A therapy dog can help you in more ways than you probably ever imagined. Certain breeds do better at handling therapy-type situations than others. The roles of a therapy dog can differ from one person to the next, opening the doors for many breeds that will qualify to be a therapy dog. In this guide, we put together our top picks for the best therapy dog breeds. There is sure to be a dog on this list that will work for you and your family....
In the U.S.A., pheasants are popular birds for hunting. Few people know much about the species beyond their appearance and aromatic meat, though. To show you that there’s more than what meets the eye when it comes to these game birds, we put together this list of interesting facts. Top 14 Fascinating Pheasant Facts Pheasants can fly up to 60 mph Image Credit: MabelAmber, Pixabay While pheasants prefer to stay on the ground, they can and do fly short distances....
Snakes are kept as pets by millions of people around the world and there are thousands of different species, including many that are venomous and even some that can reach speeds of more than 10 miles per hour. Whether you are considering taking one on as a pet or are simply intrigued by this often-misunderstood animal, we have included 20 incredible facts about this reptile. 20 Facts About Snakes There Are More Than 3,000 Species Of Snakes Snakes are found in almost all countries of the world, including some areas that we might consider otherwise inhospitable, and they have adapted to live in these areas....
The Siberian Husky has become an increasingly popular pet. It is lively and energetic, full of character, and has one of the most distinctive and recognizable stares in the canine world. However, this Siberian breed is also easily bored, prone to destructiveness when left alone, and enjoys wandering. Hybrid breeds combine the Husky with any of a wide range of other breeds, often in a bid to quell some of the more challenging behaviors but sometimes to improve or alter the aesthetic look of the dog....
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By Dr. Paola Cuevas Veterinarian, MVZ Reviewed & Fact-Checked By Dr. Paola Cuevas Veterinarian, MVZ The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Sheep’s and goats will not always be able to get all the nutrients they need from their daily diet, and you may have to supplement their diet with a mineral block. Mineral blocks can help replenish lost minerals in your sheep and goats to keep them healthy....
Geckos are great pets that are increasing in popularity every year. These lizards are not hard to care for and have a relatively long lifespan of about 5 years. However, they prefer a humid environment, and you will need to replicate this environment in the terrarium where you keep them. To add moisture to the air, you will need to use a humidifier or humidity maker. However, several brands are available, and they can look quite different, so it can be hard to choose the best option for your pet....
Horses are seriously gigantic creatures. Many weigh in excess of 1,200 pounds and stand more than six feet in height. Over the years, the many miles a horse travels with all that weight adds up on its joints. Eventually, horses face many similar issues as humans do, including joint pain, arthritis, and more. One of the best ways to help stave off such ailments is by supplementing your horse’s diet with compounds that boost joint health....
Height: 7 – 8 inches Weight: 6 – 12 pounds Lifespan: 12 – 15 years Colors: Red, black, or black and tan Suitable for: Most homes, singles, seniors, apartments Temperament: Playful, stubborn, sensitive Do you love Pugs? What about Bulldogs? If so, you will probably love a Brussels Griffon. This breed of dog is small and has a unique appearance that is somewhere between a Pomeranian, Pug, and Bulldog. This super cute appearance makes them a favorite among singles and seniors....
Also known as the Mexican walking fish, axolotls are unique creatures that have been seeing a large spike in popularity as pets recently. Their ever-smiling expressions endear many to these aquatic salamanders, though that’s far from the only unique feature the species sports. They come in a wide range of colors, including whites, reds, greens, browns, and blues, making them a colorful resident in any aquarium. But these amphibians aren’t big swimmers....
Macaws are undeniably gorgeous birds and have been popular pet parrots for decades. They are intelligent and affectionate and have exceedingly long lifespans, making them ideal for bird lovers around the world. Many of the reasons that they are such unique and sought-after pets are also what make them a challenge for many owners; their large size, long lifespan, and noise levels are certainly not for beginners. There are 17 different species of Macaws, some of which make better pets than others and others that are endangered and should not be kept as pets....
Many animals find their way into people’s homes because they’re so cute, making them hard to resist. Who can deny how cute a Golden Retriever puppy is or sweet a playful kitten looks? For some, it’s also about having an exotic pet. It may be hard for someone who isn’t an enthusiast to understand why 4.5 million American households have a reptile in their home. The term exotic means a lot of different things, depending on your state....
Also known as dog sledding, mushing may have a limited following, but it has a rich history integral to many people on different levels. It undoubtedly began as a utilitarian activity for transporting loads. After all, four legs could move heavy packs easier than a human. We have had a long relationship with canines, going back an estimated 20,000–40,000 years ago. The earliest archaeological evidence suggesting humans using dog sleds goes back as far as 8,000 years ago on Zhokhov Island in the East Siberian Sea....
The German Shepherd & Chow Chow Mix Height: 18 – 26 inches Weight: 40 – 95 pounds Lifespan: 10 – 12 years Colors: Blue, red, chocolate, white, tan, brown and white Suitable for: Single owner or family who has experience training dogs Temperament: Happy, smart, attention-seeking You may have heard that mixed dog breeds are also referred to as designer dogs. That is because breeders take two different breeds and mix them to create an animal that looks or acts a certain way....
The Gouldian finch is one of Mother Nature’s little winged treasures: this magnificent little bird of the order of the Passeriformes will amaze you with its shimmering colors and its melodious song. However, it is not a suitable pet bird for beginners, let alone for those looking for a bird to handle frequently. But if you are interested in acquiring this colorful little creature, read on to learn about its personality and specific needs....
Hedgehogs make wonderful pets. They’re absolutely adorable and fairly low-maintenance, but they’re a different enough pet that you won’t be yet another person on your block with a cat or dog in the house. Many people are unfamiliar with how to properly raise them, though, and that extends to buying a properly sized cage for them. This is an extremely important decision, as giving them an enclosure that’s too small can affect both their physical and mental health, and buying one that’s not designed for hedgehogs could allow them to escape....
Overview With its light, cheerful green leaves and its long, floating stems, water lettuce is one of the most recognizable water plants out there. Despite the name, these plants aren’t related to lettuce or cabbage at all—they are a separate species of plant entirely. These plants are common in ponds and aquariums because they have pretty, attractive leaf clusters and are easy to grow and care for. They make great beginner plants because they grow well once established and tolerate many common aquarium conditions....
Ferrets are becoming increasingly popular as household pets for many reasons. They are full of personality, are easy to maintain, and are extremely intelligent. It is no wonder they are often compared to cats. While cats seem to be naturally potty-trained, that is not the case with ferrets. Despite their high intelligence, a ferret will not see a litter tray as somewhere to poop unless you train them. Fortunately, they are fast learners....
In many active, dog-loving families around the world, you’ll find an Australian Shepherd. These energetic dogs have a true zest for life and bring a real sense of fun to their families. White Australian Shepherds have been the subject of intrigue due to their purely white coats, which come about when a dog inherits double M (MM) genes from their parents. Appearances aside, white Australian Shepherds are no different from their more colorful brothers and sisters and all Australian Shepherds have a story to tell....
Guinea pigs have some of the cutest actions and vocalizations. These critters can tell you if they are happy, sad, angry, and excited. All guinea pig owners have heard those famous little squeaks. But what does the squeaking mean? Squeaking is a form of communication that guinea pigs have—just like cats meowing, dogs barking, and humans yammering. Like most mammals, guinea pigs communicate through body language, pitch, and frequency. Noises mean different things depending on what else is going on....
In the wild, rabbits keep their nails short by digging, running, and scratching just about everything in their natural habitat. Have you seen any of these behaviors in your own pet rabbits? If so, they may be showing signs that you need to help them trim their nails! While a veterinarian can quickly and expertly cut your rabbit’s nails, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to pay for an optional vet visit every month or two....
