Pet Care Information
Flea and Tick Treatments
The days are just barely getting longer and the weather a little warmer- SPRING IS ON ITS WAY! As we begin to daydream about spending more time outside, it’s important to remember that we aren’t the only ones who enjoy the spring weather. Insect populations – including FLEAS and TICKS – begin to flourish, which…
Read MorePet Boredom Busters
It is nearing the end of winter in Chicagoland, which means everyone is getting a little bored and stir crazy being cooped up inside- including our pets. You might have noticed that Fido has been a little more destructive lately or getting into things that normally go untouched. Or maybe Fluffy has been clawing up…
Read MorePet Dental Health for Dogs
There is just something special about sweet puppy kisses that’s most people just can’t seem to get enough of. But what if your dog’s breath has taken a turn for the worst? Those sweet, sloppy kisses have turned into a lick of swamp breath. Sometimes a temporary change in breath odor can be related to…
Read MoreItch & Allergy Relief for Pets
Itch & Irritation Relief There are shampoos like Zymox or Clinical Care that can offer some topical relief. They contain hydro-cortisone and lidocaine to relieve itching, scratching and pain due to hot spots and irritated skin. If your pet opens the skin, this can lead to staff and fungal infections. A product like Clinical Care…
Read MoreHow Dirty is Your Dog??
Enter Our Dirty Dog Contest Below! As we enter a season of snow and cold (or rain on warmer days), our dogs still have to go outdoors for their business. The problem then comes when they return inside and bring in more of the outside than you ever wanted in your home! Whether they’ve gone…
Read MoreAnnouncing: Humane Indiana to Open New South Shelter within St. John Alsip Home & Nursery
With much excitement, Alsip Home & Nursery is happy to announce a partnership with the Humane Society Calumet Area. Alsip will be opening its doors on October 1st to welcome newly named Humane Indiana to share the garden center’s space for their new South Shelter. Run as a separate entity from Alsip Home & Nursery,…
Read MoreHow to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer Heat
Summer Heat Can be Very Dangerous to Your Pets! Summertime means outdoor activities, and we like to spend time with our pets at the same time. But we need to be careful about how the heat affects our dear pets. Dogs and cats do not have the efficient ‘cooling system’ that us humans have: sweat.…
Read MoreLovebird Care
Lovebirds are a small, stocky variety of parrot, generally growing to be 5-7″, with a large beak. They usually live up to 10-12 years, but have been recorded to live as long as 25 years on occasion. Lovebirds are best kept in pairs, as they are very social and affectionate. If only raising one lovebird,…
Read MoreSulcata Tortoise Care
Sulcata tortoises grow rapidly for the first 5-10 years, and then their growth slows with age. They can live more than 70 years. At full maturity, tortoises can exceed 70, 90, even 100 lbs. The Sulcata tortoise is also known as the African spurred tortoise. It is recommended that you soak baby sulcata tortoises in shallow, warm water…
Read MoreHermit Crab Care
A hermit crab can live up to an astounding 25 years! They begin about the size of a marble and can grow to be the size of a baseball. Hermit crabs are happiest and best-kept in pairs at the least, as they are actually quite social. They should not be kept in captivity with other…
Read MoreCorn Snake Care
An adult corn snake can grow to be 4-6 feet in length and live, on average, 6-8 years, but in captivity can live to be up to 23 years old. Habitat Adult corn snakes need a cage at least the size of a 20-gallon long aquarium. 85° F is perfect, and room temperatures (low 70s) are…
Read MoreJackson’s Chameleon Care
Adult females are typically 7 to 8″ in total length, and males are 8 to 10″ total length. A healthy male Jackson’s chameleon will likely live 8-10 years. The females, however, will only live approximately 4-5 years. Habitat Screen cages are ideal, and should be a minimum of 3 foot tall by 2 foot square. Ficus tree, pothos,…
Read MoreVeiled Chameleon Care
A Veiled Chameleon will live approximately 5 years in captivity, possibly 8 years for males. Adult males can reach 18-24 inches in total length (about 12 inches snout to vent length), while females tend to be quite a bit smaller at 10-13 inches (just 4-6 inches in snout to vent length). Habitat A very tall enclosure…
Read MoreAnole Care
Adult anoles grow to be 5-8 inches long, both males and females. In captivity they can live about 7 years Habitat Being a smaller lizard than most of the geckos, an anole will be comfortable in a 10 gallon screen-top tank. We recommend the use of Eco Earth (made from coconut fiber) or Jungle Mix…
Read MoreGolden Gecko Care
Adults can live for 10 years or more. Golden geckos reach an adult length of around 7-8 inches, though females tend to be a bit smaller than males. Habitat A 20 gallon tall terrarium is sufficient for a golden gecko. Reptile bark or shredded coconut fiber bedding are great for the bottom of the enclosure.…
Read MoreCrested Gecko Care
Adult Crested Geckos grow to be about 8 inches long, with a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 4 to 4.5 inches. In many cases, they can live 15 to 20 years in captivity. Habitat An adult crested gecko should be housed in a 20-gallon tank with screen top. Temperature should be maintained at 78 to…
Read MoreGiant Day Gecko Care
Giant Day Geckos are active mostly during the day. Adult males can reach 1 foot in total length, females are typically 1 – 2 inches smaller. Average lifespan is between 6 and 8 years. Habitat Screen and glass enclosures measuring 24″ tall by 24″ long by 12″ wide will comfortably house an adult pair. Bamboo has been a long-time…
Read MoreTop Reasons to Foster a Rescued Animal
We Want YOU to Foster a Rescue! ATTR, Alsip to the Rescue is now a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization! While we are still partnering with them and their biggest supporter, they are now a separate entity, operating independantly of our stores. To date ATTR has saved the lives of over 1800 dogs and cats! Fostering is…
Read MoreRescue Families: Hannah
So many people have asked us what they can do to help with our rescue cause, which has since inspired us to create Alsip to the Rescue! Adoption Center T-shirts. They are now on sale in-store and online for a $16.99 donation. All of the profits go towards the health and rehabilitation of deserving dogs and…
Read MoreRescue Families: Nevaeh
“Nevaeh” Saturday May 17, 2014, Alsip Home and Nursery was filled with carts filled with plants and pet supplies. What I thought to be a regular day in the Pet Department was about to change in a matter of a second. With the turn of a door handle it became the most beautiful heartfelt moment one could…
Read MoreNext Level Pet Rescue
Two of Alsip pet department employees took “Alsip to the Rescue “ to a whole new level. This past week our rescued Lab Mix “Mama” found an awesome new family. For the first time she actually played with another dog, walked outside without cowering, and she even stayed out of her security crate for an…
Read MoreBetta Fish Care
About Bettas fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish are surface breeders that are most comfortable to live in small pockets of water. With their vibrant colors and long, flowing tails, Betta fish are thought by many to be some of the nicest looking freshwater fish around. Max Size 2-3 Inches Life Span 2-3 years,…
Read MoreTokay Gecko Care
About Beautiful turquoise bodies with orange spots and big gold eyes make the Tokay look very appealing. They are very vocal and make sounds similar to “to-kay” as to where the name derives. They are not friendly like the more common Leopard, Day or House gecko species. In fact they will let you know who…
Read MoreRed Tailed Boa Care
About Commonly bred in captivity as they are considered threatened in the wild. An adult red tailed boa can weight up to fifty pounds. Habitat 10-20 gallon aquarium for juveniles and 10 square feet of floor space for an adult. A very secure lid is a necessity. Use a large water dish as they often…
Read MorePlated Lizard Care
About The Plated Lizard is a calm lizard, found in Africa. It is very easy to accustom to frequent handling. This lizard will lose its tail to ward off predation and is skilled at wedging itself in tight spaces for escape. They are quick despite their stubby legs. Max Size 12-18 Inches Life Span 4-10…
Read MoreParakeet Care
About Parakeets (budgies) are tiny and beautiful members of the parrot family, originally found in the dry grasslands of Australia. These cheerful companions are capable of living a long and healthy life if given the kind of care they deserve and need. Max Size 7 Inches Long Life Span 8-10 Years Habitat A cage approximately…
Read MorePacman Frog Care
About The Pac-Man frog originates in South America, Tropics. They are commonly known as “Pac Man” frogs because of their fairly round shape and really large mouth, which makes them resemble the popular video game character. They are also called “Horned Frogs” due to the presence of horn-like fleshy knobs on the top of their…
Read MoreMali Uromastyx Care
About A friendly desert dwelling lizard. They are a good pet for a beginner. Max Size 12-18 Inches Long Life Span 15-30 Years with proper care. Habitat 40 gallon breeder tank is good. Juveniles prefer a 10-15 gallon aquarium. It is easier to keep warm and not overwhelming for your young lizard in size. A…
Read MoreLeopard Gecko Care
About Of the Gecko family, leopards are not capable of wall climbing, but they do have eyelids. Regular handling is a must. They have large, expressive eyes, and the appearance of a smile on their faces. Sleep Pattern Nocturnal Max Size 4-7 Inches Life Span 8-10 Years Habitat 5-20 gallon tank with plenty of climbing…
Read MoreGuinea Pig Care
About Guinea pigs make wonderful companions. These docile members of the rodent family rarely bite and are known for squeaking with delight when their favorite humans enter the room. Guinea pigs are excellent starter pets for older children who have mastered proper handling techniques. Max Size Larger than hamsters, but smaller than rabbits, guinea pigs can…
Read MoreGreen Tree Frog Care
About These frogs also make great pets and are equally interesting to observe and study. Sleep Pattern Nocturnal Max Size 1 ½ to 2 ½ Inches Life Span 6+ Years Habitat 10 Gallon Tank. They enjoy lots of height so larger tanks are preferred. Many climbing materials are essential. SUBSTRATE: Cypress mulch, moss, and cork…
Read MoreGreen Iguana Care
About The Green Iguana is a tropical lizard, who needs a lot of handling to keep tame. It is a good idea to hold or pet your iguana 2-3 times a day. They will look forward to their time with you and become a great pet, just remember to respect their feelings. Their tail, which…
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