How to Build a Snake Cage

It’s not often that you’ll hear people asking how to build a snake cage. Then again, not too many people own snakes for a pet, right? Unlike other people who squirm at the mere mention of the word “snake”, you on the other hand can’t be happier that you have one as your pet. Here are the steps on how to make a snake cage.

First, gather all the materials that you need: a large glass aquarium, sand, aspen bedding, sunning rock, heat lamp, ultraviolet light, thermometer, flat rock, hollow rock, and mesh or screened-folding lid. 

Next, look for an aquarium that’s big enough for your snake to move around. Measure the length of your snake. His aquarium should be longer than that. Keep in mind the adult size of your snake. It may be small now but it will definitely grow longer and bigger after a while. It’s good to invest on a large aquarium than buy another one when that time comes. 

Place bedding on the bottom part of the aquarium. This can be play sand or aspen bedding. Choose one that’s similar to his natural habitat in the wild. The bedding should be at least an inch deep from the aquarium bottom. 

Install a mesh or screen lid for the aquarium. The ideal one to buy comes with hinges that lets you open only one side of the tank without having to uncover the entire aquarium. You don’t want your pet sneaking out while you’re feeding him or cleaning his home. 

Put a flat-surfaced rock on one part of the aquarium, directly under the heat lamp. This is where your snake will go for sunning. Place another rock, this time a hollow one on another part to serve as a hiding area. For snakes that are fond of climbing, install a branch or limb inside the tank. 

Finally, ensure that the snake cage has sufficient ventilation. Adding screen mesh to the sides can be a great help. Now, you know how to build a snake cage, the next step is taking care of your beloved pet. Enjoy!

5 Effective Ways to Control and Prevent Dog Ticks

Dog ticks are not only annoying, they’re also dangerous carriers of a wide variety of diseases, posing threat not only to your dog but also to you and your family. It’s imperative to do something about it right away. 

Here are 5 effective ways to get rid of dog ticks. 

Over-the-counter topical medication 
Using a spot-on treatment is usually the fastest way to control dog ticks. You may purchase an over-the-counter topical medication from a pet store, online pharmacy, or from your vet. These medications can control ticks for up to one month. Though most are effective, it’s still a must to find out which brand is the best. Carefully read the label too before using. Don’t use anything without first consulting your vet.

  

Oral medication

Some vets give tick-infested dogs with pills that can kill not only adult ticks but also immature ones to put an end to the tick’s life cycle. The great thing about oral medication is that you don’t have to worry about kids coming into contact with dogs after administration, unlike with the topical medication.

  

Shampoos

Bathe your dog with a shampoo that comes with a medicated ingredient that kills ticks in an instant. It’s the less expensive choice, which is ideal if you’re a little tight on the budget. It can be labor-intensive though especially during peak season of ticks, as you’d need to repeat the process about every two weeks. The effect doesn’t last as long as the two previous options.

Tick Dips

A tick dip refers to a concentrated chemical that’s diluted with water and then applied on the dog’s coat. The chemical is not to be rinsed off afterwards. Since it can be very strong, it shouldn’t be used for treating young puppies or pregnant or nursing dogs.

Tick Collars 
Tick collars, as the name suggests, are worn around the neck. They’re useful for protecting your dog from ticks but only from the neck up. Be sure to read the label and follow instructions carefully before putting a tick collar on your dog. 

With these practical tips, you can finally say goodbye to annoying little dog ticks that have been pestering your beloved pooch.

Top Things to Consider Before Adopting a Cat

Adopting a cat can be one of the best decisions that you’ll ever make. After all, these cute furry friends are great companions. It’s important, however, to understand certain things before making a final decision. Here are the top things to consider before welcoming a new feline friend into your home.

Am I ready to adopt a cat? 

Cat ownership is a big responsibility 

Having a cat in your home is not all about fun and games. It’s like parenting—a lifelong commitment that you’ll have to make. Give it ample thought. Cats can live for up to 20 years and you might need to undergo certain lifestyle changes for your pet. Ask yourself the following questions to find out if you’re ready to adopt one:

• Is your personality and lifestyle suited for owning a cat?
• How do you plan to take care of your cat when you’re on a trip? Are you going to take it with you? 
• Is there someone you know who can stand in as caregiver for your cat in case of emergency? 
• Does your home/apartment allow animals? 
• Do you have ample time to spend in taking care of your pet cat?

Cat ownership can be costly 

Being a parent to a cat won’t only eat up time and energy but also consume money. It’s a financial obligation that you should have enough money for. Initial costs include vaccinations, litter box, spay or neuter surgery. Then there’s the list of recurring costs like food, check up, medicines, and other needs. 

What kind of cat should I adopt?

Another thing to consider is the type of cat to get. Should you get a male or a female, an adult cat or a kitten, one or more cats? What type of breed do you prefer? Asking yourself these questions and doing your homework about this can certainly help you come up with an informed decision. 

Where should I look for a cat? 

Shelters, rescue organizations, and reputable breeders are some of the best places to start looking for a cat to adopt. Get references from people you know who own cats and find out from they got their pets.

Make sure to keep all these things in mind before adopting a cat. Should you decide to adopt one, be ready for a fun and fulfilling adventure.