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Encrusting coralline algae growth gives many saltwater aquariums a pinkish-red color, and most marine aquarists aim for a good covering of the algae. Although coralline algae comes in many different colors—there are more than 1,600 species—it’s usually thought of as pink, red, purple, or some shade in the same color family. Unlike brown, green hair, and red slime algae, all of which frequently grow in an aquarium whether you like it or not, coralline algae must be physically brought into the aquarium for it to reproduce and populate the various surfaces....

Scientific Name: Agrionemys horsfieldii or Testudo horsfieldii (Recently given its own genus as Agrionemys horsfieldii, but still commonly referred to as Testudo horsfieldii). Common Names: Include Russian tortoise, Afghan tortoise, Afghanistan tortoise, steppe tortoise, central Asian tortoise, four-toed tortoise, and Horsfield’s tortoise. Lifespan: Around 50 years Size: Russian tortoises get anywhere from 4-8 inches long. Feeding: Russian tortoises should be fed grasses, vegetation, and flowers of non-poisonous plants and weeds, and leafy greens....

Dogs will howl for different reasons but howling is usually thought be a form of communication. Howling is a normal vocalization that wild dogs often make but it isn’t exclusive to just coyotes and wolves. All breeds of dogs, even a little Pomeranian or a Chihuahua, have the ability to howl, but certain breeds are more well known for making this sound. Sometimes a howl is done out of fear, due to pain, from disorientation after waking up from anesthesia, or simply to make their presence known....

Broach the subject of using bleach to clean an aquarium, and a heated discussion about safety is sure to follow. Is bleach safe or not? The answer is yes; when used in proper concentrations, bleach is safe for aquarium use. For those who gasp in disbelief at that statement, here’s another fact you should know: bleach is the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control) approved method for sanitizing drinking water following disasters....

Goldendoodles are an adorable mix between the golden retriever and poodle. They are the ultimate combination of good looks, smart wits, and playfulness. The hybrid is known as a “designer breed” because they were bred to have the lovable qualities of both of their parents. Thanks to their poodle heritage, they shed little and are hypoallergenic. Goldendoodles make an ideal family dog due to their extreme friendliness and social personality. They vary in fur types, colors, and size, so there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to find one that suits you....

Kitties have many characteristics that we all know and (mostly) love: They’re cute, they’re cuddly and they’re incredibly judgmental, just like your best girlfriend. But there are also things about cats that only cat owners can truly understand. Some of those things are totally gush-worthy and some of those things are totally disgusting (hello, your cat could be pooping in a box somewhere in your house this very moment). Together, these things make up the joy that is cat ownership....

If you make it a habit to read the ingredient label before purchasing cat food, there are things to look for and things to avoid. To help point the way to the healthier types of quality cat food, experts and advocates say there are three things to avoid. These are chemical preservatives, meat byproducts, and carbohydrate fillers. Raising Awareness Pioneers such as Ann Martin have raised consumer awareness about the ingredients in commercial pet foods, including cat food....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Caucasian shepherd is a giant working dog breed from the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia with a thick, medium-length coat and a big-boned, muscular build. This breed originated to protect property and livestock, and it tends to be quite loyal to its family. It also can be strong-willed and independent....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The Croatian sheepdog is an ancient herding breed that has retained many of its original characteristics, like a stocky build, lively temperament, and calm disposition, to this day. They’re hard-working, healthy, and loyal herding dogs that will thrive best in an active home where they are given a lot of exercise and stimulation....

From eyes that move independently of each other to their color-changing skin, the chameleon is a never-ending source of wonder! Keeping one as a pet, however, takes particular knowledge and very specific living conditions. If you are a novice reptile owner, welcoming a chameleon into your home requires careful research and planning. Don’t let that scare you away, though. If you have the time and commitment, the rewards of caring for one of these incredible reptiles make the extra effort worth it....

What Is EPM? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a devastating neurological disease that can leave horses severely disabled and may result in death. It is caused by infection of the horse’s central nervous system with a protozoan, which is a single-celled organism. The most common protozoan to cause EPM is Sarcocystis neurona. Less commonly, it can be caused by infection with Neospora hughesi....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Giant Schnauzer Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The stunning giant schnauzer is a large dog breed that has similar traits to the smaller standard and diminutive miniature schnauzer. This breed turns heads with its regal and stunning body, which has an air of authority afforded by its large size. While considered a large breed canine, it should be noted the supersized schnauzer doesn’t belong to the group of giant breeds (including the Newfoundland, Great Dane, mastiff, and more)....

Age and Dog Size Birth to Six Months Six Months to Three Years Three to Six Years Senior Dogs Geriatric Dogs Saying one dog year equals seven human years is a very simplified way of comparing the age of a dog to that of a human. This outdated but popular calculation has been around since the mid-20th century. But unfortunately, converting dog years to human years isn’t that simple. This seven-human-years-to-one-year-of-age calculation is good, however, at helping people understand that dogs age at a much more rapid rate than humans do....

It is not uncommon for cats to hunt insects, and even sometimes eat them. Many common insects are harmless to cats, but some can be poisonous or cause injury. Even non-poisonous bugs can cause vomiting ​or other gastrointestinal issues if too many are consumed. In many cases, the pesticides used to control insect problems are more harmful than the insect itself. As a loving cat owner, take the time to educate yourself about the risks of different insects....

Piroxicam is a drug used in dogs for the treatment of certain cancers. It may sometimes be used to treat pain and inflammation due to arthritis, but this is less common. Piroxicam may also be referred to by its trade name, Feldene. What Does Piroxicam Do? Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, also known as an NSAID. It is in the oxicam class of NSAIDs and is a nonselective COX inhibitor, meaning it inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2....

We love treating our cats and dogs year-round, but the holiday season offers a slew of festive advent calendars that turns everyday pet treats into special occasions. Happy Petsmas to all! Inspired by the traditional advent calendar form—which counts the days leading up to Christmas on December 25—pet versions are limited-release bundles with one hidden, pet-friendly object or snack for each day of the traditional advent season, which typically begins on December 1....

What Is a Bee Sting? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Bee stings hurt, but dogs rarely seem to see them coming. Dogs love to sniff around and inspect things with their noses, so it’s not uncommon for them to find insects that bite or sting, like bees. When a bee stings a dog—usually on the face or paw—the immediate sensation is sharp, burning pain. In some dogs, an allergic reaction may follow that involves life-threatening swelling, airway constriction, and seizures....

History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research Cockatoos are lively, affectionate birds that become an owner’s best friend—they’re even capable of mimicking your words if you’re around them long enough. There are 21 species of cockatoos in the world, with the most common species in captivity including the Moluccan, Goffin’s, umbrella, sulfur-crested (greater and lesser), and bare-eyed cockatoos....

The concept of the Carbon Tube Filtration System is really quite simple. The Tri Base Pelletized Carbon (TBPC) is put into a PVC tube through which a high volume of tank water is pumped after it has been mechanically filtered. Right Now Bacteria (RN) is an aerobic bacterial compound, which means it “lives by oxygen supply”. When picking your mechanical filter and pump, you want water flow through the carbon tubes that will turn over the tank water at a rate of six to 10 times per hour....

You don’t need that many supplies to start training a dog. However, there are some tools that can make your job much easier. Certain dog training tools will make training a better experience for you and your dog. Some will help you learn about dog training and enhance your dog training program. 01 of 10 Dog Treats Dog treats are essential for anyone who uses positive reinforcement methods of dog training, such as clicker training....