Posts

History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming American Appendix Horse for You How to Adopt or Buy More Horse Breeds The American Appendix Horse is a cross between an American Quarter Horse and a Thoroughbred. They are also often referred to as Appendix Quarter Horses. They are generally friendly horses, but their unpredictability means they are most suitable for experienced owners....

History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research Known for its striking beauty, the crimson (Pennant’s) rosella is a popular medium-sized pet parrot. Its eye-catching colors make this species appealing to bird lovers of all types, but it may not be the best choice for inexperienced bird owners. This bird is not easy to train or handle....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Czech sheepdog, also known as the Bohemian shepherd, is a medium-size herding dog breed from the Czech Republic that has a medium-length, wavy coat and overall looks very similar to a German shepherd. It has a well-proportioned, compact build with erect ears and an elongated neck, and it moves with a fluid, graceful gait....

What Is an Ear Yeast Infection? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Ear yeast infections are very common in dogs. Dogs with floppy or hairy ears are particularly vulnerable because their ears trap moisture. The moist environment of the ear is a prime breeding ground for fungal yeast that, when overgrown, creates an infection. This causes itching, inflammation, and an unpleasant odor. Untreated, neglected ear infections can lead to painful skin crusting and other complications and serious problems that can affect the ear canal lining and even lead to facial paralysis....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The English toy spaniel is a small toy dog breed from England with a silky, medium-length coat and a strong resemblance to its cousin, the popular Cavalier King Charles spaniel. English toy spaniels have large, dark, expressive eyes; long, furry ears; and a domed skull. Their coat comes in four varieties, each with a specific name: King Charles (black and tan), Blenheim (red and white), Prince Charles (black, white, and tan), and Ruby (solid red)....

Dactyloptena Orientalis species is found in Hawaiian waters. The distribution of this fish extends from Hawaii and Japan southward to central Polynesia, westward through Micronesia and Melanesia, through the East Indies, and across the Indian Ocean to the coast of Africa. Identification The body of the Eastern gurnard is elongated, nearly round, and tapers to the tail. The head and eyes are quite large, and the mouth is small. From a side view, the head looks like a frog....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-size herding dog breed from Finland that has a thick, medium-length coat, which comes in a variety of colors and markings. The dense coat insulates the Lapphund against extreme temperatures, allowing it to work as a herding dog for reindeer in cold Finnish climates. The breed sports triangular, upright ears and oval eyes, which sometimes feature markings around them that are referred to as “spectacles....

What Is Frostbite in Cats? Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Prevention Cats can get frostbite, just like people and other animals. Though their winter coats will protect them to some extent, cats can easily get too cold in extreme temperatures. You may be wondering how stray and fetal cats survive the winter—sadly, some of them don’t. Fortunately, frostbite is not common in cats, probably due to the fact that cats are experts at finding places to take shelter....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The German spitz is a small- to medium-sized fluffy companion breed that hails from Germany. “Spitz” breeds, sometimes called Northern breeds, are a type of dog frequently found in cold climates. These breeds, including the rare German spitz, have thick double coats (a longer outer coat combined with a shorter, thicker undercoat), a wedge-shaped head, upright triangular ears, and a long tail that curls up and over the back....

Walking your dog is a normal activity, but not all dogs require the same amount of exercise. Some dogs are fine with an occasional walk while others need long, regular jaunts around the neighborhood. Knowing why walks can benefit dogs and how often your specific dog needs to be walked can help you keep your dog happy and healthy both physically and mentally. Benefits of Walking Your Dog When you take your dog for a walk, you’re providing more than just exercise to help manage its weight....

Congratulations on your new puppy! If this is your first dog, welcome to the wonderful world of dog ownership. Puppies are a lot of fun, but they also take a lot of work. There are many things your puppy needs to thrive; proper training is one of the most important of these. Puppy training can seem overwhelming. There’s so much for a new puppy to learn. Not to worry! These tips can help you navigate puppy training so your new pet will become a happy and healthy member of your family....

There are many occasions in a fish or critter’s life in captivity that put it under a great deal of stress in a relatively short period of time. From the critter’s point of view, the top three (in no particular order) are probably: being introduced into an established tank, cycling, and transporting. Introducing a new fish to an established tank can be a pain, but with a little research on compatibility and some innovative thinking (a temporary barrier or rearranging the “furniture” in the tank) will minimize most major problems....

Sponge filters have been around almost since aquarium-keeping began. However, many aquarium owners either have no idea what they are used for or don’t know they exist at all. Although sponge filters aren’t suitable for every tank, there are situations in which they are perfect. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as pore sizes, allowing them to be adapted to a variety of filtration needs. They can be powered by a number of methods, including air pumps, powerheads, or even another type of filter....

You may have seen the notation to make a “drip loop” on your filter or light instruction sheet, or perhaps you read it on a website. It tells you to always have a drip loop when plugging in electrical equipment around an aquarium. So, what is it, and do you need one? What Is It? If you’ve asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. Drip loops are an important safety measure when dealing with electricity and water, but this method is not common knowledge for most new aquarium owners....

If you’re a spicy food lover, you may be wondering if your pup would enjoy a bite of your favorite hot dish. When it comes to spicy food, dogs may experience a more limited taste and sensation of spicy ingredients, however, it is not a good idea to share many of these foods with them. Can Dogs Taste Spicy Food and Flavors? The short answer is yes, but they may not be as sensitive to or appreciate spice and flavors as much as people would....

When you decide to “deck the halls” for the holidays, thinking about Christmas tree puppy safety is critical. Your puppy may believe the Christmas tree is a special gift just for his entertainment. The attraction is natural, as puppies want to chew branches, pull off decorations and worse. The result can be a holiday that’s anything but merry. Puppies turn everything into a toy or game. The area under the tree creates a great puppy hideout....

The common names of K fish can be a lot of fun; they include keyhole fish and even kissing fish. The reality, however, is that choosing fish for your aquarium community has nothing to do with the first letter of their common names. Instead, pay close attention to their family names which will tell you much more about the fish’s size, shape, behaviors, and likely personality. For example, loaches are peaceful bottom-dwelling scavengers; you can make a good guess that any loach would do well in a community tank....

What Are Ear Mites? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Ear mites are common and highly contagious parasites (although they don’t usually affect humans) that can make life miserable for your pet, especially outdoor cats that seem to attract them. They’re not usually life-threatening but ear mites can cause infections of an animal’s ear canal and sometimes can cause your pet to scratch so much that blood vessels in the ear rupture, which may require surgery....

There are a few basic skills you will need to learn when first learning to ride. These are building blocks of becoming a good rider. The very first thing you will want to understand as you learn to ride is how to halt, whoa or stop. Your instructor may use any of those words when they want you to bring your horse to a standstill. Most likely, your first steps as you learn to ride will be the walk....

What Is Hydrocephalus? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment & Prevention Prognosis Hydrocephalus, commonly called “water on the brain” is a neurological condition caused by an excess of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the skull. This creates pressure and swelling in the brain, which can lead to a variety of symptoms in dogs, including difficulty walking, inability to housebreak or learn simple commands, and changes in behavior. Hydrocephalus in dogs can be congenital (the dog is born with the problem) or acquired....