Oxbow Animal Health

We wanted to provide an update regarding the ongoing RHDV2 issues that continue to be a serious concern for both wild and domestic rabbit populations in the United States.  

New Cases in California, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming

Since our last update, we have had some new reported cases in California, Colorado, a few in Utah,and, most recently, the first reported case in Wyoming.  Knowing that Colorado and California have been those simmering areas, we do now have a positive case in Kern County, California (Bakersfield), on the Northern end of where we've seen more of the cases. So that's certainly something that we want to be aware of.

Decrease in Case Numbers – Factors to Consider  

While we've seen a decrease in the overall number of cases being reported, there's a couple of important factors that we want to keep in mind.  We know that this is the time of year where overall virus transmission seems to diminish. Unfortunately, there is the belief when you look at the research and what the virus has done in other countries that, as we move into the winter time, and especially as we move into spring, it is common for case spread to increase. Let's hope that that's not necessarily going to be the case.

The second component to consider is that, in many of the seven states where the virus is now considered to be endemic, routine testing of wild rabbits is not taking place. This means that, while there may be a disease out there, we're not seeing as much testing being done. And, unfortunately, we know that that could potentially mean that there is more spread that's just not being reported. That being said, any domesticated case that is reported with a veterinarian or an owner should be communicated to your state veterinarian, and then they will complete that necessarily testing.

New Travel Restrictions

We were aware of existing travel restrictions in California and other states, but we're beginning to see some new travel restrictions, even in some states outside of where the virus is currently an issue.  States where we are seeing new travel restrictions include Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Missouri.

If you do need to travel with your rabbit, make sure that you work with your veterinarian not only to understand the legal requirements of that travel (such as health certificates and associated other regulatory responsibilities), but make sure you're aware of the potential risk of where you're traveling to.

As you’ve heard me say many times, the safest thing you can do for both you and your rabbits is to stay home and be safe. This isn't a time that we want to be out and about - not only for your rabbit, but for us as human beings in light of our ongoing issues with COVID.  But, if you do have to travel, take those extra precautions to work with your veteran, make sure you have the right documentation that's associated with that travel.

Some Good News – Endangered Population Vaccinated!

I do want to end on a positive note. So much of this has been negative and talking about all the struggles that we've had with this virus, but there was a recent news article that came out that talked about almost 270 of the endangered California Central Valley Brush Rabbit population were actually trapped and vaccinated. This is a very unique population of a subspecies of the brush rabbit that, for a while, was actually believed to be extinct.  Thanks to a sustained and ongoing recovery effort, they're now doing well in the wild, but obviously knowing the geography of where they live and where the virus at that was a potential huge risk.

It was very heartwarming and encouraging to see how multiple agencies came together, imported the vaccine, and vaccinated these rabbits, which will hopefully protect that very unique population. So, on that note, we want to wish everybody out there, happy holidays, and encourage you to continue to educate yourself. And, as we get more information, we'll share that with all of you.

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by Dianne Cook, LVT 

No one likes the thought of facing an emergency situation, but as 2020 has proven, life can be unpredictable. For those of us fortunate enough to share our homes with small pets, it’s essential to be as prepared as possible to address injuries and illnesses, or, in the case of a disaster, evacuate the home quickly and safely. By assembling a complete emergency kit and keeping it in a convenient location, you can make sure your furry friend is on the road to recovery, or safety, as quickly as possible.  

Be Prepared for Any Emergency 

Emergencies can come in many forms. Broken toenails, gastrointestinal stasis, flooded basements, and hurricanes all represent real, potential emergencies, but all require different measures to ensure your furry friends’ comfort and safety. Because emergencies are naturally tense situations, the last thing you want to do is scramble to try and find something you need. Having an emergency kit that is prepped to handle numerous urgent scenarios is one of the best ways to maintain a sense of control in a scary situation and make sure you have everything you need close at hand.  

No Substitute for Veterinary Care 

It is important to remember this kit is not a replacement for veterinary care. While a well-stocked emergency kit may help prepare you for numerous scenarios, the items contained within will not replace the expertise of a qualified veterinarian. When serious illness or injury strikes, an emergency kit is best used to support your small pet as you arrange to take them to a trusted veterinarian for treatment as quickly as possible. A few symptoms that warrant an immediate trip to the vet include: 

• Large open wounds 
• Non-weight bearing on one or more limbs 
• Anorexia (not eating) 
• Abnormal urinary or bowel changes
• Blue or pale gums 
• Labored or open-mouthed breathing 
• Seizures or inability to stand or walk without falling over  
• Extreme lethargy  
• Loss of consciousness 
• Known or potential poison/toxin ingestion 

How to Assemble Your Emergency Kit 

Keep your emergency kit (including carriers) as close to an exit as possible and ensure everyone in the family knows where it is. Many pet parents find a clearly marked backpack or duffle bag is the easiest way to keep important items together and makes the kit easy to carry if you ever need to leave in a rush. The list below outlines some essential items that can assist in numerous emergency situations, but you can always expand upon this list to meet the needs of your specific pets. 

• Carrier – A sturdy, easily accessible, species-appropriate carrier is essential in case you need to make an emergency trip to the vet or quickly evacuate your home. The carrier should be large enough for your little one to stand, turn around and lie down. While bonded pairs often do well in the same carrier (if large enough), it is recommended to ensure you have a carrier for each kiddo as stressful situations can increase the risk of your pets quarreling if forced to share a confined space.   
• Your Veterinarian’s Contact Info – In case of a substantial medical emergency (like the ones outlined above), it is a good idea to keep the name, phone number, and clinic location of your favorite exotics-savvy veterinarian with your pets’ emergency kit. Because emergencies don’t always happen during business hours, it is also important to have the same information for an after-hours or emergency animal hospital in your area. 
• Evacuation or Disaster Plan – Keep an evacuation or disaster plan with your kit and go over it frequently with all members of the household. It is essential all members of the household are on the same page if evacuation is ever necessary to ensure everyone, including household pets, gets to safety as quickly and efficiently as possible. 
• LED Flashlight – Since power can go out for extended periods of time during natural disasters, keeping a bright, long-life flashlight and extra batteries in your pet’s emergency kit will ensure you can always see to check in on your little one. Flashlights also come in handy if you should ever need to look get a closer look in your pet’s ears or mouth or examine a wound. 
• Food, Hay, and Bottled Water – Keep a 5-7-day supply of fresh food in an airtight, waterproof container, and, if you have small herbivores, one or two 15 oz bags of hay. You should also keep at least a full week’s worth of bottled water specifically for your pets. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters or evacuations, you may consider having even more food/hay and water on hand as supply chains are often disrupted during disasters. Food and hay supplies should be rotated every 2 months to ensure they remain fresh. 
• Food and Water Dishes – Keep clean dishes and water bottles with your emergency kit at all times. If using ceramic or glass, make sure to wrap and pack them carefully to avoid breakage. 
• Critical Care and Feeding Syringes – Critical Care comes in three varieties: Herbivore, Carnivore, and Omnivore making it an important product to keep in any small pet emergency kit. These unique, specialized products provide premium recovery nutrition for small pets with poor nutritional status. Given this product is often syringe fed, it is important to keep a few clean, properly working feeding syringes with the kit. To learn more about administering Critical Care, read the following article: Critical Care Tips and Tricks.  
• Medications – Make sure to include any prescription medications your pets may be taking. If you know a big storm is coming, or if you live in an area prone to inclement weather, ask your veterinarian about filling your pet’s script early so you know you’ll always have some on hand. You should also speak with your veterinarian regarding additional over-the-counter medications (and appropriate dosages) they may suggest adding to your emergency kit based on your pets’ personal medical histories. 
• Towels or Blankets – Keeping a few towels and small blankets in your emergency kit has numerous benefits. Having a towel close at hand will make it easy to hold your pet securely while administering care. Towels and blankets can also serve as temporary bedding in the bottom of the carrier to keep pets as comfortable and warm as possible during transport. Finally, putting a towel or blanket down on a surface before examining your pet or administering first aid is a great way to keep messes contained and easy to clean. 
• Thermometer and Water-Based Lubricant – Temperature maintenance is more important than many pet parents realize. Ill or stressed animals can quickly become hypothermic (too cold) or hyperthermic (too hot), which can have a substantial, negative impact on their health and prognosis. Taking a rectal temperature and recording it at home can be valuable information for your veterinarian. Monitoring your little one’s temp as they convalesce is also an easy way to ensure they maintain a safe and optimal temperature. Make sure to use a water-based lubricant for your pet’s comfort, and thoroughly disinfect the thermometer after every use. 
•  Heat Source – Keeping a heating pad with your emergency kit is the best way to combat a low body temperature, but it is crucial to use the heating element carefully and purposefully. Small mammals have notoriously thin skin and can easily suffer thermal burns if heating pads (or other heat sources) are used inappropriately. Only use the heating pad on the lowest setting possible and cover with a double layer of towels or blankets to ensure your little one can warm up without the risk of getting burnt. Also, make sure the heat source is positioned in such a way that your animal can move away if necessary. Check your pet’s temp frequently while they have access to a heat source and remove it promptly when your pet’s temp returns to normal. 
• Hand Sanitizer and Gloves – Cuts and open wounds are one of the top reasons pet parents reach for their pet-specific emergency kit. Keeping a small container of hand sanitizer and a small box of disposable medical gloves will help keep things sanitary if you need to address a messy medical issue at home. Though gloves allow pet parents to best examine wounds without risking additional contamination, remember that large, open wounds should always be treated by a knowledgeable veterinarian. It is also important to note that hand sanitizer is not appropriate for use on wounds and gloves should be disposed of after every use. 
• Saline Solution – For minor cuts and abrasions, cleanliness is an essential part of proper treatment. Using a saline solution is a great way to irrigate an open wound and give you a better idea of how serious the injury is. Any open wound runs the risk of infections due to environmental bacteria, so it is important to seek proper treatment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may also suggest some over-the-counter wound care products you can keep in your emergency for these types of situations. 
• Bandage Material – Though there are numerous options for bandage material, the most commonly used tend to be sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, and stretchy, self-adhering bandages. A well-stocked bandage stash will also contain blunt-tip (or round-tip) bandage scissors, cotton balls, cotton-tipped applicators, and tweezers. Because it is incredibly easy to put a bandage on too tightly (or too loose), a trip to the vet is generally warranted any time a bandage needs to be placed. Your veterinarian can then advise you on how often the bandage should be changed, and the best bandaging techniques for optimal healing. 
• Nail Trimmers and Styptic Powder – Nail trimmers not only come in handy for routine nail maintenance but often serve a purpose during minor emergencies. Torn toenails are a relatively common injury amongst small pets and can often be addressed at home as long as the nail’s quick hasn’t been damaged or exposed. If you’ve trimmed your pet’s nails a little too close and they start to bleed, or if your little one has broken a toenail close to the quick, dipping the nail in styptic powder (sold at most pet stores) will help stop the bleeding. It is important to note that styptic powder should only be used on bleeding toenails – it is not appropriate for wounds anywhere else on the body. 

Assembling a complete emergency kit for your small pet may take a little time and forethought, but when emergencies arise, knowing you have everything you need to keep your little one safe and healthy is truly a peace of mind. While the items listed above are a great starting point, make time to speak with your veterinarian and add any items or products they suggest to best meet your pets’ specific needs. Though no pet parent ever wants to have to use their emergency kits, when the time comes, you’ll be happy it’s there. 

Learn More About Pet Care

Downloadable Daily Care Checklist for Your Small Pet

Curbside Veterinary Care for Small Mammals

Wellness Exam Checklist

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Dedicated pet parents understand the importance of taking the best possible care of their furry family members. Unfortunately, the demanding schedules and frequent distractions that are such a common part of modern life can make it a challenge to keep track of your pet’s daily care routine. By creating a daily care checklist for your small pets, you can ensure your fur babies’ daily needs are met while also establishing a stress-limiting routine for all members of the household.

Why Are Pet Care Checklists Important? 

Maintaining a daily routine is a great way to: 

• Establish healthy habits 
• Decrease stress for pet and pet parent alike  
• Make sure important daily pet care tasks are completed timely and efficiently  

Even if you already have an established daily routine, adding a pet care checklist is an easy way to provide a visual reminder to tasks that still need completed for the day and can help you track any trends that might otherwise go unnoticed. Although daily care checklists are recommended for all pet parents, they tend to be especially helpful for homes in which children or multiple individuals share in household pet care by making sure everyone in the home knows what tasks have been completed, and which are left to be done.  

Download the Checklist

Make the Most of Your Family Schedule 

Though not all aspects of daily exotic companion mammal care are appropriate for young children, adding pet care responsibilities to a child’s daily routine can help them develop a sense of responsibility and allows them an opportunity to build a special, unique bond with their pets. The care and husbandry skills children learn throughout their formative years also help ensure they remain attentive, caring, and responsible pet parents for life, and will assist in developing basic time management skills and a sense of pride and independence. Anytime a child is helping care for a pet, it is important an adult ensures the tasks are completed safely and thoroughly, or (in the case of young children) under direct adult supervision.  

Daily Small Pet Care Checklist 

The list below outlines the daily needs of most small pets, but it is important to remember that individual pet’s needs differ. Be sure to tailor your checklist and routine to best meet the specific needs of your furry friends.  

Rinse and Refill Water Receptacle(s) 

Empty any remaining water left in the vessel(s), rinse thoroughly, refill with fresh water, and replace. Though water bottles/bowls only need to be rinsed once a day, it is important to check on your pet’s water supply every morning and every evening to ensure they always have water available. Children tend to enjoy helping with this task. 

Wash and Dry Food Dish(es) 

Empty any remaining food and wash food dishes with warm, soapy water. Dishes should be completely dry before more food is added. This is another excellent task for children to complete. 

Provide Species Appropriate Diet Options 

• For small herbivores, make sure your pet has an ample supply of fresh, clean, hay varieties available for the day. Check through any hay remaining in your pet’s feeding station and discard any that has become damp or soiled. Add new hay as necessary, tossing gently to mix the older hay with the new hay. This task should be completed every morning and every evening to ensure your little ones always have an unlimited supply of clean hay available.  
• Once your pets’ freshly cleaned food dish is dry, add their daily allotted volume of pellets or kibble. For young animals or species who need an unlimited volume of food daily, make sure to check your pet’s food dish every morning and every evening, adding food as necessary. For adult animals, or kiddos who are on a fixed daily volume, pet parents can choose to feed the entire volume at once or break it into a morning and evening feeding.  
• Offer a daily assortment of species appropriate supplemental foods. Small herbivores are big fans of fresh greens, veggies, and fruits, while small omnivores appreciate the addition of grains and appropriate proteins along with their produce.  
• All tasks above are excellent opportunities for small children to assist. 

Administer Prescription Medications or Daily Supplements 

A checklist is an easy way to make sure your pet gets their prescription medications on time and as directed. It is also a great way of tracking any prescription or over-the-counter supplements your pet is taking. Medications should always be administered by an adult. 

Safety Check Enrichment Items 

Thoroughly examine each of the enrichment items (chews, activity centers, hideouts, etc.) to which your little one has access. Once an enrichment item becomes frayed, heavily splintered, or begins to fall apart, remove it and replace with a new item. If you share your home with a free roam pet, this is also a great time to make sure shoes, clothes, mail, or other important or potentially dangerous items are picked up and out of reach of inquisitive little mouths. This is a great activity for children. 

Spot Clean Enclosure and/or Litterbox 

Keeping your pets in a tidy enclosure or environment helps ensure they remain healthy and limits any animal associated aromas around the home. Small mammals tend to prefer to urinate and defecate in the corners of their enclosures or under hiding spaces. Check the environment closely and remove any soiled litter or bedding with a scoop, replacing with fresh litter and bedding as needed. Even if your pets are immaculately litter trained, scooping their litterbox at least once daily is recommended. While spot cleaning, be on the lookout for oddly shaped fecal pellets, soft stools, or diarrhea, and note whether you see anything unusual about their urine (smaller volume, odd color, etc). Any abnormalities should be promptly discussed with your veterinarian. It is important for children to assist with this task, as it impresses the importance of keeping your pets clean and tidy. 

Social Hour 

To avoid the boredom and monotony of exploring the same habitat day after day, it’s important to allow your little ones’ daily access to a pet-proof floor space where they can run, jump, explore and play. Daily floor time is also an excellent opportunity for pet parents to socialize and closely interact with their little ones.  

Though free roam pets generally have room to roam and explore throughout the day, they also benefit from the additional attention social hour provides. Through play and affection, you can offer a unique opportunity to strengthen the human-animal bond while also ensuring your little one’s physical and mental needs are being met.  

Because it serves as an opportunity to snuggle and connect with their little furry companions, children often look forward to daily social hour.  

Appropriate Grooming 

Though not all small mammals require daily grooming, if you happen to have a long-haired breed you can generally look forward to a daily brushing routine. Long-haired breeds aren’t the only kiddos who may need daily grooming attention, though. Little ones who are prone to ear infection often benefit from having their ears wiped out daily, and furry friends who have a history of messy bottoms (a common symptom of obesity) may need to have their back ends cleaned on a routine basis. If you aren’t certain what daily grooming practices are appropriate for your pets, please speak with your trusted veterinarian. 

Monitor General Well-Being 

As prey species, small mammals are experts at hiding signs of illness or injury, meaning even the most observant pet parent can miss the subtle early signs of a brewing health concern. Monitoring your pet’s appetite, behavior, activity level, and urinary/fecal output daily allows you to visually compare results from one day to the next, and easily note trends to discuss with your veterinarian. 

Though not always necessary, if your pet is elderly or convalescing after a recent illness, injury, or surgery, monitoring they’re daily weight will help ensure they aren’t losing or gaining weight at an alarming rate. Any significant trends or weight fluctuations should be addressed by a trusted exotics-savvy veterinarian. 

More Than Daily Needs 

Though the list above is a great overview of your pet’s daily needs, your furry family members also have weekly and monthly requirements. Tasks such as deep cleaning your kiddo’s enclosure and washing water bottles should be completed weekly, while nail trims and at home wellness exams should be completed monthly.  If the daily pet care checklist helps establish a healthy routine, your household may also benefit from a similar weekly and/or monthly checklist for care tasks that don’t need to be completed every day.  

Despite busy schedules, keeping your small pets happy and healthy is at the forefront of every passionate pet parent’s mind. Following a daily pet care checklist is a great way to get everyone involved in the care of household pets, establish a consistent routine, and ensure your pets have all that they need to live their best lives.  

Learn More

Ten Life Lessons You Can Learn From Your Rabbit

Children and Foster Pets: Five Important Life Lessons

How to Create a Cozy Home For Your Pet

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by Dr. Cayla Iske

Day in and day out, we talk to pet parents who want the absolute best for their fur babies. Over the years, some of the most common questions we’ve received are focused on pets with special health and dietary needs. Recognizing this common pattern, we worked with leading exotic animal veterinarians to better understand and address the most common health issues seen in small mammals. As a result of these efforts, we developed our Natural Science line of hay-based herbal supplements.  These supplements include: Digestive Support, Papaya Support, Urinary Support, Joint Support, Multi-Vitamin, Vitamin C, and Skin & Coat.

How Were Oxbow’s Natural Science Supplements Developed?

Through partnership with leading exotic animal veterinarians, nutritionists, and herbalists, we identified key herbal ingredients shown to positively support these common health conditions. Given the more specialized nature of many of these ingredients and the conditions they are designed to support, we determined the best delivery system was an all-natural, Timothy hay-based baked supplement.  It is important to remember that Oxbow’s Natural Science supplements are designed for pets that have a current or ongoing issue, or those who are predisposed to certain conditions and in need of additional, veterinarian-recommended support. Before starting your pet on any supplement, we recommend that you consult with your trusted veterinarian. 

How Can I Determine If My Pet Will Benefit from Digestive Support?

Natural Science Digestive Support was developed to address and support one of the most important parts of small mammal health: the digestive system. Many health ailments in small mammals can manifest in the form of digestive issues and this supplement is designed to support digestive health in times of need.

Whether it’s a parasitic infection, stress, stasis, or your little one just has a particularly sensitive digestive system, Natural Science Digestive Support provides natural nutritional support for a healthy digestive tract and digestive health maintenance. While digestive upset can be the outcome of a myriad of health issues, there are some common clinical signs and symptoms to look for that indicate your animal may be suffering from digestive issues:

• Reduced food intake
• Reduced water intake
• Changes in body condition or weight
• Changes in fecal output
  • Lack of feces
  • Changes in fecal size
  • Changes in fecal volume
  • Changes in color of feces
  • More leftover cecotrophes
  • Any changes to typical poops
• Decreased activity
• Lethargy 
• Abdominal stretching 
• Hunched posture
• Behavior changes

When observing or monitoring your pet, it’s always important to remember that small exotics are experts at masking clinical signs and illness.  Thus, if any of these signs are observed, it is best to get your fur baby to an exotic animal veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will complete a physical examination and potentially some additional diagnostics to try and determine the root cause of the issue so an appropriate treatment plan can be made. Part of this treatment could include adding Natural Science Digestive Support to your little loved one’s daily routine.

Is Natural Science Digestive Support Appropriate For Omnivores?

Small omnivores such as rats, hamsters, and gerbils also commonly suffer from digestive troubles and our hay-based supplements can be very beneficial for these species when offered in appropriate amounts.  The balance of fiber types, along with other natural and herbal ingredients, can be beneficial to small omnivores and herbivores alike to help support overall gut health.

What’s The Appropriate Feeding Recommendation For My Pet?

For herbivores, we recommend 1/2 to 2 tabs per day (depending on weight.) We recommend feeding 1/8 tablet daily for smaller species of omnivores (e.g. dwarf hamsters, mice, etc.) and 1/4 tablet daily for larger omnivores (e.g. rats, gerbils, Syrian hamsters, etc.).  For more specific feeding recommendations, consult your veterinarian as well as the product label.   

How Does Natural Science Digestive Support Fit into the Daily Diet of Pets?

Herbivores

A healthy digestive system starts with a proper complete and balanced diet. For small herbivores, adequate amounts of appropriate fiber are key to keep the system moving. This fiber best comes in the form of an unlimited amount of a variety of high-quality grass hays, which should make up about 70% of the diet. Pair this hay with proper amounts and varieties of leafy greens and veggies alongside a nutritionally complete, uniform fortified food (don’t forget to sprinkle in small amounts of nutritious treats) and you are setting your pet up for a long, healthy life.

Omnivores

For small omnivores such as rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils, a balanced, uniform pellet paired with a plethora of proteins, fats, grains and produce varieties is key. But even with the best diet, sometimes health issues still arise. Our Digestive Support supplement is intended to provide that extra boost of digestive aid during these times of need and recovery. The herbal ingredients in Natural Science Digestive Support add great nutritional variety while also targeting natural mitigation of gastrointestinal distress.

What Function Do The Ingredients In Natural Science Digestive Support Play?

The role of fiber in the digestive health of small herbivores is well known; while omnivores don’t require as much fiber, it is still crucial to their overall digestive health. The staples of Natural Science Digestive Support include a balance of different types of fiber and additional natural ingredients that can help support a healthy digestive tract. 

From antioxidants to fight off oxidative stress and inflammation, to prebiotics which support a healthy microbiome necessary for digestion, the ingredients in our Digestive Support were selected for their natural nutrients and properties that keep the gastrointestinal tract functioning properly. Ingredients in this supplement, paired with a balanced diet, proper husbandry, and regular veterinary checks, can help get your pet back on the road to a long happy, healthy life.

Ingredient	Nutrient	Function
Timothy Grass	Insoluble Fiber	Promotes gut motility and a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Barley and Oats	Soluble Fiber	Help maintain a healthy microbiota and promote gut barrier function to protect against pathogens.
Flaxseed	Omega Fatty Acids	Act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation and maintain healthy digestive processes.
Chamomile	Terpenoids and Flavonoids	Exerts both anti-inflammatory and immune stimulant properties.
Fenugreek Seed	Flavonoids, Vitamin C, Galatcomannan	Has both anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic properties.
Brewers Dried Yeast & Hydrolyzed Yeast	Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS)	Act as prebiotics and promote growth of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Chicory Root	Inulin
Ginger Root	Gingerols	Contributes anti-inflammatory properties to support gastric motility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplement FAQs

Supplements should not be considered treats and there are many things to think about before adding them to your pet’s diet. When considering supplements and discussing them with your veterinarian, some questions may come up. Below are some frequent questions we receive regarding our supplements that may address some of your queries and help you and your vet decide if they are right for your little one:

Q:  Is it possible to overfeed supplements?

A:  Yes. As with any supplement, it’s important to follow feeding guidelines at all times. Some ingredients used in our supplements may cause GI upset or other health issues if consumed in excess. Before incorporating any new supplements into your pet’s diet, it is highly recommended that you first consult with your veterinarian.

Q:  Can these supplements be given with prescription or over-the-counter medications?

A:  Yes, but it is imperative you first consult with your veterinarian to ensure there are not potential negative interactions between the Natural Science supplements and pharmaceuticals your little one may be taking.

Q:  Can any of the Natural Science supplements be fed to young, growing, pregnant or lactating animals?

A:  Yes:

• Vitamin C
• Multi-Vitamin

No:

These supplements are NOT intended for young, growing, pregnant or lactating animals and should not be fed during these life stages.

• Digestive Support
• Urinary Support
• Skin & Coat
• Joint Support
• Papaya Support

 

Learn More

What should I feed my pet rat?

Healthy treats and foods for hamsters and gerbils

DIY Snack Wreath

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Do you need some great ideas for stocking stuffers and holiday presents for your pets, friends, and family members? Check out some of these great gift ideas from our favorite Oxbow influencers!

Perfect Presents for Your Little One

Pets are just as excited to receive new presents as their human counterparts are during the holidays! Mix and match different varieties of treats, chews, and habitat accessories to provide hours of entertainment and enrichment for your little ones.

1. Play Wall

The Play Wall can keep them busy for hours! - @bobo.ellie.buns 

2. Celebration Cupcake

The design is super cute and the toy itself is built to last through a lot of piggie chew time. - @finnleythepig 

3. Timothy Lollipop

Both of my piggies will pick these toys out of everything else. They are great for wearing down teeth and help reducing boredom. - @finnleythepig 

4. Enriched Life Curly Vine Ball

Not only can it help with filing down their teeth by giving them something to chew on, but it gives Gizmo something to destroy. He loves to take things apart. Cookie comes by and chews on the sticks that Gizmo leaves. -@cookieandgizmoli 

5. Timothy CLUB Twists

Timothy CLUB Twists make great stocking stuffers! -_powerpuffbunnies_ 

Pet Parent Tip

Learn why enrichment is such an important part of your pet’s physical, mental, and nutritional well-being by reading our All About Enrichment Handout! 

Super Stocking Stuffers for Pet Loving Friends and Family

Etsy.com: LuckySunny Shop – Guinea Pig Earrings

Who doesn’t love smiling, happy, huggable guinea pigs? Now you can take these little ones with you wherever you go!

Recommended by @finnleythepig

Etsy.com: amyfrancesuk – Guinea Pig Print

Here a piggie, there’s a piggie, and another little little piggie! This adorable print features a range of adorable guinea pig breeds! This is the perfect present for your guinea pig loving friends and relatives.

Recommended by @finnleythepig

Socety6.com: Gribanessa – Celebration Coffee Mug

Every day can be a celebration with this sweet little chinchilla-themed mug!

Society6.com: Kerry-Symetria – How to Describe Your Dwarf Hamsters Duffle Bag

This fun duffle bag is a great way to celebrate hammies while on the go!

Etsy.com: LeedsDesign – Floral Bunny Shirt

What’s better than pairing a cute and comfy shirt with your love of bunnies?

 

Please note that Oxbow does not have a partnership or affiliation with any of the above vendors and does not receive any portion of the proceeds made from any of the sales of any of the above products.

 

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