Whether you’re tucking it away for winter or storing it long-term, proper saddle care and storage help protect your saddle and keep it in top shape. With the right prep, you can prevent damage, maintain its quality, and ensure it’s ready to ride again when you are.
Animals have always formed a special bond with humans. This bond has been useful in training certain animals to assist people with physical and medical disabilities. These service dogs have historically been recognized for their loyalty to their owners, but more recently, emotional support animals have emerged as a new category of assistance animals. But what is the definition of an emotional support animal, and how do you get your pet certified as one? What Is an Emotional Support Animal? Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort and emotional support to humans with a diagnosed psychological disorder. Although these animals provide a therapeutic benefit to their owners, they are not required to go through any specific training. Emotional support animals are most commonly used to help people with disorders or mental illnesses such as: Anxiety Depression Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Autism Bipolar disorder Stress
In This Article Summary View 6 More +
Click to download and print our fall to-do list, and read on for more tips and tricks for these fun fall activities.,Jump to section Fun Fall Things to Do Fall Healthy Pet Checklist
Of course, you don’t have to do everything on our monthly calendar. (Life gets busy, we know!) If you have time for just a few special moments with your pet this month, add these adventures to your to-do list:,It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, some combination of the three, or simply love the magical feeling in the air as the year draws to a close, there’s no doubt that having your pet by your side makes it all that much more special. So, follow along with our printable December calendar of ways to fill this season with fun festivities. Oh, and don’t forget to send your pet’s letter to Chewy Claus!
We all want our cats to be happy and healthy—that’s a given. Providing them with a nutritious, high-quality cat food is one way to ensure just that. But with so many varieties of high-quality cat food on the market, knowing which one is the right choice for your fur baby can be confusing. What even is “high quality” cat food anyway? For starters, it has to meet the nutritional standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This is essential for any cat food, says Dr. Katy J. Nelson, DVM, Chewy’s resident veterinarian. An easy way to be sure of that is to look on the package for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement. High quality food also has high-quality ingredients with nutritional benefits, like: Protein: provides energy and is essential for growth, the transport of nutrients and oxygen delivery Amino acids: build and repair tissues, help maintain healthy skin and coat, support the immune system, and muscle activity, making glucose, as well as transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body Fatty acids: maintain healthy skin and coat, and are essential for joint health and a healthy immune system Vitamins and minerals: to ensure that the pet’s nutrient requirements are met Depending on the specific brand and ingredients, some may ease health problems (like weight control formulas for paunchy pets), while others—including high-protein diets for active cats—satisfy a particular nutritional need. To help you figure out the best option for your favorite feline, we’re breaking down the various categories and detailing what you need to know. As with any change in a pet’s diet, be sure to talk to your veterinarian before switching to a high-quality cat food.
Related Articles Why Do Dogs Roll in Poop? Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop? Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP Chagas Disease in Dogs (Kissing Bug Disease) Aja Senestraro, DVM Histoplasmosis in Dogs Matthew Everett Miller, DVM Why Dogs Pee When Excited or Scared Megan Keller, DVM How To Take Care […]
In This Article How Do Enrichment Toys Work for Dogs? View 4 More +
References Close,WRITTEN BYLauren Jones, VMD Veterinarian Dr. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, after receiving her bachelor’s degree…,Ferrets can be perfect pets for the right family. When choosing a new pet, their longevity and specific needs should factor heavily into the decision. Exotics and pocket pets also have more requirements than traditional pets to lead a happy, healthy, and long life. Pet parents can maximize their time with their furry family members by working with a veterinary team and thoroughly researching the species before bringing them home. With the proper care, ferrets can bring their families years of joy. Average Ferret Lifespan and Aging Ferrets were most likely domesticated from the European Polecat and used initially for rodent hunting. Domesticated ferrets are not the same species as the wild ferret species in the U.S,. the endangered Black Footed Ferret. Ferrets in captivity typically live 4–6 years, while their wild cousins may only live 1–3 years since they don’t have veterinary care, proper shelter, and regular balanced nutrition. Female ferrets may have 2–3 litters a year and are full size at 6–7 months. Young ferrets are called kits and are considered full-grown at a year old. Large companies or breeders breed ferrets in the U.S., and they are usually spayed or neutered at six weeks old. There is only one breed of ferret—the standard ferret. A subset of ferrets with a genetic mutation has long hair and are called the Angora ferret, but it is still the same species. Captive ferrets come in various colors, the most common being sable and albino. Other colors and pattern variations include: Black Black sable Champagne Chocolate Panda Dark-eyed white Roan Colorpoint Siamese Generally, the more uncommon or unique the color and pattern, the more likely a ferret is to have genetic issues that make them sick and affect their lifespan. Color variations that create white on the head (such as panda patterns) may cause deafness at birth, a condition known as congenital sensorineural deafness (CSD). There is limited scientific data on this disease, and ferret breeders often refer to it as the human equivalent, called Waardenburg Syndrome. Ferrets in captivity typically live 4–6 years, while their wild cousins may only live 1–3 years.
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!
