Top 10 Most Popular Pets

A pet is an animal companion or friend and basically, an integral part of most households. Different people favor different animals, some are dog people, some are cat lovers, some like horses, to each his own. But which animals are most popular? Check out the round-up of the 10 most popular pets, of which certain members may shock you, while others are all-time favorites.


1. Dogs
Easily the most popular pet in the U.S.A. Singles, the elderly, families and children, in short whatever your living style, a canine seems to be the pet of choice. Loyal, loving and caring with a silly and playful side, dogs are man’s best friend. When you are down and in need of cheering up, they are always there for you, silent but understanding, head resting on your knee. Their antics like tail chasing and crawling on their bellies can make even the most jaded of people, smile and laugh. And who can resist a look from their big, brown eyes gazing soulfully at you, especially at the dinner table.Their need for walks and exercise keeps their owners fit as well. With young and older children, dogs make excellent playtime companions. Every young boy should have a dog trailing after him. Their tender nature makes most dogs extremely tolerant towards toddlers and small kids, typical behavior like tail and ear tugging.

2. Cats
Cats can be the most confusing and individualistic of all animals. One minute, they are all over you, meowing and begging for your touch, the next minute, tail in the air, they stride off. Some of their mannerisms are highly amusing like chasing string or sleeping on the TV. Another way that cats assert themselves is bringing something they killed outside, inside the house and displaying it with pride, right next to that expensive bowl of kitty food that you have bought.Such personal traits and manners make cats very popular household pets. Their independent nature makes them very low maintenance and unlike dogs, they aren’t so vocal about everything. They can alternately act all snobby or very friendly with guests and children. Cat lovers and owners will agree, that with the feline animal, life is just one whim at a time. Also, there’s no sound as loving as a cat’s deep purring and no feeling as soft as a cat’s thick fur.

3. Birds
From parrots and talking birds to colorful small species in a cage, birds of all species, sizes and colors make excellent pets. They may not be as physical in showing their love as dogs and cats but birds are highly intelligent and can grow attached to their owners. The best bird species to own are parrots.

4. Fish
Keeping fish in an aquarium or fish tank is another popular pet choice. Fish are not the most expressive or companionable of animals. You can’t stroke or pet fish or take them out of their tank and play with them, but their swimming around in a tank, the deep blue of the water, all this gives you a sort of pleasure as well as adds to your house’s ambiance. Cleaning and tank maintenance as well as feeding, are important tasks in taking care of fish. Exotic breeds like Chinese fighting fish or piranhas are prized. Even the simple goldfish is a thrilling aquatic pet to own.

5. Guinea Pigs and Hamsters
Now they may both look similar and are often confused as the same thing. But these hairy members of the rodent family are among the top 10 most popular pets for families, especially those with kids in the 3rd, 4rth and 5th grade. Guinea pigs or hamsters are kept in a cage, with a wheel and feeding apparatus. Such small-sized pets are ideal tools to teaching children, how to be responsible for something else.

6. Rabbits
These are easily the most popular pets for young girls and families with small children. Rabbits, all soft and furry with their sniffling noses may not do much but if you have a yard, you can let them out of their hutch for some time and watch them play. Getting a pair of rabbits is an invitation for rabbit babies as rabbits breed a lot and alarmingly fast too!
7. Ferrets
Ferrets are a slightly different or weird choice in pets due to their rather hyperactive nature and a tendency to nibble through anything. But ferret owners swear by their mischievous antics that would crack anyone up and their inquisitive nature, which makes them a pleasure to own. But care should be taken with such pets around young children as ferrets can bite or lunge.
8. Turtles and Tortoises
Slow and steady reptiles ranging in shape and size. Tortoises are land reptiles and will require a small pond and outdoor area fenced in to hold them. Turtles are primarily water-based, hence they require a full-sized aquarium or tank. These reptiles make great low maintenance pets, requiring just feed and clean living space and live for many years. They are an extremely popular pet choice among young boys. Even though they can’t do any tricks or show a lot of affection, turtles and tortoises can get attached to their owners.
9. Snakes
A snake as a pet is every mom’s nightmare. But snakes are also highly popular pets. What’s not to like about them? They are exceedingly low maintenance as they need to be fed once in a while, they keep to themselves and do not make any noise and they are ideal for scaring the life out of people. From boa constrictors and pythons to little green grass snakes, snakes of all sizes and colors make excellent companions and pets. Just make sure that the snake breed is of the non-poisonous variety, prior to touching someone’s pet snake or purchasing one.
10. Iguanas
OK having a medium-sized scaly lizard may not be your cup of tea but iguanas are definitely one of the top 10 most popular pets in America, especially with teenage boys and young men. They are the ultimate geeky exotic pet, with their all-seeing third eye and scaly skin and tail. They can even change their skin tone to blend into their surroundings and eat insects and small rodents. It’s like having a mini-dragon for a companion.From the above list of 10 most popular pets, it’s easy to note the varying sizes and shapes of pets that are well-known and treasured today. In fact, most of the animals aren’t all cute and cuddly but rather are unique in their own way. Whatever your preference in a pet, there’s no denying their appeal and impact on your everyday life.

African Serval

Servals (Felinae serval) have the largest ears and longest legs in relation to the size of their body of any cat. Their fur is yellow, gold to reddish with black spots that often merge to form stripes on the neck and back. Their ears have horizontal stripes. The stomach is usually lighter color than the rest of the body. They have a long neck and a small head.


Servals live in well-watered grasslands of Africa. Their habitat overlaps with the caracal who usually preys on larger animals. The serval cat mainly eats hares, ground squirrels, hyraxes, and mole rats, but will also prey on frogs, snakes, lizards, insects, fish, and birds. They listen for their rodent prey. Once they have a position fixed on the animal, they leap with all four feet off the ground and pounce on the prey. Their success rate of pounces is 50%. Most other cats’ success rate is only 10%.


In length, serval cats are about 2 to 3 ¼ feet. Their tails are ¾ to 1 ½ feet long. At the shoulder they stand 1 1/3 to 2 feet tall. Weight ranges from 17.5 to 40 pounds.


To call other servals, servals have a high-pitched cry. Like other cats, they snarl, growl and spit when angry. Contented servals purr.


1 to 3 kittens are born per litter, although sometimes as many as 5 are born. They weigh about 9 ounces each. Kittens are born with their eyes closed, but they open in 9 to 12 days. They reach independence at about 6-8 months, but will stay in their mother’s range until they reach sexual maturity at 18 to 24 months.


The main threats to servals are hyenas, leopards, dogs and man. Sometimes they are hunted for their pelts which are passed off as immature leopard pelts.



- Serval cats are diurnal or nocturnal depending on the habits of the prey where they live.


- The name serval is derived from a Portuguese word which means wolf-deer.


- The serval’s hind lets are longer than the front ones.


- A serval can leap in the air to catch birds.

Feeding Your Ferret

Ferrets have unique feeding requirements, which are now finally being addressed by commercial pet food manufacturers, though with varying success.


Ferrets are obligate carnivores, and food passes through the digestive system of a ferret very quickly. They also lack the ability to derive nutrition from plant matter. For this reason, a ferret diet must be high in animal protein, high in fat, and low in fiber. All foods, including foods intended solely for ferrets, are not created equally, so be careful what you are feeding your ferret.


Have Food Available at all Times 
Ferrets have a quick metabolism along with a short digestive system, so need to eat frequently (usually every 3-4 hours). It is best to have food available constantly. Most ferrets will eat only enough to meet their needs, and will not become obese if allowed constant access to good quality food. Fresh, clean water is also a necessity at all times. If you are having a problem with your ferret gaining too much weight, check with a vet to rule out a medical problem and for advice on meeting their diet needs while maintaining a good weight. Increased exercise is usually the best way to approach obesity once health problems are ruled out, rather than diet restrictions.


Dry foods are the most convenient choice, as they can be left available at all times without concern of spoilage. Canned ferret food can be given as a treat or supplement, but only occasionally.



Basic Requirements for a Ferret Diet:
High in protein - 30-40 percent on the label nutrition analysis
Protein must be high quality, highly digestible, and be animal-based (not plant-based)
High in fat (at least 20 percent, perhaps up to 30 percent on the label analysis)
Very low in carbohydrates and fiber (less than 3 percent fiber)

Basic Facts About Penguins

Penguins are aquatic, flightless birds that are highly adapted to life in the water. Their distinct tuxedo-like appearance is called countershading, a form of camouflage that helps keep them safe in the water. Penguins do have wing-bones, though they are flipper-like and extremely suited to swimming. Penguins are found almost exclusively in the southern hemisphere, where they catch their food underwater and raise their young on land.
Diet

 Krill, fish and squid.
In general, penguins closer to the equator eat more fish and penguins closer to Antarctica eat more squid and krill.
Population 

The penguin species with the highest population is the Macaroni penguin with 11,654,000 pairs. The species with the lowest population is the endangered Galapagos penguin with between 6,000-15,000 individuals.
Range
Penguins can be found on every continent in the Southern Hemisphere from the tropical Galapagos Islands (the Galapagos penguin) located near South America to Antarctica (the emperor penguin).
Behavior 

Penguins can spend up to 75% of their lives in the water. They do all of their hunting in the water. Their prey can be found within 60 feet of the surface, so penguins have no need to swim in deep water. They catch prey in their beaks and swallow them whole as they swim. Some species only leave the water for molting and breeding.

Penguins are social birds. Many species feed, swim and nest in groups. During the breeding season, some species form large groups, or “rookeries”, that include thousands of penguins. Each penguin has a distinct call, allowing individuals to find their mate and their chicks even in large groups.

Reproduction

Mating Season: Varies depending on the species, though most breed during spring and summer.
Incubation: Varies from 1 month-66 days depending on the species.
Number of offspring: King and emperor penguins lay one egg. All other species of penguin lay two eggs.

Some Facts About Ferrets

- Live 6-8 years on average (sometimes up to 11 or 12)


- Females are called jills, and males are hobs. Baby ferrets are called kits. In North America, spayed females are sometimes called sprites and neutered males called gibs. A group of ferrets is a "business of ferrets."


- Males tend to be larger than females in length and weight. Females are 13-14 inches long and weigh anywhere from 0.75 to 2.5 lbs, whereas males are on average 15-16 inches long and weigh 2-3.5 lbs if neutered and are even larger (4 or more lbs) if not neutered.


- Most ferrets obtained in North America are spayed or neutered and descented at a very young age before being sold.


- Ferrets sleep a large part of the day, commonly around 18 hours. They naturally tend to be active at dawn and dusk, but usually adapt their sleeping and active times to the fit the schedules of their owners.

- Ferrets are very playful, and are very entertaining to watch.


- Ferrets have relatively poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell and hearing



- The name ferret is derived from the latin furonem, which means "thief." Ferret owners can attest that this is a well deserved name, as they will happily steal anything they can get their paws on and hide it in their house.


- Ferrets come from the same family ("Mustelidae") as badgers, wolverines, otters, mink, weasels, black footed ferrets and polecats.


- The distant ancestry of the domestic ferret is somewhat of a mystery, although they are very closely related to the European polecat.


- The scientific name for ferrets is a somewhat controversial area - Mustela putorius furo is traditionally used, although recent scientific evidence has suggested they should have a name of their own, Mustela furo.

Source

Clown Anemonefish

Anyone with kids and a DVD player probably thinks they know all there is to know about the clown anemonefish, or, simply, clownfish. What they may not know is that the heroes of Finding Nemo are actually called false anemonefish. True anemonefish, Amphiprion percula, are nearly identical, but have subtle differences in shape and live in different habitats. 


Bright orange with three distinctive white bars, clown anemonefish are among the most recognizable of all reef-dwellers. They reach about 4.3 inches (11 centimeters) in length, and are named for the multicolored sea anemone in which they make their homes.


Clownfish perform an elaborate dance with an anemone before taking up residence, gently touching its tentacles with different parts of their bodies until they are acclimated to their host. A layer of mucus on the clownfish's skin makes it immune to the fish-eating anemone's lethal sting. In exchange for safety from predators and food scraps, the clownfish drives off intruders and preens its host, removing parasites.


There are 28 known species of anemonefish, most of which live in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the western Pacific. They are not found in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Atlantic Ocean.


Surprisingly, all clownfish are born male. They have the ability to switch their sex, but will do so only to become the dominant female of a group. The change is irreversible.


Source

Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds

The American Kennel Club, a non-profit organization that maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, has announced which dog breeds were most popular in 2011.

The list of 157 dog breeds was narrowed down to the top 10 four-legged companions that Americans preferred to take home.

10. Rottweiler 

For the first year ever, the Rottweiler lands on the AKC's list of top dogs. The large, sometimes formidable-looking dog has become a family favorite due to its loving and affectionate personality. One of the oldest-known herding dogs dating back to the Roman Empire, this German breed was originally bred to be a hunting companion. Today, with their sharp skills, Rottweilers are frequently used in search and rescue, as guide dogs for the blind, and as guard or police dogs. .

According to the American Kennel Club, the Rottweiler is basically a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness, responding quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in its environment. It has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog with a strong willingness to work, making them especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog.

9. Dachshund 

Lively and affectionate, dachshunds are known to be bold, curious and a bit mischievous. While devoted to their families, this breed needs strong leadership at home in order to avoid any behavioral issues. There are three varieties of dachshund: the short-haired, the wired-haired, and the long-haired.

Dachshunds also have a wide color variety, including: black, red, chocolate, tan or fawn, cream and blue-gray. Bi-color dachshunds may be black and tan, black and cream, chocolate and tan, chocolate and cream, blue and tan, or blue and cream. Brindled dachshunds (stripes covering the entire body) may be seen in any of the colors mentioned.

8. Poodle 

Poodles are the runway models of the popular breeds, highly intelligent and graceful. Considered one of the most trainable breeds, the standard poodle are typically pleasant, happy and sensitive but can become high strung if not given the proper amount of exercise.

Poodles—who are born with one of a variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and gray–require extensive grooming. Their fur is also hypoallergenic, which may reduce allergic reactions and be helpful to pet owners who suffer from allergies.

7. Boxer

The boxer dog, a muscular, short-coated breed with a distinctive square head has had a place in the hearts of owners for decades. The boxer’s strong body and gentle, playful spirit are a great combination.

And what about his name? It is said that his moniker is a testament to his playful and curious side. You’ll notice that your boxer dog uses his front paws for just about everything. He’s likely to paw at his toys and food in a cat-like way. He also likes to jump up and motion with his front paws, making him look like he’s actually boxing, and hence the name.

6. Bulldog

While the bulldog’s appearance can be intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Small and stocky in stature with a wide, massive head, a bulldog’s coat may be white, black, red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow or a combination of colors. 

Considered to be very affectionate and dependable dogs, bulldogs are gentle with children and known for their courage and their excellent guarding abilities. Bullheaded and determined, this breed can be very persistent and dominating. Strong leadership and attention are recommended.

One other thing for which bulldogs are well known? Loud snoring and a tendency to drool and slobber. What’s not to love?

5. Yorkshire Terrier 

Energetic, loyal and clever, the Yorkshire terrier seems oblivious of its small size. Always ready for an adventure, "Yorkies" are easy to train and are considered excellent watchdogs. 

Known for their ultra long, fine, silky coat that parts along the spine and falls straight down on either side, Yorkies are colored a combination of steal blue and tan. As you might expect, regular grooming is needed and Yorkie owners commonly pull back their dogs' hair on their head in a topknot. Depite the long hair, however, Yorkies shed very little.

4. Golden Retriever 

With their ever-present smiles, wavy blonde fur, and joyful prance, the golden retriever has long been one of America’s favorite dogs. Perhaps it’s their family-friendly demeanor and golden looks that helps keep this breed in the Top 5 of all registered dogs in the U.S. 

The golden retriever is classified by the American Kennel Club as a sporting dog, popular with hunters for its soft mouth and eagerness to retrieve in water.

True to its name the golden retriever loves to fetch. It’s not uncommon to be greeted by a golden with a favorite toy stuffed in its mouth. Known for its intelligent mind, the breed can learn more than 200 commands with training and encouragement.

3. Beagle

The beagle moves up this year from last year's No. 5 spot. Well before designer dogs like the puggle (half beagle, half pug) struck dog lovers as the hottest breed to bring home, there was just the good old beagle. In its pure bred form, this hound continues to hold on to its status as one of man’s best friends. 

These droopy eared hounds are spunky, loyal and make great friendly pets for families with children. Beagles also tend to have lots of energy to burn. They can be mischievous and are often lead to trouble (garbage cans, shoes, dirty laundry) by their extraordinary hunting noses. Their natural curiosity often means they are a little tricky to train and require owners who are willing to be firm yet patient. Beagles are also known for their tremendous whining, sharp bark and thoroughly loud from-the-belly howls.

2. German Shepard

Often used as working dogs, German shepherds are highly intelligent and courageous. Known for their tremendous loyalty, these dogs are typically cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. 

German shepherds prefer to be close to their families and therefore have a very strong protective instinct. Generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family, it is recommended to train and socialize German shepherds from an early age with a firm and loving hand.

The breed's ability to rapidly learn has contributed to its wide use as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including agility, flyball, and ring sport. But most of all, the German shepherd is favored as a loving family companion.

1. Labrador Retriever 

For the 21st consecutive year, this loveable breed continues to be the most popular breed in the U.S., according to AKC registration statistics. The family-friendly Labrador retriever has won over the hearts of families across the country—millions of households count a Lab among their family members, and it’s easy to see why. Labs display a well-mannered temperament and are eager to please their owners. 

The Labrador retriever originated in Newfoundland, where it aided fisherman with their catch. After being crossed with setters, spaniels and other retrievers, the Lab sharpened its skills as a true retriever. But what makes Labs even more popular is their kind, outgoing nature.

This people-friendly quality also makes Labs great dogs for children. The Lab thrives in an active household, where he can have lots of interaction. Kids will also love the Lab’s easy nature and trainability . In turn, Labrador retrievers tend to be very patient with kids. Be prepared to harness that energy: plenty of exercise and fetching games will keep your Lab happy and healthy.

Source

The 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds

There are about 90 million pet cats in the U.S. according to census data. This means there are many more whose owners do not claim them as pets even though they take care of them. Many of these cats are identified as domestic longhairs or domestic shorthairs and only about 3-5% are purebred. The list of cat breeds is large - most registries recognize around 40 breeds of cats and at least one new breed is added yearly.


Purebred cat lovers generally choose a breed that is similar to their personality. A person who is reserved and introverted might choose a breed such as the somewhat aloof Scottish Fold or the American Curl. A person who is more outgoing and is looking for a dog-like cat might choose the Manx or the Birman. Cat owners are also drawn to cats based on their looks. From the sleek Siamese to the rough and tumble Maine Coon, you'll find that often a cat does look like his person.





1. The Persian: This breed has been number one since the CFA first started keeping records in 1871. Persians are affectionate and loyal but need their long fur groomed every day.

2. The Maine Coon: This breed has been in second place since 1992 and it's no wonder. This is a very gentle, loving creature who is large by cat-size. They weigh between 15 and 25 lbs. and have long fur like the Persian. However, they do not need as much grooming as the Persian.

3. The Exotic: This breed is like a Persian but with short fur. Their nickname is "Persian in Pajamas" because of their coloring. They are sweet like a Persian but only need brushing twice a week.

4. The Siamese: The yowl of a Siamese is very familiar to fanciers of this breed. And it's not just for attention - Siamese like to "chat" with their owners. This is a sleek cat who is very athletic. They usually gravitate to one person and are loyal and loving.

5. The Abyssinian: These cats are considered some of the lookers in the cat world. Thin and elegant with a shiny coat, they are active felines, very playful and friendly.

6. The Ragdoll: This breed gets its name from the way these cats go completely limp in your arms when you pick them up. They are cute and cuddly and large like the Maine Coon, weighing between 10 and 20 lbs. (males tend to be larger). This is a breed that should always be kept inside as they are very docile and would likely not defend themselves outside.

7. The Birman: If you want a cat that is dog-like, the Birman is a good choice. He is friendly, outgoing, even-tempered and flexible, a very rare trait to find in a cat. They are known to come when called and to greet you at the door like a pooch would. They have long silky hair that does not require much grooming.

8. The American Shorthair: This breed originally arrived in America on the Mayflower. They were bred for hunting and thus are excellent hunters, have good health and are a quiet cats. They make great family pets and are especially good with children.

9. The Oriental: This breed looks and behaves like a Siamese but comes in two fur lengths and over 300 color combinations. Their personality is similar to the Siamese but they are quieter.

10. The Sphynx: Known as the "Naked Climber" this breed climbs anything and is lively and athletic. They have an unusual appearance, sans fur, and come in a multitude of different skin colors. They are loyal and loving and demand constant attention.

Source: Catster

Featured Dog Breed of the Week: Dalmatian

I've decided to make things here at Animals Are Everywhere a little more exciting. Every week we will now be profiling a different dog breed. This week it's the Dalmatian!

Height: 19-24 inches

Size: Medium

Weight: 55-70 pounds (male); 40-55 (female)

Description

The familiar dapper black-and-white spotted dog of Disney fame, the Dalmatian is a symmetrical, muscular medium sized dog with superior endurance. He has soft ears and a tail that tapers to the end. Puppies are born completely white, with the spots developing later. Spots should be well defined and should not blend together into large patches. The short coat is sleek and shiny. Dalmatians can also come with liver-colored spots, though that type is not as popular.

History

Though his origins are far from clear, the Dalmatian was first historically placed in Dalmatia, part of the former Yugoslavia. The breed became popular as a carriage dog in the 1800’s, trotting beside (and even among) the horses and then guarding the carriage and horses while the master was occupied elsewhere. The versatile Dalmatian has seen many uses, before and since, as a mascot for firemen, war sentinel, circus performer, vermin hunter, retriever, hound, shepherd and guard dog. Today, this beautiful breed is primarily a companion dog.

Key Facts

The Dalamatian is a hardy, easy to keep breed, though frequent brushing is needed to cope with the constant shedding. Dalmatians are clean, with no doggy odor. They often have large litters, sometimes up to 15 pups. The Dalmatian is a very energetic breed, and needs daily romps to prevent destructiveness. Deafness affects 10–12% of Dalmatian puppies. Every Dalmatian puppy should be BAER-tested for deafness. Because Dalmatians are so popular, and people are breeding indiscriminately, deafness is on the rise. Those people thinking about breeding their Dalmatian must be willing to deal responsibly with any deaf puppies in the litter. Deaf dogs may be difficult to raise, and can become aggressive and snappish from fear. Many are run over by cars if they ever "escape" from home. For these reasons, and to help reduce the incidence of deafness in the Dalmatian gene pool, the Dalmatian Club of America encourages humane euthanisation of all deaf puppies, though this policy is somewhat controversial. Buy only from a reputable breeder to avoid this serious problem and to ensure good temperament. Buy only from OFA stock to avoid hip dysplasia, though hip dysplasia incidence in the breed is quite low. The Dalmation is also prone to kidney problems. Uric acid levels in Dalmatians are higher than in any other breed, sometimes causing urinary blockage. Veterinarians may recommend a low protein diet for this breed to prevent urinary tract problems. Do not keep Dalmatians outside in the cold

Personality

Playful and happy-go-lucky, Dalmatians need human companionship, so they don’t make good yard dogs. The very energetic Dalmatian loves to play with children, but may be too rambunctious for toddlers. Dalmatians tend to get along well with other pets, though they may be aggressive with strange dogs. Males often dislike other males. This breed can be somewhat high-strung and can be timid without enough socialization. Though they are quite intelligent, Dalmatians can be willful. They generally do well with firm, consistent training.

Source: Iams

Top 10 Dogs for Watchdog Barking

Looking for a dog that WILL bark to deter potential burglars? Listed from most alert to least alert, these breeds will bark vigorously at the presence of an intruder or in situations that seem out of the ordinary.

1. Rottweiler

2. German Shepherd

3. Terrier

4. West Highland White Terrier

5. Miniature Schnauzer

6. Yorkshire Terrier

7. Cairn Terrier

8. Chihuahua

9. Airedale Terrier

10. Poodle (standard/miniature)

Source: Petrix

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Hope everyone is having a great week so far!!

How Do I Treat My Dog's Cold?

Although it's not something to be alarmed about, dog's can also suffer from colds. Actually it's a pretty common sickness that dogs get. Regardless, colds are not something that you should be complacent about just because it happens a lot. So what are the symptoms that you should look out for?


Possible Symptoms of Colds


Usually the first thing that you have to look out for is when your dog starts to sneeze. That means a lot of sneezing. He will then start to have runny eyes while his nose starts to have a yellowish-green discharge which is also known as mucous. You may then start hearing your dog cough from time to time as well.


So How Do I Treat This?


When you suffer from a cold, you usually take medicines and lots and lots of water. This should also be done for your dog. Try to increase your dog's fluid intake, however, most often than not, dogs who suffer from colds try to avoid water. So try giving him a different remedy, like for example, adding broth to his water.


Just like humans, dogs can benefit from steam treatment. Remember how you would often try to put your face in front of a steamer whenever you have a cold? You can also do this for him. Try putting him in a bathroom and fill the room with steam. Let him stay in there for a couple of minutes, fifteen minutes maximum, three times a day. And you will definitely see an improvement from his colds.


Prevention is Better than Cure


No dog owner likes to see their dog suffer from any kind of sickness, even if it's just a cold. So it's always best to try and prevent your dog from getting sick. You can do this by feeding him healthy foods. There are too many options of dog foods out there, but make sure you get a high quality dog food that can provide your dog all the nutritional value he needs. Most people think that giving your dog any type of food is good enough, which couldn't be farther from the truth. But of course, giving your dog a healthy diet will increase and boost your dog's immune system, and will in return help him fight off any possible sickness. It is also essential for you to provide your dogs vitamins. There are many types of vitamins out there, so make sure you do your research to find the best quality dog vitamin available and your dog will benefit greatly, not only be reduced illnesses but in his quality of life and longevity.




- Article Source

Interesting Animals- Tapirs

Tapirs are herbivorous animals as they feed on plants. They are pig-like in shape, with short and prehensile snouts. They inhibit primarily in jungle and forest regions of South and Central part of America, and Southeast Asia. Tapirs are aggressive animals as they will attack furiously when they are annoyed by their enemies. They have a close relationship to other odd-toed ungulates, including rhinoceros and horses.

All tapirs are characterized with features include oval and white-tipped ears, splayed and hoofed toes, rounded and protruding rumps with stubby tails, with three toes on the hind feet and four on the front feet. These characteristics help them to walk on muddy and soft ground. Female tapirs have a single pair of mammary glands while the baby tapirs have stripped-and-spotted coats for camouflage. Adult tapirs are usually large in size and thus they have very few natural predators. The thick skin coated the back of their necks help them to reduce the threats from crocodiles, anacondas, tigers and jaguars.

-Seen on Science Ray

Robot Fish Has a Future Role in Reducing Water Pollution

I saw this article while looking around online and found it interesting, so I decided to share it.


In the future, robots will not only replace caregivers and make sushi, but they’ll also lend a hand offshore. According to Reuters, a team of European scientists at the University of Essex developed a robo-fish to monitor pollution in waterways. Setting the prototype loose for the first time on Tuesday in Gijón, a northern Spanish port, developers say the “fish” can practically report pollutants in real time.

First showcased at London’s aquarium in 2005, today’s larger version is built to withstand Atlantic currents and high water pressure. Backed by a $3.6 million grant from the E.U., the developers of the 1.5-m-long model hope the robo-fish can offer a more accurate assessment of water conditions. If the prototype proves successful, the roboticists intend to sell the fish, which cost roughly $30,000 each, to port authorities, water companies, aquariums — any organization charged with monitoring water quality.


“The design of fish that nature has produced is a very energy-efficient one,” Rory Doyle, one of the project’s researchers, told CBS. “The fish’s efficiency is created by hundreds of millions of years of evolution. Submarines come nowhere near it.” As the BBC explains, once the robo-fish detects pollution, it uses artificial intelligence to identify the source. When it surfaces, the fish then uses wi-fi to send a report back to port authorities. Like their flesh-and-blood counterparts, the robo-fish can communicate with one another through sensors and a form of sonar.


With oceans still reeling from 2010’s oil spill and shipping traffic expected to double by 2020, the swimming jury could not have come at a better time. One of the world’s most polluting industries, shipping significantly influences the quality of the ocean and air. According to the Guardian, the shipping industry accounts for 18% to 30% of the world’s nitrogen-oxide pollution and 9% of sulfur oxide.

Research shows that just one of the roughly 90,000 cargo ships traveling the world’s oceans pours out the equivalent amount of asthma- and cancer-inducing chemicals as 50 million cars, while the world’s 15 largest ships discharge the same amount of pollution as 760 million cars. “Ship pollution affects the health of communities in coastal and inland regions around the world, yet pollution from ships remains one of the least regulated parts of our global transportation system,” James Corbett, a University of Delaware professor of marine policy and co-author of the report, told the Guardian.

Propelled in part by reports in 2009 that cargo ships led to 60,000 premature deaths annually, and cost a hefty $330 billion in U.S. health care alone, a number of countries — including the U.S., Canada and Singapore — and the E.U. have already imposed relatively stringent regulations, creating low-emission marine zones. However, as China and other emerging Asian nations lacking rigorous safeguards increase their shipping capacities, emissions are expected to increase dramatically over the next decade. If no action to control pollution is taken, the International Maritime Organization estimates that emissions could rise by 72% by 2020. Such increases could have grave implications for seaside dwellers as well as marine creatures.

While the primary purpose for the robo-fish at this point is to monitor water pollution, that’s not all the roboticists have planned. As the technology becomes more refined, they hope to eventually harness schools of robo-fish task forces to aid in oil-spill cleanups, monitor dives or search and rescue at sea.

-Seen on Ecocentric

10 Good Reasons To Own A Dog

Dogs are very special animals and they quickly form a bond with their owners. Some dogs bond with only one person and others spread their love around. It is also healthy to own a dog, both physically and mentally.

Reason #10
Dogs force you to get out and exercise because you know they need the exercise and you feel guilty if you don’t take them out. But once you take them out you will find you will also enjoy the exercise.

Reason #9

Walk a dog – make new friends! Most people love to stop and talk to you about the dog and ask permission to pet him or her, especially children.

Reason #8
Dogs love attention – by paying attention to their needs, your own problems and worries are forgotten.

Reason #7
Excellent heaters! Even little dogs put off a lot of heat and warm you up on a cold winter’s night.

 Reason #6
Studies have shown dogs help reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. That is one reason why dogs are popular for pet therapy programs at hospitals and nursing homes.

 Reason #5
Dogs make your home more secure. They alert you when someone is approaching long before you hear them. A dog on the property usually scares away any would-be intruders.

 Reason #4
Someone to talk to that actually listens….and they never argue with you!  Many pet owners claim their dog knows exactly what they are saying to them.

 Reason #3
Dogs provide companionship. You are never alone with a dog in the house.

Reason #2
Dogs have the ability to sense your mood and know when you need some loving attention. They can rid you of a bad mood in a few minutes.

And the #1 reason to own a dog is:
Unconditional love. No matter what, your dog will always come running and greet you with enthusiasm and never-ending love. Even if you are only gone for a short period of time, the response is always the same.

-Seen on Hubpages

Interesting Animals- Pygmy Marmoset

The Pygmy Marmoset (Callithrix (Cebuella) pygmaea) is a monkey native to the rainforest canopies of western Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and eastern Peru. It is one of the smallest primates, with its body length ranging from 14-16 cm (excluding the 15-20 cm tail) and the smallest monkey. Males weigh around 140 g (5 ounces), and females only 120 g (4.2 ounces).

Despite its name, the Pygmy Marmoset is somewhat different from the typical marmosets classified in genus Callithrix. As such, it is accorded its own subgenus, which was formerly recognized as its own genus, Cebuella.

The Pygmy Marmoset has a tawny coat, and a ringed tail that can be as long as its body. Their claws are specially adapted for climbing trees, a trait unique to the species. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruit, leaves, insects, and sometimes even small reptiles. Much of their diet, however, comes from tapping trees for sap. Up to two-thirds of their time is spent gouging tree bark to reach the gummy sap. The Pygmy Marmoset has specialized incisors for gouging holes in bark. Unfortunately, because of its small size, and its swift movements, it is very hard to observe in the wild.

Cat Eating Watermelon

Amazing Animal Facts

1. The blue whale is the largest creature that has ever lived on earth. It tips the scales at a whopping 170 tons - that's the same as about 22 elephants. Its heart is the size of a small car, and its largest blood vessels are wide enough for an adult to swim through without much difficulty.
2. The largest land animal in the world is the Kodiak bear. It weighs about 862 kilograms, which is roughly the same as 14 male gymnasts.
3. Woodpeckers slam their heads into wood at a rate of 20 pecks per second. What protects them from injury is a spongy area that sits behind their beaks and acts as a shock absorber.
4. Approximately 50 percent of all orangutans have fractured bones, a result of falling off of trees on a regular basis.
5. Giraffes and humans have the same number of bones in their necks: seven.
6. When a lion wants to mate, he cannot be stopped. Copulation occurs every 15 minutes for one week straight. Luckily for lionesses, lions only want to mate once every two years.
7. All clams are born as males. A clam can change to become a female, but only once, and the change is irreversible.
8. The brain of a roach is located inside of its body. If a roach loses its head, it can live up to nine days. A decapitated roach dies not because it cannot think, but because it cannot eat.

9. The koala does not need to drink liquids; it can obtain all of its liquids from eucalyptus leaves which are 50 percent water.
10. African elephants produce approximately 100 kilograms of manure per day. Most of this manure is eaten up by beetles.
11. A bird called the great tit produces its waste in enclosed sacs that it later removes from its nest. The average great tit removes approximately 500 sacs of manure from its nest each week.
12. Frogs cannot vomit. Whenever a frog absolutely has to vomit, it vomits its entire stomach.
13. The hummingbird flaps its wings 55 to 75 times per second. In order to fuel this activity, it eats approximately twice its weight in nectar every day.
14. When hunting in packs, wolves use different howls to communicate with one another. Because echoes can distort communication, a wolf's howl does not produce an echo, even when emitted in a valley surrounded by mountains.
15. The monarch butterfly can detect its lover's scent eight kilometers away.
16. The water spider lives underwater but breathes air by using its web to create an underwater sac that stores air bubbles.
17. The whitetail deer causes more harm to humans than any other animals do because of the number of traffic accidents that they are involved in.

18. On average, sharks kill 10 humans every year. Approximately 100 people die each year when they are stepped on by cows.

Furless Kitty Kat

Sphynx are most commonly known as a "Hairless Cat." This isn't entirely true. Sphynx have "peach fuzz" like hair that cover their bodies. Sphynx come in all different colors, from Calico to tuxedo markings. Sphynx have very vibrant colored eyes and very wrinkly bodies. They need to be bathed weekly and get their ears cleaned. They love to be warm, snuggle, and always have attention.

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The Benefits of a Raw Diet for Your Cat

Cats are predators. They evolved eating a prey based diet, and more importantly, eating that diet raw. Cooking degrades nutrients in meat, causing losses of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Meat used in highly processed pet food is cooked at high temperatures and the nutrients lost must then be added back in. This supplementation is not exact, and there are nutrient losses which aren't always replaced.

Cats in the wild eat the bones of their prey, as raw bone is highly digestible and is their primary source of calcium. Cooking bone not only reduces the nutrients available but also makes the bone brittle and dangerous to ingest.

Providing your cats with a diet that is modeled on what they would eat in the wild has many benefits, for you and your cat.

• Improved digestion
• Greatly reduced stool odor and volume
• Healthy coat, less shedding, fewer hairballs
• Increased energy
• Weight loss, if overweight
• Better dental health
• Better urinary health

Improved Digestion

Cats are obligate carnivores, they must eat meat. Their digestive systems are adapted specifically for a meat based diet. A cat's digestive tract is short and acidic, and processes a species-appropriate raw diet highly efficiently in about 12 hours. This gives very little time for bacteria to proliferate, so cats are naturally resistant to food poisoning.

Cats have no requirement for carbohydrates and limited ability to digest them. For cats, a raw meat diet is more digestible than a diet of plant based foods. Because they evolved eating a diet with almost no carbohydrates, they have only one enzyme system capable of handling them. This is quite different from humans and dogs who have multiple enzyme systems that digest carbohydrates.

Greatly Reduced Stool Odor and Volume

When cats are fed a proper diet, their bodies use most of their food, so there is much less stool volume. Stool production can be cut in half. They also eliminate less often, sometimes once a day or even less. Their stools are often dry, a little crumbly and hardly smell at all. In the wild, this makes sense for a predator that is small enough to also have to worry about being preyed upon itself. It wouldn't want to be leaving too many smelly advertisements of its presence.

When cats are fed a diet with a large amount of carbohydrates, their systems will struggle to digest the excess carbs. Since much of what they eat isn't being efficiently processed by their systems, the amount of waste is much greater than it should be. Those big, gloppy, smelly puddles in the litter box are not normal.

Healthy Coat, Less Shedding, Fewer Hairballs

After a few weeks on a raw diet, people notice that their cat's coat has gotten softer and silkier. Cats require unsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 and omega-3, in their diets. These need to be from animal sources, as cats have a limited ability to make these acids from plant derived precursors. These essential fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coats, reducing shedding and thus the incidence of hairballs.

Increased Energy

After switching to a raw diet, people notice how much more energy their cats have. Couch potatoes start running around and playing! Through a species-appropriate raw diet, cats are getting more readily available energy from their food.

Cats are uniquely adapted to utilize protein for their energy requirements. Cats essentially "burn" protein, turning it into energy in their liver in a process called gluconeogenesis. Animals such as dogs and humans also burn protein in this way, but turn it on and off depending on how much protein is available. Cats can't do this; their "burn rate" is always on high, thus their absolute requirement for high quality protein from meat sources.

Weight Loss

If your cats are overweight, they will most likely start to lose weight on a raw diet. Cats will overeat when fed an improper diet, trying to make up for the nutritional deficiencies in the food. Usually they won't overeat when fed a species-appropriate raw diet, as the diet is satisfying to them. They don't feel hungry all the time. Cats that used to wake you up in the middle of the night for food, acting as if they are starving, start sleeping right through the night. The increase in energy they have will also help them burn off more calories.

Better Dental Health

Just as in humans, dental health in cats partly depends on genetics. Cats in the wild usually don't have gum disease or tooth loss due to periodontal disease. Why? Chewing on raw bones, meat, connective tissue, skin and fur helps keep the teeth clean. Carbohydrates create a starchy film that promotes plaque buildup and encourages gum disease. Carbohydrate laden food will not help control tartar. Reducing or eliminating carbohydrates in your cats diet will help keep dental disease at bay, and providing raw meaty bones to chew on is "nature's toothbrush" for cats. This is important as the bacteria from dental infections can spread to other parts of the body.

Better Urinary Health

Raw diets have a high moisture content of about 65 to 70% that mimics that of natural prey; a mouse is 65-75% moisture. Carbohydrate laden, low moisture foods, specifically dry food, cause alkaline urine and chronic dehydration in cats. This can lead to urinary tract inflammation. Because they get enough moisture in their food, cats in the wild don't often have urinary tract problems.

Peace of Mind

Perhaps the best benefit of feeding a raw diet is the peace of mind it can give you. Realizing that cats evolved to eat a diet that is about as unprocessed as it can get, many people have become concerned about the highly processed pet food they feed their pets. Raw diets are different. The ingredients are simple and identifiable, processing is minimal and it's either fresh or fresh frozen. You know what you are feeding your pet.

-Seen on Feline Nutrition