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Explore our articles and resources for pet parents
What are Savannah Cats?
There’s something unmistakably striking about the Savannah cat. Descended from African wild cats and crossed with domestic cats, these exotic hybrids are graceful, captivating and leave you wanting to know more.
Preparing Your Pets for Winter
Winter storm Cato is heading up the east coast, and is expected to bring the first snow fall of the season to many cities. These conditions give us pause to consider the preparation for and well-being of our pets during these times of extreme weather. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. They should be kept inside. Long-haired and thick-coated dogs are more tolerant of cold weather, but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below freezing weather.
WHAT ARE AFRICAN GREY PARROTS?
One of the most distinctive breeds of parrot is the African Grey. This gallant bird is known for its stand-out smoky grey tinted feathers that give it such an unusual appearance, and of course, it’s chatty persona.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DOG – COMMON SENSE TIPS
It’s an exciting time welcoming a new puppy into your household. They provide so much fun and love, and are like a new child in your family. This time can also be daunting to the new puppy owner, especially if they have never owned a dog before. In this article, we will give you a whirlwind tour through everything you need to know to take care of a new puppy.
BEHAVIORAL DIFFERENCES IN CATS AND DOGS
Having both a dog and a cat at home isn’t unusual. They are two creatures that can live in harmony together. Pet owners do the same for both as far as caring for them goes. They provide them with food, shelter, and water. Cats and dogs still share a few obvious differences… and not just their size. Here are five ways having dogs is different from having cats.
THE BEAGLE
The Beagle has enjoyed tremendous popularity for many years, and rightly so. He is the epitome of sweetness and joy. A dog of impeccable temperament and gentle nature, this breed is an excellent choice for a family with kids.
Brief History
The Beagle has a long history that hails all the way back to the fifth century. The ancient Greeks used a small hunting dog remarkably similar to today’s much-loved tricolor hound. Early Beagles, which traveled under other monikers such as St. Hubert’s Hound, Talbot’s Hound, and Southern Hound, were enjoyed by notables such as William the Conqueror. These evolved into the diminutive “Pocket Beagle”, popular with the aristocracy in medieval times, including King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth. In the 1700s, the North Country Beagle and the Southern Hound were crossed with the Foxhound, which created the version of hound that we know as the Beagle.
Around 1830 and following throughout that century, breeders devoted themselves to establishing the Beagle as a stand-alone breed. By 1884 it had been imported to America and was recognized by the AKC.
Physical Features
According to the AKC standard, the Beagle is, “A miniature Foxhound, solid and big for his inches, with the wear-and-tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and follow his quarry to the death.”
This summarizes the Beagle’s muscle and athleticism, his deep chest, and strong legs, while perhaps overlooking his adorableness. His soft, floppy ears and big brown eyes would melt butter.
The registry recognizes two sizes: Under 13 inches and from 13 to 15 inches, which is the height the dog is measured at his shoulder.
Average Height:
13-15 inches
Average Weight:
26-33 pounds
Life Expectancy:
10-15 years
Temperament
On their own, Beagles love to thrive in groups and families, they also blend in well with other dog breeds thanks to their calm, cohesive nature, and their need to be “groupies”. Adopting a Beagle may be your best deed ever since it will bond with you effortlessly and always be on your trail with its gentle and happy aura. Beagles are very tender to children and the love shared and shown will always manifest during playtime.
Regarded as the least hostile dog breed, you will never find a Beagle attacking or biting strangers unless it is harshly provoked. Their welcoming nature allows them to deal with strangers in an intelligent manner that gives them some freedom while being protective of their environments, families, and owners. If you are a stranger to a Beagle, it will hardly show any negative response or aggression towards you and with some strokes to its fur, this dog will bond with you immediately and share in some fun moments with you as it shows you around.
Special Needs
Being a sporting dog, a Beagle has to have vigorous exercise on a regular basis. His tendency to bay and howl can create issues for apartment living.
Possible Health Concerns
Being a sporting dog, a Beagle has to have vigorous exercise on a regular basis. His tendency to bay and howl can create issues for apartment living.
Heart disease
Epilepsy
Back problems
Eye problems
Chondrodysplasia (abnormality in bones and cartilage)
Mast cell tumors
Exercise
Apart from being gentle and friendly, a Beagle is a highly active and energetic dog. If not on a leash, he may run off and chase smaller animals such as rabbits. Allow your Beagle some space and time to play, and you should train him to adhere to a daily regular exercise routine with you such as walking or jogging.
Nutrition
The active lifestyle of the Beagle will call for a protein-rich diet: whole meats, fish, and poultry are an ideal choice. To maintain its coat and keep it shiny, you might have to add in some essential fatty acids found in fish oil, safflower, and sunflower. Vegetables such as pumpkin and spinach, and fruits such as apples, watermelon, and blueberries can also be included to provide your Beagle with a healthy dose of vitamins.
Grooming
The Beagle has a short coat and sheds individual hairs all year long. He will benefit from an occasional brushing and nail trim.
Bad Dog Chronicles
We love dogs because they’re cute, cuddly, and loyal companions. But we also love them for the shenanigans they get into. From stealing food, to hiding behind the sofa, to creating embarrassing moments for their owners in the middle of the street, we can’t get enough.
Can Dogs Spread the Ebola Virus?
No one knows for sure. Out of an abundance of caution, authorities euthanized the pet dog of a Spanish Nursing assistant after she contracted the Ebola virus while caring for a patient in Spain.
