Pets Articles

Article / Updated 11-19-2024

Collectively, reptiles and amphibians are referred to as herps. That term comes from the Greek word herpes, which literally means crawling things. The term is applied equally to reptiles and amphibians. From herp comes herpetology, the study of crawling things. A person with formal training in herpetology is a herpetologist. Someone who likes herps, keeps them, and works with them but lacks the formal training is a herper. If you like damp environments (or if you want a pet who likes things wet), then an amphibian is right for you. Because they breathe partially through their skin, amphibians must have moist, clean caging, which requires careful monitoring and frequent cleaning to avoid ammonia buildup or a bacterial bloom. Otherwise, your pet dies a nasty death. The following list explains some factors to consider if you want a pet amphibian: Caging. Amphibians need caging that can hold moisture but also can be easily cleaned. In most cases, this means an aquarium, usually a 15- to 20-gallon size. Moisture is provided through water (the tank itself or a container within it is filled with water), or the substrate in the tank (sphagnum moss or dampened paper towels) is moistened. You can supply additional moisture with a hand-held sprayer or a misting system. You'll want to add a screen top to the terrarium/aquarium, but you don't need to worry about adding lighting or keeping the tank or its inhabitants warm. Amphibians like it cool; the tiger salamanders, for instance, trudge through snow as early as February to reach the ponds where they hope to meet a mate, which says something about amphibians' tolerance of cold temperatures and their sex drive. Because amphibians are quiet creatures, they won't tear up an elaborately planted terrarium the way a lizard or snake might. The smaller amphibians, like the brightly colored dart frogs, look like animated jewels in a fern- and moss-bedecked tank. Cleaning an amphibian tank is an important aspect of keeping these creatures alive. The smaller the amphibian, the less waste it produces, and the less work it is to maintain the tank. You have to tear down and reconstruct a 20-gallon dart frog enclosure maybe twice a year (although the water dish will need to be cleaned daily). In contrast, a bullfrog's enclosure needs daily water changes or filtration and twice-a-week partial water changes, and the moist sphagnum in a tiger salamander's cage needs rinsing at least every other day. Feeding: Amphibians eat insects, small fish, and earthworms. All are readily purchased from bait stores or pet stores; the insects and earthworms can be mail-ordered. Crickets need to be housed in an extra aquarium. You can toss a few into each amphibian's cage as needed. Mealworms come packaged in a plastic container with a snap-on lid; store them in your refrigerator or move them to their own hideaway filled with oat bran and rolled oats — at last there's a way to use up that oatmeal! — with a few slices of apple for moisture. You can buy earthworms in lots of 500 from a hunting/fishing supply firm and store them in a refrigerator. Size: Amphibians that are generally seen in pet stores are usually beautifully colored and fairly small. You can certainly go out and find big amphibians. Some of the aquatic caecilians, for example, will easily reach a 2-foot length, but few people want a retiring pet with the animation and appearance of a gray rubber hose. The pet store amphibians range in size from the fist-sized horned frog to the 3-inch-long red-spotted newt to the thumbnail-sized dart frog. You can certainly find more exotic amphibians. Your store can order them for you, or you may want to see what an expo can offer. Their easy-to-handle sizes mean the animals require less food. Amphibians don't require the amount of food that a larger, more active creature, such as a green iguana, needs. Cost: Amphibians are inexpensive. The dart frogs as a group run about $40 to $60 each, but this is at the high end for all amphibians. The more unusual horned or tomato frogs cost around $50, but the majority of amphibians range from $15 to $20 each. Amphibians breathe, to a lesser or greater degree, through their skin. This is why they need moist, very clean caging, why the cages must be cleaned so frequently, and why you must wash your hands before handling them. Most skin diseases in amphibians are fatal. As a rule, amphibians are retiring and nocturnal, which means they aren't as responsive to a human as is a tortoise. Amphibians tend to lay massive numbers of eggs; if you plan to breed your amphibian, you'll need to plan how you'll raise up to a thousand young, or you'll need to dispose of the excess eggs.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 10-04-2024

Doodles are very popular dogs, which means there are reputable breeders, committed to producing the healthiest dogs possible, and then there are breeders looking to make a quick buck. You need to know how to spot the difference so you can find the right dog for you. When faced with a lapful of adorable puppies, you may want to take all of them home with you, but doing a simple temperament test will help you find a dog who’ll settle in to your family with ease. Finally, you need to stock up on supplies before you bring home a new dog — knowing what to buy and where to shop will allow you to focus on your puppy, not all the stuff you forgot to buy. Photo by April Walker on Unsplash

Cheat Sheet / Updated 09-16-2024

If your dog suffers from anxiety, you’re not alone. Many factors contribute to your dog’s distress. For decades, dog anxiety was attributed to isolation distress, AKA separation anxiety, while reactions to people, dogs, noises, and other stimuli were dismissed as mere character flaws. Now, canine anxiety is studied, diagnosed, and treated compassionately to address a range of behaviors once considered maladaptive, such as destructiveness, leash reactivity, accidents, excessive barking, and aggression. Dog anxiety has always existed. However, before leash laws and modern domestication, dogs would simply disappear when faced with a stressful event. Nowadays, people delight in pampering their dogs like children. Confined to homes, yards, and leashes, dogs' ability to retreat, explore, greet others, and self-soothe has been significantly compromised. When considering how your dog’s anxiety affects their everyday life, it’s helpful to note that dogs, like people and other animals, are driven by routine impulses and emotions. See if you can relate to any of these actions: Seeking: To fulfill the certainties of everyday life, such as locating food, water, and shelter. Curiosity: The instinct to discover, explore, and identify unknown sensory experiences. Play: To engage in spontaneous, joyful, and non-serious activities. Fear: To respond to a perceived threat or danger. Frustration: The feeling of impatience or annoyance when needs or desires are unmet. The emotions that drive your dog’s anxious reactions are fear and frustration. When a dog feels trapped or cannot escape a frightening event, fear can evolve into panic. When frustration has no outlet, it can morph into rage. While isolated incidents of frustration — such as barking when a ball rolls out of reach — may not reflect emotional dysregulation, chronic fear and frustration from certain sensory experiences, prolonged isolation or containment, and forced interactions with people and other dogs can result in deep-seated anxiety.

Article / Updated 09-15-2023

Many beagles are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a beagle from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion if you don't mind getting an adult dog. Many of these dogs are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go. Beagle breed rescue is a multifaceted enterprise that aims to place homeless beagles into permanent adoptive homes. Beagle rescuers — all of whom are volunteers — look for beagles who need help at shelters and from individuals who can no longer keep them. And all too often, Beagle rescuers take in dogs that have been cruelly treated or otherwise neglected. After the beagle enters rescue, the group assigns the dog to a temporary home, or what rescuers call a foster home. While there, the dog receives any necessary medical care and is observed, so that any deficiencies or behavioral problems can be identified. The rescue group then takes steps to deal with those issues. As the beagle's rehabilitation progresses, the foster-care provider — with the help of other volunteers — begins to look for a permanent home for the dog. The group's aim is to find a happy ending for each rescued Beagle: placement in a loving forever home. If you're interested in adopting an older beagle, consider contacting one of the following organizations: National Beagle Club of America: The club's Web site includes a page of links to beagle rescue groups from all over the United States. American Beagle Relief Network: This organization raises funds to help other nonprofit organizations that are engaged in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming beagles. Petfinder: This national online database of pets that need homes lists beagle and other breed rescue groups from coast to coast. The Petfinder site also allows you to search directly for a beagle by zip code — although most of the hits you'll get will be beagle mixes. Like adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a beagle. No rescue beagles nearby? Not to worry. Some rescue groups can help you find a dog that lives outside your local area and arrange to have the animal transported to you. If you're interested in this possibility, ask the rescue coordinator about whether the group operates a "Canine Underground Railroad," or whether she can help you find out more about rescue dogs who live beyond your local area.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 07-07-2023

Reptiles and amphibians make unique pets. They have few emotional demands, but they do have precise physical needs. And because pet reptiles and amphibians are in cages and can't seek food on their own, they depend on you for the right nourishment. Some reptiles and amphibians have considerably long lives, so be prepared for that. (Reptiles and amphibians are also known as herps, from herpetology — the study of reptiles and amphibians.)

Article / Updated 06-06-2023

Adopting a Labrador Retriever from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion. Many Labrador Retrievers are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Many of these dogs are adult dogs who are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go. An older Lab can be the ideal dog. Older Labs generally require far less work than puppies and are likely already trained in good behavior. Sure, an older Lab may not have the lifespan ahead of her that a puppy would, but the years she does have left can be filled with joy for both of you. Please consider adopting an older Lab who has lost her home. Labrador Retriever rescuers — all of whom are volunteers — love the breed and are committed to finding appropriate homes for Labs found at shelters or abandoned by individuals who can no longer keep them. And all too often, Labrador Retriever rescuers take in dogs that have been cruelly treated or otherwise neglected. If you're interested in adopting an older Labrador Retriever, consider contacting one of the following organizations: Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.: The club's Web site includes a page of links to Labrador Retriever rescue groups from all over the United States. Petfinder: This national online database of pets that need homes lists Labrador Retriever and other breed rescue groups from coast to coast. The Petfinder Web site also allows you to search directly for a Labrador Retriever by zip code — although most of the hits you'll get will be Labrador Retriever mixes. Internet Search: Try doing an Internet search under the keywords Labrador Retriever rescue. Like adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a Labrador Retriever. After the Labrador Retriever enters rescue, the group assigns the dog to a temporary home — or what rescuers call a foster home. While there, the dog receives any necessary medical care and is observed, so that any deficiencies or behavioral problems can be identified. The rescue group then takes steps to deal with those issues. Before you take on a rescued Lab, spend some serious time getting to know the dog. Work with the rescue group to determine whether you and your potential pet are a good match. If the dog seems to have serious problems, enlist the help of a good canine behavior consultant. Be persistent. A good rapport can be an important step in overcoming problems.

Article / Updated 05-31-2023

Your Lab loves to eat! As a responsible dog owner, your job is keep your Lab at a healthy weight. This list is a group of healthy additions you can add to your Lab’s high-quality dog food. Limit the eggs and oil to no more than once a week — and only for active Labs who aren’t overweight.) Small pieces of raw or cooked carrots Small pieces of raw apples One or two tablespoons of plain, nonfat yogurt Half of a cooked egg One teaspoon of canola oil

Article / Updated 05-31-2023

If you’re considering hiring a dog trainer because your Labrador Retriever just isn’t behaving the way you expect, use these guidelines to find a good trainer who uses positive methods and can help you establish effective communication with your Lab: Ask for recommendations from friends, neighbors, and relatives who have friendly, well-behaved dogs. Ask the opinion of pet professionals, such as veterinarians, vet techs, groomers, boarding kennel managers, humane societies, and rescue groups. Call the Association of Pet Dog Trainers at 1-800-PET-DOGS to ask for the names of dog trainers and canine behavior consultants who use positive training methods, such as lure-and-reward and clicker training. Expect a good dog trainer/canine behavior consultant to understand how dogs learn and to communicate with you — in terms you understand — about how to manage and train your Lab. Ask about experience and ask for references. And check them! A good dog trainer/canine behavior consultant will have extensive experience educating owners and their pets. Ask about correction styles. A good dog trainer/canine behavior consultant doesn’t advocate or use physical punishment (shock collars, choke chains, prong collars, leash jerks, or hitting). Expect fun! A good dog trainer/canine behavior consultant gives you the feeling that training will be fun for you and your Labrador!

Article / Updated 05-31-2023

Understanding the anatomy of a Labrador Retriever will help you know your dog better and talk more specifically with your veterinarian. This figure gives a complete outline of your Lab’s body parts:

Cheat Sheet / Updated 05-31-2023

If you’re looking for a qualified dog trainer to help out with your Labrador Retriever’s behavior, follow some recommendations to find the right fit for you and your Lab. To keep your dog in good shape, try adding some healthy food alternatives to your Lab’s high-grade dog food. Get to know your dog better by studying the body makeup of a Labrador Retriever; your knowledge will also help when you’re talking to your veterinarian.