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While people’s definitions can vary, exotic pets are typically categorized as anything that is not a cat, dog, or domesticated farm animal. And if you’re considering bringing home an exotic pet of your own, you’re probably thinking about the perfect name for your animal. But sometimes choosing a name isn’t so easy. Some people decide to name their pet based on its appearance, such as Pepper for a black bunny. And others decide to go with a name that alludes to species traits, such as Pirate for a water-dwelling animal....

Naming any kind of pet can be a challenge, including the various species that are categorized as exotic pets. Although the definition can vary, exotic pets are generally described as any pet that is not a cat, dog, or domesticated farm animal. Many people draw naming inspiration from their pet’s appearance or species, such as Teddy for a teddy bear hamster. You also can look to your favorite movies, TV shows, songs, famous people and animals, and travel destinations for ideas....

Essential dog grooming includes clipping the nails, and it should start when your dog is a puppy. Active dogs that run outside naturally wear the nails to a manageable length, and may not need frequent trimming. But those that spend much of their time inside require monthly or more frequent nail attention. The toenails of some breeds, like the Chihuahua, seem to grow quickly. Don’t wait until your dog gets big and turns nail trims into wrestling matches....

If you take lessons, “Heels down!” might be something you’ll often hear from your coach or instructor. When you hear this you may think that you should shove your heels down, letting your toes point upwards. But forcing your heel down will stiffen your leg and force it out of the best position for cueing your horse and maintaining a secure seat. You may also find your torso tipping forward and your hands holding onto the reins or saddle for security as you are jolted with every step....

What Is Chagas Disease? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Can Humans Get It? Frequently Asked Questions Chagas disease is spread by Triatominae bugs (kissing bugs) and can damage a dog’s heart and central nervous system. Most dogs are asymptomatic, but those who develop symptoms will do so in phases. Most commonly, dogs contract Chagas disease after ingesting the feces of an infected bug or animal. A vet will diagnose and treat a dog based on the stage of its illness, and the prognosis is good for asymptomatic dogs....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Karelian Bear Dog Overview Further Research The Karelian bear dog is a medium-sized spitz that’s popular in Finland and best known for its courageous ability to hunt large and sometimes dangerous game. It’s also known for its thick, dense coat, small eyes, and signature spitz tail that curls up over its back. The Karelian is known to keep bears away from human-inhabited areas of state parks, but it’s not a breed that shows up often as a pet in American households....

What Is Laryngeal Paralysis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Laryngeal paralysis affects the larynx, which is part of a dog’s throat. The loss of muscular tone in this area affects the sounds a dog makes and hampers its ability to swallow food or breathe effortlessly. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Anti-inflammatory medication may help mildly affected dogs, but if a dog can’t breathe, then surgery is the only remedy....

Why is it important to learn how to train a puppy to lie down? Dogs use certain postures naturally as ways to signal intent. Puppies are no different. It’s helpful to understand what your puppy’s body language communicates. Dogs communicate as much with body language as they do with whines, barks, or growls. You may have heard of calming signals that dogs use to diffuse tension in themselves and other creatures....

The photos of colorful fish in a bowl on the wall are enticing, but after test driving one, this bowl is not an ideal home for live fish. It lacks a means for heat and light as well as a way to filter the water. In addition, it doesn’t have a lid to prevent the fish from jumping out. With frequent water changes and proper location, it can be used to house one small fish, but I don’t recommend it....

All corals have four basic needs required to survive – water quality, food, light, and water movement. In general, hard or SPS/LPS corals are not as flexible as their soft coral cousins, making Mushrooms, Zoanthids, Polyps and Leather Corals some of the favorites for both novice and experienced reef-keepers alike.However, there are a number of hard corals which are actually quite forgiving and seem to adapt well to marine aquarium life....

Diets for Different Reptiles Snakes Lizards Turtles and Tortoises Supplements From turtles to snakes, reptiles are surprisingly cute and fun to care for. Making sure that your scaly friend has the right food to eat is just as important as watching your own diet. There are currently estimated to be more than 10,000 different species of reptiles on the face of the planet, from the meat-gobbling crocodile to the lettuce-loving tortoise....

No type of fencing for horses is totally safe or foolproof, but some fences are better than others. Wood Fencing The most traditional fencing is wooden rails—either log or planks. Cedar logs are often used, as are two-by-ten-inch planks held with posts that are a minimum of four inches in diameter. Injuries to horses can occur when logs or rails splinter if broken. Some horses like to chew wood and can damage wood fencing....

What Is a Urinary Obstruction? Signs What to Do Treatment Prevention Do you suspect your cat is having trouble peeing? A urinary obstruction, or blockage, is an emergency situation. Learn how to recognize the signs of a urinary blockage so you can help your cat before it’s too late. What Is a Urinary Obstruction? A urinary obstruction occurs when the urethra becomes blocked and urine cannot pass. This may be caused by sediment or crystals in the urine and/or inflammation in the urinary tract....

Ear Infections and Ear Mites Allergies Polyps Insect Bites Aural Hematoma A cat that has suddenly taken to shaking its head incessantly may have a medical condition that could range from minor to serious. Whether the issue is an underlying ear infection or a more serious problem, you will want to get to the bottom of it quickly and consult your veterinarian so that you can begin treatment and your cat can start to feel some relief....

If you are keeping your horse at home you will need to provide some sort of shelter. This could be in the form of a stable or a run-in shed. A safe, roomy shelter is a necessity if you are keeping a horse. If you have no shelter, you should have stabling with either roomy standing stalls or box stalls. Whether you chose to have a run-in type shelter, or have a stable with stalls there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of housing....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The boerboel is a large working dog breed from South Africa that has a smooth, short coat and a muscular build. Its head is big and blocky with a relatively short nose and V-shaped ears that hang down. The overall appearance of the boerboel displays power and courage. This mastiff-type dog was bred to be a guardian, and it can even defend property against lions....

While nuts are a good-for-you snack that’s rich in nutrients for humans, these tasty and protein-packed treats aren’t the safest goody for your dog. Though it’s hard to ignore your four-legged friend’s longing eyes while you’re munching on nuts like walnuts, it’s best to keep this particular snack to yourself—the dangers of consuming walnuts for dogs ranges from intestinal blockages and GI distress to serious conditions like pancreatitis. Walnuts can be particularly hazardous for our pets because consuming too many walnuts can actually be as toxic to your pet as munching on a chocolate bar....

Most types of geckos are small, colorful, and readily available which makes them ideal pets for reptile beginners and experienced herpetologists alike. Regardless of what kind of gecko you plan on getting, there are a couple of key things to remember: always try to purchase a captive-bred gecko, read about the care of the specific gecko you plan to purchase, and set up their cage before bringing them home. These things will help ensure your new gecko gets off to a great start....

Origin and History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Eclectus Parrot Colors and Markings Caring for an Eclectus Parrot Common Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy an Eclectus Parrot More Pet Bird Species and Further Research Frequently Asked Questions Charming, eye-catching, and intelligent, eclectus parrots are captivating birds that make impressive pets. Their beautiful colors, talking ability, and lovable personalities have established this bird as one of the most popular pet parrots....

Therapy dogs bring comfort and joy to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other community residences. Training your dog to serve as a therapy dog may be possible and would be a great way to give back and spread smiles. The ideal therapy dog is well-trained, well-socialized, and truly loves people. A therapy dog must also be able to adjust well to new environments while staying attentive to its human handler....