Plants like poison ivy, oak, and sumac can lead to much frustration for those exposed to them. The oil of these plants causes an allergic reaction that leads to an itchy rash on the skin it touches. What happens if your pet is exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac? Dogs and cats do not usually experience reactions to poison ivy, oak, and sumac. However, pets can spread the oil to humans....
GoPets Dematting Comb Professional quality Comfortable grip Works on tangle-prone breeds Doubles as a deshedding tool Built for pet’s comfort Works for dogs and cats Still a tedious combing process Takes a little getting used to Pricier than competitors If your dog is prone to tangles or mats—or needs some help with over-shedding—this all-in-one comb is the perfect place to start. Frequently Asked Questions Competition Final Verdict Specs We purchased the GoPets Dematting Comb so our writer could put it to the test....
An all-seed diet is poorly balanced and unhealthy for most types of pet birds, especially parrot species. They will often pick out what they want and not eat the rest. Formulated diets are increasingly available and are now being designed for specific species. Ideally, this should make up part (but not all) of the diet for most pet birds. Technically, the term “formulated diets” is more accurate than the term “pellets,” since these diets are available in many forms, including pellets, crumbles, nuggets, and more....
A hamster might be a small animal, but choosing a healthy pet is important, no matter what the size. Before bringing a hamster home, examine the animal’s body and get to know its personality to ensure it’s the right pet for you. Look at the hamster’s surroundings at the pet store, too; the cage should be clean, offer easy access to fresh food and water, and not be overcrowded with other animals....
Adding a new kitten to the family is always exciting. Sometimes it is a pre-planned and highly anticipated event, sometimes it is a spontaneous adoption or rescue. Either way, along with shopping for all of the new necessities like food, dishes, and litter boxes, be sure to make time for that first veterinary visit and the subsequent checkups. The first vet visit can reveal underlying issues that can affect you, your family, and other pets....
Neuter is the term used to describe the surgical removal of a dog’s reproductive organs, and castration is the term used for removal of testicles. Typically, in the U.S., many people refer to castration as neutering. The typical age for neutering a dog is between six and nine months. Neutering has several benefits, including health and behavioral. But some concerns still exist amongst pet owners about whether neutering is the best option for their dog....
It can be nearly impossible to tell the difference between a male and a female leopard gecko unless you know what to look for. If you purchased your leopard gecko directly from a breeder, then they may have already told you what sex your gecko is. Male and female leopard geckos incubate at different temperatures while in their eggs, but if you don’t know the incubation temperature of your gecko, you’ll have to look in the right place to know what sex they are....
The term “domestic” describes any bird that has been bred within the country it resides in. In the United States, domestic birds are birds that are bred and hatched on US soil. They normally have a closed band around their leg to show that they have been domestically bred. Although Cockatoos come from Australia, the ones kept as pets in the US are domestic. Domestic Bird The term “Domestic Bird” simply means that it was neither wild caught nor bred in another country and imported....
What Is Mastitis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Prognosis Cats have four sets of mammary glands, also called breasts or teats. Occasionally, a female cat can develop a very painful infection in one or more of her teats. This is called mastitis, and it is most often seen in female cats that are nursing kittens. You’ll usually notice a reddened, swollen teat, and your cat might be lethargic. But sometimes the only sign of mastitis is that the kittens are not growing as quickly as expected....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The Mudi is a medium-sized herding breed from Hungary with a wavy coat, pointed ears, and coat colors that can include a unique merle pattern. As a working breed, Mudis are agile and intelligent dogs that can serve as versatile farm dogs and loyal protectors of their families. These alert, powerful canines are courageous enough to herd the most stubborn livestock while standing guard over their homes without an overly aggressive nature....
If your horse rears, you’re in danger of being unseated, fallen on, or struck, and the horse may lose its balance, falling and injuring itself. A horse that rears while hitched to a carriage can fall on the driver and passengers, cause injury to itself, and destroy equipment and objects around it. Once a horse learns this behavior as a way to avoid work or express frustration, it’s difficult to stop....
Swordtails are one of the best known beginner, community fish species, getting along with a wide variety of other fish and many different environments. They have been bred for many generations, creating many varieties within the species. Being live bearer fish, swordtails reproduce very quickly, but can be easily identified as males or females by their distinctive “sword” on the tail (caudal fin) of the males. Species Overview Common Name: Swordtail Origin and Distribution Swordtail fish have been a vibrant component of the aquarium hobbyists community for many years....
When you think of a bulldog, you probably picture the original bulldog: the short, stocky, flat-faced breed that many people call the English bulldog. Although the bulldog is the most popular bulldog type breed, several other breeds fall into the bulldog family. Most bulldog breeds are wonderful for families, including families with kids. However, it’s important to teach children how to safely and respectfully interacted with any dog. That means no pulling on ears or tails, no attempts to ride the dog, and giving the dog personal space when it needs it....
Whether you prefer the literary classics or super modern, sci-fi reads, you can find endless dog-naming inspiration right on your bookshelf. Not only are some of the world’s most beloved books jam-packed with adorable dog names, but a literary name will make your dog seem like a total intellectual, too. Just don’t be surprised if you catch him or her reading up on quantum physics. The Most Popular Literary Dog Names The best part about naming your dog after a literary figure?...
It’s all-too-tempting to recreate that Lady and the Tramp scene with your pup, sharing a plate of pasta and almost smooching their adorable nose. It undoubtedly makes for a cute photo, but is pasta actually safe for them to eat? It turns out, the answer isn’t crystal clear. While some veterinarians say it’s perfectly fine for your dog to eat a moderate amount of pasta, others disagree. The amount of pasta given to a dog and the pasta’s ingredients play a large role....
Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research The dwarf Egyptian mouthbrooder is a hardy little African cichlid that is very suitable for a beginner’s freshwater aquarium. It is easy to keep and breed, and the mating practices of this fish make for an interesting story for those studying unique animal rituals. Characteristics Species Overview Common Name: Dwarf Victoria mouthbrooder Origin and Distribution The Egyptian mouthbrooder is native to north and east Africa and is widespread in that area....
Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Similar Pets Purchasing Frequently Asked Questions Pet mice are entertaining to watch, are easy to care for, and make very few demands on their owners. They are a bit skittish and harder to handle than some larger rodents, such as rats, but they can learn to be comfortable with handling, especially if tamed from a young age. Pet mice come in a wide array of colors with fairly short fur....
When it comes time for you to groom your ferret, you may need to search wide and low for a specialty pet groomer. If you cannot find one or you want to save some money, learn how to do it yourself. Grooming includes bathing, drying, nail trimming, coat brushing, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. How Often Should You Bathe Your Ferret? Bathing ferrets is a somewhat controversial topic. People who are more sensitive to the natural musky scent of a ferret may be tempted or advised to bathe their ferret often, but this often backfires....
When you lunge a horse, it moves around you in a circle on the end of a lunge line. Lunging is a useful exercise for both horse and handler. It is a way to let your horse safely burn off extra energy without you riding it and can help when teaching horse obedience. When done correctly, lunging can help a horse learn to be more flexible and balanced, as well as increase fitness if the horse has not been working....
Meningitis affects the covering of the spinal cord and/or brain in a dog. This disease may be uncommon, but for dogs that have the disease, serious symptoms will occur. It’s helpful for dog owners to be aware of this disease and aware of what breeds of dogs are at risk for developing it. What Is Meningitis in Dogs? Meninges are the outer membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain. When these membranes become inflamed, a dog is diagnosed with meningitis....
