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Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Afghan hound, known for its long, silky coat, is a medium-large and slim breed of dog popular for its show-worthy qualities. Though the breed originated in Afghanistan (where the breed name was Tazi), most of today’s Afghan hounds are thought to have originated in early 20th century Great Britain....

What Are Bug Bites and Stings? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention It’s not uncommon for a dog to be bitten or stung at least once during its lifetime by some type of insect, spider, or another pest. Some are accidental one-time encounters, such as a dog that gulps down a bee and suffers a sting on its muzzle. Others are ongoing infestations, such as dogs with fleas or ticks....

History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming Notable Horses Clydesdale Horse for You How to Adopt or Buy More Horse Breeds If you’ve ever seen a horse-drawn Budweiser parade, you’ve probably marveled at the majestic steeds. These are mighty Clydesdale horses, one of the most recognizable heavy horse breeds. Clydesdales are easy to spot, thanks to their large stature, trademark feathering around their legs, and high-stepping gait....

What Is Giardia? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Is Giardia Contagious to Humans? Is Giardia Contagious to Other Animals? Giardia is a type of protozoan, which is a one-celled organism. There are several species of Giardia, but the type that commonly infects dogs, humans, and other mammals is G. duodenalis. Because Giardia can be spread from animals to humans, it is considered a zoonotic disease. The disease caused by Giardia is called giardiasis, and its most common symptom in dogs is acute diarrhea....

Baby skunks are adorable, that’s for sure. But while they may look similar to fluffy, little, black and white kittens it doesn’t mean that they’ll behave like or are simply striped cats. Wild baby skunks are still wild animals and just because someone brings one into their home doesn’t automatically make it safe, tame, or legal, even if it is an orphan. State Laws on Pet Skunks The first reason why keeping a wild baby skunk as a pet is a bad idea is that it is most likely illegal to do so where you live....

Choosing live plants for your reptile or amphibian enclosure is not as simple as it might seem. It is important to choose plants that will survive in the environmental conditions that the reptile or amphibian requires. Before selecting the plants, it’s important to recognize that your reptile or amphibian may damage, uproot, eat, or otherwise destroy live plants. Suggested Terrarium Plants If you have a herbivore or omnivore, or your pet just likes to sample the plants, you must choose non-toxic plants....

Outdoor cat houses can greatly improve the lives of felines who are used to life in the open air. A great heated cat house can keep barn or outdoor cats safe in frigid conditions. Even absent extreme weather, the right cat house can improve their safety and health, by providing a comfortable place to rest and feel secure. To provide expert advice in our search for the best outdoor cat house, we consulted Vicky Halls, a project manager at International Cat Care who specializes in cat-friendly homing for the renowned group’s Cat Advocacy Team....

It’s easy for new bird owners to become a little bit disoriented when it’s time to shop for their new pet—there are thousands of different bird products on the market! Unfortunately, not all products are as effective as they claim to be, and some, including concrete and sand-covered perches, can even be harmful to your pet’s health and well-being. Many pet shops sell sand and concrete perches and claim that they will help keep your bird’s nails neat and short so that you can avoid having to endure a nail trim while that might sound like a pleasant idea, the rough, scratchy surfaces of those perches can do real damage to your feathered friend’s feet....

Most pet bird species come from areas with warm, tropical climates. Because their bodies are built to endure heat, cold weather can mean big trouble for an exotic bird with no protection. To make sure that winter weather doesn’t put your pet’s health at risk, keep the following tips in mind when preparing for the changing seasons: Move the Cage Away From Doors and Windows Birds that are positioned near doors and windows are at risk of being exposed to icy drafts....

The temperature of your aquarium is an important factor in the comfort and well-being of your fish. Unlike humans and other mammals, fish do not produce their own body heat. They must rely on the temperature of the water to maintain their body temperature. This makes it very important that you keep your aquarium at the proper temperature for your pets. This aquarium heater guide covers everything you need to know about heaters....

Endurance Rides are races over a trail of 50 to 150 miles. Terrain can be varied and challenging. The events are commonly held over one to three days. Horses are checked by qualified veterinarians and judges before, during, and after the ride. Your first endurance ride will likely be a one-day event of about 20 or 25 miles. To win you must maintain a fast pace of over 10 miles an hour, but many people ride just to finish....

Once you’ve researched and chosen your puppy breed, it’s time to research questions to ask dog breeders and be alert for warning signs when you encounter an unethical breeder. Puppies easily wiggle their way into our hearts but it’s important to know what you should expect from your dog breeder. Consider Pedigrees and Registration It may not be important to you to have a registered puppy if you don’t plan to breed or compete in conformation dog shows....

Most bird owners have heard that it’s important to monitor their feathered friend’s droppings for signs of illness. However, it can be difficult to determine exactly what is “normal” when it comes to bird poop. It might seem gross, but analyzing your bird’s droppings for color, texture, and other factors can go a long way in keeping your pet healthy. 01 of 05 Colors Healthy bird droppings can display an array of colors and still be considered “normal....

Pumpkin has become a staple of autumn for people, and better yet, it’s one of a handful of “human” foods that are actually recommended by many veterinarians. And with good reason—it’s a nutritious fruit (not a vegetable, believe it or not) that’s packed with dietary fiber and antioxidants and rich in vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin is also low-calorie and unlikely to lead to obesity or other weight-related issue. In fact, it’s even believed to help dogs lose weight (when offered appropriately)....

History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research A canary is an undemanding little charmer that is usually a beginner’s cana bird. This small finch has the power to turn most people into lifelong canary enthusiasts. It is a pleasant companion bird with a cheerful disposition. It communicates its content with a melodious song that is soft and pleasant....

Whether it is called cribbing, crib biting, aerophagia, or (incorrectly) windsucking, this is a stereotypical behavior in horses that is likely caused by boredom or stress and there is possibly a genetic predisposition, according to a study published in 2014. Cribbing is a compulsive, repetitive behavioral disorder, and like any other harmful addiction, a cribber needs help controlling itself. Once the habit is established there is no sure remedy for breaking it despite what you may read on websites selling herbs and gear....

Vitamin C Vitamin C is of utmost importance to guinea pigs, as they are unable to manufacture their own (much like humans). Without enough vitamin C in their diets, guinea pigs can become very ill with scurvy. The amount of vitamin C required varies somewhat depending on the reference source used, but most guinea pigs probably need about 10–20 mg/day. Pregnant, nursing, young, and ill guinea pigs need more. If you feed a good selection of vegetables high in vitamin C along with a good, fresh guinea pig pellet, you can probably meet the vitamin C needs of the average guinea pig....

When it comes to having a pet, they not only provide us with companionship by making us feel secure, accepted and happy, but also they act as an anchor or stable force that helps one cope with the stresses of everyday life. Their unconditional love gives our mental and physical health a boost, and for this reason there is much to be said about the responses humans have had to pet therapy as an alternative or supplementary treatment to help reduce stress, as well as treat a whole range of medical and emotional ailments....

When police dogs retire, they can typically be adopted by their handlers or other service members. If that’s not an option, they may be adopted out into the general public. Adopting a retired police dog is a good way to give back to an animal that worked to keep your neighborhood or city safe. Though there is no one specific organization dedicated to finding policing dogs homes, there are organizations that work to help former working dogs, including putting them in good homes....

Is is OK to Own a Potbellied Pig? Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Purchasing Similar Pets & Breeds Potbellied pigs are often classified more as livestock than as pets, but they can be charming, intelligent, and affectionate companions. There’s no doubt that, when given the proper care and training, a potbellied pig can make a much-loved addition to a home. However, some people don’t realize the demands of keeping pigs as pets and are overwhelmed by their needs....