or bladder infection may exhibit similar symptoms - urinating outside the litter box and blood-tinged urine that's brownish or reddish in color. Though it must be noted that a cat with a urinary tract infection or bladder infection tends to get progressively sicker, rather than experiencing occasional abnormalities as described. This is a case where I would recommend a visit to the veterinarian for an exam and a urinalysis for the cat - a test of the cat's urine to look for signs of crystalluria, infection, blood in the urine and other abnormalities. Fortunately, crystalluria and UTI's can be remedied with medication and dietary changes for the cat. I've also written an article to discuss the most common causes of litter box problems, titled Why is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter On October 3, 2008, I received a question from a reader who asked, "I have two baby squirrels about the same age, found at different times. Can they be in the same cage together or do they need to stay separated? I have never run into this problem before and I'm not sure how to go about this." This is a great question and it's not an uncommon situation to see one squirrel caretaker with several different squirrels, of slightly different ages, from different litters. As a general rule, new animals should be quarantined for a period of ten days before coming in contact with other animals. This is the case whether you're dealing with a new pet cat, or a new orphaned baby squirrel. Hand washings in between handling the animals is vital and the animals should be kept in separate areas to avoid the spread of disease. This quarantine period will allow the caretaker to assess the newer baby squirrel for illness, disease or parasites that could potentially be transmitted to the other resident animal. If the new squirrel appears healthy and disease-free, the baby squirrels can be introduced, providing they're within a week or two of age. An eight-week-old baby squirrel could injure a young three-week-old squirrel, but squirrels at similar points in development can be housed together safely. In fact, this is an ideal situation as the orphaned squirrels will have an opportunity to hone their social skills - a vital element of squirrel society in nature. Caretakers should also closely monitor interactions between the baby squirrels. In most cases, particularly in young baby squirrels, they're simply happy and content to have a nice warm body to cuddle with. But an older squirrel could squabble with another squirrel, particularly when you're dealing with males. I have never had this occur personally, but it is always a possibility, so the squirrels should be provided with several lengthy supervised meetings prior to housing them together. As always, I welcome questions and I look forward to answering more inquiries from squirrel caretakers, pet owners and all other readers. You can also check out my ever-growing Baby Squirrel Care Page for more information on caring for orphaned baby squirrels. Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter On October 1, 2008, I received a question from a reader named Laura who was experiencing difficulties in the process of re-introducing her four orphaned squirrels back into the wild. This reader explained how one squirrel in particular has been waiting at the door and chirping for hand-feeding. This is not an uncommon dilemma faced by many squirrel rehabilitators. In this reader's case, she has done everything right - she's been providing a food source for her squirrels, she's provided a safe and warm nesting box, and she's been closely monitoring the situation. This is a case where I would slow down a bit in terms of the transitioning process. Some squirrels have little problem returning to the wild, while others are very resistant - some to the point where it is necessary to keep them in captivity for life. But in most cases, it's simply a matter of slowing down with the transition process. Each squirrel is different and each squirrel adjusts to the wild at a different rate. I've seen it take just a couple weeks for an orphaned squirrel to transition into the wild, and I've seen others who take months. It is important to note that a squirrel should not be tossed out into the world if the animal is clearly uncomfortable with this option. I begin by taking my baby orphaned squirrels on supervised outdoor visits around the age of 11 to 12 weeks, sometimes a bit sooner if the weather is warm (though the younger guys should always remain in cage for their own safety). From there, I will allow them to spend more and more time alone in the outdoors. At first, I leave them unsupervised just for a few minutes, while I usually watch from indoors. Over time, the amount of time spent outdoors is increased. At some point, the squirrel will transition to living outdoors full time. When this first occurs, It can take several days for a squirrel to adjust and it's not uncommon to see the squirrel spending time near the back door. This is not abnormal. What is abnormal is when the squirrel begins vocalizing and he/she refuses to leave the back door. This is a sign that the squirrel is not ready to live outdoors full time. In this reader's case, I would try two things. Firstly, I would bring the squirrel who is having a difficult time with the lack of hand-feeding back indoors and I would slowly start scaling back on hand-feeding. Do not let her see you place the food in her cage. Take her out into another room, put her food down, and then return her to the cage and let her "find" the food you've left for her. For a squirrel who is spending a lot of time near the door, wanting to return indoors, this is a squirrel who I would allow to return inside - he's not ready just yet to be on his own and time spent at the back door is time where he is vulnerable to predation and it's time not spent gathering food and doing other squirrel-like activities. For a squirrel like this, I would allow him an indoor-outdoor existence for a period of time, much like an indoor-outdoor cat. Over time, the squirrel will adjust to the great outdoors and begin to feel more comfortable, and he will naturally spend less time indoors and more time outdoors. Notably, cold weather can often delay the squirrel's return to the wild. Many squirrels who have not been living in the outdoors during cold weather find it shocking and for good reason - many require exposure to cold in order to fully develop their undercoat. This exposure period occurs during fall for wild squirrels. But if you toss a hand-raised squirrel in the winter cold, chances are, his fur coat will not be developed fully. So be more lenient with allowing squirrels to return indoors when returning a squirrel to the wild during the cold winter months. One wonderful tool that I use to acclimate my orphaned squirrels back into the wild is a squirrel cage. It's a 20-by-20 foot wooden box frame covered with chicken wire. It was simple and inexpensive to construct and inside, there are several small trees, a few stumps of varying sizes, some "shelves" for jumping and climbing, food sources, squirrel nesting boxes and plants. This squirrel cage is a wonderful way to expose the squirrel to the great outdoors in a safe manner that is usually more comfortable for the hand-raised squirrels in the beginning. And once they become comfortable living in the squirrel cage full-time, you simply open the door and allow them to venture. Many will return to the cage at night, but all have eventually "moved out" and into nearby trees where they remain to this very day. This same reader also noted that one of the four orphaned squirrels appears to be a bit off in terms of her cognitive development and it was also noted that this squirrel's physical appearance around the head and eyes was also slightly different. This is a squirrel that I would get examined by an experienced wildlife veterinarian who is familiar with squirrels. There are some animals - just like humans - who have mental and cognitive deficits, and physical disabilities, and handicaps. Some of these squirrels can adapt and return to the wild with little problem, while others require a lifetime of care from humans. I hope the reader who asked this wonderful question finds this information helpful, along with any other orphaned squirrel caretakers who will eventually go through the release process. My article on releasing a squirrel into the wild may also prove helpful, along with my new article titled Orphaned Squirrels Who Won't Return to the Wild. As always, I welcome questions and I look forward to answering more inquiries from squirrel caretakers, pet owners and all other readers. You can also check out my ever-growing Baby Squirrel Care Page for more information on caring for orphaned baby squirrels. Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter Answering readers' pet questions is one of my favorite parts of working as the Pet Care Feature Writer for Suite101.com and from now on, I'll be answering peoples' pet questions in a new way: I'll create a blog entry as a reply to readers' questions on an as-needed basis. I have lots of information to share, and I'm more than happy to give whatever information I can to readers who are looking for answers to a more specific question. Thus far, I've been answering pet questions in one of two ways. For good general questions that I've failed to address in an article thus far, I'll write a new article. And for more specific questions, I've been posting an answer in the form of a comment at the bottom of the article where the question was originally posted. Unfortunately, I've seen the same question getting asked in the comments under three or four different articles, so it appears that the information isn't being found by those who need it. I've noticed that the comment threads have become very long on some articles, making it difficult for readers to pick through to find the information they're seeking. So to aid in organization and to make information easier for readers to locate, I will summarize questions and provide answers and resources in the form of a blog entry instead of answering in the form of a reply comment. I will do my best to provide information in a timely manner, as I understand that time is of the essence in many situations involving our pets. So, I encourage readers to continue to share their thoughts, experiences, and questions on all of my articles. And as soon as I have an answer to a reader's question, I will post the URL of the related blog entry in a reply comment in order to direct visitors to the correct spot. I look forward to reading everyone's comments, experiences, and questions. And hopefully, this new system for answering readers' questions will make it easier for current and future readers to locate useful pet information on Suite101's Pet Care section. And don't forget - you can also sign up for a blog feed or sign up for a Pet Care article feed, so you'll receive alerts each time I add new and useful articles to Pet Care at Suite101! Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter Peeing: it's a common source of frustration (and puddles) for pet owners who are dealing with a hard-to-housebreak dog, or a dog who urinates when excited or as an act of submission. In fact, many dogs are surrendered to animal shelters and rescue organizations because the owner can no longer tolerate inappropriate bathroom activities. But for every peeing problem that's related to a canine behavioral issue, there's a solution - it's just a matter of understanding why a problem is occurring and finding the most effective training method to resolve that problem. Here are some articles on behavior-related bathroom accidents in dogs and there's more coming soon: Canine medical problems can also affect a dog's bathroom habits, so before delving into a new behavior training regime, it's best to rule out a urinary tract infection, bladder infection, hormonal imbalance or other physical problem as a source of the dog's peeing problem. Some of the most common medical problems associated with a dog's bathroom accidents include infections or incontinence, which can be related to age or hormone levels. Here are some articles on medical causes for a canine's inappropriate urination: As frustrating as a dog's peeing problem may be, I urge pet owners to hang in there and be patient because while an old dog can always learn new tricks, old habits can be difficult to break. It's also important for dog training novices to seek professional help from an experienced dog trainer because you, the owner, may be a big part of the problem if your attempts at training a dog are actually sending ambiguous and unclear messages to the dog. As The Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan often says, it's often the humans who need to be trained - not the dog. Posted by Mia Carter Pet rats can be just great companions, but like cats and dogs, a rat can get sick or injured from time to time. And unfortunately, it's difficult to find quality rat care and rat health articles on the internet. But look no further - we're expanding our collection of articles on caring for a sick rat and how to feed a sick rat, among others. Owners of pet rats can also check out our articles on pet rat care. Remember, good rat care and proper cage conditions are vital to preventing illness and keeping those ratties happy and healthy! Here's some of our articles for owners of a sick rat:
And let me take this opportunity to issue an important reminder: All woodchips can and will kill your rat! This includes pine woodchips, cedar woodchips - they're all dangerous to your rat's respiratory system due to the natural oils contained in wood. Unfortunately. many rat owners are misinformed by pet store employees and websites that incorrectly say that certain woodchips are safe for rats. Woodchips are never safe for rats! Here's a few helpful articles on proper rat care, rat cages and rat bedding:
Also, I'm always looking for great rat photographs to accompany my articles. So if you have a nice photograph of your pet rat, send it along if you'd like us to consider using it to accompany one of our rat health or rat care articles! E-mail rat photographs, along with the photographer's name, to PetCare@Suite101.com Do you have a story idea or rat-related question that you'd like answered? Post a comment under one of our articles or send an e-mail to PetCare@Suite101.com. And don't forget to bookmark this page and check back often - I'm adding new articles every day! Posted by Mia Carter Mars Petcare U.S. issued a voluntary pet food recall affecting Pedigree and more than a dozen other brands of food, which may be tainted with salmonella. This September 12, 2008 pet food recall comes on the heels of a smaller Pedigree recall that was issued in August 2008. As an owner of more than 20 pets, I know how scary it can be when a pet food recall is announced and I know many cat and dog owners are currently looking for information on this latest recall, along with additional resources concerning the recent Pedigree recall, among others. For more information on recent pet food recalls, salmonella symptoms in pets and more, check out the following articles:
Also, by popular demand, I have just published the first article in a planned series on how to go about collecting documentation - this is for anyone who is planning to file a lawsuit, join a class action lawsuit or seek compensation for vet bills that were the result of illness that's believed to be related to the recalled pet food. I've also received many questions from readers on an array of issues relating to this recall. Until recently, I was answering questions in the form of a comment, posted at the bottom of the related article. But I've recently started addressing reader questions in a new way - in the Suite101 Pet Care blog. Here's the latest question from one of my readers: In addition, we have some articles that are going to be helpful to anyone with a dog or cat who has contracted Salmonella due to the recall. All animals who may have Salmonella must visit the vet, but proper treatment at home in the meantime is vital. Posted by Mia Carter Since Hurricanes Gustav struck the Gulf Coast of the United States on Labor Day weekend 2008, I've received numerous questions from residents in Louisiana and Mississippi who are now caring for orphaned baby squirrels. The situation has only intensified with Hurricane Ike, which recently hit the Texas Gulf Coast. Caring for these little squirrels can be difficult and finding good information on squirrel care can be just as challenging. I've cared for seven of these squirrel babies over the years, thanks to my affiliation with a Boston area rescue organization, so I've compiled a series of helpful squirrel care articles with information from my own experiences, with the help of wildlife rehabilitator and veterinarian, Dr. Michael Levine.
Suite101 Articles on Orphaned Squirrel Care
If you have a question concerning orphaned squirrel care or any other pet care issue, feel free to send an e-mail to petcare@suite101.com or post a comment under one of our squirrel care stories. We're always looking for new article topics! And I check these comments daily, so I can usually post helpful information within a few hours in the form of a blog entry (though I will post a comment under yours, directing you to the related blog entry) or if your question is a common one, I'd be happy to research and write a new article to address the baby squirrel care inquiry. Check out some of our questions and answers from other readers. Answers to Squirrel Questions Q. Causes for Squirrel Suckling, Loose Stools and Feeding 6-7 Week Old Squirrels Q. Can I Keep Non-Sibling Baby Squirrels Together? Q. Why Won't My Orphaned Squirrel Return to the Wild? Q. Is it Illegal to Care for a Baby Squirrel? Q. Respiratory Infection in a Baby Squirrel Q. Am I Caring for My Baby Squirrel Properly? Q. Is My Orphaned Squirrel Blind? Articles to Help Care for An Injured Baby Squirrel
Additional Squirrel and Wildlife Resources Also, I'm always looking for photographs of baby squirrels to accompany my growing collection of baby squirrel care articles. So if you have a photograph of a baby squirrel (like the sweet little guy pictured below!) that you'd like to share with the world, send it along to PetCare@Suite101.com Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian. Posted by Mia Carter The other day, I happened to walk past a co-workers cubicle at the Boston News Radio Station where I work my "day job" when she caught me by the wrist. "Have you seen this site?" she asked. I had never seen The Animal Rescue Site, but now that I've discovered this pet website, I'm on a mission to spread the word. How it Works The Animal Rescue Site features a big purple button that visitors are urged to click once a day. For each click, sponsors on the site will donate a pre-set amount of money or goods to pet and animal rescue organizations and shelters nationwide. So visitors to The Animal Rescue Site can help homeless, abandoned and needy animals get the food and care that they so desperately need, and there is no cost to the website visitors. This site, which is a partner with the well-known Petfinder.org, also has an online shop where supporters can purchase official Animal Rescue Site merchandise like hooded sweatshirts, jackets, jewelry and even a paw print hanging mobile. Proceeds from sales made via The Animal Rescue Site also benefit charitable animal organizations. Visiting The Animal Rescue Site It only takes a few seconds to visit The Animal Rescue Site and it's a wonderful way to help animals in need. So bookmark the page on your browser, or sign up for daily reminders that are sent to your e-mail. So for all those people who love animals but don't have the time or money to volunteer or donate to a local animal shelter or animal rescue organization, I urge you to take a few seconds each day to help an animal in need. And don't forget to visit the website's sponsors to show your support, after all, it's the sponsors who make this all possible! Visit TheAnimalRescueSite.com today! Posted by Mia Carter The death of a pet is probably the worst, most difficult part of pet ownership. A few days ago, I lost one of my menagerie. A pink hairless rat named Milo - a.k.a. "Mr Nibbles." Mr. Nibbles was just over one-year-old, which is really only middle aged for a rat. But he suddenly came down with a respiratory infection linked to the chronic mycoplasma virus that affects most rats in the United States. And despite improving dramatically over the course of two weeks that were filled with vet visits, hand-feeding, expensive antibiotics, oxygen breathing treatments and subcutaneous fluid injections, Mr. Nibbles died. Deciding on whether to opt for euthanasia, watching the life slowly fade from an animal's eyes, and coming downstairs to find your animal has passed - there is perhaps no worse or more difficult part of pet ownership. The death of a pet can be devastating to many people, so much so that many people who have lost an animal will opt to go without a new pet, sometimes for years, and others never adopt again. And the thought of this seems just that much sadder to me. The loss of an animal is terribly sad, but it opens a new door - we now have room for one new rat, a rat who may otherwise end up unloved, unadopted, or worse - snake food. So like many things in life, one door closes and another opens. I think of all the happiness Mr. Nibbles brought us and no way can the sadness of his death erase that. So to close our home and our hearts to another animal would be cheating ourselves of the happiness I know we'll find with a new animal. Nobody can ever replace Mr. Nibbles, but we can find a different type of happiness with a different animal and I think that's key. Mourn your pet, but then consider opening your heart and your home to a new one - you'll find happiness in a new way. I promise. For people who have lost a pet, consider this pet loss support site. Posted by Mia Carter As time progresses, it seems that an increasing number of researchers and scientists are learning about the benefits of pet ownership. Dog and cat owners tend to have lower blood pressure, they have a lesser risk of obesity and heart attack, and psychologically, pet owners tend to be less prone to mental illness and happier and more well-adjusted overall. Dog and cat owners, when looked at as a whole, are also more responsible, as they must care and consider the needs of another creature, and thereby moving away from an egocentric attitude. Now, it seems, a handful of colleges and universities are recognizing the benefits of pet ownership, as several schools are now allowing students to bring along their cats and dogs. Traditionally, the only type of dorm room pet that's been permitted is a fish, and in some cases, small amphibians and reptiles that reside inside a glass tank. But recently, there's been a move toward allowing pets on campus. Among the pet-friendly universities is Boston's Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which has started allowing student residents to bring along their pet cat in certain animal-friendly dorm buildings. Another animal-friendly school is Eckerd College, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Pets under 40 pounds are permitted in certain pet-friendly dorms. This fall, the college will welcome cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits and even ducks in its dorms. Also on the list of pet-friendly schools is California Institute of Technology (CalTech), which allows cats and animals that reside in cages or tanks under 20 gallons. There is a $200 pet deposit associated with keeping at cat at CalTech. Stephens College students in Missouri can not only take along cats and dogs under 40 pounds, but they can also take along their horse! Posted by Mia Carter The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games aren't just attracting human athletes. Animal athletes - "Olympets" - are also competing in an array of sports, like field and track in Hong Kong. And that's exactly what I like to hear; humans including the animals in the Olympic festivities. Hong Kong's largest pet store, PetMAX, has been hosting the Animal Olympic Games since early summer of 2008. "We wish to advocate that cats and dogs also need to exercise because many dogs in Hong Kong do not go out, so they rarely face people and interact with other animals. And we hope to hold these kinds of sports to strengthen their bodies," explained PetMAX President Howard Cheung. The animal Olympians can take part in an array of events, with their human "coaches." There's tug-of-war games, track and field events involving races And it's not just dogs and cats either. Reptiles, small pocket pets like rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs are also becoming Olympians. I think the idea of animal Olympians is wonderful - I love seeing instances of creative individuals who take a human-centric event and transform it into a game or event for pets and their humans. What's even better is the fact that the Animal Olympiad benefits a good cause. Proceeds raised at PetMAX's ongoing Olypmpic game for pets benefits victims of the Sichuan earthquake. Related Reading: Posted by Mia Carter As many as one in four pets |
