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Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas. It’s a natural byproduct of fuel combustion present in car exhaust, improperly vented furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, tobacco smoke, and more. And it can quickly sicken or kill people, as well as their pets. Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning The most common symptom of a low level of carbon monoxide poisoning in otherwise healthy people and animals is fatigue. That should clear up once you start breathing fresh air....

Redness, scratching, and chewing are all signs of skin problems in dogs. Allergies are a common cause of skin problem in dogs. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage itching and allergies in dogs. Sometimes you can do certain things at home to prevent or ease mild itching while in other cases, you will need to consult with your veterinarian. Failure to manage your dog’s allergies can lead to other issues, such as hair loss, skin infections, and severe discomfort....

It’s no secret that if you have pets, you’re going to have messes to clean up as well. Whether you share your home with a cat or dog, spot mopping and thorough deep cleaning will become part of your routine. Many people enjoy the ease of a Swiffer WetJet when faced with small spots or tough cleaning jobs created by their pets. But, are the chemicals found in Swiffer WetJets safe to use around pets?...

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Common Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Black Mouth Cur, named for its square black muzzle, is a short-haired ranch dog with a sweet personality. They became popular with early American settlers in need of help on their farms and ranches—their energy, intelligence, and tenacity make them loyal workers and companions, while their desire to bond with humans makes them great family dogs....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Canaan dog is a rare, medium-size herding dog breed from the Middle East with a short coat, square build, upright ears, and bushy tail. This is a primitive breed that was adapted from ancient wild dogs. It can be quite territorial and wary of strangers but is generally devoted to its family....

Ehrlichiosis is a disease spread to dogs by ticks. The bacteria carried by the tick attacks a dog’s white blood cells and can cause symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, bleeding, and neurological issues. Ehrlichiosis infects a dog in three stages: acute, subclinical, and chronic. German shepherds are particularly susceptible to chronic ehrlichiosis. Your vet will diagnose ehrlichiosis by performing various tests and will prescribe an appropriate treatment plan. The success of treatment and the prognosis depends on the stage of the disease....

An exotic pet is generally considered to be anything that is not a cat, dog, or domesticated farm animal, though the definition can vary. If you’ve just brought a new exotic pet into your life—whether it be a snake, turtle, hamster, or parrot—you’re probably looking for the perfect name. Many people select a name based on their animal’s appearance, such as Rusty for a reddish-brown pet rabbit. Others choose a name that relates to the animal’s overall species, such as Ribbit for a pet frog....

Sugar gliders are known for their odd noises, sweet loving appetites, and plush fur but a disease (or more appropriately a syndrome) has been popping up in these marsupials more and more often. Sugar glider “ick” is the common name for this syndrome that has many symptoms but is recognizable due primarily to the change in coat appearance in gliders that are affected. It is called ick because of the “icky” appearance of the fur....

Pets are important parts of our families so it’s no surprise that grief is often felt when they pass away. But sometimes the decision to end a pet’s suffering is left to us to make and this can result in some guilty feelings. Knowing more about the process of putting a pet to sleep and how to cope with these feelings are an important part of the healing process. Reasons a Pet Is Put to Sleep While we often wish our pets would live forever, the reality is that just like people, pets are not immortal....

Chances are if you read ads selling horses, or someone is telling you about the height of their horse, they will use the word “hands” to express the measurement. For example, a very tall horse might be 17 HH. A pony is an equine under 14.2 HH. “HH” or “H” stands for “hands high” or “hands.” A hand is a measuring unit for an equine’s height that has been used for several centuries....

Choosing Finding a Healthy Hamster Cages and Supplies Feeding Hand Taming Toys Breeding If you are thinking about getting a pet hamster for you or a child, it is important that you know how to choose one, what supplies you need, and how to feed and care for your new pet. Hamsters are typically low-maintenance pets but proper care is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. Choosing a Pet Hamster Hamsters are popular pets for children and adults alike....

Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Pondmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research Koi are a common backyard pet fish species kept throughout the world. These colorful, “brocaded” carp come in a wide range of color varieties and add beauty to backyard landscapes. They can grow very large, so planning for their entire lives is key in having them thrive for many decades. Characteristics Species Overview Common Names: Koi, koi carp, Nishikigoi (“brocaded carp” in Japanese)...

Veterinarian Check New Kitten and Mother Cat Care Kitten Developmental Milestones Health Issues in Newborn Kittens Postpartum Health Issues Postnatal care of a mother cat and her newborn kittens is crucial after she has given birth, and your observational skills are essential during this delicate time. In the first few weeks, look for warning signs of health issues and kitten developmental milestones like their physical activity. Postpartum may occur in the mother cat, so make sure she and her kittens are in a comfortable, warm space that is separated from busier parts of the house....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The pug is a small toy dog breed from China with a short, smooth coat that can come in black or fawn, a short snout, wrinkled face, and curled tail. They are sturdy little dogs that pack in a lot of personality. Pugs are typically sweet and good-natured, but they have some spunk in them, too....

Betta fish, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, are named for their male-against-male aggression. Although individual behavior may vary, most male betta fish in the pet fish trade need to be kept in separate aquariums, and shouldn’t even be able to see other males. Fighting in betta fish can be potentially lethal, so owners need to take effective steps to prevent their male betta fish from fighting. What Is Fighting in Betta Fish?...

Have you ever noticed your dog licking another dog’s pee? Dogs are known to display plenty of odd behaviors and weird habits, like sniffing each other’s rears or suddenly getting the zoomies. When dogs sniff the urine of other dogs, they are getting a world of stimulating information. Despite how off-putting we humans see it, dogs seem to enjoy it. Fortunately, this behavior is generally harmless unless the other dog is sick....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Shar-Pei Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The shar-pei is an ancient, unique, and once very rare dog breed developed in China. It is known for its wrinkled skin, blue-black tongues, and bristle-like coat, all of which makes it stand out from the crowd. The breed isn’t best for novice owners, though. This very intelligent dog is independent, aloof, and guarded with strangers....

Sugar gliders are active little animals and need lots of room in their cage. Since they need to climb and jump, the amount of vertical space is more important than the actual square footage of the cage. A good minimum size for a pair of sugar gliders is 24 inches deep by 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall. Larger is always better, keeping in mind that height is important for the gliders....

You have a new kitten or have just welcomed a cat into your home, so now you need to cover the bathroom basics. You need a litter box, likely more than one. Where is the ideal spot (or spots) for it? Factors to Consider Cats tend to be very fussy about their litter boxes, and the correct placement is of extreme importance. First, you should know the rule of thumb for litter boxes is “one plus one....

Dogs love to dig. This can be a particularly frustrating fact of life, however, if your dog loves to dig in your flower beds or track dirt and mud all through your house. Dogs dig for several different reasons, but the good news is there are a few things you can do to deter destruction as a result. Why Do Dogs Dig? A dog’s instinct to dig is just that: instinct!...