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Before you bring your new hedgehog home, set up suitable housing for him. That way he can immediately start acclimating himself to his new environment. He requires a few accessories in his new domain,…
Crate-training is essentially teaching a dog to use a cage to his advantage. The cage or crate serves a variety of purposes. It gives a dog security, for one thing; for another, it keeps a secured dog…
Parrots aren't known for their peace and quiet, so expect to live with some level of squawking if you have one of these birds. Close listening and observance of your bird's behavior can help you…
When a human being is on his back, there's a good chance he's in a relaxed mood, whether he's watching a movie on the couch or trying to catch a quick afternoon siesta. Rolling over and laying on the…
Neutering and spaying procedures for pet rabbits can bring upon a lot of beneficial changes, namely a calmer, more serene bunny. However, those changes don't emerge instantly. It might actually take…
Like a fine wine, dogs tend to mellow with age. Unfortunately, dogs that shed won't shed less as they get older. If you want a low-energy, non-shedding dog, you have a few options. Consider dogs that…
Many bright and compassionate children love animals and are interested in helping rescued pets get the happy and safe lives they deserve. Kids, thankfully, don't have to adore animals exclusively from…
Since your parakeet is going to spend most of his time inside his cage, you must be sure he has enough room -- you wouldn't want to be confined to a space that was too small, either. Despite their…
Welcoming any new living being into your life is a major commitment, whether a horse, rat or anything else. Pet rats have many strong qualities, including both their typically amiable dispositions and…
Wild snakes get what they need from their natural habitat, and pet snakes must be able to satisfy these same needs in captivity. In the case of ball pythons (Python regius), these resources include…
More than 150 species of chameleons, a specialized branch of the lizard family, exist in the wild. Chameleons have unique stereoscopic eyes that can move independently from one another. They come in a…
If your dog takes a break in between delivering puppies, don't panic. That's a normal part of the canine birth process. However, if a dog takes too long in between deliveries or strains for a long…
One of the most difficult parts of owning dogs is saying goodbye to your friend, so the urge to pick a long-lasting breed is understandable. In terms of sticking power, hybrid dogs have some…
Owning a budgie, which is short for "budgerigar" (Melopsittacus undulatus) can be a fulfilling and fun experience -- at least when the birdie is behaving. Although budgies often possess…
The secret to making tender and moist cornbread rests within peanut oil and a few other basic ingredients. Make tender and moist cornbread with help from a longtime culinary professional in this free…
Sudden feline aggression is frightening and can result in significant injury to everyone involved, including you or other family members. Consider the circumstances of Fluffy and Rover's altercation,…
It's hard to imagine your hermit crab without his shell; it's so much a part of him, it's natural to wonder whether he needed a shell right after hatching. Vital to his survival, it provides…
Adult cats interact with kittens and puppies in a very particular way. Find out about how adult cats interact with kittens or puppies with help from the executive director of the Found Animals…
Adopting a kitten and an adult cat together requires you to always keep a few very important things in mind. Adopt a kitten and an adult cat together with help from the executive director of the Found…
Hyper and dominant dogs commonly display a few key visual and behavioral characteristics. Learn about hyper versus dominant dogs with help from the executive director of the Found Animals Foundation…
If you're a new dog owner, you're definitely going to want to start brushing up on dog collars, supplies and accessories. Find out more about dog collar supplies and accessories with help from the…
In the United States, it is illegal to sell puppies before they are eight weeks old. Find out why it is illegal to sell puppies before eight weeks with help from the executive director of the Found…
Whether or not newborn puppies can be crate trained depends largely on a few key characteristics. Find out if newborn puppies can be crate trained with help from the executive director of the Found…
Adding healthy oil to your puppy's food contributes vitamins, essential fatty acids and other nutritional powerhouses that will help him grow up healthy and strong. Many dog parents are aware of the…
Tiny symbiotic algae live in the cells of soft coral. The algae provide energy for the coral, allowing them to survive on little more than sunlight and clean water. The standard guidelines for…
Some domesticated pets have comparatively short life spans, such as golden hamsters, who often live for no longer than 2 years. Others, however, usually have much longer life expectancies, such as the…
Although mother dogs can't express love and affection to their puppies by buying them toys or knitting them sweaters, they do so instinctually. Most mother dogs have strong maternal instincts, which…
The sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) will most likely attract hummingbirds to your garden. These flowers can be grown from seed outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through…
If you've taken a trip to a tropical locale -- or if you live in one -- you've probably seen wild parrots flying free. For such birds whose homelands are warm, living outdoors in any colder climate…
Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are hardy, personable lizards that hail from the hot, arid Australian interior. Though wonderfully adapted to captivity, bearded dragons can become sick –…
Cat feces will never smell good, but its odor shouldn't make you run from the room. Certain foods, including cat foods, can make poop smell worse, but so can medical conditions. Troubleshoot with your…
Cockatiels act from generations of instinctive behavior. When they are happy, you see one behavior; if they get scared, you’ll see a different behavior. When you see your little bird fluffing…
When you take Buddy on his afternoon walk, undoubtedly you've witnessed a great deal of sniffing and smelling along the way. A dog's sense of smell is his most important sense; it's how he interprets…
Felines are true carnivores, meaning they rely heavily on animal meat to thrive. The biggest nutritional requirement for cat is protein, but your furry pal also needs a small amount of fats and…
When it comes to words that describe cats and cat breeds, things can get pretty confusing. Whether you're looking into adopting a domestic short-hair cat from a rescue organization or purchasing from…
Most days Kitty eats her meals without problem, but when you notice her shunning her food bowl, it’s cause for concern. Sudden loss of appetite often indicates underlying illness, but anorexia…
Cockatiels, or Nymphicus hollandicus as they are scientifically known, are crested parrots belonging to the cockatoo family. These Australian natives are entirely diurnal and rely on sight as their…
Many owners choose to retire their dogs after winning the prestigious Best in Show title on the national level. That's a personal decision, however, and not an American Kennel Club rule. The winning…
Sweet, sleepy babies are easy to protect, but once your little one learns to toddle, the world is a much more dangerous place. Outdoor exploration is an essential part of your child's emotional,…
Pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri) are unusual little tortoises native to Kenya and Tanzania. In their home range, pancake tortoises live on rocky outcrops, termed kopjes, where they use the…
Handicap aid dogs, officially called service dogs, perform various tasks for people with disabilities. A service dog may let a hearing-impaired person know a phone is ringing, calm someone having an…
Aggressive protecting of food is well-documented in dogs, but resource-guarding isn't exclusive to the canine world. Cats, too, can have intensely possessive food behaviors. If a feline fears the food…
Varnished wood floors are tough. They can take a lot of foot traffic, spills and general abuse, but still keep their shine. One thing that they can't stand up to are sharp objects dragged across them,…
Although most of the things your pooch does may seem totally adorable and irresistible to you, not all actions fall into that category, unfortunately. Nibbling on your hands -- and perhaps even those…
Moving is one of life's most stressful experiences -- and it can be equally upsetting for dogs. Changing your pooch's familiar environment can disrupt his feelings of safety and security, instilling…
After getting some experience caring for geckos using simple habitats containing nothing more than a paper-towel substrate, water dish and disposable hiding spot, you can try increasing the complexity…
Canines in the wild spend much of their days hunting or scavenging. They chew on plenty of stuff as a matter of survival. If your domestic dog chews inappropriately, he needs to spend more time doing…
It's no surprise that you don't see law enforcement agencies using humans for drug sniffing and similar activities. Dogs have a much better sense of smell than people. Estimates vary, but the typical…
Cockatiels in the wild live in flocks, and use a wide variety of vocalizations to communicate with each other and with other birds. Your pet cockatiel communicates with you, his adopted flock member,…
Cats are the most common pet in the United States, so it's no wonder cat food is big business. It's also no surprise that not all cat foods are good for felines. Our domesticated kitties are not far…
Cluster feeding -- also called bunch feeding -- is typical for newborns. You might say your baby has his days and nights mixed up, or you might worry that you don't have enough milk. Neither is really…
Putting your guinea pig in the same room as your dog and waiting for them to become best friends is wishful thinking. Your dog might perceive the new family addition as prey and might attack it. Also,…
Boa constrictors (Boa constrictor ssp.) are popular pets due to their beautiful coloration and generally docile disposition. There are pros and cons to keeping a boa constrictor while you live in an…
It can be quite frustrating spending a chunk of your paycheck at the pet store, just to find out that your pup doesn’t want to play with anything you get for him. He may seem picky about his new…
Small dog breeds are desirable for many prospective owners as companion animals or to accommodate smaller living spaces. The toy dog group contains many popular breeds of small dog that do not grow…
When humans began to hunt less and farm more, wild rats learned that where humans lived, they could find food and shelter. As rats began to heavily colonize Europe, rat catchers were employed to…
Sometimes a human needs to care for a kitten younger than eight weeks old. The first thing to do is to make certain an unaccompanied small kitten is actually abandoned. If eyes are open and they move…
Scarlet macaws (Ara macao) are parrots with a long domestication history -- starting with the Pueblo peoples of at least a millennium ago. Scarlet macaws often live alongside people in homes, but many…
If you're planning on bringing adorable Roborovski hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) into your home, one of your biggest immediate tasks involves setting up a comfy living environment for the wee…
Although dog crates are popular housebreaking tools, placing a pee pad in your dog's crate doesn't count as housebreaking. Sure, the crate might look like a miniature jail cell to you, but to your…
Although referred to as hairballs, the often slimy wads of fur that your cat throws up are more cylindrical in shape than round. Generally slender and about 1 inch long, hairballs are usually coughed…
Dog groomers use a variety of clipper blades to achieve professional results when they groom your dog. Professional dog grooming clippers have attachment blades that snap on and off easily, enabling…
Getting your pooch to bark on command calls for a little training with a verbal cue first. After you teach your pup to bark consistently when you tell him to, you can transition into training him to…
You have several options competing to be your aquarium substrate. Gravel and marbles each have specific applications in the home aquarium, and each works best in different situations. In most cases,…
Everyone needs dietary variety, not just for culinary pleasure but for good health. Dogs are no different. Rotating your dog's foods on a relatively set schedule helps ensure he gets a wide range of…
Wanting to protect your chickens from the harsh winter climate by keeping them shut up in the coop may be well-intentioned, but it is ill-advised. The birds can become bored, restless and peckish if…
Dogs bark and howl to communicate -- right, you knew that. Howling, specifically, is more of a long-distance method of communication. Your pup may use it to call for you when he's alone or in response…
Dog kennels are in constant need of cleaning. However, toxic chemical cleaners are not ideal when working in a dog-friendly environment, and commercial products can be expensive, especially when used…
Sometimes a dog's healthy, shiny "wow" factor can become an “ow” factor. Breeds with medium-length hair or long hair like poodle mixes, Yorkshire terriers and some retrievers,…
Ferrous sulfate is a form of the mineral iron that pet food manufacturers include in your dog's food to support red blood cell formation. Iron, vital to your pup's health, helps to prevent anemia. Red…
Puppies get into all kinds of sticky and stinky situations, sometimes necessitating a bath. These little guys have sensitive skin that requires a gentle, soap-free shampoo formulated especially for…
If small animals with large eyes and penchants for "flying" strike your interest, then sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) may just be right up your alley. These furry exotic pets often…
Taming a cat in Minecraft is something that is actually fairly hard to do if you're not in a jungle. Tame a cat in Minecraft with help from a video game expert in this free video clip.
When making a pig farm in Minecraft, you're always going to need a 12 x 12 pen at least. Make a pig farm in Minecraft with help from a video game expert in this free video clip.
Making a door in Minecraft requires you to choose which of the two types of doors you want to make. Make a door in Minecraft with help from a video game expert in this free video clip.
If you live in a place crawling with salamanders, you're aware they make tempting toys for your cat. It's easy to see the attraction. These slick little dudes dart here and there, fast as lightning,…
Using perfumed litter to mask the smell of Tabby's litter box may make you think it doesn't need changed so often. That's not the case. Having at least one box per cat, and changing it regularly, will…
If your cat's nighttime patting and poking wakes you up more regularly than your alarm clock, it's time to rescue your slumbers from Mitten's persistent paws. Although cats spend the majority of their…
Chickens are talented escape artists when it comes to finding their way out of your chicken coop and into the outside world. Chickens can be very difficult to catch unless you have spent a significant…
Knowing what age to adopt a parakeet is one of the most critical questions to answer. Typically, younger birds are the most sought after, but older parakeets can bring just as much companionship and…
Few pets are cuter than young potbellied pigs. The downside is these babies grow up, many with owners who didn't do their homework before getting the animals. Most potbellied pigs mature to the size…
Lineolated parakeets (Bolborhynchus lineola) are sprightly pet birds that come from Mexico, Central America and South America -- think Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia and Panama, for example. These wee…
If there was a tacit sartorial dictate stating that a man's trench coat must match his suit, an appearance-conscious gentleman would be left with just one choice: wearing only suits the same color as…
Dogs eat tree bark due to a variety of different things, including boredom. Find out why dogs eat tree bark with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this free video…
You can stop dogs from acting out by making sure that their needs are met. Stop dogs from acting out with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this free video clip.
If your dogs continually fight, the right type of discipline is the only way to curb that behavior. Discipline dogs which are fighting with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master…
Teaching a dog to chase balls is something that the dog will instinctively know how to do. Teach a dog to chase balls with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer in this…
The behavior of puppy mill dogs tends to vary due to the harsh conditions that they are subjected to. Find out about the behavior of puppy mill dogs with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist…
Bringing a dog into a home already occupied by cats is something of a unique situation. Learn about the best dogs for cat owners with help from a certified dog behavioral therapist and master trainer…
In providing your delightful pet cockatiel with a safe living environment that is conducive to his health and contentment for years to come, there are many considerations to keep in mind. Not only is…
The Moluccan cockatoo, also known as the salmon-crested cockatoo, is a highly emotional bird whose behaviors reflect that fact. Fulfill his needs and you've got a happy camper with lot of love to…
Your dog depends on specific dietary requirements just like you do. He needs basic nutrients -- protein, fat and carbohydrates -- to survive. The most important part of his diet is water; 60 to 70…
Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) are small pet birds that are big in popularity, finding their way to many homes all over the planet. These Australian finches are companionable creatures that tend…
Different dog breeds deal with winter temperature differently. While some larger breeds, like huskies, seem unperturbed by chilly temperatures, smaller dogs, such as Yorkies will shiver at the mere…
Guinea pigs and dogs can get along, although training each to accept the other takes a fair amount of time. Dogs younger than 16 weeks will have an easier time accepting your guinea pig or cavy, since…
A curious kitty will chew on anything in front of him. A little extracurricular landscaping won't hurt a cat who sticks to ordinary grass, but not all plants are kitty-approved. Before you let your…
Rather than providing the bare minimum for a turtle to live, strive to give your pet the most luxurious accommodations possible. Providing the ultimate turtle habitat will require significant space,…
They may not be as diverse as dogs, but the 13 recognized breeds of guinea pigs can look as different as a pug and a poodle. This is true for silkie and Abyssinian guinea pigs, who share a similar…
Rabbits are affectionate and like to spend time with their owners, but they also do well on their own. Pregnant rabbits are very delicate, so take care of your doe and handle her properly. A jump or…
If your cat has recently developed a habit of either rubbing or dragging her rear end around the floors of your home, look into the situation further. Since your kitty probably isn't trying out a new…
Newborn puppies start their lives out as vulnerable and defenseless creatures, totally unable to fend for themselves in this big world. Not only are neonate pups unable to hear and see, they don't…
Jack Russell terriers are robust hunting dogs that are native to the United Kingdom. These smallish canines historically possessed fox hunting duties. Jack Russell terriers, as a breed, are big on…
The word "budgie" is short for budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), a type of wee parrot that comes from Australia. These well-known pet birds are also frequently referred to simply as…
If you have an inkling that your female guinea pig may be pregnant, the only way to know for certain is by bringing her in for a veterinary appointment. However, some key behavioral and physical clues…
The addition of a new kitten in your life is an exhilarating one, whether she's a tiny newborn or an energetic 6-month old. In the midst of your excitement, however, it's crucial to remember that…
Observing the tender interaction between a mother cat -- or queen -- and her newborn litter of kittens can be a wondrous and fascinating experience. Nursing activities, which begin essentially right…
A smelly coop is not only unpleasant to humans, but dangerous to your chickens; harmful bacteria, wet bedding or dust can cause respiratory ailments. One of the most common causes of coop odor is a…
Digging is a natural activity for many dogs and provides great exercise. Unfortunately, your dog doesn’t understand that the drip irrigation system is not a new toy in his dirt to uncover and…
Balancing Buddy's diet with your pocketbook isn't cut and dried. Although you want to give him the healthiest diet possible, dog food can get pretty pricey, particularly with all the choices on the…
Dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, but what about their biscuits? These crunchy snacks are a relatively recent invention, although they are older than any human alive today.…
If Mittens enjoys climbing, it's not unreasonable to think she'll find her way into your apple tree when she's outside. Though she'd make a lovely picture nestled among the pretty pink and white…
When you see your four-legged comrade doing something bad, you’ll have to do something to startle him to make him stop. The trick is to use the noisemaker right away to divert his attention and…
Dogs that bark very little are great for people who live in places like apartments or in other confined spaces. Find out about dogs that bark very little with help from an experienced pet expert in…
Dog clothing only works well when you make sure that the articles in question have the right fit. Get a dog clothing guide with help from an experienced pet expert in this free video clip.
A cooling vest for dogs is a great idea, especially during walks on those warm summer days. Use a cooling vest for dogs with help from an experienced pet expert in this free video clip.
Dog bath games are a really great way to make the process of giving your dog a bath as painless as possible. Find out about great dog bath games with help from an experienced pet expert in this free…
Lighted leashes for dog are great for walking your animal outside and at night. Learn about using lighted leashes for dogs with help from an experienced pet expert in this free video clip.
Mixing dog food with chicken and brown rice for dogs is a great way to make sure your furry friend's meal is as tasty as possible. Find out about mixing dog food with chicken and brown rice for dogs…
Dogs shed their coats because of the natural life cycle of the hair itself. Find out more about why dogs shed their coats with help from an experienced pet expert in this free video clip.
Dogs that have single coats are more susceptible to shedding than those with double coats. Find out more about dogs that have single coats with help from an experienced pet expert in this free video…
Dogs actually form loose amorphis groups. Find out about how pack behavior in dogs manifested with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in this free video clip.
30% of a dog's brain is dedicated to olfactory. Learn how to keep your dog from sniffing male dogs with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in this free video clip.
Teaching a dog not to bite kids is all about building your dog's patience. Teach dogs not to bite kids with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in this free video clip.
You can stop a dog from fighting during a meal time by curbing the dog's sense of resource guarding. Stop dogs from fighting during mealtime with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior…
Dogs can leave home for a variety of reasons including boredom and anxiety. Stop a dog from leaving home with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in this free video clip.
Stopping jealous dogs is something that affects the way a dog behaves in a group. Stop jealous dogs with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in this free video clip.
Dogs don't really need to wear coats as they already have everything they need. Find out why dogs don't need to wear coats with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in this…
Stopping a dog from growling during a meal means that you have to find a way to curb the animal's aggression. Stop a dog from growling during a meal with help from a professional dog trainer and…
Dogs tend to grab at food because they're excited, among other reasons. Stop dogs from grabbing at food with help from a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in this free video clip.
A lot of people burn sage in their homes, for a variety of reasons. But, while the people who live there might enjoy the scent or the spiritual significance attached to the custom, your kitty's safety…
When you purchase a pedigreed cat from a professional breeder, you need to register your new feline friend with the Cat Fancier's Association if you want to professionally show or breed her through…
Dogs get information about unfamiliar animals and people by smelling their anal glands and genital regions, where there are many scent glands. It's instinctive, not misbehavior. However, it's…
Unlike facial hair for teenage boys, cats don't grow whiskers as a cultural right of passage. All cats, male and female, have them; they're born that way. As kittens grow, they lose and regrow…
If Tabitha continues to take a stroll outdoors during colder months, you’ll have to change her diet a bit. She’ll probably need to eat more as temperatures plummet, although you should go…
A pet boa constrictor can live 20 to 30 years if you care for him extremely well. A boa constrictor doesn't need to go on walks or chase a laser pointer; he needs you to accommodate his habits, which…
Maybe “Princess Mononoke” is too many syllables to say every time you want your cat to come. Maybe said princess is actually a boy. Whatever your motivation, it’s tempting to rename…
Border collies are a lively breed of herding dog from the border regions of the United Kingdom's England and Scotland. These midsize canines are known for their desire to please and their reliable,…
Like humans, dogs need access to a place in which they feel safe and secure and which affords a certain degree of privacy. Although dogs are incredibly social creatures, they need places for…
Your cat’s getting fatter. Well, not fatter, but more pregnant. Her nipples are swollen and she'll produce milk any day now. That means she’s getting ready to give birth. Timing varies,…
To care for a pet lizard, you must provide a habitat large enough for it to engage in all its natural activities, including feeding, elimination, thermoregulation, hiding and drinking. At a minimum,…
Cats benefit from eating a variety of meat products. Their bodies must obtain the amino acid taurine directly from their food because they cannot produce it from the breakdown of other amino acids as…
Where bathroom issues are concerned, cats are often somewhat easy pets -- litter box use seems almost natural to many of them. Although litter pan use may not be as innate and automatic in ferrets,…
If you're registering your dog with the American Kennel Club, you not only have to come up with an everyday name, but a registered name as well. Registered names are used to uniquely identify dogs…
You got a new cockatiel and a colorful arsenal of toys that could fill a preschool's toybox. If your feathered friend is just sitting peacefully on a perch instead of gleefully attacking that…
Veterinarians understand that dogs, young puppies especially, benefit from structure and consistency. A dog crate provide some structure as well as security. A well-ventilated, clean dog crate, cage…
Dry cat food contains only a small percentage of crude fiber because cats are obligate carnivores who don't require fiber in their diet. The actual percentage of fiber that dry cat food contains…
Whether nursed at the breast or the bottle, newborns are notorious for falling asleep without finishing a feeding. Although you shouldn't overfeed a baby if she's genuinely full, you may need to…
Enjoying a boa constrictor as a pet is not a small commitment. Boas can grow longer than 8 feet, and many live more than 20 years in captivity. During that time, it's possible even the best-cared-for…
Your cat might enjoy a little romp in the snow, but it's not a good idea to let him out in the winter if the roads or sidewalks have been treated with deicing salt. This rock salt product can hurt…
More than 20 muscles control each cat's ear, allowing Stella to move her ears independently of each other, up and down and side-to-side. Her hearing is excellent, ranging from 45 hertz to 60,000…