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What is Gingivitis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Gingivitis, an inflammatory disease of the gums, is common in cats. Most cats over three years old have some degree of gingivitis and associated dental disease due to dietary influences, diseases, or physical abnormalities. Short-nosed breeds like Persians are more susceptible to gingivitis due to oral malalignment. Gum inflammation can cause severe discomfort and, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss, bone infection, and bacteria entering the bloodstream through diseased oral tissues....

What Are Amphipods and Copepods? Supplies Filtration Grazing Surfaces Lighting Salinity Temperature Feeding Maintaining Harvesting Feeding Troubleshooting Amphipods and copepods are natural foods for fish in the wild, so they are one of the healthiest options for pet fish, too. Some saltwater fish, such as mandarinfish and seahorses, prefer amphipods and copepods and may refuse to eat anything else. Amphipods are also a favorite food of sandsifting and sleeper gobies as well as freshwater beta fish....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Labrador retriever is a medium to large dog breed with a short coat and sturdy physique that’s a member of the sporting group and originated in Newfoundland and the U.K. Labs are known for their intelligence, fine character, and good temperament. Although they were bred to be hunting dogs, they’re also excellent companions....

Seizures can occur in cats and have many different causes. Uncovering the underlying cause of your cat’s seizures can help you and your vet find out the best treatment options. However, in many cases, treating the underlying cause of feline seizures may not be possible. Your cat may suffer from a disease or condition which cannot be cured, so the best approach may be to manage the seizures with medication. Your cat may also suffer from idiopathic epilepsy, meaning no underlying cause is identified but the cat has recurring seizures....

What Is Ringworm? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Ringworm is often seen in cats, even indoor cats. But despite the name, it doesn’t involve any worms. Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, fur, and claws. It can cause crusty and bald patches and itchiness. Left untreated, it can spread across the body and cause open sores, especially in animals with weak immune systems. Cats can pick it up from other animals that have ringworm, as well as from the environment where an infected animal has been....

Whether you have Russian blood flowing through your veins or just admire Russia for its rich history and culture, Russian dog names can be an excellent choice for your new puppy or adult dog. Additionally, Russia is the birthplace of many dog breeds. Some are more familiar like the Black Russian Terrier, Borzoi, Samoyed and Siberian Husky, while others quite rare like the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Karelian Bear Dog, Russian Toy and Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka....

A side pull is simply a bridle used without a bit. Reins are attached to rings on either side of the horse’s muzzle. When both reins are pulled, pressure is placed on the horse’s nose, queuing a halt or turn. Pulling on one rein cues the horse to turn its head in that direction—pulling on the left rein cues the horse to turn left, and the right rein cues a right turn....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The Swedish vallhund is a small-medium herding dog breed from Sweden that has a short but thick double coat, which comes in a grayish to reddish color. These dogs have a long, low body much like a corgi. Their head is wedge-shaped with upright, triangular ears and oval eyes. They can have any tail length, from no tail to a long one....

The tetracycline antimicrobials, the first of which, Chlortetracycline, was discovered in 1945, are broad-spectrum antibiotics derived from the soil bacterium Streptomyces. There are four naturally occurring tetracyclines as well as a half dozen semi-synthetic versions. The use of tetracyclines for treating bacterial infections has been limited in recent years because of the emergence of resistant organisms. Research to find tetracycline analogues that circumvented bacterial resistance has led to the development of the glycylcyclines, a new subgroup of tetracyclines....

The best hedgehog cages provide a spacious, safe, and enriching environment for hedgehogs, which are active and inquisitive animals. “Many small animal cages are attractive, but they must meet certain criteria to be appropriate for hedgehogs,” Jenna Perlick, hedgehog breeder at Prickle Pack Hedgehogs, told The Spruce Pets. “A smooth plastic bottom to deter climbing (a safety risk), preferably at least six inches high, and wire (or other quality material) sides, are optimal....

For many of us, settling down for the night may involve putting on some soothing music, turning on a fan, and plumping and positioning the pillows to be just right. Dogs also have complex and important nighttime rituals that help them feel safe and ready to sleep. It can be distracting and even annoying to be all settled down for sleep, only to have your dog jump on the bed and circle and scratch at the bedding for several minutes....

A black-and-tan color combination can be found on a variety of dog breeds. For some breeds, it’s their trademark coloring, with other coat appearances being much less common. And for other breeds, it’s simply one of several potential looks. Black-and-tan dog breeds come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and temperaments. Some of these breeds are athletic hunters while others are loyal protectors. Plus, some have short, smooth coats while others sport shaggier fur....

Whether it’s going to be your sole companion, a playmate for your kids, or a “fur baby” for you and your partner. bringing home your first dog is both exciting and a little bit scary. There’s a lot to learn in terms of housebreaking, setting up feeding routines, grooming, and general canine healthcare. Most of all, there’s inevitably a get-to-know-you period where you and your new four-legged friend learn each other’s personalities and behaviors....

Salamanders and newts may not be the types of pets that you handle and play with, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving of a unique and special name. Finding the perfect name for your amphibian friend is fun, plus naming your pets can help you get more enjoyment from watching and caring for them because it provides them with a distinct identity. Top Salamander Names Al Charizard Charmander Mandy Sal Salazar Sally Sam Tiger Top Newt Names NedNeddyNormaNormanNormy Unique Salamander and Newt Names These names may seem odd to you, but that makes them unique!...

It’s no secret that cats love fish—the fishier, the better. Tuna is a quintessential cat treat, and before the days of commercial cat food, many people used to feed their cats canned tuna. But now that we know cats have special nutritional needs, is it safe to feed tuna to your cat. If so, how much tuna can cats eat and what kind of tuna can cats eat? The Benefits of Tuna for Cats In moderation, tuna can be a healthy treat for most cats....

Diabetes mellitus, sometimes called DM or just diabetes, is not just something people can get. Unfortunately, our dogs and cats can become diabetic as well. What Is Diabetes? When your dog eats a meal, their gastrointestinal tract works to break down their food into compounds it can use within the body. Proteins get broken down into amino acids and carbohydrates and starches get broken down into sugars, such as glucose. Some glucose circulating within the plasma of your dog’s blood is normal, but there is a narrow window of normal blood glucose levels....

Dogs can make all sorts of noises besides barking. These sounds can have different meanings, especially when taken in the context of other behavioral cues your dog is exhibiting. One such sound your dog may make is sighing, and there are a few reasons why your dog may sigh. Being able to determine the underlying reason requires you to read your dog’s body language as a whole. What Is Sighing in Dogs?...

Curious cats and kittens can get into all kinds of inappropriate items around the house. There are many hazardous chemicals and dangerous items in the average household. Among these are fabric softeners, both in dryer sheets and liquid formulation. You may think that something like a dryer sheet is safe, but it is actually a very dangerous thing for your cat to eat. The Danger of Dryer Sheets for Cats Dryer sheets and fabric softeners usually contain harsh chemicals called cationic surfactants....

Frogs can make great pets for the right person, but frogs in the wild are facing population declines and extinction largely as a result of human activities. Unfortunately, the pet trade is likely contributing to the amphibian extinction crisis and the spread of a devastating infection by Chytrid fungus. For this reason, you should only buy frogs that you are sure are captive-bred locally and tested to be free of disease whenever possible....

You just got the most adorable puppy and you want to breed him. But when can male dogs breed, and should you be concerned about leaving your puppy intact? Here’s what the research says. When Can a Male Dog Breed? The age at which a male dog reaches sexual maturity can vary with breed. However, most males are able to successfully breed by six months and reach full sexual maturity between 12 and 15 months....