Animal Journal

What are Ideal Cichlid Tank Mates?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 15:55:00 +0000

Finding cichlid tank mates can be a challenge. As most cichlid owners know, these intelligent freshwater aquarium fishes are highly territorial. They hold and defend their territories with all their might. They also go through a complex ritual of courtship, egg rearing, and giving birth to offspring. That’s not all, they also like to rearrange their living environment according to their liking. Though it seems like they are hard to get along with, they’re still very popular. More and more aquarium hobbyists are fascinated with the cichlid’s behaviorally advanced nature.

Although they are territorial, cichlid can get along with certain fish species like moors and scats. These fish species are known to co-exist peacefully with cichlids as long as they have been used to brackish water. Speaking of brackish, you can also choose from a wide range of brackish water catfish like Network Synos (Synodontis eupterus) and Raphael Talking catfish (Agamyxis pectinifrons), which you can keep with your cichlids with no difficulty.

There’s also no need to worry about cichlids living with silver tip/Columbian sharks (Arius seemani). But they best get along with the African cichlids when they’re still young. When they mature, these shark species need salt water.

Other ideal tank mates for cichlids include plecos, gouramis and mollies. They especially get along well with the rift lake cichlids. These fishes mentioned can tolerate water conditions with a pH level of 7.5.

Take note that when cichlids don’t get along, they fight. Subordinate fish would tend to swim away from the ferocious territorial ones. But that’s in the wild. In the smaller world of aquariums, this can be difficult. What you can do is to provide shelter where the subordinate fish can hide. Driftwood, bog wood, plastic or live plants, and decorative rocks can be a great help.

Apart from finding the right cichlid tank mates, you need to consider more things like the size of the aquarium. A 10-gallon aquarium should be fine for non-territorial fish species. But for housing a modest number of cichlids, it’s best to go for a 40- to 50-gallon aquarium. You should also keep in mind that cichlid fishes need clean, warm and well-oxygenated water. The ideal temperature should be 78 to 84 degrees.

Building a Squirrel House: Follow these Important Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 03:10:00 +0000

Building a squirrel house is fun and easy. Contrary to what most people think, you don’t need to have expert handy skills to get one done. Even if it’s your first time to build something, you can accomplish this feat with little or no difficulty at all. Just make sure you follow all the steps mentioned below.

The first step is to gather all the things you need like nails, leaves, old tire, hammer and ladder. Next, look for the south side of a tree. The point of doing this is to ensure that the squirrel house will be kept in the shade during most of the day, and not too cold at night. There’s also less wind entering from this side. Now, remember that a tree should be big enough to hold a squirrel house. You don’t want your squirrel shelter to be all cramped up.

After that, hold an old tire up to the tree. It should be about 15 feet from the ground. The wonderful thing about building a squirrel house out of a tire is its simplicity. There’s no need to go through elaborate steps. Not only that, since squirrels are fond climbers, the high location of its shelter will keep them safe from predators.

Nail down the tire into the tree. The number of nails that you’ll need to hold it down would depend on the size of the tire. Obviously, the bigger the tire is, the more nails you’ll need. Place the nails on top inside lip and bottom inside lip of the tire. Make sure that the tire is secured in place.

Once you’ve made sure of that, the next thing to do is to place bedding material inside the squirrel house. This can be anything from dried leaves to corn stalks to grass hays and so on. This step is optional since squirrels can do this on their own.

Clean the squirrel house regularly to prevent odor and contamination. Once in a while, remove all the bedding material and hose down with water for thorough cleaning. Replace with new bedding material.

That’s it. Building a squirrel house made of tire isn’t so hard, right? Have fun!

How to Build a Snake Cage

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 01:50:00 +0000

It’s not often that you’ll hear people asking how to build a snake cage. Then again, not too many people own snakes for a pet, right? Unlike other people who squirm at the mere mention of the word “snake”, you on the other hand can’t be happier that you have one as your pet. Here are the steps on how to make a snake cage.

First, gather all the materials that you need: a large glass aquarium, sand, aspen bedding, sunning rock, heat lamp, ultraviolet light, thermometer, flat rock, hollow rock, and mesh or screened-folding lid.

Next, look for an aquarium that’s big enough for your snake to move around. Measure the length of your snake. His aquarium should be longer than that. Keep in mind the adult size of your snake. It may be small now but it will definitely grow longer and bigger after a while. It’s good to invest on a large aquarium than buy another one when that time comes.

Place bedding on the bottom part of the aquarium. This can be play sand or aspen bedding. Choose one that’s similar to his natural habitat in the wild. The bedding should be at least an inch deep from the aquarium bottom.

Install a mesh or screen lid for the aquarium. The ideal one to buy comes with hinges that lets you open only one side of the tank without having to uncover the entire aquarium. You don’t want your pet sneaking out while you’re feeding him or cleaning his home.

Put a flat-surfaced rock on one part of the aquarium, directly under the heat lamp. This is where your snake will go for sunning. Place another rock, this time a hollow one on another part to serve as a hiding area. For snakes that are fond of climbing, install a branch or limb inside the tank.

Finally, ensure that the snake cage has sufficient ventilation. Adding screen mesh to the sides can be a great help. Now, you know how to build a snake cage, the next step is taking care of your beloved pet. Enjoy!

5 Effective Ways to Control and Prevent Dog Ticks

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 04:27:00 +0000

Dog ticks are not only annoying, they’re also dangerous carriers of a wide variety of diseases, posing threat not only to your dog but also to you and your family. It’s imperative to do something about it right away.

Here are 5 effective ways to get rid of dog ticks.

Over-the-counter topical medication
Using a spot-on treatment is usually the fastest way to control dog ticks. You may purchase an over-the-counter topical medication from a pet store, online pharmacy, or from your vet. These medications can control ticks for up to one month. Though most are effective, it’s still a must to find out which brand is the best. Carefully read the label too before using. Don’t use anything without first consulting your vet.

Oral medication

Some vets give tick-infested dogs with pills that can kill not only adult ticks but also immature ones to put an end to the tick’s life cycle. The great thing about oral medication is that you don’t have to worry about kids coming into contact with dogs after administration, unlike with the topical medication.

Shampoos

Bathe your dog with a shampoo that comes with a medicated ingredient that kills ticks in an instant. It’s the less expensive choice, which is ideal if you’re a little tight on the budget. It can be labor-intensive though especially during peak season of ticks, as you’d need to repeat the process about every two weeks. The effect doesn’t last as long as the two previous options.

Tick Dips

A tick dip refers to a concentrated chemical that’s diluted with water and then applied on the dog’s coat. The chemical is not to be rinsed off afterwards. Since it can be very strong, it shouldn’t be used for treating young puppies or pregnant or nursing dogs.

Tick Collars
Tick collars, as the name suggests, are worn around the neck. They’re useful for protecting your dog from ticks but only from the neck up. Be sure to read the label and follow instructions carefully before putting a tick collar on your dog.

With these practical tips, you can finally say goodbye to annoying little dog ticks that have been pestering your beloved pooch.

Top Things to Consider Before Adopting a Cat

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:23:00 +0000

Adopting a cat can be one of the best decisions that you’ll ever make. After all, these cute furry friends are great companions. It’s important, however, to understand certain things before making a final decision. Here are the top things to consider before welcoming a new feline friend into your home.

Am I ready to adopt a cat?

Cat ownership is a big responsibility

Having a cat in your home is not all about fun and games. It’s like parenting—a lifelong commitment that you’ll have to make. Give it ample thought. Cats can live for up to 20 years and you might need to undergo certain lifestyle changes for your pet. Ask yourself the following questions to find out if you’re ready to adopt one:

Is your personality and lifestyle suited for owning a cat?
How do you plan to take care of your cat when you’re on a trip? Are you going to take it with you?
Is there someone you know who can stand in as caregiver for your cat in case of emergency?
Does your home/apartment allow animals?
Do you have ample time to spend in taking care of your pet cat?

Cat ownership can be costly

Being a parent to a cat won’t only eat up time and energy but also consume money. It’s a financial obligation that you should have enough money for. Initial costs include vaccinations, litter box, spay or neuter surgery. Then there’s the list of recurring costs like food, check up, medicines, and other needs.

What kind of cat should I adopt?

Another thing to consider is the type of cat to get. Should you get a male or a female, an adult cat or a kitten, one or more cats? What type of breed do you prefer? Asking yourself these questions and doing your homework about this can certainly help you come up with an informed decision.

Where should I look for a cat?

Shelters, rescue organizations, and reputable breeders are some of the best places to start looking for a cat to adopt. Get references from people you know who own cats and find out from they got their pets.

Make sure to keep all these things in mind before adopting a cat. Should you decide to adopt one, be ready for a fun and fulfilling adventure.

Tips on How to Maintain a Bird Feeding Station Properly

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:23:00 +0000

You’d think that once a bird feeding station is up and running, your task is over. It’s not. A bird feeding station requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are some practical tips on how to maintain it the right way.

Replace water every day. It’s a must to provide birds with a daily supply of fresh water. It’s also good to experiment with various types of foods like bird seeds, fruits and vegetables to attract different species of birds.

Store the bird food in a clean and dry environment. This is to lower the risk of bacterial contamination, which can bring illness to birds. Remember that moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Keep the feeding station clean at all times. Again, this is for the sake of the birds’ health. After you’re done cleaning the station itself, move on to the ground beneath the feeders. Use a rake to get rid of spilled seeds, hulls, dead grass or other debris that may have accumulated underneath the feeder.

Buy your food from a reputable source, this way you can be sure that you are giving the birds the right type of food.

Practice proper hygiene when handling the feeding station. Don’t forget to wash your hands first before and after cleaning the station or stocking it up with new food or water.

Check for defects. Find time to look around the feeding station. Look at the feeder and see if there are any cracks or chips. This may cause for moisture to seep in and seeds to get spoiled, spreading disease to birds. Look for signs of insect damage, rust, flaking, loose connections, or loose screws. Perches should be stable and secure, as should the feeder. An unstable one can easily collapse. Replace anything that’s broken or defective before it causes injury to birds.

Maintaining a bird feeding station isn’t as hard as some people think. With these tips, you can keep one running properly and attracting a wide variety of bird species into your backyard.

Gorilla Strength and Other Fascinating Things about Gorillas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:04:00 +0000

Gorillas are typically portrayed in movies as dangerous, violent and aggressive animals. In truth, these large apes from Africa are actually quiet, gentle and peace-loving vegetarians that will not attack unless threatened. So, where did this wrong notion come from? People probably made this conclusion after discovering about gorilla strength.

We all know that gorillas are extremely strong. But how strong are they? Think about this: one gorilla is 20 times stronger than one strong human. An adult male Silverback gorilla, which is one of the strongest mammals on the planet, will not have any difficulty snapping tree limps, ripping human arms apart, and ripping car doors open. That’s how strong gorillas are.

Gorillas are the strongest primates alive. Despite that, they’re not aggressive and ferocious like other strong animals. They use their strength only for defending themselves, and never for hunting, killing or attacking. Yes, their fierce looks can be deceiving. One look at them and you’d think they’re violent and ferocious creatures.

With their enormous power, it’s also easy to imagine gorillas feeding on other animals, which are essentially high in protein. Surprisingly, they’re mostly herbivores, meaning they eat plant materials such as leaves, fruits, tender plant shoots, seeds, tree barks, and even flowers. It’s only very seldom that they eat ants and termites. An average gorilla eats about 50 pounds of food per day.

One way they show off their strength is through brachiating and pulling. An average silverback gorilla is six foot tall and 300 to 500 pounds. Their amazing ability to pull themselves from one branch to another with such ease is another testament to their extreme physical power. Even the world’s strongest human rock climber can never match the upper body strength of a gorilla.

It’s not only the physical gorilla strength that is noteworthy. Gorillas are also popular for their high intellect that enables them to complete complex tasks. Some gorillas have been successfully taught sign language, and can communicate with people using simple sentences. And though they have never been seen using tools in the wild, they were able to learn after being taught to use tools in captivity.

Important Rabbit Accessories for Your Pet Bunny

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:55:00 +0000

Caring for a pet rabbit can surely be rewarding. It’s hard not to fall in love with these adorable furry creatures that make great companions. As a pet rabbit owner, you need to ensure that your bunny is taken care the best way possible. One of the ways to do that is to provide all the important rabbit accessories and supplies such as the ones listed below:

Hutch

The first thing to buy is a rabbit hutch. Find one that’s large enough for your bunny. There should be enough wiggle room to move and play around. Get one with a sturdy bottom. Avoid a wired bottom that may hurt your bunny’s feet. Include a comfortable resting place inside the rabbit hutch. Straw mats available in many pet stores are some of the best options.

Litter Box and Scoop

You need to buy a litter box and train your pet to use it as his bathroom. This would make cleaning an easier task for you. It’s a good idea to buy two, one inside the hutch and the other in the room where you’d let your rabbit roam freely for playtime and exercise.

Food, Food Dish and Water Bottle

Nutrition is an important part of your rabbit’s health. Feed your rabbit with hay, vegetables, and pellets. Make sure you provide a fresh supply of food and water inside the rabbit hutch. Keep the food dish and water bottle clean at all times.

Carrier

This is especially useful for pet owners who travel a lot. Even though you don’t plan on traveling in the next few years, it’s still a good idea to invest on a high quality carrier that you’ll need for transporting your bunny like when you’re visiting relatives for the weekend or when you need to take your pet to the vet.

Brush

Good grooming habits are essential to a rabbit’s health. Whether your bunny has short or long hair, it’s handy to have a brush to prevent hairballs.

Toys

Keep your pet entertained with a variety of toys that can stimulate him both physically and mentally. Chew toys are great choices. Since a rabbit’s teeth are constantly growing, they need to chew on objects to wear them down. Opt for bunny-safe toys made from nontoxic materials.

So that wraps up the list of the essential rabbit accessories that you need to buy for your beloved pet. Have fun with your rabbit!

Natural Mosquito Repellant for Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:15:00 +0000

As tiny as they are, mosquitoes can bring huge trouble. Apart from the annoying stinging bites, mosquitoes also cause a myriad of serious deadly illnesses like malaria, filaria, dengue, brain fever, and yellow fever, among many others. Every year, mosquito borne diseases affect 300 to 500 million people worldwide, causing about one million deaths. Natural mosquito repellant is your best defense against these diseases.

Seal the point of entry
Keep this in mind: mosquitoes are very active in the early morning and early evening and they love areas with still air. Be sure to keep windows and doors on the side of your house opposite the breeze closed during these times.

Eliminate still water areas

Any stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Bird baths, pet’s water bowls, wading pools, and even water inside the flower vases should be replaced daily. Remove items around the house that collect water.

Use natural mosquito repellants

Add a dash of herbs like rosemary and sage to burning coals. The scent is known to repel mosquitoes. Another effective repellant is a solution of one part garlic juice mixed with five parts water. Put this in a spray bottle and spray on the body. This can protect for up to six hours. You can also dip cotton cloth into the solution and hang in areas known to have mosquitoes like in the patio.

It’s also a good idea to use neem oil, a natural vegetable oil that comes from the Neem tree in India. The Neem tree’s oil, leaves and seeds contain a potent mosquito repelling compound called sallanin.

It would also help to cultivate mosquito repelling plants around like citronella, horsemint, marigold, ageratum and catnip. Citronella contains a natural mosquito repellant ingredient that comes in the form of a strong aroma that wards off pesky mosquitoes. Horsemint, also known as beebalm, also gives off a strong scent like citronella.

Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound that’s usually used as ingredient in many insect repellants. Ageratum emits a smell offensive to mosquitoes. It secretes a compound called coumarin that’s also used in commercial insect repellants. Catnip, another natural mosquito repellent, has been found to be ten times more effective than DEET, a chemical used in most commercially available insect repellants.

Hamster Life Span: Top Ways to Make Your Pet Hamster Live Longer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:31:00 +0000

Hamster life span varies depending on breed, health and quality of care. Average life expectancy is two to three years, although some can live longer up to six years. Some breeds, which are more susceptible to illness, tend to live shorter lives. While big hamsters like teddies can live up to five years, Russians can only reach up to two years while Roborovski dwarves sometimes only live up to a year.

It’s a known fact that hamsters reach maturity in a very short time. For example, while humans reach puberty at the age of 13 to 15, hamsters do at eight weeks. Gestation period for them is only three weeks compared to nine months in humans. It would be safe to assume that a one-year-old hamster equal to a 35-year-old human being.

Good news is that you can prolong your pet hamster’s life by giving high quality care and attention.

Choose a healthy hamster
Right from the start, make sure that you choose a healthy hamster. See to it that he comes from a clean environment surrounded with other healthy hamsters. Check the condition of his coat and energy level.

Pick the right size for the cage

Your pet hamster’s cage should be big enough to fit in an exercise wheel, small bed, some toys and of course, food and water. Ideal size is 20 to 25 square inches for a single hamster.

Feed a well balanced diet

Like with other pets, your hamster also needs highly nutritious food to stay in good shape. Feed clean and nutritious foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, and pellets. Don’t forget to provide fresh and clean water every day as well.

Promote regular exercise

Hamsters are very active creatures that require regular exercise. Lack of exercise can make your pet fat and weak. Install a small exercise wheel inside his cage to keep him active throughout the day.

Know about hamster’s territorial requirements

Apart from being active, hamsters are also territorial creatures. If they don’t get along well with each other, they tend to fight and this can cause fatalities. The best thing to do is to keep one hamster per cage. However, if you own robo dwarf hamsters, which are known to get along well, you can have two to three per cage.

Although a hamster life span is quite short, you can ensure that your pet lives a fulfilled and happy life by following the tips mentioned above.

Highly Nutritious Bird Seeds for Your Pet Bird

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:26:00 +0000

Birds are charming little creatures that anyone would love to have as companion. And like most pets, they too require the right nutrition to stay in great shape. Birds need carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals. If you have a pet bird, you’d probably want to include highly nutritious bird seeds in his diet.

Though packed with nutrients, no single seed can provide a bird with all his dietary needs. So variety is the way to go. Here are some of those that you may want to consider feeding your adorable pet.

Black-oil Sunflower
Black-oil sunflower contains 43 percent fat, 13 percent fiber and 16 percent protein. It’s a favorite of doves, goldfinches, grosbeaks, nuthatches, titmice, woodpeckers, Chickadees, Northern Cardinal and Pine Siskin.

Cracked Corn
Not so much of a popular seed for birds, cracked corn usually attracts Jays. This particular seed has only two percent fat, two percent fiber, and eight percent protein.

Nyjer
This one’s quite hefty on the fat content having 40 percent. It’s also rich in protein (22 percent) and fiber (14 percent). It’s popular among doves, finches, goldfinches, Common Redpoll, Indigo Bunting and Pine Siskin.

Safflower
Safflower’s nutritional content includes 38 percent fat, 21 percent fiber and 14 percent protein. Doves, purple finches, and titmice are the biggest fans of safflower seeds.

Striped Sunflower
Striped sunflower is big on fiber (20 percent), protein (23 percent) and fat (26 percent). It’s much loved by grosbeaks, titmice, woodpeckers, Northern Cardinal and Chickadees.

Sunflower Hearts
This seed contains a whopping 56 percent fat, only four percent fiber, and fairly good amount of 24 percent protein. It attracts the following birds: doves, finches, Dark-eye Junco, Common Redpoll, Chickadees, goldfinches, grosbeaks, titmice, woodpeckers, Pine Siskin, and nuthatches.

Apart from bird seeds, it’s also great to add fruits and vegetables to your bird’s diet. Corn, carrots, yams, peas, broccoli, apples, bananas and grapes are some great choices. Not only would these items provide essential vitamins and minerals, it also helps to avoid turning your pet into a picky eater. Also, remember never to feed your pet with spicy food, chocolates, wine, or caffeinated beverage. Be sure to consult your vet first before feeding your pet with any food.

Learn the Proper Ways of Feeding Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:01:00 +0000

Like in humans, nutrition plays a crucial role on a cat’s health. It’s not enough for a pet owner to feed his cat every day, he must also learn the proper ways of feeding cats, so that he’ll be able to provide high quality and nutritious food that meets a cat’s needs.

Take note that cats have different nutritional needs, depending on size, activity level, and energy output. Those who are highly active obviously require bigger caloric intake. Those who lie around the whole day require ten percent below maintenance energy. In addition to this, here are some tips that all pet cat owners should keep in mind:

All cats need taurine

What is taurine? Taurine is an amino acid responsible for healthy vision, heart function and reproduction. Unlike other mammals that manufacture taurine from other amino acids in the body, cats are not able to do so. That’s why, it’s imperative to feed your pet with a meat-based diet that contains the right amount of taurine to meet his nutritional requirement.

All cats need access to fresh water
Make sure that your cat always has access to fresh and clean water every day. Replace water from time to time to ensure freshness.

All cats need a regular feeding schedule
It’s best to consult a vet when it comes to the best feeding schedule for your cat. The general rule though is to feed all cats twice daily, dividing the amount of food recommended for your cat equally into two. The two meals are then to be spaced eight to twelve hours apart.

All cats need more food when sick

If your cat has succumbed to an illness or has sustained an injury, you’ll need to adjust his diet. Recovery from illness or injury requires increased nutritional intake. Be sure to consult your vet about this.

All cats look good when fed properly
One way to know that your cat is getting the right nutritional requirement is by looking at the quality of its coat. A healthy coat means that your cat is free from nutritional deficiencies and you’re doing a great job feeding him.

Feeding cats doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a fun and gratifying experience especially when you see the benefits that your cat gets from healthy eating.

Distemper in Dogs: Know Its Symptoms and Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:18:00 +0000

Distemper in dogs is a serious contagious disease that has caused many fatalities worldwide. It is caused by a virus called canine distemper, which belongs to the paramyxovirus group. In the same group belongs the virus that causes measles in humans.

This disease affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. It is transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions, fecal material, and urine of infected dogs. It can also be passed on through objects contaminated by the virus. Unvaccinated dogs especially at 6 to 12 weeks of age are at highest risk of this viral infection.

The initial signs usually appear six to nine days after infection. At first, a dog will have a fever spike that can reach up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or 40.5 degrees Celsius. A second fever spike will then be accompanied by other signs like restlessness, loss of appetite, and watery discharge from nose and eyes.

After a few days, the watery discharge becomes thick and sticky. At this stage, there may be other signs like vomiting, diarrhea, dry cough, and pus blisters on the abdomen. The ill dog typically gets better within one to two weeks but then goes on a relapse. By this time, bacterial invasion will have occurred, causing gastrointestinal and respiratory complications.

The condition worsens as the illness progresses two to three weeks after exposure. Head shaking, chewing movements of the jaw, slobbering, and seizures similar to epilepsy are commonly seen. Some dogs develop distemper myoclonus, which is a condition that involves rhythmic muscle contractions that affects most body parts especially the head. The involuntary jerking is usually accompanied by pain.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for distemper in dogs. However, treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms and prevent new infections. Some examples include:

Antibiotics to prevent pneumonia

IV fluids to prevent dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting

Anti-seizure medications

Steroids for severe seizures

If you have a pet dog, the best thing is to prevent infection with a distemper shot. This vaccination is generally administered in combination with parainfluenza, leptospirosis, canine parvovirus, and adenovirus 2. Distemper in dogs is a serious fatal condition that all dog pet owners should be aware of.

What Makes a Great Hamster Bedding for Your Pet?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 02:24:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why your pet hamsters seem to get restless and unruly? Maybe they aren’t getting enough rest or sleep. It’s time for you to inspect what type of hamster bedding you are using to identify the culprit of your pets’ lack of relaxation.

For your information, hamsters love a quiet little area in their cage that they can turn into their beds. They also enjoy moving materials and stuffing it into a corner to make their own resting havens. As a responsible pet owner, you should take time to do some research about your pets and the ideal housing that you must provide them.

Hamsters should be housed with specific types of bedding, which have been recommended by veterinarians and pet experts. The substrate is the material that is used to cover the cages of hamsters and this is where your furry friend will be burrowing and living on its entire life. Because the substrate needs to provide a natural coziness for your hamsters, you must learn to identify which materials will make good substrates for your little buddies.

Some of the types that you should avoid using as hamster bedding are the pine or cedar-based shavings and clumping cat litter. Since hamsters eat a small portion of their own feces as a natural part of their digestive process, cat litter won’t do because it might get lodged in their digestive system and lead to death due to intestinal obstruction.

On the other hand, pine and cedar shavings have aromatic oils that can cause breathing difficulties or irritation of the hamster’s respiratory system. Newspaper, shredded paper and fluffy beddings are also not recommended because these contain ink fumes that can cause suffocation as well.

Many pet owners recommend using aspen wood shavings and reclaimed cellulose fiber that does not contain ink and other harmful additives for hamster bedding. You can also add some Care Fresh or Critter Care to make the bed soft and cozy. After putting all the necessary materials inside the cage, you can put the hamsters into it and have fun watching your pets move the supplies to create their own beds.

Some Things that You Should Know Before Rabbit Adoption

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:06:00 +0000

Many people today are finding the joy and benefits of having rabbits as pets. Aside from providing owners with happiness because of their cuteness and fluffiness, rabbits aren’t that difficult to take care of!

If you are planning to have a rabbit, you should learn about the rabbit adoption process first because you must know the animal’s needs and your own capacity to provide the time, money and care required in caring for one.

Here are some simple ways of rabbit adoption that you can do to finally have a pet of your own.

1. Find a rabbit that you want to adopt - You can look for a pet that you want from various local rescue centers or pet shops. Make sure to read the descriptions and other important nuggets of information about the rabbit that you are eyeing.

2. Contact a rescue center or pet shop - Once you have selected which one to pick, you can now start contacting the shop or center to know the process on how to take the rabbit home. Also, follow the guidelines set by the rescue center or pet shop.

3. Read the adoption requirements very carefully - This is important so as not to miss out any valuable detail about the rabbit adoption process. You can also use the information in buying pieces of equipment for your pet, such as hutches and cages since requirements usually specify the accommodation sizes as well as the ideal places to purchase these.

4. Visit the center or shop - Meet the rabbits available and take time to discuss the adoption process with the person in charge.

5. Conduct pre- adoption checks - Before bringing your rabbit home, the center or shop staff might perform inspections to ensure that you can provide a suitable home for the pet.

6. Sign the adoption contract - A contract includes agreements on regular vaccination, proper vet care and even returning the rabbit to the rescue center if you can’t take care of it anymore.

Final tip, keep in touch. For pieces of advice and tips on how to take care of your new pet rabbit, make sure to maintain an open line of communication with the rescue center or pet shop.

Causes and Treatment for Pancreatitis in Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 13:07:00 +0000

For many cat owners, the contraction of pancreatitis by a beloved pet is a cause for worry. The pancreas is a pale pink organ made up of lobules that can be found behind a cat's stomach and near its liver. The pancreas secretes enzymes through a duct and releases hormones straight into the bloodstream.

The pancreas also manufactures pancreatic juice, a digestive enzyme that contains a lot of sodium bicarbonate. This enables the pancreas to assist in breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Pancreatic juice is produced by the pancreas and stored in the pancreatic duct, where it merges with the liver's bile duct before it enters the duodenum.

A normally functioning pancreas will shield itself from the digestives enzymes that it produces, stores and secretes. The enzymes are secreted in an inactivated form, also called zymogens. The enzymes are not activated until they get to the duodenum.

Pancreatitis in cats happens when the pancreas becomes swollen because its own digestive enzymes are inappropriately activated. What happens is that the enzymes will start to break down and digest the very pancreas that created them. Pancreatitis in cats can lead to acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Worse, tissues near the pancreas, such as the liver, may also be affected.

Pancreatitis in cats can be caused by a lot of conditions. These are high fat content in the blood or hyperlipidemia, toxoplasmosis, hypercalcemia or high calcium content in the blood, feline infectious peritonitis, feline herpesvirus I, obesity, a high fat diet, feline parvovirus, some medicine, hepatic lipidosis, and trauma such as a high fall or a car accident.

What is troubling is the when cats get this disease, most of the time, veterinarians will not be able to pinpoint the exact cause.

Once a veterinarian has diagnosed your cat with pancreatitis, they will then try to find and treat the root cause. If it is abdominal pain that is at fault then the veterinarian will prescribe an analgesic, or painkiller.

If your cat is vomiting, then the veterinarian will recommend that you buy anti nausea medication or antemetics. Many veterinarians also recommend that your cat be treated with intravenous fluids in order to treat dehydration or to prevent it. This is known as supportive care.

Meanwhile, if your cat has hepatic lipidosis, then the veterinarian may recommend nutritional support. It might be necessary to avoid giving your cat food or water for 24 to 48 hours or for up to one to two days. You may also need to refrain from feeding your cat for the aforementioned period of time.

Once the veterinarian gives the go-ahead for you to give food to your cat, be sure to only give them bland, low-fat food. If the veterinarian notices that your cat has an infection, they may prescribe antibiotics.

How to Choose Horse Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:59:00 +0000

Everyone would probably agree to the slogan, “health is wealth” and this doesn’t only apply to human beings but to animals as well. It’s really painful on the pockets to shell out lots of money just to bring your pet to the vet and have it treated for some kind of illness. Just like humans, animals such as horses need specific horse supplements to maintain vigor and health.

The types of supplements depend on a gamut of factors such as the horse’s overall health status, age, weight and kind of activities. Since the supplements vary, you should have a clear and accurate assessment of your horse’s health before deciding to give it some powder, pellets or pills.

When a horse ages, its body tends to change dramatically. The older it gets, the harder it is to break down horse supplements. One of the essential nutrients that should be administered to your racing buddy is Vitamin C but unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult to break down.

On the other hand, Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that your horse can readily obtain from grazing green grass. Supplements come in different forms like granules, pastes, powder and pellets so it’s important to do your research before settling for a particular type.

In choosing horse supplements, consider your horse’s internal tolerance depending on age, the solubility or ease of digestion and most importantly, the needs of the animal. Many veterinarians would recommend buying products that come from reputable and trusted companies, which have been researched and published in scientific publications.

You must also remember that quality and not quantity is valuable when giving supplements to your horse. Check the expiration date as well as the ingredients in the supplement to give you an idea about its benefits.

By providing your horse with supplements, it can become stronger, livelier, healthier and more productive. Take extra caution in administering the supplements because anything in excess can lead to negative effects on your pet. Also, don’t forget to feed your horse properly because proper nutrition remains to be the main reason for your animal’s top shape.

What's Behind the Slithery Snake Tongue?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:51:00 +0000

Aside from their scales and sinewy form, snakes are also known for their tongues. The sight of a long tongue flicking from a snake can be both majestic and terrifying. What's behind a snake tongue?

Scientists have discovered that the tongues of snakes contain extremely complex receptor systems. Don't be surprised if you don't see a lot of tongue if you happen to glance inside a snake's open mouth. Once it retracts, snake tongue is hidden inside a sheath in its lower jaw. This is why if you look inside a snake's open mouth, you will only see the forked ends of its tongue.

When a snake uses its tongue, it flicks it through the rostral groove, which is a small notch in the snake's lip. This lets the snake flick its tongue out of its mouth without actually opening it. That's pretty cool. While snakes have nostrils and can use these to detect scents, they smell primarily through their tongue.

That's right, a snake's tongue is what it mostly uses to smell. The snake tongue is part of the vomeronasal system, or how snakes perceive things. The receptors on the tongue of a snake can detect small chemical particles. To a snake, this is what counts as scent. When the snake retracts its tongue, its next step is to send chemical information to the brain, which processes and analyzes it. All of these happen very quickly.

Many scientists say that the tongue of a snake is split so that it can discern which direction to move based on the heavy amount of chemical particles on one side of its tongue compared to the other side. The chemical receptors on the tongue of a snake not only allow it to decide in what direction it should go. It also helps it to detect nearby predators and even possible mates.

Contrary to popular belief, the tongue of a snake does not have magical powers against poison, nor does a snake store venom in its tongue. A snake releases its venom through its fangs, not its tongue.

Top 5 Things You Need for Your Goldfish Aquarium

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, goldfish don't have a three-second memory span. It's actually closer to 4 months, sometimes longer. In fact, goldfish can recognize their owners and can even be taught to perform tricks. Before you start training your fish, however, make sure that you provide them with a healthy environment – the ideal goldfish aquarium - where they will thrive.

1.Tank

In our heads, we’ve all had an image of keeping goldfish in a bowl. Nevertheless, goldfish are very active so they need a spacious habitat where they can get enough oxygen. A tank, therefore, is your best option. To help you choose the tank size, remember to provide at least 3 gallons for every one-inch goldfish. Make sure that you factor in how big the goldfish can grow when making your decision.

2. Filter

Goldfish are voracious eaters so they tend to produce a lot of waste. If the tank doesn't have a good filtration system, the waste will accumulate and will increase the ammonia levels in the water. A double filtration system is standard in most goldfish aquariums. This means that if you have a 20-gallon tank, the filter should be rated for a 40-gallon aquarium. Check the filter every now and then to make sure it is working properly.

3. Water

The water you will use in the goldfish aquarium should be clean and well oxygenated. Use water conditioner to remove the chlorine if you are going to use tap water. You must also check for ammonia and nitrate levels, which should both be zero. Clean the tank and partially change the water every two weeks but depending on the number of fish and the size of the tank, you might have to clean the aquarium and replace the water more frequently.

4. Plants

If you want to add plants, it is better to stick to artificial ones at first. The goldfish will most likely eat and uproot living plants, which could lead to high ammonia levels. After a few weeks, you can start adding live plants. Choose hardy ones that will supply both oxygen and little amounts of food to the goldfish.

5. Decorations

Fish like having places where they can play and hide so it's a good idea to provide decorations in the goldfish aquarium. Just make sure that they are free from sharp edges so that the fish will not hurt themselves or damage their fins. Finally, before adding the fish to the tank run the filter for at least a few days to make sure everything is working well. This will allow you to make any adjustments so that the aquarium will be prepared for the arrival of your goldfish.

Dog Diarrhea Treatment: Caring for Your Sick Pooch

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 06:34:00 +0000

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to diarrhea. In most cases, the condition is not serious and can be treated at home. Here are bits and pieces of useful information on dog diarrhea treatment.

Diet

Most diarrhea in dogs is diet-related so before you look into possible dog diarrhea treatments, you should first check whether the disorder was caused by something your dog ingested. Have you suddenly changed your dog’s diet? If you want to feed your dog new food items, do so gradually. Otherwise, their system may be unprepared and that could lead to digestive problems.

Garbage, rotten food, and inedible objects, such as plastic will not only cause diarrhea but will also affect your pet’s overall health. Some table food items, such as milk shouldn’t be given to pets, especially puppies, because most dogs are lactose intolerant.

Parasites and viruses

Puppies are particularly susceptible to viruses and parasites. If they don’t receive medical attention right away, the condition could lead to dehydration, decreased immune system function, and even death.

Medication and Vaccination

New medications and vaccine shots can cause diarrhea as a side effect. If vomiting and other reactions accompany the diarrhea, it’s best to consult your vet because your dog might need medical attention.

Emotional disposition

Excitement, stress, and anxiety can also cause diarrhea. If these are the reasons, your dog’s condition should improve in the next 12 hours with the help of first-aid dog diarrhea treatments.

Toxic Substances

If you suspect that your dog has ingested poison or toxic substances, take him to the vet immediately.

Dog Diarrhea Treatment

If your pooch is suffering from diarrhea, take note of the following measures to help your pet recover quickly:

• Refrain from feeding your dog for 24 hours (12 hours for puppies) to give the digestive system a chance to empty itself.

• Make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Flavor the water with some broth to encourage drinking. If your pet doesn’t want to drink water, bring him to the vet immediately.

• Consult your vet regarding the possible medications to treat your dog’s diarrhea.

• Give your dog 3 to 4 small meals (consisting of non-fatty foods) for the first two days.

• Take note of the bowel movements and observe the stool.

• If everything seems to be normal, then you can feed your dog his regular diet.

If the diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, the stool is bloody or black, or the dog is vomiting, despondent, and has a fever, take him to your vet right away.

What Is Bird Suet?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 04:31:00 +0000

If you're a bird lover, then you've probably stocked bird suet in your backyard feeder during the winter. But nowadays, bird suet has many uses beyond winter. During the spring, it can help give nesting birds the increased energy that they need. During the summer, it can be a good substitute for insect-eating birds.

This will come in handy during the times when insects are hard to find. During the winter, suet can aid wild birds in storing the fat that they will need to migrate or to weather winter. Let's not forget suet's traditional use – it can replace the nutrients and energy that birds have used when they're trying to survive a long and chilly winter.

Bird suet comes from fat – most of the time, rendered animal fat. In today's health-conscious world, fat is often looked down on. But fat is actually important for both birds and humans. Together with carbohydrates and proteins, fat is one of the three sources of calories that can be found in one's diet.

Calories are what gives us energy. In fact, the calories or energy is concentrated. Compared to proteins or carbohydrates, fat can give birds over twice the caloric energy. This is important for birds because their metabolism is very fast. Therefore, the energy from fat will actually help birds go about their activities for a longer period of time without eating meals.

Modern suet is also about much more than fat. It can also contain fruits, seeds and insects. For those who want to put suet in their bird feeders during the summer, there are now melt-resisting types of suet. There is also suet that uses vegetable fat instead of animal fat.

The more varied a suet's ingredients are, the more it will appeal to a wide range of birds. Buying varied suet will also give birds a bigger dietary benefit than plain suet. There are many forms of suet – cakes, balls, or logs.

Make sure to put suet feeders at a height of five feet from the ground. Position it close to a tree trunk. This is because a lot of birds that like suet are cling feeders, meaning that they hang to tree trunks in order to look for insects.

Things to Consider in Building an Outdoor Rabbit Hutch

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:34:00 +0000

If you’re going to adopt a pet rabbit, one of the first things that you should plan for is its outdoor rabbit hutch. Since bunnies are fond of the outdoors, it’s only right that you have an outdoor hutch aside from an indoor cage. It’s one pet item that you can turn into a DIY project. But keep these factors in mind when building this type of rabbit housing.

Legs

Unlike inside the house where you have control over what comes near your pet’s hutch, the same cannot be said outdoors. That’s why it’s a must that your pet is protected from foreign objects and one way to do that is to lift the hutch from the ground by putting legs at its bottom part. Be sure to wrap the legs with chicken wire or any other material that will prevent other animals from climbing into the hutch.

Design

Design is a crucial factor to consider when building a hutch since it contributes to the comfort level and safety of your pet. Your rabbit hutch plan design should not only be convenient for your bunny but also for you. See to it that the hutch design allows for easy cleaning.

Tray

Don’t forget about the tray when designing the outdoor rabbit hutch. It’s best to have a tray that can easily be slid in and out so that cleaning the cage and feeding your pet will be a cinch.

Base

Do you have big dogs in your house like a bulldog or German shepherd? If yes, then it’s imperative to build a rabbit hutch with a solid base. This will ensure strength for the hutch and safety for your pet.

Size

Of course, you can’t discount the importance of size. There should be ample space inside the housing for your pet to move freely around. It should not only be wide enough but also tall enough if your bunny stands up.

These are the factors that you must consider when building a rabbit hutch outdoors. It would be a great idea to check hutch design ideas online before starting with this project.

Save the World: End Whale Hunting

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:35:00 +0000

Humans have been hunting whales for more than 8,000 years. Traditionally, people hunted whales for subsistence and for the preservation of cultural practices. Inhabitants of the northernmost coasts of the Pacific Ocean relied on whale hunting as their main source of sustenance in the cold, harsh environment they lived in. Most of them used nets and spears to catch the whales that came close to shore.

With the passage of time, the commercial demand for whale products increased. People started hunting whales on a larger scale, using whaling ships and harpoons to catch these gentle giants. Whales are generally hunted for their:

Meat

Whale meat has been the major food source of many Inuit tribes. It has also been eaten as a delicacy in countries, such as Norway, Japan, and Iceland.

Oil

Before it was replaced with kerosene, whale oil has been used in lamps. However, some people still use the oil despite the availability of synthetic fuels. In addition, whale oil has also been utilized in cooking, especially in gelatine and margarine and as an ingredient in make-up.

Bone

Whale bones have been used for decoration and as a substitute for ivory. Some has also used it as building material.

Environmental Impact

To address the increasing negative effects of whale hunting and its impact on the environment, the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling established the International Whaling Commission in 1946.

The main goal of the IWC is to protect the whale population and to make sure that the development of the whale industry is in accordance with the organization’s guidelines. The IWC is also tasked to examine and make the necessary adjustments to the standards that govern whale hunting around the world.

Why do whales need protection? Aside from hunting threats, whales already contend with other dangers such as ship collision, entrapment in nets intended for other fish, noise and environment pollution, and global warming. Because whales mature slowly, killing them will affect not only this generation but also those to come.

Whales may be bigger than humans but it’s mankind that they need most protection from. Let us do our best to defend and respect these creatures for they have as much right to live in this world as we do.

A Pupa in my Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:37:00 +0000

I woke up early yesterday to clean our garden and remove the grasses that have grown there. As I was about to finish my task, I saw a pupa. It is almost an inch in length and it is very funny because whenever I touch it, it starts to move.

I wonder what type of insect is inside that pupa. I am thinking of keeping it to see what will it become, but I realized that it will be best if I leave it to a place where I found it. So I leave it near my plants and hoping that it will hatch and become a wonderful insect.

A Bug Visitor

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:36:00 +0000

I found a beetle in our curtain last night. It is small and black in color. Upon researching, I found out that it is a Darkling Beetle. This type of beetle are mostly seen in warm climate and they only feed on dry decomposing vegetables or animal tissues, which means that it is not dangerous.

I just took several pictures and then leave it so it can continue with it's rest.