Posts

Talking birds have an incredible ability to repeat human speech which makes them truly unique among other types of companion pets. You are likely to find, though, that the birds’ talents for mimicry still pales in comparison to the fact that they are charming, engaging, and truly remarkable which is why they have been so popular for generations. Here are eight of the most popular talking bird species so that you can appreciate more about what each impressive pet has to offer....

To better evaluate whether or not it is necessary to use a quarantine tank (QT), first, you need to know what one is and what its uses. This is a tank that is set up independently from an established or main saltwater aquarium, and as the word implies, it is used to “quarantine” any new fish an aquarist has acquired, before introducing them into the main aquarium. The number one reason for quarantining new arrivals for a two to three week period in a QT is to help to prevent the spread of any potential disease a fish may be carrying....

What Are Ear Infections? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Ear infections in dogs can cause severe itching and pain, and they require veterinary treatment. Symptoms are usually noticeable early in an infection, including ear redness, and dogs with itchy or painful ears will often shake their heads or scratch their ears. Infections may arise from bacterial or fungal overgrowth due to several precipitating factors, and identifying the cause is necessary for effective treatment....

When building or renovating a barn for horses, what they will be standing on is a very important consideration. Horses that are kept inside need to stand still on whatever is on their stall floor for long periods of time, which can be hard on their legs. For this reason, from a leg health perspective, flooring needs to be chosen carefully. Maintenance is another factor. The upkeep of some types of flooring is easier than others....

When you first bring home your goldfish, how long can you expect them to live? Is a 6-or-7-year-old goldfish dying from old age? Absolutely not. For most comet goldfish, you can expect at least 20 years, with the world record goldfish living for 42 years! Most of the time, as they get larger, goldfish start to get too large for a small aquarium, resulting in poor water quality and stress. This frequently results in secondary illness due to decreased immune function from chronic stress....

Diet Vet Care Similar Pets Specific Substrate Needs Purchasing Breed Callout Block Upkeep Costs Pros and Cons of Keeping an African Fat-Tailed Gecko as a Pet Similar Geckos to the African Fat-Tailed Gecko Purchasing or Adopting Your African Fat-Tailed Gecko Reproduction/Breeding Frequently Asked Questions African fat-tailed geckos are often confused with leopard geckos, but they are actually a different type of gecko. African fat-tailed geckos are almost as popular as leopard geckos due to their increased availability and ease of care....

No one wants their cat to get sick but some illnesses can be easily managed with proper treatment. Hyperthyroidism is one such disease and is fairly common in older cats. By knowing the common symptoms of this disease, you can get your cat the veterinary attention that is needed to treat and manage it before other serious problems develop. What Is Hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism, the opposite of hypothyroidism, is also known as thyrotoxicosis and occurs when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces extra hormones....

Giving your fish a “bath”—or “dip”—may seem counterintuitive, but by switching up salinities on your fish, you can provide a therapeutic benefit. Your veterinarian may prescribe a bath treatment to help your fish through quarantine or to treat a pesky parasite. Please ensure your fish is actually in medical need of a freshwater bath prior to sticking them in just to “see what will happen.” Your aquatic veterinarian will be able to diagnose your fish’s ailment and determine if a bath is necessary in addition to giving specific instructions....

Choosing cat food isn’t always a straightforward process. It’s an owner’s responsibility to provide for a cat’s nourishment requirements, which can change over time. “Cats are what we call obligate carnivores, meaning they must have protein as the majority of their diet,” Dr. Lewis Singleton, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in South New Jersey, explains. “Cats are not able to naturally make certain amino acids and vitamins such as taurine, arginine, vitamin A, vitamin D3, and other B vitamins, and therefore they must be included in their diet....

Trixie Baza Grande Cat Tree with Hammock Soft and cozy Good for small spaces Light enough to move around Aggressive play can (and did, in our case) topple it Fur cover isn’t removable for washing If you want to give your cat some space, but not all of your space, Trixie’s Baza Cat Hammock fits a lot of function into a cute, furry little package. Setup Process Design Entertainment Value Size Price Competition Final Verdict Specs We purchased the Trixie Baza Cat Hammock so our expert reviewer and her three cats could put it to the test....

Unfortunately, interpreting pet food labels has become more and more difficult in recent years. There is also a huge amount of misinformation about pet food, both online and in public opinion. One topic that is often discussed is that of “byproducts” in pet food. There is a persistent myth amongst cat owners that animal byproducts are unhealthy ingredients in cat food. Many have been told that they are of low nutritional value or are fillers....

When it comes to dog obedience, it’s not just about how smart the dog is. Some breeds can be incredibly intelligent, but they also might be free thinkers known for being stubborn. And that can make obedience hit or miss. The dog breeds that tend to excel at obedience have a good balance of intelligence, eagerness to please, and enthusiasm for learning. Although it can vary on the individual dog level, many of these dogs are highly motivated by positive reinforcement, such as treats....

Possible Whereabouts Good Strategies Importance of ID Use Caution With Rewards Involve Your Neighbors Keep Your Cat Indoors If you’re the owner of an indoor-outdoor cat, you may be faced with a situation in which your kitty is suddenly missing. Even indoor-only cats may slip out the door unexpectedly. However, chances are your cat did not go too far. Cats are very territorial (even neutered ones), so search nearby areas closely for any convenient hiding spots....

Building a fresh or saltwater do-it-yourself (DIY) aquarium can be fun as well as challenging. Use this materials list, pre-assembly instructions, and complete step-by-step instructions to construct a 55-gallon glass aquarium with 1/4 inch glass. This aquarium is constructed with the two end pieces of glass fit inside of the back and front panes, and the front, back, and two side panels set on top of the bottom base pane of glass....

Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Similar Pets Purchasing Frequently Asked Questions Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are small, round-bodied hamsters with distinctly small ears and grayish-brown fur that has a dark stripe running down the back. They make fairly low-maintenance and affectionate pets, though they do need socializing or might be prone to nipping. They are also one of the fastest hamsters, sometimes making it difficult to keep hold of them....

You may have heard about the dangers of xylitol for dogs. Xylitol is used in a variety of human products, but it is very poisonous to dogs. By understanding xylitol and the products that contain it, you can take steps to keep your dog safe. What Is Xylitol? Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in many plants. It is found in trace amounts in certain fruits and vegetables. Commercial xylitol is often produced from birch wood or corncobs....

What Is Kennel Cough? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Kennel cough is a common problem that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. The classic coughing that gives kennel cough its name may not seem like a big deal, but if this upper airway infection is ignored, it can lead to bigger problems. Knowing the other symptoms of kennel cough, how this viral or bacterial illness is treated, and what you can do to prevent your dog from getting it is beneficial for any dog owner to understand....

History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming Notable Horses Percheron Horse for You How to Adopt or Buy More Horse Breeds The Percheron is among the gentle giants of the horse world. Once a war horse and then a powerful draft horse, today’s Percheron is equally comfortable under saddle and in harness. Percherons are competitive on the horse-pull circuit, in which teams of horses are matched against increasing weights....

Chasing a ball becomes a stiff walk; jumping up to your bed no longer happens, and getting up from the floor brings on a groan. Dogs are living longer with advanced veterinary medicine and excellent nutrition, but as they age, things that were once easy now become an effort. And with their increased longevity comes the increased chance that they’ll suffer from arthritis. What Is Arthritis? Arthritis (more specifically, osteoarthritis) is a disease that can affect any joint, causing pain and discomfort....

Dog behavior problems are often misunderstood or mishandled by dog owners. Perhaps you are new to dog ownership, considering getting a dog, or just wish to help your dog with a challenging issue. Thoroughly understanding the most common dog behavior problems is the first step to solving and preventing them. A solid foundation of obedience training will help you prevent or better control many of these issues. 01 of 10 Barking The Spruce / Charlotte Engelsen Most dogs vocalize in one way or another....