A girth is a very important addition to your saddle. Without it, your saddle is of little use. A girth is a broad strap of material like webbing, leather, or cotton that goes around the horse to secure the saddle onto the horse’s back. It attaches by buckles to the billet straps of an English saddle, goes under the barrel of the horse just behind the elbows, to another set of buckles on the opposite side of the horse....
It’s a misconception that live rock (LR) itself is alive. What makes it “live” are the many forms of micro- and macroscopic marine life that live on and inside of it. The rock itself is only made up of the calcium carbonate skeletons of long-dead corals or other calcareous organisms. Types of Live Rock There are different types of live rock. In J. Charles Delbeek’s article “Your First Reef Aquarium,” published in Aquarium USA in 1994, the Live Rock section refers to “reef rock” basically as pieces of coral or coral rock from outside the reef....
What Is Anal Gland Infection? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Anal gland infections are common, but uncomfortable conditions in dogs. While the exact purpose for these glands is unknown, it is thought that wild dogs used them for territory marking and protection, similar to skunks. When these scent-producing anal glands become infected, you’ll need to take quick action to avoid serious consequences. What Is Anal Gland Infection? Anal gland infection is a condition that causes painful swelling and foul-smelling discharge from sacs near a dog’s rear end....
Heater guards are something many aquarium owners have never heard of – at least not unless they have a heater accident. So what is a heater guard, and do you need one? The answer depends on your tank and the species of fish you keep. To better understand, let’s start with what a heater guard does. What a Heater Guard Does A heater guard serves two purposes. The first is to prevent the heater from being cracked or broken, either by boisterous fish or by tank décor falling against the heater....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Diet and Nutrition Health Problems Where to Adopt or Buy Blue Lacy Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Blue Lacy is a medium-sized working dog breed hailing from Texas. It’s known for its typical blue-toned coat, smooth, sleek appearance, and intense bright yellow or rich brown eyes. The Lacy is a bold, intelligent, and active breed that was originally developed to work feral hogs....
Called bunting, cats rub their heads against prominent objects to leave chemical markings as a part of scent communication. Depending on the object of the cat’s communication, they may be claiming ownership or indicating pleasure. Cats’ Pheromone Glands Cats have several different pheromone producing glands all over the body. They are located between the toes, beneath the chin, the corners of the mouth, the temples, along the length of the tail, and the ears....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the largest and most popular toy dog breeds, often called the perfect lap dog. The affectionate, active, and family-friendly dog is known for its silky, wavy coat; short legs; floppy ears; and distinctive feathered features. Although only officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995, they have a long, noble, and royal lineage....
Cat litter is an essential supply for all indoor cats. It is used instinctively by a cat to bury its urine and feces, but some owners have preferences for what type of litter they’d like their cats to use. Historically, clay cat litter was the only option for absorbing urine and allowing a cat to practice the natural behavior of burying its waste matter, but, now, many different options are available....
Sugar gliders have grown in popularity over the years and therefore we know more than ever about these adorable little marsupials. Petaurus breviceps is the Latin name for a sugar glider which means “short-headed rope-dancer.” Lifespan Sugar gliders live about 12 to 15 years in captivity so they are long-term pets. Size The sugar glider’s body is about five to six inches long and the tail adds another six inches (which acts as a rudder while they glide)....
GermGuardian Elite 3-in-1 Pet Pure True HEPA Air Purifier HEPA filter setting UV sanitizer option Plug-and-play design Larger profile Blue light emits distracting glow at night The GermGuardian Elite 3-in-1 Pet Pure True HEPA Air Purifier’s stellar performance more than justifies its mid-range price. Setup Process Performance Design Maintenance Noise level Price Competition Final Verdict Specs We purchased the GermGuardian Elite 3-in-1 Pet Pure True HEPA Air Purifier so our reviewer could put it to the test in her home....
Protein skimmers are often a good choice for keeping your saltwater aquarium clean. Besides primary biological filtration, foam fractionating (better known as protein skimming) is the most important aspect of any healthy marine system. Although there are systems that claim to be “skimmer-free,” for most of us, dissolved organic compounds (DOC), phenol oils, and other yellowing agents are a nuisance. Only active protein skimming can eliminate the need for these....
Kittens are curious little tykes and love to explore nooks and crannies. If you’re a new kitten owner (or are about to become one), you’ll need to kitten-proof your home and keep a close eye on your new pet as it learns how to navigate safely. It’s also important to keep your favorite things safe from your kitten! Why Kitten-Proof? Kittens are tiny animals with a terrific curiosity, a great sense of smell, and a surprising ability to leap, crawl, and use their claws....
Would you like to know how to massage a puppy? It’s more than simple petting. Performance horses have long benefited from physical therapy that helps them recover from injuries or surgical procedures, but dog massage took longer to become a reality. Today, many veterinary surgical centers include physical therapists on staff. You can become part of the therapy, too, and your puppy doesn’t have to suffer an injury to benefit from massage....
Question: “Why does my cat attack her tail?” Marlene, Jessica, and Dustin live with their two-year-old cat, Monkey, who they adopted at a month of age when found in a bush in their driveway. Monkey was born to a feral neighborhood cat. She gets along great with the dogs Diesel and Pangea, is okay with Kali, a one-year-old sister cat, and is adjusting to the new 10-week-old kitten. Monkey attacks her own tail....
What Is Lily Toxicity? Symptoms Cause Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis for Cats With Lily Toxicity Prevention Safer Flowers Lilies are sometimes grown in the garden or as houseplants, but the most common presentation is in floral arrangements, especially around Easter and Mother’s Day. If you have cats and you love lilies, be careful, because they are extremely poisonous to cats. The entire plant is toxic to cats, thus just one bite can make your cat very sick, and if they are not treated within a reasonable amount of time, death may occur....
If you have more than one cat living under your roof, you may be familiar with catfights. But how do you know if it’s play aggression between cats, when to worry, and what to do about the fighting? When cats are fighting frequently, it can be frustrating for pet owners and potentially dangerous to cats, sometimes even drawing blood. It’s not a good idea to allow cats to “fight it out” because this rarely settles conflicts and usually makes matters worse....
What Is Saprolegnia? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Saprolegnia (also known as water mold or cotton mold) poses a serious threat to fish in freshwater aquariums. These aquatic fungal species create fuzzy patches on a fish’s skin or gills that resemble tufts of cotton. Healthy fish are often able to ward off infection, but Saprolegnia will readily take advantage of sick or injured fish, promoting secondary diseases. Untreated, Saprolegnia infections can be deadly....
Cat treats can serve several purposes, including bonding, dental health, to hide pills in, for training, or to help your cat relax. Some treats have ingredients that aren’t well-tolerated in all cats, and other treats are considered hypoallergenic and don’t contain common allergens. It’s particularly important to be aware of the number of calories in treats and the intended life stage, so you can provide appropriate nutrition. Our favorite cat treat for most cats is Greenies Feline SmartBites Healthy Skin and Fur treats, which are low-calorie, full of beneficial ingredients, and beloved by most cats....
History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming Notable Horses Thoroughbred Horse for You How to Adopt or Buy More Horse Breeds Most people are familiar with the thoroughbred horse due to horse racing. But thoroughbreds are multipurpose horses, and many former racehorses find second careers as riding or driving horses. Thoroughbreds are classified as “hot-blooded” horses, or horses that tend to be spirited, bold, intelligent, and athletic....
Ovariohysterectomy, also known as a “spay”, is the surgical removal of a female cat’s ovaries and uterus. Young female cats that are not spayed will go into heat, and their chances of becoming pregnant are very high if exposed to intact (unneutered) males. A female can go into heat as early as four months of age. Every cat is affected differently. The traditional age to spay a cat has been around six months of age, however, research in the past 20 years reveals there may be advantages to spaying before the first heat cycle....
