Oxbow Animal Health

December 02, 2021

How Much Exercise Does Your Small Pet Need?

How much exercise time does your small pet need? Read our latest article to learn more about exercise recommendations for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small mammals as well as the steps you can take to ensure they remain just as safe as they are active. ... Read More

November 22, 2021

How Do I Make My Pet’s Habitat Fun and Enriching?

How can you make your pet's habitat fun, enriching, and safe? What should you include to keep your pet healthy and help them to avoid boredom-based behaviors? Oxbow's here to help.... Read More

November 12, 2021

How to Care for Young Small Mammals

What are the average ages during which rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small pets are considered “young?" How do you care for young pets? Oxbow's here to answer these questions and more.... Read More

November 01, 2021

Selective Feeding in Rats, Mice, Hamsters, and Gerbils

Are mix diets healthy for rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils? Check out our nutritional recommendations for small omnivores and learn more about how to provide the best nutrition for your small pet.... Read More

October 19, 2021

Getting to Know Supplements: Natural Science Multi-Vitamin

Could your small pet benefit from a multi-vitamin? How much of the Multi-Vitamin tablet should you feed your small pet? Oxbow's here to answer all of your supplement questions.... Read More

October 15, 2021

What to Expect When Your Small Pet Is Expecting

Everyone knows it is crucial for pregnant humans to take extra good care of themselves to ensure the best possible chance of a healthy baby and safe delivery. The exact same is true of our beloved small pets. Caring for a pregnant animal requires additional time and commitment as you tailor her diet, environment, and routine to her gestational needs.... Read More

October 11, 2021

How to Create a Safe, Free Roam Environment for Small Pets

What should you take into consideration when it comes to allowing your pet to free roam? How can you prepare your space to keep your pets safe, healthy, and happy? Oxbow is here to help!... Read More

October 04, 2021

The Truth About Mixes And Selective Feeding

Nutritional and behavioral impacts of muesli and foraging mixes have both short and long-term health impacts. ... Read More

September 20, 2021

Top 10 Foraging Accessories for Small Pets

Looking for some great foraging toys and accessories that your small pet will love? Learn more.... Read More

September 10, 2021

The Truth About Mixes And Your Pet’s Health

Is there any scientific evidence that mix-based diets are bad for small animals? As we’ve shown in our evaluation of previous claims about mixes throughout this series, there is an abundance of documented research that has proven that mixes aren’t healthy for rabbits, guinea pigs, and many other small exotic species.... Read More

September 10, 2021

5 Ways to Memorialize Your Beloved Small Pet

How can you memorialize your small pet? Oxbow provides some great memorial ideas for your little one who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.... Read More

September 01, 2021

Getting to Know Supplements: Natural Science Papaya Support

How can you tell if your pet may benefit from Papaya Support? Check out signs that may indicate your pet is having digestive issues.... Read More

August 24, 2021

The Truth About Mixes And Foraging

Do muesli mixes really support foraging behaviors? Learn more about this myth mix and how to support your pet's foraging instincts in healthy ways with uniform food here.... Read More

August 13, 2021

The Truth About Mixes And Ingredient Quality

Most mixes are made with low-quality, inexpensive ingredients designed to keep costs down. And, while the diversity of ingredients may look healthy and nutritious, the opposite is often true. In this four-part series, we’ll examine some of the most prevalent claims regarding mix-based diets and provide the facts so that you can make an educated choice when choosing the right diet for your furry family member.... Read More

August 02, 2021

How to Make Sense of Pet Food Packaging

The amount of required information listed on a pet food label, coupled with the claims companies use to catch your attention, can make pet food packaging a source of frustration and confusion for even the most knowledgeable of pet parents. To help demystify these labels, we’ve put together a list of key elements to look for when shopping the small animal pet food aisle. ... Read More

July 19, 2021

Have You Heard? We’ve Made Some Exciting Changes to Garden Select Hamster & Gerbil!

Choosing the right daily nutrition for your hamster or gerbil is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make as a pet parent. This important decision helps establish the foundation for your pet’s health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s so important to find a food you can trust to provide what’s best for your furry friend. ... Read More

July 19, 2021

How to Support Foraging in Healthy Ways

How can you can successfully support your pets’ foraging instincts in a variety of healthy, interactive ways that offer the added benefit of helping to build the bond with your pets? Oxbow's here to help!... Read More

July 15, 2021

Why Is My Pet A Picky Eater?

We all want our beloved pets to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet every day. And, knowing how important it is for small pets to regularly eat hay and a wholesome daily diet, it can be worrisome to us when our little loved ones turn their noses up at their daily nutrition. To understand how to prevent picky eating behaviors with your pet, it’s important to first understand why animals like rabbits and guinea pigs practice picky eating (also known as “selective feeding”) in the first place. With the understanding of why small herbivores are oftentimes wired to practice picky eating habits, it becomes easy to develop some practical tips to help your picky pet develop a less finicky palate.... Read More

June 22, 2021

Why Does My Pet Hide from Me?

Given the abundant joy that the simple presence of our pets brings us each day, it can come as a surprise to new pet parents the first time their furry friend retreats to their habitat to hide away. No one loves rejection, and it can be especially disappointing when the perceived rejection comes at the paws of our favorite furry friends. The good news is that your pet’s decision to retreat for the comforts of a dark, quiet place in many cases has less to do with you than their engrained instincts as a prey species. ... Read More

June 16, 2021

How to Make Your Own DIY Pet-Safe Dyes

Learn how to make homemade, safe-to-chew dyes from fresh produce!... Read More

June 03, 2021

Getting to Know Supplements: Natural Science Skin and Coat

Natural Science Skin & Coat was formulated to help reduce inflammation and irritation of the skin and to aid in maintaining healthy haircoats in small mammals. While it may seem that healthy skin and coat are not atop the list of things to be concerned about, it is important to remember that the skin is one of the most important organs in the body and serves a variety of essential functions. Therefore, preventing and minimizing inflammation and irritation of the skin is important as it can mitigate larger health issues in addition to avoiding discomfort for your little one. ... Read More

May 08, 2021

How to Prepare for a Disaster with Small Pets

Saturday, May 8th is National Animal Preparedness Day. Though it can be scary and uncomfortable to think about, disasters can happen at any time, often with little-to-no warning. In an emergency, when time is of the essence, it can be difficult and stressful to ensure your entire family (both human and animal) get to safety. To help limit chaos in the heat of the moment, is it best to prepare ahead of time by ensuring you have a well-thought-out disaster plan in place. ... Read More

May 05, 2021

Getting to Know Supplements: Natural Science Vitamin C

Could your pet benefit from taking Natural Science Vitamin C Supplements? How do you know if your pet isn't getting enough Vitamin C? Do species other than guinea pigs benefit from Vitamin C supplementation? Oxbow's here to answer all of this and more.... Read More

April 09, 2021

Ready to Enrich Your Pet’s Life Even More? Check Out Our Latest Enrichment Innovations!

Daily enrichment is essential to your small pet’s health and happiness. That’s because your pet is instinctively wired to interact with their surroundings in unique ways each day. At Oxbow, we believe that supporting your little loved one’s instincts to explore, play, chew, and hide should be a fun and interactive experience for you both. That’s why we’re so excited to reveal our latest enrichment innovations! ... Read More

March 08, 2021

Natural Science Supplements: Frequently Asked Questions

Oxbow’s Natural Science supplements were designed with the natural diet of small mammals in mind to address some of their most common health ailments. With the help of leading exotic animal veterinarians and nutritionists, these supplements were developed with herbal ingredients targeted towards mitigating these issues. Learn more about how to determine if Natural Science may be a right fit for your little one and how to feed it!... Read More

March 02, 2021

Fun Ways to Encourage Your Pet to Play with Their Food

As children, most of us were told not to play with our food. And, while there are certainly merits in modeling proper dinnertime etiquette for our children, play at mealtime can be a highly enriching activity with multiple key benefits for our rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets. Let’s take a look at a few quick and easy tips for encouraging your pets to play with their food and the associated benefits of each. ... Read More

February 15, 2021

Foods Rabbits Should Never Eat

Rabbits are eating machines! Thanks to their unique physiology, these remarkable small herbivores must consume a near-constant intake of fiber to keep their specialized digestive tracts running smoothly. Just because rabbits are herbivores, however, doesn’t mean they can eat all varieties of greens, veggies, and fruits. Their unique dietary requirements also make many “human treats” (and even some marketed for rabbits) inappropriate as they can lead to serious health concerns if consumed. ... Read More

February 11, 2021

Getting to Know Supplements: Natural Science Joint Support

The next supplement in our “Getting to Know Supplements” series is Natural Science Joint Support. This supplement was designed to support common skeletal issues, such as degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis. ... Read More

February 04, 2021

Signs Your Pet Loves You

How do you know if your pet loves you? We’ve listed several behaviors here that you can translate as signs of affection from your pets. ... Read More

January 20, 2021

Getting to Know Supplements: Natural Science Urinary Support

How can you tell if your pet would benefit from Oxbow's Natural Science Urinary Support? What is the function of each ingredient? Dr. Cayla Iske explains the nutritional benefits of Urinary Support and its intended use.... Read More

January 04, 2021

Five Ways to Make Feeding Hay More Fun

Pet parents of small herbivores such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas spend a lot of time thinking about hay, and with good reason. This amazing, fiber-packed forage is the cornerstone of every small herbivore’s diet and should be available 24/7. Hay is essential to the daily health of your pet and offering it can be as easy as making sure a big pile of fresh hay is in your little loved one’s habitat at all times. However, the fun news is that feeding hay can be fun and enriching for both pet and pet parent. Here are five of our favorite ways to add fun to hay feeding time. ... Read More

December 28, 2020

How to Build a Small Pet Emergency Kit

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. ... Read More

December 16, 2020

Daily Care Checklist For Your Small Pet

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.... Read More

December 16, 2020

Getting to Know Supplements: Natural Science Digestive Support

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.... Read More

December 02, 2020

10 Great Holiday Gift Ideas for You and Your Pets!

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!... Read More

November 24, 2020

How to Create a Cozy Home for Your Pet

Home, sweet home! Just like us, small pets always appreciate having a home that is a safe and engaging place to relax and play. Here are a few guidelines to follow when creating a cozy home for your pet.... Read More

October 27, 2020

Obesity in Small Mammals

Why is obesity in small pets dangerous? How can you tell if your pet is obese? What can you do to help your pet safely lose weight if they are obese? Read our latest article to learn more. ... Read More

October 12, 2020

DIY Agility Jumps

Ready for a super fun and enriching DIY project that will get your rabbit, guinea pig, or other small pet moving? With some simple, easy to find materials, you can create these fun and enriching DIY Agility Jumps! ... Read More

October 05, 2020

2020 Oxbow Rescue Grants Award More Than $33,000 in Funding and Product Support

Oxbow Animal Health has announced the recipients of its 2020 Oxbow Animal Health Rescue Grants. The eleven recipient organizations will receive funding and donations totalling more than $33,000 for a variety of projects and programs that benefit the welfare of small animals throughout the United States. Grant winners are chosen for excellence in the areas of educational outreach, public awareness, and project impact.... Read More

October 05, 2020

What Are the Best Fruits for Small Pets?

In this article, we will cover the following important topics regarding fruit and your small pet: Health concerns associated with too much fruit, what fruits can be safely fed to several small pet species, outline basic limits on how much fruit can be safely be included in the diet of small mammals, and more. ... Read More

September 16, 2020

Considering a New Pet? The Surprising Joys of “Thinking Small”

For prospective pet parents, there are many reasons to consider exotic pets when it comes to your family’s newest potential addition. The list of reasons you might decide a small exotic pet is the right fit for your family is almost endless, but here are a few of the top reasons you might decide a small exotic animal is right for you:... Read More

September 10, 2020

How to Syringe Feed Your Rabbit, Guinea Pig or Other Small Pet

When it comes to preparing and hand feeding a recovery product such as Oxbow's Critical Care, we know that the process might seem daunting and more than a little stressful at first. However, with the right preparation, some practice, and plenty of patience, you will be confidently and successfully hand feeding your rabbit, guinea pig or other small pet in no time. ... Read More

August 31, 2020

How to Cope with the Loss of a Pet

Losing a pet is a unique type of grief, and those who care for small pets may find that the loss of a small companion mammal can be especially difficult to navigate on their own. In recognition of Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, we wanted to offer some suggestions on how to cope with the loss of a small pet.... Read More

August 26, 2020

Children and Foster Pets: Five Important Life Lessons

Inviting a foster pet into your home is a fulfilling experience for all, but it can be an especially meaningful adventure for children. All life experiences offer important lessons and fostering a small pet such as a rabbit or guinea pig is no different. ... Read More

August 26, 2020

Pet of the Month August 2020

Congratulations to our Pets of the Month, Guinness (left) and Wilber (right)! Little Wilber crossed the Rainbow bridge in July 2020. His brother, Guinness, is 3 years old and loves Organic Barley Biscuits and Western Timothy Hay.... Read More

August 24, 2020

DIY Small Pet Banner

Looking for a fun DIY project to celebrate your pet? Check out Oxbow Animal Health's fun DIY Small Pet Banner!... Read More

August 05, 2020

Pellet-Free Diets for Small Herbivores: Good, Bad, or Unknown?

There has been an ongoing debate over the years regarding pellet-free diets for small exotic mammals. Those endorsing pellet-free diets have had different claims to support their opinion, including the argument...... Read More

July 30, 2020

DIY Snack Wreath

Are you looking for a fun and delicious DIY project you can create for your guinea pig or other small pet? With some Oxbow hay, natural string, and the yummy greens of your choice, you can create this fun and enriching Hay Snack Wreath!... Read More

July 23, 2020

Pet of the Month July 2020

Congratulations to our Pet of the Week, Leo! This sweet little bunny is a fan of Western Timothy Hay, Garden Select Adult Rabbit Food, and jet setting! Thank you for being a fan, Leo! You can check out Leo’s Instagram feed at https://www.instagram.com/leothebunny2019/.... Read More

July 14, 2020

The Scoop on Small Pet Poop: Normal, Abnormal, and Everything in Between

The composition and color of your pet's poop tells something about their health. Here's what you need to know to keep your pet healthy and happy. ... Read More

July 13, 2020

Final Fosters: Tips for a Successful Experience

Fostering is a family endeavor. All members of the family need to be ready for the responsibility of taking care of the pets and placing them with new adoptive families. This can be an emotional time for family members (especially children), so spend time talking with them and helping them understand how they are making an impact in this pet’s life. ... Read More

July 01, 2020

Curbside Veterinary Care for Small Mammals

Like it or not, COVID-19 has altered the way most of us conduct our day-to-day lives. As a devoted pet parent, one of the unexpected changes you may encounter is the necessity for curbside veterinary care. ... Read More

June 08, 2020

Toxic Plants and Small Mammals

In a safe environment, small mammals are naturally quite inquisitive. Pair that instinctual curiosity with a set of continuously growing teeth and it’s a recipe for chewing on everything they can reach. Whether indoors or out, any environment you introduce your pet to should first be thoroughly inspected and free from any items you don’t want them getting into, especially things that could cause harm like toxic plants. ... Read More

June 01, 2020

Antioxidants and Their Role in Pet Health

Antioxidants have been a buzzword in the human health world for quite some time now. For years, human doctors and nutritionists have been touting the antioxidative benefits of a diet rich in leafy greens and veggies; More recently, antioxidants have gained popularity in the pet food aisle as well. But, what exactly are antioxidants and how are they beneficial to our pets (and us)? ... Read More