Why Do Dogs Bite or Chew Their Nails? 8 Common Reasons

Dogs use their teeth to get to the bottom of many issues, as that’s their only resource to relieve itchiness or other discomforts on their body. When you see your pup biting or chewing on their nails, it’s usually indicative of something bothering them around their paws. If this becomes a chronic problem, it could be a sign of something brewing.

Anytime your dog has odd behavior, it should be something you should keep an eye out for.  If they are biting or chewing their nails, it’s also important to watch out for any other behavior that’s out of the norm, like eating less or not being as energetic around their family.

So what could cause a pet to have discomfort on their paws? While there are many possible issues, in this article we will cover some of the most common reasons your dog may be chewing at their nails!

To read more on this story, click here: Why Do Dogs Bite or Chew Their Nails? 8 Common Reasons

Two Cats Are First U.S. Pets to Test Positive for Coronavirus

The animals appear to have mild symptoms and likely caught the virus from their owners. And there’s no evidence pets can pass it to humans.

The first pets in the United States, two cats from New York State, have tested positive for the virus that is causing the worldwide pandemic, the Agriculture Department and the Centers for Disease Control announced Wednesday.

The cats, from different parts of the state, are showing only mild symptoms and are expected to be fine.

Testing positive does not mean the cats have the same illness that people have. Nor does it mean that the cats can pass on the illness to people. And tests for pets are not the same as those for people, so no humans missed out on testing because the cats were tested.

To read more on this story, click here: Two Cats Are First U.S. Pets to Test Positive for Coronavirus

20 Best Dog Breeds for Seniors & Retirees

Would you agree that Small is usually better when considering which breed is best for senior citizens. 

Admittedly, we’re a little biased around here, but there’s lot to be said about the perfect dogs for senior citizens and retirees.  Big or small..

The warmth, companionship, love and entertainment that dogs provide can make all the difference in the life of an older person. 

You are welcome to skip the introduction and go directly to our recommendations for the best dog breeds for seniors.

To read more on this story, click here: 20 Best Dog Breeds for Seniors & Retirees

Cats Can Infect Each Other With Coronavirus, Chinese Study Finds

Feline transmission to humans not shown but infected pet owners warned to be careful

Cat owners may wish to be more cautious about contact with their pets, as a study from China has revealed Covid-19 can be transmitted between cats.

The team, at Harbin Veterinary Research Institute in China, found that cats are highly susceptible to Covid-19 and appear to be able to transmit the virus through respiratory droplets to other cats. Dogs, chickens, pigs and ducks were found to be unlikely to catch the infection, however.

To read more on this story, click here: Cats Can Infect Each Other With Coronavirus, Chinese Study Finds

Private John L. Drugan And "Pal", His Faithful War Dog – Thanking You Both For Your Service!

Sharing from Time To Go Home’s facebook page:   

How One Paralyzed Dog Walked Its Way From Puppy Mill, To New Owner

LANCASTER, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Volunteer and foster caregiver Michelle Weirich of Delaware County, recently fostered a dog named Prince Harry who now goes by the name 'Teddy Bear.'

Teddy Bear, who was in dire need of medical care, was rescued from a licensed breeder at a Lancaster County puppy mill.

Weirich says Teddy Bear spent most of his life inside a cage, and by the time he was rescued it appeared his back legs were paralyzed.

After receiving veterinarian care, Weirich later brought Teddy Bear back to Delaware County, where she provided love and proper care.

To read more on this story, click here: How One Paralyzed Dog Walked Its Way From Puppy Mill, To New Owner

14 Animals That Are Surprisingly Legal To Own As Pets In The US

George Clooney and Miley Cyrus have happily called baby pigs their pets. Tori Spelling famously cares for a chicken named Coco who sleeps in her bed.

But those creatures are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unusual animals that are legal to privately own in the US.

The laws regarding exotic pet ownership vary by state. Animal rights advocates advise against keeping most wild animals in captivity, but that hasn't stopped exotic pet lovers from legally owning everything from ferrets and foxes to more dangerous beasts like alligators, bears, and tigers.

To read more on this story, click here: 14 Animals That Are Surprisingly Legal To Own As Pets In The US

Could Your Senior Dog Have Kennel Cough?

As the holidays approach, many people have to board their dogs. Like a child exposed to all the germs at school, senior dogs can be extremely susceptible to kennel cough.  Unlike a child that can cover their mouth when they cough, this is a highly contagious illness for dogs.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a respiratory illness that dogs can catch when they are around other infected dogs, whether it’s in a shelter, dog park, rescue center or boarding facility. Although most of us pet parents know it as kennel cough, the official name is canine infectious respiratory disease or CID. When a dog has kennel cough his trachea and bronchi are inflamed.

To read more on this story, click here: Could Your Senior Dog Have Kennel Cough?

Lifting the Veil: Canine Cataracts & Cataract Surgery

The word “cataract” derives from the Greek word for waterfall, and so is apt as the term for an opaque, whitened lens which impairs the passage of light (a more complete discussion can be read here).  The lens is essentially a bag of protein, with lens fibers residing inside a defined capsule (a modified basement membrane). Like cooking an egg white, changes in the structure and orientation of the usually-parallel lens fibers will cause light to reflect from the surface, instead of transmitting through to the retina. Cataracts are typically staged from incipient (<10%) to immature (10-90+%) to mature (complete, Figure 1) and hypermature (complete yet resorbing lens, with lens capsule wrinkling and crystalline refractive opacities present). Visual impairment can result from almost any stage of cataract (eg a small cataract in the axial, posterior lens capsule will be directly in the path of the most important central light rays), although obviously more complete cataracts elicit greater visual impairment.

To read more on this story, click here: Lifting the Veil: Canine Cataracts & Cataract Surgery

What To Know About ‘Bunny Ebola,’ The Rabbit Virus Sweeping The Southwest US

It's hardy, contagious, and risky to wild animals and pets.

A deadly virus is spreading with alarming speed among wild and domestic rabbits in seven southwestern states. The contagion causes an illness called rabbit hemorrhagic disease that has earned the nickname “bunny Ebola” because the disease causes massive internal bleeding and bloody discharge around the nose and mouth. The virus kills swiftly—as happened in February, when pet rabbits boarding at a veterinary practice in Manhattan suddenly began to die without warning, The New Yorker reported last month.

To read more on this story, click here: What To Know About ‘Bunny Ebola,’ The Rabbit Virus Sweeping The Southwest US

There Are Swimming Tarantulas In Texas And It’s Terrifying

Have you enjoyed spending time outdoors while the weather was warm this year? Perhaps you are the type of person who likes jumping in the swimming pool or maybe even going to a state park and swimming in the lake.

If you happen to fall into that category, we have something to share with you and it’s not pretty.

To read more on this story, click here: There Are Swimming Tarantulas In Texas And It’s Terrifying

Cataracts In Cats: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

If you’ve noticed a change in your cat’s eye color or their vision seems impaired, you may suspect cataracts of being the cause.

Cataracts are sometimes viewed as a condition that only affects the eyes of seniors, but this is not the case with cats. In fact, age is generally not the main factor when cats develop them, and it’s more rare for cataracts to appear in cats than in dogs.

You should always take your cat to the vet if you notice abnormalities when it comes to their eyes. Here’s what you should know about cataracts in cats.

To read more on this story, click here: Cataracts In Cats: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

Kennel Cough In Dogs

If your dog is hacking away or constantly making noises that make it sound like they are choking on something, they may have a case of kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Although kennel cough can sound terrible, most of the time it is not a serious condition, and most dogs will recover without treatment.

What is Kennel Cough?

Just as human colds may be caused by many different viruses, kennel cough itself can have multiple causes. One of the most common culprits is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica m-- which is why kennel cough is often called Bordetella. Most dogs that become infected with Bordetella are infected with a virus at the same time. These viruses, which are known to make dogs more susceptible to contracting Bordetella infection, include canine adenovirus, canine distemper virus, canine herpes virus, parainfluenza virus and canine reovirus.

To read more on this story, click here: Kennel Cough In Dogs

Helping Your Depressed Pet Bird

Depression in pet birds is more common than you might think. Check for the signs that mean your bird is not in its usual cheerful mood. Many symptoms of depression also could point to an illness, so it is a good idea to visit the avian veterinarian for a checkup. Learn the small changes that can bring back those happy chirps

Causes of Bird Depression

Depression in pet birds has a number of causes, both mental and physical. Any illness or recovery from being sick and result in the bird being less chipper. The mental and psychological stresses that can lead your bird to be blue include a change in cage position, boredom, the death of a partner, or the loss of a favorite toy.

To read more on this story, click here: Helping Your Depressed Pet Bird

Fat, Flightless Parrot Named Bird of the Year After a Campaign Tainted by Voter Fraud

London (CNN)A lengthy and bitter election campaign that dragged in competing interest groups and was sullied by a voter fraud scandal came to an unlikely end on Monday, when a fat, flightless and nocturnal parrot stunned pundits to claim an upset victory.

The kakapo, officially the world's heaviest parrot, won New Zealand's Bird of the Year vote after a weeks-long campaign that rivaled human political contests in intensity.

It became the first bird to win the contest for a second time -- a feat not explicitly prohibited by the country's constitution -- and snatched victory thanks to the competition's unique and convoluted voting system, having lost the outright popular vote to the Antipodean albatross.

To read more on this story, click here: Fat, Flightless Parrot Named Bird of the Year After a Campaign Tainted by Voter Fraud

Feline Vision Problems: A Host of Possible Causes

In most cases, early diagnosis and treatment can keep a cat from losing its eyesight, but it's important to look for signs of trouble and ensure your cat gets regular check-ups.

Cats have developed several unique vision features during their evolution that enable them to see clearly indoors and out. Unfortunately, these finely-tuned feline eyes are vulnerable to injury and a wide variety of diseases that can dramatically impair a cat’s eyesight or, in some cases, render a cat partially or totally blind.

"We see cats that are either blind or going blind several times a week," says Thomas Kern, DVM, associate professor of ophthalmology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. "Most of these animals have eye disease as a primary disorder—they have no other health problems. And most of them are middle-aged or elderly cats whose vision loss has been progressing for years."

To read more on this story, click here: Feline Vision Problems: A Host of Possible Causes

9 Most Common Dog Eye Problems

Dog eye problems are very common and in most cases it's just a mild inconvenience. However, certain conditions will be more serious and require veterinary intervention, including surgery.

Studies observed that German Shepherd Dogs and Maltese are twice more likely to suffer from different types of eye disease than any other breed. Dry eyes, cataracts, corneal ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy and glaucoma are the most common eye conditions in dogs, commonly occurring in breeds between ages of 4 and 7 

Eye disease are often inherited, and it's the most well-studied areas of all inherited diseases in dogs. Below is a list of nine most common dog eye problems with pictures, their causes, prevention and treatment.

To read more on this story, click here: 9 Most Common Dog Eye Problems

Baby Owls Sleep Face Down Because Their Heads Are Too Heavy

If you couldn’t imagine baby owls getting any cuter, it turns out that they can. Consider for a second—have you ever thought about how the creatures take a nap? We know that adult owls sleep upright, but the owlets can’t do that yet as their heads are too heavy. So until they get large enough to nap sitting up, the tiny birds have an alternate solution; they lie down on their stomachs and turn their heads to the side before drifting to dreamland.

Miraculously, the young owls do this all while resting on a tree branch. And they don’t fall off, thanks in part to the strength of their back toe called the hallux. The hallux tethers the creature to the branch and it won’t move until the owlet bends its leg.

To read more on this story, click here: Baby Owls Sleep Face Down Because Their Heads Are Too Heavy

Tiny War Dog Saved Soldiers’ Lives in WWII and Became First Therapy Dog

A tiny Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky may not have looked tough, but the dog was a seasoned war veteran by the end of World War II. Not only that, her owner credited her with saving his life and she became the first ever registered therapy dog after the war.

Smoky was first discovered in an abandoned foxhole in the New Guinea jungle by an American soldier in February 1944. The soldiers originally thought she belonged to a Japanese soldier, but she did not understand commands in either English or Japanese, leaving her origins unknown.

To read more on this story, click here: Tiny War Dog Saved Soldiers’ Lives in WWII and Became First Therapy Dog

Meet Sergeant Stubby: The Most Decorated War Dog in History

Before he became the most decorated war dog in American history, Sergeant Stubby was homeless: unwanted, unwashed, unloved, and scrounging for scraps on the streets of Connecticut.

As documented in history books but largely forgotten today, Stubby was no ordinary stray; he was a tenacious canine, a courageous scout and a fiercely loyal friend.

For his valorous actions, Stubby is recognized as the most-decorated dog in American history. But before he was a hero, he was homeless: unwanted, unwashed, unloved, scrounging for scraps on the streets of New Haven, Connecticut in 1917. His fortunes changed, however, when he ran into a young Soldier training on the grounds of Yale University – Private First Class Robert Conroy of the 102nd Infantry Regiment – who adopted the scrappy little stray and named him Stubby for his short stature and tail.

To read more on this story, click here: Meet Sergeant Stubby: The Most Decorated War Dog in History

If You're Thinking About Adopting a Cat, Here's Exactly How Much It'll Cost

If you're looking into adopting a cat, you're in for all the snuggles, special moments, and catching your new feline pal getting into nooks you never thought possible. Life will be so much sweeter – but it also comes with a multitude of costs and expenses. For some, cats might seem much more low maintenance than other pets, which can be true. That being said, the yearly costs of having a cat should be examined before adopting, that way, you avoid unpleasant surprises when presented with initial adoption fees, and the eventual veterinary expenses, food costs, and more. Having everything laid out beforehand will make the entire process of getting a cat much smoother, and you'll steer clear of upsets throughout the years as you focus on enjoying your furry friend.

To read more on this story, click here: If You're Thinking About Adopting a Cat, Here's Exactly How Much It'll Cost

12 Things You Should Know About the Peekapoo Dog Breed

While poodle mixes are becoming more and more popular, many prospective dog parents overlook one of the older and best mixes- the Peekapoo.

Peekapoos, or Pekeapoos, depending on your spelling preference, are truly little bundles of joy.

But don’t be fooled by their small stature. Peekapoos aren’t your typical purse-sized pups.

Keep reading to learn more about the Peekapoo breed.

To read more on this story, click here: 12 Things You Should Know About the Peekapoo Dog Breed

Why Is My Dog Drinking So Much Water?

Like all mammals, dogs need to drink water in sufficient amounts to keep their bodies functioning normally. Water is essential to digestion, circulation and elimination, and plays an important role in regulating body heat. Without adequate fluid intake, a dog will become dehydrated and, in time, very sick. Severe dehydration can even result in death.

Normally, dogs self-regulate their fluid intake very well. As long as a dog has a bowl of fresh water available, he will generally drink enough water to stay hydrated but not enough to cause him harm. That said, there are a number of conditions that may cause a dog to drink more water than usual, and possibly more than he should. So if you’re wondering, “Why is my dog drinking so much water?” read on to learn what might be going on.

To read more on this story, click here: Why Is My Dog Drinking So Much Water?

Animal Rescue Pleads ‘Snip The Straps’ On Disposable Face Masks After Hundreds Of Wild Animals Become Entangled In Them

Countries around the world were eliminating single-use plastics and slowly starting to reduce plastic pollution, but it all went out the window when the global pandemic hit.

8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year, killing thousands of animals, but with the recent surge in single-use personal protective equipment (PPE) the situation just got worse.

To read more on this story, click here: Animal Rescue Pleads ‘Snip The Straps’ On Disposable Face Masks After Hundreds Of Wild Animals Become Entangled In Them

What To Know About Cat Vaccinations

Cats don’t actually have nine lives, so you need to do what you can to protect them. The key? The right vaccinations. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. They can also strengthen their immune system.

Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, your vet can help you figure out which vaccines are best and how often your kitty should get shots. It usually depends on their age, overall health, and lifestyle. The vet will also think about how long vaccines are supposed to last and how likely your cat might be to come into contact with a certain disease. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies.

To read more on this story, click here: What To Know About Cat Vaccinations

Giant Andean Condor Can Fly Without Flapping Its Wings for Over 5 Hours

Looking at an Andean condor, one might wonder how such an enormous bird flies at all, let alone achieves an altitude of over 16,000 feet (5,000 meters). This giant species of vulture can have a wingspan of 10 feet and a body weight comparable to a human toddler, between 20 to 30 pounds. Recently, researchers at Swansea University collaborated with scientists in Argentina to study the flight of Andean condors in their habitat. They sought to answer how often and in what weather conditions the large birds flap their wings in flight, thereby using precious energy to remain at or change their altitude.

To read more on this story, click here: Giant Andean Condor Can Fly Without Flapping Its Wings for Over 5 Hours

Scientists Find 33 Creatures Living In A Cave That Was Sealed Off For 5 Million Years

After 5 million years of total isolation from the world, what do you think you’d find inside a totally sealed off cave? Dinosaurs? Prehistoric bugs? Evidence of alien life? No one knew until Dr. Christian Lascu finally opened up Movile cave in Romania. Before that point, the cave had gone completely untouched for somewhere around 5 million years…except by the few creatures who adapted to be able to survive there.

Being closed off from the world for so long caused fresh air to become completely nonexistent in the cave, rendering the air inside toxic and oppressively humid. However, these conditions not only allowed for incredible life to be formed, but to thrive. Some creatures are just so adaptable and so different from humans that they can survive in areas where we’d never dream of living!

To read more on this story, click here: Scientists Find 33 Creatures Living In A Cave That Was Sealed Off For 5 Million Years

Stunning Glasswing Butterflies Have Wings That Look Like Transparent Windows

The glasswing butterfly (scientifically known as Greta oto) might be the most beautiful bug you have never heard of! Their delicate wings have a frame of orange and white colors similar to the monarch butterfly. However, the rest of their fancy wings are made of flawless clear panes that look like windows. A recent video from KQED provides a “Deep Look” at these special creatures. You will discover that their gorgeous wings serve two purposes: the white stripe warns predators of toxicity, and the clear panes allow the butterfly to disappear into its surrounding (making it almost invisible).

To read more on this story, click here: Stunning Glasswing Butterflies Have Wings That Look Like Transparent Windows

Rare Yellow Turtle Spotted For Only Second Time Looks Like Melted Cheese

 

The unusual bright yellow creature, an albino Indian flapshell turtle, got rescued in West Bengal, India. And the internet thinks it looks like cheese, or an egg yolk.

Turtles don't just come in shades of green. They come in yellow too. A rare yellow version of the albino Indian flapshell turtle was just spotted and rescued from a village pond in West Bengal, India.

Indian Forest Service officer Debashish Sharma posted photos of the rare yellow turtle (Lissemys punctatais) on Twitter last week. 

To read more on this story, click here: Rare Yellow Turtle Spotted For Only Second Time Looks Like Melted Cheese

Creepy Crawler: Fisherman Catches Rare ‘Ghost’ Lobster

STONINGTON, Maine - A fisherman got a Halloween surprise when he pulled out a “ghost” lobster.

Bennett Gray trapped it along the Maine coastline on Oct. 25.

The lobsterman posted pictures on Facebook of a rare albino lobster that he snagged. The odds of catching one have been reported to be one in 100 million.

“Caught this beauty in the very first trap of the day,” Gray wrote in his caption.

Gray also wrote he will “notch” its tail and release the lobster back into the sea.

To read more on this story, click here: Creepy Crawler: Fisherman Catches Rare ‘Ghost’ Lobster

Unfur-Gettable: Puppy With Green Fur Born In Sardinia

ROME (Reuters) - Italian farmer Cristian Mallocci could not believe his eyes when Spelacchia, one of his eight dogs, gave birth to a green-furred puppy.

The tiny dog, immediately named Pistachio, was part of a five-dog litter born on Oct. 9, all with white fur, the same colour as their mixed breed mum. Except him.

To read more on this story, click here: Unfur-Gettable: Puppy With Green Fur Born In Sardinia

Scientists Have Found A Rare Half-Male, Half-Female Songbird

(CNN)It may not be one in a million, but it's pretty close.

Researchers have discovered a rare songbird that is male on one side of its body, and female on the other.

It's being described as a "once in a lifetime" discovery.

The last time the Powdermill Nature Reserve at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History found another was 15 years ago, and it's only the fifth to be discovered out of the nearly 800,000 birds that the nature reserve has seen.

To read more on this story, click here: Scientists Have Found A Rare Half-Male, Half-Female Songbird

Dressed to Impress: Florida Police Dog Wears Uniform and Tie for His Official K-9 Badge Photo

The good boy often makes appearances on the Orange County Sheriff's Office's social media feeds

Say cheese!

On Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Florida shared with followers on social media the brand-new official badge photo of their furry K-9 member Chico.

The steadfast pup, dressed in a decorated law enforcement uniform, looks directly at the camera for the picture as he poses for the shot in front of an American flag.

"K-9 Chico posed for his new ID badge today. He even wore a tie for the photo," the department wrote alongside the picture on Instagram.

To read more on this story, click here: Dressed to Impress: Florida Police Dog Wears Uniform and Tie for His Official K-9 Badge Photo

A Piglet Had A Newborn Photoshoot And The Pictures Will Make Your Day

If there is one thing that all of us need these days, it’s a little break from the bad news we are hearing. Between the coronavirus pandemic, social unrest, and natural disasters, we are ready for a big smile and happy heart.

We are pleased to be able to bring that to you, thanks to a baby piglet named Dynamite. When her pictures were posted online, they went viral for all the right reasons.

To read more on this story, click here: A Piglet Had A Newborn Photoshoot And The Pictures Will Make Your Day

The Year's Best Wildlife Photos Reveal A Super-Chill Monkey, A Rare Siberian Tiger, And An Ant Clinging To A Beetle's Leg

• The London Natural History Museum's annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition awards photographers who highlight the fragility of Earth's wildlife. 

• This year, the contest drew over 49,000 entries from photographers in 25 countries.

• The winning images, announced this week, show a serene proboscis monkey, an iridescent squid, and a clownfish with a parasite for a tongue.

Sergey Gorshkov was determined to find a Siberian tiger. He knew it wouldn't be easy. The species is known to live only in sections of Russia and China and was hunted almost to extinction in the 20th century. In the wild, only about 540 of the tigers remain, and they're spread across vast territories.

To read more on this story, click here: The Year's Best Wildlife Photos Reveal A Super-Chill Monkey, A Rare Siberian Tiger, And An Ant Clinging To A Beetle's Leg

Why is My Older Cat Refusing to Use the Litter Box?

DEAR JOAN: One of my cats is a 15-year-old male that was feral. We’ve had him a good long time in the house, and, finally, after 10 years, he isn’t spending most of his time under a bed because there was a noise.

He has never had a problem holding everything until he could sneak out to the litter box in the dark and do his business. Then all of a sudden about two months ago he started peeing on the bath mat in one of our bathrooms. This was usually at night.

We started keeping the door shut, but he then started using the carpet in my office as his private commode, both peeing and defecating on it sometimes. I tried using some repellent that contained methyl nonyl ketone (didn’t want coyote pee smell, too) on the carpet with little or no effect on his behavior. I ended up discarding the carpet and now keep the door closed.

To read more on this story, click here: Why is My Older Cat Refusing to Use the Litter Box?

An Ohio Man Built a Backyard Squirrel Bar with Seven Varieties of Nuts on Tap

(CNN) — People are going nuts for an Ohio woodworker's latest creation: A bar that caters to neighborhood squirrels.

Michael Dutko, a 35-year-old hobbyist, has been creating art and household items from wood for most of his life, and even chronicles it on his YouTube channel Duke Harmon Woodworking. But it's his fun twist on a squirrel feeder that's made him Internet famous.

"The Nutty Bar," which is attached to his backyard fence in Hilliard, looks just like a real bar, and even has a range of nuts on tap.

To read more on this story, click here: An Ohio Man Built a Backyard Squirrel Bar with Seven Varieties of Nuts on Tap

It’s Illegal To Own Just One Guinea Pig In Switzerland Because They Get Lonely

Guinea pigs are adorable creatures who are often kept as pets. While most people immediately think of a cat or dog when contemplating a family pet, guinea pigs bring something a bit more unusual to the table (and can be a fine option for those who are allergic to cats and dogs).

Guinea pigs can be very loving and are totally lovable themselves. But, like many creatures, they can get lonely — even with an incredibly caring human owner. So it’s important that they have another guinea pig around to keep them company.

While this is just a suggestion in most countries, it’s the law in Switzerland.

To read more on this story, click here: It’s Illegal To Own Just One Guinea Pig In Switzerland Because They Get Lonely

Rare Horse Cloned From Cells Taken From A Stallion In 1980

Little Kurt looks like any other baby horse as he frolics playfully in his pen. He isn't afraid to kick or head-butt an intruder who gets in his way and, when he's hungry, dashes over to his mother for milk.

But 2-month-old Kurt differs from every other baby horse of his kind in one distinct way: He's a clone.

The rare, endangered Przewalski's horse was created from cells taken from a stallion that had sat frozen at the San Diego Zoo for 40 years before they were fused with an egg from a domestic horse.

To read more on this story, click here: Rare Horse Cloned From Cells Taken From A Stallion In 1980

Massachusetts Coastal Town Orders Locals To Stop Calling 911 About Giant Fish

The local government of Wareham, a town in southern Massachusetts’ Plymouth County, has asked locals to please stop calling the police about a big, blobby fish that has been spotted minding its own business in coastal waters.

The fish — a whopper of a creature that has attracted dozens of emergency calls since Monday from locals mistaking it for a shark or a seal, according to The Cape Code Times — is an ocean sunfish.

Formally known by the genus name Mola, the ocean sunfish (Mola mola) can grow to nearly 10 feet in length, weighing in at more than a stunning 4,400 pounds.

To read more on this story, click here: Massachusetts Coastal Town Orders Locals To Stop Calling 911 About Giant Fish

Hypothyroidism is a Condition That Can Affect Cats and Lead to an Array of Serious Health Issues

Detecting, Diagnosing, and Treating Underactive Thyroid Low thyroid hormone, or hypothyroidism (not to be confused with hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid), is a condition that can affect cats and lead to an array of serious health issues if it goes untreated. Though hypothyroidism is relatively rare in cats and affects many key aspects of a cat’s metabolism, it is usually manageable.

Low levels of hormones produced by the thyroid are usually the result of treatment for a far more common condition, hyperthyroidism. As such, most cases can be treated by simply adjusting the treatment regimen for the original condition so that the cat is producing thyroid hormones within the normal range.

Other causes of this condition include a reaction to radioactive iodine treatment, an iodine deficiency in the diet of the cat, a side effect of taking methimazole that results in the reduced production of thyroxine, the removal of either or both of the cat’s thyroid glands, a thyroid tumor or a tumor in the immediate area of the thyroid, and a variety of other autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of Feline Thyroid Hormone Deficiency

Producing insufficient levels of thyroid hormones can have various effects throughout a cat’s metabolism, and many of these effects are undetectable at home. Symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiency in cats can include:

• A thinning of the coat
• General muscle weakness
• Hair loss
• Weight gain due to slowed metabolism
• Lethargy
• Sleeping more than usual
• Loss of appetite
• Pale gums
• Hypothermia
• Constipation
• Dry skin and dandruff

Diagnosis of Thyroid Hormone Deficiency in Cats

In most cases, diagnosing low thyroid hormone levels is as simple as running a few tests to determine the hormone levels in the blood. However, in some cases a veterinarian will need to perform a variety of other tests in order to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis. These tests can include:

• A urinalysis
• Blood tests, sometimes including a complete blood count
• Chest x-rays or abdominal x-rays

Treating Thyroid Hormone Deficiency in Your Cat
Treatment for this condition in cats usually depends upon what the vet determines to be the underlying cause. As mentioned above, the overwhelming majority of hypothyroidism in cats is caused by treatment for hyperthyroid, in which case a simple adjustment of medication generally clears up the issue. In cats where other underlying causes are to blame, treatment for the condition can vary from surgery to remove tumors, to supplemental thyroid hormones.

If the cat has had their thyroid glands removed, then treatment will be needed for the remainder of the cat’s life. Medication typically has a positive effect on the condition following the first six weeks of treatment, but ongoing monitoring of the condition may be required for the life of the cat.

Prognosis for Cats Dealing With Thyroid Issues
Hypothyroidism can be prevented in many cases where treatment for hyperthyroidism is the cause. If the cat is seen regularly and has its hormone levels monitored, adjustment of medication can be completed proactively. In other cases, where the thyroid glands have been removed or are no longer functioning, medication and monitoring can allow for the cat to live a normal life.

Your Dog Has Diabetes. Here Are The Next Steps:

My dog has what?! Whatever the symptoms were that made you take your pup to the vet, good for you for taking him/her in to see your veterinarian! For most people, the diagnosis is a shock… a HUGE surprise! Who even knew that dogs can get diabetes? The first thing that you do now is breathe. Deep breaths…

To read more on this story, click here: Your Dog Has Diabetes. Here Are The Next Steps:

Hypothyroidism In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Hypothyroidism in dogs is a disorder where the thyroid gland in the neck doesn’t secrete enough thyroxine, a hormone that controls metabolism. This means that a dog’s body is no longer able to convert food into fuel at an appropriate rate.

Age, breed, lifestyle, and exposure to certain substances can all influence the onset of hypothyroidism in canines. Symptoms can range from lethargy and weight gain to seizures and heart problems.

To read more on this story, click here: Hypothyroidism In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Black Dog Syndrome: Why Black Dogs Are Less Likely To Be Adopted

Black dogs have a difficult time at the shelter than most people realize. It is especially true of larger dogs. Although there is not a lot of research that proves it is true, most shelter workers will tell you that big black dog syndrome (BDS) does exist and the reasons why are beyond sad.

Shelter workers will likely tell you that black dogs, as well as black cats, will not get adopted from the shelter as readily as other dogs and they are more likely to be euthanized. There are some studies that show the opposite is true but since there is not any data pointing toward the scientific facts, I would be likely to trust the people who actually see it for themselves, the workers at the shelters.

To read more on this story, click here: Black Dog Syndrome: Why Black Dogs Are Less Likely To Be Adopted

How to Tell If Your Cat Has a Broken Tail

If your cat’s tail is hanging down, it might sign that it’s broken or injured. Find out how long a broken tail takes to heal and what’s involved with treating it.

Is your kitty’s tail drooping down? If so, your cat may have a broken tail or another type of tail injury. 

A cat’s tail is usually erect and moving. It can clue you into your cat’s mood, like when she's irritated and it angrily swooshes back or forth. It also helps your cat with balance. 

So when your cat’s tail is pointing down, it’s a red flag that something serious is going on. Read on to learn more about cat tail injuries, their treatment, and how long they take to heal.

To read more on this story, click here: How to Tell If Your Cat Has a Broken Tail

Dog's Heartfelt Obituary Goes Viral: 'He Was Best At Unconditional Love'

A very good dog got one last special treat from his favorite human.

Charlie, a beloved golden retriever, was the first dog Sallie Gregory-Hammett of Greenville, South Carolina, ever had on her own. Gregory-Hammett, 30, got Charlie when she was 23, single and had just moved to a new city.

“I know it’s cliché but he was my best friend,” Gregory-Hammett wrote to HuffPost. “He went with me everywhere —work, hiking, trips to Home Depot. He was just a constant source of comfort and companionship and joy. Everyone that knew me knew Charlie and knew how much I loved him.”

To read more on this story, click here: Dog's Heartfelt Obituary Goes Viral: 'He Was Best At Unconditional Love'

Benadryl For Cats: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

Benadryl an antihistamine medicine that cats might take primarily to treat a range of allergies and motion sickness. It’s actually a brand name for the generic drug diphenhydramine.

The medication works by calming the symptoms that are caused by histamine. It comes in tablet or syrup form, and you can purchase it over-the-counter without a prescription from a veterinarian.

To read more on this story, click here: Benadryl For Cats: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

Rescue Bear, Lion, And Tiger Were Best Friends For Almost 16 Years

We sometimes hear about “strange bedfellows” and there may be times when this occurs between different animals. The following story will convince you of the possibilities that exist in nature. It is about the bond that was formed between an American black bear, a Bengal tiger, and an African lion.

Bored Panda reported that Baloo the bear, Leo the lion, and Shere Khan have been living happily together at Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Georgia for almost 16 years. The trio of unlikely friends is usually known as BLT. They were rescued from the same basement of a house in Atlanta during a drug raid in 2001.

To read more on this story, click here: Rescue Bear, Lion, And Tiger Were Best Friends For Almost 16 Years

Salt River's Wild Horses Thrive With The Help Of Loving Volunteers

The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group works with the Arizona government to ensure the maintenance of freedom for each horse in the herd.

PHOENIX — Wild horses on the banks of Salt River are a sight that visitors and Arizonans alike love to see when they go to the area on float trips or just looking for a good photo opportunity. 

The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group with the oversight from the Arizona Department of Agriculture takes care of the population and makes sure that each horse lives a humane life while maintaining their freedom.

To read more on this story, click here: Salt River's Wild Horses Thrive With The Help Of Loving Volunteers 

You may be interested in reading: 9 best places to see the Salt River wild horses

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