A cat’s eyes are one of their most alluring features. From their big almond shape to their stunning range of colors, it’s hard to look away when you lock eyes with a cat. This is one of the reasons it is so quickly apparent when something is wrong. If one of those shiny bright eyes is suddenly swollen, shut tight, red, or tearing, it can certainly be worrisome. There may be many possible causes for a swollen eye in cats....
Just how efficient are those little bubbles that come out of air stones, or diffusers? Many aquarists believe they play an important role in an aquarium when it comes to oxygenation and aeration of the water, and that this air source is adequate. Not so! When it comes to the increase of DO (dissolved oxygen) in an aquarium, the water surface is one of the main places where this exchange takes place....
What can you do with a yearling? What should you train horses at this age, and how much handling should they get used to? Here’s an overview of what you can expect when training and handling a yearling. The official means of determining a horse’s age depends on its breed. Some breeds count a horse’s age from its birthdate, while other breed registries count age from January 1—meaning your horse could either turn “one” on its specific birth date or on New Year’s Day....
Skunks are usually happy to mind their own business as they forage for food in the hours around dusk and dawn. Startle a skunk, however, and they may launch an offensive odor. Getting rid of the skunk smell is one thing, but what if your dogs is sprayed in the eyes by a skunk? What is skunk spray and where does it come from? The fluid is a mixture of seven volatile compounds — consisting of thiols, thioacetates, and a methylquinoline....
Hamsters are known to be cute, pint-sized pets that spend their days running in wheels and adorably stuffing their faces with pellets. While these traits are a major draw to owning one of these fluffy buddies, they can have some primal moments that aren’t as warm and cuddly as their appearance. One such moment involves…well, occasionally eating their young. Whether you’ve seen it firsthand or noticed baby hamsters mysteriously disappearing, the experience is upsetting and confusing....
Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research This yoyo loach has several names, including the Pakistani loach from its place of origin and the reticulated loach from its giraffe-like pattern. Sometimes incorrectly referred to as a scaleless fish, it actually has very small scales embedded in its skin. A bottom-dwelling fish, it is an active scavenger. The yoyo is semi-aggressive, although it lives well with its own species....
Pet sugar gliders love to jump around from their cages to their owner’s shoulder, to a couch, but can they fly? Unfortunately, sugar gliders cannot fly, but they do glide some impressive distances due to a unique body part that a few other animals also have. What Is Patagium? Patagium (plural: patagia) is what the flexible, somewhat stretchy, flap of skin between the front and back legs is called. A human wingsuit is modeled after this special patagium and enables humans to glide through the air before releasing their parachute to safely land if skydiving or BASE jumping....
What Is Heartworm Disease? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Are Heartworms Contagious to Humans? Although far likelier to infect dogs, cats can also become infected by heartworms. These parasitic worms take up residence inside the right side of the animal’s heart, along with the large blood vessels between the heart and the lungs. Once in place, these sizable worms cause inflammation, damage to the blood vessel walls, and restrictions to blood flow that can cause symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, vomiting, weight loss, and lethargy....
Heartworm disease is a potentially deadly parasitic infection in dogs. Without treatment, a dog with heartworm disease will eventually die. Although the disease can often be treated, prevention is the best way to keep dogs safe. What is Heartworm Disease? Heartworm disease is caused by an infection with a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. This parasitic nematode is known to affect many animal species, but its ideal host is the dog. Dirofilaria immitis invades the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels of the dog, which can eventually lead to death....
Some ferrets are simply obsessed with tubes and spend most of their time running through them. This is not a problematic behavior but knowing why your ferret frequents these play tunnels can help you better understand your pet. It can also encourage you to continue to provide it with physical and mental stimulation. Why Do Ferrets Like Tubes? Ferrets are domesticated relatives of the European polecat and members of the weasel family....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Schipperke Overview Further Research The schipperke is a small dog breed developed in Belgium to be a barge watchdog. It’s known for its simply adorable bright eyes, foxy-looking face with alert pricked ears, and square body. These mischievous little rascals are extra busy, always wanting to be part of the action. Schipperkes are full of energy and are lots of fun to be around....
The wide variety of certifications, ethical processes, and trends in sustainable food can make finding the best chow for your pet tricky, even for professionals. We spoke to Gudrun Ravetz, chair of the UK sustainable pet food volunteer organizing Vet Sustain, for guidance. “It’s tricky, doing the right thing,” Ravetz told The Spruce Pets. “Ultimately, pets are a massive part of a family, but they are very much a luxury in one sense....
You will see mentions of both cat hair and cat fur. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but is there any difference? Hair vs. Fur All mammals have hair, whether they be humans, whales, pigs, elephants, cats, dogs, or monkeys. The hair has a different appearance, feel, and purpose, depending on the development of the individual species. There are no real differences between hair and fur. Technically speaking, the term fur is generally confined to mammals with very thick body hair....
Adding to Meals and Treats Applying to Your Dog’s Skin Using as a Coating on Pills Soothing Wounds Brushing Teeth Coconut oil can have some benefits for dogs, just as it can have for humans; however, in both cases, the benefits should be carefully weighed against any risks. Extracted from mature coconuts, coconut oil is an edible oil that’s often found in both food and beauty products. This is because it’s high in saturated fat and medium-chain triglycerides, a form of saturated fatty acids with some health benefits, ranging from weight management to enhanced cognitive function....
Behavior and Temperament Housing Heat Light Humidity Substrate Food and Water Health Problems Choosing Different Species Red-footed tortoises are native to the dry and wet forests and grasslands of Central and South America. A popular pet with striking shell coloring and markings, red-footed tortoises are long-lived and relatively easy to care for. If you’re thinking of getting one, expect to make a significant investment in equipment, food, and your living space for what could be a 50-year commitment....
Birds and other exotic pets require safe and secure cages. Often times safe and secure cages for large exotic pets, such as birds, can be very expensive. To avoid incurring some of these costs, consider repainting an older cage. Find out how to paint a birdcage, and consider the steps to take to make sure you get the job done right. Supplies Needed Wire brushSandpaperCleaning clothsCage in need of paintingBird-safe paint Preparing the Cage So, you have your cage....
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Adult Cat Food No meat byproducts Natural ingredients Cat liked it No adverse behavioral effects Pricey No ziplock seal Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Adult Cat Food features great-quality natural ingredients that aim to help your cat maintain or lose weight—making it a great buy if it fits your cat’s needs and your budget. Ingredients Texture Benefits Design Price Competition Final Verdict Specs We purchased the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Adult Cat Food so our reviewer could put it to the test with his cat....
We have all heard the common phrase the dog days of summer, and, sometimes, to beat the heat, popsicles are a great option to keep cool. But is it ok to share with your canine friends? Is it Safe to Give your Dog Popsicles? The short answer is yes, but not all popsicles and frozen treats are ok for your dogs. When feeding your dog any food, it is important to be aware of all the ingredients and your dog’s intolerances and allergies....
What Is Cushing’s Disease? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Cushing’s disease affects a dog’s adrenal glands, which are part of the endocrine system. It deteriorates the skin, hair, and kidneys, making a dog feel tired and unwell. Female dogs and a few specific breeds are more likely to develop Cushing’s disease. If left untreated, this disease can be life-threatening, so dog owners need to recognize the signs and understand treatment options....
What Is Folliculitis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Folliculitis is a skin condition that commonly affects dogs. Irritation of a hair follicle causes inflammation in the area, leading to swelling, redness, itchiness, pain, and other skin lesions. Although there are no dog breeds genetically predisposed to folliculitis, dogs prone to allergies are at a greater risk of developing this condition. It has a variety of causes, all of which require veterinary treatment....
