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Small birds have always been popular as pets, but in recent years, one specific type has seen an astronomical rise in popularity. We’re speaking, of course, about the charming and captivating Parrotlet. Highly intelligent, affectionate, and undeniably cute, these little birds have been diligently working their way into the homes and hearts of bird lovers around the world. Parrotlets form strong bonds with their owners and make excellent pets when properly raised and tamed....

Ticks are external parasites that attach to and feed on the blood of their hosts. In North America, there are at least eight species of ticks that routinely feed on dogs. These same ticks can also affect humans. Ticks are increasing in prevalence. In 2021, the Companion Animal Parasite Council announced that tick territories were expected to expand and that tick-borne diseases would pose a higher threat to pets over time....

What is Metabolic Bone Disease? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a well-recognized and common disease seen in pet reptiles. Metabolic bone disease results from an improper calcium to phosphorus ratio in the body, causing softened and damaged bones. Other terms which may be used for this disease include fibrous osteodystrophy, osteomalacia, secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, and rickets. What is Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles?...

Is it OK to Own a Giant Millipede? Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Purchasing Similar Pets and Breeds If you’re seeking a unique beginner exotic pet that’s easy to keep and care for, look no further than the giant millipede. While there is some variation in the appearance of the giant millipede species, they are largely similar in their behavior and care. Giant millipedes need a secure aquarium tank with a warm light source and regulated humidity....

Amino acids are the individual compounds that make up all the proteins in both plants and animals. Taurine is one of these amino acids. Most mammals are able to synthesize taurine within their body from other amino acids, but cats cannot synthesize it in adequate enough concentrations, making it an essential amino acid for them. That is, cats need to obtain taurine from their diet. What Does Taurine Do and Why Does My Cat Need It?...

From keeping your hands free while running errands to providing a restful perch for tired paws on long walks, a dog backpack carrier is a great way to bring along a small to medium-sized furry friend. There are various styles of dog backpack, which will allow a dog to sit, lie down, or rest in an upright pose. Of course, we also want the option to let its adorable head peek out....

Does your dog’s gas have you gasping for air? Can one fart from your dog clear a room? A gassy dog might be kind of funny, but it’s also something even dog lovers can live without. If your dog has particularly bad flatulence, it may be a sign of a health problem. Find out why some dogs fart so much and learn how to handle flatulence in your dog. Why Do Dogs Pass Gas?...

If your horse is pulling the reins out of your hands by putting its head down suddenly, your horse is likely doing something called “rooting”. Canny school horses can learn a few evasion tactics in an effort to get out of work and rooting is just one of those tactics. It’s sometimes done by school horses to evade the rider’s instructions by making them lose contact. They rarely do this with an experienced rider because they know by the confident leg and seat aids of their rider that they won’t get away with it....

Instagram is great for keeping up with your friends and family, and maybe even your favorite celebrities or brands. But there is something else you can fill your feed with that will always make you smile – dogs! Nowadays there are countless Insta-famous pups out there that fill the internet with their irresistible cuteness. One breed in particular that shines on the Instagram platform is the ever-popular Goldendoodle. With their curly hair and their playful, happy personalities, it is easy to see why everyone loves these pups....

Dogs can snack on many “people foods,” but some foods that are healthy for people are not safe for dogs. It’s important to know that the foods you’re giving your dog are OK, and this applies to spices as well as whole foods. People often share their own food with their dogs, and our food is usually seasoned, even if it’s just a little salt and pepper. Before sneaking your dog a bite of your food, it’s a good idea to find out if dogs can eat black pepper....

It is great if you can get one of these beautiful fish in the juvenile stage. They are so ornate when they are young, and they do well in tank life. Be aware that chevron tangs will lose their juvenile colors as they grow into adults and become much larger. As an adult, it is still a nice looking fish, as well as a good algae eater. Characteristics Breed Overview...

It was once thought to be impossible for the average aquarist with a reef tank to keep many corals in a healthy state. With the advancements in both science and technology over the past decade, it is now possible to keep corals in the home aquarium successfully. Owing largely to their lower lighting requirements, soft corals, such as Mushroom corals were among the first to yield good results in home aquariums....

The most important factor in keeping aquarium fish healthy is good water quality. In order to do that good bacteria must be established in the aquarium. Beneficial heterotrophic bacteria living in the aquarium gravel break down fish wastes and other debris, and nitrifying bacteria, living in the filter media and on other surfaces, convert toxic ammonia produced by the fish into nitrite and then to nontoxic nitrate. These beneficial bacteria take some time to establish themselves in an aquarium....

Neon and Cardinal Tetras are similar in appearance and are often confused with each other. However, there is one very easily identifiable difference. In the Cardinal Tetra, the red stripe on the lower half of the body extends the full length of the fish from the eye area to the tail. In the Neon Tetra, the red stripe starts at mid-body, roughly below the dorsal fin, and extends to the tail....

Origin and History Temperament Colors and Markings Care Feeding Cages Exercise Lovebirds are a favorite among pet birds, often called “pocket parrots,” and are among the most colorful pet birds you’ll find. All lovebirds belong to the genus Agapornis and the order Psittaciformes, making them small parrots. While there are several lovebird species in the world, not all of them are kept as pets. In total, there are nine species of lovebirds....

What Is Mouth Cancer? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Types Mouth cancer generally describes any kind of cancer that affects a dog’s mouth. All dogs are at risk for mouth cancer, particularly in their senior years, but some breeds are more likely than others to develop it due to an unfortunate genetic predisposition. The signs may include swelling, bleeding, loose teeth, or a foul oral odor. Of course, these are symptoms of other periodontal conditions as well, so a veterinary diagnosis is critical....

Shopping for a new horse as a beginner rider is an exciting time. There are many things to consider before purchasing your first horse, including breed, use, temperament, and age. You also may wonder, should you buy a gelding, a stallion, or a mare? The most important thing to remember is that, like people, horses are individuals. Each horse has its own temperament and personality. Bear that in mind because as a beginner you will want to choose a horse with a reliable temperament....

What’s better than one cute, cuddly kitty? Two cute, cuddly kitties! Aside from doubling your cuteness, there are several solid arguments for adopting two kittens, rather than one. Whether you already have a cat or are considering adding a feline friend to the family, read on to learn why you may want to consider adopting a pair of kitties. 01 of 08 They’ll Mentally Stimulate (And Entertain!) Each Other @m.a.c94 / Instagram Despite the stereotypes of loner kitties, cats aren’t totally independent, solitary animals....

What Is Arthritis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Prevention Just as in humans, cats often develop arthritis as they age. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage between bones deteriorates. This makes joints less flexible causing stiffness and pain with movement, and sometimes even while at rest if the deterioration is accompanied by severe inflammation. Until recently, cats were thought to be unlikely to develop arthritis. We now know, however, that they are affected by this disease, just like dogs and other animals....

What Is Black Spot Disease? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Black spot disease is caused by a parasite that commonly infests tangs and other surgeonfishes, but can be contracted by other fish species and mollusks (shellfish) as well. Black spot disease is also referred to as tang disease or black ich, although ich is actually caused by a different type of parasite. As the name suggests, the primary symptom of the infestation is tiny raised black dots on your fish’s body....