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Just like a new kitten, puppies love to explore, but they also need to be protected while they learn about their new environments, especially for the vital first 30 days in their new homes. Puppy proofing your home is a necessary and simple step you can take to help keep your puppy safe. Why You Should Puppy Proof Your Home Puppies do not know what is safe or what is dangerous, so it is up to you to teach them the difference and prevent them from being exposed to harmful things....

Labrador retrievers regularly top the list of most popular dog breeds. These smart, social dogs are known for their amiable temperaments and their patience. Traditionally bred as hunting dogs, Labs also are among the most popular service dogs, acting as guide dogs for blind people and as therapy dogs. By socializing these dogs early, you can tap into their natural instincts as protectors and companions. Socialize Puppies Labs are natural born people pleasers....

If you are looking for a different or unusual name for your new kitten or adult cat, Russian cat names are an excellent choice. Russia’s beautiful language and interesting history and culture provides many great name ideas for your cat or kitten. You might also be surprised to find out that Russia is the homeland of several cat breeds. Many people are familiar with the silver-haired Russian Blue cat and the plush-coated Siberian cat, but some Russian cat breeds are rare and exotic, such as the hairless Donskoy cat and the Kurilian Bobtail, which has a naturally stumpy, pom-pom tail....

Is it OK to Own a Mexican Redleg Tarantula? Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Purchasing Similar Pets & Breeds There are over 850 species of tarantulas in the world, but not all of them make good pets. The Mexican redleg tarantula however, is one species that can make a great pet spider. This species, especially females, can live a very long time if properly cared so knowing what they need to thrive will help you maximize your tarantula’s lifespan....

Most Triggerfish are difficult to keep in a saltwater aquarium with other fish. There are some exceptions, however. Triggerfish, once acclimated into an aquarium, are fairly robust and will do well. Learn about different types of triggerfish and how to care for them. 01 of 07 Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides Conspicillum) Victor Ovies Arenas / Getty Images The Clown Triggerfish is one of the most sought after triggerfish in the ocean due to their gaudy colors and “personality”....

Depending on an owner’s and horse’s needs, there are different types of boarding arrangements available. Here’s a quick overview of the types of board offered at many boarding stables. Full Board Full board will include all the necessities for the horse, plus a stall with full turn out to pasture. Full board does not require owners to visit their horses every day; instead, staff at the barn clean the stall, feed the horse, and bring him in/out of the pasture....

A diagnosis of cancer in a beloved dog can be heartbreaking for any owner. This devastating disease is a leading cause of death in dogs, but if your vet can diagnose cancer early, your dog might have a better chance of survival with treatment. Learn the warning signs of cancer now so you will know what to do if your beloved canine companion becomes sick. Many dogs with cancer will show no signs, at least initially....

Causes Parasites Infections Canine Atopic Dermatitis Food Allergies Treatment Prevention Irritated, itchy skin may prompt dogs to scratch, lick, and chew themselves to the point of skin injury. These symptoms are often caused by parasites, infections, or allergies that have the potential to make your dog miserable and leave you wondering what’s going on and how you can help. Unfortunately, such skin irritations are common in dogs, but the good news is, they can be effectively treated or managed with a combination of home care, preventive measures, and veterinary intervention....

While the decision to bring home any new pet requires careful consideration, hamsters can make great pets for almost any responsible family based on their modest space and care requirements. To help decide if this is the right pet for you, consider these seven reasons to bring home a hamster. 1. Hamsters Don’t Require Extensive Training Unlike cats or dogs, hamsters do not require extensive training. No litter box training or obedience courses are needed!...

If you’re adding a new furry friend to your family, but wondering what you will name your dog, you might start by thinking of your favorite meal, snack, or dessert. It may seem like a strange idea at first, but you may have heard more food names for dogs than you realize. Names inspired by nuts, spices, fast food favorites, and summertime treats like ice cream, hot dogs, and burgers are all fair game for naming your pooch....

How do you get a horse? Learn how to determine if you should get a horse, how to buy, lease, adopt or even get a horse for free. 01 of 07 Basic Equipment PeopleImages/Getty Images If you want to get a horse, you have to first be sure that you are ready, both financially and time-wise to care for a horse once it’s yours. No matter how you go about getting a horse, the horse will require a consistent amount of work and money to care for....

When you think of black and white dogs, no doubt the beautiful Dalmatian will spring to mind. They don’t come in any other colors, and their iconic turn in the Disney movie 101 Dalmatians will be forever etched in many dog lovers hearts. There are, however, many more breeds and mutts that can have black and white markings. Some other common examples include the Border Collie, Boston Terrier and Great Dane....

Characteristics Breed History Care Health Problems Appearance Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Burmese cats are medium-sized felines with strong, muscular bodies, rounded heads, and expressive gold eyes. These affectionate and intelligent kitties may descend from an ancient breed in Myanmar (formerly Burma), but they were officially bred in the United States in the 1930s. This breed is vulnerable to a genetic skeletal disorder, but it can be ruled out with a simple DNA test, so you should be able to buy or adopt one with confidence in its health....

In their natural habitats, clownfish and anemones have a symbiotic relationship; both need the other to survive. Clownfish rely on anemones for protection from predators, while anemones rely on clownfish for food. Different types of clownfish tend to prefer living with, or hosting, different types of anemones. If you’re setting up an aquarium and would like to keep clownfish and anemones, it makes sense to try one these natural pairings, but don’t be surprised if your clownfish have different ideas....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The poodle is an extremely smart, energetic, and friendly member of the non-sporting group that originated in Germany and is known for its curly coat and three size varieties: toy, miniature, and standard. All sizes are considered to be the same dog breed and, as such, are held to the same breed standards....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions Meet the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, a small hunting dog native to southern Europe with a slim build, pointed ears, and either short and smooth or long, wiry fur. This breed is quick, sweet, and energetic, and it’s the smallest of Portugals’ three Podengo breeds. Podengos are one of Portugal’s most popular types of purebreds, and they can be found in three sizes—small, medium, and large—which are not interbred with each other....

Raw food diets have become increasingly popular as alternatives to traditional dog food diets. Alongside many other dog food trends like grain-free, vegan or vegetarian, and the use of novel proteins, raw food diets have their pros and cons. Concern among veterinary professionals specifically lies in the safety of this type of diet while some pet owners and enthusiasts argue a raw diet is a healthier option for dogs. What Is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?...

Dog food options abound when you walk into a pet store and while there are fresh, frozen, and even freeze-dried options, the most common types of food you will find are either dry kibbles or canned, wet dog foods. Some dog owners will mix both kinds of food for various reasons. It is helpful to know the benefits of both kinds of food individually as well as whether mixing them negates these benefits so that you can provide the best diet for your dog....

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, occurs in cats when disease-causing bacteria infiltrate and overcome the body’s immune defenses and then multiply within the urinary tract. This causes discomfort and inflammation in the cat’s urinary tract and can result in the cat urinating outside of the litter box in other areas of the house. UTIs can occur anywhere along the urinary tract, from the urethra, which is the tube that passes urine out of the body, to the bladder and even up to the kidneys....

Drooling occurs when too much saliva builds up in your dog’s mouth and it runs out between the lips. There are several reasons why a dog may suddenly begin to drool, and for some breeds, it’s simply a normal part of life. But for dogs that don’t normally drool much, there may be a good reason why it has worsened. Excessive drooling may be a result of an underlying problem, so it’s important to not only clean up the mess it makes, but to address the root cause as well....