Peafowl are commonly known as peacocks, although that is actually the name for the male of the species. What is unique about these birds is the distinctive bright and colorful plumage and long tail of the male and its strong sexual dimorphism with the female, who has brown feathers. There are actually three different species of peafowl, the blue or Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), the green or Java peafowl (Pavo muticus) and the Congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis). Peafowl have been kept in gardens and parks by humans for centuries, and like all animals they require specific care if you want them to stay healthy and happy. Regardless of which one is your favorite, in this AnimalWised article we'll go over some guidelines and tips you should consider if you want to keep peacocks as pets. Can you keep green peacocks as pets? Green or Java peafowl are native to Southeast Asia, including the island of Java. It is recognizable for its bright green, blue and bronze feathers; unlike in the case of blue peafowl, male and female green peafowl look quite similar. The wild green peafowl lives in tropical forests, and as a species they do not respond well to the cold, so we recommend much thought and consideration before researching how to adopt one. This species can be more aggressive than the blue peacock, and in captivity males must be kept separate on account of their fighting spurs. Due to habitat destruction, the green peacock is an endangered species. As such, we don't recommend keeping them as pets at all. In fact, you should check your country's legislation to ensure you're not taking part in illegal animal trade. To read more on this story, click here:Peacocks as Pets: Guidelines and Tips
Every day happy customers take pictures and tear into them, limb by limb, feeling sorry and happy at the same time. The shar-pei puppies look almost too real to eat but are made chocolate, milk tea or peanut-flavored ice cream. J-C Company Art Kitchen in southern Taiwan has been serving these treats since last month, making them in special molds with a special recipe that creates a hairy-looking frost on top of the ice cream. The ice cream is frozen at more than 20 degrees below zero, so it will keep shape long enough for staff to color the puppies' eyes with chocolate sauce before the wrinkled features of the dog start melting. One puppy ice cream takes about five hours to make and customers can devour the small ones for $3.50, and the larger ones for about six dollars. Thanks to social media, the restaurant is struggling to keep up with demand as they can only make 100 per day.
The William Mark Corp. booth, known for a wide variety of toys that can be launched, flown or thrown, was turning heads at New York Toy Fair. They demoed their new Air Swimmers in the middle of the expo hall. If you weren’t paying attention, you may have thought you’d stepped into an aquarium. They actually float through the air with a very fish-like motion that you just have to see to believe. The technology behind them is fairly simple. Each Air Swimmer is a refillable helium balloon that receives commands from an infrared remote. The user’s input via this remote controls both a tail motor and an adjustable weight. The tail fin motor can vary its flapping rate and range of motion to control both speed and left-right direction, while the adjustable weight uses a motor to slide along the length of the Air Swimmer’s underside, thereby controlling tilt. Using the relatively low-tech infrared remote that requires a line-of-sight connection allows the Air Swimmers to retail for about $39.99. All you need to do is provide a helium fill-up and fresh AAA batteries prior to use. Warning: If you show these videos to your kids…they will be on their Christmas list!
This is one of those stories that make you say “awww!” As an animal lover…this story melted my heart! Lily, a Great Dane was only 18 months old when veterinarians removed both her eyes. She was suffering from entropion, a condition that caused her eyelashes to roll inward and scratch painfully against her eyeballs. But thankfully she’s got guide dog Maddison, another Great Dane to lead her around. Maddison stays close to Lily when they walk around, helping to guide her by touching her with his body to let her know the way. The two dogs were being cared for by UK dog welfare charity Dogs Trust, which had problems finding a good home willing to take the unlikely pair. Their previous owner could no longer cope with the two big dogs, and in July handed Lily and Maddison over to be rehomed. “With her lack of sight, Lily’s other senses have heightened so, although we don’t split them up often, she can tell if Maddison is nearby,” explains Louise Cabell, who works at the shelter. So cute! Here’s hoping these buddies find a great new home. “It’s very sad as members of the public walk straight by their kennel, often put off by the idea of having two large dogs and of course one without eyes can be a bit shocking!" Louise Campbell, manager of Dogs Trust Shrewsbury, had explained. The dogs sleep together, and were awaiting adoption at the Dogs Trust in the British town of Shrewsbury. After putting out a public call, more than 2,000 people offered to take the dogs, the Daily Mail says. The Williams family from the countryside in nearby Crewe, Cheshire were chosen to adopt the dog. Anne Williams and her husband Len said they weren't fazed by the prospect of having two large dogs. "We've always had two dogs together, I like them to have company and so taking on two of them wasn't a daunting prospect," Ann Williams told the Daily Mail. "We've also got a lovely big garden so it's the perfect setting for two huge dogs." The couple plan to take Lily and Maddison along on holidays to France and the Lake District in England.
Over the years several police dogs have been shot and have died while pursuing a criminal. Did you know that more than 500 Police Service Dogs (PSDs) have been killed in the line of duty? A vest increases a 98% chance of survival in an attack. A police dog put its life in danger every day just as the police officer. The police officer wears a bullet proof vest to protect them…so should his dog also wear a bullet proof vest? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said that they support the use dogs in law enforcement provided that the animals are humanely raised, trained and afforded every consideration for their safety and well-being, including the use of bullet-proof vests. There are some police departments that do provide protection to their K9 members with stab and/or slash resistant vests. These vests are used because they are lighter, and do not protect the dog if it is shot. However, you have to wonder if the weight of a bullet proof vest would be uncomfortable for the dog and possibly flop around as the dog runs. What do you think? Should police dogs wear bullet proof vests?
Have you ever seen a cat or dog with a collar on that looks like a lampshade? While at first glance it does look like a lampshade, it is not. Recently, my sister’s cat had minor surgery and the animal hospital sent her home with a elizabethan collar. She called me and asked why they had put a lampshade on her cat. She said that the cat didn’t like it on. She said that the cat was walking into walls and could not eat. I told her that she could remove it for eating, and put it back on. I first experienced the e-collar in 2005 with my shih-tzu, Sugar. She too was walking into table legs and walls. We had to carry her outside to potty. My husband elevated her food and water bowls…and that didn’t work. Finally, we realized that the e-collar was too big for her. Shih Tuzs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese and Pugs have brachycephalic faces, so the e-collar ususally sticks out too far. He finally got the idea to trim the e-collar down. An elizabethan collar or as some people call it, a space collar, cone and yes lampshade, is a protective medical device worn by an animal, usually a cat or dog. Shaped like a truncated cone, its purpose is to prevent the animal from biting or licking at its body or scratching at its head or neck while wounds or injuries heal. The device is generally attached to the pet's usual collar with strings or tabs passed through holes punched in the sides of the plastic. The neck of the collar should be short enough to let the animal eat and drink. Although most pets adjust to them quite well, others won't eat or drink with the collar in place and the collar is temporarily removed for meals. While purpose-made collars can be purchased from veterinarians or pet stores, they can also be made from plastic and cardboard or by using plastic flowerpots, wastebaskets, buckets or lampshades. Modern collars might involve soft fabric trim along the edges to increase comfort and velcro surfaces for ease of attachment removal.
How the Elizabethan Collar got its name: The collars are named from the ruffs worn in Elizabethan times
FOLLOW US!
Elizabethan collars (known as an “E-collars” in vet lingo or the “cones of shame” on social media) prevent cats from licking or chewing surgery suture sites. I won’t sugarcoat it: Cats hate E-collars. 1. Lampshade The old style, opaque “lampshade” type is particularly loathed, mainly because it robs the cat of his peripheral vision (in addition to interfering with eating and grooming).
2. Clear Plastic Clear plastic E-collars allow for some peripheral vision but are still uncomfortable.
3. Soft E-Collars In the last few years, a number of pet supply manufacturers have devised a variety of alternative types of E-collars, including a soft E-collar that can be turned downward so that it acts as a bib, preventing the cat from fussing with the incision while not affecting peripheral vision or eating. These collars are surprisingly well-tolerated by cats.
4. Donut Another style is that of an inflatable “donut” that goes around the cat’s neck, resembling pillows that people use on airplanes when traveling.
How the Elizabethan Collar got its name: The collars are named from the ruffs worn in Elizabethan times.
Morocco is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million. People living in Morocco's rural communities where argan trees grow benefit from the marketability of the fruit's oil, but the goats they are able to buy then climb the trees to graze on the leaves, jeopardizing the forests in the process. Amazingly, these uncanny animals are actually real. They climb the Argan trees of Morocco in search of food, which is otherwise sparse in the region. Over time they have become not only able to climb trees but downright adept at the art of the traipes across trees with a sure-footedness that is hard to imagine from a hoofed animal. Known as skilled navigators of treacherous mountain conditions, maybe it isn’t such a surprise after all to find goats making their way up the steep and narrow trunks and branches of only slightly more dangerous trees. The goats climb them because they like to eat the fruit of the argan tree, which is similar to an olive. The fruit of the tree has a nut inside, which the goats can’t digest, so they spit it up or excrete it which the farmers collect. The nut contains 1-3 kernels, which can be ground to make argan oil used in cooking and cosmetics. This oil has been collected by the people of the region for hundreds of years, but like many wild and useful things these days, the argan tree is slowly disappearing due to over-harvesting for the tree’s wood and overgrazing by goats.
Panleukopenia, pronounced “pan-loo-koh-PEE-nee-ah” is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of cats, kittens, raccoons, and mink. The panleukopenia virus tends to invade cells which are rapidly growing such as those of the digestive system, bone marrow, lymph tissue, and developing nervous system. This explains the common symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, low white blood cell count, and seizures. A vaccine is available to protect against the disease. Cats are infected oronasally by exposure to infected animals, their secretions, or fomites. Most free-roaming cats are exposed to the virus during their first year of life. The feline panleukopenia virus (FVP) is extremely hardy and may survive for months, and even years. It is easily transmitted through contact, either cat-to-cat, or by human-to-cat :
In utero, from an infected queen
hands, clothing, and shoes
shared food and water bowls, litter pans, bedding
mutual grooming
fleas, during the active stage
human handling can transfer the FVP virus from one cat to another.
Birdwatching or birding is the observation of birds as a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through a visual enhancement device like binoculars and telescopes, or by listening for bird sounds. Birdwatchers observe wild birds in their natural habitat. Birdwatching means learning to identify the birds and understand what they are doing. In North America, there are over 800 species of birds. Wherever you live, you'll probably find at least 100 species that are easy to find in your area. Birding is the fastest-growing outdoor activity in America. According to a survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 51.3 million Americans report that they watch birds. And more are taking it up all the time! Follow Us!
You might think of your dog as your fur child, but the law would not agree. “In the eyes of the law, they are really no different than the silverware, the cars, the home,” says Joyce Tischler, director of litigation for the Animal Legal Defense Fund. But in more and more American homes, splitting the pets could get pretty contentious. Consider the numbers. Sixty-three percent — 71.1 million — of U.S. households own pets, according to the latest National Pet Owners Survey. The bulk of those animals are dogs — about 44 million. Americans are expected to spend about $41 billion on their pets this year, a $24 billion increase since 1994, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Then throw in lifestyle and societal changes: more couples have fewer children than a generation or two ago and view their pets as their kids or companions, owners pay $2,000 for an orthopedist to reconstruct a dog’s knee; designers such as Isaac Mizrahi create pink trench coats and white tulle bridal dresses for the fashion-conscious canine whose owner shops at Target, and high-end pet stores sell rhinestone-studded dog collars, peanut butter biscotti instead of run-of-the-mill dog treats, and strollers for the walking-averse pampered pooch. “When you put all of that together, it’s no wonder that we’re beginning to see an increasing number of custody battles involving companion animals,” Tischler says. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers conducted a poll of 1,500 members and nearly a quarter said they had noticed an increase in custody issues of pets. Judges have had to determine not only who gets the dog but whether one party has the right even to see the dog after the marriage breaks up. To read more on this story, click here:Who Gets The Pets In A Divorce? What You Need To Consider When Fighting Over Fido
FOLLOW US!
Does your dog beat you to the table? Looking up with those puppy dog eyes … waiting for you to drop something down to them? Stop! … and think of what you are eating. Ask yourself, is this going to hurt them? The experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center set the record straight. As the premier animal poison control center in North America, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card. For more information visit them at ASPCA - People Foods. Listed below are some of the foods that you should never give your dog. Chocolate and Cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system. Grapes and Raisins can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys, possible resulting in death. Onions can cause a form of hemolytic anemia called Heinz body anemia, a condition that causes the destruction of red blood cells. Kidney damage may follow. Caffeine is quite similar to the toxic chemical in chocolate. It can damage the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system. Macadamia nuts, while generally not considered fatal, can cause your dog to experience severe illness. Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol - a seriously toxic chemical compound that causes central nervous system and respiratory depression. Apple seeds, cherry pits, peach pits, and plum pits contain the toxin cyanide. Baby food can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. It can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts. Milk and other Dairy Products - Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets. Raw Eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella. Sugar-Free Gum - Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener most often found in chewing gum and candy. In dogs, it stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Xylitol ingestion can also cause severe liver damage. Moldy or Rotten foods can cause many problems for your dog, some more serious than others. Any food that seems "past its prime" should be kept out reach. Be especially careful to keep your dog away from trash cans. Poison Control Hotline 888-232-8870 (TOLL FREE) For anyone who may not know, the poison control number charges you $35. This goes to pay the vet in case of a phone consultation. If you ever have to call, make sure to have credit card ready.
Do you know that you should not give your cat milk every day? According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) most cats like milk, but do not need it if properly nourished. Also, many will get diarrhea if they drink too much milk. If it is given at all, the amount should be small and infrequent. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, unless they are spoiled or moldy, milk, cheese and other dairy foods are not considered to be poisonous to pets. However, cats do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Feeding milk and milk-based products to cats can actually cause them to vomit or have diarrhea, which in severe cases could lead to inflammation of the pancreas. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering any “people food” to your pets. Listed below are some of the foods that you should never give your cat: Bones from Fish or Poultry - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system Canned Tuna (for human consumption) - Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency in cats. Chocolate and Cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system. Citrus oil extracts - Can cause vomiting. Cats are more sensitive than dogs. Dog Food - If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart. Fat Trimmings - Can cause pancreatitis. Fish (Raw, Canned or Cooked) - If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Milk and Other Dairy Products - Some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products. Mushrooms - Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions. Persimmons - Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis. Raw Eggs - Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella. Rhubarb Leaves - Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. Salt - If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. String - Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body." Table Scraps (in large amounts) - Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Sugary Foods - Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Yeast Dough - Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines. Macadamia Nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron - Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys. Grapes, Raisins and Currants - Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Baby Food - Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats . Alcoholic Beverages - Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Poison Control Hotline 888-232-8870 (TOLL FREE) For anyone who may not know, the poison control number charges you $35. This goes to pay the vet in case of a phone consultation. If you ever have to call, make sure to have credit card ready. Follow Us!
Have you ever considered owing a ferret as a pet? Did you know that ferrets are becoming popular alternatives to more traditional pets? Description: The ferret is a domesticated mammal. They are sexually dimorphic predators with males being substantially larger than females. They typically have brown, black, white, or mixed fur. They have an average length of 20 inches including a 5 inch tail, they weigh about 1.5–4 pounds, and have a natural lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Female ferrets are called jills, and males are hobs. Baby ferrets are called kits, and. In spayed females are sometimes called sprites. While neutered males called gibs. A group of ferrets is a 'business of ferrets'. Behaviour: Ferrets need to be with other ferrets and it is unkind to keep one ferret on its own. Either males or females from the same litter can live happily together. Although ferrets can appear very tame, they are not easy to take care of, they need a great deal of space and may try to escape. They sleep a large part of the day. Tips on buying a ferret: Here are a few ideas of what you should look for in a healthy ferret:
Bright eyes that are free from crusting and other substances
Healthy skin
Soft coat
The ferret should appear alert
Ferrets should be naturally curious
The animal shouldn't be sneezing
Clean bottom
Healthy appetite
Please take a look at the cute video below: Follow Us!
