If you own a German shepherd, then you know how protective and loyal they are, and naturally, you want to return the favor. Your shepherd is probably active and playful and living up to all the great qualities that make them a perfect companion, except for the excessive scratching and licking that is driving you both nuts. Skin Allergies are very common in canines and are one of the primary reasons for visiting the vet....
Height: 9 – 13 inches Weight: 7 – 18 pounds Lifespan: 14 – 16 years Colors: Black, black and white, blue, brown, cream, fawn, golden, particolor, white Suitable for: Active families, those looking for a low maintenance and adaptable dog Temperament: Alert, courageous, intelligent, lively, loyal, protective The Alopekis is a great breed for just about any family. They are small in size, only bark occasionally, and are adaptable to most environments....
The African violet (also known as Cape marigold) is a year-round flower and a common houseplant. Not many cat owners will think about the safety of the plant species for their cat when they first purchase the plant, which can be dangerous if the plant is potentially poisonous to your cat. Fortunately for both African violet and cat lovers, this flowering plant is non-toxic and safe for your cat. This means that most parts of the African violet are not toxic or harmful to cats if consumed in small quantities....
First-time cat owners are often alarmed when they hear their female cats in heat howling loudly. If you have a female cat and wonder if she’s in pain when in heat, the answer is no. Cats do not feel pain when in heat, although they may feel some slight discomfort and agitation. The howling noise a cat makes while in the heat cycle is not done out of pain but rather to attract a potential suitor....
Has it always been your dream to have a big beautiful aviary full of a wide array of bird species? If so, you’re probably wondering if all bird species will get together well enough to share an aviary. Truthfully, not all small bird species will cohabitate peacefully, so you need to research before putting two species together in your aviary. Reviewed & Fact-Checked By Dr. Lauren Demos Veterinarian, DVM Reviewed & Fact-Checked By...
Pumpkin seeds are a favorite snack among humans, and many people wonder if it’s safe to give them to their pet Cockatiel as well. The short answer is yes. Your Cockatiel can eat pumpkin seeds, and they can be quite healthy. However, there are several things to consider before making them a permanent part of your pet’s diet, so keep reading while we look at nutritional value, the difference between cooked and uncooked seeds, and how many are safe to eat so you can make an informed decision....
As dog owners, it’s natural to want our best pals to take part in the activities we love. Often, we take our dogs on long hikes, car rides, and even trips to the coffee shop for a puppuccino. For those pet owners who have a love of the water, sharing this fun activity with your dog can be both thrilling and healthy. If the dog at your side is a Doberman, you may be curious as to whether they even like the water....
Most animals are social creatures that get along better if they have company, especially with the same species. That’s why it’s common to adopt two pets of the same species so that they can bond and socialize with one another. However, does that concept hold true when it comes to ball pythons? The answer is tricky. Ball pythons can share the same tank, but should they? The answer to that question is no....
Height: 7 – 12 inches Weight: 10 – 20 pounds Lifespan: 12 – 14 years Colors: Black, cream, white, and/or fawn Suitable for: Apartment living, families with children, beginner dog owners Temperament: Playful, affectionate, loyal, sometimes stubborn The Chigi is a mix between the Chihuahua and the Corgi. Despite being such small animals, these dogs are fiercely loyal, impressively intelligent, and surprisingly energetic. If you’re looking for a small dog with a big personality, the Chigi is almost certainly the one....
To many people, donkeys and horses are very similar, with the obvious exception of their size. However, you may be interested to know that there are quite a few other differences between the two. If you are considering buying one for your farm, you might be confused about which one is best. Keep reading while we look at all of the differences between these two animals and discuss what they are best used for so you can make an informed decision....
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and a major part of building muscle and tissue. They also play a pivotal role in other metabolic processes in the cells. There are two groups of 22 types of amino acids, 14 of which are non-essential for dogs. These non-essential amino acids are produced by your dog’s body and are thus not required in your dog’s diet. The eight remaining amino acids are essential because they cannot be manufactured by your dog’s body and are thus gained only from their diet....
The Green-Naped, or Coconut Lorikeet is a subspecies of the Rainbow Lorikeet. Stunning creatures with a multi-colored appearance, these birds are outgoing, affectionate, and eager to play and move. Loud in nature, they can mimic human speech (and be trained to talk). If you’re a bird lover, you may find that this lorikeet is perfect for you. Species Overview Common Names: Green-Naped Lorikeet, Coconut Lorikeet Scientific Name: Trichoglossus haematodus haematodus...
Horseflies and houseflies are both very common insects that we see quite often. Both look similar, but they are very different, and it can help spot the difference since houseflies are nearly harmless while a horsefly can deliver a painful bite. If you live on a farm or a rural setting, you’ve probably felt the bite, so we are going to help you recognize them from a distance. We’ll also help you learn how to spot the housefly and give you some other information about them so you can be more informed....
If your dog is pregnant, you may be wondering how long it will be before she has the puppies. We know humans are pregnant for 9 months before the baby is born, but dogs can have several puppies at once, and their gestation periods are quite different from ours. Dogs are pregnant, on average, for 63 days. This range can vary from 58–68 days and is split up into trimesters, just like human pregnancies....
The average American consumes more than 80 pounds of beef per year, and with a population of more than 300 million people, it may not be that surprising to learn that of the billion cows in the world, 94 million cattle reside in the US. What’s more surprising is that this means the US only ranks fourth in the list of countries with the most cattle population. More than half of the world’s cattle population lives in India and Brazil....
Looking to add a cute guinea pig to your family this year? Before you go ahead and commit to any new pet, it’s a great idea to sit down and figure out exactly how much it’s going to cost you to keep them happy and healthy. Guinea pigs are certainly less expensive to buy than some other pets, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to be cheap to keep in the long run....
Lovebirds are members of the Parrot family, and if kept in pairs (as they should be!), they will mate for life. It is this unique lifelong bond and attachment to their owners that gives them their name. Lovebirds are intelligent, lively birds that can live for up to 15 years, and as such, they are a big commitment. With the Lovebird’s long lifespan and lively temperament, they’ll need a cage that can provide a space big and comfortable enough to cater to their unique needs and help keep them healthy, happy, and long-lived....
Rhode Island Reds are some of the most popular chickens around. They are full of character, personality, and sassiness. They also are healthy, hardy, and lay a lot of eggs. When paired with the wrong breeds, they can become pushy and assertive, but you can’t say that they lack personality. Even though these chickens have only been around for about 100 years, they have quickly become one of the most popular birds for small-scale farming....
Suffolk sheep are a common British domestic sheep that you can find on many farms in England and the United States. Breeders created it in the late 18th century primarily for its meat but it also serves as a good source of wool. Join us as we look at this interesting animal to learn more about it to see if it’s right for your farm or backyard. Quick Facts about Suffolk Sheep...
There’s nothing more infuriating than setting up a tank with stunning aquatic plants only to see them turn brown after a few weeks or even days. Because beyond their beauty, aquatic plants are necessary for naturally filtering water, in addition to reducing the invasion of algae and certain bacteria that are harmful to the health of your fish. But why do they brown? And more importantly, what can you do to remedy the situation?...
