If you care for aquarium fish properly, a disease rarely occurs. However, on those occasions when a fish does become ill, having information at your fingertips is critical. Here’s your one-stop reference about fish health, disease treatment, and prevention. For community aquarium fish, here are the 10 basic rules to follow to keep your fish healthy: Water Testing Before introducing any fish into your aquarium, buy yourself a good water test kit....
If you find your pet tarantula lying on its back, it is important that you do not touch it, as it is extremely fragile at this time. It can be quite alarming to find your tarantula lying in this seemingly unnatural position, but chances are it is simply because it is beginning to molt. Most tarantulas will molt while lying on their backs (though some will molt on their sides). Molting usually takes anywhere from 15 minutes to a full day, so keep an eye on your tarantula (remember to not touch it)....
Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Similar Pets Purchasing The corn snake is a common species of rat snake and makes a great pet snake for both beginner and experienced reptile enthusiasts. Corn snakes come in many different color morphs and patterns but no matter what your corn snake of choice looks like, it will need proper care to stay safe and healthy. Find out more about this type of snake and what kind of care you should provide for them....
Why Do Hamsters Bite? Stopping the Biting Week 1: Getting Used to You Week 2: Getting Used to Your Hand Week 3: Offering Treats Week 4: Petting Week 5: Picking Up Your Hamster Hamsters do bite sometimes, though it’ll typically only happen when they get scared. Most of the time, your pet hamster will be a cuddly, affectionate companion, but in some situations, hamsters can and do bite. It’s rare for a hamster to actually be aggressive, though, and they typically only bite when they get scared....
Question: My Budgie, Kipper, is only a year old, and I just adopted him last week. A friend of mine who has dogs told me that I should schedule a visit to take him to the vet, but Kipper doesn’t seem sick at all. In fact, he’s a normal, happy Budgie and seems to be as healthy as can be. Vet visits can be expensive, so I really don’t want to have to take him in unless it’s absolutely necessary....
Sometimes life changes and bird owners have to give up their birds for health or financial reasons or relocating to a home that doesn’t allow pets. If you can no longer keep your feathered friend, here’s how you can go about finding a good home for your bird. 01 of 05 Contact Local Bird Rescues Sean Murphy/Getty Images Whatever the reason that you have to find your bird a new home, exotic bird rescues are a good place to start....
Many pet owner’s are fearful of anesthesia. Anesthesia, defined as a “loss of feeling or sensation,” is commonly used in veterinary practices, and provides an essential tool for surgical or other painful procedures that are recommended for your cat’s health. Anesthesia is expected to be used when your cat is spayed or neutered, in dental cleanings and more. Here is some information that helps give you a better understanding of some of the commonly used types of anesthetics we use for pets....
Water is essential to your cat’s health. Drinking enough helps your feline friend maintain healthy kidneys and supports hydration of other organs. Cats that eat canned food get some of the water it needs when it eats, but animals that only eat dry food, or who have a combination diet, need to drink more to meet their bodily needs. Cats are like horses in the old saying: you can lead them to water, but you can’t make them drink it....
It’s no surprise that Yorkshire Terriers—otherwise known as Yorkies—are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Not only are their teddy bear-like looks downright adorable, but their personalities are as big and unique as any human’s. Some Yorkies may be diva purse pooches, while others can be rough-and-tumble dogs that love to hunt small prey. Whether you’re looking for a glam name to match your Yorkie’s diva-esque personality, a tough guy name, a Yorkie name from history or Hollywood, or a just plain old cute name for your dog, we’ve rounded up our top picks for Yorkie dog names....
Size Guinea pigs, being social creatures, do best kept in groups of two or more, but most readily available commercial cages are not large enough to house a pair of pigs. The “old” guideline of 2 square feet per guinea pig is considered out-of-date and cramped by many owners. Cavycages.com recommends 7.5 square feet for a single guinea pig and 10.5 feet for a pair. Even at that, if you can provide a bigger cage, your guinea pigs will benefit from the extra space....
All fish may start out small, but some don’t stay that way. Most koi fish have the potential to grow over a foot long, many over 2 feet and some over 3 feet in length. Unless you have the giant granddaddy of all tanks or need to temporarily house your koi inside for the winter, keep koi out of that tiny fish tank. An outdoor pond is best suited for housing koi long-term....
Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research The denison barb is a handsome, active fish hailing from southern India. Its sudden popularity, however, led to over-harvesting; as a result, it is now on the endangered list. Another variant of this fish called grey and gold denison barb is critically endangered. This species does well in captivity, however, it requires a very large aquarium with room for fast swimming over distances, and fast-moving, pristine water....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Characteristics Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Dogo Argentino is a large and imposing working dog breed native to Argentina that has a short white coat and a thick, muscular build. Bred as a big game hunter, the Dogo is athletic, courageous, and intelligent. It requires lots of exercise every day. It’s also a watchful guardian but tends to be very affectionate with its family....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Great Pyrenees Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Great Pyrenees is a large-size working dog breed from France with a typically white double coat. It’s known for a hard-working spirit and a sweet disposition as well as its massive, muscular stature. The Great Pyrenees, or Pyr, is an adorable gentle giant, very loyal to its family, and typically gets along very well with children....
Have you ever tried to handle your cat only to have it turn into a wiggly ball of claws and teeth? As a cat owner, you’ll need to occasionally handle your pet so you can give it medications, groom it, or check it over. Not all cats can tolerate handling. In fact, many cats get extremely stressed out if you try to handle them in any way. Fortunately, there is a technique you can use with a towel to swaddle your cat into a kind of cat “burrito” or, if you will, “purrito....
If you haven’t already planned to keep all the kittens from the litter, you’ll need to start thinking about placing them in permanent loving homes when they are eight to twelve weeks old. You will want to find potential adopters for your kittens who will love, care for, and appreciate them as much as you do. The Do’s and Don’ts of Rehoming Kittens There are a number of positive things you can do to help ensure the people you are entrusting your kittens to will be responsible cat parents....
Controlling the diet of a dog with diabetes mellitus is probably the most important part of treating the disease, with the exception of insulin injections given at periodic intervals. Diet in Diabetes Treatment for Your Dog Regulating the blood glucose levels (sugar in the blood) is the key to controlling and treating the symptoms of diabetes. Without a properly controlled diet, keeping the blood glucose levels within acceptable limits is impossible....
Is your dog afraid of the stairs? Some dogs are afraid of going up and down stairs. This is a fairly common fear or phobia, especially in young dogs who may not have encountered them while they were puppies. Fortunately, you can help your dog get over this fear and go up and down the stairs with confidence. Here’s what you need to know if your dog has a fear of the stairs....
Most horse owners enjoy feeding their horses. It’s fun to see your horse enjoy its meals and come running to you when it sees you with the feed bucket. But it’s easy to make a mistake when planning your horse’s dietary needs. Avoid these 10 common feeding mistakes. 01 of 10 Overfeeding Photodisc/Getty Images As horse owners, we usually enjoy looking after our companions and that often means providing them with the best feeds possible....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Bernese mountain dog is a large working dog breed from Switzerland with a tricolor, medium-length coat. Also called the Berner, these dogs can make for loyal and loving companions and are even typically good around children and other pets. They are fairly playful and energetic but not exhausting, and they can be protective but not aggressive....
