The definition of an exotic pet is a loose one. Originally, it referred to species that were considered wild animals and not typically kept as domestic pets. However, there is now a legal basis for what’s considered an exotic pet. Though it’s often subject to local jurisdiction, a partial federal law describes an exotic animal as one that is native to a foreign country or of foreign origin or character, not native to the United States, or was introduced from abroad....
Spaying is a common surgical procedure in dogs. It can have health benefits for your dog, but not without risk. What can you expect when getting your dog spayed? What Is a Spay? A spay is the colloquial term for an ovariohysterectomy. Ovario meaning ovaries, hyster meaning uterus, and ectomy meaning removal. So an ovariohysterectomy is literally the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. It’s interesting to note that while removing both the ovaries and the uterus is commonplace in the US, simply removing the ovaries and leaving the uterus (an ovariectomy) is the procedure of choice in Europe....
Scary noises from storms or even Fourth of July fireworks can turn the bravest canines into scared puppies. Even fireworks noises for New Years, cars backfiring or gunshots during hunting season also create dog fear and happen throughout the year. Up to 20 percent of dogs suffer from noise phobias. For fireworks celebrations, owners can predict events and take steps to soothe upset doggy feelings. But unexpected storms can be difficult to manage....
When temperatures rise outside, your dog can easily get overheated. Heatstroke is just one of the many summer hazards that can affect our dogs. There are many ways you can help keep your dog cool in the hot weather. Chilled or frozen dog treats are a great surprise for your dog. Not only will they help cool your dog off, but they can also help relieve boredom when it is cooped up inside....
Your cat is likely to have a basic personality but shows different mannerisms from day to day. If you want to better understand what makes your cat tick, consider these factors that influence their personalities. Genetics and Cat Personality It is only possible to fully know the genetics of pure-bred cats. Various cat breeds have been around long enough that their distinguishing characteristics such as body type and personalities are fairly consistent....
Teaching your dog to come to you when called is an essential part of proper dog training. Often referred to as a “recall,” it is one of the most important basic dog commands. You can teach a puppy to come when called as soon as it learns its name. Training your dog for the recall cue can help you keep it under control while allowing it some off-leash freedom. Once this cue is mastered, you can protect the dog from a potentially dangerous situation by calling it to you....
Teaching the “sit” command to your dog is usually quite simple, as dogs tend to sit naturally. “Sit” is an important basic dog training command that every dog should know. It is a way to help your dog settle a little bit in one place and focus on you. The training can also help lay the groundwork for “stay” and other more complicated commands. The key is for your dog to associate the word with the action....
National Cat Day is on Saturday, October 29 and it’s more than an opportunity to treat your cat to a new toy, it’s also a reminder of the 3.2 million cats added to shelters every year. There’s a pressing need for adoptions, which is a beautiful opportunity to offer a cat a home where they can flourish, and to alleviate crowding in shelters, where more than half a million cats are euthanized every year....
Sand Sifting Gobies plow through the tank substrate, sifting/straining algae, detritus and uneaten food from the sand. This not only removes unwanted nitrate producing substances, but it also stirs and aerates the substrate (very important for deep sand beds), releasing toxic gases. This type of fish needs fairly small grain sand so they can sift it through their gills without damaging the membranes in their gills. When setting up your aquarium it is important to plan when choosing the right substrate....
Powerheads are water pumps of various sizes and capacities which can be completely submerged in water. Powerheads are used in saltwater aquariums to move water around in the tank as well as between the tank and a number of pieces of equipment (i.e. protein skimmers). Powerheads are primarily used to duplicate the water movement (surface waves and surge or swell) in the oceans. We recommend the Marineland Maxi-Jet Pro Pump and the Hydor Koralia Evolution Aquarium Circulation Pump....
Nothing is more exciting than adding new fish to a newly set up aquarium. However, the fish you choose will have a big impact on your tank’s success or failure. Unfortunately, many new fish owners make the wrong choices, lose some or all of their fish right away, and give up on keeping fish. The two biggest errors made when stocking a new aquarium are adding too many fish at a time and choosing the wrong species....
There are plenty of smart dogs out there, but some breeds are especially known for their high levels of intelligence. Several factors go into determining a dog’s intelligence, including word comprehension, problem-solving capabilities, responsiveness to training, communication skills (with humans and other animals), memory, and ability to predict human behavior. The most intelligent dog breeds typically score high in all of these categories. Breed Characteristics Most smart dogs also are high-energy dog breeds....
Snails make wonderful pets, especially for children (with adult supervision, of course). Snails are small, quiet, easy to care for, and interesting to observe. It’s simple to set up a snail terrarium where you can feed your snails, view their natural behaviors, and even handle them gently. Whether you have one snail, a pair of snails, or large group of snails, choosing names for your pet snails is just part of the fun....
The harsh Alaskan landscape is dominated by a specific type of dog: sled dogs. Not all of the dogs native to Alaska are specifically bred for this reason, but three of the four breeds are used for this type of work. Dogsledding is still a popular mode of transportation around the frigid landscape. And such a harsh area of the world requires a tough dog. Alaskan dog breeds are well equipped for the climate and terrain....
Those who live in apartments and other housing close to neighbors know all too well how easily sound can carry from one unit to another. If this is your living situation and you’d like to adopt a pet bird, consider avoiding the species known for loud and frequent vocalizations. In addition to being noisy, many of these birds also are too large to live comfortably in a home with minimal square footage....
The only dog supplies more important than collars are leashes. A leash, or lead, is an essential tool for every dog owner. Leashes are used in conjunction with collar or harnesses for training and everyday purposes. When you first begin to use a leash on your dog, it might take some time for your dog to get used to it. This will take patience on your part, especially if you are a first-time dog owner....
Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Breeding Further Research If you’ve ever seen a school of clown loaches, it’s hard to resist bringing a few of them home. It’s even harder to imagine that this beautiful fish is eaten as food fish in Indonesia and Borneo, where it grows to over a foot in length. Fortunately for the clown loach, among aquarium enthusiasts, it’s a staple in the community tank rather than on the dining table....
Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research The giant danio is a great addition to a large freshwater tank, especially if you’re already raising larger fish such as cichlids. A schooling species, these large fish should always be kept in a sizeable group. As they zip around your aquarium you’ll be impressed by their flashing scales and high energy. Like other members of this family, giant danios can be loyal to a single mate and remain with them for life....
Coconut oil is a food ingredient that has grown in popularity as a kind of natural remedy and dietary supplement. People have claimed to experience a variety of health benefits when consuming coconut oil or applying it topically. It’s not surprising that some dog owners have considered using coconut oil on their dogs for the health benefits it may provide. Before embracing this dietary fad and using coconut oil on your dog, find out how safe it actually is and whether or not you can expect positive results....
Naming your cow, whether it be a family pet or a productive family animal, can make you bovine friend feel like family. Whether it be naming one cow, a pair of cows, or a small herd, we’ve pulled 92 cow names to help spark your own creativity. Top Cow Names BessieBrownieButtercupClarabelleDottieGuinnessMagicNelliePenelopePennyRosieSnowflakeSprinklesSugar Tips for Naming Your Cow As you start your quest for a great name for your cow, consider some of your cow’s defining characteristics....
