Animal Kingdom USA’s Critter Chatter

Janet from Brewster asks: How often should I walk my dog?

Dear Janet, It can depend on the breed of dog that you own. All dogs need exercise for many different reasons. It not only helps them physically but it aids in a better disposition. The complaints that I get about how hyper certain breeds are, almost always can be controlled with adequate exercise. The Retriever class of dogs is a perfect example. You need to do a lot of fetching the ball to use up all their energy. But the very minimum you should walk your dog is two to three times a day.

Dawn from Yorktown asks: My son owns a hamster and I want to know is there anything I can do to prevent the hamster from biting him sometimes?

Dear Dawn, This can be very frustrating sometimes for a parent. Your child can become afraid of his hamster if he shows too much aggression. Most often this problem can be solved by better understanding the nature of the animal. Hamsters are nocturnal creatures. They will be mostly agreeable and want to play later in the evening. When children come home from school that is when they want to interact with their little friend. I always suggest that you very slowly and gently awaken the hamster if he is sleeping. Let him get used to his surroundings before you just jump in and pick him up. They often bite because they are startled or not fully awake and ready to play.
Patrick Yates
President/CEO
Animal Kingdom USA

For more information, you may post questions on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AnimalKingdomUSA. Animal Kingdom USA is located at

100 Independent Way in Brewster.