Pets
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Man has altered dogs since prehistoric times, starting with wolves. Dog breeds such as Bullmastiffs, Labrador Retrievers and St. Bernard’s were bred in order to better meet the needs of man.
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Q: Why Do Dogs Shed so Much?
A: Dogs naturally shed their hair, and the amount they shed has to do with their overall health, breed and the time of year. If a dog is shedding excessively, it may be a sign of poor nutrition, stress or a medical condition. -
Q: Where Can I Find a Pocket Monkey for Sale?
A: Pocket monkeys, otherwise known as pygmy marmosets can be purchased from authorized exotic animal sellers online such as Exotic Animals for Sale, Primate Store and Poggi's Animal House. These are directory listings that feature breeders and pet owners that have these monkeys up for sale. In most cases, pickup has to be done in person, even though the actual purchasing can be completed online. -
Q: Can I Keep a Meerkat As a Pet?
A: A meerkat, despite its cute, engaging appearance, does not make a good house pet. Even among themselves, meerkats are very aggressive and extend this behavior toward humans as well. -
Q: What Is the Average Number of Pets Per Household?
A: As of June 2014, the average number of companion animals per household in the United States is 1.6 for dogs and 2.1 for cats. At least one dog resides in 36.5 percent of households, while 30.4 percent of households have at least one cat. -
Q: How Long Does a Guinea Pig Live?
A: On average, guinea pigs live five to seven years, but they can live as long as 14 years. Some breeds tend to live longer than others, and males tend to live longer than females. -
Q: What Is the Best Way to Remove Skunk Smell From a Dog?
A: According to the Humane Society of America, the best way to remove skunk smell from a dog is to buy an over-the-counter product or bathe the dog in a homemade odor removing solution made up of peroxide, baking soda and dishwashing liquid. The first step to remove the odor and keep it from spreading all over everything is to keep the dog outside. -
Q: How Can I Tell If My Dwarf Hamster Is Pregnant?
A: According to Midwest Exotic Animal Hospital, common signs of pregnancy in dwarf hamsters include restlessness and bloody discharge prior to delivery. The gestation period for dwarf hamsters is approximately 16 days, with as many as 10 pups per litter. -
Q: What Is the Name for a Baby Ferret?
A: According to ZooBorns, a baby ferret is called a "kit." Other animals whose young are called kits or kittens include bearcats, bobcats, cats, foxes, honey badgers, mice, muskrats, rabbits, rats, servals, skunks, squirrels, weasels and woodchucks. -
Q: How Big Are Teddy Bear Hamsters?
A: Adult teddy bear hamsters are usually 4 to 5 inches long. They are about the size of a mouse, without the long tail. Female hamsters are generally larger and heavier than male ones. -
Q: What Kinds of Antelope Live in South Africa?
A: Out of the 79 antelope species in Africa, 29 kinds of antelope are found in South Africa. This makes South Africa the largest natural habitat in the world for the antelope species. -
Q: Why Does a Chinchilla Make a Weird Noise at Night?
A: Chinchillas are nocturnal. The sounds they make signal many behaviors – playing, breeding, birthing, feeding and so on. Chinchillas are one of the most intelligent members of the rodent family, and they communicate using a wide variety of sounds that can vary by individual and family groups. -
Q: Where Can I Buy Hamsters Online?
A: There are many items that can be purchased online, though pet hamsters cannot. However, some pet retailers will feature hamsters on their websites for informational purposes, with the pet available for purchase in person at the store. -
Q: What Are Some Puppy Obedience Training Tips?
A: According to WebMD, training is important from the moment a puppy enters its new home. Rewarding good behavior, being consistent and properly socializing puppies are three of the most important puppy training tips for creating a positive learning environment. -
Q: Where Did Ferrets Originally Come From?
A: Ferrets, or mustela putorius furo, are domesticated forms of the European polecat, or mustela putorious, but their origin is unknown. Scientists agree that it’s most likely that they were domesticated 2,500 years ago in the Mediterranean region, according to Wikipedia. -
Q: Can Hamsters Eat Carrots?
A: Hamsters like a variety of fruit and vegetables, including carrots. Hamsters are omnivores and eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, hamsters eat grain, seeds, leaves, insects, fruit and more. Citrus fruits and onions are the only definite vegetables to avoid as they are acidic and will give the hamster an upset stomach. -
Q: What Do Pot-Bellied Pigs Eat?
A: According to Sea World, wild pot-bellied pigs are omnivores, and their diet includes eggs, snakes, frogs, fish and grasses. Domestic and farm-raised pot-bellied pigs consume pot-bellied pig feed, vegetables, fruit and nuts. Eating pig chow alone can cause obesity and dry skin in pot bellied pigs, so it is always a smart idea for pig owners to include at least one serving of vegetables per day to ensure proper nutrition. -
Q: Why Do Guinea Pigs Squeak?
A: Guinea pigs are relatively vocal animals and use squeaking as a way to communicate emotions such as fear and happiness, according to About.com. Not only do guinea pigs squeak to communicate with other guinea pigs, but also as a way to communicate with humans. -
Q: What Is the Difference Between a Stoat and a Weasel?
A: According to Wildlife Britain, stoats are bigger and longer than other weasels. Stoats have black coloring on the tips of their tails, which are proportionately longer than those of other weasels, and a coat that turns completely white in winter. Stoats are called ermines when in their white winter coloring. -
Q: Where Do Guinea Pigs Come From?
A: Guinea pigs, or cavies, originated in the northern and western parts of South America. They were originally domesticated about 5,000 B.C.E. and are now found worldwide as pets, laboratory animals and as a source of meat. -
Q: How Long Can a Mouse Live Without Water?
A: Mice can survive their whole lives without drinking water. In the absence of water, they manage to get enough moisture from the food they eat; however, mice readily drink water if it is available. -
Q: Do Pigs Make Good Pets?
A: Pigs can be good pets with proper care and training. Pot-bellied pigs in particular are suitable house pets, and they can be trained in the same way as dogs.