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Although ducks are raised for their eggs and meat, many homeowners enjoy keeping them as pets. They’re not as lovable as dogs and cats, but ducks raised from hatchlings will follow their owners around the yard and show affection with a spirited cry or nudge from their heads. Ducks enjoy longer lives than some of their avian relatives, but they live much longer in captivity than in the wild. Wild and domesticated ducks face constant threats from predators like hawks, foxes, and coyotes....

Although commonly looked at as pests, rodents can make for exceptional pets. Some species are quite intelligent and affectionate such as the guinea pig and domesticated rat. But not all rodents are the same. There are major differences between these two species alone. Let’s look over what makes each of these special and help you determine which is the best rodent for you and your family. Visual Differences Image Credit: (L) enriquelopezgarre, Pixabay, (R) jarleeknes, Pixabay At a Glance Guinea Pig...

The strikingly colorful Harlequin Macaw is a hybrid parrot, a cross between a Blue and Gold Macaw and a Green-Winged Macaw. These brightly colored birds make wonderful pets, combining the best aspects of each of their parent breeds into a parrot that is friendly, intelligent, and beautiful. They are known to be somewhat needy birds at times and require plenty of daily interaction, but with enough socialization and attention, they are friendly and social pets....

If you have never owned a specific cat breed, learning about the possible ailments that could affect a certain feline variety is a terrific way to prepare yourself for being a pet parent. When it comes to the Himalayan, this breed has gorgeous long hair and blue-eyed cats with superb temperaments. 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....

CBD has become extremely popular over the last couple of years, and people use it to relieve all sorts of health problems. However, CBD is not only beneficial for humans, but it works for dogs as well. Many dog parents give their canines CBD to help them with ongoing medical issues and relieve their stress and anxiety. If the whole CBD for dogs experience is new for you, you probably have a bunch of questions about how the CBD will affect your dog and how long it will take to work....

If you are thinking about loading your saddlebag with supplies or are starting to put on a little extra weight, you might be wondering how much weight your horse can safely carry. The short answer is that it can carry about 20% of its body weight, but many other factors affect your horse’s ability and comfort that you should consider before routinely putting the max load on your horse. Keep reading while we discuss breed, fitness, conformation, and more to help you make an informed decision....

Just because you have a cat in your home doesn’t mean you want a cat in every part of your home. It’s perfectly fine to want to maintain a pet-free part of your house, but sometimes that’s easier said than done. The good news is that there are tried-and-proven tricks that you can use. Here, we highlighted eight different methods that you can use to keep your cat out of certain rooms....

Do you want to know how to teach a dog to smile? It’s actually not as difficult as you might think! We will discuss 10 tips and tricks that will help make the process easier for both you and your furry friend. We’ll also provide some helpful resources that can assist you along the way. So, whether your dog is new to learning tricks or has already mastered a few, read on for some great tips!...

At first glance, Java chickens may not seem that different from any other chicken breed. But, there is more to this breed than meets the eye. Java chickens are beautiful in appearance and they are very useful as well. Without giving too much away, they make great backyard chickens and are highly adaptable. Keep reading to learn why you may want to consider bringing Java chickens into your life. Quick Facts About Java Chickens...

The Shetland Sheepdog is nicknamed the Sheltie and is a herder from the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They used to stand guard for the farmers and prevent birds and sheep from launching into the farmers’ gardens. The dogs, although small, are high energy and fast but highly obedient. They are champions in sports performance and easy to train. Their over−protective and affectionate nature makes them lovable family pets, and they have the excellent qualities of a watchdog....

According to the BBC, the oldest living pet donkey is Bubbles, who has lived to 60 years old, while the normal range for pet donkeys is around 30. So, what has Bubbles eaten all these years to keep him healthy and thriving? And do wild donkeys eat the same? First of all, and contrary to popular belief, donkeys should not be fed the same food as horses or cattle. Indeed, donkeys are a unique equine species; they differ from horses by specific morphological and physical variations....

Cat massage therapy is a gentle, non-invasive way of keeping cats relaxed, healthy, and comfortable. Although it is not a substitute for professional veterinary treatment, the therapy may benefit your pet. If you’ve been considering taking your cat to a cat massage therapist or even learning how to give your cat a massage yourself, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to determine if the therapy is suitable for your feline....

So, you’ve added water to your pup’s dry food to soften it. Or maybe you’re just feeding your puppy wet food. That’s great! Puppies need moist, soft food while their teeth develop. But the time is slowly creeping up to transition your dog to plain dry food. The problem is, you don’t know when to do it. Reviewed & Fact-Checked By Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg Veterinarian, DVM Reviewed & Fact-Checked By...

Turtles can make great pets. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are great options for everyone. They need a bit more work than most people realize, so be sure that you know everything that goes into owning one of these turtles before you decide to adopt one. In many areas, it is illegal to own turtles, so you should carefully check your local laws before searching for stores. Many retail chains will not sell turtles in areas where it is illegal, but they may sell turtles in other places....

A horse’s mane is not just all for looks — it has important functions too! The beautiful, flowing mane of a horse is arguably one of their most distinguishing features, and you may have found yourself wondering exactly what it’s for. Adding to the confusion is that some horses have thick, long manes, while others have relatively short, thin manes, and these can vary widely between species. Other Equidae species have manes, such as giraffes, zebra, and antelope, but none are so long and luxurious as those of domestic horses....

If you have a Shih Poo, you know all about little dog preferences and demands. All pup owners want the best for their pooch—big or small. But diet needs change depending on body structure—just like with humans. So, we have you covered if you need something to appease their appetite or cater to a health issue. Here, we’re going to look at the top ten dog food choices for little dogs like your beloved Shih Poo....

Doberman Pinschers often get a bad reputation for being aggressive and mean. However, while they are born to protect, if you raise a Doberman right, get it the proper training, and socialize it early in life, a Doberman is no different from any other dog and makes a great pet. It is an intelligent breed, so it’s pretty easy to teach them basic instructions, and they’re often used as police dogs and work with the military....

Paying emergency vet bills is not a luxury most pet owners can afford. Not only is it a good idea to protect your pet from unexpected emergencies, but having pet insurance can also help cover preventative care and veterinary checkups. The added availability of preventative treatments and optional coverage add-ons makes pet insurance almost invaluable when it comes to the health and happiness of your pets. Veterinary care can be unbelievably expensive....

Some cats love food just a bit too much, and if your cat falls into this category, they can be at risk of a few different health conditions. Obesity can cause diabetes, osteoarthritis, and heart problems. It is usually caused by overeating and a lack of activity. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can encourage your cat to shed those extra pounds and stay as lean and healthy as possible....

Getting a dog is a truly exciting time. With thousands of breeds and hybrid breeds available, choosing the right breed for your first dog can be baffling. Above all, you must choose a dog that matches your lifestyle. If you’re an active person that loves to walk or run, choose a dog with a similarly high energy level. If you prefer to stay indoors, opt for something with lower energy requirements....