Pet Moving - Do's and Dont's

By Deepa RC

Pet shipping can be a real headache! But its for our lovely pets whom we can't leave behind. As these dear creatures of ours can not talk and explain to us what they feel, we have to be all the more careful with pet transportation. How, otherwise, will we keep our lovely companions comfortable and stress free during the whole relocation process? Here are some do's and dont's for pet moving.

Pet Transport Do's

• Plan Beforehand. Last minute decisions for taking them along result in buying of uncomfortable pet carriers and other bottlenecks.
• As far as possible, don't change their routine till the day of moving. Walk them, feed them and play with them at the usual time so that they may remain stress free.
• Get all their medical records from local veterinarian before the moving day. Also verify that these records are up-to-date.
• On the moving day, leave them with some of your friends to relieve the pressure. They tend to become stressed during the chaos of moving. You can even leave them at day care center.
• If you don't leave them anywhere, ensure to close the doors and windows of the room where they are placed during the loading of your packed belongings. There is always a possibility of their running out due to stress.
• If you want to spare yourself from all the worries, you can even hire pet transport services that facilitate door to door relocation by picking up your pet a few days prior to the move and delivering it to your new location on a prescribed date.
• If you are moving overseas and plan to fly with your pet, inquire about any requirement of airline with this regard. Know the facts about flying with pets.

Pet Transport Dont's

• Don't travel with a sick pet or one with poor health. Moving stress can lead to their worsened health condition.
• Don't take them on the moving van with the rest of your things! They are living creatures and can get uncomfortable.
• Don't fly with puppies and kittens less than eight weeks old. They are not allowed to fly according to rules.
• Don't buy a carrier that is too hard or uncomfortable. Buy one which is insulated so that your pet may remain comfortable at any temperature.

Deepa RC recommends reading more about pet relocation at http://www.moversandpackers.net/pet-moving.html, the comprehensive directory of movers and packers companies and also a great resource for those moving into their new homes. It contains useful tips and information about the whole relocation process making it easier for everyone to relocate and settle down comfortably at their new destination.

Cleaning Up After Your Pet With a Pet Lover's Shoe

I work in an animal shelter that houses dogs and cats. Being an extreme animal lover, my heart goes out to each and every animal. Part of my job involves caring for sick animals and cleaning up after them. Not too long ago I wore a brand new pair of sneakers to work, and I walked into one of the dog cages, slipped on dog extract and fell. Not only did I ruin my new pair of sixty dollar sneakers, but I hurt my elbow and shoulder as well.

Cleaning up after hundreds of cats and dogs is very difficult work, the pay is very low, but the reward of watching an animal find a new home makes every hour spent here worth it. Animals rely on us humans for so much; food, care, and love to name a few things. After my fall episode, I had to get something on my feet that wouldn't slip so easily and wouldn't cost a fortune, remember, I make just above minimum wage. Two of the ladies that work here wear a shoe specifically for working around animals. It's resistant to all pet related contaminants and they come with a slip resistant sole.

I guess I didn't think about appropriate footwear for working at a shelter too much, but this made sense. My only question was; how long will they last? Both ladies have been wearing theirs for over three years now, five days a week. That was enough to sell me. I have to tell you, if you own animals and have to clean up the yard after your dog, or you work on a farm and are around any kind of poultry, or work in any type of environment where you come in contact with pet contaminants, you need to have something special on your feet.

Boots might be a good choice, but if the weather is warm they will be hot, and they need to be 100% waterproof, and this can make them even hotter. These Muck Boots Muckster Pet Lover's Shoes keep your feet comfortable and dry, and won't degrade from any animal contaminants, and anyone who has spend any significant time around animals knows that fluids or other extract from animals is highly caustic, and I just don't want my feet or socks exposed to any of it, even though I cherish every animal.

Don VanPelt is a writer for Muck Boots Direct who has published many articles about boots. Read his comments and recommendations for the best places to buy Muck Boots Muckster Pet Lover at Muck Boots Direct.

Understanding Why Dogs Bite Or Misbehave

By Basil W Morton

Similar to people, dogs act is such manners when they are restless or just not understood. Dogs are like children, they cannot communicate with your easily and there are only limited actions they can perform to try to get their point across. Dogs crave for attention, and when they perform some action, either good or bad, generally they get some attention from you, it could be negative or positive reaction, but as long as it is some reaction they are likely to replicate that action again.

You have to try to listen and understand the dog's message when it tries to communicate with you. Misunderstanding the messages can lead to frustration not only for the dog itself but to its owner too. One thing that is important to understand which people always overlook is that anything that your dog does is not provoked by guilt or spite, dogs do not portray such type of emotions even though we think that.

A dog acting aggressively is a big red flag. Only in certain cases it is acceptable but mostly it should be seen as a bad sign. Dogs are not trained or programmed to bite humans, and sometimes they still do, this could be due to some action that they see is a big threat against them, or due to some disorder. If one of your dogs is really aggressive or has bitten people, it would be a good idea to get professional help.

Finally, you have to try to be patient when dealing with your dog. You should try to understand what the dog needs and give it proper attention, it may require some effort, but in the end it will be really worth it.

Basil has interest in different types of curtains and home accessories. Be sure to visit Retro Shower Curtain and Hookless shower curtain for more information.

Protect Your Pet With a GPS Pet Locator

By Adam Webster

If your dog is a part of your family, then you want to do all that you can to protect him or her. One of the most helpless feelings is to walk back to a kennel to bring your friend in for the evening and the kennel to be empty. If you have ever experienced this situation, then you can appreciate the GPS pet locator.

In another scenario, perhaps your pet spends most of her day inside with you, but one day someone rings the doorbell. As you open the door to let your guest into the house, your pet runs out the door and is gone before you can call her back into the house.

A GPS pet locator uses the same technology of a GPS unit in your car. It can give the location or your pet to within fifty feet.

The units are fitted into a collar that is your pet should wear at all times. Currently these collars are not small enough for miniature of small dogs. They work best with medium or large breeds. Some of the newer locators solve this problem by allowing you to attach the locator to your pets own collar.

There are two types of GPS protection available for your pet. With the first, you set a boundary where your pet is allowed to roam. If the pet crosses that boundary, then you are sent an alert by phone and e-mail that your pet has crossed. You can track the pet with a mobile phone or online.

The second type of unit does not set a boundary, but anytime you cannot find your pet missing, you call the alert number and the pet's location is relayed to you.

There are some limitations to GPS pet locators. Some terrain causes them to not work as well as they do in others. In addition, some of the locators do not work for the smaller dogs.

For most areas and medium to large pets, a GPS pet locator is a great device.

Some pet locators have a button on the device that can be pressed if your pet if found by a stranger. The device sends a signal of a lost pet to the monitor company. This is an additional security measure other than setting a boundary for your pet.

When a pet is missing people offer large rewards for that pets return. Instead, you could take defensive action and provide your pet with a GPS pet locator for about one hundred dollars plus a small monthly service charge.

In addition to a pet getting out of his or her kennel or the door, today, we have the worry of pet thieves. There are people that will steal you dog to sell to someone else. If your pet has a GPS pet locator around his or her neck, the likelihood of recovery is much greater.

Why not give the best protection available to make sure that you can find a lost pet. That dog will come home with its tail wagging.

Not all GPS Pet locator collars are the same. Find out why Love My Pets GPS, GPS Pet Locators are better.

The 5 Easiest Ways of Ferret Proofing a Room

By Seth Evans

Ferrets get along well with humans, all because they can easily relate and adapt. A conducive environment is ideal especially if you are about to own a ferret for the very first time. Ferret proofing a room is also necessary to keep things well organized. Accidents and ferret-related troubles would also be avoided in time.

Ferret proofing a room is a must if you want to impose organization and propriety in your space or living area. Many accidents have occurred due to lack of concern or mere disregard for details. Ferrets are very curious pets and most of the time, you can see them playing with their owners, sleeping or exploring small openings as if it's playtime. To avoid unnecessary troubles and accidents, it is best to do the following steps before owning or bringing home your ferret pet.

1. Try to have one specific area for your pet. If this is not possible, ferret proofing a room away from the laundry or kitchen area is definitely advised. The said spaces are usual grounds of ferret accidents and one great way to lessen your worries is to place your pet in an environment where he can freely do what he wants.

2. Windows screens and open spaces are great mediums for ferret escapes. Prevent these instances by locking doors and windows or by means of utilizing locks in their cages. Surprisingly, ferrets can easily figure their way out by means of openings such as windows and dryer vents. So, it is always better to secure these openings.

3. Your choice of appliance can also affect ferret safety. Many long-term ferret owners know that laundry areas are like pits of danger for ferrets. Ferret proofing a room means a lot of work but the idea of accidentally dumping your dirty clothes along with your ferret is enough reason to veer their attention away from your washer. Keeping your laundry baskets close as well as trash bins likewise help.

4. Couches and sofas are like toys for ferrets. They usually hide beneath these types of furniture without necessarily minding the consequences. Rocking chairs and recliners also pose a threat to ferrets. Furthermore, it is strongly advised to inspect cushions and have them immediately repaired if chewed on by ferrets.

5. Ferret proofing a room also means restricting access to kitchen areas as much as possible. Do not leave your ferrets unattended. Organize your dirty kitchen and keep all cleaning supplies in a well-secured place. Cover electric wires and cords with plastic enclosures. It is also best to regularly inspect wall openings and cupboards to avoid minor accidents.

Want More? Get Your FREE Secrets to Having a Healthy, Happy, Well-Behaved and Long Lived Ferret Mini eCourse: --Understand Your Ferrets Behavior --Unique Tips to Train Your Ferret --3 Best Ferret Care Tips --How to Potty Train Your Ferret --3 Crazy Ferret Myths Yours For FREE for a Limited Time Only Seth Evans is ferret enthusiast, if you would like more great information on Proofing a Ferret please visit http://www.ferrets-as-pets.com/ Don't forget to claim your FREE eCourse!

How to Build a Rabbit Hutch

By Kenny Leones

Having a rabbit inside your residence means that you have to construct a secure and comfortable home for it. Building a rabbit hutch will answer that problem. It is a very simple endeavor that you will love doing and your pet will love living in it.

MATERIALS NEEDED IN BUILDING A RABBIT HUTCH

The materials that you needed for this project are wire sheets, wire cloth, eight metals rods, hinges, formica sheet, two by four stock, staples and solder.

TOOLS

The tools needed are screw driver, wire snips, gloves, coping saw, staple gun and soldering iron.

STEPS IN BUILDING A RABBIT HUTCH

The usual size for a hutch should be 4 times the size of your pet. You can use different materials but do not forget that there are some smells that permeates from any pet. It is advisable to use metal instead of wood as the latter retains smell. But a wooden enclosure presents a more interesting aesthetic in an open area while a metal enclosure may be a favorable choice in a confined area.

A wire mesh is a terrific option for the roof and walls of the enclosure but do not utilize for the floor as it will be dangerous for the paws of your pet. A wire cloth is a better option than a wire mesh as it will also allow your pet's urine to filter out of the set-up. Use snips to carefully cut the flooring to the required size.

You can a wire mesh for the walls whether you use a metal or wood rod frame. But you should remember to use a soldering iron if you chose a metal frame and staple gun if you chose a wood frame for your pet's protection. Carefully lay down the frames that you have picked to use. Divide the frames to the size needed. For a metal frame, solder the side walls and then connect the front and back rods.

Determine the entrance location from same board or rod and place a rod on both sides of the entrance location. Build a door frame to match the entrance size. Screw the door hinges and door latch to the entrance and frame. For a frame made out of metal, place the mesh onto the hutch frame that you have made. Fix any bumps that you will see.

Secure the pair of corner points with a soldering iron. Normally, you will just need 2 pairs of wire wall: the entrance, roof and the wall of the floor. For additional floor protection, cut two by four stock to serve as the enclosure's feet. Secure it with staples.

Rabbits frequently urinate, so cut a portion of Formica to the size needed and insert it under the enclosure. You now have a place where your pet will enjoy living in for a long time.

Please click these links if you want to know more about how to build a rabbit hutch or how to build a rabbit hutch in general.

Saving Money on Pet Meds

Medications for your pet can often cost just as much or even more than a prescription for a person. Pets can't normally take over the counter medications like people do. Most vets stock the medicines your pet may need but there are places to get them cheaper.

Unlike prescriptions for people, medications for animals can usually be bought without a written prescription. Many retailers carry generic versions of vaccines and wormers but for antibiotics or pain relievers such as arthritis medication; you are going to need to go to a licensed seller.

Many online specialty retailers offer the medications your pet needs. It is important to be sure the medications they offer are the same as the one your vet recommended. You don't want to give the wrong medicine to your pet as this may make him sicker or not help at all.

Some of the more common Pet Meds you can find at a discounted price online include flea medications, heartworm pills, supplements, and pain relievers. It may not always be possible to find antibiotics or high does pain relievers online; these you may actually need to purchase from the vet.

If you are only looking for supplements, be sure to check with your local pet store. Pet stores often carry their own versions of supplements- many carry other brands of flea medications as well. If you are looking for supplements, the pet store will probably be okay but if you need flea medications or pain relievers, you want to get the brands recommended by your vet. They may cost a little more than the store brands but they are also more effective which will save you money in the long run.

John K Vincent is an expert website analyst and professional blogger.

Diarrhea in Pet Rabbits

By Andrew Massaro

Rabbits, like most other mammals, can at one point or another develop diarrhea. Diarrhea is not especially common in adult rabbits, and if observed, it means your rabbit has developed some sort of health or diet problem. What follows will review the various causes of diarrhea in your baby or adult rabbit.

In baby rabbits, there are two likely causes of a runny stool. The first potential cause is that the bunny is being weaned from his mother's milk at too early of an age. Many breeders and pet stores sell baby bunnies before they are old enough to be off of their mother's milk. This is unhealthy for the rabbit and diarrhea can be one of the ramifications. The other potential cause is intestinal parasites such as coccidia. If your baby rabbit has diarrhea, you should immediately take him or her to the vet.

In adult rabbits, there are a few more possible causes of diarrhea. One potential cause is that your rabbit is obese. He may be producing cecotropes as usual, but because of his ungainly weight, he is unable to reach them as they are produced and subsequently he smears them all over the place creating a diarrhea-like effect. Another potential cause is that your rabbit has arthritis and is unable to reach his cecotropes he is in constant pain. Again this will result in your rabbit smearing his feces around his bottom.

Two different dietary issues could also cause diarrhea in your rabbit. A diet that is too high in starch and sugary fruits can cause your rabbit to have mushy stools. Another potential cause is that your rabbit is not getting enough fiber in his food. These can both be easily remedied by appropriately adjusting your rabbit's diet.

If the preceding were determined not to be the cause of your rabbit's diarrhea, then it is likely that he has some other health problem that can only be properly diagnosed by a qualified veterinarian. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet rabbit, choosing a quality living environment should be on the top of your list. Whether you choose quality Rabbit Cages or opt for larger Rabbit Hutches, the quality of the materials and the construction of the dwelling will determine how well it works for your particular furry friend.

Dwarf Hamster Aquarium

Yes the aquarium that you would keep fish in makes a great home for your pet dwarf hamster, of course minus the fish and the water!  There are two types of aquarium construction, glass or plastic and each has their advantages and disadvantages.

A 10 gallon aquarium minimum size for one pet and use a larger  size if housing two or a mother with a litter.  Benefits of using an aquarium to house your pet::

• As the sides are of smooth  construction, it makes it more difficult to escape
• Provides opportunity for you to observe your pet and their antics and opportunity for you pet to observe their outside surroundings

Generally aquariums are made from two types of construction, glass or plastic.The benefit of a glass aquarium is that is the glass doesn't scratch as easily should your pet decided to scratch at the glass.  However the weight of a glass aquarium can make it more difficult to move around and to take care that nothing is tossed against the sides as it could shatter the glass.  Plastic construction is lighter weight making it easier to move and relocate however tends to show scratches easier and is more break proof should it be dropped or something tossed against it.

When using an aquarium for you pets home you will need to make use of a breathable lid.  They can come in different types consisting plastic with holes or screen construction. Using a lid is important for many reasons:

• Should you pet decide to pile up their bedding to assist them to climb up to the top of the aquarium the lid will deter escape
• Helps to stop things falling or being dropped into their home
• Helps keep other pets from entering their home, such as a pet cat!

Location of your dwarf hamster aquarium is important.  As the sides are of solid construction, make sure it is not placed in direct sunlight as it can heat up quickly inside making it unsafe for your pet.  Always avoid locating any pets home in drafty areas, close to heaters, air vents or where there is no indirect sunlight.

One necessary item your pet will require is a water bottle that they can sip from.  By using Velcro pads, you can attach the bottle at the perfect height for your pet.  Also available at pet stores you will find water bottle hooks that are specifically designed to hook onto the top of the aquarium. 

As dwarf hamsters, generally prefer to be observed than held or touched, using a large aquarium creates a great opportunity for your family to observe your pets daily activities and their funny antics!

Kym Sutherland is an author and enjoys writing articles that benefit dwarf hamster owners. To see an example of a dwarf hamster aquarium being used, come to the website, http://www.DwarfHamsterGuide.com and sign up for the free newsletter. See you soon!

Paralysis Ticks - Prevention is Better Than Cure

By Margaret Selga

A very important parasite in east coast Australia is the paralysis tick. This small, insignificant looking parasite will be familiar to many in Australia, it does not occur in the UK. Ixodes holocyclus is the scientific name and they are prevalent mostly in the warmer months but for those in SEQLD that means all year round. We are already seeing tick cases in our practice so for those of you that think you don't have to worry in winter...think again.

The cornerstone with paralysis tick is PREVENTION. This is very important and there are a number of products available to help with this. Spot - on products like frontline, advantix and others as well as collars can be used. I usually recommend a spot-on every two weeks and a collar, changed every 4-6 weeks. Please remember that no product is 100% reliable and DAILY checking of your pet is essential in the fight against the effects of this parasite.

If you locate a tick on your pet, pull it off straight away. Don't worry about "leaving the head in" as this does not appear to be an issue. Just get it off asap and watch out for any clinical signs.
Clinical signs of envenomation can be varied. Usual signs can be wobbliness in the legs, coughing or change in voice, vomiting or gagging among other signs. If you notice any of these signs you must get your pet to a vet as soon as possible. If you are in any doubt call your vet for advice.

Treatment involves giving your pet an infusion of tick serum which is a type of antivenom. This will help stop the progression of clinical signs. Your pet then needs time to recover from the effects of both the venom and the antivenom.

Tick venom can have wide reaching effects on your pet and recovery can often be complicated. Each case is different and your vet is best placed to advise you on what is best for your pet.

In summary...prevention is the key, careful checking of your pet daily, quick removal of ticks and seek veterinary advice asap if you are concerned about symptoms. Remember, ticks can kill if left unnoticed and untreated.

Let Our Pet Go Organic - How Your Pet Can Go Organic

By John Hanly

Let Your Pet Go Organic!

From skin irritations and dull coats to constipation and lack of energy, your pet's food can be hurting, or even worse, killing him. Chances are if you're feeding your pet from those commercial bags, boxes or cans, he and you, are getting a lot more than you bargained for.

One of the first ingredients in most commercial pet food is meat by products or "meat meal." What exactly is that? Unfortunately, it isn't a plump chicken leg or ground tenderloin. Instead, its the parts of the animals that are unfit for consumption. Lungs, spleens, bones, beaks, and other scraps that are leftover after all of the actual meat has been picked from the bone.

How about the boiled flesh of dead, diseased, disabled or dying animals?
What if those animals included dogs and cats?

How can this be?
Well it all comes down to the mighty dollar.
And speaking of that dollar, doesn't it stand to reason that the big pet food manufacturers want their products to have the longest shelf life possible so that there's no waste and no lost profit?
Of course it does!
Guess what gives that extended shelf life...harmful preservatives. And along with those preservatives are herbicides, pesticides and let's not forget the chemicals that were used to euthanize the sick and dying animals that wound up in that bag of food you've been feeding your beloved pet.
Yes, the same chemicals that are used to kill animals are being fed to animals.

So what can you do to protect your best friend?

There are a couple of alternatives that are not only safer, but will help your little Fido to thrive.

If you're up for it, you can pick up some books on pet nutrition and research the proper diet and nutrients for your pet's health and then cook for him at home. While this may sound like a great idea (after all, who better than you to control the freshness and wholesomeness of your pet's food?) it's not as easy as it sounds. Dogs and cats need a special diet that includes and excludes various foods and amounts of those foods. Its pretty scientific stuff and unless you're willing to spend the time learning how and what to prepare, home-cooking might not be the best avenue.

A better solution is to go organic. Organic pet food manufacturers care about your pet's health and to prove it, they don't opt for cheap, dangerous ingredients. Instead they leave out the byproducts, steroids, chemical additives, artificial colors, dyes, artificial flavors, bulk fillers like corn and wheat (which can irritate the digestive system), antibiotics, pesticides and other harmful and useless ingredients.

Organic product manufacturers have to follow strict guidelines to become certified, and that process not only includes inspection of what goes into the products, but also, where and how they are made!

Aside from the obvious, here are a few more important plusses to feeding organic:

Shinier, softer coats
Less skin irritations
More energy
Regular bowel movements
Healthier teeth
Increased longevity
Healthy weight maintenance

These are just some of the health benefits that organic foods offer our pets.

With the variety of ways organic foods can impact our pets, our environment and our own bodies, doesn't it just make sense to make the switch?

For more information on this and other pet related topics, please visit http://www.mypetresources.info

Why to Collar and Leash Your Pet

By John Hanly

Collars, Leashes and Harnesses

Not only for your pet's safety and for the safety of those around you, but because it's usually the law...leash up!
That's right, most U.S. cities require that while out walking, dogs are kept under control and wear I. D. tags that show proof of rabies shots.

Since Fido should be leashed and probably has to be leashed, then it only makes sense that you should make sure you have the right walking accessories for your pet.

And hey, while you're at it, you may as well make sure he looks his best too!

So what's it gonna be? Neck collar or Harness?

To help you make an informed decision, here are a few points to consider.

What's the difference?

Everyday collars (as opposed to metal training collars which are not discussed in this article) come in a variety of colors and prints in both leather and nylon. Because they're cost effective when the need to replace them for a bigger size arises, nylon collars are more practical for growing puppies. Since leather collars are stronger, more durable and longer lasting, they tend to cost a bit more and are best suited for the full grown dog.

Opt for a buckle collar rather than the snap-shut kind. The buckled collars stay closed while the snap-shut ones are more likely to come undone.

Be sure to fit the collar properly.

The rule of thumb, so to speak, is the "two-finger-fit." What that means is that the collar should be tight enough for you to fit two fingers between it and your dog's neck. Too loose and it may slip off - too tight and - well, let's just say that you wouldn't like wearing a tight collar around your neck all day; would you?

Another option, and what I consider to be a kinder, gentler one, is the harness. While harnesses may not be ideal for training purposes because they don't provide the instant control that a tug of a collar does, they are a great alternative to a neck collar.

Older dogs especially, due to aches and pains and neck issues, can really benefit from the harness because it attaches around the chest rather than putting pressure on the neck.

Leashes

Just like collars, leashes (leads) come in leather and nylon. They're also available in cotton. Again, like the nylon collar, nylon leads work best for puppies. They're lightweight and easily replaced without breaking the bank. Do expect to replace the first one because eventually, your puppy will discover they make GREAT chew toys. Again, expect to replace the first one - and quite honestly, maybe the second one as well.

As your dog matures to full grown height and weight, you might consider switching to the leather variety. Not only is the leather more comfortable in your hand, it's also a wise investment that will last a long, long time.

When choosing the length of your lead remember this - Leads are Control. You are the boss and the closer your dog is to you, the more control you have over him.

Retractable Leashes

If you've got a wide open, safe environment in which you're comfortable allowing your dog to venture about fifteen free-feeling feet from you, then by all means, purchase a retractable leash. Remember, these leashes and those distances are best saved for open spaces where your dog can't turn corners before you or run into danger that you can't see coming.

For More Information on this and other pet related topics, visit http://www.mypetresources.info For More information visit http://www.mypetresources.info.

Diarrhea in Pet Rabbits

By Andrew Massaro

Rabbits, like most other mammals, can at one point or another develop diarrhea. Diarrhea is not especially common in adult rabbits, and if observed, it means your rabbit has developed some sort of health or diet problem. What follows will review the various causes of diarrhea in your baby or adult rabbit.

In baby rabbits, there are two likely causes of a runny stool. The first potential cause is that the bunny is being weaned from his mother's milk at too early of an age. Many breeders and pet stores sell baby bunnies before they are old enough to be off of their mother's milk. This is unhealthy for the rabbit and diarrhea can be one of the ramifications. The other potential cause is intestinal parasites such as coccidia. If your baby rabbit has diarrhea, you should immediately take him or her to the vet.

In adult rabbits, there are a few more possible causes of diarrhea. One potential cause is that your rabbit is obese. He may be producing cecotropes as usual, but because of his ungainly weight, he is unable to reach them as they are produced and subsequently he smears them all over the place creating a diarrhea-like effect. Another potential cause is that your rabbit has arthritis and is unable to reach his cecotropes he is in constant pain. Again this will result in your rabbit smearing his feces around his bottom.

Two different dietary issues could also cause diarrhea in your rabbit. A diet that is too high in starch and sugary fruits can cause your rabbit to have mushy stools. Another potential cause is that your rabbit is not getting enough fiber in his food. These can both be easily remedied by appropriately adjusting your rabbit's diet.

If the preceding were determined not to be the cause of your rabbit's diarrhea, then it is likely that he has some other health problem that can only be properly diagnosed by a qualified veterinarian. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet rabbit, choosing a quality living environment should be on the top of your list. Whether you choose quality Rabbit Cages or opt for larger Rabbit Hutches, the quality of the materials and the construction of the dwelling will determine how well it works for your particular furry friend.