Animal Talk

HEALTH, NUTRITION, BE HAVIOU R & TRAINING
your questions answered

Q

How often should I play with my hamster

at night?

A

The amount of time your hamster should spend out

of the cage is dependent on a number of factors.

Tame hamsters actually enjoy spending time with their

owners and in this case, one can take them out for an hour

or so every night. Shyer individuals can be kept happy in a

large, stimulating cage.

The larger and more enriching your hamster’s cage is,

the less time he may need out of it. All hamsters must

have a safe hamster wheel. They are very active little

animals and in the deserts of their origin they will run

long distances every night as they forage for seeds. The

wheel allows them to run as much as they wish, getting

the exercise they need.

We recommend solid plastic wheels that are attached to

the cage as the safest option. An over-enthusiastic runner

can knock over a wheel on a stand and potentially injure

themselves. The most dangerous wheels are those made

from metal bars. We have seen many hamsters with broken

legs from getting themselves trapped in these wheels.

Dr Dorianne Elliott, veterinarian

Night-time play

Chirpy chip

A^ It is possible to microchip

a canary but we would

recommend that this procedure

be performed by an experienced

avian veterinarian, under gas

anaesthetic. Any wiggling on the

part of your tiny friend during the

implantation could cause injury.

Dr Dorianne Elliott, veterinarian

Q (^) Can I microchip my
canary, or is he too small?
Q
How can I keep my dog’s paws
moisturised and prevent it from cracking?
A
Dogs’ paws do not usually crack without
first being exposed to heat and trauma
or an underlying medical condition. Certain
medications, allergic conditions, immune-
mediated diseases and deficiencies (to name
a few causes) can lead to the cracking of paw
pads of dogs. If you notice that your dog’s pads
are starting to crack, I would recommend taking
him to the vet and having the vet check your
pet out thoroughly to rule out any underlying
disease. Any moisturisers you put on your dog’s
feet will usually be licked off before it has had
time to have any effect.
Dr Vanessa Mcclure, veterinarian
Moisturised
paws