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Shelby Veterinary Hospital

(586) 781-8888

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  • Choosing Your Pet

Choosing to add a pet to your life is a big decision!

Pets are life-long commitments, and keeping a pet happy, healthy, fed, and well-exercised requires time and money. In order to pick the right pet for you, one must consider your lifestyle, living situation, and how much care you are able or willing to provide. Some pets require very little interaction with their owners, while others need almost constant companionship! Also, everyone in your family or who reside in your home, must be included in the decision.

To explore a specific pet like birds, cats, dogs, horses, small animals, and reptiles, continue reading into this section. If you have questions about what pet is right for you, do not hesitate to contact our office!

  • Sugar Gliders
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Sugar Gliders, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals

    Thinking of getting a sugar glider? These tiny marsupials are energetic and friendly, making them popular choices as pets. Though they weigh less than a half-pound, they're more closely related to kangaroos than they are flying squirrels. If you think a sugar glider would make an ideal pet for your family,

    Read more
  • Prairie Dogs
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Prairie Dogs

    Prairie dogs are cute, affable creatures. But before taking one on as a pet, check your local laws. In some states, such as Colorado, it's illegal to keep prairie dogs as pets. Mostly, this is because they may spread monkeypox. If you live in a state that welcomes pet prairie dogs, be sure to buy from

    Read more
  • How to Help Your New Cat Feel Welcomed in Your Home
    Category: Newsletter Library, Cats

    Adopting a cat or kitten? Here's what you can do to help your cat adjust to its new home.

    Read more
  • Skunks
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Skunks, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals

    Home and Veterinary Care for Pet Skunks If you're an adventurous pet owner, you may love exotic animals such as skunks. You'll be happy to learn that skunks can indeed make excellent domestic pets, but only if they receive the proper care to enjoy a happy, healthy life. Your veterinary team can help

    Read more
  • Flying Squirrels
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Flying Squirrels, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals

    Much like sugar gliders, flying squirrels make affectionate pets when purchased young and raised by their owner. Unlike sugar gliders, however, flying squirrels are rodents that need veterinary care specific to the species. Your veterinary team can help with the care and treatment of flying squirrels.

    Read more
  • Fennec Foxes
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Fennec Foxes, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals

    Fennec Fox Care Guide With oversized ears and mischievous faces, fennec foxes are cute as can be. But these exotic pets require a lot of care to stay healthy and happy. Health At just three pounds, fennec foxes are the smallest member of the fox family. Native to the Sahara desert, fennec foxes are

    Read more
  • Fish
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Fish, Choosing Your Pet, Exotics

    If you’re thinking of getting a pet fish, you should know that your veterinarian has a lot of good advice about pet ownership. Fish can be very rewarding as pets, and you just may be surprised about how much fish actually interact with their owners. Here’s more valuable information about choosing

    Read more
  • Snakes
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Snakes, Choosing Your Pet, Exotics

    If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, then you might be interested in owning a snake. However, there are a few aspects of owning a snake that you need to be aware of before you make this type of commitment. Here’s what you need to know. What to Know Before Choosing a Pet Snake Before you purchase

    Read more
  • Domestic Pigs
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Domestic Pigs, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals

    Pigs are great for families who want a relatively exotic but easy to care for a pet. Whether miniature, like a pot-bellied pig, or a full-sized animal, caring for a pig is similar to caring for a cat or dog. Health Domestic pigs need to see a veterinarian regularly for vaccinations and checkups. We

    Read more
  • Gerbils
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Pocket Pets, Gerbils, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals

    Gerbils are great little pets for pet owners who don't have room for a dog or cat. They're friendly and fun to watch, but they do take a moderate level of care and investment. If you're thinking of getting a gerbil, here's what you'll need to know to keep him happy and healthy, including giving him a

    Read more
  • Box Turtles
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Turtles, Choosing Your Pet, Exotics

    North American box turtles are mainly terrestrial turtles, although they do spend some time in shallow water (Asian box turtles tend to be a bit more aquatic). Compared to aquatic turtles such as red eared sliders, they are more challenging and complex pets, and are not the best choice for beginning

    Read more
  • Frogs & Toads
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Amphibians, Choosing Your Pet, Exotics

    If you want an interesting change of pace or simply don't have the right environment for a dog or cat, a frog or toad might make the perfect companion for you. First, however, you need to acquaint yourself with these fascinating creatures and their requirements. Frogs Versus Toads: What's the Difference? Toads

    Read more
  • 8 Common Reasons Why Your Dog is Snoring
    Category: Newsletter Library

    Do you know why your dog snores?

    Read more
  • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Donkeys, Horses & Mules

    There are many benefits to owning a donkey, horse, or mule. However, it is important to know that these animals (all belonging to the sub-family called equus) require special housing, feeding, and care for a healthy life. Here are a few important considerations to make before bringing a new animal home. Housing

    Read more
  • Goats
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Goats

    Maybe, you've heard that goats will basically eat anything they can put in their mouth. This might give you the impression that they're simple animals to take care of, but this isn't the case. Goats need proper nutrition and enough space, among other things, to grow strong and healthy. Therefore, before

    Read more
  • Cows
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Cows

    Are you thinking about getting a cow? Before you do, there are a few considerations you need to make. These large and gentle animals need a considerable amount of space, have special dietary needs, and have certain health needs you’ll have to pay attention to. Plus, they can live for up to twenty-five

    Read more
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