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What is that white fuzzy looking thing growing on my live rock? What are those little white dots growing on my aquarium glass? What are those little white bug-like things crawling around in my tank? Something really weird showed up in my aquarium. Is it going to hurt anything? Sound familiar? These and similar questions are not odd, but what is odd is how many aquarists don’t realize that when it comes to keeping a saltwater system, it’s not unusual for strange things to show up....

Naming goats and sheep can be a fun, exciting, and tough process because you may not know where to start or draw inspiration from. Some factors like color, unique features, and personality all go into picking out a name for your lovable pet or farm animal. We’ve curated multiple lists that you can browse through and pick out a name that resonates with your furry friend! Classic Goat and Sheep Names Goats and sheep have been domesticated for centuries, so naturally, there are plenty of time-tested names for the critters....

If you’re even a little bit handy with tools, you can build a DIY cat tree. You can build a cat tree using wood, branches, rope, PVC pipe, carpeting, and many more materials. It’s a ​straightforward building project that you should be able to put together with ease for a reasonable cost. These 8 free cat tree plans include photos, diagrams, and step-by-step building instructions so you can build a cat tree that’s perfect for your cat and the space you have to put it in....

What Is Azithromycin? Uses Dosage and Administration Side Effects Risk Factors Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is sometimes prescribed to cats for bacterial infections, especially in the respiratory tract. It is always important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions precisely when giving this drug, like all medications, to avoid complications. This drug can have side effects and adverse reactions in cats, although they are not very common. What Is Azithromycin? Azithromycin is an antibiotic that falls into the class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics....

What Is Green Hair Algae? Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Both freshwater and saltwater aquariums can become infested by green hair algae. As the name suggests, this type of algae grows into long strings that resemble hair. Although mainly an aesthetic issue, long strings of this type of algae can actually entangle fish and invertebrates in your tank, making it difficult for them to move or feed. The algae grows fast, as well, and can become very unsightly....

Why Dogs Eat Poop Instinct Hunger and Food Obsession Anxiety, Fear, and Stress Illness What Are the Risks? Prevention The reasons why some dogs eat feces are not entirely known, but we understand how frustrating it can be for dog owners. If you find that your pup is often eating poop, don’t fret—coprophagia, or the act of eating feces, is relatively common in dogs. It’s also treatable in several ways, such as keeping your yard free of dog droppings and understanding why your dog is doing this in the first place....

Tying a western saddle is easy once you get the hang of it. If you’ve ever tied a men’s necktie, you already know how to tie the knot that holds everything in place. Organizing and tightening the cinch strap so that it doesn’t pinch, but doesn’t stay too loose will take a bit of practice, though. And remember, your girth may seem tight when you first do it up, but it’s wise to check it before climbing into the saddle....

Of all known species of fish, only about one percent are viviparous, or livebearing. But despite their relatively low numbers, the livebearing species have been a staple in the aquarium industry since its beginning. Livebearers include both common and uncommon fish found in the trade today. Anableps, Goodeides, Guppies, Halfbeaks, Mollies, Mosquito Fish, Platys, and Swordtails are some of the richly varied livebearing species available to fish keepers. On the other end of the spectrum is one of the most unusual and ancient fish species in existence today: the Coelacanth (“see-la-kanth”), once thought to be extinct for the last sixty million years, but in 1938 were found very much alive off the east coast of Africa....

Characteristics Breed History Care Health Problems Appearance Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The mixed-breed cat, Felis silvestris catus, is a typical “house cat” without a pedigree. Called “moggies” in the UK, these common cats have developed due to feral and non-selective breeding. But, a lack of papers does not detract from them being beautiful and loving companion animals. Their varied shapes, sizes, coat colors, and personalities make them fascinating—and full of surprises....

Characteristics History Care Health Problems Appearance Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Russian blue cat is a playful, intelligent breed with a striking coat that inspired its name. This cat’s short, dense hair is uniformly steel blue with an almost silvery cast, making it one of the most distinctive and beautiful cats in the world. Russian blues enjoy interacting and playing with their owners, but they also have an aloof quality that makes them less suitable for homes with rambunctious children or pets....

The holidays are a great time to impress the dog lover in your life by gifting them something inspired by their best canine friend. There are few ways to approach these presents. It might be a useful gift that makes taking care of their pooch easier, something fun that doggy will enjoy, or something pet-themed for humans who love to surround themselves with dog-themed accessories. As you shop, it’s always a good idea to keep the breed of your gift recipient’s dog in mind, along with their personal tastes and preferences....

Rats are picky eaters with a penchant for protein-heavy foods. As a result, it’s important that you foster healthy and well-balanced eating habits in them at a formative age, making sure that they are not either malnourished or indulging in oversized fatty meals. We analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the major rat food brands on the market, ranging from hearty pellet diets to leaner seed mixes. Our favorite product was Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food, a nutritious and fortifying kibble that cuts out unhealthy ingredients while satisfying most rats’ omnivorous palates....

Land hermit crabs are one-of-a-kind, playful, and wonderfully strange pets. They hide their soft body within shells, and are capable of completely changing the shape and appearance of their bodies. In spacious tanks, they thrive on burrowing and climbing, and enjoy hiding away and getting exercise within little caves and huts. We talked to hermit crab owners and enthusiasts about the best way to nurture their crabs, common misconceptions about living requirements, and recommendations for the ideal crab habitats, or “crabitats....

Flea and tick prevention products aren’t just important for your dog’s comfort and health—they can also prevent you and your family from getting Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness. From pills and chews to ointments and shampoos, there are plenty of options to choose from to keep your dog healthy. We researched numerous flea and tick prevention products in consultation with a veterinarian and evaluated the best combinations for usability, application, effectiveness, and household safety....

What Is Vestibular Disease? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment & Prevention Prognosis Frequently Asked Questions Vestibular disease affects your cat’s nervous system and causes incoordination and trouble balancing. You may notice your cat having difficulty standing up, walking normally, and darting its eyes. Sometimes, vestibular disease can cause vomiting and nausea. If you think your cat is behaving strangely, visit your vet. The cause of vestibular disease is usually idiopathic, meaning there is no explanation....

Puppies are full of curiosity about the world around them, and they like to explore their surroundings by tasting, chewing, and picking up objects in their mouths. A puppy can chose when it plays with or tries to eat a bone, toy, or ball but accidentally inhales it instead. Normally, when a puppy swallows something, such as a bite of food or a treat, it travels down the esophagus into the stomach....

Cats speak a different language than humans so their behaviors are often actually their ways of trying to say something. Urine spraying is one of these such behaviors but unfortunately it isn’t something any cat owner likes to see, much less clean up. Knowing why your cat may be spraying and what you can do about it can help ease some stress and frustration for both you and your cat....

Have you noticed that puppies love to dig? Digging is as natural to pups as eating, playing, scratching and sleeping! It is important to remember that ‘digging’ is only a symptom, not a ‘problem’. Attempting to just stop your puppy from digging is a lot like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg. The first step to stop digging is to discover the reason that your puppy has chosen to dig!...

For those who spend a lot of time in the Great Outdoors, you may be wondering if it’s a good idea to bring your dog on a camping trip. The good news is that most dogs would be more than happy to enjoy an adventure in the wilderness with you. But, of course, there are some things to consider before you pack up the car and head to your campsite if you plan to bring your four-legged friend....

It’s important you be able to recognize the signs a cat is sick. It may be difficult to know if subtle changes in your cat indicate a health problem. Cats are experts at hiding illness. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Common signs that a cat is sick are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and many more....