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KONG Classic Dog Toy Versatile Incredibly durable Keeps puppies busy for extended time Reinforces good chewing behavior Affordable Gets slimy during use Needs frequent cleaning If you own a dog, you should buy a KONG Toy—or two. The interactive chew toys are a lifesaver when you need to keep your pup entertained, and the well-made design will last for years. Design Entertainment Value Safety Durability Ease of Cleaning Price Competition Final Verdict Specs We purchased the KONG Dog Toy so our reviewer could put it to the test with her dog....

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 lineolated parakeet or barred parakeet, named for its fine lines or barred markings, is one of the calmest and quietest members of the parrot family, making them ideal pets. Sometimes mistaken for budgies, lineolated parakeets or “linnies” are a bit stockier. And, unlike budgies, these birds enjoy walking about as much as they do flying....

Physical Development Behavior Changes Health and Care Food and Nutrition Training and Socialization The birth of puppies is an exciting time. It’s beautiful to watch a mother care for her newborns, especially in the early stages of life. A newborn puppy is completely helpless and dependent upon its mother. The first week of a puppy’s life is mainly about sleeping and eating so it will grow. Puppies should remain with their mother and littermates until about age eight to 12 weeks....

What Is Impetigo Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Pyoderma is an itchy and uncomfortable skin condition, but it generally looks more serious than it is. Puppies and certain breeds with wrinkled skin are most vulnerable to this type of infection that arises from naturally occurring bacteria and causes red pustules and crusty lesions, primarily on the chin and abdomen. Some cases will resolve on their own within a couple of weeks; others may require antibiotic cream to heal....

What Is Pyometra? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Pyometra is a serious uterine infection that affects unspayed female cats. It occurs within weeks of a cat being in estrus (or in heat) as a result of abnormal hormone changes. Bloody, purulent vaginal discharge and abdominal swelling are the most indicative symptoms of pyometra. Prompt veterinary treatment is critical because pyometra can be fatal if untreated. What Is Pyometra? Pyometra is a bacterial infection that occurs when a female cat’s progesterone (a reproductive hormone) prevents the uterine lining from shedding after estrus....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions Originally bred to work on farms, the rat terrier is a small dog with high energy levels, high exercise needs, and a strong propensity to hunt and chase. Sometimes known as a rattie, this breed has a muscular, compact, and well-proportioned body with perky ears and an alert face that’s always ready for action....

What’s doggy bath time like at your house? For some pet owners, it’s a fun bonding experience. For others, everyone ends up soaked and nobody’s happy. Having the right shampoo can make things easier when the goal is a clean pet that doesn’t smell like wet dog. Our top pick is Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe. We also like 4-Legger Aloe Vera, Lemongrass & Organic Coconut Dog Shampoo. “I like shampoos that dilute easily, clean well and not leave behind any residue, and that are as natural as possible as well as affordable,” says Kim Flatley, professional dog groomer and owner of St....

Between busy work schedules, school activities, household chores, and pet care, your to-do list may feel never-ending. The good news? There are plenty of time-saving hacks for pet parents looking to consolidate their time spent on pet care. We’ve rounded up some of the simplest ways to save precious time. Hey—you might even manage to get some much-needed me-time in your jam-packed schedule. Skip the Groomer Bi-weekly or monthly trips to the groomer can seriously eat up your time and your budget....

Fish poop, just like you and your other pets, in order to remove the non-digestible part of their diet from their bodies. Bettas and other pet fish have a very simple gastrointestinal tract, with a short esophagus and intestine ready to absorb all the good stuff from their food and remove the leftovers. Poop is a natural process of your fish’s digestion, but how do you know if its bowel movements are normal or not, and what can you do if your fish isn’t pooping?...

Zeolite types of media do an amazing job of getting rid of ammonia in your aquarium. Given that track record, why not use zeolite in your filter all the time? Although opinions vary, most agree that zeolite is great for emergency situations, but is generally not ideal for on-going long-term use. What Is Zeolite? Zeolites are highly absorbent porous minerals, composed largely of silica and aluminum. They are useful for their ability to capture and hold a variety of undesirable materials, much like a sponge absorbs water....

Teacup or Juliana pigs are regular potbellied pigs that are tiny in size to malnutrition and are often falsely advertised as miniature. These little four-legged pets are not only roaming farms but living in homes now, too. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding Teacup pigs, which could lead to hurting their health and happiness if not properly addressed. Having a “teacup” pig can result in serious consequences— for both the pig and your family—so it’s important to do all of your research before contacting a breeder....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a medium-size herding dog breed from Switzerland with a short but dense tricolor double coat. Overall, the dog has a square, well-balanced, and muscular build. Its head is somewhat wedge-shaped with almond-shaped eyes and triangular, downward-hanging ears. The breed is quite versatile, having been used for various jobs around farms and serving as a beloved family companion....

History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming Notable Horses Cleveland Bay for You How to Adopt or Buy More Horse Breeds With its distinctive coat color and noble appearance, it’s common to find the Cleveland Bay serving in the Royal Mews, competing in a driving class, or being ridden under saddle. This versatile breed has been in existence for centuries, but with a decline in its numbers, this breed is now highly rare....

Here’s a list of fish, from the rainbow-colored Variegated Platy to the blind Violet Goby, that begin with the letter “V.” Fish Names That Begin With the Letter “V” Variegated Platy - Xiphophorus variatus: The bright fish are very popular among fishkeepers. They are calm and peaceful within a community, but they get on well with their own species too. You’ll see Platies in every color (except purple) as well as black and white....

Caring dog owners want to take good care of their dogs. You love your dog, and you want her to be healthy and happy. Help keep your dog on the path to wellness by following some basic dog health guidelines. Expert Veterinary Care High-quality veterinary care sets the foundation for your dog’s overall health. Start by finding a veterinarian you can trust and visit that vet regularly. Routine wellness examinations should be performed by your vet at least once a year....

How can you tell if a dog is afraid? Knowing the signs and symptoms of a fearful dog can help you address his fears and phobias before they escalate. It may also help you avoid a dog bite or attack. Familiarize yourself with the signs of fear in dogs so you can pick up on hints that a dog is anxious and stressed about something in his environment. Body Language and Fear in Dogs Dogs communicate primarily using body language....

One of the most commonly used bits in English riding is the eggbutt snaffle. Because there is no curb or leverage action, it is a mild snaffle bit. The mouthpieces of these bits can vary in materials and widths. It is also possible to see eggbutt snaffles that have dangling keys from the center joint. These are training bits, and they aren’t generally used for riding, but to get a young horse used to the feel of holding onto a bit....

One mistake many amateur aquarium owners make in their community take is combining omnivorous, herbivorous, and carnivorous fish. As most people tend to think of fish food as flakes from a bottle, it’s not hard to see how these kinds of mistakes can be made. Unfortunately, mixing the wrong fishes can have deadly consequences for some of your pets. Fish Diets Not all fish require the same diet. Like other organisms, a fish is designed with a mouth, teeth, and a digestive tract that is intended for certain types of food....

Equipment Methods Sessions Basic Commands Seek Help Problems Are you ready to start training your dog? A proper dog training program is the cornerstone of good behavior in dogs. It has often been said that there are no bad dogs, only uneducated owners. Most dogs thrive with boundaries and predictable routines. Without obedience training, they simply do not know how to behave. Well-trained dogs are happier and healthier than untrained dogs, and so are their owners....

Interested in adopting a pet bird, but the bird you want to buy is pretty far away from you? You may be mulling over having the bird shipped to you. In short, shipping a live bird is not a good decision and there are several reasons why. Let’s take a look at the risks involved with shipping a bird, and examine the possible outcomes of having one shipped to you...