Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants?
All those in love with the fascinating world of aquatics know how sensitive and (sometimes) demanding pet fish and aquarium plants are. The aquarium plant life in particular can be very vulnerable, reacting to the smallest changes in the tankâs environment. Naturally, this begs the question: could adding salt to your tank potentially kill its plant life? Or is salt beneficial for your aquariumâs flora? These are the questions that need to be answered carefully, as there are different types of salt used, and not all have the same effects on the many different aquarium plants. Letâs dive deeper into the topic!Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants? Aquarium salt, when used properly, has many uses in an aquarium setting. It can help with certain issues like treating fish diseases and promoting electrolyte balance in fish. But what about plants? The key to using salt with aquarium plants is moderation and research. There are different types of salt on the market, so you should inquire about their properties and possible effects on fish and plants. Secondly, always use it in moderation. When used in the right amounts, salt can be beneficial. However, the excessive use of salt can be harmful to plants, as it can disrupt their osmotic balance and lead to dehydration or nutrient imbalances. In fact, put too much of it, and you can kill all the plants AND the fish in the tank!But what is the osmotic balance? Like all living organisms, plants maintain a delicate balance of water and salts within their cells. When exposed to high concentrations of salt, such as those found in aquarium salt products, plants can experience âosmotic stressâ. This stress occurs because the salt outside the plant's roots creates a higher concentration of solutes in the soil than inside the plant cells. As a result, water is drawn out of the plant, leading to dehydration and potential damage â and even death.Excessive salt in the aquarium soil can also interfere with a plant's ability to absorb essential nutrients. Sodium ions, which are a component of salt, can compete with other positively charged ions like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that plants need for healthy growth. This competition can disrupt nutrient uptake and lead to deficiencies, even if those nutrients are present in the soil.Another confusing factor is that some aquarium plants are much more tolerant than others. Halophytes, for example, are plants that have evolved to thrive in saline environments and can withstand higher levels of salt in the soil and water. However, most freshwater aquarium plants are not adapted to high-salt conditions and can suffer greatly when aquarium salt is introduced to the tank. You should also consider the types of salt available. Sea salt, for example, is much different and more complex than ordinary table salt. It contains sodium chloride, and minerals like potassium, zinc, and calcium. As such, it is only suitable for use in aquariums that have marine fish and invertebrates, and plants naturally occurring in salt waters.
What is the Best Dog Harness for Senior Dogs?
Final Thoughts â The Best Harness for Senior Dogs Many veterinarians and experts on the health and care of senior dogs will recommend using a harness. However, not all harnesses are created to meet the needs of every life stage. When selecting a harness for an older dog, there are unique factors to consider. This includes the weight and bulkiness of the harness, how easy it is to put it on/take it off, and the padding inside the harness for their comfort. Pay careful attention to ensure the design or fit doesnât limit or impact movement. There are many great harness options on the market, including those made for regular wear and specialized lift support harnesses with convenient shoulder straps. If possible, visit your local pet store with your senior dog to check out your options firsthand. This will help you better assess the size needed and whether the design suits your dogâs unique needs. Most importantly, remember that there is no âone-size-fits-allâ solution. You may find that you are using two different harnesses with two senior dogs in your home. Thatâs okay! The goal is to find the option that supports all your dogâs needs and helps you give them the best possible quality of life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
What You Need to Know About XL Bully Ban
American XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year after numerous attacks were reported across the United Kingdom. The term "XL Bully" typically refers to a type of American Bully breed known for its muscular build and larger size compared to standard American Bullies. These dogs are often selectively bred for their size, strength, and temperament, so while they are not inherently aggressive, they have the means to do some damage if they are reared to be dangerous.The ban has owners of bully breeds across the UK scared and confused, so hereâs what you need to know about the details of this edict. Starting from December 31st, all XL Bullies will have to be kept on a lead and have a muzzle while in public. What is more, from this date it will be completely illegal to advertise, breed, sell, exchange, gift, or abandon or let stray any XL Bullies. In short â it is a decisive strike against this breed, as announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, earlier this year.Furthermore, a complete ban on people owning XL Bullies will come into force in the UK from February 1st, 2023. This had owners scared that their pets would have to be put down just because of their breed, but, luckily, thatâs not the case. If the owner applies before the end of January, with the wish to keep their pet. With that, the household will receive an exemption certificate, but it will also have to comply with a very strict set of rules related to the breed. UK government department Defra has announced that it received more than 4,000 exemption applications so far and that a âmajorityâ were approved. Their spokesperson said that â "The majority of applications are successful and the majority of successful applicants are receiving their certificates in less than a week."This only supports the assurances that there will be no âforcedâ euthanization of these dogs. However, those people that do not apply for an exemption by the end of the deadline, will have to put their XL Bullies down. They will be granted £200 to cover the costs of a vet euthanizing their dog. Rescue and rehoming organizations can claim £100 per animal for the same purpose. The government's website states "the euthanasia must be performed by 31 January 2024" for these financial claims to be successful. Sadly, because of this new law, at least 246 XL Bullies will be put down in the coming period, as their owners did not apply for an exemption, or were not granted one. American XL Bullies are not the first dogs to be banned in the UK. Several breeds were banned in the past, and owning them is now completely illegal. These breeds include the Pitbull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. Owning a banned dog breed can get you in plenty of trouble, specifically an unlimited fine and a six-month prison sentence.
How To Tell if a Cat Is Cold
Despite your catâs luxurious coat, they can feel cold sometimes, and itâs important to make it easy for them to warm up because, if they get too cold, they could become hypothermic. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs that your cat is cold, and how to help them feel warm and comfortable.Signs Your Cat Is ColdCats of all ages and breeds can feel the effects of the cold, but kittens, seniors, and those who are ill are more susceptible. And, of course, hairless cats can get cold even faster. Here are some of the ways to tell if your cat is cold:Your catâs body feels cold â Feel your catâs body to see if theyâre cold to the touch. If their ears, paws, and tail are colder than normal, they may need help warming up. Your catâs posture changes â A cat whoâs cold may curl up in a ball to try to warm up. You might also find them puffing up their fur or they might be in a hunched position as they try to conserve heat. Your cat is looking for warmer spots â A kitty whoâs feeling the chill in the air will find the warmest spots in the house. They might get under the thick blanket on your bed, or they might insist on sitting in your lap. And you might find them spending more time near a heater or fireplace. During the day, they might also move to areas that get more sunshine to feel its warmth.Your cat isnât as active â When a cat feels too cold, they may become less active. If your pet is sleeping more or appears lethargic, first make sure that another medical issue isnât to blame. If itâs because theyâre cold, take action to warm them up, including turning up the heat in your home. Bear in mind that cats with certain conditions, such as arthritis, might feel even more discomfort when itâs cold, and this can lead to changes in activity level and behavior too.Your cat starts shivering â Like people, cats shiver when theyâre very cold, and this is a sign that you need to warm them up right away. But because this could also be a symptom of other problems, from illness and pain to stress and fear, be sure to determine if temperature is really the culprit.What To Do if Your Cat Is ColdThere are many ways to help your feline friend feel cozy and comfortable, such as:Give your cat a cozy bed and blanket in a warm spotWhen you see that your cat is feeling cold, give them a warm bed that they can rest in to warm up. There are heated beds that you plug in, as well as self-warming beds that work without electricity. Plus, there are heated pads that can be helpful in making your kitty feel cozy. And you can let your cat crawl under a soft blanket for extra warmth. Just be sure to use heated beds and pads as directed to prevent injuries. Let your cat relax in a warm area in the house, such as near a heat source or in a spot where the sunshine streams in during the day. Move your pet away from drafts.Snuggle with your catOnce your cat finds a comfortable spot on the bed or sofa, you can lie down next to them to help them warm up with your body heat. Theyâre sure to love the attention, and youâll get to be near your purring feline friend. Put sweaters on your catAs long as your kitty doesnât mind wearing clothes, you can use sweaters to keep them warm on chilly days. This is especially useful for hairless kitties. And you can use clothes to keep your cat warm while exploring the outdoors with you.Protect cats who spend time outsideIf your pet is an adventure cat who goes outside with you, or an indoor/outdoor cat who goes out on their own, check outdoor temperatures first. Generally, itâs best to let them spend time outside only when itâs at least 45°F (7°C), but every cat is different, so some might only feel comfortable when itâs even warmer than that.Whenever itâs cold, raining, windy, or snowing, keep them indoors until the weather clears and warms up. Remember, cats who are cold or wet for too long are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.Note: If you have an outdoor cat, theyâll look for shelter to stay as warm as possible, so give them a safe and dry outdoor enclosure that will protect them from the elements if you canât bring them into your home, which would be preferable.Check Out These Products That Help Cats Stay WarmHere are a few products we recommend for keeping your cat warm: K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded
Dogs Trained to Detect Ancient Remains Expedite Search for Graves
Canadaâs recent discovery of hundreds of tiny unmarked graves attributed to the residential school system has created not only cross-country outrage but also a determination to locate and repatriate the remains of all children who left home to attend these schools but never returned.Within a few weeks, the number of unmarked graves throughout Canada had quickly grown to over 10,000 and the ability to locate and identify additional sites (that would date back decades), had become almost impossible. Particularly since many of the schools had since been razed and pinpointing potential burial areas leaned heavily toward guesswork.The search had to be done respectfully â meaning without the use of large, excavation equipment â however, the need to cover a vast range of land in a timely manner was a challenge.Thatâs when the search teams decided to bring in the dogs.Part of the Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association, German Shepherds, Recce and Taz are proficient in detecting older, archeological remains with drill work that has included using older cemeteries as their training ground. In fact, Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs have been used throughout North America and Europe to identify human remains in archaeological sites that date back hundreds of years⦠and longer. These dogs can pick up on the much lower scent levels that come from teeth and bones found in ancient graves⦠and some are even explicitly trained to detect cremated remains where no bones or teeth remain.This switch from bulldozers to the canine duo is a change welcomed by the areaâs former residential school students who feel that because dogs have always been part of the Indigenous culture, they offer a natural, more appropriate approach to finding the missing children.According to Archaeology Professor Adrian Burke, dogs make a great option because they are non-invasive. Although itâs not an exact science â they canât pinpoint an individual grave - they can hone in on a location and this saves time and the need for random digging. Once dogs flag a site, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to confirm what lies beneath.By adding Recce and Taz to the search teams, itâs estimated the time needed to cover a couple of acres can be reduced from a few weeks to just a couple of days.While the process is still slow and time-consuming, Indigenous residents confirm itâs about the childrenâs families understanding what happened to their little ones, being able to bring them home for appropriate burial, and ultimately experiencing a sense of closure and justice.
Are Candles Safe for Pets?
Final Thoughts: Candles and PetsWhether you want to include a candle in your holiday décor while keeping your pet safe or simply burn a candle to mask those pesky âpet smells,â there ARE options available to enjoy the gentle glow of a candle without creating unnecessary risks for your companion.Choose a pet-safe candle that is made from plant-based wax, avoiding those scented with potentially toxic essential oils like peppermint and pine oils. Set your candle up on a secure surface out of their reach and supervise your pet the entire time it burns. When youâre done, ensure your candle is stored safely where your pet canât reach it.These simple precautions may be the difference between a festive holiday scene and a trip to your local emergency vet!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Do You Know Your Pet's Love Language?
Relationship therapists have long used the concept of âLove Languagesâ to encourage better communication among couples. It defines how we express and receive love and sorts these behaviors into five categories â acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gift-giving, and quality time. But did you ever stop to consider how your pet may fit into this framework? The folks at Nulo Pet Food did!Recently, the brand partnered with OnePoll to survey 2,000 cat and dog parents to better understand the secret to your petâs heart.The survey found that quality time is the most popular love language among cats and dogs (27%). This refers to showing affection by giving your pet your undivided attention, with this increase in attention leaving our pets feeling loved and cared for. For 62% of respondents, this meant allowing their pet to sleep in their bed each night, while 40% reported that they would include their pet in their daily plans whenever possible.Of course, food still scored high in offering a path to a petâs heart despite not technically being part of the original five love languages.53% of pet parents said they showed love by providing their pets with high-quality meals, which could technically fall under both acts of service and gift-giving. Dedicated to their pets' overall well-being, 47% answered that they showed love by prioritizing their petâs health and nutrition over all else, and 32% focused on adding variety to their diet.âWith 69% of respondents willing to put their petâs dietary needs before their own, the data clearly shows just how important a role pets plan in their peopleâs lives,â explained Heather Acuff, Ph.D., Nuloâs Director of Research & Development. âNot only are pet parents speaking their petâs love language, theyâre going above and beyond to provide optimum care and nutrition to ensure the healthiest and happiest lives for their pets.âWhat inspires us to prioritize our pets so highly in our lives? These furry family members hold an important role in our lives, with 47% of pet owners believing their pet views them as a best friend and 42% stating that their pet sees them in the same way.This data gives us an insight into the dedication that pet parents show in providing quality nutrition to their dogs and cats. When asked why they feed their current diet, 50% said they strongly believed their pet enjoyed the food, 35% chose the diet for its high-quality ingredients, and 29% decided on a diet based on their budget.How important is variety in our petsâ diets? Only 48% of those surveyed believed they could survive eating the same meal every day for three months. It highlights the importance of products like food toppers that allow us to provide variation and make mealtime interesting while still prioritizing feeding a well-balanced diet. This includes commercial food toppers and pet-friendly human foods like pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, and more.Ultimately, the data reveals that food is one of the most significant ways we express our love and affection to our pets â possibly even making it the sixth love language for pets and pet parents!
New Study Reveals More About How Cats Purr
Pet parents love hearing their cats purr while in a relaxed and blissful state, and itâs believed that a kittyâs purr could be healing, too. But, no matter how long youâve shared your home with felines, you might still wonder how your furry friend is able to make such a unique sound. New research now sheds some more light on how cats purr, so people can learn even more about their feline companions.
Urine Tests Could Now Provide Early Detection of Cancer in Dogs
Cancer doesnât discriminate â it affects all creatures around the world, including our cherished pets. Learning that your dog has cancer can be such a devastating thing, but sadly, it is so common nowadays. John Robertson, research professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech says in his interview for WTOP News that âone in four dogs will be diagnosed with cancer,â and that âby the time theyâre middle-aged, 50% of dogs will die of cancer after the age of 10 years.âProfessor Robertson is part of a vast research team that has developed an innovative new noninvasive rapid test that utilizes a dogâs urine and allows potential early detection of cancer. âUsually, when a dog gets diagnosed with cancer, itâs usually quite advanced, with visible signs â weâre trying to detect cancer before these physical symptoms appear,â said fellow researcher Ryan Senger, associate professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. âCancer is going to change overall metabolism inside the body, and itâs going to change the way the kidneys function, which can be observed in the urine screening process,â Senger added.Through samples of dog urine, the research team discovered that cancerous subjects amongst the observed molecules had a unique âfingerprintâ that could be used to indicate the presence of cancer. âWe would like to be able to have dogs screened earlier, before cancer develops, throughout their lifetime, perhaps a once-a-year urine specimen,â said Robertson. âThat tells us what the molecular fingerprint of the urine is, so if it changes and falls into that realm of fingerprints that define cancer, weâd be able to pay more attention to figure out whatâs going on with the dog.âRobertson also added that there are 12 breeds of purebred dogs that have a much higher incidence of cancer. âWeâre going to focus on being able to institute early, regular screening thatâs going to help pick up earlier when theyâre developing cancer, in the hopes that we can get better outcomes.âHowever, veterinary care is typically subsidized by the owner, Robertson emphasized, which is opposite to medical care, which is often paid for by insurance. âSo, we intend to make our tests readily available at a price point that everyone can afford to regularly have their dog examined and screened.â, the professor added. Robertson said that urine screening is currently being researched, to determine whether it could be applied to humans as well, potentially bringing great changes to the discovery of cancer cells. The teamâs findings were published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science and make us very optimistic for the future of preventive veterinary medicine â an inexpensive, accurate way to screen for a potentially fatal illness could be life-changing for so many pets and their owners. Not to mention the implications if such a test could be adapted to be used on humans, as well!
Canine Nose Prints Help Reunite Lost Pets with Owners
Faster and more effective than microchips? Time will tell.
Possible Cancer Vaccine for Dogs in the Works
Mark your calendar because May 2024 marks the end of a 5-year clinical trial that may put an end to many canine cancers.
Atlanta Airportâs Missing Dog Story Gets a Happy End After 3 Weeks
Transporting your pet through commercial airlines is seen as a safe and fast mode of pet transport. Sometimes, however, things can take a strange turn. Paula Rodriguez traveled with Delta Airlines with her dog supposedly in the cargo of the plane, only to discover that her cherished 6-year-old dog, Maia, was actually lost. And since Atlantaâs Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is considered one of the busiest in the world, finding the lost pooch was definitely a major challenge. But what happened? Paula began her vacation in a seemingly ordinary manner. On August 18th, she embarked on a journey from her home in the Dominican Republic, headed to sunny California. By her side was her best friend, Maia. Soon after, however, troubles began. Landing in Atlanta for a planned layover, Paula sadly discovered that her tourist visa did not meet the necessary requirements. Because of this, the visa was canceled, and Paula learned she would have to fly back home to the Dominican Republic. The vacation ended before it began!However, Paula was to spend 24 hours in the detention center, which meant that she was to be separated from her cherished pet, Maia. But when the morning arrived and it was time to fly back home, Paula Rodriguez was torn apart, learning that her pet Maia had been lost! An official representative of the Atlanta airport informed her that âMaia was being transported (to the plane) on the runway, and staff had opened her kennel, and she had escaped into the middle of the runwayâ. They were unable to locate her ever since!Not being allowed to remain in the United States, Paula had no other choice but to board the flight as instructed, leaving her lost pet behind. She only hoped that someone would find her, but even so, the shock and sadness were immense. It was a tragic experience, she said, one that left her with great anxiety and panic attacks during the flight back home. Maia remained lost for weeks â Paula relentlessly called Delta Airlines in hopes of an update but did not receive any new information during this time. Being a small dog, Maia was lost in the vast Atlanta airport and could be virtually anywhere.Luckily, Paula received the phone call she yearned for since the tragic series of events. Atlanta Airport officials announced that Maia had been discovered, hiding near the north cargo facilities. âTired but in apparent good health, she was transported to a vet and is expected to return home soon,â airport officials said. Maia hid for three long weeks, but even so, she remained relatively safe and healthy. We can only imagine the fear and the stress this poor dog experienced â and the incredible worry her owner went through. Luckily, this story found its happy ending and Maia is probably being showered with love so sheâll forget all about her unplanned âadventureâ in no time!
Why Does My Cat Have a Bald Spot?
Discovering a bald spot or missing fur on your cat can be both perplexing and concerning for any cat parent. A change in your catâs coat could be nothing, but it could also be a red flag of behavioral issues or medical problems. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to addressing the problem.In this post, we explore the mystery of cat alopecia, including possible explanations for cat hair loss, what you should do if you notice your cat has a bald spot, and how to prevent this problem from happening.Letâs get startedâ¦6 Reasons Your Cat May Have a Bald SpotThe first step to addressing your catâs hair loss is to identify why it occurred. This will mean paying careful attention to other signs and symptoms, both physical and behavioral. Here are a few of the most common causes of significant hair loss in cats:Allergies and IrritationDoes your cat suffer from food allergies or environmental allergies? While most allergies wonât directly cause your catâs hair to fall out, they trigger dry, itchy skin. As your cat scratches the area, trying to soothe the itch, they may damage the skin or hair follicles.Identifying the allergens can be difficult. You may wish to do allergy testing or try an elimination diet. But the good news is that once you know the trigger, eliminating it will solve the problem.OvergroomingCats are well-known for their careful attention to their grooming needs, licking themselves to keep their fur clean and shiny. However, there are some behavioral situations when a cat may start grooming excessively, causing damage to their coat or their skin, resulting in bald patches.The most common causes of overgrooming are stress and anxiety. Take a moment to reconsider your household and any recent changes that may have occurred. Did you move? Are you renovating your home? Did you add a new pet or family member to the household?Another potential behavioral explanation for overgrooming is obsessive-compulsive disorder. This may have started as stress or anxiety, or it may be genetic. OCD in cats could result from neurological conditions or other medical problems.
Study Finds Differences in Pain Sensitivity Between Dog Breeds
Although you might think that all dogs experience pain the same, it turns out that different dog breeds have varying levels of pain sensitivity.
Study Shows Your Dog Is Listening to You Even When Theyâre Sleeping
For millennia, dogs have been our most loyal companions â naturally, this means that weâve evolved together and that canines and humans share a special bond like no other. Not only that but theyâve also learned how to communicate with us without speaking, from using â puppy eyesâ to tail wagging, and other body language thatâs unique to their species. Their ability to understand us, too, never ceases to amaze us, and it has been further confirmed by a recent study by ethologists at the Hungarian Eötvös Loránd University.A small pilot study that was conducted on 13 dogs revealed that even when in deep slumber, a dogâs brain can still light up in response to human voices and the sounds of other canines - just like when they are wide awake. Eötvös Loránd Universityâs ethologist Huba EleÅd says that âthis finding is significant insofar as it is the first evidence of complex auditory processing during sleep in dogs.âTo achieve the most accurate readings, the experts used special devices that measured the dogsâ âevent-related potential brain wave responsesâ. In different stages of the testing, the dogs were presented with the voices while awake, drowsy, and fully asleep. Sounds lasted only for a second and included laughs, sighs, yawns, growls, and yelps. The sounds were carefully chosen so as not to startle the doggos awake. The results surprised everyone. Even when they were not in deep REM sleep, dogs could tell if a noise was coming from a human or a dog, and whether the âcommunicationâ was positive or not. Previously, such abilities were only seen in primates, including us humans. The only non-primates to display this ability were mice â and now, dogs as well. That primates possessed such an ability came as no surprise, as we spend plenty of time asleep, and having that ability ensured our continued survival. But dogs, dogs definitely surprised researchers!Luckily, modern studies allowed us to learn a lot of new things about dogs. Their sleep, for example, sheds a lot of light on how exactly they function. While snoozing, pooches process emotion and âconsolidateâ their memories. They can even dream as well! And now we know that they can hear us as well.While undoubtedly exciting, these findings are just the tip of the iceberg. Important research will continue in Hungary, in search of further similarities between canine and human sleep behavior. We can only eagerly wait to see what new discoveries are made in the coming months and years.
How Often Do Dogs Need to Go Out to Pee?
When nature calls, dogs answer. And when dogs answer, so do you â by taking them outside to do their business. In other words, if you have a potty-trained dog, they will rely on you to know when their bladder is full or at least to take them out frequently enough so it doesnât get full in the first place. This leaves most owners with the question â how often do dogs need to go out to pee? You donât want them to have an accident inside the home but you probably donât want to take them out for a walk every hour or so (even if you did have the time for it) so itâs important to find the right balance. Hereâs what you need to know so you can make it work for you and your dog.How Often Do Dogs Pee?The frequency at which dogs need to go out to pee can vary depending on several factors, including their age, breed, size, activity level, and overall health. In general, you can use the following guidelines as a starting point, but it's important to pay attention to your individual dog's needs and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, itâs enough to just observe the signs your dog gives you, like nudging you or standing by the door. But at other times, it requires a bit of âinterventionâ. When it comes to the connection between a dogâs age and their peeing habits, the younger the pooch, the more they need to go out. Puppies have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms, so they typically need to go out more frequently. A general rule of thumb is to take a puppy out every 1 to 2 hours, especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up from a nap. Make sure to let them know why you are going out so theyâll gradually relate walkies with peeing time.Adult dogs, on the other hand, can usually hold their bladders for longer periods. Most adult dogs need to go out every 4 to 6 hours. Some larger breeds may have more bladder capacity and can hold it longer, while smaller breeds may need to go out more frequently, so have that in mind too. Of course, as dogs age, their ability to hold their bladders may decrease. Senior dogs may need to go out more frequently, potentially every 3 to 4 hours. What is more, some senior dogs may suffer from incontinence, meaning that they canât really control when or where they pee. In this case, you could use disposable dog diapers until their condition improves or in periods when youâre not there to take them out more frequently and prevent accidents.
Golden Retriever Nurses African Painted Dog Pups Rejected by Their Mom
The Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, recently welcomed a litter of eight endangered African painted dog puppies. After a rough start, only three puppies survived thanks to an unlikely surrogate mother - a golden retriever named Kassy.The Potawatomi Zoo announced that the pair of their African painted dogs, Bleu and Maurice, had a litter of eight puppies born in late September. However, it was soon clear to the care team at the zoo that the pack would not be able to raise the puppies successfully.âBleu, an inexperienced mother, was not caring for her pups the way she should have, and Maurice was following her lead,â said the zoo. In their natural habitat, African painted dogs live in large packs with unique vocalizations and social dynamics. All adult dogs in the pack work together to help feed and raise the pups. The success of the birth and raising of the pups can be endangered if the pack doesnât work together as they should. âWe knew within 24 hours that we had to separate them,â the zooâs executive director, Josh Sisk, told the South Bend Tribune. The zooâs animal care staff consulted with the African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan (SSP), a group of zoo professionals who form the breeding plans for this endangered species in accredited zoos across the United States. The staff at zoos usually try to remain uninvolved, letting the packs raise the puppies as they would in the wild. This approach is often successful and helps the pups learn the complex social structure of their species. However, in this case, the decision was made to intervene and hand-raise the litter. Instead of bottle-feeding the puppies, the SSP recommended finding a surrogate dog to nurse the puppies. Within a few hours, the Indiana Council for Animal Welfare connected the zoo with a golden retriever named Kassy, who recently had a litter of puppies and had milk to spare. Kassy and her litter arrived at the zoo a day after the painted dog pups were born and immediately accepted them. The zooâs staff watched as Kessy nursed and cared for the pups as if they were her own.âIt was a crazy first month,â Sisk said. âOur team was there for four weeks, 24/7. We had a mattress next to the dogs.âThe zooâs veterinarian and care team worked around the clock to ensure that all of the puppies, including Kassyâs litter, were getting enough food and time with Kassy. However, despite everyoneâs efforts, not all of the African painted dog pups survived. Four weeks after the litter was born, only three puppies remained. The surviving pups were named Blue, Red, and Orange for the colors staff used to track them since they were born. Originally, the zoo planned to reintegrate the pups with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby. However, the adult dogs didnât show a positive interest in the pups, so the plan was changed. The zoo decided to build a home for the pups next to adult dogs, so they could still learn how to behave like painted dogs. Once the puppies get older they can either be integrated with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby or moved to another zoo.âBlue, Red, and Orange have had an unusual and challenging start to life, but the zoo hopes they will have a bright and successful future,â the zoo shared in a release. âThese three healthy, active pups are just the start of this story and the zoo hopes to share more positive updates of their milestones in the future.âJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
What Is Scent Enrichment for Cats?
Your cat has a powerful sense of smell that she uses to navigate her surroundings and make decisions, so itâs important to consider your kitty when using scented products around the house and maintaining a litter box that doesnât have offensive odors.In addition to considering the fragrances that can be off-putting to your kitty, you can also enrich your catâs environment and make her daily life more fun with scent. Below are some tips on how to use scent enrichment to keep your furbaby happy.
