If you’re seeking an active canine companion, an adept hunting dog, or a loyal family pet, consider a setter breed. The Irish setter, Gordon setter, English setter, and Irish red and white setter are four outstanding dogs that thrive in the field and at home. Each of these setters shares an aptitude for hunting and a family-first disposition that makes them much-loved companions. However, each breed has its own unique traits as well....
African dwarf frogs are usually low-maintenance pets but they are still living creatures who can get a plethora of diseases. Dropsy, or bloat, is one of those diseases that most often affects African dwarf frogs. Dropsy can also affect many other frog species that are kept as pets. About Dropsy The word dropsy is technically another word for edema. If your exotics vet refers to frog dropsy as edema, hydropsy, bloat, or ascites, they are probably referencing the same thing....
In the warmer months, there’s nothing better than a fresh summer salad, whether you’re dining al fresco at your favorite restaurant or hosting a backyard barbecue. But when you’re munching on lettuce and Fido gives you that longing gaze, is it something you can share? The general consensus is that, yes, lettuce is an OK “human food” option to offer your dog—but salads are definitely off-limits. Whether it’s romaine, arugula, or iceberg, lettuce is typically a safe option for dogs because it contains up to 90% percent water....
The number of bettas that can be kept together in the same aquarium depends on the gender of the betta. Only one male can be kept in an aquarium, as males will fight with one another (hence their common name, Siamese fighting fish). In the wild, one would retreat. But that isn’t possible in an aquarium; fighting continues, to the death of one or both. Females are only a bit more tolerant of each other....
Dog owners usually know that chocolate is poisonous to dogs, but not all understand how much chocolate is toxic and how. As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to understand what amount of chocolate is dangerous and proper treatment if your dog eats too much chocolate. Why Is Chocolate Poisonous to Dogs? Chocolate can be harmful to dogs for a few reasons. In many cases, the high-fat content of chocolate and desserts containing chocolate can be enough to cause pancreatitis in dogs....
Birds are highly intelligent animals and some species are known to be particularly trainable. Many bird owners enjoy the interaction a trained bird has with them so species that are adept to learning make ideal pets for those who are looking for that type of opportunity. Some trainable birds are large but size doesn’t equate the ability to talk or do tricks. Both small and large birds can be taught to do many things....
When a dog has an injury, or really anything that is bothersome to them, they tend to react by licking the area. There are likely a few varied reasons as to why dogs exhibit this behavior. Trying to relive pain, cleaning the area, soothing themselves, and hyper fixation are all possible explanations for dog wound licking. Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds? One reason dogs lick their wounds is that the wound is painful or irritating to them....
Parrots have captivated many people for hundreds of years, offering beauty, affection, and intelligent companionship to people all over the world. Even those who don’t profess to be bird lovers can rarely resist the charms of a well-behaved parrot. Indeed they embody so many things that people find desirable in their pets. All to often, however, those who would love to invite a parrot into their lives refrain from adopting one because they aren’t aware of the many available varieties....
All bird lovers want the world to know how smart and special their feathered friends are, and a great way to show off your bird’s talents is to teach your bird some cool tricks that will impress anyone who sees them. It can seem difficult to train your pet bird at first, but if you start with the fun and easy tricks outlined below, you’ll be surprised at how simple it can be to teach your bird cute tricks that will delight audiences of all ages....
Cats have teeth that need care just like ours but most people don’t think about brushing their cat’s teeth like they do their own. Chewing food and toys provides some dental care but often times it isn’t enough to help prevent dental issues from developing. Knowing how to brush your cat’s teeth can help prevent these issues along with unnecessary pain. How Many Teeth Do Cats Have? Kittens will grow 26 baby teeth that will then fall out when their 30 adult teeth come in....
Your aquarium water may look clear, but stirring the substrate may reveal a surprising amount of detritus that has settled in the gravel. Changing the tank’s water on a regular schedule will help reduce the amount of waste, harmful by-products, and algae that threaten both water quality and fish health. Why Are Water Changes Important? When you feed your fish, particles of food fall to the bottom and decay. Meanwhile, food that is eaten is released back into the water as urine or feces....
Before putting a bridle on a horse, start with your horse haltered and safely tied. You may have the horse in cross-ties or tied with a lead rope with a panic snap or quick-release knot. Some people like to leave their horses untied, but that can be a problem in public stables where random people may distract or potentially spook the horse. It’s best to avoid your horse getting loose among other horses and people when in the stable; this could lead to accidents....
There are a wide variety of diseases to which saltwater fish are susceptible. Because fish essentially live in their toilet and are constantly exposed to various pathogens, a strong immune system is critical to good overall fish health. Support your fish’s immune function by providing an excellent environment, taking into consideration their spatial requirements, desired territory or hiding spots, and preferred tankmates. Feed a high-quality diet specific to the metabolism and digestion of your fish and be sure to replace it regularly....
What Is Senior Dementia? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment and Prevention Prognosis Senior dementia is a common problem occurring in older dogs just as it does in aging humans. Similar to Alzheimer’s in people, dementia in dogs is a degenerative brain condition that causes altered behaviors and memory loss. These progressive changes affect the quality of life for both dogs and their owners. There is no cure for dementia, but owners may be able to lessen the negative effects and help their dogs live happily for a little while longer....
A good brush (or two) can make managing dog hair a much easier job. But not every brush works for every kind of dog. There are three primary types of dog coats, points out groomer Morgan Cross, owner of Fort Worth-based Platinum Paws, which will determine the proper grooming tools. “Fur-type dogs have fur that grows to a certain length and then falls out. They need regular brushing to help remove dead and loose undercoats,” Cross told The Spruce Pets....
What Is Ventricular Standstill? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment & Prevention Prognosis In dogs, as in humans and other animals, the heart beats ceaselessly throughout the animal’s life to maintain blood circulation. If the heart comes to a standstill, death occurs within just a few minutes. Ventricular standstill is a condition that causes periodic brief irregular heart rhythms in which the ventricles of the heart can stop beating normally for a few seconds....
A play bow is a form of dog body language. It’s a way in which dogs communicate with people and other animals. Essentially, it’s your dog’s way of saying, “Let’s play!” Posture If you’ve been around even just a few dogs in your life, you’ve probably witnessed the play bow. It’s a posture that dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes take when they want to have fun. The play bow is when a dog stretches its front legs out in front, leaning down on its elbows....
Why Do Cats Lose Hair? Fleas and Other Parasites Pain Allergies Stress and Anxiety Preventing Hair Loss A cat losing hair on its hind legs is cause for concern. It’s normal for a cat to be shedding, but sudden loss or thinning of hair on the back legs is not. Hair loss in cats, also known as alopecia, can be caused by a variety of issues from fleas, allergies, a bacterial infection, or stress, all of which are problems that must be addressed....
Salmon is a popular fish for people to eat and it’s also sometimes used in dog food. But when pet owners prepare salmon for themselves to eat, they may also want to share it with their dogs. Knowing whether or not this salmon is safe for dogs is important for pet owners that want to keep their dogs healthy and happy to understand. Do Dogs Like Salmon? Salmon, along with several other kinds of fish, is a popular food option for dogs....
Most pet owners know that chocolate can be fatally toxic to their beloved pooch. In fact, even a small amount of chocolatey goodness has the potential to poison your pet. But with the increasing popularity of candy covered in white chocolate, from Hershey’s kisses to Reese’s peanut butter cups, some pet owners might wonder if it’s possible that white chocolate can be Fido-friendly. Can Dogs Eat White Chocolate? Unfortunately, just like milk and dark chocolate, white chocolate is also off-limits to our four-legged friends....
