Aquarium Fish Injuries
Damaged fins are common when aquarium fish have been fighting, but there are many other situations where fish can be injured.

Damaged fins are common when aquarium fish have been fighting, but there are many other situations where fish can be injured.

Kittens have a well-deserved reputation of being curious, fluffy balls of energy, but after bringing home a new cuddly kitty, you may find yourself alarmed to learn how much a kitten actually sleeps. Cats of all ages are known to enjoy catching their ZZZs, but young felines log more catnaps than grown cats, snoozing up to 20 hours a day or more.

Our feline best friends often keep out of sight—you may even find them in hiding spots, perfectly content all by themselves. But does this mean they don’t get lonely? “Absolutely, cats can get lonely, despite the common myth that they’re purely solitary animals,” says Cristy Brusoe, a certified cat behaviorist in Tampa, Florida. “While they may not crave social interaction in the same way dogs do, most cats form strong bonds with their humans and even other pets.” The notion of cats as purely solitary creatures “is a misconception rooted in their independent hunting instincts,” adds Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, a veterinarian at We Love Doodles. Unlike dogs, cats don’t rely on packs, but they do form deep social bonds with humans and other animals. Just like humans, many cats enjoy alone time—especially during the day when they’re sleeping, bird-watching, or chasing dust particles in a sunbeam. But if a cat lacks stimulation or is left alone for too long, loneliness can creep in.

They are the unsung heroes of war. Whether called war dogs or military working dogs, canines have become an indispensable part of modern warfare. Praised for their detection capabilities, these dogs have saved untold number of lives in the Middle East and Afghanistan sniffing out bombs and weapons caches. When not on the job during deployment, military working dogs also provide relief and happiness to the troops with whom they work. “When I was with my dog, I could tell her the same stories over and over and she’d act like it was the first time she heard it,” Technical Sergeant Patrick Meade says about Liska, the dog he deployed with to combat. There also were times Liska provided levity that made war a bit more bearable. Meade recalls one time in particular: He and Liska were on a helicopter with about 60 troops, and Liska was happily running back and forth receiving pats from the servicemen. In fact, she was so happy that she didn’t want to leave when Meade disembarked. “She wouldn’t come,” Meade says with a laugh. “It was like she was saying ‘there are 60 people to pet me.’” Curious about these courageous canines? Here’s what you need to know.

Algae growth is an intruder for many aquarists. It can be slimy, hairlike and can turn water green like pea soup. Whatever form it takes, algae can undermine the pleasure of the aquarium hobby. Only a few hobbyists have not needed to battle algae at least once in the course of their aquarium keeping. So, we hobbyists are always on the lookout for a safe, natural way to control algae, which leads us to various fish and invertebrates that eat algae. There is no safer or more satisfying way to be rid of algae than to use it to fatten up an interesting critter. I’m going to introduce you to some of the best algae-eaters and also warn you away from those that are a waste of time.

Every Pug parent knows that a home is not complete without their dark-eyed, sweet-faced Pug, so gift them with a sign that says it all. The “It’s Not a Home Without a Pug” sign is a perfect gift for any Pug lover you know. Designed and manufactured in Virginia, the wooden sign measures 10 inches by 5 inches and features a beautiful picture of a Pug, a message in black font that reads “It’s Not a Home Without a Pug” and some small, red paw prints. The attached rope makes it easy to hang in any room.,Pug parents love anything that reminds them of their pint-sized puppers, so what’s better than giving them Pug-inspired dog gifts as a way of saying, “I love you as much as you love your dog.” Pugs are known for their big personalities, idiosyncrasies and heart. There is no quelling the love that Pug parents feel for their fur babies, so take a look at these fun Pug gifts for dog lovers to help them let their “Pug flag fly.”

Why Do Some Vets Offer Non-Anesthetic Teeth Cleaning? With the benefits of dental care performed under anesthesia being so obvious, why do some vets even offer non-anesthetic teeth cleanings? Their thought is most likely that a little dental care is better than nothing for those pets whose parents won’t agree to anesthesia, but that doesn’t make it a good option for you and your pets. The best way to limit the number of teeth cleanings a pet will need over the course of their life is to brush their teeth daily. Talk to your veterinarian about types of home pet dental care that will keep your pets happy and healthy. Featured Image: Adobe/worlock1,WRITTEN BYJennifer Coates, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary…,Dogs and cats need routine dental care just like humans. Without it, plaque and tartar build up on a pet’s teeth, which eventually can lead to painful gingivitis, periodontal disease, infections, tooth loss, and even problems in the rest of the body (heart disease, for example). Even with good home dental care, pets will eventually need a professional dental cleaning. This really shouldn’t be too surprising—this is what is required with our own teeth, after all. But there is one big difference between how our teeth and our pet’s teeth should be cleaned: Pets need to be put under anesthesia for the cleaning to be safe and effective.

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When you and your beloved dog are faced with pet emergency, the first thing on your mind is determining how to keep them safe. Learning how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on your pet can literally save your dog’s life in some scenarios, so it’s important to understand the steps for each. Whether you’re here to learn “just in case” or you’re currently facing an emergency situation, our straightforward guide, created in conjunction with veterinarians, can help. Consider bookmarking this page for easy access in the future.