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Duncan coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga), also known as branched disc coral, whisker coral or duncanops coral, can be an appealing addition to many reef saltwater aquariums. Originating from Australia, Duncan coral is a community player and a vibrant green and purple addition to any saltwater tank. This species has done well in aquaculture conditions and is readily propagated. Characteristics Duncan corals are characterized by their disc-shaped body, and short purple/green tentacles that can quickly retract into their calciferous tube home....

Why Is Your Cat Aggressive? Medical Causes Common Signs Prevention Petting Threshold Positive Reinforcement Desensitization Cat lovers frequently ask for help in stopping aggressive behavior in their cats—but there are many kinds of aggression, and a one-size-fits-all program doesn’t work. Of the several types of cat aggression, none confuses, frustrates, and frightens most owners as much as petting aggression, also called status-related aggression. The cat begs for attention and loves the petting, but then bites you after only a few strokes....

Most new puppy owners know that proper dog training is an essential part of raising a puppy. Many also agree that some sort of puppy training class is a good idea. Before you enroll, it’s helpful to know what to look for in a good trainer and facility and what you should expect your puppy to be learning. Find a Training Class A good puppy training class will be led by an experienced dog trainer....

Rats are intelligent and social animals that can make wonderful pets. Pet rats are relatively easy to care for, but that doesn’t mean they are low-maintenance pets. They require a fair amount of attention and exercise time outside of their cages—at least an hour a day is ideal. They are also easily tamed, making rats especially great for someone who likes to handle their pets. Pet Rat Facts Average lifespan of a pet rat is 18 to 36 months....

Puppy strangles is a scary term for a condition of the skin more technically described as juvenile cellulitis or sterile granulomatous dermatitis and lymphadenitis. While it’s not a common problem, it most frequently affects puppies younger than 16 weeks old. Puppy strangles is especially problematic in golden retrievers, Gordon setters, and dachshunds. Signs Puppy strangles is believed to be a result of an overactive immune response, but what triggers this response is still unknown....

Why Do Dogs Make Nests? Comfort Your Dog Is Pregnant Your Dog Thinks She’s Pregnant Signs Solution It’s cute to watch your dog burrowing into the blankets on a cold winter night. But there are times when dogs make nests that are signs of pregnancy or false pregnancy. Although it’s normal for some dogs to cuddle under blankets or scratch out some dirt to sleep in, burrowing into a closet or other more serious nesting behavior might be a bad sign....

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are conditions that are dangerous to most animals. This includes humans and, of course, dogs. You have probably heard that dogs are at risk for heatstroke when they are in hot temperatures. The fact is, they are even more at risk than people. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent heatstroke and keep your dog safe. What is Heatstroke? Heatstroke is a condition that is caused by an elevation in body temperature called hyperthermia....

What Is Snow Nose? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Snow nose was originally thought to be a cold climate phenomenon in dogs, but it happens to dogs in warm climates, too. This hypopigmentation (lightening) of a dog’s normally black nose is more common in dogs traditionally bred for cold environments but can occur in any dog. Although snow nose is harmless, dog owners should be aware of the differences between this benign condition and more concerning pigment changes....

Whether you’re heading for a pool, river, lake, or the ocean, it’s important to keep your pet’s safety in mind. It’s true that most canines instinctively know how to “doggy paddle,” but never be overconfident about your dog’s ability to swim. A scared or tired dog can begin to struggle to stay afloat in the water and even strong swimmers can be overcome by a powerful current. For safety’s sake, always use a life jacket when taking your dog on a boat or for dogs that aren’t naturally strong swimmers or face mobility issues or advancing age....

What Are Tick Bites? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Frequently Asked Questions If your puppy spends time in wooded, grassy areas where ticks are prevalent, it is at risk of receiving a tick bite. In most cases, tick bites are harmless, but some ticks carry serious diseases transmittable to your puppy. If a tick bites your puppy, but your puppy exhibits no symptoms, you don’t necessarily need to visit your vet....

Squirrels are quick critters who need to eat throughout the day to maintain their energy levels and body weight. A varied diet is crucial in keeping them healthy but you also need to make sure you feed your pet the appropriate foods, not just any variety of foods. Legumes Squirrels can eat a variety of plants, including legumes. Peanuts are probably the most popular and widely loved legume, but they aren’t the only ones you should be feeding your pet....

Felines come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. If you’re a cat enthusiast, you likely know about Persians, American shorthairs, and Siamese, which are some of the typical cat breeds kept as pets by aficionados. But even then, purebred cats make up only a tiny percentage of the cats in the U.S. So, when it comes to rare cat breeds—they are hard to find, often in limited supply, and involve long waitlists with breeders or a cattery....

Companion dogs take the whole “man’s best friend” notion to a whole new level. These dogs are generally happiest when they’re with their human pack. While some breeds are born to work jobs such as herding livestock or guarding property, companion dogs typically love to sit by you and be engaged in whatever activity you’re doing. They tend to be eager to please, friendly, and exceptionally loving. Here are 13 dog breeds that make excellent companion dogs....

The red cat is a common type that is always tabby in pattern, and males far outnumber females. They are more commonly called orange, ginger, marmalade, yellow, butter, caramel, or butterscotch. Red cats are not their own breed and you can find them in many cat breeds as well as moggies (cats with no pedigree). They may be shorthair or longhair cats. If you are looking for a lovely ginger cat, you will have a wide variety of breeds and coats to choose from....

What Is Ascites? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Ascites is an abnormal buildup of abdominal fluid that can occur in any dog but is a result of an underlying disease so ignoring the symptoms can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Knowing the signs of ascites, what it may mean for your dog, and how it is treated is helpful for any pet owner. What Is Ascites in Dogs?...

Airstone bubblers diffuse the air in an aquarium filtration system and break into small bubbles that are easily absorbed by water. The stones will gradually lose their effectiveness as the inside surfaces get clogged over time. Airstones with finer textures (sometimes marketed as “micropore” airstones) will break up the air into smaller bubbles and are more effective at dissolving air into the water, but they are also more susceptible to clogging....

Why They Do It Pica Grass Dirt Poop Prevention Next Steps Puppies have the desire to munch on anything and everything, but they may end up eating some strange things. The simple explanation for this is that puppies are exploring their world using their mouths, and it is often a natural instinct that they outgrow. But, your puppy’s desire to eat everything could lead to other problems, like blockages or poisoning—and you’ll want to avoid that....

Dogs can eat some strange things, including dirt. More often than not, a dog will eat dirt just because it’s something to do, but occasionally there are real medical concerns that may be causing your dog to eat dirt. Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt? Dogs can munch on dirt for a few reasons. They may be bored and smell something interesting in the soil or they may be stressed and self-soothing by eating dirt....

The word sire in the horse world is usually used in place of the father. A horse’s father is the sire, and so is the horse’s male parent. A foal’s sire then is the stallion who was bred to the mare to produce that foal. A mare can’t be a sire, as sire only refers to the male antecedents of a horse. The sire can be used in the past tense....

If you want a big dog personality in a little dog package, then a French Bulldog could be for you. Also known as Frenchies, these pups are small but mighty, with big, pricked ears that make them look like a cute cartoon come to life. Frenchies are generally happy-go-lucky dogs with lots of energy. They absolutely love to play, but they also absolutely love to snooze. This breed is especially great for families as they get along well with kids and are exceptionally playful....