Does your dog have a fear of objects? Does he run to hide under your bed when you pull out the vacuum cleaner? Does he bark frantically at step ladders? If so, there’s a good chance that your dog may be reacting out of fear. Causes of a Fear of Objects Dogs can develop a phobia or fear for a variety of reasons. In many cases, it’s just that the dog gets frightened of something unfamiliar....
While it’s true that some birds are able to “talk,” they aren’t able to tell their owners if they are sick or in pain. Birds are notoriously good at hiding signs of illness or injury because any signs of weakness can mean trouble in the wild if predators take note. Look for subtle hints to help clue you in if your bird is experiencing physical discomfort. These common signs mean that your bird is in pain or sick; contact your avian veterinarian as soon as possible if you note any of these behaviors....
Chameleons are captivating creatures that can change color, move their eyes independently of each other, and catch prey with their long, sticky tongues. It is no wonder that so many are keen to keep these exotic reptiles as pets. If you are considering offering a home to a chameleon, keep in mind that these reptiles have unique habitat and feeding requirements that make them more difficult to care for than some other small or exotic pets....
It sounds a little odd to feed eggs to parrots. After all, parrots are birds and they lay eggs to procreate, but it really isn’t at all unusual for birds in the wild to eat other species’ eggs. Eggs are a completely natural food and are good for your birds—they have no carbohydrates and no sugar—but, as with anything, moderation is key to a healthy flock. Wild Animals and Eggs Eggs are really nutritious and animals of all kinds will steal eggs if they can find them....
Aiptasia sea anemones can overpopulate your reef tank after they sprout out of living rock. Simply pulling them out only leads to a population explosion as each piece can grow into another anemone. The solutions to remove them include chemical methods, introducing predators, and osmotic shock. Learn the pros and cons of each of these solutions. What is an aiptasia sea anemone? Aiptasia sea anemones—also known as glass anemones or tube anemones—are an opportunistic species that often make their way into saltwater aquariums on reef rock or coral....
Rabbits constantly groom themselves, and just like cats, can create hairballs or trichobezoars (the medical term for a hairball). These hairballs can get lodged inside your rabbit’s stomach and intestinal tract and potentially cause an obstruction. Since rabbits cannot vomit like cats can, these hairballs usually get stuck and cause ileus. How Can You Prevent Your Rabbit From Getting a Hairball? Hairballs in rabbits are a potentially serious problem, and prevention is definitely easier than treating them once they have developed....
Does your cat constantly wake you up at night by playing on the bed, lobbying to be fed, or soliciting cuddle time when all you want to do is sleep? Your cat is most likely seeking attention, leading to a disturbance in your sleep cycle. Your good night’s sleep is extremely important to your health and shouldn’t be interrupted by your kitty. There’s no need to suffer from cat-related sleep deprivation, though....
Some of the most frequent questions asked by prospective cat owners have to do with the size of their homes. There are no quick and easy answers. However, it is safe to say that almost any cat breed can be very happy and comfortable in a small studio apartment. It can also be miserable and lonely in a 5,000 square foot home, if it’s ignored by its human companion. Here are the issues to consider:...
You’ve probably heard of a muskie, a mackerel, and a monkfish, but what about a mustache Zamora, or do you know the scientific names for any of these? Knowing both the common and scientific names for fish helps when researching and talking about specific species. It never hurts when you’re trying to sound like an expert, as common names for a fish species may vary, but the scientific name is consistent around the world....
History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming Notable Horses Paso Fino for You How to Adopt or Buy More Horse Breeds The Paso Fino is known for its brilliant presence, smooth-riding gait, and beautiful appearance. These horses are popular in the show ring, but they’re surefooted and great choices for trail and endurance riding, too. This versatile breed is often a favorite of riders with back pain or other injuries, and with its comfortable gaits, you can ride all day....
Many birds of prey regularly hunt small animals, and they won’t distinguish between a wild creature and a beloved pet. But do hawks eat cats and dogs? Many pet owners fear for their pets when raptors are in the area, but there are easy steps every pet owner can take to protect their animals from becoming prey. Pets at Risk From Raptors The pets most at risk from hungry birds of prey are small animals that spend time outdoors unsupervised....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Saluki Overview Further Research The Saluki is one of the world’s oldest breeds, a medium-sized dog that is known for its slim, yet muscular, rugged frame built for speed and endurance, and its long tail and ears that are typically feathered. For thousands of years, this breed served as the hunting hound of kings—and today these dogs remain fast, agile sprinters who love a good chase or romp outdoors, while at the same time making gentle and loyal pets with warm, faithful eyes, and undying devotion to their families....
Most dogs love toys. They shake, catch, roll, chew, and cuddle with them. Toys also stimulate a dog’s brain, keep them from getting bored, help burn energy, and comfort them when they’re nervous. “What you really, really want is to tap into what your dog was bred to do,” says Ali Smith, professional dog trainer of the U.K.-based Rebarkable. “For example, if your dog was bred to keep the barn rat free?...
Your dog’s ears are an essential part of their hygiene and health, but ear cleaning solutions are often overlooked. A great solution will help to flush out wax and also eliminate bacteria that could lead to clogs or ear infections. Ear cleaning solutions come in a variety of forms, including liquid cleaners, wipes, and powders. The best solutions are backed by veterinary research, clean effectively, and include ingredients that are beneficial to your dog’s skin, in addition to having antibacterial and antifungal properties....
Similar to your own diet, a cockatiel thrives most when fed a variety of nutritious foods, including whole beans, vegetables, fruits, and grains. While many people assume seeds are an appropriate dietary staple for birds, their high fat makes them inappropriate for anything other than occasional snacks. The best bird food for most cockatiels is the RoudyBush Daily Maintenance Bird Food, which is a nutritionally complete and solid base for your bird’s diet....
Similar to the old idiom of what goes up must come down, what goes in must come out. Perks of owning a cat can revolve around their independence and compulsion to be clean and live in a clean environment, however, even the cleanest cats need to use the facilities. Ask any cat owner and they will undoubtedly tell you that their least favorite chore related to caring for their feline is cleaning the litter box....
Asia has produced some incredibly unique cat breeds over several centuries, from the beautiful Siamese breed to glamourous Persian cats. These felines come from all over the continent, from Japan and China to Myanmar and Singapore, and fun fact: some of these kitties were once considered royalty. Others have had long and fascinating histories spanning centuries. Breed Characteristics About half of the Asian cat breeds come from similar origins. Siamese, Persians, and Angoras are among the oldest breeds and are the foundational stock for several Asian-based cats....
A blue dog is not truly blue, but more of a silvery-gray or icy color. Blue-coated dogs have noses that appear to have a bluish shine to them, and many have blue eyes that emphasize their blue coat sheen. The blue color can vary from light, pale blue, or a deeper, steely shade of blue. Blue dogs come in all sizes. Some breeds are known for their blue coat, while others carry the blue coat gene outside the breed standard....
Make the most of your naming opportunity and pick a funny cat name for your feline friend. With a lively personality, hilarious antics, and mischievous behavior, it’s no wonder that funny cat names are a top-trending option for naming your pet. Choose from one of these top funny cat names, or use this list as a starting point to come up with your own unique and hilarious name for your cat....
Pet parents can be pretty extra when it comes to their cats’ birthdays and adoption anniversaries. Not only do cats show unconditional love and affection (eh, sometimes), but according to science, they give owners the gift of better heart health. So it’s time to show some appreciation. Throw your cat a party with floating balloons for entertainment. Sit back and watch your favorite furry family member go bonkers catching and popping all the balloons....
