The Ragamuffin, a variant of the Ragdoll, is a large cat breed with big eyes and an affectionate nature. As the name suggests, the cat may go limp like a “rag” in your arms. It’s not that the breed is lazy, though. It just has a calm, laid back disposition.
Abnormal swimming patterns are usually the first distinct signs that there is something wrong with your fish. You may notice that your betta seems drunk, swims in circles, or drifts with the current. There are also those that may sink to the bottom and are unable to raise itself, or may be incapable of swimming toward the bottom. A sick betta may also float and stay at the water’s surface. A fish suffering from severe health problems may swim upside down with its abdomen facing toward the water surface. Erratic swimming behavior may be caused by several factors. These include: Parasites affecting the skin and gills – ich, gill and skin flukes, fish lice, and anchor worms Infection of the swim bladder Nervous system disorders –fish often exhibit circling and whirling patterns Neurological damage – bacteria or parasites may infiltrate the brain and surrounding tissues, causing damage Blindness or poor vision – associated with cataracts or corneal damage, which may be hereditary or a result of nutritional deficiency. Excess gas in the water or fluid retention may cause exophthalmia (pop-eye). Parasites such as tapeworms or flukes may migrate into the eye Hypoxia – associated with oxygen-poor water, anemia, or gill disease Nutrition – lack of fiber or other specific nutrients in the diet may result in poor motility of the intestines, thereby resulting in the accumulation of air in the intestines, causing the fish to float abnormally at the surface. Poor water quality – the accumulation of waste by-products in the aquarium water may irritate your fish, and may respond by darting about uncomfortably.,Getting to know the natural behaviors of your betta (Betta splendens) is always a good idea, since it will be easier for you to identify any potential problems at an early stage. Treating specific health problems before they become full-blown is much easier than trying to treat fish suffering from advanced stages of ill health. Water testing should be undertaken first to rule out any abnormality associated with water parameters, including ammonia, nitrate, and pH. Here are some common symptoms that aquarists should look out for to ensure that whatever problems their betta fish may be experiencing will be addressed the soonest possible time.
If your pet has been experiencing some less-than-desirable symptoms, a special diet may be just what he needs. Things like regular stomach upset, rashes and even ear inflammation can signal an allergy or intolerance to some common cat and dog food ingredients. If you’re not sure if your pet could benefit from a special diet, here are three common reasons why you should alter the food you feed your furry friend.
What does it mean when your cat approaches you and rubs their face from nose to ear on your leg, arm or face? It means they like you and are happy to see you! Cats have scent glands in their faces. When they rub against you, it is an act of greeting and co-mingling scents with you. If you think about it, it is a bit like the European greeting of kissing three times, alternating cheeks each time.,Cats are very unique creatures. Their odd body language and strange habits are part of why we love them so much. But what do those weird cat behaviors actually mean? Since domestication has been a relatively recent development for cats, some things cats once did to survive may have no adaptive value now that they are adored members of the modern-day household. But there is or was a pay-off for them somewhere along the line, or else they wouldn’t bother to do them. The key is to figure out what motivates the traits we find odd in our cats. Here is a list of 15 weird cat behaviors and what they actually mean.
Eating out of the same bowl night after night can get pretty mundane, so why not give your cat a dose of stimulation by occasionally changing up the way that you feed her?
You might think it’s gross, but if your bird regurgitates for you, it’s actually a huge compliment! Regurgitation is that gross thing birds do where they throw up all over you — or at least that’s how it’s been described by some. Regurgitation is actually a pet bird bringing up partially digested food from its crop. It is then either swallowed or the pet bird attempts to push the regurgitated food matter from its beak into another bird’s beak, your mouth/skin or onto a favorite toy. Birds (parrots and otherwise) experience regurgitation when they are babies and in breeding pairs as adults. Usually, while the female bird is still sitting on her eggs, the male bird eats for both of them and then regurgitates it to feed the female bird. The same thing happens once the baby birds hatch. Baby birds are completely dependent on their bird parents, which regurgitate small amounts of food that they then feed to the babies. Regurgitation is also used as an act during courting, as if the bird were saying, “Look how well I can provide for you and our future family. With pet birds, regurgitation is usually reserved for favorite people, toys or other birds. Regurgitation is usually an effortless process. The bird might bob its head a little bit, but there’s not a lot of straining involved in regurgitation. Birds also usually regurgitate with a purpose, meaning they’re not flinging it around everywhere. If you notice your bird straining, shaking its head from side to side, or flinging her regurgitated, partially digested food matter, this may be actual vomiting and not regurgitation. In that case, call your avian veterinarian.
Obviously nobody wants to turn his or her bird into a sleep-deprived or cabin-fever suffering basket case. Fortunately, there are steps you can take modify the dark and light cycles for your pet birds to keep them healthy and happy. Avian veterinarians and bird behaviorists generally make the following recommendations:
A kiss from your Chihuahua is a great way to wake up, but add a hot cup of coffee and your morning gets even better. Sipping from Dimension 9’s Dog Breed coffee mug will start your day off on the right paw. The durable ceramic coffee mug features a charming Chihuahua image on the front and black paw prints on the top, inner rim. Charming and functional, it holds up to 8 ounces of liquid and is microwave and dishwasher safe. Chihuahua parents can either bring the mug to work to show off their unbounding love for their canine companions or simply sip and savor from the comfort of home.,If you know anyone who lives with a lively, friendly, devoted and entertaining Chihuahua, Chihuahua gifts are a must. While it is easy to pinpoint a perfect gift for this breed (ahem, a chew toy), finding Chihuahua gifts for dog lovers and Chihuahua parents sometimes can feel like a challenge. However, as long as the item is Chihuahua-centric, the gift recipient should be nothing short of ecstatic. With a spunky pup by their side, Chihuahua pet parents also need decorative items that show off their bold side—and Chihuahua pride! Check out these eight Chihuahua gifts for dog lovers.
This time of year I am craving traditional recipes. Eggnog is one of those. I know you either love it or hate it. I just love it and there is no reason this Christmas classic should be for the two-legged only. Pet parents still debate whether or not a dog should eat raw eggs. Some vets encourage it, while others warn against it. ‘Tis not the season to argue—so I came up with an eggless eggnog that is incredibly delicious. The recipe contains 458 calories.
Summertime means vacation—and you don’t want to go anywhere without your sweet fur baby. Packing him into a carrier isn’t always easy, but for his own safety and comfort, your cat or small dog needs the protection of a quality dog kennel. “A good pet carrier should be both lightweight and easy to carry, but also allow enough room for your dog or cat to stand up and turn around,” explains Stephanie Liff, DVM, medical director at Pure Paws Veterinary Clinic in New York City. Before you book your next trip, check out this guide to selecting a dog or cat carrier, as well as which one works best for travel by car, rail and in the air. There’s a bit of homework involved, too. “It’s never a good situation when your pet isn’t allowed on board because of a stipulation you should have known about ahead of time,” warns Liff. Bottom line: read up on those regulations! Here’s what you need to know for the best vacation this season.
What Is a Horse Whisperer? Your Guide to Natural Horsemanship
The 5 Best Winter Dog Sports and Activities to Try With Your Pup
Save up to $199 on dry food!
