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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 MoreWith 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 MoreSummer 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.…
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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 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 MoreA 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 MoreAn 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…
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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 MoreA 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 MoreAdult 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 MoreAdults 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 MoreAdult 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 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…
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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…
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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…
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“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 MoreTwo 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 MoreAbout 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 MoreAbout 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 MoreAbout 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 MoreAbout 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 MoreAbout 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 MoreAbout 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 MoreAbout 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 MoreAbout 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 MoreAbout 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 MoreAbout 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 MoreAbout 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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