If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, it means that his pancreas is not producing enough insulin to regulate the amount of sugar in his bloodstream. In most cases of feline diabetes, insulin is the treatment of choice. Though giving injections to a cat can be a scary prospect for many cat owners, most owner’s find the injections are easier than they thought. But what about situations where injections are not possible?...
Slime algae, also known as blue-green algae or smear algae, is usually blue-green in color, but it may also be red, brown or black. It looks and feels exceptionally slimy, and, when disturbed, it comes off in sheets. Slime algae grow quickly and cover the aquarium surface, often giving off an unpleasant swampy or fishy odor. What Causes Slime Algae? Slime algae, aka blue-green algae, is actually the organism cyanobacteria. It comprises (usually) single-celled bacteria that often grow in colonies large enough to see, forming filaments, sheets, or spheres....
Most bird owners know that it’s important to keep their pets nice and warm, but many don’t realize how important it is to pay attention to the humidity levels in a bird’s environment. This can be a particularly crucial issue during the winter, as heaters often dry up any humidity inside of the home. Exotic birds, in general, come from rather warm, humid, tropical environments. Their bodies are made to function under the influence of these sorts of weather patterns, and in some respects, the birds depend on them for their very health....
Vulpes zerda is more commonly referred to as the fennec fox. Fennec foxes are 2-3 lb. canines with ears as large as 6 inches in length from Africa. Fennec foxes can make great pets since they can be easily trained to use a litter box and are fed an accessible high-quality dog or cat food, such as the Mazuri Exotic Canine Diet. Quick Facts About Fennec Foxes Fennecs can be found purring like a cat when they are happy....
What Is Lymphedema? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment and Prevention Prognosis Lymphedema is a medical condition in which localized fluid retention and tissue swelling are caused by a compromised lymphatic system. The swelling may affect one or more limbs and typically begins at the end of the limb, slowly moving toward the torso. Most of the time, the cause of a dog’s lymphedema is an illness or injury. Stings from insects or snake bites are common causes of lymphedema, which can affect all dog breeds and ages....
What Is Lymphocystis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Is Lymphocystis Contagious to Humans? Lymphocystis is a common virus in both saltwater and freshwater fish systems. Caused by a member of the iridoviridae family, this virus results in light-colored bumps on the surface of the fish’s skin. Thankfully, these bumps do not cause serious health symptoms and tend to be self-limiting. Focusing on better health management can often clear most clinical signs, but prevention is key....
What Is Psittacosis? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Is Psittacosis Contagious to Humans? What Is Psittacosis? Psittacosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci, affecting more than 400 species of birds and some mammals. It may also be caused by Chlamydophila avium, Chlamydophila gallinacea, and other bacteria. Psittacosis is transmitted from bird to bird, but it can also be contagious to some mammals (including humans) through infected birds....
Why Do Dogs Show Aggression? Illness and Injury Fear Possessiveness Show of Dominance Frustration Whether it is directed towards you or another family member, a stranger, or another animal, an aggressive dog can not only be very frightening, but may also lead to injury or legal action. But although it may seem like your dog is biting you aggressively or showing other aggressive behaviors out of the blue, most dogs only exhibit aggressive behavior for one of five basic reasons: Your dog is ill, frightened, possessive, showing dominance, or frustrated....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Frequently Asked Questions The Rottweiler, or Rottie, is a large and rugged dog with a hard-working and confident demeanor. It is known for its muscular body, thick hindquarters, and easy trot. Descended from the mastiffs of the Roman legions, the Rottie can be a gentle playmate and companion, despite its reputation for being dangerous....
Is it OK to Own a Llama? Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Exercise Grooming Training Purchasing Similar Pets & Breeds Many people would not consider llamas pets in the traditional sense. Strictly speaking, they’re considered livestock—however, because they’re friendly, social, calm, and easily trained, they’re often a great option for people looking for a more exotic companion. Many times, llama ownership arises from a case of “love at first sight....
From toys to tumblers, treats to T-shirts, there are all sorts of great gifts you can get for the dog lover in your life, whether you’re celebrating the holidays, Christmas, a birthday, or any other gift-worthy occasion. To find the best gifts for dogs and the people who love them, we talked to dozens of dog owners to ask the favorite gifts they’ve ever received or given. We looked for gifts that celebrate specific interests, such as for dogs (and their humans) who love hiking, or for those duos who prefer chilling on the couch....
Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The West Highland white terrier, or Westie, is a small terrier dog breed from Scotland with a medium-length coat that’s typically pure white. The Westie’s dark, almond-shaped eyes and black nose pop against its white coat. Overall, it has a muscular build with a deep chest, and its tail is fairly short and thick....
You already know that fruit is important for keeping yourself healthy, but did you know that it’s great for your dog, too? While dogs don’t need fruit to be at their healthiest, the addition of fresh fruits to your pup’s normal diet, with permission and instructions from your vet, can provide them with an added boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as some always-welcome extra hydration. An important thing to remember, however, when it comes to feeding your dog fruit is that while many fruits are great for dogs, not all of them are....
Bringing home a newly adopted dog or puppy can be a super exciting time. It can also be overwhelming, making sure you have considered everything from all the gear you need, to vets and insurance, to training and dog sitters. With all these important things to think about, trying to be creative and come up with a good name for your new family member can prove a challenge. You want to pick something that all family members agree on, and something that won’t cause embarrassment or offence when you are calling it in the park....
An apple a day may keep your doctor away—but how about your pet’s veterinarian? One of the most popular fruits consumed (by humans) in America, apples can also be a healthy, low-calorie snack for our four-legged friends, too. Apples Can Be Healthy for Dogs Apples are chock full of vitamins, like A and C, as well as dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and antioxidants. Apples help satisfy your pet’s sweet tooth in a healthier (and non-toxic) way....
Dogs occasionally suffer from bouts of depression. When dogs are depressed, they often appear sad and withdrawn. They can even lose interest in play. Although dogs do not have the same capacity for reasoning as we humans, it doesn’t mean they cannot experience depression. In dogs, depression is not exactly the same complex clinical disorder that it is in people. However, as a loving dog owner, you will be relieved to learn that you can actually help your dog if it is addressed....
Feeding pet rats is not difficult, but there are some important items to include when doing so. Specially-formulated rat diets should always make up the bulk of your pet rat’s meals, but you should also offer different fresh foods. There are some homemade diets you can make that are recommended by rat experts as an alternative to prepackaged foods, but you must stick to these recipes very closely and make sure your rats get a variety of fresh supplements....
When the temperature drops overnight, dogs don’t have the benefit of pulling something out of the closet to wear. While some parts of the country tend to enjoy mild winters, abrupt changes in the weather often leave pets shivering. Different dog breeds react to cold weather in different ways. Some German shepherds like rain and snow and turn everything into a doggy playground. Short-furred pups such as Chihuahuas, however, tend to be heat-seeking missiles eager to burrow into piles of fluffy blankets....
Coconut oil has been used in cooking for decades but within the past several years its popularity as a holistic remedy has skyrocketed. Supporters rave about the numerous health benefits of coconut oil for humans. In fact, it has become so popular that some people are starting to give it to their cats for the same benefits they are seeing in themselves. Is coconut oil beneficial or harmful for cats? Well-meaning cat owners should learn the facts about coconut oil before administering it to their cats....
What Is Pythiosis? Symptoms Cause Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Prevention Pythiosis (otherwise known as water mold infection) is a rare fungal infection that can affect the skin or the gastrointestinal tract, causing sores and weight loss. It is caused by the aquatic mold Pythium insidiosum. Pythiosis can strike not only dogs, but many other animals as well, including cats, horses, and even humans. The infection is generally contracted when animals with open sores drink, stand, or swim in stagnant contaminated water....
