The Hogg Island Boa:

These snakes are increasing in popularity due to their gentle natures, ease of care, and unique coloring. Thought to be extinct in the wild, the only populations that exist are due to passionate snake breeders and hobbyists. They are known for their ability to shift colors from day to night.

Was: $300

Now: $200!

Brazilian Rainbow Boa

This stunning snake is considered by many to be the most beautiful snake in the world.
They get their name from the rainbow colors that can be seen in the right light.

Was: $250

                                          Now: $150!

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This post, We’ve lowered the price on some stunning snakes!, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on January 25, 2012. Tweet This Post!

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Canidae’s Chicken and Rice dry dog food (30# bag) is only

$29.99!

All Natural Holistic Benefits

	High Quality Chicken Meal as the Main Protein Source
	All Natural, High Quality, Holistic Pet Food
	Natural Ingredients Plus Essential Vitamins & Amino Acid Chelated Minerals
	Naturally Preserved Herbal Formulation
	Excellent Palatability – Dogs Love CANIDAE®!
	Contains Skin & Coat Conditioners to Maintain a Health Luxurious Coat
	Balanced Omega 6 & 3 Fatty Acids
	Wholesome Nutritional Brown Rice & Diversified Carbohydrates
	Superior Digestibility
	Guaranteed Viable Micro-Organisms
	Guaranteed Enzyme Activity to Help Break Down Cellulose
	Made the CANIDAE® Way with Superior Quality: No Corn, Wheat, Soy, Grain Fractions or Fillers and Naturally Preserved

Expires February 29th, 2012

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This post, Save money on a great food, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on January 25, 2012. Tweet This Post!

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when you buy one fish you

 get one free!

This makes Wednesday the perfect day to add to your tank. It’s especially great for schooling fish; get you school half off!

Is your tank ready for new fish? Bring us a sample of your aquarium water (about half a cup) and we’ll test it for free!

Need some help with your tank? Check out our aquarium care sheets or stop by to talk with our trained staff.

We’re here to answer all your questions, and make sure you save time and money and get the most out of your tank.

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This post, Free fish Wednesday, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on January 25, 2012. Tweet This Post!

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Tropimix!

Tropical food granule-based formula with a natural blend of healthy grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Truly appetizing and nutritious super premium food, 100% edible, no wasteful shells.

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This post, We have an exciting new bird food!, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on January 25, 2012. Tweet This Post!

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Why do rats make such great pets?

They are highly intelligent – they can easily learn their name and come when you call them, in addition to learning many other tricks.

They are sized just right: not too big and not too small to handle.

They are very clean, spending up to 30% of time bathing themselves.

They don’t sleep all day, and love being woken up to play.

They are incredibly social – they rarely bite and love to hang out with you.

Want more info? Check out our rat care sheet here, or stop by, meet these great little pets, and talk with our staff!

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This post, Adorable baby rats, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on January 25, 2012. Tweet This Post!

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Fancy Rat

(Rattus Norvegicus)

Download and print the pdf version here.

Adult Size - Males weigh from 300 – 550 grams. Females weigh from 250 – 450 grams. Their body length is around 7 inches.

Life span – 2-4 years

Male/female differences - Males are usually larger than females and they can be sexed by eyeing the distance between the urethra and the anus; the distance is further apart in males.

Compatibility - Rats are social animals that live in wherever in the wild. Interaction and socialization are important in developing a rat so that it will learn to trust you. If possible consider getting a pair so that you are not the only source of interaction the rat receives.

Origin - Northern Europe.

Climate - Average temperatures in cities, farms, wherever humans maintain surplus of goods.

Day Cycle - Nocturnal, but are happy being woken during the day.

Temperature - Avoid extremes; an average home temperature of 75 F will suffice. Make sure they are not in a drafty room as this could lead to complications.

Lighting - No special requirement besides a room’s lighting.

Humidity - Low or none.

Habitat/Territory - Rats live wherever humans live; in the wild they live in burrows.

Substrate/Bedding - Aspen bedding is a good option given their cage is properly ventilated, since a drawback to aspen is its dustiness. Wood pulp substrates are better options because of the low amounts of dust and they provide more comfort to the rat. Newspaper pellets can also be used as substrate since they are dust free.

Hiding Place/Den - Chew safe toys and non-toxic hiding places will increase their level of interaction when they are left alone. Hiding places will give them a comfort zone and an escape during the day.

Cage Type - Aquarium cages of 30” or longer are good as long as it is well ventilated. You can go with a wire cage if it is escape proof. Exercise is key here, with toys, wheels, ramps and platforms, so bigger is better.

Diet - A decent diet will consist of pet blocks, nuts, grains, oats, and seeds. For more variety throw in some fresh veggies and fruits, bland human foods like dry pasta, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and cooked white meat. They will gladly accept the change.

Supplements - Vitamins in water help supply missing nutrients from captive diets. Depending on what you feed, supplements such as enzymes and vitamin tablets can aid in their digestion and a healthier looking coat.

Diet Precautions - Avoid high-calorie diets that contain sunflower seeds and fatty foods that could lead to obesity. Dry fruits and treats should be given sparingly. Signs of a poor diet could be hair loss, chronic infections, and staining around the eyes and nose.

Feeding - A rat’s stomach is about half the size of their head so try not to overfeed. Give about that size twice a day and throw away the leftovers.

Water Source - Most store rats are used to water bottles, but they will also drink from a bowl. Rinse and wash both and supply fresh water each day. Consider bottled or purified water. The water bottle may require a metal guard as the rat will gnaw and render the bottle useless.

Grooming - Pet safe wipes are the best option for cleaning your rat. Occasionally you could bathe your rat, but do it very carefully with pet safe shampoo and then dry them quickly with a towel. Afterwards brush them with a nylon bristle brush.

 Oral and Foot Care - Rats need chew toys or else their teeth will grow continuously. Supply them with chew treats, or pumice blocks.

Proper Handling - Rats are one of the most sociable creatures next to dogs, cats and ferrets. They are not known to bite. As with any new pet give them time to get to know you and eventually you will be able to put them in your pocket with no problem. Proper handling is holding them with both hands and securing them so they won’t fall down. Never grab them by the tail.

Habitat Maintenance - Rats tend to go to the bathroom in the corners. Spot clean their cage daily and at least once a week clean out the whole thing.

Health Concerns - Diarrhea due to poor diet, congenital cancers, tumors respiratory problems, mites and obesity. A proper nutrition can help prevent the cancer and eliminate the threat of obesity. Proper ventilation and dust-free bedding will help prevent respiratory problems and mites.

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This post, Care sheet – fancy rat, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on January 25, 2012. Tweet This Post!

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So many of us start of the new year with one resolution: to lose weight. We know how unhealthy excessive weight is, and yet never consider what it does to our pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that about 40% of all dogs and 50% of all cats are overweight – that’s 28 million dogs and 40 million cats! Fluffy may look fat and happy, but obese pets have more health problems, from  cardiac and respiratory issues, and major problems with their joints, to diabetes. So this year, why not make a resolution to help your cat or dog slim down?

What is a healthy weight for your pet?

Various breeds have different normal weights, and it can depend on gender, too. It can be especially hard when we have so many dogs whose exact breed we don’t know. In addition to discussing your pet’s weight with your vet, you can also use these general guidelines to help determine is your dog is overweight.

1. Running your hands along your dog’s ribcage, you should be able to palpate the ribs covered by a thin layer of fat. Inability to feel the ribs is a sign of an overweight dog.
2. Looking at your dog from the side, you should be able to see the upward tuck of the abdomen. An overweight dog will have very little or no tuck.
3. Viewing your dog from above, there should be a moderate narrowing at the waist just past the ribcage. A straight or bulging line from the ribcage to the hips indicates an overweight dog.

It’s similar for cats:

Look down at your cat. You should be able to see a waist when you look down on it from the top, or when you run your hands from its ribs to its hips. Run your hand along its abdomen from its ribs to its pelvis and it should be indented. If you put your hands on the side of its chest, you should be able to feel its ribs without a thick layer of fat over them.

It’s a good goal, but how do we do it?

1. Begin by knowing: For one week, record everything you give your dog or cat: measure dry and canned food, all treats, even table scraps. This can help show you where/when you tend to over-indulge your pet, and ways to cut down. Want to go a step further? Figure out the calories you’re feeding. Add the calories from the dry and/or canned food (found on the packaging) to the calories of the treats. Discuss with your vet you particular pet’s caloric needs, and make the appropriate adjustments.

2. Make adjustments. Not every dog eats the same amount of food. More active dogs, or dogs that spend time outside in the cooler months, need more calories than a more sedate, indoor dog. Older dogs need fewer calories than healthy adult dogs, and puppies generally need more.

3. Limit treats: Often overlooked when considering your pet’s diet, treats can make a big impact on their weight. Those small bites can add up quickly! Ideally, treats should be less than 10% of your dog or cat’s total daily calorie intake. A few tips:

1. 1. Break up your treats into the smallest piece you can. Dogs will jump through a hoop for the whole bag of treats and they’ll jump through a hoop for the smallest crumb. They still feel special, and you make the treat last a lot longer.
   2. Use treats effectively. By only offering them only for good behavior and training, you reduce their caloric intake and reinforce positive behaviors.
   3. Feed pure, freeze dried meat treats. They are high in protein and have no carbs, ideal for your cat or dog.
   4. Go with a high protein, low carbohydrate food. Dogs and cats are carnivores, meaning they evolved to use protein and fat for energy. Simple carbohydrates break down to sugars in the digestive system, and sugar converts to fat. Decreasing carbohydrates reduces excess sugar, limiting fat production (and decreasing a most important source of food for cancer cells). Come by and talk with any of our staff about our choice of high protein, low carb foods such as EVO, Fromm grain free, Orijen, and California Natural grain free.

Feeding canned food? There are some great choices for weight loss in canned food. EVO canned cat and dog food is perfect for weight loss as it                                   is 95% meat.

Raw frozen food is gaining in popularity, since it is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and is closest to their natural diet in the wild.

5.  Feed twice a day. Many people leave their pet’s food down all day; it’s easier, but some animals will continuously eat, past the point of satiety. Keeping the meals restricted to two meals not only restricts calorie intake, but gives them the chance to burn some off in between feedings.

6.Use a slow feeder. The brain releases “satiety” hormones that make you feel full about 20 minutes after beginning to eat. Use a Kong Wobbler or the Funkitty Egg-Cersizer instead of a feeding bowl. You place their entire meal in the toy, and, as they play with it, the kibble slowly drops out, a piece or two at a time. In addition to slowing down their feeding, which makes them feel more full with less food, it also gives them exercise, which burns more calories. A slow feeder also helps reduce indigestion and gas.

7. Fiber is weight loss’s best friend. Fiber helps with weight loss by helping one feel full. Fruitables Pumpkin SuperBlend Weight Loss supplement contains high level of fiber from pumpkin, oatmeal, and inulin. Replace up to 30% of their food with this tasty food to help them lose up to 2% per week.8. EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE! It’s always the answer for losing weight. Including the dog on a short jog not only helps them lose weight, it’ll help keep you on your own health goals. Make a point to set aside some playtime with your dog or cat.  Playing with your dog can burn 115 calories an hour, better than 75 calories sitting on the couch. Playing with your pet is also a great way to de-stress and relax!

Reducing your dog or act’s weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. It’ll reduce wear on joints, reduce breathing problems, decreases the strain on their heart, and reduce the chances for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It’ll also keep your best friend around a lot longer.

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This post, Your pet’s New Year’s resolution to lose weight, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on January 6, 2012. Tweet This Post!

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Romulus and Remus

All these cats and dogs just want a great new home for the holidays.

Stop by and say Hi!

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This post, Join us this Saturday to meet the Adoptables!, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on December 15, 2011. Tweet This Post!

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This December, when you purchase any aquarium,

10 gallons or larger,

you will save 20% on everything that goes in it!

This includes gravel, filters, heaters, decorations, plants, even food!

Check out our care sheets on aquarium maintenance, feeding, and so much more.

Valid until December 31st, 2011, excludes sale items.

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This post, This holiday season is the best time to start a new hobby!, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on December 14, 2011. Tweet This Post!

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Howdy, I’m Pippin. I’m new here to Wilmette Pet, so be sure to check in as the staff gets to know me better! I’m a 2 year old chihuahua-terrier mix – at least, that’s what they think. I know that I am, actually, a pure bred, 10th generation American mutt, and proud of it.

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This post, Hi!, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on December 11, 2011. Tweet This Post!

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