To ensure the survival of a newborn kitten, ample nutrition must be provided. Sometimes, however, the mother cat grows ill and cannot nurse her young or she alienates a kitten from the litter due to an injury or disability. In these situations, you will need to step in and take on the role of the mother cat. This often requires bottle feeding a newborn kitten until the kitten is strong enough to eat regular cat food....
Just like humans, dogs can get cataracts. In fact, dogs suffer from cataracts more commonly than any other species. Although most cases are found in dogs over the age of five, cataracts can develop at any age. Some dogs are born with cataracts or develop them as puppies. What Are Juvenile Cataracts in Dogs? A cataract is an opacity of the lens in a dog’s or puppy’s eye. The lens is located directly behind the pupil and is normally transparent....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The poochon is a cross between the bichon frise with the toy or miniature poodle. This hybrid mix is sometimes referred to as a bichon poo or a bichpoo. The poochon’s looks and temperament are variable as this is not a standardized breed but a mix of two different breeds....
So you’ve decided to open your home to a shelter cat. Congratulations! You are helping to stem the cat overpopulation problem and have possibly saved the life of this cat. It will be helpful to know what to expect when you bring him home. There will be a number of things to watch for, both physical and behavioral. The cat who seemed affectionate while in a cage may suddenly become shy, withdrawn, or even aggressive....
Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research The white skirt tetra is commonly available in fish stores and is a good fish for a beginner fishkeeper. It is very robust and is easy to breed. This species is also a peaceful addition to a freshwater aquarium community. White skirt tetras can live up to seven years, and they are a visually striking fish....
It’s natural for dogs to bark, whine and howl at times. Dogs vocalize to communicate with humans and to express themselves. Sometimes we want our dogs to bark in order to warn us about potential danger or protect us from harm. Other times, the barking is excessive and seems to have no real meaning. Reasons Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. Dogs don’t bark just because they can (though it might seem that way at times)....
The sound of a snake hissing is unmistakable and usually makes you freeze in your tracks. If your pet snake is hissing, you might wonder why. Humans don’t “speak snake,” but understanding the reasons why your snake hisses can help make it feel safe and comfortable—and protect you from a potential snake bite. All creatures in the animal kingdom communicate, either through sound, body language or both. Similar to a dog’s growl, a snake’s hiss generally means “back off!...
Kicker toys are among the best toys for cats because they engage your cat’s natural predatory instincts to grab, hold, and kick their prey.“Grabbing and kicking start out as a form of play in kittens but serves a purpose when the cat is grown,” explains animal trainer, zookeeper, and “How to Clicker Train Your Cat” author Stephanie Mantilla. “These play behaviors are practicing skills the cat would use as an adult to survive....
History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Caring for Parakeets Health Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Similar Species The budgie, or parakeet, is among the smallest of the parrot species commonly kept as pets. They are also one of the most popular pet birds in the world, due in part to the fact that they are quite affordable. These small parrots are exceedingly friendly and easy to tame....
Embark Breed & Health Kit Extremely in-depth results Includes health screening for 171 health conditions Has information on relatives and lineage, just like a human DNA test Online interface has fun tests and quizzes Most expensive kit on the market After trying out four different dog DNA tests, we came to the conclusion that Embark’s Breed + Health Kit is the best. The test delivers significantly more information, including everything from your dog’s historical lineage to known relatives to the chances of them having spots....
Bringing home a new feline friend is a major decision. Even though cats have earned a reputation for being more independent than their canine counterparts, they still require a great deal of time, effort, and money. So before you head to that local pet store and bring home the first adorable kitten you see (no matter how tempting it is), here are some things potential cat owners should know to avoid the common mistakes often made by new cat owners....
If you enjoy being a cat owner, chances are you’ll want to own more than one cat. There are good reasons for owning more than one. While cats are capable of thriving in isolation, most cats are social creatures that enjoy the company of their own kind. In addition, it can be very difficult for a single cat to do well when left entirely alone, as often happens when their humans go off to work or, more significantly, take an extended vacation....
Has your dog ever started running around like a maniac for no apparent reason? Some dogs get sudden bursts of energy that seem to make them go from zero to sixty in mere seconds. Many people call this “the zoomies” because it often involves the dog zooming all over the place at high speed. What Are Dog Zoomies? The term “zoomies” is used to explain the sudden bursts of energy many dogs seem to get at random....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The whippet is a dog breed quite similar to the greyhound, though smaller in size. They can run as fast as 35 miles per hour, making the whippet the fastest dog breed of its size. This sighthound is also known for its alert, friendly, and playful demeanor. The joyful whippet is a lovely and loyal companion that makes a delightful addition to almost any household....
Although you love your cuddly pooch dearly, the next time she leans in for a kiss, you recoil in horror at the stench emanating from her. Did she roll in something dead? Did she irritate a skunk? Did she get into the litter box again? There’s a variety of causes for doggy odor, and if you can’t remove it with a good bath, it will likely require a visit to your veterinarian to diagnose an underlying medical condition....
All loving dog owners want to keep their dogs safe. The world is full of risks and hazards. Danger lurks around every corner, and it can strike our dogs in the blink of an eye. Alas, this is no reason to become paranoid. However, it is important to learn about major threats to your dog’s safety so you can avoid them in the first place. 01 of 10 Toxins and Your Dog Stephen Chernin/Getty Images Your dog’s world is full of exciting scents, sights, and adventure....
Cats can’t imagine something that’s never happened to them before. Instead, they remember past experiences and believe the same thing will happen again. Because a puppy or kitten’s first car trips aren’t always that pleasant, some pets dread traveling. Instead, help cats associate cars with fun, happy experiences instead of just trips to the vet. The process, called desensitization using classical conditioning, takes patience and time but works whether your kitty acts scared, sick, or hyper....
Dog owners know how important a pup’s birthday or “adoptaversary” is. When that special day rolls around, it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate your four-legged best friend and remind your pet just how thankful you are for its companionship. And, because no birthday celebration is complete without a cake, you can have a dog-friendly birthday cake delivered right to your door for your pooch’s big day. These dog bakeries offer shipping and a variety of options for your pet....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The German wirehaired pointer is a medium-large sporting dog breed from Germany with a wiry, medium-length coat that helps to differentiate it from its cousin, the German shorthaired pointer. The dog was specifically bred for this weather-resistant coat, so it could be used for hunting in harsh terrain and water....
The only way to know for sure whether your cat has a fever is to take its temperature. The whole process should only take a few minutes, provided the cat isn’t resisting you. The normal temperature for most cats is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures may require a visit to the veterinarian, depending on other symptoms. Before You Begin Watch your cat for certain behaviors that can accompany a fever....
