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Most of us humans enjoy the occasional massage, but why is it that so many dogs enjoy, initiate, and even seem to expect pets on a regular basis? The human-dog bond is an amazing thing, and many of the ways that we show love to our canine companions is through acts of overt physical affection—think head pats, belly rubs, ear scratches, and the like. Not all dogs are keen on such physical displays of fondness, but many are, suggesting that dogs like to be pet just as much as we like to pet them....

If you’re looking to add a pet bird to your family and you have kids, it’s helpful to avoid the species that could overwhelm or even injure a child. While there are exceptions to every rule, certain bird species tend to do better with an experienced adult to meet their needs. Some of these birds are prone to biting when provoked while others are rather sensitive and don’t appreciate rambunctious children....

Salt creep occurs when the water in a saltwater aquarium splashes out of the tank, gets things wet, and after the fresh portion of the water evaporates, leaves behind salt crystals. Effects Salt is a corrosive substance, and therefore it can affect anything it touches. What degree of damage occurs primarily depends on how long an item is exposed to sodium chloride, and what type of material it is. Salt Creeps effects are seen in various ways:...

Deciding to breed your Roborovski dwarf hamsters is not a decision to make lightly. You should carefully consider the temperament and health of the hamsters you are breeding so that the offspring can be the friendliest dwarf hamsters possible. You must consider what you will do with any babies that will result. Most pet stores already have established suppliers and they are unlikely to take your babies. If you weren’t planning on breeding but you discover you have a pregnant female, you will also need to know how to care for her and what to expect....

Bubba’s Rowdy Friends Pet Stain & Odor Terminator Effectively removes old and new stains and odors Light mint scent isn’t overpowering Approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute No carpet cleaning machine needed Gallon size doesn’t include a spray nozzle We found Bubba’s Rowdy Friends Pet Stain & Odor Terminator very effective and liked its light mint scent. Process and Ease of Use Effectiveness and Scent Ingredients Price Competition Final Verdict Specs We purchased Bubba’s Pet Stain & Odor Terminator so our writer could put it to the test....

An emergency involving your dog is every dog owner’s fear. If your dog experiences a medical emergency, will you know what to look for? Will you be able to understand the problem so you can try to help? Learn about some common emergency medical situations that can affect dogs so you will be prepared if one ever happens to your dog. Medical Emergencies in Dogs You should always contact your veterinarian in the case of ANY potential emergency, but some incidents are worse than others....

Ferrets, just like other pets, are unfortunately prone to several ailments, and diarrhea is a common one. Diarrhea in ferrets can be a serious issue since it can quickly cause dehydration, but sometimes it’s temporary and simply the result of dietary indiscretion. By knowing more about the causes of diarrhea in ferrets, you’ll be able to help prevent it and keep both your ferret and whoever cleans the litter box happier....

Pet frogs don’t typically require a lot of medical attention, but sometimes pet frogs develop lumps, bumps, or growths that you can’t explain. What may look like a small bump can be a parasitic infestation, a pus-filled abscess, or other serious affliction. Parasites Some types of parasites burrow into the skin, and others try to burrow their way out. Tapeworm larvae are one of those types of parasites that seem to burrow their way out....

What is Gastritis in Dogs? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment & Prevention Prognosis Frequently Asked Questions If you notice your dog vomiting excessively, it may have gastritis due to an inflamed stomach lining. Sometimes gastritis is acute, meaning it has an abrupt and recent onset, such as might be triggered by ingestion of toxic matter. Other times, gastritis is chronic, suggesting a more severe underlying cause. Symptoms include blood in vomit, abnormal stool, and decreased appetite....

Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The Glen of Imaal terrier is a medium-size terrier dog breed from Ireland with a medium-length wiry coat that doesn’t shed much. Overall, the dog is longer than it is tall. It appears to be a big dog on short legs thanks to its large head and deep, muscular chest....

There’s a type of blue-green algae that can poison animals, and it’s enough to worry pet owners everywhere. This scary summertime hazard is life-threatening to dogs and other animals, including humans. Find out how to keep your pets safe from algae intoxication. What is Toxic Algae? Often called blue-green algae, this toxin is technically cyanobacteria, not algae. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms, meaning they get their energy from the sun. These organisms use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to produce glucose, oxygen, and water....

Walking with your dog at a “heel” is more formal than walking your dog on a loose leash. Teaching a dog to heel involves training it to stay close by your side while walking and it is a great way to instill self-control in your dog whether it’s on or off leash. Any dog—even the most energetic pups—can learn to heel and teaching this command is not too hard as long as you’re persistent and consistent....

Start Socializing Early Use Positive Reinforcement Teach The Right Behavior Consider Certification Advanced Training and Dog Sports Problems and Proofing Pit bulls get a bad rap. The truth is, when well-bred and properly socialized, pit bulls are very friendly, people-oriented pets. With their high energy level and strength, though, pit bulls are not for everyone. But if you decide that the pit bull is a good fit, you will find them to be extremely intelligent and eager to learn....

History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research While its name can be confusing to some people since it doesn’t actually have red on its belly, the red-bellied parrot is a small to medium-sized bird in the parrot family that is full of energy and affection. Knowing its history and care requirements can help you determine whether or not this bird may be the right pet for you....

Many marine aquarists only give the oxygen (O2) content in their aquarium water a passing thought, not fully understanding how the level of the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in their aquariums can affect their entire tank population. Everything Reacts With Oxygen In one way or another, everything (fish, invertebrates, corals, seaweeds, bacteria) in the oceans and in marine aquariums react with oxygen. Most of the living beings of this planet require oxygen in order to metabolize nutrients, the principle byproduct of this reaction is carbon dioxide (CO2)....

What Are Swollen Lymph Nodes? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Lymph nodes are found in various places in the body. These small glands are not typically easy to find or feel unless they become enlarged. Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection or disease, especially in the area of the swollen nodes. Knowing the potential reasons for swollen lymph nodes and what to watch for can help you better monitor the health of your dog....

Buying a horse or pony for the first time is an exciting experience. However, it’s essential to do prior research on the responsibilities, costs, and care a horse requires because the wrong horse can ruin the fun of horseback riding or driving and may be unsafe. Learn to avoid the top mistakes that new horse buyers make. Watch Now: Common Mistakes When Buying Your First Horse 01 of 10 Buying an Untrained Horse Cavan Images/Taxi/Getty Images Many experienced horsemen and women will tell you they see this too often....

Dogs are usually very food-motivated, so if your dog stops eating, it is natural to be a little concerned. Knowing why a dog has stopped eating, if and how you should force it to eat, and when you should be concerned is important to understand as a pet owner. What Is Anorexia in Dogs? Anorexia is a complete lack of appetite. Your dog is refusing any food and not eating anything....

Why Do Dogs Vomit? Dietary Reasons Health Problems Treatment Examining the Vomit Watch and Wait When to Call the Vet Diet for Vomiting Dogs Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Is your dog vomiting? Although dog puke can be messy and unpleasant, the good news is that vomiting in dogs is usually not a dire emergency. However, you should not ignore it. A dog that’s vomiting could be having dietary issues, pancreatitis, or something else....

When a pet bird uses its mouth on your hand, you may just be being “beaked” rather than bitten. Birds use their beaks much like they use feet, to grasp items and maintain balance; “beaking” is the correct term for this behavior. It’s important to discriminate between beaking and biting so that you can provide the appropriate response when your pet bird gives you a true bite. Why Birds “Beak” You There are several reasons that a bird might beak you as opposed to giving you a true bite....