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Reptiles, amphibians, and other ectotherms use external heat sources in their environment to regulate their body temperatures. Ectothermic (also called poikilothermic) animals are often called “cold-blooded” which is a bit of a misnomer as they often maintain quite high body temperatures (sometimes higher than mammals). In the wild, ectotherms move around within their habitat (from sunlight to shade, or from above ground to burrows, for example) to regulate their body temperature....

Set Boundaries Why Cats Bite and Scratch Other Animals Medical Causes Hyperesthesia How to Stop the Behavior Next Steps There are several basic kinds of aggression based biting and scratching behaviors in cats, and some of them are traceable to behavior they learned from their owners or interactions with their owners. Kittens learn to bite and scratch as a normal part of development, and if not trained early, will not know when using their claws and teeth is not appropriate....

Reasons for a Belly Lump Suture Knots Fluid Buildup Scar Tissue When to Contact the Vet Postsurgical Home Care Tips It is not uncommon for a cat to develop a lump after abdominal surgery like a spay (ovariohysterectomy). But, you may wonder if this lump is normal or a cause for concern. If you see a lump near your cat’s surgical site, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible—they are the best resource to determine the cause....

To many people, a horse’s hoof may look like a solid object, tough and hard all the way through. However, that isn’t the case. The hoof is made up of several different layers and structures, each with a specific function. Evolution of the Hoof Horses have evolved from the four-toed, dog-like eohippus into the single-toed creature we know today. Evidence of the vanished toes remains. The chestnut and ergot are cartilage-like protrusions along the inside of the horse’s legs, and on the underside of the pastern joint....

Lead is a dangerous substance that if ingested by dogs can cause a variety of serious consequences including anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, lethargy and anorexia, and neurologic or behavioral changes. While infrequent, lead poisoning can be treated if diagnosed quickly and managed carefully. What Is Lead Poisoning? Lead, a toxic substance that has become ubiquitous with paint from older houses, is a metal of many properties. While not as commonly used in products as it was added to a variety of household products in the early part of the 20th century....

These social, funny, adorable rodents are great companions for children learning to take care of a pet. But providing your gerbil with the proper nutrition is essential to helping them lead a long, healthy, and happy life. Different Options to Feed Your Pet Gerbil Seed Mixes: These are loose mixtures of seeds, sometimes with pellets or dried vegetables and fruits added. Most of these will be nutritionally balanced but only if your gerbil eats everything in the mix....

Whether you are setting up your first aquarium or you are an old hand at keeping fish, choosing the right fish for your tank is always an important question. And one of the best species of fish for the freshwater tank is the danio, which is a member of the family Cyprinidae. This large family of freshwater fish includes minnows, carp, barbs, and goldfish, along with many other species. Danios are a hardy, lively species of fish that do well in cooler water, making them suitable for unheated tanks as long as the room is fairly warm....

Behavior and Temperament Housing Heat Light Humidity Substrate Food and Water Health Problems Choosing Similar Species Tokay geckos aren’t as common as pet leopard geckos, but they are just as interesting as their cousins. As the second-largest type of gecko, they’re known for their vibrant colors and spots. They’re usually a blue-gray color with bright orange and blue spots. They do have a reputation for being somewhat aggressive and aren’t recommended for beginners....

What Is Blepharospasm? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Blepharospasm can affect one or both eyes in a dog. It may occur due to a foreign particle on the eye’s surface or eye disease. Twitching and rapid blinking are the signs of blepharospasm. A dog may also rub or scratch the eye, causing further inflammation and redness. Some cases may clear up without treatment, but severe irritation or an underlying condition could cause permanent damage....

Before You Begin Ideal Tank Which Fish? Fish to Avoid Tips When designing your ideal freshwater aquarium, start with what species you would like to have. If you’ve ever dreamed of your ideal aquarium, take some time and list out the species you would most like to have. Now, its time to consider a few key points in mixing species together in an aquarium. Before You Get Started Before you go out and purchase your desired fish, take some time to plan out a few key tank features....

History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming Notable Horses Haflinger Horse for You How to Adopt or Buy More Horse Breeds Hardy, strong, and compact, the Haflinger is a highly popular horse among both children and adults. These small horses are athletic and multi-talented – they excel in dressage, jumping, trail riding, driving, and more. Haflingers are often very friendly toward people and though they may be shorter than other riding breeds, they’re plenty powerful....

It’s no secret: Cats can be weird. From those random bursts of energy, to teeth chattering, to putting their butts in faces, cats are not lacking in the strange behaviors department. Out of all of their strange behaviors, however, one just might win the title of strangest—and has become an internet phenomenon, too. “If it fits, I sits” (or “If I fits, I sits”) refers to the act of kitties squeezing themselves into tiny spaces, like boxes, sinks, shoes, bowls, or even flower vases....

Characteristics History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Italian greyhound is a small toy dog breed from Italy with a short coat, long neck, and slender legs. These sleek dogs were bred to be companions. And if there’s a warm lap for them to curl up in, that’s where they’d love to spend their time....

In May 2022, Savannah–a 7-year-old, light brown, mid-sized mutt–became the first dog to walk around the world. She hasn’t done it alone, of course. Savannah’s owner, 33-year-old Tom Turcich, became the 10th person to walk around the world after he completed his seven-year-long journey on May 21. Turcich set out on his world walk from his hometown of Haddon Township, New Jersey on April 2, 2015. He adopted Savannah a few months into the walk when he was in Texas, and she’s been by his side ever since....

Rabbit body language can be complex. Rabbits communicate much information by how they position and move their bodies, and an experienced owner can learn to read their rabbit’s signals quite well. Here are some of the basics. Thumping When a rabbit thumps or stomps on the ground with a hind leg, it can make a surprisingly loud noise. This is the way rabbits communicate danger to other rabbits, and sometimes it is a sign of annoyance....

What Is Rabies? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Is Rabies Contagious to Humans? With a close to 100 percent mortality rate once symptoms appear, rabies is one of the most devastating viruses on the planet. It can infect any mammal, including humans. Thanks to stringent vaccination requirements, dogs now only constitute 1 percent of reported rabid animals in the United States each year. However, without regular vaccinations, your dog is at risk of contracting this deadly virus, which attacks the nervous system and causes symptoms that include extreme changes in behavior, paralysis, seizures, respiratory failure, and death....

Reptiles, like horses or other pets, may have worms or intestinal parasites that may not cause any issues and keep the gut healthy. But when a reptile is sick, such as is not eating well, is losing weight, or is not defecating normally, there may be too many of these normal parasites for your reptile’s system. When the worms and your reptile seem to have a peaceful relationship, then there is no need for alarm....

Seahorses in pairs or groups can be an exciting addition to a saltwater aquarium. The Tigertail Seahorse species is relatively common in the aquarium trade. Even better, Tigertails are easy to breed and will do well and regularly reproduce if they’re offered a proper diet regularly and are provided safety from even perceived predation. Characteristics Breed Overview Common Name: Tigertail Seahorse Origin and Distribution The Tigertail Seahorse comes from the Western Central Pacific....

When one or more of the fish in your saltwater aquarium first start acting or looking “weird,” it is the time to start doing the research to determine what the problem is. Most marine fish diseases or afflictions, if detected, diagnosed and treated in their early stages can be corrected and cured. To help with the diagnosis, check this list of potential symptoms. It can help you focus on a diagnosis and start early treatment....

Losing a pet of any sort is a traumatic experience and everyone hopes that someone will find and return their furry or feathered friend. Adding to the challenge for owners of lost birds is the fact that they can fly great distances, greatly expanding the search radius. If you find a pet bird, what can you do to increase the chances of reconnecting the bird with its owner? How to Tell if It’s a Pet Bird The first thing you may be wondering is how to tell whether you’ve found a pet bird or just a very docile wild bird....