The pH level in a saltwater aquarium is a constant concern to most marine aquarists. Whereas the occupants in a fish-only system can tolerate a fairly wide range of pH levels for periods of time with no major harm, the occupants of a reef tank, which includes both fish and invertebrates, rely heavily on a constant pH level in the right range just to survive, let alone thrive. The accepted pH level in a basic saltwater system is between 7....
A food allergy may be to blame for your dog’s ongoing or re-occurring bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, or skin issues, such as itching, rashes, redness, and hair loss. From chicken to wheat, it’s not uncommon for dogs to be allergic to one or more of the ingredients commonly found in dog food. If you notice that your furry friend is having an adverse reaction to their food, first talk with a veterinarian....
All members of the equine family have evolved to extract their necessary nutrition from grasses. Horses and donkeys especially are able to extract nutrients from coarse grasses and plants that might not support a larger horse. Their teeth are suited to grinding the coarse plant fiber, and the long, slow digestive system efficiently extracts nutrients and energy from the plants it eats. Some horses are easy keepers and are able to live quite well on minimal pastures....
The terms “softbill” and “hookbill” are used to describe different types of birds based on their diet, not solely on their beaks. Although hookbill birds have hooked beaks, the beaks of softbills are not soft. The “soft” refers to the food they eat. If you have acquired a pet bird, feeding the proper diet is important. Check with your vet for specifics, but some generalities can be drawn from whether the bird is categorized as hookbill or softbill....
Keeping a tropical fish tank is a key achievement for many pet fish hobbyists. In comparison with a non-heated tank, all heated freshwater tanks should have a quality heater and a thermometer to keep your heater in check. Most tropical fish prefer a water temperature of 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 28 degrees Celsius), but that may vary slightly by species. It is very important to maintain the correct temperature for your chosen species....
History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research Origin and History The white-capped pionus is native to the forests and woodlands of Central America and Mexico. Usually, they live in forests and dense growth, nesting in hollow tree trunks and palms. Found in flocks of about one dozen birds, these are mostly silent and peaceful creatures....
Dogs lick their paws for many reasons. They probably lick their paws on a daily basis to keep them clean. But if you dog is licking their paws constantly or aggressively, this excessive paw-licking may be a sign of a problem, such as a cyst, an infection, or an injury. If you see your dog frequently licking its paws, it’s time to take some action. Learn why your dog is licking its paws and how to react appropriately....
If you think that housing a guinea pig is as easy as putting it into an aquarium, think again. Certain types of cages are bad for guinea pigs because they don’t provide enough space or may have other potentially harmful drawbacks. It’s important to choose appropriate housing for your cavy! 01 of 04 Aquariums Aquariums were once a common way to house guinea pigs and, unfortunately, they’re still quite popular with people who don’t research before buying a cavy....
Owls are wild creatures and keeping one in a typical home setting is nearly impossible. They do not put up with cuddling and frequent contact with humans because it is entirely against their evolved nature. These razor-sharp talons are designed for piercing and cutting, not perching on your shoulder. This is a bird that evolution has designed to hunt and kill small prey, not entertain human owners in a home environment....
To help you care for your dog in between grooming appointments, we spoke with one of today’s most in-demand grooming experts, Jess Rona. From her wood-paneled salon in Los Angeles, she regularly gives her Instagram followers a look into her process along with mesmerizing slow-motion videos of freshly groomed canine clients with fur flowing in the wind. “Hydration is key for a healthy coat,” Rona told The Spruce Pets. “But it starts from the inside out with proper nutrition for your dog based on their size....
Border Collies have a rich history and are renowned for a few standout characteristics. Knowing a little bit about the breed can help as you embark on your quest for the perfect Border Collie name. The breed hails from the British Isles, where they have been used to herd sheep in the highlands of Scotland and Wales for going on two centuries. They excel at this job and continue to be used as farm dogs across the world....
Should Dogs Eat Corn on the Cob? Gastrointestinal Obstruction Signs What to Do if Your Dog Eats Corn Keeping Corn Away From Dogs Is Corn Good for Dogs? Does your dog beg for a taste of your corn on the cob? You may be tempted to give in to your drooling pooch and offer it as a tasty treat. Some people think that corn on the cob is a safe treat for dogs, but this is not actually the case....
Perhaps you need to move an aquarium across town, or even just across the room. As you empty it, the thought pops into your head that it would be a lot easier if you just left the gravel in it or even some of the water, and you wonder: What’s the harm? It’s quite possible you can successfully move a small- to medium-size tank with gravel, and even some water in it....
Your vacation should be about fun and relaxation, not responsibility. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to think about your pet reptiles while you’re taking a break from the real world. Reptiles need regular care, even if it’s just checking in on them, and it shouldn’t slip your mind even during your vacation. Pet Sitters for Reptiles Some reptiles need daily care and food prepared for them, and others just need to be checked on periodically....
History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research The dusky pionus parrot is a medium-sized parrot known to have a gentle disposition, making it an excellent choice for first-time parrot owners and families. A quieter bird than other parrots, it is a good option for parrot owners living in apartments or condos. This is not a vibrantly colored bird, but its grayish tone is highlighted with subtle but beautiful shades of blue, violet, and pink, as well as flashes of bright red....
While the definition can vary, exotic pets are typically referred to as anything that is not a dog, cat, or domesticated farm animal. And if you have just brought home one of these animals, you are probably searching for the perfect name. Some people look to their animal’s appearance to inspire a name, such as the name Ginger for a reddish pet rabbit. You also can consider names from your favorite TV shows, movies, books, music groups, and more....
Origin and History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Common Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research The rose-breasted cockatoo, best known by its native aboriginal Australian name “galah,” is the perfect parrot species for a pet owner who likes to interact frequently with a pet bird. Extremely intelligent and enormously fond of humans, this pretty pink bird can readily learn to say many words and do complicated tricks with regular training....
It’s a known fact cats develop and age rapidly. While we may wish our kittens and adult cats could live as long as we do, cats develop differently than humans. For example, by 1 year of age, kittens are as mature as a 15-year-old human child, while a four year old cat is in the prime of their life as the equivalent of a 32-year-old in human. While the rapid maturity of cats may be shocking, even relatively long-lived cats do not live as long as we would like them to....
Blindness occurs in many species including dogs. Some dogs are born blind while others develop blindness. But regardless of how a dog may become blind, blind dogs require special care that is different than that of a sighted dog. Knowing how to care for a blind dog can help prevent many frustrations, misunderstandings, and even injuries from occurring so dog owners should educate themselves on the special needs of their blind pets....
While hopefully you will never have to deal with a critically injured dog, it is better to be aware of how to best help if you ever do find yourself in that position. There are a few important steps to take in order to keep both you and the dog safe and calm. Remember to Breathe and Don’t Panic An emergency situation can be overwhelming. The first thing to remember is to take a deep breath, try not to panic, and take a moment to assess the situation....
