The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : 2020 The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : 2020

Friday, December 11, 2020

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


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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


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Couple Cooks Special Thanksgiving Meal For Nearly 80 Shelter Dogs


The holiday season is a magical time. Even when things are at their worst, people find it within themselves to display incredible warmth, generosity, and compassion for others. This year we’ve all endured events that have torn us apart and isolated us from our friends and family, but yesterday, humans reached out to make the Thanksgiving holiday special for their friends, family, and neighbors.

To read more on this story, click here: Couple Cooks Special Thanksgiving Meal For Nearly 80 Shelter Dogs



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Top 10 Reasons Ferrets Make Good Pets


While ferrets are not for everyone, they can make great pets for the right owner. They are affectionate and bond with their owners, quiet for a large part of the day, and there are few pets as playful as ferrets. However, they seem to have garnered a negative image which is largely undeserved. If you are considering a ferret, learn more about how ferrets make good pets.

To read more on this story, click here: Top 10 Reasons Ferrets Make Good Pets



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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


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Missing Boy Found Wandering St. Louis Streets With Protective Stray Pit Bull by His Side


The toddler, Kh’amorion Taylor, kept saying "puppy" after being reunited with his father

A young boy was reunited with his father in St. Louis last week after a neighbor spotted the toddler wandering outside with a large pit bull by his side.

According to FOX 2, Kh’amorion Taylor spent the morning of Oct. 1 walking through the streets in his pajamas after somehow getting out of his father's home on his own.

A female neighbor, who told the outlet she wishes to remain anonymous, spotted Taylor at 8 a.m. — and was shocked to see the pit bull seemingly guarding the young boy until he got home safely.

To read more on this story, click here: Missing Boy Found Wandering St. Louis Streets With Protective Stray Pit Bull by His Side


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How to Groom Your Rabbit: A Complete Guide


What You'll Learn About Rabbit Care

Why grooming is necessary

Tools of the trade

Holding the animal correctly

A complete grooming routine

How to avoid incorrect grooming

Why a Routine Is Necessary

Long-haired bunnies need more attention to keep their coats in top shape. Long coats also hide problems such as overgrown nails, skin issues and lumps. A grooming routine makes the animal look great and offers the chance for a medical check. Short-haired rabbits keep themselves clean and need less assistance. However, they also need a weekly appointment for brushing, nail and ear care.

In addition to grooming and health checks, the sessions serve as bonding. Most importantly, rabbits cannot cough up hairballs like a cat. Combing prevents hair from clogging their digestive system—and your house.

To read more on this story, click here: How to Groom Your Rabbit: A Complete Guide



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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


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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:   







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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


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Thursday, December 10, 2020

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




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Monday, November 23, 2020

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?


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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



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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



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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



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Thursday, November 19, 2020

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


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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


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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



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Tuesday, November 17, 2020

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



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Bear Cub Seen Peeping Through Windows At Canadian Border Was Apprehended For Not Having Documentation


Vancouver,  BC -This little cutie was seen peeping through the windows of a border crossing office at the U.S.-Canada border in northern British Columbia.

The Canada Border Service Agency jokes on Facebook that, "A traveller sought entry for essential reasons, but had no travel documents."

Of course, the officers on site apprehended the cub immediately.

"After a forceful attempt on its part to cross the border, our officers moved quickly to apprehend and transfer it to the Smithers' Northern Lights Wildlife Society for the winter," the agency said.

The baby bear was reportedly looking for food. A nearby animal rescue center tells Canadian news source CTV News that they have been tracking the bear for a month, hoping to help it survive the winter.

The little explorer lost her mom, earning her the name Annie after "Little Orphan Annie."

Luckily, the shelter was able to bring little Annie to Northern Lights Wildlife Society. They plan to help her through the winter and release her back to the wild in the summer.





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Could My Pet Be Allergic to Their Food?


Just like people, cats and dogs can have food allergies, too. And like humans, those allergic responses can range from itchy and irritating to severe and dangerous.

Food allergies in pets can begin at any age. They can start even if your cat or dog has been eating the same food for months or years.

If your pet has a food allergy, you may notice:

Itchy skin: Also known as allergic dermatitis, this is the most common type of allergy in pets. Irritated, itchy skin can happen anywhere on your pet’s body. In cats, it often happens on the head and neck. In dogs, it often happens near the:

To read more on this story, click here: Could My Pet Be Allergic to Their Food?


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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


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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


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“He Would Have Done Anything For You”: Officer Breaks Down After Losing His K9 Partner And Best Friend


The dog passed away after working alongside police officers to keep the streets safe and after giving his partner a strong friendship.

It has been five years since former K9 officer, Axel settled into a life of retirement after delicately serving the Central Falls Police Department. Even though he was no longer serving the department to keep the residents of Central Falls safe and sound, Axel was still dearly loved and the entire department mourned when he passed away.

When Axel was working alongside the police officers of the department, he was so good at what he does that he retired after the usual retirement age for K9 officers. "because he just had the drive to keep going," said a post shared on Friends of Central Falls Animals. "He did a phenomenal job at keeping the streets safe, and he always made sure our officers were safe regardless as to how dangerous a situation was. He wouldn't have hesitated to give his life to save the life of a fellow officer, especially his partner, Officer Decristoforo."

To read more on this story, click here: “He Would Have Done Anything For You”: Officer Breaks Down After Losing His K9 Partner And Best Friend


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Saturday, November 14, 2020

Comedian Zoltan Kaszas’s Breakdown Of Why Cat’s Are Better Than Dogs


There are thousands of comedians in the world. Every topic has been explored for it’s comedic possibilities from a thousand different perspectives. We’ve ALL been around animals in one form or another through our lives. But there are just some people who retell their tales with a hilarity that draws others to them. Their side-splitting perspectives are just better displayed from the stage. And for comedian Zoltan Kaszas, 33, his daily antics with his cat have provided him with a truly unique view into the lives of animals.

However, Zoltan Kaszas’s standup routine of “Why Cat’s Are Better Than Dogs” has garnered MILLIONS of views on YouTube! 

To read more on this story, click here: Comedian Zoltan Kaszas’s Breakdown Of Why Cat’s Are Better Than Dogs


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Japanese Town Deploys Growling "Monster Wolf" Robots to Scare Away Wild Bears


A town in northern Japan has recently been plagued by a plethora of wild bears, roaming around neighborhoods and petrifying residents. In an attempt to prevent attacks, the town of Takikawa has now installed terrifying robotic wolves to howl at the bears and scare them off, Reuters reports.

The residents of Takikawa, located on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, have been increasingly concerned by the potential of bear attacks, as sightings in the country hit a five-year high, according to national broadcaster NHK. There have been dozens of reported attacks this year, two of them fatal, leading to an emergency government meeting last month to address the issue. 

To read more on this story, click here: Japanese Town Deploys Growling "Monster Wolf" Robots to Scare Away Wild Bears



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Thursday, November 12, 2020

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



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Fireworks Believed to Have Led to Young Zebra's Death at Zoo


A young zebra born at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic died at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol, England, last week. It is believed the zebra, named Hope, died after being scared by fireworks, the zoo announced on Facebook.

When fireworks went off ahead of a bonfire last Wednesday, Hope ran into the boundary of her enclosure, according to the post. Zoo staff said they believe she was frightened by the bangs of the fireworks, which caused her to bolt.

To read more on this story, click here: Fireworks Believed to Have Led to Young Zebra's Death at Zoo


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Wednesday, November 11, 2020

President George H.W. Bush's Beloved Service Dog Sully Gets Bronze Statue


SMITHTOWN, New York -- It was a special day for a special pooch in New York Tuesday, as former President George H.W. Bush's beloved service dog Sully was honored with a bronze statue.

In recognition of Veterans Day, the life-size statue was unveiled at the America's VetDogs campus on Long Island.

And the man of the hour, the real-life Sully, was the guest of honor at the ceremony.

Sully the statue is shown in a sitting position, holding his leash in his mouth, a task that vet service dogs learn to perform for their handlers.

To read more on this story, click here: President George H.W. Bush's Beloved Service Dog Sully Gets Bronze Statue


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Joe Biden's German Shepherd Will Be The First Rescue Dog To Live In The White House


With this projection comes the assumption that Biden's family will be moving into the White House once he is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States

And this would further mean that the Biden family's two dogs, Champ and Major, will also be moving into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

As reported by TMZ, Champ's been a part of the Biden family since 2008, and Major joined the clan back in 2018.

To read more on this story, click here: Joe Biden's German Shepherd Will Be The First Rescue Dog To Live In The White House



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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


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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


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Happy Veterans Day! Thank You For Your Service!


 


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Friday, November 6, 2020

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


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These Giant Cats Have Taken Over A Woman’s Farm, And These Photos Are Proof


Along with freezing cold winters, a small Siberian village outside of Barnaul, Russia, is also known for a high population of cats. The growth of resident felines is such that one local farmer, Alla Lebedeva, has started referring to her property as “Catland.”

In an interview with Design YouTrust, Lebedeva revealed that she and her husband Sergey are partially responsible for the town’s swelling number of feline residents. “How many do we have now? To such a question I usually answer ‘a million, maybe more,’” she said.

The Lebedevas started feeding this especially large, furry breed when they realized how efficient Siberian cats were protecting their other farm animals.

To read more on this story, click here: These Giant Cats Have Taken Over A Woman’s Farm, And These Photos Are Proof



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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



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Mink Coronavirus Infection in Denmark Sparks Plan to Put Down 15 Million Animals


BERLIN — Denmark, one of the largest fur producers in the world, plans to put down every mink in the country to contain a mutated strain of coronavirus that has infected workers in the industry and could threaten global efforts to find a vaccine.

The Danish government announced this week that it would expand plans for a more limited cull and put down around 15 million minks. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Wednesday it was a “heavy decision” but the situation required “resolute action.”

To read more on this story, click here: Mink Coronavirus Infection in Denmark Sparks Plan to Put Down 15 Million Animals



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A Large Alligator Decided To Act As The Gatekeeper At Myakka River State Park


Sarasota, Florida - Michelle Riddle captured photos of the large alligator laying down in the middle of the road in Myakka River State Park on Friday morning.

The images showed the massive reptile relaxing in the middle of the street, keeping drivers and bicyclists from passing by.

Riddle said she arrived at the park around 8 a.m., only to find the gator not far from the main entrance.

Bystanders could be seen just feet away from the gator.

"I don't know if he was napping, but he didn't leave until the rangers showed up in a tractor," Riddle said. "I think the noise of the tractor annoyed him enough to head back into the greenery."

The park is known for being home to plenty of alligators.

Dozens of gators gather at the "Deep Hole" sinkhole, which is engulfed by Lower Myakka Lake during the rainy season. But when water levels are low, it acts like a fish trap -- which means the area is teeming with gators during the dry season.

"Hungry alligators will congregate here to feed, creating quite a magnificent wildlife spectacle," state environmental officials noted.

According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the sinkhole is 295 feet wide and about 130 feet deep.

Access to the park's wilderness preserve is limited to 30 people per day. Those who wish to visit must register at the ranger station the day of their trip, with permits issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.





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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?


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Pet Chicken Masters Homemade Agility Course But Final Jump Has Internet Cracking Up


More and more people are keeping chickens in their backyards these days, and it turns out they’re a lot of fun to have around.

Gone are the days when only farmers had chickens; now, you can find a small flock of hens in lots of suburban backyards across the United States. Most people keep them around for the eggs they provide, but still more have discovered that chickens have their own unique personalities that make them pretty cool pets.

To read more on this story, click here: Pet Chicken Masters Homemade Agility Course But Final Jump Has Internet Cracking Up.


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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



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Family Shocked When Giant Robber Crabs Invade Their BBQ


While most people might encounter ants on a family picnic, visitors on Christmas Island, 1500 km west of the Australian mainland, will come across robber crabs – also known as coconut crabs.

They are the largest land-living arthropod in the world, weighing up to 9 pounds, so their size alone is impressive. But apparently they also have an incredible sense of smell.

A man who used to visit the island as a child said, “They are nicknamed ‘robber crabs’ because they will descend in the dark of night and rob campers of their pots and pans and whatever else their pincers can pick up.”

To read more on this story, click here: Family Shocked When Giant Robber Crabs Invade Their BBQ


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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


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