Dropsy (also known as edema) isn’t a disease but a symptom, with no single pathogen or poison responsible for every case. It’s easily confused with a variety of other things, so careful diagnosis is essential before treatment can begin.
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.
When sweater weather arrives, nothing hits quite like cozy, fall recipes to warm your body and soul. But while you’re in the kitchen cooking up something tasty and toasty for yourself, you may just feel your pet watching your every move in the hopes of getting a little lick. The good news (and there’s only good news in this case!) is that fall means plenty of yummy seasonal fruits and veggies that are veterinarian-approved for dogs and cats, from apples to sweet potatoes. So, this fall, treat your pet to their literal dream come true: a delicious, homemade fall meal they can call their own. From a savory stew and pumpkin spice “latte” to dog-safe game-day treats, here are our favorite pet-friendly fall recipes.
Diatomaceous earth (pronounced die-uh-tuh-MEY-shuhs, by the way) is actually made up of single-celled organisms called “diatoms.” The skeletons of these diatoms are made of a natural substance called silica, and over long periods of time, their skeletons accumulate and fossilize in the sediment of lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. The resulting sedimentary deposits are mined and used to create what we know as diatomaceous earth.,Jump to section What Is Diatomaceous Earth? Using Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas on Pets How Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Fleas? How Do I Use Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Fleas? Things to Know Before Using Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas
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.
Picture a behavior that you’d like to teach your dog, but have no idea how to go about it. Maybe it’s getting him to go to his bed or crate when you ask, or maybe it’s something cute, like ringing a dinner bell. If you are confused about where to begin, there’s a training technique called “shaping by successive approximations” that can help. There are many ways to teach your dog new tricks, and one of the most creative options is using dog shaping. It’s similar to the childhood game of “Hot and Cold”; you reward incremental parts of the behavior to tell your dog, “You’re getting warmer!” Much like the individual pages of a cartoon flip book come together to form a completed action, dog shaping helps both trainer and dog split complex actions into manageable pieces. Here’s an explanation of how it can help and how you can get started. How Does Shaping Help in Dog Training? Dog shaping is a great technique to teach a variety of behaviors, but it’s particularly helpful when you feel like you’re facing a training impasse with your dog. For example, many Dachshund pet parents have a tough time teaching “down” because their dogs are already so close to the ground. Both the dog and pet parent might become frustrated as the pet parent tries to use dog treats to lure the dog into position. The pet parent eventually gives up because the dog won’t assume the completed belly-on-the-ground position, and the dog gives up because he is not getting rewarded for his efforts. Shaping, on the other hand, keeps pups engaged because they’re getting feedback and reinforcements throughout the process until they’ve worked their way to the desired action. This dog training method is also helpful for dogs trying to overcome mild fears, like learning how to use a new dog door. Walking through a dog door flap is a strange sensation, and some dogs might resist going through, even when offered a treat on the other side of it. But shaping can help a dog to work up the courage to go through one baby step at a time. Instead of asking the dog to do the “impossible”—walking all the way through a scary plastic hole—shaping helps to build courage by acknowledging and rewarding incremental progress towards the dog door.
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Looking for an ultra-easy way to lean into the season that your pet will have zero reason to resist? We’ve got you. Simply swap your pet’s everyday collar or leash with a Halloween-themed one. There’s a seasonal design to suit every four-legged trick-or-treater, from classic pumpkin prints to trendy pop culture characters.,Of course you would LOVE to dress your favorite floof up in an elaborate Halloween costume. (Frighteningly-cute photo shoot alert!) But not every pet is cool with wearing a full-on Halloween getup, and if they don’t want to be a taco cat or Superdog, then so be it. No need to miss out on all the fun, though. Pet Halloween accessories, like collars, leashes and bandanas, are a simple way to ease your pet into the spooky spirit, and they make for some pretty howl-worthy pics, if we do say so.
Q: My cats often lick each other’s fur while they’re cuddling. It’s a cute behavior, but do all cats groom each other? Is this normal? A: Yes, it’s completely normal for cats to groom each other. It’s called allogrooming, and they often do it to show affection, grow their bond, and keep clean. We spoke with a certified cat behaviorist and a veterinarian to learn more about this feline behavior.
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