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Loaches are a fun addition to any tropical freshwater aquarium. Generally, they are peaceful scavengers that spend their time rooting about for tidbits of food on the bottom. Many loach species actually prefer to be kept in schools, and some species will literally pine away with loneliness if kept alone. 01 of 06 Clown Loach Timothy Paine Scientific Name: Chromobotia macracanthus Also Known As: Tiger Loach Adult Size: 12 inches (30 cm) Lifespan: 15+ years Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon pH: 6....

If you are a dog lover and a runner, then you might like the idea of having a canine running partner. Running with a dog can be a lot of fun and a great way to bond with your pooch. For athletic breeds that have a lot of energy, a runner in the house might also be the right fit for a breed that requires a lot of exercise. Here are the 10 best dog breeds that tend to enjoy frequent runs....

Some of the smaller pygmy or dwarf angelfish will occasionally pick at your reef tank. However, this predation behavior will happen less often if angelfish have more live rock to pick at and room to roam in a larger tank. Most reef tanks can benefit from the algae-eating habits, the striking colors, and the busy behaviors of these smaller angelfish. Here is a look at 10 angelfish species that are the most likely to leave your reef alone....

Your pet’s naturally occurring body oils, bacteria and yeast on the skin or in skin folds, and dirt from playing outdoors can cause doggie odors, which also transfer to surfaces such as bedding and carpet. Bathing is your first line of defense against stinkiness. “A bath also is a great time to give your dog a general once-over, including looking inside the ears and making sure there are no bumps or parasites, such as fleas and ticks,” Lorraine Rhoads, environmental biologist with Dogtopia, told The Spruce Pets....

Who doesn’t love potatoes? Whether they’re fried, mashed, or scalloped, both humans and their canine companions love them. But while this starchy staple is considered to be one of the best comfort foods, it’s healthier counterpart–the sweet potato–actually packs more of a nutritional punch. But can dogs safely eat sweet potatoes? And can they provide our pets with the same health benefits as they do for humans? Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes Though your dog’s body will function best when eating a diet that consists primarily of animal protein, carbohydrates are still often used in moderation....

Characteristics Breed History Care Health Problems Appearance Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The Chartreux cat is a French feline whose pleasant demeanor has made it the unofficial cat of France and a beloved pet abroad. The breed is notable for its solid blue-gray coat with a slightly woolly texture and bright copper eyes. The muscular and athletic Chartreux has small, fine-boned legs for the size of its body, and it can appear to be rather short in stature....

History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Common Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research Diamond doves are commonly seen as pet birds due to their small size and quiet demeanor. They are widely available and are birds for those that want a less demanding pet. Knowing more about these little doves can help you provide the best care possible. Origin and History These little doves are native to Australia where they can be found in dry areas near water....

Question: Do Pet Birds Need to be Misted? I have noticed that some bird owners mist their pets with a spray bottle each day. Should I do this for my pet bird, and if so, what are the benefits? Answer: Misting your pet bird with fresh clean water each day can provide a variety of benefits to your feathered friend. Birds in the wild get showers on a regular basis every time it rains....

What Is Glaucoma? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects cats as well as humans. It causes a painful increase in pressure inside the eye and can lead to blindness. With early veterinary treatment, including eye drops to reduce pressure, cats can usually retain their vision and live comfortably with this disease. What Is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure due to impaired drainage of fluid within the eye....

Kittens are adorable and playful, but they’re also unique individuals that have personalities, needs, and behaviors of their own. Before welcoming a new kitten (or kittens) to your home, you’ll need to prepare your home for a curious critter with the ability to climb, leap, and scratch. You’ll also need to provide your kitten with appropriate toys, bedding, litter boxes, and food. If you’re adopting a kitten that is 6 weeks old or older, it may have recently been weaned from its mother....

What Is Kidney Disease? Types of Kidney Disease in Dogs Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Kidney disease is a serious health problem in dogs that requires medical attention. Other common terms for kidney disease include renal failure, kidney failure, and renal insufficiency. There are different forms of kidney disease, and the signs that indicate this disease can vary depending on each dog’s case. Owners of dogs with kidney disease may observe symptoms like nausea, increased thirst, lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased urination as the disease progresses into a chronic stage....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The Kuvasz (pronounced Koo-vazz) is a large-to-giant working breed from Hungary with a thick double coat, strong body, and solid white fur. These dogs are loyal, bright, even-tempered, and most importantly, protective. Traditionally used as guardians for livestock, Kuvasz dogs are now more popular as loyal companions. Their history of defending herds of animals has largely influenced their modern protective instincts, and this breed is best suited for life in a single-dog household....

How does your dog feel about riding in your car? If it has no fear and loves a road trip, chances are it will jump right in. On the other hand, if it’s afraid, it may struggle with you as you’re trying to get it safely inside the car and whine or act up the whole way. Although this is a common dog phobia, it can be discouraging, distracting, and a potentially unsafe way to drive....

There was a time when you could go to the mall and buy teeny-tiny red-eared sliders from a kiosk. They came with their own teeny-tiny plastic dishes, teeny-tiny plastic islands, and even teeny-tiny plastic palm trees. The kiosk employee even guaranteed the turtle to stay teen-tiny and reassured anyone interested in the cute reptile that it was incredibly easy to care for and a great gift for a child. This was, unfortunately, all a lie....

Staying cool when the temperatures get hot can be difficult, especially when your entire body is covered in fur. Dogs have a variety of natural mechanisms to keep cool, including panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose. But because they can’t sweat (and because of that aforementioned fur coat), they can really struggle to stay comfortable when the temperatures rise. There are a number of things that you can—and should—do to keep your dog comfy in the warmer months, such as providing plenty of shade, AC, fresh water, and the occasional cool treat....

While there are some care guidelines to learn before getting your first guinea pig, when it comes to their habitats, it’s very simple: bigger is better. “Size is one of the most important things to consider when selecting a guinea pig cage,” says Catherine Alliss, author of Dixon Arrives at Rainbow Bridge and writer for Guinea Pig Magazine. The Humane Society of the United States recommends at least 7.5 square feet of uninterrupted space for one, while a pair needs at least 10....

What is Toxoplasmosis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease most often associated with cats, which are the only known hosts of the parasite. But, dogs can contract the disease, too. Healthy adult dogs generally remain asymptomatic, but puppies are particularly at risk for developing a fever, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and other concerning symptoms. What is Toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is a disease process caused by a protozoal (single-celled) parasite called Toxoplasmosis gondii....

It’s no surprise that dogs are likely to walk or dig into some smelly things resulting in smelly feet. But some dogs also may have visibly clean feet that chronically smell like corn chips. This unique scent may be an indication of an infection, so it’s wise for pet parents to know what to look, or smell, for with their dog’s feet. Smelly Problems With Dog Feet Dogs can cut their paws, break nails or toes, get puncture wounds in their feet, burn their paw pads on hot pavement and other foot problems....

Allergies to pets can be a big problem for pet lovers. Time spent indoors—whether in the winter to avoid the cold or in the summer to avoid the heat and sun—means more exposure to pet allergens. Allergy sufferers may have even worse symptoms in spring, with additional pollen, mold, and dust. Even if you aren’t directly allergic to your cat or dog, they can act like furry dust mops that trap and hold allergens that may set you off....

Behavior and Temperament Housing Heat Light Humidity Substrate Food and Water Health Problems Choosing Different Species Frequently Asked Questions Box turtles primarily live on land, and they can be somewhat challenging pets. They are a long-term commitment, living for several decades, plus getting their environment right can be difficult. There are several species of box turtle, and each has variations in its housing and dietary needs. Some prefer more humid enclosures than others; some need higher temperatures; some like to bask, and one variety even prefers brackish (slightly salty) water to fresh water....