Around here, we believe Halloween is one of the best times of the year—because of all the adorable dogs dressed in costumes, of course! We dug through Chewy’s Halloween collection to scare up the best dog Halloween costumes this spooky season. From tried-and-true customer favorites to new finds that are seriously spooktacular, there’s a dog costume idea for every ghoulishly good boy and girl.
If you’ve ever taken a walk with your dog in the woods or through a field, only to have your best friend scratching up a storm for the next several days, you might have experienced a chigger attack. These tiny, red pests are so small that you might not even notice them on your dog but, once they become a source of itchy discomfort, they’re difficult to ignore. Find out what chiggers are, and how to treat them, below. What Are Chiggers? The scientific name for chiggers is Trombiculamites, but they’re also known as red bugs, harvest mites, itch mites and scrub mites. The tiny pests are commonly found in the woods and areas with tall grasses, particularly in the southeastern part of the United States. Chiggers in their larval stage feed on a variety of animals, birds and reptiles. Their bites cause intense itching, which can be miserable for dogs that venture into a chigger’s natural habitat. To make matters worse, the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) notes that emerging chigger larvae tend to congregate in one area, which means an unsuspecting host is likely to be exposed to a whole swarm of chiggers at one time. “They’re so tiny you can just barely see them,” said Dr. Susan E. Little, chair of Veterinary Pathobiology at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. And for pet parents that lead an active lifestyle with their pets, a single infestation of chiggers can be enough to keep you indoors, Little said. Probably the biggest misconception about chiggers is that they burrow into the skin and feed on blood. However, chiggers actually feed on skin cells and don’t penetrate the skin, Little said. When the larval chigger attaches to its host, its salivary secretions harden to form a tube, known as a stylostome, which the chigger uses to suck up liquefied skin tissue from the host, according to the AAVP. Feeding can last several days. When the chigger finishes, it detaches and proceeds to the next stage of its lifecycle, the prenymphal stage. Meanwhile, the feeding tube stays attached to the host and is what causes the lingering itchiness. Chigger bites are most common during the summer and fall months and the main symptoms are severe itching. Scratching the bites can lead to a secondary infection, but chiggers do not carry disease, according to the AAVP. Treating Chigger Bites A dog’s body is fairly well protected from chigger bites because of its fur, Little said, but chiggers can attach to a dog’s head, particularly the skin in and around a dog’s ears and eyes. “The sooner you get them off the better,” Little said. To remove chiggers from these sensitive areas, Little recommends wiping the area with a soft cloth or vet-recommended skin wipe. A warm bath can also help. In cases of severe infestation, a vet may prescribe prednisone to ease skin inflammation from scratching, Little said. Additionally, systemic pet treatments containing acaricides (any medication used for killing ticks and mites, like Frontline, Revolution and Seresto) kill chiggers as well as ticks and can help repel the pests.
Fleas are the most common external parasite found on dogs and cats. These pests can be found in most parts of the country, and even the most pampered pets sometimes find themselves with unwelcome hitchhikers. While a flea and tick medication recommended by your vet can help keep your pet pest-free, a trip to the pet salon can be an important step in solving a flea problem. “We are part of a team, along with the pet [parent] and their veterinarian,” says Cheryl R. Workman, ISSC-certified Master Pet Stylist and owner of The Grooming Gallery in Mooresville, Indiana.
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Halloween pet costumes are a fun and adorable way to celebrate the holiday. However, these costumes can come with some risks, so read on to find out how to prevent any health issues or injuries while your pet is out trick or treating or celebrating at home. Proper Fit of Costume A very common problem with pet costumes is that they are often sold as “one size fits most,” and they only come as small, medium, and large breed options. A teacup poodle is certainly just as much a small breed as a Lhasa apso, but the body proportions and sizes are very different, and a small-breed costume is most likely not going to fit both dogs safely. Be sure to measure your pet and compare it to the measurements of the costume before settling on a final outfit. If a costume is too big, it might trip your pet, leading to an injury. If it is too small, it could squeeze your pet, limit her ability to breathe normally, cause rub sores, and generally be uncomfortable. Once the costume is on, be sure to closely watch the body language of your animal. If it acts uncomfortable or frightened, take the costume off and consider a stylish alternative like a spooky bandana, appropriate bow tie, or something else to show off the season without adding stress to your pet. Ensure Full Mobility Not only should the costume fit well and be comfortable, but it should also allow your pet to perform all its normal motions. It needs to be able to see, hear, bark, walk, run, and move about just as always. If the costume includes a mask or shoes, these are best used for short-term “photo ops” and not for general wear. One way to make certain your pet can get around comfortably for the big night is to do a test run with the costume a few weeks beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to either adjust the costume, look for another one, or change to something less restrictive. If you aren’t sure, do several trials with your adjustments leading up to Halloween. Ensure Vision Isn’t Limited Any costume that covers the face may block the vision or hearing of your pet. Watch carefully to be sure that the costume doesn’t droop over the eyes, making it hard for your pet to see where it is going. This could lead to a fall and a potential injury, especially if your dog will be trick or treating in an unfamiliar place. Additionally, pets are more likely to be frightened or stressed if they don’t feel like they have all their senses, especially at night. Remember that there may be other people or dogs in costume, which might be a scary experience for your pet! When in doubt, leave off any obstructing portions of the costume. Possible Allergic Reactions Although not common, animals can have allergic reactions to fabrics and detergents, just like people. Another reason a trial run can be helpful with your pet is to identify any itching, rashes, or respiratory problems the costume might cause. If you notice any changes that are concerning, remove the costume right away, and bathe your pet in a gentle shampoo like Dawn dish soap. If problematic signs persist, call your veterinarian. Ensure No Hazardous Choking Items Most costume manufacturers design the costume with the pet parents in mind and not necessarily the safety of the animal. Many costumes have accessories that are loose or can easily be chewed, and these can be swallowed and cause a choking hazard or a gastrointestinal blockage. Check the costume carefully before ever trying it on your pet and look for any dangling or loosely attached items that could be pulled off or chewed on. Smaller items such as hats or shoes might even be eaten whole. If possible, remove any pieces that could present a danger to your pet, adjust the costume to be worn safely, or decide on a different outfit that is safe for your animal. Monitor Pet in Costume Costumes should be considered a “supervised only” toy. No animal should ever be left alone while in costume because even with a relatively safe outfit, there is always an increased risk of injury. Always leave a responsible adult in charge of the leash so that the pet is appropriately supervised. If there are other animals around, keep in mind that pets use body language as a form of communication, and there will be a change in the signals given off by any pets in costume. This could lead to a conflict, even between dogs that were previously friendly. Always have your pet on a leash when multiple dogs are around and in costume for safety’s sake. Recognize Signs of Stress Just like not all people enjoy getting dressed up to go out, not all pets enjoy getting dressed up either. Most cats will offer their opinions of a costume freely. Dogs might be a little more “go along to get along,” but if your dog has folded down ears or eyes looking sideways or rolling back, or it starts slinking around with a tucked tail or hunched spine, the pet probably isn’t having as much fun with the costume as you are. This isn’t a time for tough love, and if it’s clear your pet doesn’t like the costume or is not comfortable in it, take the hint and remove the outfit. Ensure ID Tags are Visible Since Halloween is all about spooky, your pet might see something that startles it, causing it to run away. Should this happen, it is most likely that your pet will be returned to you quickly if its wearing a collar with clearly visible ID tags and a microchip with current contact information. Also keep in mind that many states require that your dog display a rabies tag on its collar at all times, which is additionally wise if your dog will be meeting new people and animals. Getting dressed up for Halloween can be fun for humans and animals alike. However, it is very important to make sure that the costume you choose for your pet is safe, comfortable, and well tolerated before the festivities. With some preparation and attention to detail, both you and your pet can dress your best for Halloween!
All pets require care, but carpet pythons need more attention than others and aren’t good beginner pets. Average adult carpet pythons are about 10 feet long. Carpet pythons can live up to 30 years, with proper care. ,Carpet pythons can be great pets for experienced snake enthusiasts. While carpet pythons are non-venomous, they’re still known to nip at times when handled, so familiarity with holding snakes is key. If you’re considering getting a carpet python or recently brought one home, make sure you know exactly what these pets need.
Reviewed and updated for accuracy on June 27, 2018 by Katie Grzyb, DVM An indoor cat generally has a simpler life than its free-range feline counterpart. It’s no secret that the mean streets—or even fields—hold many dangers for an outdoor cat on its own. An indoor cat doesn’t face the increasing number of cars, toxins, parasites and instances of animal cruelty that a roaming outdoor cat does. That’s why feline experts usually urge owners to keep their cats indoors. But that’s not always easy. “There are some cats that have lived outside. When they’re forced to stay indoors, they may start to eliminate outside the box due to anxiety, become irritable or overgroom themselves,” says Dr. Laura Emge Mosoriak, DVM, owner of Kingstowne Cat Clinic, Alexandria, Virginia. “I don’t advocate cats going outside, but sometimes you have to make a choice—allow [him] outside supervised for a while to get the mental stimulation they crave, knowing and owning the dangers—or keep them inside and try your best to keep them stimulated enough to be content indoors.” The Perks of Being an Indoor Cat The more comfortable life of an indoor cat significantly increases his lifespan. An indoor cat may live 15-17 years, while the life expectancy for outdoor cats is only 2-5 years, according to researchers at University of California-Davis. Dr. Jeff Levy, DVM, CVA, owner of House Call Vet NYC, also discourages owners from keeping cats outdoors. He adds that the extreme climates of the outdoors can be very hard on a cat. If you do plan on taking your cat outside, it is best to do so in a controlled environment or with precautions put in place to ensure they cannot escape or run away. “Cats may have nine lives, but they aren’t indestructible,” says Dr. Levy. “Certain pet owners in New York walk their cats on leashes [with a cat harness, not a collar]. They train them to do that and can make sure they stay safe. That takes training, but it’s important. And the cats seem to enjoy it.” Should Indoor Cats Have Outdoor Time? One reason cats generally enjoy the outdoors is that it takes them back to their natural roots. “It’s important for owners to remember that cats are nocturnal, and in the wild, they’d be hunting all night and sleeping all day. Sometimes an indoor cat gets bored and may get anxious being cooped up inside all of the time if it isn’t given enough stimulation,” says Dr. Mosoriak. “Keeping your indoor cat stimulated is important to [his] mental health. Outdoor cats get that natural stimulation they need.” Of course, an indoor cat (or a restrained outdoor cat) will not be doing much hunting, but you can simulate that activity with a variety of cat toys, like the Pet Fit For Life feather wand cat toy or the Cat Dancer wand cat toy. Providing indoor cats with cat scratchers and cat trees is also a great idea. Adding levels with cat trees or a cat window perch gives cats a higher point to view their territory and their own place to explore, climb, knead and take cat naps on. Although Christine Capaldo, DVM, The PETA Foundation, Norfolk, Virginia, noted that “PETA’s position is unequivocal: All cats should be indoor cats,” she agreed that supervised outdoor activity can be healthy if done the correct way. “Like dogs, cats should be allowed outdoors for walks on leashes that are attached to harnesses, not to collars,” she said. “Let the cat get used to the harness for short periods indoors, and then pick a safe outdoor area to explore.” For pet parents who do want to provide their indoor cats with some outdoor time, there are harnesses specifically made for cats, like the Red Dingo cat harness and leash. They are designed to fit cats and prevent them from wriggling loose, but they do require training to get your cat comfortable and willing to walk. Talk With Your Veterinarian Before Letting Indoor Cats Have Outdoor Time “If a cat spends any amount of time outdoors, no matter how limited or infrequent, the cat owner should mention it to their veterinarian so they can adequately discuss health risks to ensure the cat is properly protected from diseases, parasites and more,” says Nora Grant, DVM, veterinary services manager, Ceva Animal Health, Red Oaks, Texas. “I encourage cat owners to be as frank as possible about how the pet spends its time. By asking these questions, a veterinarian simply wants to understand what a cat may encounter to ensure the cat’s health and well-being.” That’s true whether you allow your cat to roam free, walk on a leash or even use a catio. Dr. Mosoriak and Dr. Levy have a host of favorite products that take care of fleas on cats and other parasites. Favorites for flea and tick prevention include Advantage Multi flea treatment, Revolution (also protects against heartworm and ear mites) and Seresto flea and tick collars for cats.
Like fin rot, fungus usually occurs when aquarium fish have been damaged or stressed by poor environmental conditions.
Once fish eggs have hatched, you’ve only just begun the journey to breeding fish and raising their young. Keeping fry alive is far more difficult than getting their parents to breed, and after a successful mating this can be tedious and difficult. For one thing, while most cichlid fish and livebearer fry are large enough to eat commercially prepared fish food at hatching time, most other fish, including rainbowfish, gouramies, gobies and tetras, require a smaller food source. In fact, the fry of these fish would barely be large enough to be a food source for cichlids and livebearers. Also, many young fish will only eat food that is moving. You have a short period in which to adapt a young fish to nonmoving food before the fish will die. If you can keep it alive through this period, however, you typically can convert a fish to flake and other commercial foods when it gets older. The following overview of many of the foods used by aquarists to feed their fry will help you keep your fry alive. Each of these foods provides enough nutrients that it could be used alone, but you should use several different foods when feeding your fry to help satiate their different appetites.
Contributed by Jenna Donleavy, traveler and pet parent of three rescue dogs: Knox, Bear & Harper
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