Tips for various types of animals

[Ange]

I wanted to compile some little tidbits about products for animals.

DOGS

• Squeaker Toys:The one thing I noticed are squeaker toys. If your toys chews without ripping that's fine. My dogs will pull and rip the toy apart and so the squeaker becomes a chocking hazard.
  
• Leash Clasp:The other thing that I noticed are for leashes: I bought this leash and the lobster claw can come open if your dog starts pulling. I had both dogs get loose like this and it was at a bad time, when they saw another dog and were getting excited. These clasps are much better and they don't open up.
• Pimple Ball: It was recalled because some dogs got their tongues stuck and they had to amputate. The problem with the ball is that there isn't a second hole to avoid suction. Make sure that whatever ball you get has a second hole. The kongs all do and are very sturdy.
• String: Be very careful to not leave string, ribbon laying around because it can cause the stomach to get all knotted up.

CATS

• Collars: Make sure to buy a break away collar. In case your cat gets stuck, these collars prevent strangulation!
• String: Be very careful to not leave string, ribbon laying around because it can cause the stomach to get all knotted up.
• Essential Oils: Most essential oils are toxic to cats

BIRDS

• Mirrors: Don't use a mirror, this leads to a bird being territorial.
  
• Grits: Be careful and read up on the requirements for the species you purchased. Not all birds need grits. Only birds that do not hull their seeds do. If you give grits to a bird that does hull its seeds, it can cause impaction and death.
  
• Sandpaper perches: Do not use the sandpaper perches as often it's way to harsh for their feet and will do more harm than good. You can trim the nails yourself or take them to an avian vet.
  
• String: Be careful of toys that have string, any long string can cause a bird to get tangled. Inspect these toys often and cut off excess string.
  
• Bar spacing: make sure that the cage you buy has the correct bar spacing for the bird you are getting. If not, the bird could get its head stuck between the bars.
• Respiratory:Birds have a different lung system than any animal and the air they breeze stays in their system a lot longer. This makes them super sensitive to fumes, cigarette smoke, scents etc. Heavy perfumes, cigarette smoke, candles, etc can reduce the life span of your bird.
  

FISH/REPTILES

• Habitat: Make sure that you ask how big the animal will get and what size habitat it will require when it's full grown. Turtles look cute when they are the size of a silver dollar but they grow..and get BIG. Also ask for the lifespan. Are you prepared to care for a tortoise for 80 years? Are the fish you are buying freshwater, saltwater or brackish? Make sure to look!
  
• Tank mates: For fish, make sure that you get fish that are compatible with each other. You won't be able to keep an Oscar with Guppies.
• UV Lamps: need to be replaced every year or they won't do any good! Make sure you get the correct wattage as well. If you get one that's 100W, make sure you get a ceramic lamp socket because it will cause the regular ones to melt!

If you have any tips like this, just post and I'll keep compiling it on this first post.