I have three "fur babies" that call my house home. They are energetic, curious, and affectionate. Wolverine is a big snuggler and loves to cuddle. Sable and Fabreeze will both give kisses but watch out for your rings (the pretty shiny things are fun to chew). The following information is just an overview of some of the care that goes into owning a ferret. They are a lot of work, but it is well worth the time.

Ferrets average lifespan is 5-7 years. However, they can (with the right veterinary  care, diet, exercise, and love) live up to 14 years! Ferrets are strict carnivores. The should never be fed carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, or grains. They have a very short GI tract and because of this, are unable to digest the protein and fiber found in these foods. Keep in mind that just like other pets, ferrets should never be given sweets or other "junk" foods. If you choose to give treats, then make sure you stick with meat based one's.

Most of us know that our cats and dogs need to see a veterinarian but what you may not know is that our other "furry" friends do as well. As with any pet, early detection is key. Ferrets need yearly visits for their first two years but after two they should be seen twice a year. They can start to develop any number of problems after this age. Routine vaccines are also needed to keep your ferret healthy. It is recommend that rabies and the ferret distemper vaccine be started when you ferret is 10 weeks of age. Fleas are also a problem we need to worry about with our ferret and that is why we at Eagle Animal Hospital recommend Revolution.

Ferrets should be allowed to exercise (out of their cage) in a supervised, ferret-proofed exercise area a minimum of 2 hours a day. Time out of their cage is needed to develop strong bones, muscles, and is also important for their mental health. Play time can also be a great time to bond with your furry friend. There are many types of exercise pens available that are large enough to accommodate both you and your pet. Ferrets love to burrow and tunnel type toys are great for that. Mailing tubes, paper bags, or even PVC piping can give your inquisitive friend hours of enjoyment. Stay away from toys that can be swallowed or easily pulled apart.

Cages should be made of waterproof material that is easy to clean. Multilevel ferret homes are great because it will give your ferret extra space. Always keep in mind that the ramps are not too steep. A steep ramp is harder to climb and may cause injury from falling. Ferrets love to sleep in and under almost anything. A sleeping area can be as simple as an old shirt or towel. Other options are tubes, tents, or hammocks found in pet stores. Ferrets can be litter box trained but it is best to start when they are young. Ferrets like to have their "bathrooms" in corners. Corner litter boxes that have high backs and are low in the front are great for this and can be found at most pet stores.

My family has had many hours of enjoyment watching our three ferrets play. They are a small pocket pet that is inquisitive and interacts well with people, other pets, and one another. If you are considering owning a lovable ferret we would be happy to educate you regarding the care and feeding of your new pet. Just call our friendly staff at Eagle Animal Hospital and make an appointment. Our number is 610-458-8789. We serve Chester Springs, Exton, Glenmoore, Downingtown, and Phoenixville.

Written by Harriet Band, Head Receptionist

We have all seen "Lost or Stolen" posters or ads in the newspaper alerting the community that someone's pet is missing.

Over the last 10+ years the "Microchip" was introduced and has become very popular with pet owners.

The microchip is a grain of rice sized capsule like chip that is inserted under your pets skin, between their shoulder blades. The chip can be scanned by veterinarians, SPCA's, and most rescues and police departments. When scanned, the chip has a specific i.d. number and Co. information, that when properly registered can lead the scanning party via the manufacturer, to the owner.

Most pet owners rely on collars and i.d. tags. However these can be removed, ripped off, or damaged making it more difficult to find their owners. With a microchip in place you won't have to worry about whether or not they still have their collar and tags on.

Having a microchip for your pet does come with some other perks. If your pet is lost or stolen you can contact your microchip company to inform them, and they will send out emails and faxes to local vets, SPCA's, and rescues within a 25 mile radius. Dogs are also eligible for a "Lifetime Dog License" from within the county you live when they are microchipped.

A microchip can be placed at any time, but the best time is when your pet is under sedation for their neuter or spay surgery.

Contact us at Eagle Animal Hospital today. If your pet does not have a microchip, we can schedule that procedure and ease your fears of losing your pet. We serve Chester Springs, Downingtown, Exton, Glenmoore, and Phoenixville.

Written by Vicki Guy, veterinary technician

OK..... so no one likes to discuss this particular subject but it is an important one. When your dog or cat's hind end has a terrible odor like wet pennies or foul fish, that could be the sign of full anal glands. All dogs and cats have these glands on each side of the anus. They express themselves with each bowel movement but sometimes that is not the case. If the stools are too soft they will not put enough pressure on the glands for them to empty. The glands will then fill up and begin to form a toothpaste consistency and cause pressure to your cat or dog. At this time you may notice excessive licking, scooting or bothering at the hind end because your pet is trying to release that pressure. If the pet is over weight or simply can not reach their hind end area you may notice licking at the sides, belly, or hind legs.

Once these behaviors are noticed it is best to have the anal glands emptied by your veterinarian. This is a smelly and messy procedure! If no signs are given by your pet and the glands continue to fill they may become too full and abscess. This is painful and leaves an open infected wound on your pet's hind end. So to avoid this, please ask your veterinarian here at Eagle Animal Hospital to check your pet's anal glands or to discuss certain foods to feed to bulk up your pet's stool. This way the anal glands will empty on their own.

Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with any additional questions or concerns you may have. We serve Chester Springs, Exton, Downingtown, Glenmoore, and Phoenixville.

Written by Amy Poole, veterinary technician

We think of our dogs and cats as just another member of the family, so it's easy to forget that they can't eat everything we can. The truth is, some foods that we enjoy, can be seriously dangerous and sometimes even fatal to our furry friends. You may already know not to let your pets eat chocolate, but there are many more "people foods" that can be toxic to our cats and dogs. Here is a list of common foods that are harmful to our pets. Some might surprise you.

Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Voltaren (found in arthritis medicines) can be fatal due to kidney and liver failure.

Alcohol of all types affect animals the same way it can people, but it takes a fraction of that to have a damaging effect on them, causing intoxication, coma, and death.

Baking powder & soda are both leavening agents used in Yeast dough which can expand in your pet's stomach causing intense pain and stretching/rupturing of parts of the digestive system. The dough can ferment leading to alcohol poisoning. Also large amounts of baking powder or soda can lead to electrolyte imbalances, muscle spasms, and heart failure.

Bones from meat or fish especially cooked, can get caught or splinter causing lacerations to their digestive systems.

Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked good,and diet foods containing the sugar substitute Xylitol are very dangerous. Xylitol triggers an increase in insulin which causes hypoglycemia (the blood sugar drops dramatically). This can result in many issues including liver failure.

Chocolate, coffee, tea, and soda contain theobromine, caffeine or theophyline all which seriously affect the heart and central nervous system. The darker the chocolate is, the higher the amount of theobromine. Results are vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death.

Cat and dog foods are not toxic, but not interchangeable. Cat food is too high in protein and fat for dogs, and dog foods should not be given to cats because it can result in malnutrition and disease that affect the heart.

Citrus and essential oils of many different kinds can be highly toxic with results varying from gastrointestinal upsets to serious kidney, liver, and brain damage.

Fruit seeds and pits including apple seeds, persimmons, apricot, peach, pear, plum, nectarine, and cherry pits can contain cyanide which is highly toxic and affects the respiratory system (breathing, coughing, and sneezing). Pits can also get stuck, causing inflammation and obstruction.

Garbage, spoiled or moldy foods, and compost have bacteria which can cause different results including vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures, hyperthermia, and hypothermia.

Grapes and raisins contain an unknown poison that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and serious damage to the kidneys.

Hops either fresh, dried, or cooked (used in brewing beer) contain an unknown toxin. Only a small amount ingested can result in hyperthermia, seizures, and death.

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that in very small amounts, cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia. Other nuts including walnuts, pecans, almonds, and hickory nuts, while not as dangerous, can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Milk and dairy products can cause digestive upset. Believe it or not, many dogs and cats are lactose intolerant.

Mushrooms of certain species can cause varying issues including neurological disorders, liver disease, shock, and death.

Onions, chives, and related root vegetables raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated can cause gastrointestinal issues consumed in large amounts. They contain sulfoxides and disulfides which destroy red blood cells. High amounts of onions can lead to hemolytic anemia.

Raw eggs and meat can have salmonella and e. coli causing food poisoning. Also raw eggs contain avidin which inhibits the absorption of a vitamin leading to skin and coat issues.

Raw fish can result in a Vitamin B deficiency, and some could contain a parasite which can be fatal if not treated.

Rhubarb, potato, and tomato leaves and stems contain oxalates that can affect the digestive, urinary, and nervous systems.

Salt in high doses can lead to electrolyte imbalances and sodium ion poisoning.

Scraps from the table are not nutritionally balanced and should be less than 10% of your pet's diet. Fatty foods in excess can lead to pancreatitis.

Vitamins for humans have very different dosages than your pet is able to take. Supplements containing iron can damage the digestive system, liver, and kidneys.

It can be so hard when your pet gives you those "puppy dog" eyes to resist giving them bits of your food, but to be safe, you should always discuss it with you veterinarian.

If you're worried that your pet consumed any of these foods or is showing symptoms of poisoning, don't hesitate. Contact us immediately at Eagle Animal Hospital (610) 458-8789, Pet Poison Helpline 1(800) 213-6680, or the Animal Poison Control Center 1 (800) 426-4435.

Written by Kaelin Mast, veterinary receptionist at Eagle Animal Hospital. We serve Chester Springs, Exton, Glenmoore, Downingtown, and Phoenixville.