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Behavior and Temperament Housing Substrate Heat Light Humidity Food and Water Health Problems Selection Similar Species Originally native to southern Europe and northern Africa, common house geckos make interesting pets. Common house geckos have established breeding populations in many warm climates of the world. They are thought to have become an invasive species largely by hitchhiking on ships and other transportation, and then breeding successfully at the destination. Their colors can vary from a yellowish tan with dark spots to a pale grey-white, and they often appear lighter in color at night....

So you are thinking about getting a pet rabbit for yourself or your child but you want to know how much it will cost. People often forget about the ongoing expense of a pet, especially one that can potentially live to be 8-10 years old (or older!). How Much Does a Rabbit Cost? Where you get your pet rabbit and what breed of rabbit you want will ultimately determine the cost....

If you are looking to get a new puppy from a dog breeder, you may be wondering how to find the right breeder while avoiding the wrong ones. How can you tell the difference between a responsible dog breeder and an irresponsible one (often known as a backyard breeder)? Unfortunately, not all dog breeders are ethical and responsible. Some are more concerned with profits than the welfare of their animals. Others believe they are doing the right thing, but simply lack the knowledge and experience to be good breeders....

There are many different kinds of turtles that people keep as pets. Some turtles are land dwellers, some are aquatic, and some spend time in both places. Whether you have or are considering getting a sulcatta tortoise, box turtle, painted turtle, red-eared slider, side-neck turtle, or another kind of turtle you need to make sure you can provide for all of their needs properly. All turtles require special lighting and heat, food, a place to hide, and an enclosure that keeps them safe....

Puppies who have been exposed to, or scuffled with, a wild animal are at risk for contracting rabies. The best protection from rabies is vaccination. Even if your puppy is vaccinated, if it is bitten by another animal it’s important to visit your vet before it displays any signs. What Is Rabies? Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and spinal cord of dogs and other mammals. Once signs develop, the virus is usually fatal....

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and eggs are a cheap, nutritious staple to help you get going in the morning. But when Fido starts gazing longingly at your omelet or scrambled eggs, is it safe to let your four-legged friend chow down along with you? The short answer is yes. Whether they’re boiled or cooked, eggs can make fantastic treats or dietary supplements for your dog....

History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming With its smooth gaits and striking presence, the Peruvian Paso makes a popular mount both in the United States and throughout the world. This elegant breed may have a fiery presence when parading or competing in shows, but it’s still an agreeable horse that’s easy to work with. It’s no wonder that breeding programs worldwide are dedicated to preserving and refining the Peruvian Paso....

Get the tails wagging at your next tailgate by cracking open a beer made for dogs. No, these “dog beers” aren’t really beer—they are all 100 percent alcohol-free. Instead, they’re flavorful snack broths that come in aluminum cans, so you and your pooch can crack one open together. We’ve rounded up our top three hops-inspired beverages specifically formulated to quench the thirst of our canine companions. They mirror the look of beer in conveniently packaged bottles and cans, so you can stock up your cooler and fill up your refrigerator with a special meat-flavored treat....

Anyone who has ever wished they had an extra set of hands when walking their pup should look into a hands-free leash. These leads are attached to a belt on your hips or waist, so your hands are free to reach in your pocket for treats to train your dog, scoop up poop, or wave hi to your neighbors. Because they attach to your torso, which offers more resistance than your arm, you’ll likely find your dog is less able to pull or lunge as you walk—another major benefit....

Understanding your sleepy cat is important because cats sleep a good portion of the day. That’s typically 12-13 hours per day on average and often longer for senior kitties; and much of that sleep happens during daytime hours. That may make it seem like cats sleep more than any other mammal, however there are many other mammals that spend even more time snoozing including koalas, bats, and opossums. Your Sleepy Cat Why do cats sleep so much?...

Aquascaping is a niche in the aquarium world that is essentially underwater landscaping. Using live plants, mosses, wood, rock and other natural products, aquascape designs can be wondrous submerged creations. Fish or shrimp may be incorporated, but the main draw is that the aquascape aquarium mimics the natural landscape seen either above or below the water. It can represent forests, mountains, rivers, or any feature of a natural landscape. Types of Aquascaping There are four main styles or types of aquascaping....

Cats can vomit for a multitude of reasons and what they vomit can be just as varied. Brown vomit, though, can be a sign of a serious illness. Vomiting itself is what is considered to be a nonspecific symptom. It could be associated with an array of health concerns. Some of these can include things like allergic reactions, internal obstructions, pancreatitis, kidney failure, parasitic infections, liver disease, inflammation, poisoning, or nervous system disorders....

All dogs are at risk of developing enteritis — a condition that results from an inflamed small intestine. Enteritis can be caused by ingesting toxins, viral or bacterial infection, and intestinal blockage. The primary symptoms of enteritis are diarrhea and vomiting, and if left untreated can result in life-threatening dehydration. Your vet will diagnose enteritis based on clinical signs and medical history and treat your dog in accordance with what is causing the illness....

Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Similar Pets Purchasing Frequently Asked Questions The Roborovski hamster, known as the Robo hamster for short, is the smallest hamster species in the Phodopus genus. Also referred to as the Robo dwarf hamster, these little rodents are generally quite quick and curious, though they also can be timid. Most are docile creatures and can coexist with other hamsters of their species. Plus, they can learn to be comfortable around people....

If your puppy is scooting across the carpet, ground or grass—sitting down and pulling itself forward while dragging its bottom—you might need to learn how to express its anal glands. Puppy scooting generally means the pooch’s bottom is irritated and/or itchy and that can be caused by many things including tapeworms, diarrhea fleas, or irritated anal glands. Anal Gland Functions Your puppy has two anal glands located beneath the skin within the wall of the anus....

About Housing Diet Light Common Health Problems Painted turtles are named as such because of their ornate shell markings, but they may also be known as Chrysemys picta, the Eastern painted turtle, the Southern painted turtle, the midland painted turtle, or the Western painted turtle. Regardless of what you call them though, painted turtles require special attention paid to their water quality, enclosure temperatures, and the food they are fed in order to provide optimal care to these aquatic turtles....

A fur coat doesn’t make puppies immune to hypothermia, a condition when the pet’s body temperature falls below normal. Puppies normally conserve body heat by seeking shelter, curling up, and fluffing their fur to trap warm air next to the skin. A short-haired puppy, though, doesn’t have much protection; however, shivering generates heat. In cold weather, a puppy’s body diverts blood circulation from the ear tips, toes, and tail to the central part of the body....

Ferrets make a fun pet for anyone looking for a furry companion that’s adorable and social, yet not quite as high maintenance as a dog or a cat. These relatives of otters, weasels, and badgers are playful and clever—keep in mind that their name is derived from furonem, the Latin word for “thief.” That’s one of the reasons why if you do decide to adopt a ferret, you’ll want to invest in the right type of cage....

Cat trees are big (or, sometimes not-so-massive) structures that your cat can use for several purposes: scratching, lounging, and climbing. These are all activities that appeal to your cat’s instincts — that is, cats like to climb and scratch, and a cat tree provides a way for them to do it without leaving fur or claw marks on furniture. To make the cat tree even more appealing, set it up so it has a view (preferably out a window, so your cat can gaze upon the neighborhood birdies)....

Dog collars are more than a style choice, serving a variety of purposes, beginning with keeping your pet safe and close by your side. There are collars that glow in the dark, coordinate with specific leashes, or are personalized to identify your dog—you might find that different situations call for different collars. “I have different collars for my dogs for various activities to cue them about what to expect next,” Melissa “MJ” Viera, founder of MJ’s Pet Training Academy in Acushnet, Massachusetts, told The Spruce Pets....