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An emotional support animal can be a true lifesaver for someone dealing with mental health problems. From offering companionship and the stability of a routine to serving as a trusted guide through anxiety-inducing social situations, emotional support animals offer invaluable support in addition to the non-judgmental, unconditional love that animals already provide so freely. All that being said, emotional support animals—a term that is often shortened to just “ESAs”—aren’t pets, at least by the standard definition of the term....

Just as their human owners often do, dogs struggle with dry skin. Dogs can develop dry skin due to a number of causes. Some of these causes are more serious than others but regardless of why dogs’ skin is dry, it’s never a comfortable feeling. Knowing why your dog has dry skin and how it is treated can help you get your dog the relief it wants and needs while also ensuring any serious causes are properly addressed....

Own or thinking about owning a guinea pig? You may not have known that there are 13 species of guinea pigs, and they all have their share of unique characteristics. Learn more about each of them below, and make sure you know which one you’re going for before adopting a guinea pig. 01 of 09 American Life On White/Photodisc/Getty Images This breed is also known as the English Cavy. The coat is smooth and short and lies flat to the body....

Many betta owners are keenly aware of how active their fish are. But, compared to other fish, your betta may seem more lethargic or like to sleep more. Is this normal? How can you tell if your fish is sleeping normally or something is actually wrong? Here are some signs you might observe. What is Sleeping in Bettas? All fish, including bettas, sleep. They don’t require a soft bed or even eyelids, and most fish don’t sleep like you or your fluffy pets....

If you are searching for the right dog to protect you, your family, or your property, some dogs are born with instincts to act as guard dogs. The best dog breeds for protection usually have a strong sense of loyalty to you and your family, are highly alert, observant, and act obediently. An ideal guard dog is typically large, fearless, and responsive to training. Here are 10 dog breeds that generally serve well as protectors and companions if you are considering getting a guard dog....

Birds of all types and sizes are certainly captivating creatures, but some of the most impressive ones are the large birds. Many of these birds can learn to talk and perform tricks. They also can be highly affectionate and playful. But it’s important to remember large birds require ample space, and they can be rather loud. Also, the expenses associated with their care can be high. If you’re ready for the commitment, here are eight of the best large pet bird species....

The Devon Rex is known for its alien-like appearance, marked by its large, low-set ears, big eyes, and triangular face. Aside from its striking facial features, the Devon Rex has a thin, wavy coat that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. The breed was discovered in England in the 1960s and came to the US through a breeding program later that decade. The breed was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1979 and gained Championship status in 1983....

What Is an Ear Hematoma? Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Prevention An ear hematoma is a pool of leaked blood that gathers underneath the skin, causing painful swelling and redness. Dogs frequently develop hematomas in the flaps of their ears. Ear flaps, also called pinna, are the outer portion of the ear connected to the sides or the top of your dog’s head. Ear hematomas, also called aural hematomas, are usually caused by excessive head shaking or scratching due to an ear infection, mites, allergies, or other irritation inside the ear canal....

You are not alone if you already own a parrot and are thinking about adding another bird to your family. Many bird owners eventually decide to adopt multiple feathered friends once they find how enjoyable one is to have around. Parrots are notorious for being finicky creatures of habit and adding a new bird to your home can easily create stress in your existing pet. To ease any resistance and make the transition as smooth as possible, there are a few steps you can take to introduce the two birds....

Kittens are the epitome of playfulness, but they seem to get their tiny paws on everything imaginable. While letting your kitten play and explore is important to its mental development, you need to make sure that what it’s playing with is safe. Importance of Play Behavior Young animals, including kittens, learn a lot about life through play behaviors. From a very young age, kittens learn to stalk prey, pounce, attack, grab, climb, chew, and practice other behaviors that are vital to survival, especially if they aren’t indoor cats and have to catch their own food....

Why Do Dogs Bark Excessively? Health Problems Aging Dogs Fear Territorialism Loneliness Seeking Attention Separation Anxiety Solutions Visit the Vet Behavior Modification Separation Anxiety What Not to Do Surgery Hire a Pro Barking is a normal activity for dogs. Dogs will use their bark to express a number of emotions and a bark can mean different things depending on the situation. However, excessive dog barking is a nuisance and can be considered a behavior problem....

Cockatoos are very popular pet birds with personalities as flashy and dynamic as their crest. While these birds may be best known for the fan of feathers that they display on tops of their heads, there are plenty of other fun and fascinating cockatoo facts for bird lovers to focus on. From Down Under All 21 species of cockatoos are native to Oceania. Specifically, cockatoos are endemic to Australasia, including Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea....

What Is a Liver Shunt? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention A liver shunt can go unnoticed in a dog but will likely cause serious health problems if left untreated over time. Severe liver shunts can cause seizures and may be fatal, so recognizing signs of this congenital condition may save your dog’s life. What Is a Liver Shunt? A liver shunt in dogs is a congenital condition (present from birth) in which veins that should carry blood to the liver bypass the liver through an abnormal vessel....

What Is Plant Poisoning? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention While plants can make a lovely decorating statement, poisonous plants can kill pets if eaten. Even some of the most common decorative plants and flowers, such as daffodils and tulips, can be deadly to dogs. Some plants will just mildly upset your dog’s stomach while a nibble of others can be a veterinary emergency that requires immediate medical attention. But you ward off trouble simply by steering clear of the worst plant offenders, both inside and outside your home....

Best Overall: Airpets International Best Communication: Air Animal Best for Multiple Pets: Happy Tails Travel, Inc. Best for Ground Transportation: Royal Paws Best for Tracking: Blue Collar Pet Transport Best Marketplace: Citizen Shipper Best Overall: Airpets International Airpets International is one of the most well-known pet transport companies available. Based in Texas, Airpets International (formerly Airpets America) is backed by the USDA and has been in the business since 1990....

Many humans have a daily regimen of vitamins and supplements. More and more people are giving vitamins and supplements to their dogs as well. Does your dog need to take vitamins and supplements, too? Are they even safe for dogs? The answers depend on the dog and the types of supplements in question. Vitamins and Minerals Essential for Dogs All dogs need certain vitamins and minerals to thrive. Fortunately, these can all be found in a complete and balanced diet....

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was enacted in 1974 to ensure safe drinking water in our homes in the United States. As a result of this law, the Environmental Protection Agency set drinking water quality standards for all public water systems across the country. These regulations require that all municipal water supplies be treated to limit bacterial growth and other hazardous contaminants.Water treatment companies can choose different disinfectant methods and for a long time, chlorine was the disinfectant of choice; however, many municipal water treatment plants have switched to chloramine....

Leg markings are areas of white hair that extend up from the hoof on an otherwise the dark-colored horse. There is so much variety in leg markings and so many unique combinations that leg markings are an important way to identify individual horses – they’re important enough that even old horse proverbs mention them. Horses may have four similar white markings on their legs, or the leg markings can be completely different on each leg....

People who own parrots and other pet birds must be careful regarding the types of plants they allow in their homes, as many common houseplants are highly toxic to birds. Toxicity primarily depends on the plant variety, the size of the bird, and how much the bird ate. Gastrointestinal upset is a common sign that your bird ate something toxic is, and a poisoning can easily turn fatal. If you think your bird ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or a poison helpline immediately....

German shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds because they are loyal, intelligent, athletic, and striking to look at. Not only do they make wonderful pets, but these hard-working canines often have jobs as service dogs, with the military or police, or in security. Your German shepherd deserves a name that is as bold, strong, and unique as it is. While picking your perfect pooch might have been easy, selecting the best German shepherd name might be more of a challenge....