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The weather is getting colder and cats are clinging to radiators, hiding under blankets, and taking over our laps—anything for a warm nap. A heated cat house can be used indoors as a toasty napping paradise, or outdoors, to offer a respite from cold weather for barn cats and outdoor pets. Arriving with the crisp fall weather are sales prices and deep discounts on several popular heated cat houses. If you’ve previously considered picking out a warm hiding spot for your feline family members, there’s rarely been a better time, with some heated cat houses more than 50 percent off typical prices....

A seizure is a sudden episode of abnormal brain activity that may cause a loss of overall body control. Seizures are frequently seen in dogs and epilepsy is sometimes the cause. No matter the cause, seizures can be frightening to witness. Fortunately, there are medications that treat seizures in pets. Potassium bromide is one of these medications. Here’s what to expect if your pet needs potassium bromide treatment. Potassium Bromide for Dogs Potassium bromide, sometimes abbreviated as KBr, is one of the traditional anticonvulsant medications used to treat canine epilepsy....

History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming Notable Horses Paint Horse for You How to Adopt or Buy More Horse Breeds The paint horse is a very popular breed, thanks to its flashy coloring, genial temperament, and versatility. In fact, the American Paint Horse Association counts around 100,000 members in roughly 40 countries around the world. Paint horses can suit riders and owners of all experience levels....

Whether you call them mutts, “Heinz-57s,” or mongrels, mixed-breed dogs are truly something special. Of course, purebred dogs are a big deal to many people. With well over 100 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, there is a breed to suit nearly any lifestyle and personality. However, there are millions of mixed breed dogs that die in animal shelters each year because there are simply no homes available. Before you buy your next purebred dog, consider the magic a mixed-breed dog can bring into your life....

Chocolate is a popular food item found in many households, especially around holidays like Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas. You may love chocolate, but for your pup, it can be harmful and potentially fatal. Chocolate is one of the top 10 toxins reported to the ASPCA. So, if you have it in your home, make sure to keep it out of your dog’s reach. Why Is Chocolate Toxic to Dogs? Methylxanthines are the ingredients in chocolate that can pose a problem for dogs....

It isn’t a big mystery as to whether turkey is safe for dogs to eat or not. Spoiler alert: turkey is not only safe, but it’s a commonly used protein source in commercial dog foods. Throwing your dog bits of turkey while you prep dinner can be a perfectly healthy treat, but not all parts of the turkey are safe. So what’s a dog-owning foodie to do? Turkey as a Protein Source Turkey is a highly digestible protein source for dogs....

Hamsters, like other rodents, love to gnaw on things and cage bars are no exception. Chewing is a natural and normal behavior in hamsters, but things like cage bars can be harmful. Finding safer alternatives for your hamster to chew on and understanding why your hamster has been bar chewing can help prevent major issues. Why Do Hamsters Bar Chew? There are a few main reasons why hamsters may chew on their cage bars....

Birds are beautiful and elegant but they can also be very loud, especially if they are a large pet bird that lives in your house. Parrots are especially known to be loud but is it normal for them to scream? Occasional screams are normal but if you find that your bird screams a lot it may be because something is wrong. Bird Vocalizations Birds in the psittacine family, such as macaws, African greys, and other parrots, make a variety of noises and many can even mimic words we say and other sounds they hear in our homes....

Soft, snowy, and oh-so-cuddly, pure white cats are some of nature’s prettiest (and most adorable) works of feline art. Unlike gray or black felines, which can easily hide in the shadows, it’s hard to miss a cat sporting a white coat that practically glows. Note that white cats are not a specific breed, but rather, many different cat breeds can have white coats that vary in length. And of course, white cats can have a variety of different eye colors, although many have magnificent blue eyes, or even eyes of two different colors....

Many people have seen Olympic or Grand Prix level dressage on television. The horses seem to do intricate maneuvers as the rider sits almost motionless. Dressage isn’t just fancy moves with hard to pronounce names! Every time we train our horses to carry us with more ease and respond to subtle aids, we are training them in basic dressage. Dressage is teaching a horse to be supple, balanced and responsive....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Appearance Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Descended from Brazilian street cats, today, the Brazilian Shorthair is admired for its beautiful, short and shiny coat, and loved for its friendly, playful, and intelligent personality. A larger cat breed, the Brazilian Shorthair can weigh anywhere up to 20 pounds. They are muscular and agile while still maintaining their elegant, cat-like grace....

Dottybacks are a genus of small, brightly colored saltwater fishes. These fish may be small, but they can be aggressive and will fiercely defend their cave or crevice home. Dottybacks are hermaphrodite fish and employ various reproductive strategies. Species Overview Common Name: Dottyback Origin and Distribution There are many species of Dottyback fishes native to Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Known for their vibrant coloration, dottyback fish are vivid additions to any reef or coral aquarium....

What Is a Giardiasis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Giardiasis typically affects young dogs with underdeveloped immune systems. Puppies ingest giardia parasites when drinking contaminated water such as puddles or ponds. The parasites make puppies’ bellies swell with gas and cause diarrhea that can negatively affect pups’ health via dehydration and nutrient loss. What Is a Giardiasis? Giardiasis is an infection caused by ingesting giardia, single-cell organisms (protozoa) that parasitize the small intestine....

Iguanas are beautiful lizards and can make wonderful pets, but many owners are surprised by how large, strong, and sometimes aggressive iguanas become as they mature. Pet store iguanas are likely to be at least a little stressed by their experiences of being shipped, handled, and housed. Getting an iguana from a rescue is a wonderful idea, but remember some will have been neglected and even mistreated so it may take a little longer to gain their trust....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Irish Terrier Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Irish terrier is a medium-sized dog breed developed in Ireland. It’s known for its alert and rectangular body, erect tail, wiry reddish coat, and V-shaped ears that fold in half and flop forward. If you are looking for a dog that has boundless energy, will be devoted to its family, and is playful, adaptable, and up for anything, you may find your perfect partner in an Irish terrier....

Owning a Pet Spiny-Tailed Lizard Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Common Problems Size Purchasing Similar Species Frequently Asked Questions Unlike other reptiles, the spiny-tailed lizard is not a common pet. It is legal to own in the U.S., but only a few countries allow it to be exported, making it hard to acquire. If you can find one, the spiny-tail is an interesting pet. Based on its diet alone, the spiny-tail is much lower maintenance than its cricket-eating cousins....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions Toy poodles, along with standard poodles and miniature poodles, are famously known for their proven excellence in shows. Their curly and voluminous coat in combination with a confident strut always seems to steal the show. To boot, the breed is intelligent, athletic, and loyal, making it a great choice for single owners and families alike....

Most cat experts recommend premium brands of cat food that avoid ingredients like meat byproducts and chicken meal. However, feral cats eat a whole rodent or whole bird. Sometimes they leave things like feathers or the head behind, but otherwise, the cat is consuming the whole body of an animal. It seems like the cheaper brands, as long as they don’t contain excessive carbohydrate fillers, would be closer to a natural diet than the premium brands....

Has your cat just had kittens? This is a busy and exciting time in your home. While mom is busy taking care of her babies, her body will be going through hormonal changes to prepare for her next heat cycle. You may have heard that female cats cannot get pregnant as long as they are still nursing kittens. Unfortunately, this not true. Most cats will have an estrus cycle (heat cycle) about 4 weeks after weaning their kittens if it is still the breeding season....

What Is Meningitis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treament Prognosis Prevention Meningitis is a rare but life-threatening neurological condition in cats that can occur by itself or in conjunction with other neurological illnesses such as myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Prompt diagnosis of the cause is critical as some cases can be cured with swift and aggressive treatment. What Is Meningitis? Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord)....