Have you ever dreamed of one day owning a farm? Well, owning some livestock can give you the same rewarding feeling. Livestock consists of animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, horses, and mules. Whether you want an animal to provide you with fresh eggs in the morning or one to ride through your pasture, livestock animals are your best bet to give you what you are looking for.
Choosing what livestock to raise relies heavily on how much space you have, if they need fencing, how much they eat, state and local property laws, and more. You should also consider what type of veterinary care your livestock will require to avoid the spread of diseases and external parasites. Your veterinarian can recommend the best vaccinations for your livestock so they stay as healthy as possible. Continue to the articles below to learn how you should care for each livestock animal.
-
Roundworms
Category:
Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
There are many types of roundworms, but some of the most common are intestinal parasites of dogs, cats, and raccoons. Puppies are frequently born with roundworms, and kittens can be infected via the mother's milk or feces. Adult roundworms are ivory colored, four to six inches long, and round (not flat
Read more
-
Rabies
Category:
Pet Health, Diseases and Viruses
Rabies is a fatal viral infection that is transmitted primarily through bite wounds. Skunks, bats, raccoons, and foxes are the primary carriers. Rabies is also fatal to humans, there has been only one case of a person surviving rabies when treatment was started after clinical signs were present. Puppies
Read more
-
Parasites
Category:
Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
There are many types of parasites that are found in the GI tract of cats and dogs. Worms such as roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms are very common in almost all parts of the world. These parasites shed their infective eggs in the pet's stool and contaminate the environment; some eggs can live on yards
Read more
-
Hookworm
Category:
Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
Hookworms are small, thread-like parasites of the small intestine where they attach and suck large amounts of blood. These parasites are found in almost all parts of the world, being common in dogs, and occasionally seen in cats.
Symptoms are usually diarrhea and weight loss. The parasites can actually
Read more
-
Obesity
Category:
Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Excess weight is a serious health problem for dogs and cats and is common in many countries. The two main causes of obesity are too much food and too little exercise. Other contributing factors can be due to hormonal influences, certain genetic factors, and other disease processes.
If you pet is carrying
Read more
-
Mites
Category:
Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
There are many types of mites that infect dogs, cats, and other animals. Mites are microscopic arthropod parasites that, for the most part, infect the skin or mucous membranes. Mites can even be present on birds and reptiles. The most common mites that infect dogs and cats are ear mites, Demodex, scabies,
Read more
-
Heartworm
Category:
Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
Heartworm has been diagnosed in dogs in all parts of the world and is actually very common. This may be due to the fact that heartworm has a virtual 100% prevalence rate in unprotected dogs living in highly endemic areas. Heartworm, also known as Dirofilaria immitis, is transmitted by mosquitoes. The
Read more
-
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV)
Category:
Pet Health, Digestive and Oral Health
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) is a life threatening, acute condition that requires immediate medical attention. Certain breeds are more prone to this condition: Boxers, Great Danes, Standard Poodles, Saint Bernards, Irish Setters, Dobermans, Weimaraners and Gordon Setters. These breeds are considered
Read more
-
Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
Category:
Pet Health, Diseases and Viruses
The Parvovirus is known worldwide and causes disease in many different species of animals. Different strains of virus only infect certain types of animals. For example, the Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) will mainly infect dogs and does not cause disease in cats or humans. Feline Parvovirus, a different strain
Read more
-
Cancer
Category:
Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Cancer, by definition, is the uncontrolled growth of cells. Any type of cells in the body can become cancerous. Once these cells grow out of control, they take over areas previously occupied by normal cells; sometimes these tumor cells break off and travel to other areas of the body. Wherever these cells
Read more
-
Prairie Dogs
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs are cute, affable creatures. But before taking one on as a pet, check your local laws. In some states, such as Colorado, it's illegal to keep prairie dogs as pets. Mostly, this is because they may spread monkeypox. If you live in a state that welcomes pet prairie dogs, be sure to buy from
Read more
-
Skunks
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Skunks, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals
Home and Veterinary Care for Pet Skunks
If you're an adventurous pet owner, you may love exotic animals such as skunks. You'll be happy to learn that skunks can indeed make excellent domestic pets, but only if they receive the proper care to enjoy a happy, healthy life. Your veterinary team can help
Read more
-
Flying Squirrels
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Flying Squirrels, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals
Much like sugar gliders, flying squirrels make affectionate pets when purchased young and raised by their owner. Unlike sugar gliders, however, flying squirrels are rodents that need veterinary care specific to the species. Your veterinary team can help with the care and treatment of flying squirrels.
Read more
-
Fennec Foxes
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Fennec Foxes, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals
Fennec Fox Care Guide
With oversized ears and mischievous faces, fennec foxes are cute as can be. But these exotic pets require a lot of care to stay healthy and happy.
Health
At just three pounds, fennec foxes are the smallest member of the fox family. Native to the Sahara desert, fennec foxes are
Read more
-
Rats
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Pocket Pets, Rats
Did you know rats make surprisingly affectionate pets? If you're thinking of bringing home a pet rat, here's what you need to know.
Health
Rats that are bred especially as pets are safe to keep and should be free of disease. But common conditions may affect your rats from time to time. Your veterinarian
Read more
-
Chinchillas
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Pocket Pets, Chinchillas
Chinchillas are playful, loveable, and amusing pets. If you want yours to remain in your family for long, you should ensure that it has a good diet. Chinchillas require a lot of attention due to their playful nature; therefore, it is best to have supervised playtime with yours if you want to create a
Read more