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

Sunday, August 15, 2021

10 Of The Most Popular Pets In The US That Aren't Cats Or Dogs



It makes sense to assume that dogs and cats are the most common pets in the United States; after all, they make up a significant number of our favorite animal accounts on Instagram, attracting thousands of followers each day and taking over social media feeds.

While it would seem that something equally as soft and cuddly would come in as third runner-up, the next most popular pet in the US isn’t quite what you’d expect. Below are the most popular pets in America besides cats and dogs.

To read more on this story, click here: 10 Of The Most Popular Pets In The US That Aren't Cats Or Dogs


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This Artist Twists Colorful Balloons into All Kinds of Exotic Creatures


Remember balloon animals from your childhood? Well, Japanese artist Masayoshi Matsumoto takes the children’s party craft to a whole other level. The talented sculptor twists colorful balloons into all sorts of exotic creatures that are full of impressive details. His ever-growing portfolio of land animals, insects, birds, plants, and seas creatures are all rendered by hand, entirely from balloons and without the use of tape or markers.

It’s clear to see that Matsumoto has elevated this art form, and it's all stems from a love of both his unconventional craft and of animals. Each large-scale, inflatable sculpture showcases the chosen creature’s distinctive features and textural elements. In one piece, a black scarab features a shiny balloon shell, scalloped front legs, and delicate antennae. In another, a pink squid is rendered in life-like details, including long balloon tentacles, a patterned body, and realistic eyes.

To read more on this story, click here: This Artist Twists Colorful Balloons into All Kinds of Exotic Creatures


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This Special Needs Cat Finally Got a Wheelchair and We Can't Handle The Feels


This little kitty just earned his "big boy" wheels. Meet Koby, a special needs cat in Nova Scotia living with cerebellar hypoplasia. Thanks to the help of his over 241,000 TikTok followers donating through a GoFundMe campaign, Koby now has a wheelchair to help him move easier.

To read more on this story, click here: This Special Needs Cat Finally Got a Wheelchair and We Can't Handle The Feels


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Important Facts about Parrot for Kids


Parrot is the most popular and loved bird among children. Apart from being beautiful with its bright coloured feathers and beak, it is considered to be one of the most intelligent among birds. However, there are more facts to a parrot than it being a bird with colourful plumes and its mimicry skills. So here is an article not only on Indian parrot bird information for kids but also on other parrot species of the world as well.

Interesting Information about Parrots for Kids

Parrots are interesting creatures not just for their intelligence and beauty but also for their diversity and variety. Not all parrots are the same; the diet, plumage, size, look and the vocal sound all differ from one type to another.

To read more on this story, click here: Important Facts about Parrot for Kids


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How Can I Choose a Bird That Will Talk?


Have you made the decision to become a bird owner? If so, you're probably like most people in that you want to make sure you get a bird that can talk. How can you be sure that you're buying a bird that will speak to you?

The truth is that the only way to be 100 percent positive that you are getting a bird that will talk is to buy a bird that already talks.

Choosing a Talking Bird

Obtaining a bird just because you want one that will talk is probably a mistake. Birds can be charming and loyal companions whether or not they ever talk at all. There is so much more to these birds beyond their ability to speak.

To read more on this story, click here: How Can I Choose a Bird That Will Talk?


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Degu: Species Profile


Degus are small, burrowing rodents native to Chile that make great pets. In the wild, they live in communities of up to 100, much like prairie dogs. These social, curious animals are one of the few rodents that are awake during the day (diurnal), which adds to their pet appeal. They are great nappers, but once they get used to your schedule, these little creatures will come to greet you, often looking to play or get some belly rubs. They crave social interaction and exercise.

To read more on this story, click here: Degu: Species Profile



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Saturday, August 14, 2021

Does Your Dog Have Arthritis? – Do You Know the Symptoms?


Can dogs have arthritis?…yes they can. They can develop it just as we humans do.

When I noticed my shih-tzu, Domino starting to limp, I took him to the Vet. He diagnosed him with arthritis and prescribed medication, and also suggested that I get him an orthopedic bed specially made for dogs with arthritis. The bed did not look like a bed at all…it looked more like a piece of foam. When I put him on it, he immediately jumped off. Later that day I saw him checking it out, sniffing and put a paw up on it.

I placed it next to his bed upstairs and left it there. He continued to sleep in his regular bed.  I awakened one morning to find him asleep in the new bed.

Domino had two beds, one downstairs and one upstairs…he was spoiled. I put it next to the bed upstairs.  I started to notice when I was downstairs he would go upstairs. This was unusual because he always stayed downstairs with me. I could not figure out what was so interesting upstairs all of sudden to him. Not thinking about the bed, I decided to go see what he was doing. I would find him sitting or lying down on the bed.

I don’t know if these beds really work since I had no way of asking him if it felt better. I just assumed that it was comfortable for him. I finally moved it downstairs and he continued to sleep on it.

Have you noticed your dog having any of the following symptoms?
  • Reluctance to jump, run or climb stairs
  • Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
  • Favoring a limb
  • Difficulty sitting or standing
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • A personality change that involves resisting touch
  • Weight gain
  • Decreased activity or less interest in play
  • Barking or whimpering when touched
  • Seeming less alert
What Is Arthritis?
Canine arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is characterized by pain and inflammation in a dog’s joints. Arthritis is caused by the breaking down of smooth cartilage that covers and protects the bones that form a joint. Once the bones are exposed, painful wear and tear can occur.

Treatment for canine arthritis begins with prevention, as keeping a dog at a healthy weight and providing appropriate exercise is important for long-term health.



If you notice any of the above symptoms in your dog, please take them to your Vet for a checkup!



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Before Buying An Exotic Pet, Please Do Your Homework First


Whether they are hamsters, parrots or iguanas, exotic pets have specific veterinary needs. Don’t get an exotic pet until you read this first.

What is an exotic pet? Good question.

In my experience, it’s anything but a dog or a cat. That leaves a lot of fantastic creatures that people keep in their homes in between the “dog” and “cat” label.

Veterinarians usually specialize in large or small animal medicine. Large means, well, large, like cows and horses. Throw in the other ruminants — and don’t forget the poultry. “Small animal medicine” means dogs and cats.

To read more on this story, click here: Before Buying An Exotic Pet, Please Do Your Homework First


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Stop Keeping Snakes As Pets


What a terrifying sight for Benton County Sheriff Donald Munson to walk in on — an 8-foot-long python wrapped around a 36-year-old woman’s neck. The tragic incident in Indiana last week highlights just one of many reasons that snakes do not make good pets.

Most people are afraid of snakes. In fact, researchers have found it to be one of the most common phobias, with up to one-third of human beings classed as ophidiophobic. But others, presumably including the victim Laura Hurst, love the animals and keep dozens in small glass tanks throughout their houses with only a small plastic rock and heat lamp to mimic — poorly — the conditions snakes would experience in the wild.

To read more on this story, click here: Stop Keeping Snakes As Pets



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CEREBELLAR HYPOPLASIA (CH) AND CATS


Cerebellar hypoplasia, sometimes called wobbly cat syndrome, is a congenital condition in cats that is neither contagious nor progressive.

It occurs most commonly when a pregnant cat becomes infected with feline panleukopenia, virus and it passes to her unborn kittens. It can also be caused by trauma to the unborn kittens, malnutrition during pregnancy, or other inflammatory conditions contracted by the mother.

To read more on this story, click here: CEREBELLAR HYPOPLASIA (CH) AND CATS


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Meet the Florida Couple Kicking Up a Stink with 14 Pet Skunks Under the Same Roof


Visitors to Don and Brenda Hoch's home need a simple piece of advice: bring a peg for your nose because with 14 pet skunks you're going to need it.

The proud owners of Spike, Inca, Sammy, Suna, Nutmeg, Chanel, Spencer, Theodore, Alvin, Simon, Frosty, Zipper, Napoleon and Da Vinci, Don and Brenda say the famously stinky animals are more affectionate than even cats.

The couple, from Hudson, Florida, have owned skunks since 2006 and have begun taking in unwanted ones too working in conjunction with Florida Skunk Rescue.

As Florida is one of only two states in the USA where skunks can be legally kept as pets, a large number of them are unfortunately left by the roadside or simply dumped.

To read more on this story, click here: Meet the Florida Couple Kicking Up a Stink with 14 Pet Skunks Under the Same Roof




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Friday, August 13, 2021

Heatstroke in Cats


 

Just like humans and dogs, cats can be affected by high temperatures. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are serious conditions that can occur in any animal. We tend to hear more about Heatstroke in dogs, especially those left in hot cars or taken outside as temperatures increase. Cats are not commonly affected by Heatstroke because they are less likely to be trapped in hot areas, but this doesn't mean they are not at risk. You can protect your cat by understanding the signs of heatstroke and learning what actions to take.

What Is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a condition that occurs when the body temperature has become dangerously high. A cat's normal body temperature range is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. An internal body temperature over 102.5 is considered abnormal. If the elevation in body temperature is caused by a hot environment, heat exhaustion may develop and heatstroke is likely to follow.

To read more on this story, click here: Heatstroke in Cats


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Heat Stroke in Dogs


 

Heat stroke is a term commonly used for hyperthermia or elevated body temperature. Generally speaking, if a pet's body temperature exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), it is considered abnormal or hyperthermic. Body temperatures above 106°F (41°F) without previous signs of illness are most commonly associated with exposure to excessive external or environmental heat and are often referred to as heat stroke. The critical temperature where multiple organ failure and impending death occurs is around 107°F to 109°F (41.2°C to 42.7°C).

How do I know if my pet has heat stroke? 

Dogs suffering from heatstroke can have elevated breathing rates, dry or sticky gums, abnormal gum color, bruising in the gums, may appear lethargic or disoriented, and can have seizures.

To read more on this story, click here: Heat Stroke in Dogs



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Puppies 101: How to Care for a Puppy


Bringing a new puppy into your home will change your life forever. Puppies are definitely a lot of work, but they also bring plenty of joy to your world. Whether you are ​getting your first puppy or just need a refresher course, here's what you'll need to know to get your puppy on the right track to adulthood.

Choosing the Right Puppy

If the time is right for getting a puppy, you will now have to choose the best match. Perhaps your future companion will find you. A puppy can come into your life by chance and you can feel an instant connection and know it is the right one, but it doesn't always happen like that. Often, you must take on the important task of going out and finding the right kind of puppy for you.

To read more on this story, click here: Puppies 101: How to Care for a Puppy



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