People have slightly varying definitions of what an exotic pet is. But most often exotic pets are considered to be anything that is not a dog, cat, or domesticated farm animal. If you’re the new caretaker of an exotic pet, you’re probably thinking about the perfect name for your animal. And finding the right name isn’t always easy. Some people opt to name their pet based on its appearance, such as Marshmallow for a white pet rabbit....
Hamsters have unique, stretchy cheeks that are used to store food and carry bedding. Syrian (golden) hamsters are often studied in research facilities for the unique characteristics of their cheek pouches. A hamster’s cheeks are also a place where specific diseases can develop that owners should be aware of. Hamster Cheeks All hamsters have cheek pouches. These large pockets are evaginations of the oral mucosa and can stretch all the way back to a hamster’s shoulders....
When you live in the country it’s important to know how to remove skunk smell from dogs sprayed by skunks. Curious pets allowed outdoors unsupervised in rural areas may stick their noses where they don’t belong, and end up on the receiving end of a skunk. Skunks do turn up in more urban settings and can be attracted to pet food left outside or even sneak inside through pet doors....
Do you want to be a dog trainer? Perhaps you have always had a way with dogs. Maybe you trained your own dog and found it interesting. Many people love the idea of training dogs. Some opt to train dogs as a hobby while others do it as a full-time profession. No matter which you choose, you’ll need to know the steps involved in becoming a dog trainer. What Dog Trainers Do Dog trainers work with puppies and adult dogs and their owners....
Domestic vs Purebred Domestic Unique Breeds Most cat breed standards allow for several different eye and fur color or coat patterns within the physical appearance descriptions. This can make it difficult if you are trying to determine what kind of cat you have by reading what colors and patterns each breed of cat can come in. Just because you have a black cat with golden eyes does not mean you have a Bombay, nor does your large longhair tabby automatically become a Maine Coon since you read Maine Coons can come in that pattern....
Our pets’ names can share a lot about their personalities—and maybe a little bit about how weird we are. Naming a new dog or cat is both one of the greatest joys and one of the most painstaking challenges of pet ownership. If you’re seeking inspiration, look no further than our roundup of some of our favorite pet names of 2022. Best Pop Culture Pet Names of 2022 From Yellowstone ranchers to Euphoria drug dealers, there were plenty of hit TV and movie characters who made their way off screen and into our homes....
The well-toned upper body of a healthy cat will give the impression of supple strength, which in movement translates to speed, agility, and grace. To see a cat crouched down on the hunt for prey, and moving in a slow motion “crawl” is poetry in motion. His frame is aligned perfectly, and every muscle, tendon, and bone move in tandem. The Muscular-Skeletal Structure of a Healthy Cat Standing at rest, in profile, a healthy cat will look evenly balanced....
What Is Vaginitis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Puppy vaginitis (also called juvenile vaginitis) is the inflammation of the vagina in a puppy that has not reached puberty (meaning it hasn’t come into heat for the first time). The condition can cause inflammation and irritation and may result in your puppy having vaginal discharge or licking its vulva, so it’s important to notice the early signs of this uncomfortable problem....
History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research There are many finch species, but one of the most popular kept as a pet is the zebra finch. This species is hardy and relatively easy to care for. It is an excellent choice for a first-time bird owner. Zebra finches are typically kept in pairs and entertain themselves without a lot of interaction with their owners....
What Is Cheyletiellosis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Cheyletiellosis, caused by skin-biting mites, is an irritatingly itchy condition. Infestation with Cheyletiella mites is sometimes called “walking dandruff” because the movement of the mites among a cat’s flaky fur gives the impression that the dandruff is alive and moving. In addition to itching and flaking, cats with cheyletiellosis may have red, bumpy skin. Treatment is necessary to eradicate the mites and halt the skin damage and discomfort they inflict....
Thankfully, due to improvements in veterinary care and nutrition, our feline friends are living much longer than they used to. With our cats living longer, it is important to know the health issues associated with this life stage. One issue is a decline in cognitive abilities as a result of aging changes in the brain. Cognitive functions include the mental processes of perception, awareness, learning, and memory, which allow an individual to acquire information about the environment and decide how to act....
When you breed or bring home a new horse, you’ll have the chance to choose the perfect name. Finding that right name can take some time and creativity, though. But don’t worry – you don’t have to come up with a completely original name. In fact, it can be helpful to draw some inspiration from other horses. Famous racehorses have fascinating, memorable names. While you won’t want to give your horse the exact same name as a famous racehorse, you can absolutely draw inspiration from your favorite racer’s name....
Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Similar Pets Purchasing French lop rabbits were bred from English lops and giant papillons (also known as checkered giants) so they have both the size and the floppy ears of their ancestors. These rabbits are hardy and can make great pets due to their calm demeanor. Knowing how to properly care for these gentle giants can help them live a long and happy life....
Can you perform CPR on a dog in an emergency? Hopefully, you will never find yourself in this situation. However, you may need to step in to help if you are with a dog that stops breathing and no longer has a pulse. What Is Dog CPR? Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique used to reverse cardiopulmonary arrest, a condition that occurs when the heart stops beating and involuntary breathing ceases....
When you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group, you are doing a wonderful thing to help homeless pets everywhere! Even before you’ve chosen the right dog, you can begin preparing for the arrival of your new canine companion. Bringing home an adult dog or older puppy from a shelter or rescue differs from bringing home a very young puppy. Each has its pros and cons. You should know what to expect for the first few weeks after your newly adopted dog arrives in your home....
If you don’t own a purebred cat that will be used for breeding, it’s best to have your pet spayed as early as possible to avoid unwanted feline pregnancy. A kitten as young as four months can reach sexual maturity and come into heat, and unlike humans, cats do not experience menopause with a loss of fertility, and so can continue to come into heat, become pregnant, and give birth to kittens through their entire lives....
Pet tortoises and turtles of all kinds need the same types of lighting. Heat bulbs and UVB bulbs are both vital to properly care for your pet turtle or tortoise. If proper temperatures and lighting are not provided your pet is at risk for developing serious health problems. Do I Need UVB Lighting for My Tortoise or Turtle? This is, unfortunately, the most commonly forgotten part of a turtle or tortoise habitat....
Does your dog make a whistling noise when they breathe? Is the whistling new or has it been happening off and on for a while? Whistling while breathing is a sign that your dog is wheezing. Dogs can wheeze for a multitude of reasons, some of them benign and some of them more serious. Causes of Wheezing in Dogs A dog will wheeze when they breathe because something in their trachea (windpipe) or further down their airway is blocking the flow of air....
What Is Anemia? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment & Prevention Prognosis Frequently Asked Questions Anemia in fish is the lack of oxygen-transporting red blood cells in the body. The most apparent symptom of anemia in a fish is pale gills, resulting from a lack of red blood cell flow. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, but mainly by a poor diet. A vet will diagnose anemia in a fish through a physical examination and treat the anemia by addressing underlying causes....
Essential oils, aromatherapy, and potpourri in your home may be pleasant for you, but natural compounds in these fragrances can be dangerous for your cat. Take precautions when using these products so your cat does not have a toxic reaction. If your cat has any liver impairment, it may be best to eliminate these products from your cat’s environment. Essential Oil Toxicity to Cats Certain essential oils were once considered to be safe for cats....
