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Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Adorable Guinea Pigs With Unique Hair Styles
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Why Does Your Cat’s Nose Change Color?
This first time I noticed that my calico cat Merritt’s nose seemed a bit pinker than usual, I thought I was just imagining it. But when it happened again and again I got curious and a bit concerned. Merritt’s pale pink nose would turn a bright, hot pink when she was excited or after a bout of fetch (yep, she’s one of those doglike cats!). This got me thinking: why does my cat’s nose change color — and is it normal?
Why does your cat’s nose change color?
If, like me, you’ve noticed your cats nose getting brighter and more vibrant like some sort of kitty Rudolph on a foggy Christmas Eve, you’re not alone.
“Cats noses can change color from light pink to darker pink, normally in times of excitement or stress due to a temporary elevation in heart rate and blood pressure,” says Jenny Kistler, DVM at Brandermill Animal Hospital in Midlothian, Virginia. “This is a normal event and is usually nothing to worry about as long as it is short term.”
Dr. Sasha Gibbons of Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut, says that temperature also plays a role in a cat’s nose changing color. “The cat’s nose is highly vascularized (which means it has numerous small blood vessels throughout it),” Gibbons says.“These blood vessels can grow or shrink with different variables (such as heat, cold and high or low blood pressure). This can cause variations in the pink coloration of the nose. For instance, when a cat is cold, the blood vessels are smaller so the nose might appear light pink. When a cat is hot, or blood pressure raises, the vessels are larger so the nose may appear darker pink or red.”
To read more on this story, click here: Why Does Your Cat’s Nose Change Color?
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Tips to Care for Your Cat After Surgery
Nearly every pet cat, at some point in his life, undergoes some type of surgical procedure. If you’re lucky, the only procedure your cat will ever need is a spay or a neuter. Unfortunately, our beloved feline friends occasionally require additional surgical intervention, with some of the more common procedures being skin biopsy, tumor removal, bladder stone removal, laceration repair, tooth extraction and pinning or plating of a broken bone.
Once your cat is out of surgery, the recovery process begins. Some surgeries require a period of hospitalization after the operation. Others are outpatient surgeries that allow the cat to be sent home the same day. Most veterinary hospitals provide clients with both written and verbal instructions for post-op home care when the cat is discharged from the hospital. The period immediately following surgery is when most complications occur, so it’s critical to carefully follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Check out these important tips for how to care for your cat after surgery.
To read more on this story, click here: Tips to Care for Your Cat After Surgery
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A Fountain Valley Man Has Been Sentenced for Smuggling 93 Songbirds from Vietnam, Only Eight Survive
Kurtis Law brought 93 of the colorful birds — worth an estimated $90,000 on the black market in the Southland — into the country on March 24. Investigators who searched his luggage at Los Angeles International Airport determined that the birds were at risk of extinction and were protected under the federal Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
According to court documents, songbirds can be purchased in Southeast Asia for $1 or $2 each, but fetch as much as $1,000 apiece in the United States. The protected birds found in Law’s luggage were Bali myna, Chinese hwamei, red-billed leiothrix and silver-eared mesia. Such species are sold illegally at some Chinese markets in Southern California and are thought to bring good luck.
Prosecutors said the birds were individually wrapped and placed in Law’s suitcases under “horrific conditions” in a way “that allowed each bird little or no movement.”
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Here’s Why People Who Speak To Their Pets May Be Smarter Than Those Who Don’t
Would your furry friend praise your loyalty? Admonish your stubbornness? And what about smarts? Does your pet think you are intelligent?
If you’re on speaking terms with your companion animal, you may be getting higher marks in that category than you think.
“Historically, anthropomorphising has been treated as a sign of childishness or stupidity,” Nicholas Epley, behavioural science professor at the University of Chicago, told Quartz, “But it’s actually a natural byproduct of the tendency that makes humans uniquely smart on this planet.”
To read more on this story, click here: Here’s Why People Who Speak To Their Pets May Be Smarter Than Those Who Don’t
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Tuesday, October 17, 2017
10 Common Dog Health Problems
To read more on this story, click here: 10 Common Dog Health Problems
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Monday, October 16, 2017
April the Giraffe Cleared for Pregnancy, But Some People Aren't Happy
Last week, Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, N.Y., announced the news to its fans on Facebook, along with a photo of April and Oliver, parents to the park's calf, Tajiri.
Since it was posted Thursday, it has generated more than 53,000 reactions on Facebook and has been shared more than 9,000 times, as of Monday morning. However, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, better known as PETA and a vocal critic of animal mistreatment, responded negatively to the news.
In a statement, Brittany Peett, PETA Foundation director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement, accused the park of having "wrung every dollar and video hit that it could out of this giraffe's pregnancy," and called on the park to "prioritize animal welfare over fleeting online fame and end its shameful giraffe-breeding program."
When reached, park owner Jordan Patch was quick to dispute the accusations and emphasized the "tangible change" that the live stream, with its accompanying educational platform, has made in the world of giraffe conservation.
To read more on this story, click here: April the Giraffe Cleared for Pregnancy, But Some People Aren't Happy
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Meet Mochi, an 8-Year-Old, St. Bernard, Crowned in the Guinness World Records as Having the Longest Tongue on a Dog
But Mo doesn’t let the attention get to her, she has the previous record held by a male Pekinese named Puggy whose tongue eat measured 11.43cm (4.5 in).
Mochi found her new home with the Rickert family when she was two years old, through a rescue organization for large dogs.
It was “love at first sight”, says owner Carla Rickert, who drove 11 hours with her daughter to meet Mo before adopting her. Carla describes Mochi as a “resilient, happy-go-lucky dog, with a big personality.” She also enjoys dressing up in costumes, having her picture taken, spending time with her family, or snacking on sweet potatoes.
Mochi faces some obstacles as a result of her long tongue which include breathing challenges, extra slobber when she’s nervous, dirt, dust, leaves sticking to her tongue and help to pick things up off the floor. Her treats also have to be given in a special way, as she cannot grab onto them the same way other dogs do.
“Mochi is so humble, she never brags or boasts but I know that she is as proud of her new record as we are. It feels truly amazing to be a part of the Guinness World Records: Amazing Animals book! We are so grateful for the opportunity to make other’s smile,” said Carla.
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of the first edition of Guinness World Records: Amazing Animals said, “We are very excited to welcome Mochi and her record-breaking tongue to the Guinness World Records family as part of our new publication, Amazing Animals. Amazing Animals is not your typical animals’ reference book. Instead, it takes a sideways look at our favorite pets and wild animals. Its a chance for us to celebrate the barking mad side of animal record-breaking.”
Guinness World Records: Amazing Animals, is a must-read for animal lovers. It explores crazy animal stories and fascinating facts from the wild and is available in shops and online now.
To order on Amazon, click here:
Put under picture #1
The 'humble' canine's huge tongue has landed her in the Guinness World Records: Amazing Animals book.
The book also features the fastest, largest and tallest record-holders, but it's Mochi's tongue that saw her take first place.
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Is Bread Helpful for a Dog’s Digestion?
Here are three situations when feeding bread to dogs can be helpful.
1. Your Dog Has Eaten Something with Sharp Points or Edges
Dogs like to chew on bones, but sometimes they go overboard and end up swallowing sharp shards. Dogs have also been known to eat needles, nails, skewers—you name it and a dog has probably tried to eat it. Sharp points and edges can do a lot of damage as they travel through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the most severe cases, they can perforate the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, allowing the contents of the GI tract to spill into the surrounding body part. If the abdominal cavity becomes contaminated in this way, a potentially fatal condition called peritonitis will develop.
When dogs eat a large meal of bread after ingesting something sharp, the bread can encase the foreign material, allowing it to pass more safely through the GI tract. Bread can also help protect the esophagus from sharp bits if a dog eventually vomits or is given medicine to make him do so. Some people recommend white bread, others whole grain. I don’t think it matters. Whatever you have on hand will do.
To read more on this story, click here: Is Bread Helpful for a Dog’s Digestion?
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A Woman in Minnesota Is Fighting to Keep Her Emotional Support Pony: Authorities Says Farm Animals Are Prohibited From City Limits
Pam Davidson calls him Tony the Wonder Pony, but city leaders in Clarissa and Eagle Bend say he can’t stay in city limits any longer.
WCCO-TV dug into the debate that one woman’s been trying to rein in for months.
Some might find it strange to share 800 square feet with a 300-pound Shetland pony. Bizzare or not, Davidson wouldn’t want it any other way.
“We’re all different people in this world. We’re all different people. And Tony is different, and I’m different,” Davidson said.
Diagnosed with depression and anxiety, Davidson calls Tony “the Wonder Pony” for what he’s done to turn her life around.
“He helps me like you would not believe,” she said. “This animal has kept me from dying. This animal has help me become active. This animal has got me out of my bed room where I locked myself away for a year-and-a-half after my sister died.”
Davidson says her pony is housebroken since he came from another family who raised him indoors.
She’s had Tony since May as an emotional support animal.
“I have letters from my doctors,” she explained.
Despite mental health professionals weighing in, it took just a few days to hear from the cities of Clarissa and Eagle Bend where she lives and spends her time.
“All farm animals including all types of horses are prohibited from the city limits,” reads one letter.
Clarissa’s city administrator didn’t want to be on camera but told WCCO-TV the emotional support title differs from a full-fledged service animal. They’re not entitled to the same protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Also, citing safety as a concern, he said a truck driver was forced to brake when he found Tony wandering near the highway this summer.
Davidson has offered to build a fence and not take her pet into businesses where he’s not wanted anymore.
“They won’t listen to me. They won’t listen to me,” she said.
Davidson doesn’t want to move but vows to do whatever it takes to protect the pony that she says has done the same for her.
“I’m not going to give up fighting,” she said. “I’d rather be homeless. I’m not going to let him go.”
Davidson has ignored the city of Clarissa’s request to get rid of Tony. She has until Thursday to appeal a decision in Eagle Bend that denied her a variance for her pony. Either city would need a court order to physically remove Tony from town.
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Misconceptions That Sometimes Stop Adorable Animals From Being Adopted from Animal Shelters
Want to make sure you haven’t been deceived by the biggest misconceptions about animal shelters? Read on to check out the myths that seem to stick around no matter how much those in the know try to set them straight.
1. People assume it doesn’t make a difference if they go to the animal shelter
Most people know that animal shelters have more pets than they can accommodate. But they still justify going to the pet store or seeking out a breeder by telling themselves that it doesn’t make a difference if they adopt one pet from the local animal shelter. However, adopting a pet instead of buying one makes a huge difference to the animal you bring home. You don’t have to get your next pet from the animal shelter. But if you do, you can feel confident that you’re making a difference.
2. They think that only animals who aren’t good pets end up at the shelter
One of the biggest misconceptions of all? The idea that shelter animals are somehow “less than” other pets. People assume that cats and dogs only end up at the shelter because they don’t make good pets. But that’s simply untrue. People often give up animals because they’re moving to a new residence that doesn’t allow pets. They take unwanted litters of puppies or kittens to the shelter. And they also give up their pet if they can’t afford to take care of the animal, or if they simply don’t have enough time to spend with the animal. Pets you can adopt from the shelter are often just as loving and lovable as pets you can obtain anywhere else.
3. People think an animal shelter pet won’t bond with a new owner
Everybody wants a pet who will bond with them and their family. Too many people assume that won’t happen if they adopt a pet from the animal shelter. An older dog or a cat who was a stray won’t be any less likely to love you than an animal who came from a breeder or from a pet store. A shelter will typically let you spend lots of time interacting with an animal before you consider adopting. Some even enable home visits. So you can easily tell whether you and a particular cat or dog are a good match. And trust us, you’re incredibly likely to find a pet who will love you if you head to the animal shelter.
4. They assume that pets at the animal shelter will be difficult to train
Potential pet owners who would prefer to work with a breeder or head to the pet store often think that a pet from the animal shelter will be difficult to train. However, that’s certainly not a universal truth. Most animal shelters have a couple of animals who were neglected or abused by their previous owners, and those animals may have a few behavioral issues (or they may not). Every pet needs proper training, and fortunately, the process likely won’t prove any harder with a shelter pet.
5. People think shelter pets are dirty
Another pernicious myth about animal shelters? That they and the animals inside them are dirty and unkempt. In most cases, the myth proves completely wrong. Shelter staff routinely groom animals. For instance, a shelter dog probably gets regular baths, brushings, and nail clipping sessions. And animals who live at a shelter generally live in conditions that are much cleaner and safer than what you’d find at a puppy mill. Sure, an animal shelter might smell, well, like animals. But when there are dozens of animals under one roof, can you really blame them?
6. They decide it’s a bad idea to get an animal with a back story
Most people love the idea of getting a kitten or a puppy. That’s not only because baby animals are cute, but also because these animals don’t have a history. But trying to avoid an animal with baggage won’t help you find a better pet. Adult or senior animals are the right choice for many prospective pet owners. And while some animals have suffered abuse and may have behavioral issues, the shelter staff won’t neglect to tell you what they know about a pet’s back story, so you can decide what you’re willing to take on. Besides, every pet has a distinct personality; you won’t necessarily have an easier time with a pet who didn’t come from a shelter versus one who did.
7. People think you can’t know what you’re getting
One of the most persistent myths about adopting a pet from the shelter is that you won’t know what you’re getting. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Some cats and dogs available for adoption have been in foster care, so a volunteer has hosted the animal in his or her home. They can tell you lots more information about the animal’s personality and habits than a pet store or even a breeder could tell you.
Even if the animal has only stayed in the shelter, volunteers there can probably tell you about the cat or dog’s temperament. You’ll also get a more candid sense of the animal’s physical health or behavior than you’d get at a pet store or from a breeder.
8. They assume they can’t find the animal they want at a shelter
Many people assume that if they go to the animal shelter instead of a pet store, they won’t be able to find the exact animal they want. It’s true that many of the pets at the shelter are mixed breeds. But shelters also end up with purebred dogs and cats, since people buy those animals and then give them up if they can’t take care of them. Some shelters actually maintain waiting lists for specific breeds, and breed-specific rescue organizations can help you find a specific dog breed or cat breed.
9. People think households with children shouldn’t adopt
Many people think that pets who come from the animal shelter are unpredictable in their behavior. So, understandably, they feel wary of bringing an unpredictable animal into a household with small children. However, there’s no need to feel suspicious. Shelter staff assesses the behavior of each animal at their facility. The staff discloses any behavioral issues or suspected problems to potential pet owners.
It wouldn’t do a shelter any good to lie about an animal’s personality or temperament. If you want a dog or a cat who will get along well with your children, just ask. The shelter staff can probably point you in the right direction.
10. They think a ‘free’ animal is a better deal than one at a shelter
Most shelters charge an adoption fee when you want to take an animal home. So some people think that getting a “free” animal, such as a kitten from a friend’s litter, is a better deal than adopting an animal at the shelter. However, that’s usually not the case. Dogs and cats at the animal shelter get a health exam, important vaccinations, preventative medications, and often a spay or neuter surgery. If you adopt a “free” pet, you’ll be responsible for the cost of all of those items, which quickly adds up to far more than the typical adoption fee.
11. People think cats and dogs are the only animals available at the animal shelter
Many Americans want a dog or a cat. But those who’d prefer a rabbit, a bird, a snake, or any other less common pet automatically write off the animal shelter. Not so fast! Many animal shelters host animals of all kinds, not just of the canine and feline variety. If you’re looking for a specific kind of pet, it never hurts to ask! The shelter may either have exactly what you’re looking for or know of another shelter where you could find the pet of your dreams.
12. They think an animal from a breeder will be healthier than a pet from a shelter
Potential pet owners worry about the health of the pet they’ll bring home. Many erroneously cross the animal shelter off their list because they think that an animal from a breeder will be healthier. However, that’s often not the case. It’s well-known that many kinds of purebred dogs are prone to genetic disorders and predisposed to specific ailments thanks to the narrow gene pool of the breed’s bloodline. Broadly speaking, a purebred from a shelter and a purebred from the breeder will have the same likelihood of developing those diseases. But a mixed breed animal adopted from the shelter will likely develop fewer genetic ailments and could stay healthier in the long run. Plus, a pet from the animal shelter will almost certainly be healthier than one bred and raised by a puppy mill.
13. People think the shelter staff doesn’t know much about their animals
Some people, especially those who have never walked into a shelter, imagine that the staff doesn’t know much about each of the animals. That couldn’t get further from the truth. First of all, many educated and experienced professionals volunteer at their local animal shelter. (We wouldn’t be surprised to find vet techs, veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and researchers among the ranks.) They also work hard to observe each animal’s behavior and temperament. They can probably even tell you which food, treats, and toys each animal prefers. And of course, they’re well-informed on the animal’s medical status and any special needs.
14. They think you can only get an adult animal from the shelter
Have your heart set on a puppy or kitten? We have good news for you: You don’t have to go the pet store or find a breeder. In addition to adult pets, most animal shelters have an abundance of young animals who are up for adoption. Especially during the spring and summer, most shelters end up with lots of litters. That means there are plenty of puppies and kittens to adopt.
15. People think they can’t find the perfect pet at an animal shelter
This is a big one, but it’s important to get this misconception out of the way. When people think about bringing a pet home, they often decide that they want the “perfect” pet. However, that’s an ideal that doesn’t exist, whether you’re looking around at the local animal shelter or talking with a breeder who has championship-winning dogs. The perfect cat or dog just doesn’t exist. Once you get past that idea, you’ll feel better prepared to evaluate what you want in a pet — without placing unrealistic expectations on your new kitten or puppy.
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