Jaundice in Cats: What It Is and How To Help Your Pet
In This Article What Is Jaundice in Cats? View 7 More +
What Do Leopard Geckos Eat?
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles—and for good reason. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and have great personalities. But even with their easygoing nature, you must meet their needs. Whether this is your first leopard gecko or you want to improve your gecko’s care, this guide will help you improve your scaly pal’s diet.
How Long Do Betta Fish Live?
The average lifespan for bettas is 5–7 years—but that lifespan can vary widely, depending on factors like: Wild vs. captive: Wild Betta splendens bear little resemblance to their captive-bred counterparts popular in the aquarium trade. Fish in the wild are subject to predators and other dangers they wouldn’t experience in a home fish tank, which may shorten their lifespan. Breeding: Decades of selective breeding have transformed the betta from a neutral-colored, short-finned species into a vast array of vibrantly colored varieties with fins of all sizes, shapes, and lengths—but issues of inbreeding may result in a shorter lifespan for some fish. Care and keeping: In the home aquarium, key factors that affect longevity include suitability of the environment, adequacy of the diet, and protection against disease. To a certain extent, the amount of time you have with your betta fish comes down to luck. When you purchase a betta, you may not get any information about the fish’s genetics or even their age. The betta you bring home could already be 6–12 months old.,Jump to section How Long Do Betta Fish Live? 7 Tips To Increase Your Betta’s Longevity
How To Find the Right Vet Near You
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The 5 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Cat Parents Swear By
Pet parenting can be a dirty job. One of the most dreaded chores? Litter box duty. No matter how tidy your cat or how clumpy your litter, no one looks forward to scooping. But it has to be done—and regularly. In fact, some finicky felines will even boycott boxes that aren’t up to their standards. That’s why we love self-cleaning litter boxes. By automatically scooping messes in a waste drawer after “business” wraps up, an automatic cat litter box reduces odors, eliminates the need for daily cleaning, and keeps everyone (humans and cats alike) happy. All you have to do is empty the waste drawer. There are a number of robotic litter boxes on the market these days, with varying high-tech features and amenities. These are the best self-cleaning litter boxes, based on Chewy customer reviews, customer ratings, sales and expert input.
What To Do When You See Red In Your Rabbit’s Urine
The medical term for the presence of blood in the urine is hematuria. It is a condition that is seen fairly often in pet rabbits and can be due to a number of medical disorders. These problems may involve the urinary system directly or, in the case of unspayed female rabbits, may be the result of a diseased reproductive tract. In order to understand the implications of hematuria, it is helpful to have some knowledge about the anatomy of the urinary system of rabbits and how it functions.
Do Dogs Need Sweaters and Coats in the Winter?
Dogs who have trouble generating and maintaining body heat on their own may need sweaters or coats during cold weather. “Dog clothes in wintertime are recommended in small toy breed dogs or dogs with short hair coats (either naturally or due to grooming),” says Dr. Barrack. Smaller dogs typically have less body fat and are closer to the cold ground, often necessitating a jacket for warmth. Similarly, even larger dogs with thin body types, like Greyhounds, may require clothing during cold weather. “Other dogs [who] may need sweaters are older dogs with compromised immune systems or dogs with endocrine issues that result in thinned coats,” says Dr. Barrack. Conditions such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism impact hair growth; a jacket helps trap body heat and will prevent your elderly or sick dog from getting cold. Some dogs, however, don’t need a jacket—their natural fur coats function like one! “Large breed dogs with thick coats, like Bernese Mountain, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland and Siberian Huskies, among others, do not require extra insulation from a coat or a sweater in the winter,” says Dr. Barrack. These breeds of dogs have evolved to have thick insular coats to keep them warm in colder climates, so putting a jacket on them could cause them to overheat and hinder their natural body temperature control mechanisms.,During dog walks during the frigid winter months, you may wonder, “Do dogs need coats or sweaters?” The answer: Dog clothes—while absolutely adorable—are not just for fashion-forward pups. Dressing your dog in a cozy sweater or dog hoodie is a great way to help them stay warm. “When the temperature drops, some dogs may benefit from dog sweaters or dog jackets to keep warm,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH of Animal Acupuncture in New York City. If you notice your pup shivering when you head out for your daily walks, then yes, your dog needs a coat or sweater. But before you go shopping for new pet apparel for your pet, here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Looking for a Teacup Dog or Puppy? Read This First
Other Potential Dangers for Tiny Teacup Dogs Tiny teacup dogs also face other dangers related to their size. Hypothermia The smaller the dog, the harder it is for them to stay warm. If teacup dogs aren’t protected from the cold, they can develop hypothermia and frostbite. Even when temperatures are relatively mild, teacup dogs may need to wear a sweater or coat when temps drop. Difficulty Dosing Medications Most common dog medications, including heartworm, flea, and tick preventives, are labeled for use in dogs that weigh 5 pounds or more. Teacup dogs often need to take compounded medications (which increases their expense) or use medications in an off-label manner. Complications With Anesthesia and Surgery Safely anesthetizing and performing surgery on teacup dogs can be done, but it’s not always easy. Everything from placing an IV catheter, to repairing a broken bone, to keeping the anesthetized dog warm is harder when they are this small. Fragility Teacup dogs are more likely to be seriously wounded if they experience a traumatic injury. Their bones are relatively fragile, so even normal activities, like jumping off a bed, can lead to fractures. Additionally, teacup dogs and especially teacup puppies seem to become sicker faster than bigger dogs. Stress alone is sometimes enough to send fragile dogs like these to the veterinary hospital.,Should You Adopt a Teacup Puppy? For all these reasons, purchasing a teacup puppy doesn’t make a lot of sense. Typically, a pet parent looking for a small dog can find a healthier and heartier option in a puppy that has been bred to meet the breed standard. If you’re absolutely set on having a small teacup dog, talk to a breeder of “regular-size” dogs who performs all the breed-specific tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. Smaller-than-normal pups are born from time to time, and reputable breeders are always looking for good homes for them—with the condition they are not bred as an adult. Featured Image: iStock/michellegibson,Small dogs can be a lot of fun. They make great companions and travel buddies, and are easy to exercise and clean up after. So, if small is good, wouldn’t smaller be even better? Not so fast. Despite their popularity, purchasing a “teacup” puppy supports unethical breeding practices and results in teacup dogs that can have some truly intense health problems.
9 Signs Your Pet Is Jealous (and How to Stop It)
By Nicole Pajer When you go to pet another animal, your pup may jump in between and push your hand away from the other dog. Or your cat may meow excessively because you’re not paying attention to them. But are these actually jealous behaviors? Suzanne Hetts, applied animal behaviorist and co-owner of Animal Behavior Associates in Littleton, Colorado, says the jury is out on whether a cat or dog feels the same type of jealous feelings that humans do.
What Is Liver Disease in Dogs? What Are the Signs?
The liver is a vital organ that keeps your dog’s body running smoothly. Some functions of the liver include: Helping with digestion Storing nutrients Detoxifying harmful substances Supporting the immune system Metabolizing medications Managing blood sugar levels In simple terms, liver disease is any condition that prevents the liver from functioning properly. It can be chronic (meaning the liver becomes damaged over a long period of time) or acute (meaning the disease comes on suddenly and requires more immediate care). While “liver disease” is a general term, there are several specific types, including: Chronic Hepatitis Long-term inflammation that leads to liver cell damage and scarring, hepatitis can be caused by infectious agents (such as viruses), toxins, certain medications, or autoimmune responses, according to Bethany Hsia, DVM, co-founder of CodaPet in Clovis, California. Acute Liver Failure Liver failure in dogs is sudden, severe liver damage, often caused by toxin exposure or infections. Cirrhosis Cirrhosis is progressive liver scarring that can develop when there has been undetected, long-term (months to years) inflammation of the liver from a variety of causes, including hepatitis. With cirrhosis, the liver is not functioning well—it’s a thick piece of leathery scar tissue instead of a spongy, soft tissue. As the liver becomes increasingly scarred and damaged, it can lead to complications like portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the vein that carries blood from the organs to your liver) and liver failure, Dr. Hsia adds. Wilson’s Disease (Copper Storage Disease) Copper storage disease in dogs is a genetic condition where copper accumulates in the liver, causing damage. Wilson’s disease is common in breeds like Bedlington Terriers and Dobermans. Liver Tumors Benign and malignant tumors can develop in a dog’s liver. They can develop from liver cells themselves (called hepatocellular carcinoma) or from metastasis from other body parts, explains Dr. Hsia. Portosystemic Shunts Most commonly, liver shunts in dogs are due to birth defects (congenital) in which blood bypasses the liver, limiting its ability to detoxify. It’s more common in puppies and small breeds, says Samuel Varon, DVM, owner of Broadway Veterinary Hospital in Sacramento, California. In some cases, liver shunts (acquired) can form in older dogs as a result of illness. ,Liver disease in dogs happens when the liver becomes inflamed or damaged and can no longer function normally. It’s more common than pet parents might think; and while it can be serious, it’s also often manageable with the right care. In many cases, early detection and treatment can slow the progression of the disease, ease your dog’s symptoms, and help your pup live a longer, healthier life. Here’s what to know about the disease, including signs, treatment, prevention, and more.
