Determining the Best Age at Which to Spay or Neuter a Dog

In many parts of the world, due to cultural or economic prohibitions, bitches and dogs are not spayed or castrated unless they have reproductive tract disease. However, in the United States, virtually all bitches and dogs are rendered sterile by surgery at some point in their life. This better allows for reproduction control in animals no longer capable of or not considered desirable for breeding, and eliminates behaviors and physical changes related to presence of reproductive hormones that dog owners find objectionable. The surgeries most commonly performed are ovariohysterectomy (removal of the uterus and both ovaries), commonly called spaying, and castration (removal of both testes and the associated epididymes). Castration is commonly also called neutering, although that term most correctly can be used for surgery of either gender. Collectively, these surgeries can be referred to as gonadectomy, removal of the gonads or reproductive organs.

Removal of the ovaries eliminates secretion of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Removal of the testes eliminates secretion of the hormone testosterone. Elimination of these hormones obviously leads to decreases in behaviors and physical changes associated with their secretion, such as heat behavior, swelling of the vulva, and estrous bleeding in bitches, and mounting and roaming in dogs. However, reproductive hormones have effects on other tissues in the body and removal of those hormones may inadvertently impact those systems negatively. Other, less obvious, hormone changes also occur after gonadectomy, including persistent elevation in hormones that control the secretion of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Whether these other hormone changes affect other systems positively or negatively often is unclear.

To read more on this story, click here: Determining the Best Age at Which to Spay or Neuter a Dog

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Artist Turns Old CDs Into Amazing Lifelike Animal Sculptures

We all talk about recycling and repurposing, but one young artist is walking the talk by transforming broken, discarded CDs and DVDs into gorgeous animal sculptures.Sean Avery is an art teacher in Western Australia who began experimenting with CD and DVD art while he was still at university. He has created dozens of the brightly colored, sparkling sculptures since then.

To read more on this story, click here: Artist Turns Old CDs Into Amazing Lifelike Animal Sculptures

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Bat Tick Found for the First Time in NJ; Could Pose Health Risks to Humans, Animals

A certain tick species linked to bats was found for the first time in New Jersey -- posing possible health risks to people, pets and livestock, according to a Rutgers-led study.

The study, which appeared in the Journal of Medical Entomology, identifies the tick species, known as Carios kelleyi (or C.kelleyi), as a "soft" tick. According to Rutgers, deer ticks, carriers of Lyme disease, are an example of “hard” ticks.

To read more on this story, click here: Bat Tick Found for the First Time in NJ; Could Pose Health Risks to Humans, Animals

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Anonymous Tip Leads To Rescue of 42 Battered Animals, Including 36 Dogs, from DC Home

 

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — A total of 42 animals, including 36 dogs and six rabbits, were rescued from a D.C. home Wednesday after an anonymous tip led to the discovery of alleged animal abuse, according to the Humane Rescue Alliance.

The critters were reportedly rescued from the 2900 block of Branch Avenue in Southeast D.C. by the HRA's Law Enforcement division.

To read more on this story, click here: Anonymous Tip Leads To Rescue of 42 Battered Animals, Including 36 Dogs, from DC Home

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Why Your Dog Should Learn to Wear a Muzzle? - Teaching Your Dog to Wear a Muzzle

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, that if you teach your dog to accept one, a muzzle can be an effective, humane tool for managing your dog’s behavior. For most situations, we recommend a basket muzzle. Although a dog wearing this kind of muzzle looks more frightening than a dog wearing a snug-fitting nylon muzzle, the basket style is safer because it allows the dog to pant (which is how dogs regulate their body temperature) and to drink water. The wire basket muzzles sold at www.morrco.com are sturdy and come in a wide range of sizes and shapes to fit any breed.








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This Pilot Has Saved Thousands Of Animals From Euthanasia By Flying Them To No-Kill Shelters

Dr. Peter Rork isn’t just using his pilot’s license as a hobby; he’s using it to save animals. Sparked by tragic loss and his passion for animals, an occasional trip to help transport rescue dogs and cats to no-kill shelters turned into a weekly venture that’s now saved thousands of animals. 

Rork started the nonprofit Dog Is My CoPilot  in 2012 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, after he safely packed 20 to 30 rescue dogs and cats in his single-engine plane — “like a game of Tetris,” he said. He transferred those animals from shelters where they were considered “code red,” or on the verge of being euthanized, to no-kill shelters.

To read more on this story, click here: This Pilot Has Saved Thousands Of Animals From Euthanasia By Flying Them To No-Kill Shelters

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Koi Story: A Beginner’s Guide To Raising Koi Fish

Congratulations! You're made the most excellent decision to start raising koi fish of your own. Although it can be a little daunting at first to take on a new pet, you'll soon discover how easy it is to raise these hearty fish. Koi Story has put together this little guide to jump-start your knowledge on your fish pond/habitat, koi care and other general koi  knowledge.

RAISING KOI FISH IN A POND

Koi are a hearty member of the carp fish family and can handle quite a bit if the conditions of your koi carp pond are right. Seasonal ponds should be at least a 1.5 deep (half a meter) while year-long ponds should be at least 4.5 feet (1.5 meters). Water should be kept between 60 and 75 degrees F (about 15-25 degrees C)

Beyond depth and temperature, your koi/carp/fish need a few important things in a pond habitat:

To read more on this story, click here: Koi Story: A Beginner’s Guide To Raising Koi Fish 

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Mother Has A Fit When Told Her Kid Can’t Pet Service Dog

Civilian handlers of service dogs are continually faced with scrutiny and probes from the general public. Even when their working dogs are clearly labeled with a vest informing people to leave them alone, some people insist on distracting the dogs from their work. A team training in a mall recently had an encounter with a woman who wanted her children to be able to pet the service dogs. What part of “Do Not Pet” is so hard to comprehend?

To read more on this story, click here: Mother Has A Fit When Told Her Kid Can’t Pet Service Dog

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