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Essential oils are becoming more and more popular as a way to do everything from ease anxiety to treat certain health conditions. Traditionally used in aromatherapy, these potent oils are sometimes considered to be natural, alternative options to traditional medicine—and people are increasingly using them in their homes for a variety of purposes, but is it okay to expose your pet bird to these oils? The short answer is not likely, but it all depends on the oils you use, how you use them and, most importantly, what your vet has to say....

What is Colic Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment How to Prevent Colic There is one word that strikes fear in a horse owner’s heart: colic. It is the most common cause of death in horses, and any horse is at risk. Defined as anything that causes abdominal pain, the cause of colic may be anywhere from mild and self-limiting to severe and life-threatening. What is Colic While anything that causes abdominal pain can manifest as signs of colic, most types of colic are caused by issues with the gastrointestinal system....

Chinchillas have a perky, curious personality similar to a park squirrel and are very low maintenance. They require a lot of attention and can actually bond and become very attached to their owner. While they make terrific pets, chinchillas are not ideal for kids because if little hands squeeze them too tight, they will bite. Characteristics Chinchillas have plush, silky fur that’s pleasant to the touch, no odor unlike other rodents, and they don’t make any annoying noises though they are very vocal....

Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Similar Pets Purchasing Guinea pigs are wonderful small pets, but many people don’t realize there are over a dozen recognized breeds. The texel guinea pig is one such breed that is gaining in popularity. Its classic long fur with waves and curls makes it stand out among other guinea pigs. Find out more about this breed of guinea pig and learn how to provide it with the care it needs to be happy and healthy....

Encouraging red-eared sliders to bask is important to their health. They should be getting out of the water and drying off on a regular basis. If your turtle is not doing this, you need to look at your tank set up to make sure basking is inviting to your slider. Red-eared sliders need to bask for a number of reasons, and it serves many purposes (besides feeling good). Basking essentially means drying out and absorbing the UV rays of the sun (or bulb)....

An emergency recall is a command used to tell your dog to come in emergency situations. It is one of the most important things you can train your dog to do. A dog that knows the “come” command will come most of the time but may still refuse on occasion. While it is annoying when your dog refuses to come in from the yard when you are already late for work, there are also times when it is dangerous for it to ignore you, such as when it is about to run in front of a moving car....

Why Dogs Eat Grass? Taste Vomiting Boredom Next Steps Grass eating seems to be common among dogs and isn’t as odd as some of the other eating practices puppies often engage in. The reason behind this foraging behavior isn’t entirely clear, although some dogs just seem to like eating grass. For other dogs, though, ingesting grass may be a way to fulfill an unmet nutritional need or self-induce vomiting to ease an upset stomach....

Coconut Benefits for Dogs Good Coconut Products Bad Coconut Products Coconut is a delicious and nutritious part of humans’ diets, and small amounts of it can be good for dogs, too. The dense, white coconut fruit (often referred to as “meat”) is high in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fat. Whether it is raw, dried, blended into milk, or pressed into oil, coconut is a fine addition to your dog’s diet as long as it’s fed with care....

In 1880 the King of Siam gave two pairs of Siamese cats to the English consul-general in Bangkok, and he brought them home to England, where they created a sensation. Their popularity zoomed rapidly. Although the breed standard has changed significantly over the years, Siamese remain high in popularity for people looking for a pedigreed pet. Whether your tastes run from the traditional to the modern version of the Siamese, these pictures represent exotic looking “Meezers” in all their glory....

If you are thinking about getting a furry friend that will enjoy playtime with you or your children or another fun-loving dog, choose a breed known for having a playful temperament. Of course, every dog is an individual—so a type of breed as a predictor of playfulness is only one part of the equation. Breed type only increases your probability. Nurture your dog to play with you, and it likely will....

The crowd-pleasing charcuterie board has a new companion—the barkuterie board. Designed to satisfy a dog’s palette, this canine-friendly dish brings together an assortment of biscuits, veggies, jerky, peanut butter, and dog-safe fruits. “A barkuterie board is a nice centerpiece and a conversation starter, but it also keeps dogs safe by letting guests know which foods are okay to give as a treat,” Rosanna Pansino told The Spruce Pets. Pansino is one of the internet’s most popular bakers and a dog mom to two Frenchies with food names, Coconut and Blueberry Muffin....

Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or adult dog, or you’re still looking for the perfect pup, part of the fun is deciding on a special name for your new canine companion. Picking names can feel exciting but also sometimes stressful—after all, a name is an important thing to choose! Western-themed dog names are great choices for any pooch. Continue reading for a fun roundup of Western name ideas for your puppy or kitten....

The fascinating Black Triggerfish is one of the least aggressive Triggerfish and can be easy to care for in a larger tank. Not only can these intelligent fish learn to eat from your hand, but they are also capable of vocalizing in several different ways. The key to success with this species is to provide plenty of swimming space, interesting rock formations to explore, and tankmates that can handle a larger semi-aggressive community member....

In many movies, books, and TV shows, owls are shown to be incredibly friendly, intelligent, and affectionate pets. Do owls make good pets like they seem to in the movies, and if so, what does it take to properly care for one? Can you keep one in a regular parrot cage and feed it seed and other types of commercial bird food? Owls Need Lots of Space While it’s true that pet owls have been popularized in books and movies (such as the Harry Potter series), the truth is that owls are not a good choice for pets....

Although the definition can vary, exotic pets are typically classified as any animal outside of cats, dogs, and domesticated farm animals. If you have just acquired an exotic pet of your own—whether it be a hamster, lizard, parrot, or fish—you might be looking for the perfect name. Some people select a name based on their pet’s appearance, such as Blizzard for a white pet rabbit. Others might go with a name that alludes to the animal’s environment, such as Bubbles for a pet fish....

If you’ve spotted a strange cat in your neighborhood, you may be wondering if it’s a feral cat versus a stray cat. How can you tell the difference between the two, especially if your contact is limited or only from a difference? There are telltale signs that make it evident whether you’re dealing with a feral cat or a stray cat, but you’ll need to be observant and perceptive. It’s important to know the difference between a feral cat versus a stray cat since the behavior can vary widely between the two....

Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Similar Pets Purchasing Frequently Asked Questions The Mexican redleg tarantula, also known as the red-legged tarantula, is a large, ground-dwelling spider that’s native primarily to western Mexico. It’s closely related to the Mexican red-knee tarantula. Mexican redleg tarantulas have a dark abdomen, and the second joint of their legs is a reddish color—hence their name. As pets, they are known for being easygoing spiders, and they are relatively easy to care for....

Looking to add a new angelfish to your saltwater aquarium? Provided you have enough space and accommodating tank mates, there are a few things you should consider before dumping any random angelfish into your tank. Angelfish are members of the Pomacanthidae family of perciform fishes. There are over 80 species of angelfish with unique characteristics and requirements. Do not assume that all angelfish are the same. Be sure to do your research properly in order to ensure you are selecting a proper species for your tank....

Finding the perfect name for your new dog or puppy can be tough. You may be worried about getting it just right. After all, you’ll be using this name for the long haul. But, as huge as the task seems today, try not to worry too much. No matter what name you choose, it will come to represent your canine companion, and that’s a wonderful thing. Plus, you’re not on your own....

Many people enjoy getting their nails done at a salon but the same is not true for many dogs. Some dogs simply don’t enjoy having their nails clipped but still allow it to happen and others actually dislike it so much that they become aggressive. This aggression is not only a danger to the people trying to clip the nails but can result in unintended physical trauma to the dog as well....