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Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Similar Pets Purchasing Frequently Asked Questions A spider’s quiet demeanor, minimal space requirements, and relative ease of care can make it a great option for an exotic pet. Pink toe tarantulas, sometimes referred to as Antilles tree spiders, get their name from their pinkish-orange toes that sprout off of furry black legs. Native to South America, these fast-moving, agile creatures live in trees where they spin elaborate webs....

Teaching your puppy to “sit” on command is a great tool you can use in many ways. This is an easy command to teach and helps your new puppy feel like a winner when it gets praise for the natural behavior. Once your dog knows how to “sit” on command, you can use this as a default behavior the way children are taught to say “please" and “thank you.” For instance, giving the command to “sit” is a terrific technique for you to control those rambunctious puppy bursts of energy....

Cushing’s disease is a condition of the endocrine system that affects dogs, humans, and some other animals. Left untreated, this disease can affect a dog’s quality of life and overall health. What is Cushing’s Disease? Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition in dogs that occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone and natural steroid that helps regulate essential bodily functions, including metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, and immune responses....

Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research The Lionfish is a unique and dominant addition to any saltwater aquarium. They are known for their ornate, long venomous spines, which can seriously injure an unknowing owner. Being a top predator, lionfish (also known as the zebrafish, turkeyfish, butterfly-cod or devil firefish) have become an invasive species in some oceans. Although lionfishes are slow swimming fish, any small fish or invertebrates that gets too near may become lunch....

History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research Colorful, charming, and intelligent, Pacific parrotlets are the smallest members of the parrot family. Nicknamed “pocket parrots” for one of their favorite hiding spots, they have become increasingly popular pets. Their small size and quiet nature make them an ideal choice for people who live in apartments or condos or those who do not have the space to house a larger bird....

Picking up your dog’s poop is not fun, but cleaning up after your dog is a necessary part of being a responsible pet owner. If you’ve ever wondered about the best ways to dispose dog poop, you’re not alone. Take a look at the most common options for disposing your dog’s poop to find out which ones are the best for both you and the environment. Burying it Burying your dog’s poop might seem like a good idea, but you might be surprised to discover that it’s one of the worst ways to dispose of your dog’s waste....

What Is Wobbler Syndrome? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Wobbler syndrome is a disease that results from a compressed spinal cord in a dog’s neck. The syndrome is characterized by the wobbly gait it causes in the dog’s impacted hind legs. Other symptoms include neck pain, incoordination, and difficulty sitting and laying down. The cause of wobbler syndrome is unknown, but the disease is more prevalent in large and giant breeds like Doberman pinschers, Great Danes, mastiffs, and rottweilers....

Many cats can thrive in an apartment or other small space as long as you do your part to provide enough attention, play, and environmental enrichment. Some of the best cat breeds for apartments generally have easygoing, adaptable temperaments. Cats with low to moderate energy levels also tend to be happy in small living spaces, though active cats can do well if you keep them exercised. Here are 10 cat breeds that are suitable for apartments and condos....

What Are Bladder Stones? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment & Prevention Prognosis Bladder stones are a common urinary system problem for many pets including cats, guinea pigs, and dogs. These rock-like clumps of minerals can cause bladder issues such as pain, inflammation, bleeding, infection, trouble urinating, and in severe cases, a complete inability to urinate, which is a life-threatening emergency. So, while bladder stones may be common, they are also potentially serious if left untreated....

Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research Known for their gentle and shy nature, chocolate gouramis are tropical freshwater fish that should only be kept by owners who are willing to provide the special care this species requires. Although it has rigid requirements in tankmates, diet, breeding, and water quality, this is a fascinating species to keep. Characteristics Species Overview Common names: Chocolate gourami...

Green iguanas have extremely sharp nails that are handy for climbing trees in the wild but can make handling them difficult (and painful). Getting into the habit of regularly trimming your iguana’s nails will make handling them a lot easier and less stressful for your reptile. Steps to Trim Iguana Nails Gather all the supplies you will need: clippers, styptic powder, and a towel. The clippers look like blunt scissors with a short notched blade where the nail is positioned and cut....

What Is Inappropriate Mentation? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Cats exhibit quirky behavior at times, but owners who know their cats’ habits will easily recognize signs of inappropriate mentation. If a cat seems unusually confused, disoriented, or uncoordinated, then a visit to the vet is warranted. The cat could be suffering from acute sickness, a neurological disorder, or exposure to an environmental toxin, causing abnormal behavior. What Is Inappropriate Mentation?...

History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research The snappy green and red mitred conure is an exuberant, small-to-medium-sized parrot that loves to play and has the talent to become a good talker. It is a very active bird, curious about the world, comical, and eager to explore. It can also be somewhat temperamental and can be prone to nipping....

The shih tzu–poodle mix, often referred to as a “shih-poo,” shih poo” or “shihpoo,” is a hybrid breed created by crossing shih tzu with poodles. The two smaller poodle varieties—toy and miniature poodles—are used to cross with the shih tzu, which is also a small breed. Standard poodles are not crossbred with shih tzu because mixing very large breeds with small breeds is a risky practice that can result in complications with the mother or puppies....

What Are They? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention It’s common to find lumps and bumps on all types of dogs. Growths, tumors, cysts, and masses can appear on dogs at any age, but they are among the most common health issues seen in older dogs. As a dog owner, it’s helpful to understand the different types of growths you may encounter. Any persistent, unusual mass, or growth should prompt an immediate call to your veterinarian....

When summertime is in full swing, temperatures may consistently be over 90 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity in the 70s or 80s. This makes going outside a very arduous chore. But when you have a puppy, there are times when you are just going to have to go outside, most notably for bathroom times for your puppy and to get them some exercise. When you and your puppy have to go outside for any time, make sure you go prepared....

In the wild, oversized ears serve important functions for animals’ survival. For instance, feline ears act like satellite dishes, helping wild cats detect the tiniest sounds while hunting. Most domesticated cats use their impressive ears to listen for their favorite people coming home, the crinkle of a treat bag, or the jingle of a toy. The cat breeds with large ears vary in appearance and personality. Some are quite spunky, athletic, and active while others are more calm and cuddly....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Airedale Terrier Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Airedale terrier is a medium-sized breed developed in England and often referred to as “the king of terriers.” The dog is best known for its classic terrier-shaped head, V-shaped floppy ears, erect tail, and a square, sturdy frame. It’s also a strong-willed, sharp-witted, and energetic breed that is full of character....

What Are Allergies? Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Prevention Allergies are nearly as common in cats as they are in people. Foods, airborne irritants, and chemicals can trigger reactions that affect cats’ airways, eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tracts. Some allergic reactions are merely uncomfortable, while others can be life-threatening. Knowing what allergies cats can have, how to find out if your cat has them, and what you can do about them can help prevent problems....

Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research Arguably the most popular of the small tetras, the cardinal tetra is similar in appearance to a longtime aquarium favorite, the neon tetra. Cardinal tetras are an active schooling fish, and they live peacefully in a community aquarium. Although they are difficult to breed in captivity, tetras remain a very popular aquarium fish. Characteristics Species Overview...