Dogs have a real appreciation for grass—especially when it comes to rolling in it. While it might seem like just another random canine behavior, a dog’s tendency to roll in the grass likely has some real roots behind it. The same goes for their preference toward foul-smelling grass, which although gross to humans, is actually quite delightful to your pup. So what’s the reason behind your dog’s fondness for rolling in the grass?...
Unlike cats and dogs, parrots and other pet birds are not domesticated, and this means that they require specialized methods of care that many people aren’t familiar with. Handling a bird, for example, is a lot different from handling a domesticated animal, and if it’s not done correctly, it can be dangerous for both the bird and its owner. If you are new to keeping pet birds, then don’t miss the information on safe handling below....
Like the arrival of a new baby, getting a puppy means you’ll need to shop for lots of essentials to keep your new little one safe and healthy. But what’s necessary—and what’s not—may be confusing when you’re wandering down the aisles of the pet store. “A few things are necessary when bringing home a puppy, such as a collar and leash, while other things such as a backpack carrier are optional,” says Kayla Fratt, certified dog behavior consultant and founder of Journey Dog Training....
Cuttlebones are seen in pet stores everywhere. And it seems to be a standard accessory in bird cages everywhere. But what is a cuttlebone, where does it come from and why are they in those bird cages? A cuttlebone is not a bone, but rather the internal shell of the Cuttlefish, a small, squid-like cephalopod. In the Cuttlefish, the cuttlebone is filled with gasses and helps control the fish’s buoyancy in the water....
Behavior and Temperament Housing Heat Light Humidity Substrate Food and Water Health Problems Selection Similar Species Rough and smooth green snakes are closely related, and while there are some differences between them, their care in captivity is essentially the same. These are both small, thin-bodied snakes that are native to North America, where their numbers are becoming threatened or endangered in many states. Both species are a bright emerald-green in color with a pale yellow or cream-colored belly; they are reported to take on a bluish tone when excited....
One of the most common questions people ask when buying a horse is: Am I too big for this horse? The size of the horse should be proportional to the rider, but weight alone is not the only factor to consider. Height and riding skill comes into play when it comes to making the horse’s job easier and the rider feel secure and comfortable. So, in some cases, a smaller horse will do just fine with a heavier rider....
For anyone that is a fan of Celtic history, culture, or language, there are an abundance of dog names that give a nod to this ancient people who left their mark on Ireland, Scotland, and the surrounding countryside. Popular Celtic dog names are often found in the unique words of the Celtic language, or from names and places frequently associated with this era. The ‘Celtic nations’ include Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany....
History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research Popular as pets due to their small size, beauty, and intelligence, green-cheeked conures have stolen many bird lover’s hearts. Their curiosity, spunk, and playful nature are great characteristics in a pet bird. Mischievous and engaging, green-cheeked conures pack a lot of personality into a small package. The fact that they are less noisy than most other parrots—and more affordable—adds to their appeal....
Stirrups aren’t a necessity. But they do help us balance as we ride. They aren’t there to carry all of our weight, and especially when we are posting the trot, we need to learn to lift ourselves with our core, not by putting pressure on the stirrups. Doing so actually transfers more pressure to our horse’s back and our goal when riding should be to keep our horses as comfortable as possible and keep our aids clear....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Leonberger Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Leonberger, or Leo, is a thick-coated giant dog with a hard-working spirit and a gentle disposition that hails from the city in Germany after which it was named. Although the breed almost went extinct in World War I, it was saved—and thankfully so, as the breed is intelligent, noble, and very loyal....
History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming Notable Horses Orlov Trotter for You How to Adopt or Buy More Horse Breeds The Orlov Trotter was once a prized Russian horse breed, but various wars and culture changes have threatened its survival. With a combination of speed, strength, stamina, and an agreeable temperament, this versatile horse is a great choice for many riders – if they can find this rare breed....
Legality and Ethics Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Common Health Problems Exercise Grooming Purchasing Similar Pets & Breeds Frequently Asked Questions A praying mantis is a fun and relatively simple pet to care for. There are actually numerous (over 2,000 and counting) species of mantids. The term praying mantis may have originally referred to a specific species (Mantis religiosa, the European mantis), but now the term “praying mantid” (and “praying mantis”) is used widely to refer to any of the large family of mantids....
Dogs navigate the world with their nose, and because of this, your dog’s nose comes into contact with a variety of things like dust, germs, and dirt. Most dogs develop a cough at some point in their lives, and it can be difficult to determine if your dog is responding to an irritant from the environment or a serious health concern. A cough can be a symptom of a number of different problems in dogs....
Mysterious creatures that cats are, it can sometimes be hard to know what a cat is thinking. Cats can’t tell us how they are feeling, but one way to clue into your cat’s moods is looking at how she holds or moves various parts of its body. Learning to read your cat’s body language, including its tail language, is the key to unlocking your cat’s secrets. What Is Tail-Wagging in Cats?...
Agressive Behavior Signs Stopping It See Your Vet Call a Professional Create a Plan Avoid Punishment Medication Handling Situations If your dog regularly growls, snaps, or bites, you might have a behavioral problem of aggression on your hands. Aggression is one of the top reasons dog owners seek the help of a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. And it’s not just larger dogs and so-called “dangerous breeds” that are prone to aggression; any breed is capable of becoming aggressive under the right circumstances....
Causes What To Do Treatment Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Dog vomit can appear clear, yellow, brown, or white and foamy. If your dog is vomiting white foam, a few potential reasons are indigestion, pancreatitis, ingestion of a foreign body, infectious disease, and more. Repeated vomiting requires action on your part, whether it be preventing your dog from eating certain objects or foods, or taking them to the vet for a full checkup in search of any potentially serious health issues....
If there is one trait birds are known for besides flight, it’s the sound of their voices. While a bird’s call may be music to its caretaker’s ears, not everyone will find it to be so pleasant. So if you live in close proximity to your neighbors, consider a quiet bird species that does well in small spaces. These birds are relatively petite and easygoing, especially compared to their larger bird cousins....
Characteristics Breed History Care Health Problems Appearance Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The beautiful burmilla is one of the newest breeds to be officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. It came about as the result of an accidental mating between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian in the 1980s. This sturdy yet elegant cat boasts a silvery-white coat and almost appears to be wearing eyeliner—and nose liner!...
Finding the perfect name for your new mare or filly is a challenging task especially when you know the name will stay with her for the next few decades, so choosing the best one is important. Her name may reference her personality or distinct characteristics. Here are some names to help you brainstorm the most fitting one. Highly Popular Mare and Filly Names These tried and true names are highly popular, and for good reason....
Puppies may seem happy-go-lucky creatures but when training puppies, your new puppy schedule helps them feel secure. Building a routine for your puppy, and creating “rules of the house” lets the new baby know what to expect—and makes sure all the humans do, too. Why You Should Establish a Puppy Schedule New owners take the puppies away from the only world she’s ever known with their dog parents or breeder. The baby leaves its mom-dog and puppy friends behind; travels on a car ride; and arrives in a strange new world with unfamiliar smells, sounds, people, and other animals....
