An Apopka golden retriever that became the face of Bush’s Baked Beans commercials died last week, the company confirmed Tuesday. His real name was Sam, and he was one of several dogs that portrayed the loyal companion in more than 20 years of Bush’s commercials. “The relationship between Jay and his beloved dog Duke is the embodiment of the BUSH’S brand,” the company wrote in a Facebook post. “While Sam has not worked with us in years, we are saddened by the news of his passing and are grateful to have had him depict Duke.” “We continue to be overwhelmed by fan interest and their love of Duke,” the post said. Meanwhile, a friend of the dog’s owner posted on Facebook that Sam had been battling an aggressive cancer and he had to be euthanized on Wednesday. “He was a very special dog to all who ever knew or had the pleasure of meeting him,” David Odom wrote. “He is and will be missed.”
With much of the country already sweating through the dog days of summer, a new company is offering four-legged friends a much-needed place to cool down. Air-conditioned houses for dogs are popping up outside of restaurants and stores across the country thanks to a company called DogSpot. “It’s just so hot,” said DogSpot founder Chelsea Brownridge. “That’s a reason we’ve been expanding in places like California, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.” DogSpot offers fully air-conditioned and ventilated mini-houses where dogs can stay while their owners eat a meal inside a restaurant or run a quick errand. The service for dogs operates similarly to the way Uber works for humans. Dog owners use an app to reserve a nearby house for their furry friend up to 15 minutes in advance. The owner can unlock the house via the app, and then also monitor their dog on the app through a webcam. The fee is 30 cents per minute or a $19.99 monthly membership. “The average stay is around 15 minutes,” said Brownridge. “Which is exactly what we designed it for, to be able to live an active life with your dog but allow the dog to be comfortable too." Brownridge created DogSpot after her experience living with her rescue dog, Winston, in Brooklyn. “He has a ton of energy so to get him out of the house on as many walks as possible was really important,” she said. “I started to realize how many times he couldn’t come with me outside because I’d just be going to a store or restaurant for a few minutes.” She added, “There are all these things you do every day in a walkable city like New York where dogs aren’t allowed to go inside." In cities not as walkable as New York, dogs may be left behind in cars by their owners. It takes 10 minutes for the inside of a car, even with its windows left slightly open, to reach 102 degrees on an 85-degree day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). On a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can be as much as 20 degrees higher, proving dangerous for dogs, notes the ASPCA. Some states and local governments have laws prohibiting leaving animals in cars in dangerous situations, like heat. Brownridge said she supports those laws amd wants to be "part of the solution." "We want to make [DogSpot] the safest, cleanest, best-monitored space to give pet parents the comfort of knowing their dog is safe," Brownridge added. Brownridge and her co-founder, Todd Schechter, said they worked to launch the company on nights and weekends while they both still had full-time jobs. They placed prototypes throughout Brooklyn and soon had a membership of around 1,000 dog owners. To address safety concerns, the DogSpot houses are only accessible to the owner of the dog currently using the house. There is also no anonymity, as DogSpot has each user's name, phone number, and credit card information on file. The houses self-clean after each use via UV lights and are manually cleaned each day. In the winter, the houses activate a heated floor. Two restaurants in Ferndale, Michigan, are among the first to use DogSpot houses as part of the company’s national expansion this month. “The vast majority of the response has been great,” said Shane Hudson, marketing manager for Kramer Restaurant Group, who brought DogSpot to two of the group’s restaurants last week. “It’s going to take a little while for people to start using them, but we’ve had quite a response.” “It reminds me of when Uber and Airbnb first arrived,” he added. “People’s first response is like, ‘What the heck are these things?’ but once people understand the technology and how it works, I do envision it will draw folks to our restaurants.” DogSpot's founders say they have received letters of invitation from officials in cities like Orlando, Florida, and Kansas City, Missouri as well. DogSpot plans to launch in Los Angeles, Boston, Washington D.C., as well as Orlando and Kansas City. DogSpots will also be available in Chattanooga, Southhampton, New York, Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, South Carolina this year. New features coming soon include the ability to play music for your dog inside the house and to talk to your pet if he or she needs comforting, DogSpot says.
A few weeks ago, Jen Walsh spent a day at the lake with her family. As always, her two-year-old Schnauzer, Hanz, went along with them. And, as always, the family and the dog played together happily. Jen would throw a stick or ball into the water, while Hanz would rush out, retrieve it and then bring it back. They repeated this over and over. Each time, Hanz came back ready for more; a bundle of energy and joy. After around an hour and a half, Hanz had been in and out of the lake more than twenty times to collect balls and sticks. He seemed content, but no one could have known the danger he was in. Just a short while later, Jen realised something was wrong with her dog. The last time he returned from the lake, he didn’t shake off the water as he usually did. Shortly afterwards, he slumped to the ground, looking “worn out”. With the dog’s condition deteriorating quickly, the family decided to rush him to the vet. On the journey he worsened further, and Jen knew they had to do something if they were to keep him alive. When Jennifer finally arrived at the vets, the dog was immediately hurried into care. Sadly, it was without success. The little Schnauzer had died. Only after he had passed, did Jen learn what had happened to her best friend: He had suffered from water intoxication, also known as hyponatraemia. Tragically, this kills thousands of dogs every year. It might not be very common, but it’s good to know what can happen and in what situations the risk is most extreme. The condition is brought on by excessive fluid intake, which causes the body to lose sodium. As a result, the body’s cells begin to fill with water and swell. If the cells in the brain swell, it can affect the central nervous system, which can be fatal. It’s important to remember that dogs can’t always determine when they need to stop drinking. This can occur when they’re playing in the ocean, a pool or drinking from a water hose. The first symptoms of water intoxication can be weakness, dizziness, loss of appetite or nausea and vomiting. Symptoms of water intoxication can include: Tiredness Confusion Excessive licking Loss of appetite Vomiting Bloated stomach Widened pupils and a glazed look In severe cases, difficulty breathing, cramps and loss of consciousness Smaller dogs that are high energy and love to play in the water are at higher risk, because they can absorb a lot of fluid in relation to their body size. It’s always important as an owner to keep an eye on your dog if they love playing in the water. Some dogs love to throw themselves into waves or completely submerge themselves, which puts them at added risk of taking in too much water. What to do if it occurs If you suspect your dog may be suffering from water intoxication, you should always contact a veterinarian directly. The Walsh family didn’t know that Hanz was in danger, and will certainly regret what happened forevermore. “This will never happen to us again, but I wish we had been warned of the possibility. It would have saved Hanz’ life. He was the best dog EVER,” Jen wrote on her Facebook page.
While there is no official record of the most commonly seen diseases that affect pet guinea pigs there is still a subjective opinion that is felt through the guinea pig community regarding common ailments of pet cavies. By knowing what is most commonly seen you can be better prepared to monitor for signs and symptoms that your guinea pig may be getting sick. Ileus Guinea pigs should always be eating and defecating. If you see your guinea pig hasn't touched his food and you are seeing less and fewer stools being passed your guinea pig may have ileus. Ileus is when gas builds up in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) and due to the lack of normal peristalsis and no food coming in it causes discomfort and the gas is unable to leave the body. This is actually a very life-threatening condition and your guinea pig should receive immediate medical attention to get the proper medications. Ileus can be caused secondarily by an underlying illness or stressor which in turn causes your guinea pig to stop eating. Things as simple as moving the cage, introducing a new guinea pig, an upper respiratory infection, and even ectoparasites like lice can stress your guinea pig out enough so that he doesn't eat and develops ileus. Ectoparasites If your guinea pig has hair loss and is itching or scratching he may have lice or mites. While the thought of having these things in your house, much less on the guinea pig you just played with, may make you itch all over they can be easy to avoid and treat. Lice, sarcoptic mange mites (scabies), and Demodex mange mites (Demodex) can all cause itching and hair loss. Lice and their eggs are usually seen in the bald patches behind your guinea pig's ears and the mites can be seen microscopically all over the body.
Guinea pigs can give these parasites to each other and can also get them from food and bedding. By freezing your food and bedding before introducing it into the cage you can kill off any potential parasites that may have been lurking in the packages. Uterine and Ovarian Diseases Spaying your female guinea pig is definitely recommended for more than just population control if she is housed with a male cavy. Females often develop uterine and ovarian issues including various cancers. Sometimes the uterus and ovaries can be removed even after the problem has been discovered but other times cancer has already spread to other parts of the body rendering it untreatable. A complete ovariohysterectomy can be performed by your exotics vet on your guinea pig at about six months of age to prevent uterine and ovarian diseases just as it would in a dog or cat. While some guinea pig owners are not able to justify the cost of the procedure others see the great benefit to having their guinea pigs longer and not having to pay for emergency treatment when they notice their pig is sick. Respiratory Diseases Guinea pigs are sensitive to cold air drafts and can easily develop an upper respiratory infection or worse yet, pneumonia. They can even get Bordatella bronchiseptica from your dog, cat, or pet rabbit. Simply keeping your cavies away from drafts will help decrease the likelihood of them getting a respiratory infection as well as washing your hands after handling other animals (guinea pigs at pet stores, your dog or cat if they are coughing or sneezing, and even your rabbit). Uroliths More commonly referred to as bladder stones, uroliths often form in the bladder of pet guinea pigs. They cause pain and discomfort and the urine is often bloody due to the irritation the stone causes. Stones are often found on radiographs being taken for a diagnosis of ileus and must be surgically removed. By keeping a close watch on your guinea pig by making sure is he eating and defecating, washing your hands before and after handling him, freezing his bedding and food before use, and keeping him away from drafts you can prevent the bulk of the most commonly seen guinea pig diseases. There are of course numerous other diseases that affect guinea pigs, therefore, an annual physical examination with your exotics vet is always recommended.
What is a pocket pet? Pocket pet is a term used to refer to a small pet mammal commonly kept as a household pet. The most common pocket pets are rodents such as hamsters, gerbils, degus, sugar gliders (a marsupial), fancy mice, fancy rats, chinchillas, and guinea pigs. Gary Riggs, DVM, spends most of his time working with exotic pets. So when it comes to advice on pocket pets—small animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats, gerbils, chinchillas, and sugar gliders—he’s a good person to ask. Riggs is a veterinarian at three Ohio clinics, NorthCoast Bird and Exotic Specialty Hospital, Barberton Veterinary Clinic, and The Animal Clinic of Wadsworth. The most popular pocket pets are guinea pigs and smaller rodents, such as mice, rats, gerbils, and hamsters. Hedgehogs, chinchillas, and sugar gliders are also popular, Riggs says, though they require more specialized care and are illegal to own in some states and provinces, so check with your local government before attempting to bring one home. The bottom line for anyone thinking of getting a pocket pet is: Do your research first. Different animals require different care. Some questions to ask:
Do I have room for the animal’s cage?
What space and exercise needs does the animal have? Does she need to run or climb?
What does the animal eat? How specialized is his food?
When does the animal sleep? At night or during the day?
How much interaction does the animal like and need? Do I have enough time to spend with her?
How messy is the animal? How often am I going to have to clean up after him?
Because some pocket pets need to climb, they may require a larger or more complex cage with multiple levels, Riggs says. It also is important to remember that some pocket pets are comfortable being handled and are a good fit for owners who want to tote them around while others are not.
Knowing what your pocket pet eats is similarly important, Riggs says. Guinea pigs, for example, need Vitamin C supplements. Sugar gliders eat a variety of foods, including insects and produce. “It can be anywhere from a fairly simple diet with hay and pellets up to a very specialized diet,” Riggs says. As for the time question, some pocket pets tend to be messier and require more frequent cage cleanings. It is also important to be aware that, with some pocket pets, you may need to buy two. Guinea pigs often prefer to have another guinea pig in their cage, in which case you’ll want to avoid matching a male and female unless you want guinea pig babies! Spaying or neutering is an option for some pocket pets. Chinchillas, for example, need to be spayed or neutered, Riggs says. Guinea pigs are prone to reproductive tract problems, so they may need a hysterectomy. As for which pocket pets are going to keep you and your family up at night, chinchillas and hedgehogs are more nocturnal, Riggs says. Rats and guinea pigs are less so. Also ask yourself how long of a commitment you are willing to make. Rats live only a couple of years. Chinchillas can live up to 20 years, which is longer than most dogs. Veterinary care is another consideration. How often a pocket pet needs to see the vet varies by type of animal. According to Riggs, hamsters and guinea pigs often go to the vet two or three times per year. Others need only an annual exam. Guinea pigs and rats are more prone to dental problems, so they may require more frequent dental exams by a veterinarian. So what’s the easiest pocket pet to own in terms of maintenance? A rat, Riggs says. They like being handled, but their space needs aren’t as great, and it’s fairly simple to feed and clean up after them. Gerbils are also easy, Riggs says, especially if you don’t want to be as hands-on. “You can set them up with the wheels and tunnels,” he says. What is the highest maintenance pocket pet? A sugar glider, Riggs says, because it requires more time and space and has a more complex diet, not to mention it is illegal to own them in some states and provinces. So, do your research before bringing a pocket pet home, but once you do, enjoy your new family member. “They’re great pets,” Riggs says.
FOLLOW US!
There are different types of mushrooms that can have varied effects on pets such as, depression, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, tearing, hallucinations, defecation, liver failure, seizures, drooling, urination, kidney failure, heart damage, hyperactivity and in some cases, death. Amanita phalloides is the most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other Amanita species are toxic. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, mushrooms are a very complex group of fungi. Certain species of mushrooms, such as the types you find in the grocery store, are considered to be nontoxic, while other wild species can be very toxic. Some have been known to cause liver and kidney damage, while others result in severe gastrointestinal and even neurological effects. Because a toxic mushroom could be growing right alongside a nontoxic one, identifying what type the animal ingested can be tricky. Because of this, we advise that pet owners not allow their animals to ingest any wild mushrooms. And since we often cannot get a positive identification of the exact species involved, it is important to treat all wild mushroom ingestions very seriously.
Introduction to Pets in Divorce Proceedings When it comes to pets, the law is fairly clear on how pets are viewed – and that is pets are property. If you are a pet owner, it is more likely than not you view your pet as a member of the family, or even as a child. When a couple goes through a divorce, and pets are involved, it can be incredibly stressful and different laws will apply to the pets – even though the couple may consider the pet family. A small minority of states will consider the emotional attachment of pets during a divorce proceeding, but the majority of states will treat the pet as a piece of property. Like many issues in family court, it is better to settle outside of court so both parties can be involved with the decision making process. This will be especially true when deciding where the family pet will live. Pets in the Law Generally In the majority of states, pets are considered personal property.[i] During the divorce proceeding, there are a few ways of dividing up personal, or tangible, property but deciding how to divide the family dog is a little more difficult than deciding who is going to get the couch in the living room or the table in the dinning room. Despite this, the courts still consider dogs in this category. Often times in divorce proceedings, unless the property is incredibly valuable, parties go back and forth and chose items they want to keep.[ii] The parties do their best to keep things even, and divide each room of the house evenly in some way. When it comes to pets, especially families with one pet that is not an easy task. Even families that have two, or four pets, it is still difficult to determine where that pet will be going. For this reason, and many others, many animal rights activists have been fighting for the courts to recognize that pets should be treated differently than property, at least during a divorce or separation proceeding. To the majority of families with pets view their pets as part of the family, so deciding where the couch goes is inherently different than where the family dog will go. To read more on this story, click here:Pets in Divorce Proceedings
Have you ever owned a guinea pig? Then you know they make wonderful companions! They are docile members of the rodent family, rarely bite and are known for squeaking with delight when their favorite humans enter the room. Guinea pigs are excellent pets for older children who have learned proper handling techniques. They are the gentlest of the pocket pets, which include mice, hamsters, rats and gerbils and so are ideal pets for responsible children. Guinea pigs drink a lot of water and love to run the water out of the bottles! Water bottles with stainless steel ball bearing sipper tubes are the best kind to use. Before buying a guinea pig, please consider these facts: 1. They are social animals. 2. They are usually quiet they can call out quite loudly. 3. They can be active both day and night. 4. Consider keeping a same sex pair so they have company. 5. Their life span is around 5-7 years, however, they have been known to live longer. 6. They are a long-term commitment. 7. They can generally become very tame with frequent handling. 8. A pair of females is a good choice, while a pair of males may fight. 9. They may be a little nervous at first, but they rarely bite. 10. You can purchase a cage…or make your own. 11. Keep the cage in an area where temperatures range between 65 - 75 F (18-25C). Guinea pigs handle cold quite well but they are very susceptible to heat stroke. Appearances: Guinea pigs are larger than hamsters, but smaller than rabbits. They have rounded stout body, with no visible tail. However, a few tail vertebrae can be felt under the skin. They are approximately 10 inches long, and can weigh between 2-3 pounds. They also come in a variety of colors Health: You should choose a Veterinarian that works with exotic pets, guinea pigs, parrots and other small animals. Always contact your Vet if you observe any of the following: Your pet has not eaten for more than eight hours; has very labored breathing; is bleeding from mouth, rectum or genital area; inability to urinate; extreme lethargy; and diarrhea that is watery and foul-smelling.
Anyone living with a baby or toddler knows to be vigilant about household safety hazards and takes steps to keep children safe. But as a dog owner, do you take the same care to protect your pets from common household objects? Try to see your environment from your dog’s point of view and determine what looks like a tempting plaything or snack. These everyday items may seem innocent, but they can pose a threat to your pet.
Wires and cords: Do you have a nest of cords dangling from your computer or TV and related devices? That can look like a mighty tempting plaything to a dog. And if you have a puppy or a dog that chews, he could be burned or suffer electric shock from chewing on those wires. Use a cord cover or bundle wires together with wire ties to make them less interesting to the dog. Cords dangling from a lamp or small appliance may look like ideal tug toys, and before you know it, your favorite reading light is in pieces on the floor. Try to block your dog’s access or secure wires along the wall or floor.
Cleaning products: You wouldn’t leave these out for kids; don’t leave them out for your dog, either. If they’re in an easily opened lower cabinet, try a children’s safety latch or move these products to a higher shelf. And pay attention when you’re using cleansers, whether you’re using a bucket of soapsuds for cleaning or you are mopping the floor. A curious dog may think this looks like a delicious drink.
Garbage cans: Dogs love garbage; it smells delicious and is full of yummy treats. Your trash may be filled with rotting food, chemically treated items, cleansers, sharp items, and other potential hazards. If your dog is one of those clever animals that can overturn a can or nudge open the lid, keep garbage in a closed cabinet or use a can with a locking lid. That way you will avoid coming home to a trash-strewn kitchen, and you’ll be protecting your dog from ingesting something harmful.
Small choking hazards: This could be anything: jewelry left on the nightstand, a needle and thread on the coffee table, paper clips, craft supplies, or children’s toys on the floor. These may seem like perfectly harmless everyday objects, until your curious or bored dog decides they’ll make an exotic new snack.
Open windows: Before you say we’ve gone too far, think of your dog gazing out of a wide-open, unscreened window when another dog walks by or his favorite mailman passes. That window can be an open invitation to make an escape. Be especially mindful of second-story windows, which should be closed or screened.
Nicotine: An ashtray filled with cigarette butts or a pack of cigarettes left on a table can be pure poison for your dog. Nicotine is a rapid-acting toxin that, in extreme cases, causes cardiac arrest.
Chocolate: Delicious, irresistible, and almost guaranteed to cause a trip to the vet. Don’t leave your candy bar, brownie, piece of lava cake, or any chocolate anywhere your dog can get to it.
Medication: If you’re in the habit of laying out a daily dose of pills or any other medication, it might be a habit you should break. Colorful capsules or a handful of little pills left on a nightstand, for example, can be very tempting to a dog. And be sure to keep your pill containers tucked safely away in a cabinet or drawer that is out of reach for inquisitive pups.
Houseplants: Who doesn’t love a little greenery in the house? While many houseplants are perfectly benign, some are toxic to dogs and should be either removed or placed well out of reach. These are just a few of the plants known to be poisonous for dogs: Dieffenbachia (commonly called Dumb Cane) Cyclamen Jade Plant Aloe Plant — despite all of its helpful properties when used topically, eating it will cause vomiting. Kalanchoe (commonly called Mother-in-Law Plant) Amaryllis — as pretty as it is, it’s poisonous to dogs. Learn more about houseplants that could be harmful to pets. You may be thinking that your dog would never be in danger from anything around the house, and you might be right; some dogs are less curious or adventurous, or have been well trained in what they can and cannot have. But many other dogs, especially puppies, will find these common household objects fascinating. And then there are the dogs with that mischievous glint in their eye that means anything within reach is fair game. In general, it’s best not to leave your beloved pet open to temptation. chihuahua looking at food None of this is to say that everything in your house needs to be on permanent lockdown or that you must exercise extreme vigilance in everything you do. But a little common sense and self-awareness can go a long way toward protecting your dog from the dangers of these everyday household items.
A bear had to have his tongue removed after it became swollen and weighed almost 7 pounds and dragged along the ground. Nyan htoo and his brother were rescued as cubs by monks in Myanmar after being taken from their mother so they could be sold illegally. However after their rescue, it soon became clear the bear was suffering from an unknown disease, which caused his tongue to become enlarged. Vets operated on Nyan htoo in 2016 in an attempt to save his tongue by removing the excess tissue, but the swelling returned and worsened over time. By June the disease was badly affecting Nyan htoo's quality of life, so vets reluctantly decided to amputate. Veterinary surgeon Heather Bacon, from the University of Edinburgh's Royal School of Veterinary Studies, worked with Caroline Nelson, a veterinary nurse at the Animals Asia Bear Rescue Centre in Vietnam to perform the procedure in Myanmar. They were joined by another vet, Romain Pizzi, from Wildlife Surgery International, and removed almost 7lbs of tissue in an operation that lasted four hours. Ms Bacon said: “This was an opportunity for us to use our veterinary and animal welfare expertise to make a significant difference for a bear and the people who care for him.” The veterinary team now believe the swelling may have been caused by a mosquito-transmitted infection called elephantiasis, a condition that is common in people in Myanmar but has never been reported in bears.
You might not normally think of squirrels as beautiful. They are usually grey or brown, and they are rodents, after all. But that’s because you likely haven’t seen the Malabar giant squirrel, also known as the Indian giant squirrel. These critters can be 36 inches long, which is more than double the size of the grey squirrels you are likely to see in the U.S. But most impressively, Malabar giant squirrels have beautiful, multicolored fur, including shades of black, brown, orange, maroon and purple. Indian giant squirrels mostly live in eastern or southern India, and can be difficult to spot due to their camouflage and the fact that they tend to hop from tree to tree. According to a 2007 study in the journal Ecoscience, they have been known to hoard seeds in nests they build in the treetops. John Koprowski, professor and associate director at the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona, is a squirrel expert. He first saw a Malabar giant squirrel during a trip to India in 2006. “In the shaded understory of a dense forest, the patchy colors and dark hues are a great adaptation to avoiding detection,” Koprowski told The Dodo. “But when you see these in the sunlight, they show their ‘true colors’ and beautiful pelage [fur].” This species is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature‘s designated list of least concern, meaning they are not in imminent danger of going extinct, but their population has been in decline nonetheless due to the destruction of their forest habitat. Protection laws would help them thrive in the future. Their beautiful colors are so eye-catching that last year, the squirrels became inspiration for people seeking new hues to dye their hair after one was photographed in the Anchankovil forest in Kerala. We can totally see why these creatures are so inspiring! It would appear that these giant squirrels aren’t too afraid of humans, either. Check out this video footage of one enjoying a cookie:
The Benefits of Keeping Praying Mantis as Pets Firstly, praying mantis are absolutely fascinating to watch. While they may lie motionless for hours on end, this is all part of a ruse; quite simply this is how mantis hunt. In nature, they hide in flowers and bushes, waiting for an unsuspecting insect to wander past unawares. At this point the mantis lashes out, grabbing the prey item with their spiky front legs. Their dinner is then secure. In the home, feeding your praying mantis can be a thoroughly absorbing, if somewhat nerve-wracking, experience. For such an aggressive hunter, mantis can be strangely docile with their owners. A further benefit of praying mantis as pets therefore is that they can generally be handled quite safely. In general, a praying mantis will happily walk from hand to hand. Incase you’re wondering right now they’re also highly unlikely to try and take a chunk out of your finger. The only proviso here is that the adults develop wings so they are capable of flying away if you annoy them. In other words, while you can safely handle youngsters, when it comes to holding the adults, try to ensure your windows are closed to avoid escapees. Lastly, keeping praying mantis as pets gives you an opportunity to enter another world. Keeping a praying mantis can be rather like having your own zoo; you get to watch your pet growing up, hunting, changing its skin, and reaching maturity. If you’re lucky, you’ll even have an opportunity to breed these fascinating insects and watch the whole circle of life completed. For those who enjoy watching all the activity and life in a fish tank, praying mantis can be equally fascinating. Luckily, with a few simple bits of equipment and a little practise, praying mantis are also quite easy to keep as pets. This can make them even more tempting captives. To read more on this story, click here:Keeping Praying Mantis as Pets: The Beginners Guide
The Shih Tzu (pronounced Shid Zoo in singular and plural), is undoubtedly one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is often referred to as a "small lion." They originated in Tibet, but are most associated with China where they were highly revered as a palace pet and prized companion. The Shih Tzu is an active, happy, and affectionate breed. A compact and solid dog, the Shih Tzu’s long, flowing double coat is its most distinctive feature. The word Shih Tzu means "lion" and although this dog is sweet and playful, they are not afraid to stand up for themselves! Temperament: Shih Tzu love to strut around the house with their head held high and tail wagging! They strut like they own the place! Most have an outgoing, happy, friendly personality! Shih Tzu tend to get a little bossy as they reach the adult age, and quiet down when they get to be seniors. They love to be spoiled at all ages! Human Companions: The ideal companion for the Shih Tzu would be singles, seniors, families with older children. Though good family dogs, Shih Tzu are not especially good with very young children. They cannot be handled roughly or awkwardly and tend to get snappish when their patience wears thin. Size: Shih Tzu usually weigh between 9 and 16 pounds full grown, and measure between 10 – 11 inches in height. Colors: Shih Tzu come in a rainbow of colors. They are Liver and white, cream, black, brindle and white, solid blue (rare), solid brindle, gold and white, black and white, solid white, solid red, red and white, solid silver, silver and white. The Body: The Shih Tzu body is slightly longer than tall, its legs straight and muscular, and its feet firm and well-padded.The head is round, broad, and wide between the eyes, and in balance with the rest of the dog. The dark eyes are large and round; the ears are natural and heavily feathered; the muzzle is square, short and unwrinkled, and flat; lips and chin should neither protrude nor recede. The jaw is undershot, the incisors of the lower jaw overlap the incisors of the upper jaw. The Coat: The coat is long and flowing and generally grows in an upward direction from his nose, which is why you’ll often see him with his fur tied on top of his head. The growth of his fur in all directions from his face has earned him the nickname “chrysanthemum-faced dog.” Most show dogs have the long flowing coat, however, most pet owners like to keep the hair cut short. Health: Basically healthy, the Shih Tzu is subject to a kidney disease called renal dysplasia, and to slipped stifles or kneecaps. His slightly protruding eyes are prone to injury, and his short muzzle often produces slight wheezing problems.
You can live harmoniously alongside your cat with claws and still maintain nice furniture by understanding a bit more about your cat’s natural behaviors, and enriching your home with items your cat can scratch. Let’s learn more about your cat’s amazing body. Why Do Cats Have Claws? Your domestic cat has maintained their instincts of their wild ancestors. Cats’ claws are physically unique and serve several functions. The forelimb claws are retractable and allow her to expose or retract her nails as needed. To read more on this story, click here:Living with a Clawed Cat
