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Origin and History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Problems Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research Bourke’s parakeets are an excellent introductory bird for those new to hookbills or parrots; they have a calm demeanor and can entertain themselves. They are quiet birds that are ideal apartment dwellers and are equally suited for individual cages or small aviaries, where they are excellent partners for finches and cockatiels as well as other Bourke’s parakeets....

We know that the more green veggies we include in our own diets the better, but what about our dogs’ diets? Green beans, which offer plenty of vitamins A, K, and C, plus fiber and folate, are a great part of any diet—and as it turns out, the same is as true for our pups as it is for us! The Benefits of Green Beans for Dogs Veterinarians have been recommending green beans for years as a safe and healthy snack for dogs....

They’re crunchy, nutritious, and refreshing in salads, soups, and smoothies, but are cucumbers safe for our dogs to snack on? Though often mistaken for vegetables, cucumbers are actually a fruit, they’re part of the same family that includes melons and squashes, and they are packed with fiber, water, and other nutrients. They can make a healthy, hydrating treat for both humans and their canine counterparts. Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? Although there are some fruits and veggies that pet parents should steer clear of, grapes and onions, for example, the cucumber gets the green light from most veterinarians....

Here is a handy list of common fish names that begin with the letter W, cross-referenced to their scientific names, from the Warmouth to the Wolf Tetra. Fish Names That Begin With W Wallago catfish (Wallago attu): Wild species of this fish have been found with birds, amphibians, small mammals and even remains of people in their stomach! Keen these alone in an aquarium, because even a single fish will eat any fish it can fit in its spacious mouth, and will usually kill anything it that it can’t consume....

There are many diseases that can affect freshwater fish. Fish are at higher risk of disease when they have compromised immune function or chronic stress from poor water quality, overcrowding, inappropriate diets, and other poor environmental concerns. These issues need to be addressed or any treatments attempted will only have a temporary effect. Recognizing disease in fish can be difficult for newer fish owners. Obvious physical signs, such as spots, lumps, missing scales or frayed fins are the easiest signs of sick fish....

Grain-free dog foods and heart disease may have a connection, but the cause of the reported dilated cardiomyopathy cases in over 500 dogs is still unknown. Dog owners should be aware of the investigation and have a discussion with their veterinarian if they have been feeding a grain-free food or are concerned their dog may have dilated cardiomyopathy. What is Being Investigated? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated 515 reports of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs between January 2014 and April 2019, 219 of those reports happening since December, 2018....

Meloxicam is a common drug used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs, but like most prescription drugs, meloxicam does have some risks. Fortunately, most dogs tolerate the drug well, and it helps reduce their pain and inflammation. What is Meloxicam? Meloxicam is an NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in the oxicam class. It is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, meaning it does not affect COX-1. Cyclooxygenase, or COX, is a family of enzymes called isozymes....

Dog lovers unite; our holiday is here: National Dog Day. Celebrate your dog this National Dog Day (Aug. 26) by spoiling them with some extra love, treats, and toys. In honor of the holiday, we gathered 10 of the weirdest, most obscure facts we could find about dogs. Break them out at your next happy hour or dog park play date to impress your fellow dog lovers. 01 of 10 Dogs’ Eyebrows Have Evolved To Be More Expressive EyeWolf / Getty Images We’re all familiar with puppy dog eyes, but those heart-melting expressions haven’t always been part of the canine anatomy....

Bengal cats have the look of their wild relatives, but the size and personality of a domestic kitty. Plus, they’re cute, and unlike larger, exotic cats, they can be kept in your house safely. Bengal cats are hybrids of domestic cats and Asian leopard cats. Ownership of early generation hybrids may be restricted in your state as exotic cats. Registered Bengal cats are at least 4 generations removed from their wild ancestors....

What Is Toad Poisoning? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Toads are slow-moving amphibians that move in erratic ways, making them an irresistible target for many predators, including your dog, which may want to eat the toad or merely play with it. However, toads are toxic, as they are able to secrete a poison through their skin. That means that if your pup eats, licks, or chews on a toad, it is potentially at risk for toad poisoning....

There are a plethora of unisex cat names that suit any kitty, regardless of its sex. Unisex cat names are great if you’re dreaming about your future kitty’s name before you’ve adopted. They’re also perfect for pet lovers who like to think of creative names that extend beyond gender norms. We’ve compiled a great list of 75 unisex cat names to help jumpstart your naming journey. Whether you find your new cat or kitten’s name on this list, or just have fun perusing different names, you’re certain to be well on the path to the perfect unisex cat name....

Characteristics Breed History Care Health Problems Appearance Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research Known for their long, ballerina-like bodies and silky fur, Turkish Angoras are considered treasures in their homeland of Turkey. Despite their delicate appearance and relatively small size, however, Turkish Angoras are affectionate and playful with their owners, children, and other pets (as long as the other pets know that the Angora is the boss)....

Kitties that have black and white markings are often called tuxedo or piebald cats. Tuxedo refers to the distinctive coat markings that look like they are wearing a formal dinner suit. Mixed-breed domestic cats, also called moggies, can have black and white markings as well. Here are 10 popular types of cats that can have a black and white coat, among other potential coat colors and markings. Tip When considering a black and white cat, be sure to take into account its temperament and physical characteristics of the breed....

Azathioprine is a prescription drug used to treat certain autoimmune disorders in dogs. A healthy immune system works to destroy perceived threats such as bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. Autoimmune (or immune-mediated) disorders cause the immune system to become overactive and begin to attack the body’s cells and tissues inappropriately. Treatment for autoimmune disorders generally involves using medications like azathioprine to suppress the overactive immune system. What Does Azathioprine Do?...

What Are Bezoars? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Bezoars are a common cause of belly aches in cats. Technically, these strange-sounding afflictions are hard masses of undigested material in the gut, but most are what we commonly call hairballs. While bezoars are often expelled by vomiting or passed in feces without causing harm. a bezoar that does not pass naturally may create a gastrointestinal obstruction. GI blockages require prompt veterinary treatment, or they can be fatal....

Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research The black banded leporinus has the appearance of a torpedo-shaped bumblebee. Its thick, verticle black and yellow stripes help individuals blend into the school in wide-open water much like zebra camouflage together on the open plains. They require a very large aquarium as the fish quickly grow to over a foot in length and are avid jumpers given any opportunity....

Cyclops is a buzzword that is sometimes heard when discussing types of live foods for aquarium fish. Yet many people have no idea what they are, what they are used for, or where to get them. Here is the scoop on Cyclops. What Are Cyclops? Cyclops are tiny copepods, or crustaceans, that are found in many freshwater and saltwater bodies of water. They derive their name from the single eye located in the middle of their head....

Many pet owners are regularly searching for alternatives to pharmaceuticals and insecticides, so more natural remedies like essential oils are commonly discussed. Peppermint oil is one such essential oil that is sometimes recommended for use in pets, specifically for killing fleas. Despite its popularity though, peppermint oil has very little scientific research for use in animals or for killing fleas and it can actually pose a major risk to your pet....

Exotic pets typically include any type of animal that’s not a cat, dog, or farm animal. If you just picked up your exotic pet, whether it’s a bird, reptile, pot-bellied pig or frog, to take home and make a part of the family, that pet is going to need a name. If you’re learning toward a J name—perhaps to match the first letter of another pet who also has a name that begins with J—take a look at the top options below, as well as a lengthy list of alternative names....

Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis is a common herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family of plants. This family is also sometimes called the mint, deadnettle, or sage family. Many of the members of this plant family, just like the rosemary plant, are aromatic herbs used widely in cooking. Other members of this plant family include basil, catnip, lavender, marjoram, mint, oregano, sage, and thyme, just to name several. Rosemary is a common addition to home herb gardens....