There are hundreds of dog breeds in the world and while certain breeds are classics that will always be popular, others rise and fall in popularity based on trends and pop culture. A number of factors—like maintenance needs and trainability—usually play a part in a dog’s popularity, too. Check out the 10 most popular dog breeds trending right now and learn a little about each one to see if it may be a good fit for you and your family....
From road trips to running errands, your dog needs well-fitting protection to stay safe when you hit the road. While unsettling to think about, pets can be injured or ejected from a vehicle during a traffic incident. But even a turn that’s too sharp or a sudden stop can result in injury for an unsecured dog. According to Dr. Jamie Richardson of Small Door Veterinary, keeping your dog “secure and as immobile as possible” is essential for keeping it safe in a car....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Originally bred for hunting otters, the Wettherhoun is a dog breed that makes both a fantastic watchdog and family pet. Energetic and strong-willed, they excel in a variety of dog sports but continue to remain a coveted breed for their abilities as both a retriever and gun dog. They are known for their coarse, curly coats and active, independent personalities, and they love to spend time with their families....
Dog teeth can become worn down just like human teeth. Tooth wear is relatively common in dogs, especially among dogs that love to chew. Some tooth wear is normal and expected as dogs age. However, severe tooth wear may cause pain and dental problems. You can help prevent tooth loss by identifying tooth wear early and working with your vet to help your dog. How Teeth Get Worn Down There are two main ways for teeth to become worn down:...
When the summer weather arrives, you may want nothing more than to head to the beach or the park to enjoy some quality time with your new puppy. Dogs, however, overheat much more easily and quickly than humans do. They have much fewer sweat glands and rely on panting to keep cool. Young puppies can be at even greater risk of heatstroke. They don’t have the ability to regulate their temperature the way an adult dog can; breeds with temperature-regulating double coats won’t have developed their adult coat yet; and they are, of course, full of energy....
What Is a Hot Spot? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Hot spots are among the most common types of skin problems in dogs. These angry red skin lesions typically occur when a dog excessively licks, chews, and scratches at an itchy or painful spot on its skin, leading to a reddened, raw, and often oozing sore. Hot spots can develop quickly, but luckily early detection and proper treatment can prevent hot spots from becoming more serious....
What Is Hyperkeratosis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Hyperkeratosis in dogs generally affects the non-haired skin of the nose and paw pads. Hyperkeratosis is the result of an overgrowth of skin cells, called keratinocytes, in these areas that causes the skin to develop thick feathering or fronding. Sometimes the areas appear scaly as well. Hyperkeratosis can be caused by a variety of conditions, or it can occur without any discernible cause at all....
The Pictus catfish is a suitable addition to many freshwater community tanks. Its nocturnal nature just requires dim lighting or places to hide during the day. These fish have the potential to grow up to a yard long, but most Pictus catfish bred in captivity do not end up that large. Species Overview Common Name: Pictus catfish, Pictus cat Origin and Distribution Colors and Markings The Pictus catfish has a characteristic silvery, smooth body with black spots....
Green spot algae is a common type of algae that you may see in your freshwater home aquarium. A small amount of this type of green algae is normal and expected in any aquarium, but an overgrowth can be treated and prevented. Characteristics and Causes Spot algae are seen as circular, thin, bright green spots that adhere strongly to the surface of the glass and other hard surfaces. Typical causes are excess light and excess nutrients....
In the United States, we watch the weather report on the evening news. In European countries, people may turn to an eel-like fish to predict storms. Amazingly, our weather experts might be given a run for their money when pitted against the meteorologically gifted fish. When storms approach, the previously calm weather loach begins swimming wildly about, appearing to be looking for a way out. It’s believed that changes in the barometric pressure, particularly low pressures that often occur just before storms, account for the wild behavior....
Any cat lovers know that cats, just like dogs, can have some interesting behaviors. Chin biting is definitely one of these. Truly, though, most chin bites can be more accurately described as mouthing as they rarely break the skin. It can be alarming, though, if you are enjoying a snuggle session with your cat and they, seemingly out of the blue, start to nibble on your chin. Reasons Why Your Cat Might Be Biting Your Chin Although some cats may nibble on their owner’s chins as a sign of play or affection, it can also sometimes be a sign that they are stressed or need space....
Cats are only grabbed by the scruff on their neck in limited circumstances, and none of these situations are helpful to mimic in a home, veterinary or shelter setting, yet some people recommend to scruff your cat to discourage bad behavior. We all want what is best for our cats, and there are more effective and kind ways to correct behavior in our feline friends. Find out why it is not recommended for you to scruff your cat to discourage bad behavior....
Many people are familiar with the most common and popular types of pet birds, such as budgies, finches, and cockatiels, but naming some of the more uncommon and exotic pet species can be a challenge. Whether you are researching these rare species in the hopes of adopting a unique pet or you are merely curious, you’ll find some of these birds to be extremely unusual. Here are eight of the most exotic pet birds in the world....
The word cob, used to describe a type of horse, is more commonly used in the U.K. than in North America. Nevertheless, you may run into cob-sized tack, or hear someone describe a horse as “cobby” or a cob. A cob is typically about 15 hands high with a steady temperament. While they look similar to ponies, these horses are taller than pony height, which is 14.2 hands. Cobs are equally at home under saddle or in harness and are often all-purpose horses—desirable both back when horses were needed for transport and now, when an owner wishes to have both a sturdy riding and driving horse....
In your home aquarium, the best location for placing a heater is near the maximum water flow, such as the outlet (or inlet) from the filter, or in the stream of a powerhead. Having water flowing directly past the heater is what quickly and evenly disperses heated water throughout the tank. Water Heater Size and Location For most small aquariums in a home that is not very cold, the size of the aquarium heater should be 5 watts per gallon capacity of water....
Bearded dragons exhibit a variety of behaviors. Recognizing what behavior your beardie is exhibiting and why it is showing this kind of behavior is important to truly understand your pet. It is also helpful to know what behaviors are normal and which ones are signs of stress or illness. The Wave Arm waving is used by both sexes to show submission. Young bearded dragons may do a slow “wave” with one of their arms to signal, “I’m just a baby!...
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Appearance Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Strikingly unusual and surprisingly playful, the Cornish Rex cat is a curly-coated cat breed with a reputation for being an active, sociable member of the family. These cats are the result of a natural mutation in the 1950s in Cornwall, England. Today, they are popular in the United States....
It is no secret that cats need water. Although their ancestors came from the desert, cats need fluids to survive. Water keeps body tissues healthy and is vital for the kidneys to do their job of flushing toxins out of the system. According to WebMD, water constitutes 80 percent of cats’ bodies. Cats who eat raw or canned food get extra moisture from their meals. However, dry cat food only contains an average of 10 percent water....
Every stable should have an equine first-aid kit, and if you are going to events, you should also have some first-aid items along. Equine first-aid kits needn’t be elaborate. Keep these emergency items in a sturdy box for unexpected horse injuries or illness. You don’t need to keep a stock of injectable or oral medications. Unless you are very experienced with reading symptoms medications may mask important indicators your veterinarian will need to diagnose a problem....
What Is Fin Rot? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Fin rot is one of the most common diseases in aquarium fish, but it is also one of the most preventable. Technically, fin rot is caused by several different species of bacteria, but the root cause is usually environmental in nature and is often related to stress, which can weaken a fish’s immune system. When fish are moved, kept in a tank with poor water conditions, subjected to overcrowding, or coupled with aggressive fish that chase them and nip at their fins, they are more susceptible to fin rot....
