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Even with a new filter, aquariums still need regular maintenance, such as rinsing your filter media with waste tank water to preserve your aquarium’s internal ecosystem, including the beneficial bacteria contributing to the nitrogen cycle. But the right filter can help establish a baseline for your tank’s living inhabitants, maintaining clear water and enhancing aeration. The Fluval U2 Underwater Filter is the best internal aquarium filter for most aquarium owners, with an adjustable water flow, high build quality, and quiet operation....

There can be a number of reasons why a puppy may itch or scratch at itself. Puppies can simply get an itch as people do but if there is regular scratching going on a puppy may need a little help. Knowing what to look for if your puppy is always itchy will help you help your puppy to permanently scratch that itch. Reasons Why a Puppy Is Itchy When there is some sort of irritation to the skin the urge to itch or scratch soon follows....

Most dog owners recognize the importance of keeping their dog mentally and physically enriched. Not only is it better for the dog’s general well being, but it can also help reduce the chances of problem behaviors arising as a result of boredom or frustration. There are a whole host of puzzle toys available to let your dog try but, often, owners can overlook one of the most simple natural and enriching behaviors - sniffing....

Fleas are not just a hassle for you and your pets. Flea bites can lead to skin problems and other health issues in pets and humans. Once you find yourself with a flea infestation, it is difficult to eliminate the pests from your home. This is mainly due to the flea’s life cycle. Fleas can remain dormant in the pupae stage and are resistant to flea control methods until they emerge into adult fleas....

There are so many different brands, types, and flavors of dog food on the market that picking one can be overwhelming. Feeding your pup a healthy, nutritious food doesn’t stop once you make an educated decision on what to feed, though. Knowing how to properly store your dog’s food to prevent spoilage, being aware of the signs of contamination, and understanding the difference between a “best by” date and expiration date are all important aspects when it comes to your pet’s nutrition....

Coffee and dogs are two tenets of our lives, so pairing them together on Super Bowl Sunday with Grounds and Hounds Coffee Company seems like a no-brainer. The coffee and apparel company launched its Puppy Bowl collection ahead of the annual battle for the Lombarky Trophy on Feb. 12. It features a special blend of coffee, a helmet toy, and a Puppy Bowl bundle—all with 20% of Grounds and Hounds’ profits benefiting animal welfare programs....

Do you have a stressful life, high blood pressure, insomnia? Keeping an aquarium may be good therapy for you. Studies going back as far as the late 1980s have shown that gazing at aquarium fish reduces stress and subsequently lowers blood pressure. Fish Make a Difference Researchers have compared the effects of hypnosis versus an aquarium, fishless vs. fish-filled aquariums, and no aquarium vs. having an aquarium. In all cases, the presence of some sort of aquarium has been shown to reduce blood pressure....

Are you trying to choose the right dog food for your dog? Proper nutrition is one of the most basic needs of dogs of dogs. A good diet is one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy. Thousands of dog food options are available, so choosing the right dog food can be tough. Opinions about canine nutrition vary among vets, breeders, trainers and other dog owners. The bottom line is that even the experts don’t always agree on the best type of dog foods....

Most dogs really love going for walks. It lets them get out of the house with their beloved owners and explore the world around them. Walks are also a great way for the two of you to bond and provide necessary exercise and mental stimulation for your dog. If your dog seems bored or is acting out, it’s possible that they’re not getting out enough. Consider taking your dog for a walk at least once a day....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Norwegian elkhound is a medium-size hound dog breed from Norway that has a thick, medium-length coat; erect ears; and a curled tail. It’s an ancient spitz-type dog breed that was bred to hunt large game. Today, it’s primarily a companion dog that’s known for its friendly, loyal, and energetic demeanor....

Is your cat fond of chomping on grass? Cats exhibit plenty of weird behaviors, and that includes the occasional (or perhaps not-so-occasional) grassy snack. Fortunately, in most cases this habit is completely harmless—and it likely even has some benefits for your feline friend. If you’re curious about what’s behind this behavior, here’s what to know about why cats eat grass, including why it’s probably not anything that you have to worry about....

While it can be upsetting and frustrating, fighting between cats that live in the same household is a problem that in many cases can be prevented and resolved with the help of a cat behavior professional and veterinarian. Cat behavior is complex and there are a variety of reasons why aggression can occur. Why Do Household Cats Get Aggressive? Aggression is not a diagnosis; it is part of normal feline behavior and is strongly influenced by early social history and exposure to humans and other animals, gender, social context, handling, personality, and many other variables....

Most aquarists with reef tanks understand that maintaining their corals within the proper temperature range is important in order to keep them healthy and growing. If the temperature is too low or too high, the zooxanthellae algae, which most corals require for survival, will die or vacate the polyps. When the algae leave the coral, it exposes the white base calcium carbonate of the coral, it is sometimes called coral bleaching....

Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research Barbs make up a very large family of fish that come in a wide range of sizes and colors. All barbs are members of the subfamily Barbinae, with family members found in Europe, Asia, and (according to some sources) Africa. Barbs come in many sizes and colors, though they all share a common shape. Rosy Barbs are well known to aquarists as one of the hardiest and best of the egg-layers for beginners....

You grab one end of a dog toy, your pup grabs the other, and then you start a serious game of tug-of-war. A toy that is reserved just for tugging makes training and playtime easier. “The toy goes away when we’re done tugging,” says Curtis Kelley, certified professional dog trainer and owner of Pet Parent Allies, based in Philadelphia. “Keeping the tug-specific toy away makes it more special when it comes out....

Before bringing home any new pet, it’s important to understand what they eat. Frogs can be beautiful and interesting additions to your home, but only if you can feed them properly. So, what do frogs eat? Frogs are predators that can’t just eat pre-packaged kibble the ways dogs do. That makes things trickier. In the wild, frogs eat a wide variety of insects. Frogs are predators that will generally only eat things that are moving—which means feeding your frog live insects!...

Your dog showers your family with unconditional love, affection, and loyalty, so return the favor with doggy-approved desserts and gifts at a special birthday event for your favorite pooch. Read on for some easy—and adorable—ways to make your dog’s birthday pawty memorable. 01 of 10 Choose the Perfect Present @mojo_toypoodle / Instagram Let’s face it: Our dogs are spoiled every single day, but their birthdays are actually a legitimate reason for some serious doggy spoilage!...

Top Names Girl Names Boy Names Unique Names Funny Names Names From Fiction A to Z Names Naming Tips Naming your frog or toad can be a challenging task due to the endless list of names you can choose from. Several species of frogs and toads come in all different shapes, colors, and sizes. You may lean towards naming your new pet after its own looks or characteristics, or may need some inspiration to get an idea....

What Are Eye Infections? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Types of Eye Infections in Horses Frequently Asked Questions Eye infections in horses are common but require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent injury or blindness. Eye infections are caused by various bacterial, viral, fungal, and allergen irritants. The two most common infections are conjunctivitis and equine recurrent uveitis, which cause uncomfortable symptoms in the eye. A vet can diagnose the cause of your horse’s eye infection through a physical examination, culturing, and sometimes an MRI or CT scan....

If you’re reading this article, then chances are that you’re looking for a new pet bird. Venturing into the wonderful world of bird ownership can be very fun and exciting, but it’s important to understand that not all birds are created equal – and it all starts with the breeder. Choosing a good bird breeder is about more than getting the best price. It’s about buying from someone who has a genuine love for their birds; a love that is evident in the way that they are raised and cared for....