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Nitrate is the waste by-product of nitrifying bacteria (Nitrobacter), which develops in the final phase of the nitrogen cycling process. It is what makes an aquarium’s biological filtration system function and stay in balance. Why Is Nitrate a Problem Element? When nitrate is allowed to accumulate or build-up to high levels it can affect the health of the animals you are keeping, and because marine plants and algae feed on nitrate, this is one of the main reasons problems with algae blooms occur....

What Are Struvite Crystals? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Struvite crystals can form urinary tract stones in cats, resulting in painful elimination. In some cases, the stones can be flushed out of the body or dissolved. In other cases, they must be surgically removed. They occur in both male and female cats. What Are Struvite Crystals? Struvite crystals are microscopic crystals that are found in the urine of some cats....

Incidence Lifecycle Catching Hookworms Signs Diagnosing Treatment and Complications Preventing Hookworms are a common intestinal parasite of puppies. Depending on the species, they suck blood or take bites out of the wall of the dog’s small intestine, which can result in severe bleeding. All dogs are susceptible to hookworms, but puppies are at the highest risk because they may not have the immunity to the worms that adult dogs usually develop....

All too often new aquarium owners have a bad first experience with their new aquarium and give up almost before they get started. Considering the basic factors described below and planning before your purchase will help new aquarium owners avoid common pitfalls. Even for the experienced aquarium owner, planning is a good idea. Two of the most important and basic issues to consider when setting up a new aquarium are cost and size....

If you’re looking for a dog that reminds you of a cuddly teddy bear or a woolly, wild bear, you’re in luck. Several dog breeds with thick coats and bulky builds that almost appear bear-like. Some of these dogs are incredibly large, but some small dog breeds bear a resemblance to bears. They range in personality types, coloring, markings, and activity levels. Here are 10 dog breeds that resemble bears....

Many people require different kinds of assistance in order to complete daily tasks in life. Some people cannot live independently without the services of people and specially trained pets. Others simply benefit from a visit with an animal that provides them with a sense of calm and relaxation. Therapy animals provide this special service to people. Not to be confused with a service dog or an emotional support pet, therapy animals are socialized and trained to provide comfort and affection to people in various stressful environments....

Pets have always ruled the house, but these days they’re influencing everything from real estate decisions to home decor. According to a major 2021-2022 survey by the American Pet Products Association, American pet spending has more than doubled in the past decade and dogs are the biggest influencer driving first-home purchases among millennials. Is it any wonder that pet owners are looking for a way to make their furry companions feel at home in their space as they do?...

They may not be ideal for everyone but for spider lovers, tarantulas can make great pets. If you’re interested in getting a pet tarantula but are a beginner when it comes to caring for a spider, there are some things you should know before you purchase one. Learning what tarantulas make the best pets, how to set up a tarantula’s habitat, how to handle a tarantula, what safety precautions you should take can help you provide the best possible care to your new tarantula....

If you’re new to setting up your own home aquarium, you know there are many supplies you need to check off your list. One of those items is an aquarium heater. Depending on where or how much you have researched, you may have come across the idea that a large aquarium may need more than one heater. However, as with anything, it is a learning experience. Everyone has their own process of assembling a tank and what they think is best for its day to day operations....

With such a wide variety of filtration methods to choose from, saltwater aquarium filter selection can be mind-boggling. If your tank is already equipped with a built-in filtration system (ex., Eclipse, SeaClear and Perfecto Biowheel Ensemble), your problem is solved, unless you want to modify or add on to it. So, how do you pick one? Let’s start with the basics. There are 3 basic types of filtration in saltwater (or freshwater, for that matter) aquariums, all of which play a part in or enhance the Biological/Nitrogen Cycling Process:, which is every aquarium’s primary filter....

History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Common Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research A Goffin’s cockatoo is the perfect companion parrot if you have the spare time to devote to it. This species is generally friendly, entertaining, outgoing, and extremely intelligent. These pretty white birds pack the best things about cockatoos into a smaller, easier-to-care-for package. Goffin’s offer the same temperament as their larger cockatoo cousins but in a more compact size....

A concentrate is any mixture of grains, cereals, and minerals used to supplement a horse or pony diet. Concentrates can contain only one or several combinations of ingredients designed to enhance the condition of horses, whether for weight gain, growth, energy for work, or general overall health. Here’s a look at common supplements fed to horses. 01 of 07 Beet Pulp K. Blocksdorf Beet pulp is a popular addition to many horse diets....

Spaying and neutering cats has become a vital and commonly performed procedure. It is vital in helping to control the pet population and it can even help to prevent unwanted behaviors as well as medical issues later in life. Here’s how much can you expect to pay to spay or neuter your cat and why prices vary from one clinic to another. What Is Spaying and Neutering? Spaying is the surgical sterilization of female cats....

If you’ve bought a used bit from the consignment corner at your tack shop or you’ve taken your bridle apart to clean it, you’ll want to clean your bit. Before you start always take the bit off of the bridle, as you don’t want the leather to get wet if you need to soak the bit. There’s no need to use harsh cleaners; you probably won’t want to use a cleaner not specifically made for bits since there’s a chance it will be difficult to rinse off and end up in your horse’s mouth....

Cats know they’re beautiful but their reaction to a cat reflection in the mirror varies widely. Some cats completely ignore the reflected kitty while others are curious, possibly wondering why this other feline doesn’t have a unique scent. Still, other cats may exhibit aggressive or fearful behavior when they see their reflection. If your cat is showing a negative reaction, there are ways you can help. Understand the Possible Cause Quite often, the key to helping a cat overcome a negative behavior to a stimulus is exploring the possible causes of their reaction....

Senior cat litter box problems happen all too often and aren’t necessarily a reflection of the cat’s previous habits. Whether your cat failed to learn faithful toilet etiquette as a kitten or simply developed litter box problems as it got older, such issues are common with advancing age. Some senior felines never have any litter box problems. But it’s good to be proactive and learn the warning signs in case any issues arise that lead to potential toilet challenges with your cat....

What Is Separation Anxiety? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Frequently Asked Questions If you notice your puppy exhibiting anxious behaviors like excessive vocalizing, distress as you prepare to leave the house, or destruction of items while you’re gone, your puppy may be experiencing separation anxiety. Puppy separation anxiety is common and successfully treatable with a combination of desensitizing behavior training and medication. Puppies adopted before eight weeks of age, mixed breeds, and puppies adopted from shelters are at the highest risk....

Is your dog suffering from partial or total vision loss? A blind dog halo could be a helpful tool for allowing them to get around more easily and gain back some much-needed independence. To help you decide if it’s right for you (and, even more importantly, your pup), we’ve put together this quick guide on blind dog halo products, including what they are, what their pros and cons are, and some other useful advice that can help you figure out if one of these halos is worth a purchase....

Recent years have brought much discussion among veterinarians, breeders, and cat owners on the value, safety, and necessity of some vaccines. The resultant rumors mixed with fact have caused concern among cat lovers: Does my cat really need to be vaccinated every year? Are vaccines more harmful than helpful? I ran into this kind of dilemma in 2015 when facing a move 2,600 miles from California to Georgia, which requires rabies vaccines in all dogs and cats....

For those who consider cats family members, it is almost inconceivable that some people dislike cats or actually may even hate them. But even though we may not understand why some people may dislike the traits that most cats share, there are still some logical reasons for cat avoidance. 01 of 05 Cat Allergies BSIP / UIG / Getty Images It is understandable why people with allergies to cats refuse to be anywhere near them....