Crate training is a great tool for housebreaking a puppy. A dog crate can also provide a safe haven for your puppy long after it becomes an adult. If you plan on using a crate to train a puppy, it’s vital that you take the time to properly introduce the pup to the crate. Choose the Right Size Ensuring that your puppy easily gets used to its crate starts with choosing a crate that’s the right size....
The ability to get your dog’s full attention is an important part of dog training. The command “watch me” or “look” is used to get your dog to focus on you. It is useful for times when you need your pet to pay close attention, such as during obedience training. You can also use it when working on behavior problems or when diverting a dog’s attention away from things that bring out fearful or aggressive behaviors....
Are you allergic to dogs? Have you always dreamed of having a dog but thought you never could due to your dog allergy? The good news is there may be certain dogs that won’t trigger your allergies. These dogs are called “hypoallergenic dogs.” Hypoallergenic dog breeds may be a great option for some dog lovers who also suffer from allergies. Depending on your allergies, you may or may not be able to live with a hypoallergenic dog....
History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research Jardines are fairly long-lived birds despite their smaller size, and while they aren’t as common as some other types of parrots, it doesn’t mean you can’t still find them as pets. Knowing the unique qualities of a Jardine parrot can help you provide the best care possible for them....
Reasons Next Steps Wires and Cords Houseplants Fabric and Leather Kittens Clicker Training While it’s normal for cats to chew on things—even things that aren’t meant to be chewed—sometimes, the behavior can get out of hand. It’s potentially dangerous to the cat, not to mention damaging to your belongings. However, since cats explore with their mouths, they’re going to chew on things. There are a few possible medical conditions that may cause excessive chewing in cats, including teething in kittens....
What Is Tetanus? Symptoms Causes Treatment Prognosis Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Tetanus is a nervous system disease that a horse usually contracts through an infected puncture wound. The most common symptom is stiffness and lockjaw, as well as fever. Tetanus is diagnosed through a physical examination and sometimes a blood test to identify the presence of the Clostridium tetani toxin. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and antitoxins, but the prognosis is generally poor....
Losing a pet is a difficult situation for everyone, including the other dogs in the household. You may not realize it, but dogs do grieve the loss of a companion. If you are dealing with the death of one of your dogs, there are several things you can do to help your remaining dog (or dogs) get through this difficult time. What to Expect After Your Dog Loses a Friend Just like people, all dogs react differently to loss....
Curb bits are a standard piece of gear for any Western rider, but the bits have a place in the English and driving world, too. Curb bits are a useful tool for a horse that is a strong puller, such as one that becomes excited while on the trail or over jumps. Curb bits allow the rider to give much more subtle rein aids than with many snaffles, as well as encourage a horse to flex and carry their heads on the vertical, like dressage horses, which are ridden in a double bridle with both a curb and snaffle bit in their mouths....
There are many benefits to including plants in your fish tank. Both live and fake plants are good additions for many different fish species. For bettas, both live and fake plants are safe, but there are a few key points to address before adding this decoration to their environment. Are plants safe? In general, plants are safe for many fish, bettas included. Both live and fake plants can provide enrichment to your betta’s environment, giving them places to explore, hang out and hide in....
Rabbits shouldn’t scratch themselves any more than you would. If your pet rabbit seems excessively itchy and scratches a lot, it has a problem that needs to be addressed. Various issues—from mites to allergies—can cause a rabbit to itch and scratch, but fortunately, these are treatable. Why Do Rabbits Itch and Scratch? When an animal experiences severe itching and scratching, it’s called pruritus. In a rabbit, it can be due to fur, skin, or ear parasites; dry skin; allergies; or infections....
Aquarium gravel, or substrate, makes an aquarium more attractive, and it comes in a variety of colors and sizes, from tiny pebbles and sand to large river rocks. However, it also serves several important purposes beyond decoration, though there are some situations in which using a substrate isn’t desirable. Biological Filtration Perhaps the most important function aquarium gravel serves is as a home for good bacteria that provide biological filtration. The bacteria can live without a comfy gravel bed, but without the additional surface area gravel provides, they might not grow in sufficient quantities to keep the aquarium water safe for your fish....
Have you made the decision to become a bird owner? If so, you’re probably like most people in that you want to make sure you get a bird that can talk. How can you be sure that you’re buying a bird that will speak to you? The truth is that the only way to be 100 percent positive that you are getting a bird that will talk is to buy a bird that already talks....
History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research The Derbyan parakeet, also known as Lord Derby’s parakeet, is a unique and beautiful species of parrot native to the hilly and mountainous terrains of India and Tibet, as well as the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces of China. They’re smart, social, and affectionate birds that can make great pets, though they get bored easily and require a good deal of stimulation, attention, and plenty of toys!...
Bringing a dog home is a big deal. Not only is it a major time commitment (many dogs live at least 10 years) but a financial commitment as well. Making this big of a decision can be terrifying, especially if you’ve never owned a dog. You might be wondering, “Which dog breed is best for me?” and “Will my dog fit into my lifestyle?” These are questions you should feel comfortable and confident answering before adopting, but where do you start?...
A popular fish, but one that requires careful maintenance, the Powder Brown Tang is best housed as the only Tang present in an aquarium. The Powder Brown does best in a large tank with plenty of potential “houses” or places to duck into when it feels threatened. Although the similar Goldrim or Whitecheek Tang (Acanthurus nigricans) is also delicate, it is somewhat more durable. Characteristics Breed Overview Common Names: Powder Brown Tang, Powder Brown Tang, Powder Brown Surgeonfish, Powder Black Surgeon, Japan Surgeonfish, White-nose Surgeonfish, White-Faced Surgeonfish...
The Spruce editors are committed to helping our readers make their best home for their families…and their pets. We know that pet owners want the very best for their pets, so we’re especially thrilled to launch a collection of products featuring plant-derived ingredients. As pet owners ourselves, we knew we needed to make a product that we would use on our furry friends, too. Our pet care products are top quality, affordable, and easy to use, so you can spend less time worrying about your pet’s next bath, and more time enjoying your pet’s company....
Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research The Six Line Wrasse is a vivid addition to many larger saltwater aquariums. A fairly aggressive fish, especially towards some invertebrate species and other fishes, the Six Line Wrasse requires careful consideration before adding them to your aquarium. Once established, they are relatively easy to keep, although breeding them is exceedingly difficult. Characteristics Species Overview...
While cats do enjoy a varied selection of food and should be fed both dry and wet foods, canned cat food has the advantage of a high water content, which helps to keep your kitty hydrated. (Most cats don’t drink much water, so it’s important for them to “eat” their fluids.) Our top pick, Wellness Complete Health Turkey & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, is made with whole ingredients in addition to antioxidants and vitamins for a balanced diet....
Before bringing home a new hamster you’ll want to make preparations for their care, including how you’ll feed them, where they’ll exercise, and the toys you’ll play with together. They’ll also need a home, preferably a cage that is escape-proof, easy to clean, and, most importantly, provides them with enough living space that they can thrive. “Hamsters need the most space you can possibly give them,” says Erin Ramsey, owner of Cheeks and Squeaks Hamsters, an ethical breeder of Syrian hamsters....
Definition Symptoms Causes Solutions Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Have you noticed that your dog’s eyes are teary or seem to have excess drainage? There are a variety of possible causes for eye drainage and excessive tearing in dogs. In most cases, the dog will need some kind of human intervention to help. In some cases, medical attention is needed. What Is Excessive Tearing and Eye Discharge? Excessive tearing, or epiphora, is a common issue seen in dogs....
