Archive for July, 2010
Jeepers Creepers
by TJ Davis July 30th, 2010 | Arachnids
Pets that have the potential to creep out moms the most are often popular with preteen boys. Reptiles in general especially snakes, and to a lesser degree, frogs and toads - are high on the list, but the number one mess-with-mom's-world pet choice has to be spiders. Nearly any spider may be a pet, but most are not recommended. Black widows, for instance, can be and have been kept as pets. They are interesting to watch and easy to care for. Black widows spin a fairly haphazard web and watching the web creation can be quite fascinating. A
Cornish Rexes: Cats with Not Much Hair, But Lots of Heart
by Jane Wangersky July 28th, 2010 | Cats
We've fostered so many cats over the years, usually for just a short time before they were adopted, that most of them have blurred together in my memory. A few stand out, though, and Sparky the Cornish Rex is one of them.
Why? Well, to be honest, because of his looks. The Humane Society rep explained Cornish Rexes to me this way: "They're ugly, but some people like them."
It turned out this breed of cat had no guard hairs. I didn't know what those were, but when I saw Sparky, I realized most of the hairs on a cat must
Why? Well, to be honest, because of his looks. The Humane Society rep explained Cornish Rexes to me this way: "They're ugly, but some people like them."
It turned out this breed of cat had no guard hairs. I didn't know what those were, but when I saw Sparky, I realized most of the hairs on a cat must
Pets and Heartworm
by Anna P. July 23rd, 2010 | Cats, Dogs, Veterinarians
Heartworms are a serious threat to all pets and all it takes is one infected mosquito to transfer the disease to your dog or cat via a bite. Heartworm infection is a common health issue that affects dozens of mammals including ferrets, foxes, various wild animals, and on rare occasion, humans.
It starts when one mosquito (carrying heartworm larvae) bites an animal and transmits the parasites inside the bloodstream. Over a period of 2 or 3 months the larvae grows and eventually release more microfilariae, also know as the offspring. The parasites contribute nothing but take up space in the
It starts when one mosquito (carrying heartworm larvae) bites an animal and transmits the parasites inside the bloodstream. Over a period of 2 or 3 months the larvae grows and eventually release more microfilariae, also know as the offspring. The parasites contribute nothing but take up space in the
Review: The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats
by Jane Wangersky July 21st, 2010 | Books, Cats, Dogs, Veterinarians
This is one of the handiest pet owners' references I've seen yet. Why?
- It lives up to its title and then some. The "remedies" are not only for medical problems, but for issues like boredom, fears, and the habit of jumping up on you when you come home.
- At 400 pages, it covers the essentials without being thick enough to discourage you.
- The introduction includes a vaccination chart, a list of safe and unsafe medications, and tips on everything from choosing your pet to pet-proofing the house.
- Topics are listed alphabetically, from acne to wounds, making them quick and easy to find.
- Plenty
How Animals Handle Heat — What You Need to Know
by Jane Wangersky July 16th, 2010 | Cats, Dogs
At first glance, animals seem to react to hot weather the same ways we do -- by slowing down, drinking more water (or something), and catching a breeze where they can. However, for them it's more than seeking comfort -- it can mean life or death.
We all know better than to leave a dog or cat in a car in hot weather. What we may not realize is that the animal will start reacting to the heat much faster than we would. As the U.S. government blog Gov Gab notes, dogs' and cats' bodies are less efficient
We all know better than to leave a dog or cat in a car in hot weather. What we may not realize is that the animal will start reacting to the heat much faster than we would. As the U.S. government blog Gov Gab notes, dogs' and cats' bodies are less efficient
