Your guide to pet ownership
Permanent nose color in dogs is determined by genes. Most dogs have black noses. This black color is caused by an intense deposit of melanin, which is a substance that gives skin, fur, and eyes their color. Just like some dogs can have blue eyes or white fur, others can have a pink nose. Pink … Read more
Although owning a dog can bring great joy and warmth to any home, doing your research first is essential. Prior to the first time purchase of a dog, you may have dreams and visions of bliss. However, owning a dog comes with a lot of hard work, and some breeds are easier than others. The … Read more
In choosing a dog, a number of factors are to be considered. On the top of some of your lists may be that of cleanliness. For some of you who desire to keep your dog indoors, or for those of you that may live in an apartment, having washable dog pee pads can be a … Read more
Dogs play an important role in helping our mental health. A study done in the Journal of Psychiatric Research and the Journal of Applied Developmental Science discovered that people who owned a dog did not suffer as much from their mental health issues, and owning a dog made these people more likely to help others. … Read more
When looking for a service dog candidate, there are many characteristics to take into consideration. The best service dogs will have a gentle demeanor, be highly intelligent, and be physically healthy and reliable. As service dogs often work in public and varying environments, it is important that they do not have any anxiety disorders or … Read more
Having a small space shouldn’t prevent you from having a dog, even if you live in an apartment. You don’t necessarily have to choose a small breed dog, but having a large breed dog in a smaller space may not be ideal for you or the dog. There are plenty of small to medium-size dogs … Read more
Despite there being a great number of dogs to choose from, for many, finding a small dog is a preferred choice. The small breed dogs are absolutely adorable and make for a great home companion. For many of you who desire to keep your dog indoors or who live in apartments, this is a good … Read more
Canine degenerative myelopathy, DM, is a progressive condition that causes a decline of spinal function over time. It’s most commonly found in dogs eight years and older. It may begin with difficulties in walking, especially in the hind legs. It can rapidly progress to total paralysis of the hindquarters and can also affect the forelimbs. … Read more
If you already have a cat and would like to also get a dog, you have probably wondered if these two species can co-exist in the same household. The answer is a resounding yes! With some planning and a proper introduction, cats and dogs can live together peacefully and may even become best friends. As … Read more
Congenital deafness in dogs is more prevalent in certain breeds and is linked to coat color. Congenital means that a health condition is present at birth and not acquired as a result of something else. There are four main types of canine coat colors associated with deafness: Piebald Merle Roan White Dr. Stanley Coren reports … Read more
You undoubtedly have seen many dogs with striking blue eyes and not given much thought to the reason. Popular Dog Breeds With Blue Eyes Siberian Husky Shetland Sheepdog Australian Shepherd American Pit Bull Terrier Border Collie Great Dane Weimeraner Old English Sheepdog Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dachshund A Desirable Trait A few breeds, like Siberian Huskies, … Read more
While most dogs have some form of webbing on their paws, other breeds have a much more developed type of this feature. Webbing refers to the thin pieces of skin membrane that stretch between a dog’s toes. Every part of a dog’s paw has a purpose. The thick skin on the bottom forms a tough … Read more
Millions of humans around the planet abuse alcohol and drugs, including opiates, marijuana, cocaine, and hallucinogens. It often seems like one of the unique, if troubling and disruptive, features of people, compared to wild animals; humans seek out intoxicating substances for fun while animals eat just for nutrition, whenever they’re hungry, or food is available. … Read more
Can they bite a finger or toe off?There are no recorded cases of it but do you really want to find out the hard way? They are called ‘snapping’ turtles for a reason. It’s not the force of the bite that you need to worry about, it’s also the sharp beak like mouth that’s meant … Read more
Ear cropping and tail docking for dogs is usually considered to be cosmetic surgery for dogs. In other words, neither procedure is necessary for a dog’s health; it is simply done for appearance. These procedures used to be standard for certain breeds. However, many owners are reconsidering having them done because they are unnecessary and … Read more
Trap-neuter-return, or TNR consists of the capture, sterilization, and release of feral cats in order to control the population of feral cat colonies. Either local animal control or a caregiver who has been feeding the cat will use a live cat trap with food inside to procure the animal. Some of the best food to lure … Read more
What Is the Largest Type of Rabbit? Flemish Giants are the largest breed of rabbits, often referred to as the ‘king of rabbits’ due to their enormous size. Flemish Giants routinely reach an adult weight of 14 pounds, but Giants have been recorded hitting weights of as much as 22 pounds. In the wild, the … Read more
Can A Dart Frog Kill You?Yes, a golden dart frog’s poison is strong enough that a single frog can kill 10 men with a single dose; it only takes 2 micrograms, an amount that can fit on a pinhead, to fell a single human adult. Dendrobatidae frogs, meaning “tree-walker” in Greek, are a family of … Read more
When you were a kid, your family probably had a bowl with a couple goldfish swimming around. If you were really lucky, you had a freshwater aquarium containing such popular fish as guppies, tetras or even a gorgeous betta. Now that you’re grown, you’re ready to take an additional step and upgrade to a saltwater … Read more
Hedgehogs and porcupines, though often confused, are very different creatures. Apart from their enthusiasm for acupuncture, they are entirely different species who have merely developed similar reactions to physical threats over the years. What is a hedgehog? A hedgehog is a small carnivorous mammal, that can measure between six inches to one foot in length … Read more