Turtles Can Make Great Pets, But Do Your Homework First

While turtles might seem like the perfect pet—less work than dogs and cats, more interactive than fish—there are a few things to keep in mind before buying one.

"They are definitely becoming more popular as pets. Some of them are very beautiful and they can be easily purchased over the internet. But there's no such thing as an easy pet," says Katrina Smith, adoptions coordinator for the Maryland-based Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society.

To read more on this story, click here: Turtles Can Make Great Pets, But Do Your Homework First

Can Dogs Have Apples? Here’s What Two Veterinarians Have to Say

You’re feeling a bit peckish between meals, so you reach for an apple. That’s when, lo and behold, your hungry dog appears at your feet, staring longingly at your mid-afternoon snack. Sharing is caring, right? But before you proceed, you need to know whether your nosh is actually appropriate for your pet...so can dogs have apples? To answer the question, we spoke to Purina’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Kurt Venator (DVM, PhD), as well as Dr. Haworth, Chief Wellness Advisor to Well Groomed Pets. Read on for the full scoop.

To read more on this story, click here: Can Dogs Have Apples? Here’s What Two Veterinarians Have to Say

Old Dog Begins To Cry When She Sees Her Best Friend Return From The Army

Buddy is a 13-year-old Golden Retriever who spent all her life with her best friend Hannah Foraker.

But when Hannah turned 21, she enlisted in the army and went off to basic training in Oklahoma.

Hannah’s heart ached as she left behind her best friends, including her horse, Derby, and Buddy.

So when Hannah returned home for a Christmas break after 3 months, she couldn’t wait to see Buddy. And Buddy couldn’t wait to see her!

Hannah got Buddy when she was a puppy. Buddy is very old now and has arthritis and is mostly deaf.

But that doesn’t stop her from giving Hannah the best welcome ever. The moment she spots Hannah, she buries her head in Hannah’s lap and begins to cry.

To read more on this story, click here: Old Dog Begins To Cry When She Sees Her Best Friend Return From The Army

10+ Photos Of Animals Who Hit The Genetics Jackpot

In the animal kingdom, there are some animals who have features that go far beyond the normal genetic deviation. You can see dogs with two different eye colors or the cats with unique splashes of color that makes them truly stand out from the rest. All of these things are a result of genetic mutations.

Here are 20 animals who hit that genetic jackpot to brighten up your day with their appearances. Although many people think that “mutation” are bad, these gorgeous creatures are here to prove that when it comes to beauty, mutations can actually be a wonderful thing.

To read more on this story, click here: 10+ Photos Of Animals Who Hit The Genetics Jackpot

Top 5 Health Issues in Senior Cats

With advances in veterinary medical care, cats now often live well into their teens and even 20’s.

However, with old age comes age-related health problems. Fortunately, senior cats aren’t left to days full of sickness and pain as they age. With proactive care on your part, your senior cat can live a fulfilling life in their golden years.

Below are a few common health conditions in senior cats that pet parents should keep an eye out for when caring for a senior cat.

To read more on this story, click here: Top 5 Health Issues in Senior Cats

Ailments of Aging Dogs: 5 Health Challenges to Watch for in Your Sweet Senior Pup

Keeping an eye out for these common conditions in your sweet senior ensure you stay on top of your dog's health.

Getting old is hard to do. And dogs, much like people, need time to adjust to new routines and changes as they age. The medical needs of senior dogs can be very different from younger pups.

Dogs age faster than humans (although not at a rate of seven human years for each year of their life.) Dogs are typically considered "senior" when they hit seven years old, with larger breeds usually having shorter overall lifespans than smaller breeds. While you may notice changes to their coat color or that their pace slows down, the biggest indicator that your dog has hit the senior age bracket is the emergence of age-related health problems. "Similar to when humans get older, we begin to see more chronic, progressive problems in our pets as they age," said Hyunmin Kim, DVM, Director of Veterinarians, Community Medicine, at the  ASPCA. "And animals are very good at hiding their symptoms when they are sick until they get to the point where they are so sick that they just can't hide it anymore."

To read more on this story, click here: Ailments of Aging Dogs: 5 Health Challenges to Watch for in Your Sweet Senior Pup

Are You Considering Spaying or Neutering Your Pet?

I would like to start off by explaining the difference between spaying and spading. Often time people will say, “I’m going to get my dog spaded”. A spade is a tool designed primarily for the purpose of digging or removing earth. The correct word is Spaying.

A female dog is spayed, and a male dog neutered (castrated). This is the only way to be sure your dog doesn't produce unwanted puppies. In most cases, it is considered safe to alter dogs as early as eight weeks of age.

Spaying involves the removal of both the uterus and the ovaries. Castration refers to the removal of a male dog's testicles. The term neutering is a general term to describe either spaying or castration.

Some questions that you may have:

Question: Isn’t it unnatural to deprive my pet of a sex life?
Answer: No. Dogs and cats have sex strictly to satisfy hormone-induced instincts, not for pleasure.

Question: What is actually done in a spay or neuter procedure?
Answer: A spay surgery (also called an ovariohysterectomy) is performed on females. While performed routinely, an ovariohysterectomy is a major surgery in which the reproductive tract including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are removed. Blood work may be performed to make sure the pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery.

Neutering refers to the castration of a male animal. It is a surgical procedure in which both testicles are removed. Neutering requires considerably less time and equipment than a spay surgery. In both cases, the animal is given general anesthesia so that it cannot feel anything.

Advantages of Spaying or Neutering:

1. Altered pets are less likely to make inappropriate sexual approaches toward people or objects.

2. They are less likely to roam and are less likely to be aggressive. This helps to prevent pets from becoming lost or stolen, being hit by cars, or contracting a contagious disease through fighting with other animals.

Care Guide for Discus Fish – The King of the Aquarium

Discus fish are one of the most beautiful freshwater fish in the hobby, known for their spectacular colors and large, circular shape. However, they’re notorious for being extremely difficult to keep, with Internet forums often recommending strict practices like 100% water changes every day. In reality, only a small percentage of people are able to follow those rules, and the rest of the world uses more low maintenance methods. We’ve spent many years keeping discus personally at home, caring for them in our fish store, and helping customers be successful with them. Based on our experiences, this care guide offers practical advice and useful tips for beginners starting their first discus tank.

To read more on this story, click here: Care Guide for Discus Fish – The King of the Aquarium

10 Common Tabby Cat Health Problems (With Prevention Tips)

If there’s one thing any tabby cat owner wants it’s for their cat to be healthy and safe.  The reality though is that almost any cat breed or coat type can still sometimes face some health concerns. With a proper understanding of what issues a cat can face, you can take some preventative measures so they can always feel their best. Below is a list of the 10 most common tabby cat health problems along with helpful prevention tips!

To read more on this story, click here: 10 Common Tabby Cat Health Problems (With Prevention Tips)

15 Ferret Health Warning Signs

These scenarios may indicate a problem with your ferret’s health.

Ferrets aren’t just cute and funny balls of fluff. They are adventurous, sneaky and extremely curious.

Before you close the fridge door or washing machine lid, check for your ferret — I’m not kidding. Ferrets can, and will, get into some strange places.

And don’t forget about chewing. Ferrets can ingest dangerous things, so keep your veterinarian’s number handy and be on the lookout for the following ferret health warning signs.

To read more on this story, click here: 15 Ferret Health Warning Signs

Sculptor Rajiv Anchal Spent 10 Years Creating This Magnificent 200ft Bird Sculpture

India has so much to offer to its people and tourists alike. If you’re planning to take a trip to this charming country, make sure to visit the tallest bird sculpture in the world. The 200-feet sculpture lies on top of the 1,000-feet Jatayupara towers located at Jatayu Earth Centre in Chadayamangalam, Kerala.  Rajiv Anchal, an Indian film director and sculptor, took 10 years to finish this magnificent sculpture. This gigantic statue of a fallen eagle has caught the attention of social media even during its construction. Now, people can finally see this spectacular attraction up close and personal. Instagram and Twitter better get ready because this majestic eagle statue is going to take over social media for sure.

To read more on this story, click here: Sculptor Rajiv Anchal Spent 10 Years Creating This Magnificent 200ft Bird Sculpture

Meet Einstein, the Smallest Horse in the World

They say good things come in small packages – meet Einstein, the world’s smallest horse!

He holds the record as the smallest foal worldwide, weighing in at only 6 lbs at birth.

Einstein was foaled in April of 2010 at a farm in New Hampshire. He stood a mere 14 inches at birth!

His dam and sire stood at 32 and 30 inches tall, both holding championship miniature horse titles.

How Tall is Einstein the Miniature Horse?

At the age of 10, Einstein is now full-grown and stands at 2 feet tall and weighs roughly 80 pounds.

To read more on this story, click here: Meet Einstein, the Smallest Horse in the World

Are Your Pets Protected From Fire/Carbon Monoxide When You Are Away From Home?

I recently heard a story of where a family and their pets died from carbon monoxide poisoning, which has prompted me to write this story.

As you go about your daily life, have you ever thought what would happened if a fire broke out in your home or apartment while you were away? And your beloved pet is home alone. While I am sure most of you reading this have protection for your family and pets…there are some that don’t.

Not everyone can afford or choose to have the paid emergency system linked to the fire department. However, you can install the wireless smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Did you know that some fire departments will come to you home and install them for free? You can call your local fire department to see if they offer this free service.

The advantage of having a smoke/carbon monoxide detector is that maybe a neighbor,or someone passing by will hear it when it goes off, and can get help to your home or apartment.

There are all types of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, in several price ranges. May I suggest the Pet Emergency Stickers for your doors in the event of an emergency at your home or apartment while you are away, this will notify emergency responders of any pets that you have inside. This will prompt them to look for your pet and know what type of animal they are looking for.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

Remember to change the batteries in your alarms!

Ways to Thwart an Off-Leash Dog Rushing You and Your Dog

There are countless reasons your dog may not like being rushed by an off-leash dog when he’s on-leash. And senior dogs, those recovering from injuries, and shy pups or fearful dogs may find the attention of off-leash dogs upsetting or overwhelming. Even friendly dogs may not appreciate interacting with another dog in such a socially unequal situation. Leashes can cause a lot of issues.

When you encounter an off-leash dog, keep these things in mind:

Know that it is always okay to protect your dog: Most urban and suburban environments have leash laws, and if your dog is on a leash you are right in keeping your dog safe. You are also completely within your rights to report off-leash dogs to your local authorities.
Evaluate the situation to see if the owner is nearby: If he is, tell him to call his dog. Many people will respond by telling you that their dog is “friendly,” but regardless of their dog’s behavior, if their dog is not under their control and is upsetting you or your dog, it is a problem.

Remember, you can choose whether to let that dog meet your dog.

So, how can you stop a dog that’s charging you? There are several different strategies:

1. Give the loose dog something better to do

Dogs who seem happy and bubbly are often easily stopped by asking them to “sit.” If the dog complies, you can toss a handful of treats to him and make your escape while he’s vacuuming them up. Even if he doesn’t listen, toss a handful of treats towards his face (with the intent to startle, not hurt). When he stops to see what hit him, he’ll realize that there’s food on the ground and devote his attention to eating instead of rushing your dog.

This method has worked really well for a few overly exuberant dogs. It doesn’t stop them from approaching in the future, but it’s the kindest way to give your dog space without the potential fallout that more forceful methods may cause.

2. If that doesn't work, try to startle the loose dog

Step in between your dog and the oncoming dog and use a body block. Square your shoulders and hips, and hold your hand out like a cop stopping traffic while saying “no,” “stop,” or “stay” in a firm, low voice. Alternatively, you could carry an umbrella and open it in the direction of the rushing dog, which will both startle him and provide a physical and visual barrier.

3. Use a spray product if he comes close

Spray Shield is a citronella product manufactured by Premier/PetSafe. It is aversive to most dogs without actually harming them, and can be sprayed directly at an oncoming dog. Some people have also reported success using compressed air in the same way. Spray Shield has the added benefit of working to stop some dog fights, so if things do get out of hand you have a safer way to break up a fight than trying to forcibly remove one of the combatants.

4. Don’t use pepper spray

Not only can pain make some dogs more aggressive, but if the wind gusts the wrong way the spray could end up getting into your or your dog’s face and eyes, leaving you incapacitated with an unknown dog rushing you. Not a good situation to be in! Running away is also generally not advised, as it will just encourage most dogs to chase you. Picking your dog up is usually not a good idea, although in some situations you may decide it’s a calculated risk you’re willing to take. Doing so may put you at greater risk and can intensify the off-leash dog’s interest in your pup.

5. But if you must pick up your dog ...

While cases of truly aggressive dogs intent on bodily harm are rare, they do happen. If your small dog is rushed by an aggressive off-leash dog, you may be able to pick him up and toss him somewhere safer, such as in a nearby garbage can, inside a fenced yard, in the bed of a truck, or on the roof of a car. You can also take advantage of some of these safety options. If you have a bigger dog or if no other options are available, you may need to assess whether your dog would be safer if you dropped the leash so that he can try to get away from the other dog or defend himself.

6. Protect yourself

If the loose dog redirects on you (which is rare, but does happen), protect your head and neck. Spray Shield will stop all but the most aggressive dogs, and generally these dogs are only stopped by physically separating them from their victim.

While no single method will work in every case, the more tools you have in your toolbox, the better able you’ll be to protect your dog. Remember that it is always okay to stand up for your dog.