If you have a pet bird, you understand how difficult it can be to find a good quality avian vet in some areas. That’s where we come in. Paws and Claws Medical Center is your trusted avian veterinarian in Miami, FL.
Most Common Avian Pets
Many different types of birds generally make excellent pets. Some are much more common than others, but there are a few varieties that find themselves as family pets more often than others. The most common of these is the parrot, and the most common species of parrots kept as pets are African Greys. Just as popular is the cockatiel, and other notable species include the budgie, the conure, and the canary. Large tropical birds are more often found as pets than smaller songbirds, but luckily for avian pet owners, we have the staff and equipment to care for them all.
Types of Avian Vet Care
There are a lot of different areas of vet care for birds. Here are some of the services we offer bird owners as the leading avian vet in Miami, FL.
Acute Illness or Injury
Of course, as with most animals, the most common reason to see an avian vet in Miami, FL is acute illness or injury. Even if you take excellent care of your pet bird, there is always a chance he will come down with an unexpected illness or become injured in some way, and an avian vet will be able to assist.
Regular Wellness Checks
Birds need wellness checks just like any other pet. They can help you keep tabs on how well your bird is doing and whether or not he needs any changes in his lifestyle, nutrition, or health care.
Vaccinations
Some birds need vaccinations, but others do not. This may also vary depending on where you live. Your avian vet can tell you more about the possibility.
Nail Trimming
It’s important to keep your bird’s nails trimmed and, usually, to have his wings clipped as well. Although many bird owners do this themselves, some have unruly birds who make the task nearly impossible, and others are physically unable to complete the job. Because of this, avian vets are very experienced in these types of pet bird maintenance.
Parasites
Parasites may be less common in birds than in some other animals, but birds do still have to deal with the risk of parasites. Vets can help you keep an eye on this possibility and take care of your bird if he develops a parasitic infection as well.
Behavioral Issues
Finally, many pet birds have behavioral issues, and an avian vet can help you get to the bottom of these.
Reasons to See an Avian Vet
There are many reasons to bring your bird to the vet. Here are some of the most common reasons why bird owners should see their avian vet in Miami, FL:
Salmonella: Salmonella is caused by a type of bacteria and leads to severe diarrhea very quickly. This disease is very deadly to most pet birds and requires immediate, emergency vet care. It is highly contagious, so all birds in your home will need to be checked for it as well.
Note: Birds can also transmit salmonella to other animals as well as to humans.
Avian pox: This disease is caused by a virus. It creates large, painful and itchy patches on the bird’s skin and usually causes the feathers to fall off as well. It is not often deadly but does require vet treatment.
Trichomoniasis: Although less common in pet birds than in wild birds, this illness is caused by a parasite and makes it difficult or even impossible for birds to swallow food. It causes large sores in the bird’s throat and is extremely contagious.
Mites: Mites may be deadly to young birds but are usually just a severe nuisance to older birds. They are very common issues in many types of pet birds and your avian vet can help you figure out the best way to treat them.
Aspergillosis: This fungus can make its way into a bird’s lungs and respiratory system. From there, it causes pneumonia and makes it difficult for the bird to breathe. Many birds die from this illness.
Quality Veterinary Care for Your Bird
As you can see, there’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re looking for an avian vet. Finding the right vet to meet the unique needs of you and your pet bird can make a big difference in your bird’s overall health and wellness.
Avian vet care should not be only for acute problems but should become a part of your bird’s regular lifestyle. The better you keep up with your bird’s healthcare checkups, the better his health will be overall. Paws and Claws Medical Center in Miami, FL is dedicated to providing compassionate, professional avian vet care for bird owners in Miami and the surrounding areas.