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Pet ownership comes with risks and any pet has the potential to spread a zoonotic disease to their owners. These diseases can be spread in a variety of ways and it’s up to pet owners to take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of disease within the home. It’s important to be aware of what kind of diseases your pet could transmit to you and your family. Pet reptiles are capable of spreading a few zoonotic diseases, some much more common than others....

When most people think about dog grooming, there is usually one of two things they picture in their mind’s eye. They’re either overtaken by visions of poofy manes and frilly bows or haunted by the thought of chasing their uncooperative, stinky, soaking-wet dog around the house. While we won’t deny that some dogs are more challenging than others to groom, the truth remains that grooming is an essential part of dog ownership (but adding pink bows are optional)....

Both wet and dry food have their benefits and drawbacks, prompting many dog owners to mix the two to get the best of both worlds. Your dogs get the fun mix of textures and varieties that stave off food boredom, and you get the cost benefits of supplementing your dog’s wet food with cheaper dry formulas. Wet food also gives your dog additional moisture to prevent dehydration. Mixing dry and wet food can be beneficial for dogs who get picky or bored easily as well....

Fish ponds are beautiful bodies of water that can hold many varieties of fish such as koi and goldfish. Fish ponds can add an attractive accent to many different environments and make your patio or garden look livelier. Fish ponds not only allow you to extend your love for fish and aquatics outside of your home but the appearance and calming vibes that fish ponds bring are worth it. Not everyone wants to spend a ton of money installing a fish pond, so that’s where the benefits of creating a fish pond yourself with minimal tools, materials, and not tearing up your patio or garden come in....

The German Shepherd & Akita Inu Mix Height: 20 – 24 inches Weight: 55 – 90 pounds Lifespan: 10 – 14 years Colors: Gray, brindle, white, black, red, silver, fawn, brown, sable Suitable for: Active families, those looking for a friendly but dedicated guard dog Temperament: Independent, loyal, protective, intelligent, energetic, high-maintenance If you want a guard dog that will treat their duties with the weight and gravitas that they deserve, you’ll be hard-pressed to do better than the Akita Shepherd....

The Booted Bantam chicken is one of the oldest and rarest Bantam breeds there is. The name of the bird comes from its feathered feet and hock joints. Those feathers can grow up to six inches long, giving the Bantam a “booted” appearance. These chickens are small, and though they can be used for egg production, they are most often kept as pets, and they are really too small to use for any type of meat production....

The Braford is a cross between a Hereford bull or cow and a Brahman bull or cow. They possess the characteristics of both of these breeds. The result is a stocky breed, like the Brahman, with the coloring of the Hereford. Due to their size, strength, and sometimes aggressive nature, Braford cattle are used in rodeos, but their primary function is to produce meat. They are an easy breed to manage....

As bird owners, we know that our birds enjoy a healthy serving of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. If you have a cockatiel, this is particularly true! Cockatiels love various types of produce, so it’s hard to imagine that any of them might be bad for your bird. Often, we think that any fruit or vegetable should be safe enough for anyone, human or animal, to eat. When it comes to tomatoes, though, conflicting information exists on whether they are safe for cockatiels....

Goats are exceptional animals that keep your fields clear and provide milk for cheese and other products. Goats have a reputation for being living garbage cans that can consume anything, but while they can dine on a wide variety of edible items, they can damage their digestive systems if the animals aren’t watched closely. Goats are herbivores, and they’re happy to munch on a piece of bread, but is bread alright for them to eat?...

If you are wondering if your guinea pig can eat raisins, you’ve come to the right place! The short answer is yes, they can, but no, they shouldn’t. Chances are that your guinea will love raisins and for good reason. They are soft, chewy, and sweet, all the perfect characteristics of an ideal snack! But like all food, just because raisins are delicious, that does not mean Guinea pigs should eat them, and this is especially true if you are your pet’s sole provider of nutrition....

Between their unique appearance and fun personalities, it’s no wonder why so many more people are trying to bring home a pet hedgehog. Welcoming home any new pet is a lot of responsibility, though. It takes hours of research to get a good understanding of a hedgehog’s primary care needs. One of the most important things that you’re going to have to pay attention to is the food they eat. You would think most fruits and veggies would be safe, but that isn’t always the case....

This festive-looking bird is also known as the Christmas conure due to its bright green coloring and red head. They are friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable. The cherry-headed conure is a popular pet bird. They love being around people and need plenty of attention. You’ll love having them around for entertainment. The cherry-headed conure likes to perform tricks and is very vocal. If you live in an apartment, this isn’t the bird for you....

Everyone knows that cats love to chase, hunt, kill, and play with mice. Most cat toys are even in the shape of mice. If you’ve ever seen a cat stalk and pounce on one of these mouse toys, then you know just how much hunting prowess your cat has, even though they were born in captivity. Granted, mice aren’t the only type of creature that cats like to kill. Many cat owners have stories about their cat bringing them dead birds as a tribute....

Dogs are active animals that tend to make a mess whenever the opportunity arises. They don’t seem to mind being stinky and dirty! You likely try to bathe your dog regularly so they don’t stink up the house and make your furniture look dingy. So, do dogs like baths? Whether they do or not, what is it about baths that makes them act wildly afterward? Let’s explore these topics here....

When you pass a farmer’s field, you might see some miniature donkeys in the pasture that look like they need a good petting session. If you have been thinking about buying any farm animals, but don’t have the space for full-sized animals, you might be considering miniature versions instead. Miniature donkeys can make great pets, and they don’t require as much space, care, or expense as a full-size donkey, however, it can be somewhat costly to keep up with their medical needs....

If you are looking for a very spirited bird in a compact package, you might want to check out the parrotlet. They are the smallest parrots you can find at local pet shops—touting the nickname “pocket parrot.” These tiny guys have a larger-than-life view of things, and they definitely think they are the boss. They can be choosy about who they interact with, so be prepared to potentially not be the favorite in your home....

Height: 23 – 25 inches Weight: 50 – 75 pounds Lifespan: 10 – 12 years Colors: Liver, liver & white, liver roan Suitable for: Active families, homes with land, working duties Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, friendly, adventurous The German Shorthaired Pointer is a stunningly sharp canine with a terrific sense of judgment. They tend to love physical activity, whether it be time spent hiking, hunting, or swimming—but they also just love being around their human families....

Height: 21 – 25 inches Weight: 55 – 70 pounds Lifespan: 10 – 12 years Colors: Yellow, cream, golden Suitable for: Active families with other dogs and children Temperament: Loyal, protective, active, docile The loyal and loving Golden Retriever cross Labrador (also known as the Goldador) is a great medium-sized family dog breed that gets along well with other pets and families with children. Both parent breeds are popular dog breeds and some of America’s most commonly registered with the American Kennel Club....

The backyard chickens many people keep are distant relatives of the junglefowl still found in the wild in parts of Asia. In the wild, junglefowl behave like most other birds by perching and roosting in trees. And just like other birds, they’re able to fly to escape predators. When a wild junglefowl is foraging for food on the ground, it will quickly take flight if alarmed. While that’s all well and good, what about domestic chickens we keep in our backyards?...

It’s hard to tell what’s rising faster these days, the cost of regular vet visits or the need for them. Inflation is making life challenging for owners trying to supply essential care for their pets. A recent Forbes survey revealed that 42% of owners would go into debt if a bill exceeded $1,000, with 63% stating they would have difficulty paying a surprise vet bill. And higher vet bills may become less surprising in coming years, especially as increasing cases of illnesses like canine influenza cause more frequent health problems across South Carolina....