The heat is on! And that means it’s time to hit the pool. For cat owners, pool days can pose some questions and provoke some stress. While we may love to give our cats a place to cool off in the hot summer months, cats and water don’t always mix well. Keeping your cat safe around the pool is an important part of being a responsible, loving pet owner. Summertime can be hazardous, especially with a deep backyard pool in play....
Height: 17 – 23 inches Weight: 25 – 56 pounds Lifespan: 12 – 15 years Colors: White and yellow, white and orange, white and brown Suitable for: Hunting, large yards, families Temperament: Gentle, docile, calm, affectionate The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a hunting dog from Croatia. It has a rough, weather-resistant coat and a round head with a strong, square muzzle. The ears flop down over the head, and the feet are small and similar to a cat’s paws....
Height: 25 – 32 inches Weight: 80 – 160 pounds Lifespan: 8 – 12 years Colors: Brindle, brown, golden, chocolate, silver, black and tan, black Suitable for: Individuals and families, experienced and able to train and handle a large, active dog Temperament: Protective, intelligent, loyal, easy-going If you want a dog that’s dedicated to your protection and looks intimidating enough to get the job done, the Mastweiler might be just the breed for you....
Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is also known as Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis (NME), and it’s believed that nearly 1.2% of Pug dogs die of this unique disease1. So, what exactly is it, and what signs should you look out for that might hint your dog is suffering from this disease? Reviewed & Fact-Checked By Dr. Lorna Whittemore Veterinarian, MRCVS Reviewed & Fact-Checked By Dr. Lorna Whittemore Veterinarian, MRCVS The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research....
Most researchers agree that most wild rats don’t have a high chance of making it past their first birthday. However, humans have taken a liking to these cheerful animals and helped them live much longer and healthier lives. Rats make excellent pets. They are clean, intelligent, and have lots of personality. Rats are still considered pests in many parts of the world, but their likability is only becoming more popular. Today’s pet rats are also described as fancy rats....
The red-tailed black cockatoo is a fairly rare bird in the United States. However, if you are lucky enough to get your hands on one of these beautiful birds, you won’t be disappointed; they are affectionate and social animals that can make wonderful pets. Keep reading our guide to learn more about how to care for these birds. Species Overview Common Names: Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo, Banksian Black Cockatoo, Banks’ Black Cockatoo...
A sudden change in your cat’s ability to see can be alarming and may incite panic in even the most seasoned owner. Confirmation of blindness by your veterinarian may feel similarly overwhelming. The following article will discuss sudden blindness in cats, including its causes, signs, and dangers to help you navigate this condition with calm and confidence. With a little knowledge, patience, and extra TLC, both you and your cat can adapt to a “new normal” in no time!...
Teddy guinea pigs are small, but not too small. They are vibrant and lively, but not too excitable. These animals are cuddly, affectionate, and sociable. They have a lifespan of between 7 and 11 years, and they can weigh up to about 3.5 pounds once fully grown. Also known as cavies, teddy guinea pigs have a dense coat that is soft and shiny, reminiscent of a teddy bear, hence their name....
Height: 26 inches (male), 24 inches (female) Weight: 90 – 150 pounds (male), 70 – 120 pounds (female) Lifespan: 10 – 12 years Colors: Red-gold, brown, black and tan, black, blue-gray, red gold sable, blue-gray and tan, brown and tan, blue-gray and tan Suitable for: Experienced dog owners, families without young children, other dogs of the opposite sex, people wanting an indoor watchdog Temperament: Independent, intelligent, territorial, reserved, calm, stubborn, devoted to family...
It’s probably crossed every dog owner’s mind at least once. Why do dogs have tails? Most dogs are born with them, so it’s only natural to wonder what evolutionary purpose these appendages serve. Dogs’ tails are essential for their daily lives and serve many purposes in their everyday functioning. Dogs’ tails have three primary purposes: movement, balance, and communication. They use their tails in every part of their lives for one of these three things....
Purring in guinea pigs is a vague descriptor for the many sounds they make, but that doesn’t mean they don’t do it. While purring conjures images of contented cats stretched out in the sun, guinea pigs make several vocalizations, which can be categorized into purrs, chirps, and grunts, with purrs having a wider range of noises than the others. Read on for the five likely reasons your guinea pig might purr....
Bearded dragons have a lot of unique characteristics and traits, not least of which is their head bobbing and arm waving habits. A lot of their actions are a result of evolution and a throwback to the habits of their wild ancestors. One thing you may have seen your beardie doing and that has left you scratching your head is the opening of their mouth. You may have seen your beardie basking on a rock with his mouth open, or hiding in cover and opening and closing his mouth....
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By Dr. Lorna Whittemore Veterinarian, MRCVS Reviewed & Fact-Checked By Dr. Lorna Whittemore Veterinarian, MRCVS The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. As cat parents, we’re all familiar with the signs—white, dry, flaky skin indicates that your cat has a bit of dandruff going on. Dandruff is a pretty common problem and can be caused by many factors, including allergies, poor diet, medical conditions, and, in some cases, infrequent brushing....
Jack Russell Terriers are, without a doubt, a unique breed. The small dog is full of energy, a marvelous digger, and has more love than its little body can hold. While small in size, Jack Russells need a balanced diet to give them the right amount of energy without causing weight gain. Any dog owner knows the feeling of walking into the store and being bombarded by endless choices of dog food....
Rats make great pets. They’re easy to keep, require minimal maintenance, and don’t take up a lot of space. But one thing you will go through a lot when taking care of rats is bedding. Whether you have several rats or just one, bedding is a hot commodity for any rat owner. It’s vitally important to find great bedding if you want to keep the smell down, as rats can get quite smelly, pretty quickly....
Many people may dote on toy dog breeds and small dogs, but there are plenty of adorable large dog breeds that have captured people’s hearts. In fact, the most popular dog breed happens to be a large dog. We’ve done our research and compiled a list of the top 10 most popular large dog breeds. Most of our data come from the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) ranking list. While we love all kinds of dogs, we’ll be taking this moment to celebrate large dog breeds and give them the recognition that they deserve....
Parakeets are characterful birds, and one of the best things about owning them is how they communicate with us! These little guys are one of the most vocal parrot species, so they’ll always let you know how they’re feeling. If you’re been curious about what the sounds that your parakeet makes might mean, we’ve rounded up the 10 most common parakeet or budgie sounds, as well as their meanings. The 10 Parakeet Sounds and Their Meanings...
Are you a turtle enthusiast? Do you live in Missouri? Well, it turns out you can find quite a few turtles in the wild in this state. Check anywhere with water and you are likely to spot one of these species of turtle. Just be sure to leave them be—while it’s legal to have these turtles as pets, you cannot capture them in the state of Missouri. You can, however, buy them at a pet store or online....
Some chickens, as you know them, might not be native to your country. Exotic chicken breeds are the type of chicken imported from other countries, maybe by colonialists, over the course of many years. Stakeholders might then have crossed these species with the indigenous breeds or within the same varieties. The indigenous chicken’s limited performance, such as little egg and poultry meat production, was the most common reason for introducing exotic chickens....
If the cutest black and white cat stole your heart as you were “just looking” at your local animal shelter, rest assured you aren’t the first and won’t be the last person to suffer this fate. Something about the contrast of colors on a black and white cat always seems to draw the eye. Especially when that black and white comes in a super stylish tuxedo pattern! bNow that you have your new cat, it’s time to pick the perfect name....
