Best small animal for families with children

Are you considering purchasing a pet for your home that would be a fun addition to the family and would be suitable for children?
Then there are a plethora of excellent selections to choose from. It’s critical for youngsters to learn how to care for an animal from an early age, so it’s best to start small – with smaller, easier-to-care-for pets that don’t require a lot of responsibility. In this post, we’ll look at which small animals are best for a household with children, as well as what you should think about before bringing home your next family member.

Continue reading!

Children’s pets

When purchasing a pet for a child, it is critical that you do not select an animal that is difficult to handle, such as a cute small puppy that grows up to be a large, full-grown dog, which is something you want to avoid.
A dog is a significant responsibility, and a puppy requires almost continual monitoring.

Rabbits make excellent pets, as can guinea pigs, fish, and other animals that can live in an aquarium.
A little, cute bird is also an option. Getting a cat is popular among families with children because a cat can take care of itself to a significant extent and is easy to handle for both youngsters and adults. It is also suggested that keeping a pet around your child as they are growing will help lessen the likelihood of allergies. It becomes similar to a natural vaccination in that you must be exposed to specific types of mites and bacteria in order to develop resistance.

Of course, it’s a good idea to choose a pet that interests everyone in the family, especially the children who will be participating.
The entire process will then be considerably easier for the entire family.
Let’s look at which little pets are the easiest to care for and will be a lot of joy to have around!

Pets that are simple to care for – ideal for families with children

An easy-care pet is usually a little animal that doesn’t require a lot of social interaction or you having to take the animal out to do its business, but it shouldn’t be a mischievous animal that you don’t see much of. Consider your daily routine and which animal could be most suited.

Is someone always at home, or do you frequently travel as a family, for example? Can you bring the animal with you, or is there someone who can care for it? Will you have pets in your home or in your apartment?

To assist you, we’ll go through some of the best small animals for families with children.

Purchase a cat

There are many kittens in the country who require a secure home, and purchasing a cat is an excellent way to expose your child to the animal world.
Cats, of course, have different personalities and prefer to cuddle alone, but they are usually quite cuddly, easy to care for, and clever creatures that get along well with children. However, you should always exercise caution while dealing with animals that can scratch and bite, especially when little children are present. If a cat feels surrounded or restrained, it may become upset and lash out or, in the worst-case scenario, bite.
It is normally fine as long as you teach your children to be cautious about the cat.

A kitten is a terrific place to start and a pleasant addition to the family, as it will become accustomed to the entire family right away.
An adult cat might be much more difficult to care for. The only thing to think about is whether the cat will be an inside or outdoor cat. If you live in a house or apartment that is close to nature and does not have a stairway, it is best to turn it into an outdoor cat and let it experience genuine cat life – albeit you will see less of the cat.

If it’s an indoor cat, make sure it has a climbing tree and other toys to exercise its lively mind and sharpen its claws on (otherwise it may damage your furniture instead). Even if the cat is an outdoor cat who does most of its business outside, it will require access to food, fresh water, and a litter tray.
A cat can stay at home alone for a long period without worrying anyone.

Purchasing an aquarium

Aquarium fish and other tiny aquatic pets are entertaining and informative to watch, as well as simple to care for.
Purchasing an aquarium may also engage the entire family because everyone can select a fish, shrimp, or whatever to keep a close eye on.
Feeding is simple, and all you need is a jar of dry fish meal made up of small thin scales that you sprinkle into the water – but only a pinch at a time, and only once a day.
They also devour other organisms in the water, plants in the water, and other things.

The main issue with an aquarium is cleaning it and having someone you know feed the fish if you go away for a few days.
When it’s time to clean the tank, transfer all of the fish to a temporary container of water and remove everything so you may clean the aquarium.
When cleaning it out, avoid using harsh detergents as this might be harmful to the fish.

There are both large and tiny aquariums.
Make sure you have enough space in your home for the tank and that you can see the fish.

Keeping a rabbit as a pet

A rabbit as a pet is popular among families with children.
Who can resist a lovely, innocent little newborn rabbit?
They’re also reasonably simple pets to care for if they have access to food and water, as well as the opportunity to explore.
However, unless you live on the ground floor and have a tiny plot, a rabbit is not suggested as a pet in an apartment.
Rabbits prefer to live in a larger cage with a wider paddock where they can hop around on real grass during the summer months – they’ll be very happy!

Purchase a guinea pig

Many of us had guinea pigs when we were younger since they are entertaining and easy to care for little pets that don’t demand much.
The entire family can snuggle and play with the guinea pig, but proceed with caution because they have very short skinny legs and very sharp front teeth. Guinea pigs, like rabbits, enjoy having an outdoor cage in the summer so they can wander about freely and get a taste of actual grass and other exciting things! nA guinea pig should not be left alone for an extended period of time.
They are also tiny enough to be transported in a cage if you are going on a country vacation, for example.
Rabbits and guinea pigs both require a place to retreat for peace and quiet, as well as shade and protection from the elements.

Purchasing a bird

Birds are adorable and intelligent small pets that everyone in the family can enjoy.
If you’ve never owned a bird before, it’s best to start small, with budgies or something similar.
Birds like not to be alone in their cages and require a spouse to be truly happy.
Undulates are reasonably easy to care for, requiring simply food, water, and the opportunity to get out of the cage in the house/apartment from time to time, or to sit outside in the daylight (in the cage, in the shade) during the summer.
However, keep in mind that there will be a lot of chirping and singing going on at home with one or more birds, so be prepared!

5 Simple Home Remedies For Diarrhea In Dogs

Your dog cannot open his mouth and say, “I’m not feeling well, and I don’t think I should be eating that.” In other words, there is no way for your dog to communicate with you when he feels unwell or should stop eating something. Pet owners have a duty to check on the health of their animals whenever an opportunity arises.

For dogs with diarrhea, it’s an indication of something more serious, such as an imbalance in their diet or an allergy or infection. This isn’t the cutest thing your dog can do, but he will be extremely uncomfortable when it happens, and you won’t enjoy having him around the house when this occurs.

There Are Many Causes But Home Remedies Can Help A Lot

Because there are so many potential causes of canine diarrhea, it’s very common. Fortunately, there are some simple home remedies you can try before making a trip to the vet’s office and spending a lot of money. If the problem is minor, any of the following suggestions should work.

If the infection worsens or persists, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Bloody excrement, loss of appetite, lethargic behavior, frequent vomiting, or abdominal pain accompanied by moaning are examples of symptoms that should prompt you to seek medical attention.

If it’s a minor problem, try one of the following suggestions.

Give him some space.

Fasting gives your dog’s stomach a chance to clear out and rest before any further food intake, so it can be beneficial from time to time. Every bowel movement necessitates a rest for the digestive system. If you give your dog plenty of water while restricting his food, it may help his system flush itself. Make sure not to overdo it on the liquids, as this could result in vomiting.

Food that is tasteless and bland

Your dog’s digestive system will require bland, easily digestible food after a bout of diarrhea. Make sure to eat only plain white rice and unseasoned, boiled chicken. Unsweetened canned pumpkin or bananas are also acceptable substitutes. Give him a spoonful of food every 2 hours for the first 24 hours, then switch to a normal diet.

Foods that are comprehensive

There are many natural healing foods available, such as chia seeds, plants, and pumpkin puree. Antimocrobial properties are present in these foods, and they also soothe the mucus membranes in your dog’s system. Sliding elm is another option in this group.

Probiotics, for example, are good for you.

Diarrhea eliminates harmful bacteria, but it also dehydrates the body, erasing beneficial bacteria in the process. You’ll have to give your dog extra nutrients to make up for what he’s lost during his illness. Plain yogurt is a low-cost alternative, but probiotics obtained from your veterinarian over the counter are superior.

Don’t let him touch trash

Canine diarrhea is frequently caused by scavenging the garbage, and this can happen without the dog’s owner even realizing. Keep the lids closed and don’t let him near them is the simplest solution.

Tips For Helping Dogs With Diarrhea

Put an end to the consumption of normal food.
This will give his digestive system a break and allow it to heal more quickly. There should be less diarrhea now that the food is out of the way. Puppy fasting should be limited to no more than 12 hours, while adult dogs typically require a 24 hour fast. If you have a diabetic dog or a toy breed, talk to your veterinarian.

Make sure your dog’s gums are healthy by doing a checkup.
If his gums become pale, whitish, grayish, or purple, have him seen right away. Gums that are in good health are the color of bubble gum. Also, put your finger on his gum and see if that works. The gum should turn white before quickly turning pink again. Even if it’s only a few seconds, the dog must be seen right away.

Make sure your dog is well-hydrated at all times.
If your dog has uncontrollable squirts of diarrhea, you should give them as much water as possible.
Pedialyte, Gatorade, or plain water with 50/50 Gatorade can help replenish electrolytes that have been lost during exercise. Consult your veterinarian, however, if your dog’s diarrhea does not improve or if he is vomiting as well.
Keep an eye out for the following signs of dehydration.

Make sure the food is bland.
After the fasting period, give him boiled chicken and rice or boiled hamburger and rice in place of his normal food. Using skinless chicken or a burger means making sure the fat has been drained from the burger before cooking. Give preference to brown or white rice when preparing your meal. Continue the diet until the stools are more uniform in shape. After that, gradually reintroduce regular fare. This should be accomplished gradually over the course of a few days. See “dog bland diet recipes” for more ideas.

The magic of Pepto-Bismol.
Consult your veterinarian to see if you can give over-the-counter medications like Pepto Bismol or Immodium instead. If he believes it will be beneficial, he will provide you with dosing instructions. There may be side effects, just like with any other medication.

Check your dog’s hydration level.
Attempt to raise the dog’s back or shoulders in a tent. That depends on how quickly it goes back down. If it stays up, the dog needs immediate veterinary care and fluids given intravenously (into the vein) or under the skin (under the skin).

Offer yogurt as a substitute.
Put a dollop of plain yogurt or cottage cheese in his bland diet to add some good bacteria, as explained in detail below.

Appointment with a veterinarian.
The dog becomes lethargic, the diarrhea persists despite dietary changes or stops and returns, other symptoms such as bloody stools and vomiting return to the dog’s health care provider or fever develops. When a dog has parasites, gastro-enteritis, pancreatitis, a foreign body ingestion, parvo, or any of the other conditions listed above, it should be seen by a veterinarian right away.

Sources:
https://www.holidogtimes.com/5-easy-home-remedies-to-cure-dog-diarrhea/
https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Home-remedies-for-dog-diarrhea

11 Chinese dog breeds – Reasons to pick dog from the east

Over 400 officially recognized dog breeds exist in the globe, and they come in different forms and sizes.

For the average person, China is best known for its pandas, dragons, and silkworms. Have you heard of some of the most attractive dog breeds originating in China? There’s a dog breed in China that will meet your expectations.

Based on historical data, it has been claimed that the domestication of dogs initially occurred in the Middle Kingdom. While it may be traced back to the years 15,000 years ago, it has been demonstrated that there is a maximum amount of genetic diversity.

During ancient China, some breeds were popular among the wealthy and powerful. For the first time, China’s citizens have come to adore dogs. With these rules in place, dog ownership is becoming increasingly prevalent among Chinese households, even though they are strictly prohibited.

There are little dog breeds like the Mexican Chihuahua, which is regarded the world’s smallest dog breed, and huge dog varieties like the English Mastiff, which may weigh over 300 lbs in severe situations. It’s difficult to believe that all breeds are related, yet all dogs have a common ancestor: the old wolf. Dogs evolved differently in different regions of the world and were utilized for a variety of purposes. Some dogs were hunters, some were protectors, and yet others were just responsible for keeping us company.

China is home to some of the most intriguing breeds.

Chinese dogs have been evolving for thousands of years, and their history is filled with twists and turns. Dog breeds that originated in China are varied and have performed several roles throughout Chinese history. Some of these species were brave defenders of old monasteries, while others amused and occupied Chinese royals. Are you looking for Chinese dog breeds? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Chinese dog breeds so you can choose a future companion with roots in an old Chinese culture. Now with that said, the take a look at 11 of Chinas most intriguing dog breeds.

1. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are becoming one of the most popular Chinese dog breeds.
These tiny Chinese dogs get along with almost everyone and are extremely sociable and obedient. This is another of the royal Chinese dog breeds that the Chinese monarchy highly prized and adored. The name “Shih Tzu” is derived from the Chinese word for lion.
The fact that these little Chinese dogs are an incredibly old breed and that they are very closely linked to the wolf – closer than other dog breeds – are two of the most intriguing aspects of them (even though they look very different from the large wolf).

2. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin, contrary to popular perception and its name, is a dog breed that originated in China. The “Chin,” as it is often known, is a breed that originated in ancient China about 1.500 years ago. Some of these dogs were sent to Japanese monarchs as gifts and as trophies of battle with the Chinese around the beginning of the 11th century.
The Japanese Chin grew popular among the nobles, and when the British arrived, these dogs were frequently sold to sailors and British visitors.

2. Pekingese

The Pekingese is a Chinese dog breed that was designed to be the finest companion imaginable. The Chinese royal family maintained these canines, and Pekingese ownership was strictly regulated. Commoners could not possess these Chinese canines, and they could only be given as a gift. These dogs are commonly referred to as “lion dogs” because, according to a Chinese mythology, they were formed when Buddha granted a request to a lion and shrank him to the size of a dog. The lion just requested that Buddha give him his courage, which is why the Pekingese are so bold and fearless today.

4. Chinese Crested Dog

We may never know for certain how these Chinese dogs were created, although it is commonly assumed that early hairless dogs were transported to China and mated with tiny Chinese breeds. Although DNA analysis revealed that these Chinese canines have ancient roots, we are unable to identify them in a certain historical period.
What we do know about Chinese Crested dogs is that they are a lot of fun to be around.
Onboard, Chinese sailors employed these dogs to manage and hunt mice and rats. These Chinese canines are available in both hairless and coated variants. Powderpuff is the name given to the coated Chinese Crested.

5. Pug Dog

The Pug is a popular dog in the United States, yet it is an original Chinese dog breed.
It is a Chinese breed that dates back almost 2.500 years, making it one of the oldest existing dog breeds. These Chinese canines are incredibly sociable and have a peaceful demeanor. The Pugs were regarded royalty throughout the Han period, and they even had their own guards. The Pug was also a favourite companion for Buddhist monks in both China and Tibet.

All of these animals have one thing in common: they all like lying in a comfortable bed.
They are, fortunately, rather little, so purchasing them a small-sized bed would be a smart option. The Puppy Bed for Small Pups will do an excellent job of assisting your dogs in relaxing and getting a good night’s sleep.

7. Chow Chow

Another Chinese dog breed that has captured the hearts of owners all over the world is the famed “teddy bear dog” – the Chow Chow.
Some suggest that the Chinese dog’s popularity stems from their striking similarity to the popular plush toy, while others believe it stems from their fluffy coat.
Another Chinese breed preserved by royal families, one Chinese emperor reputedly had around 500 different-colored Chow Chows at his royal domain.
These dogs are still popular today, but always get a dog from a reputable breeder.

6. Shar Pei

The Shar-Pei is a distinctive Chinese dog breed renowned for its perked ears, blue-black tongue, and cute, wrinkled face. It is an ancient breed, dating back over 2,000 years.
It was originally developed for hunting and guarding, and it is said that the original Shar-Peis were larger and stronger than modern-day dogs. When the Chinese communists prohibited pet ownership in the 1900s, this beautiful Chinese dog breed almost went extinct. It wasn’t until the 1970s, when American breeders stepped in, that the breed was preserved and its numbers increased once more.

8. Chongqing Dog

There is no American Kennel Club or international kennel club recognition for the Chongqing, a Chinese dog breed unique to China. Despite this, the dogs are highly popular in China. This type of Chinese dog was given its name because they were formerly utilized as hunters and bodyguards in Chongqing, a Chinese metropolis.
However, nowadays, even in China, these dogs are far from the most common thing you may come into.

Because these medium-sized dogs are all passionate chewers, provide them with a sturdy chewing toy to keep their belongings from being damaged.

9. Kunming

Another native Chinese canine breed that has a remarkable similarity to the German Shepherd is the Kunming, or Kunming Wolfdog.
The Chinese K-9 unit heavily utilizes this dog breed for law enforcement purposes, as they were heavily utilized by the Chinese law enforcement at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. While many believe these dogs are descended from the ancient German Shepherds, as well as the Chinese Kunming, some claim that the other dogs from the same litter in the second picture are part of the dingo family.

10. Xiasi Quan

A Chinese hunting dog breed called the Xiasi Quan has a distinctive coat and color.
Despite being unfamiliar with the world’s cynology organizations, these canines are quite popular in China.It is said that these Chinese hunting dogs are excellent for good luck.
Because of the belief in these dogs in China, it is said that they bring good fortune and prosperity to the homes of their owners.
Unlike any other Chinese dog breeds, the Xiasi is a unique breed of dog.

11. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a sociable and family-oriented dog. You should get to know them because they are a lot of fun, and they may be naughty from time to time. They aren’t among the most trainable dogs, though.

Dogs who are well-known are amiable and approachable. The Lhasa Apso is somewhat standoffish with new people. The fact is, they were bred to perform this job, after all. On the other hand, do not be disheartened — this is why they are such wonderful watchdogs!

Despite its small size, the Lhasa Apso is confident and sometimes brave. They may not even be aware of how insignificant they appear to others. As most excellent watchdogs will do, they will guard the family as much as possible.

13 Different Axolotl Colors, One of Which Is Worth $2k!

axolotl

Axolotls’ popularity has skyrocketed in the last five years or so, with demand so high that the great majority of nations have made it illegal to sell them unless you are an officially certified breeder. Anyone found removing wild axolotls from their native environment faces jail time, with a handful of poachers already imprisoned for attempting to catch wild axolotls.

Despite the fact that we get a lot of inquiries about axolotls and how to care for them, we’re going to focus on the eight distinct axolotl colors in this post.
We frequently see individuals contacting out and inquiring about the hue of their axolotl, wondering if it symbolizes anything unique or if it is uncommon after hearing how much some of the rarer axolotls can sell for.

There are five primary color varieties that are quite frequent and simple to find (wild, white albino, golden albino, leucistic, and Melanoid). Then there are the four rarer variations, which are based on unique colors, patterns, or mutations but are still reasonably simple to get if you are prepared to pay around double the price of the major color kinds. Then there are the three highly uncommon natural axolotl hues, which may sell for thousands of dollars, followed by a one-of-a-kind man-made creation by embryonic graphing, with only around ten ever been generated, and finally the enigma axolotl, with only one ever being reported to date.

Because there are so many various varieties of axolotls, each with its own pigmentation that gives them their own distinct appearance, it’s not surprising that we see so many individuals reaching out and asking for help determining which sort of axolotl they have or desire. The three distinct chromatophores (Melanophores, Xanthophores, and Iridophores) in axolotls govern the color of their pigment cells, but the rarer the hue or pattern, the higher the price tag.

As we make our way through the list, we’ve put an estimated price tag for each variety of axolotl to assist provide a guideline on what you should be spending for each of the hues.
However, these are merely guidelines and are based on what respectable breeders often charge for each of the colors at the time of writing.
Things may change in the future, and we anticipate that the price of the rarer hues will rise over time as more people begin to collect them.

The Axolotl of the Wild Type

The most frequent pigment cell coloration of axolotls, the wild type, is first on our list.
This is the most common axolotl and made up the great majority of the population until selective breeding was used to try to increase the amount of different hues of pigment cells in the species. Because they are such a popular color, you can generally get them for between $10 and $30, with breeders frequently having lots of them in stock.
The axolotl variation is known as “the wild type” since it is without a doubt the most frequent axolotl found in the wild.

Depending on the lighting, this variety seems to have a very dark color for the majority of its body with shining golden flecks or speckled black patches.
The body of this axolotl is generally green, brown, or black, similar to the melanoid, however the melanoid lacks the blackish golden specks present in wild axolotls due to iridophores pigment cells.

The bulk of these axolotls will gradually darken as they age, making it more difficult to notice their spots and giving them the appearance of a melanoid.
Once old enough, the only guaranteed method to determine the difference between the two is to check for the melanoid’s lack of a bright golden ring in the eyes.

Axolotls with Leucistic Coloration

The leucistic axolotl, or Lucy for short, is the next most frequent color variety of axolotls and is also extremely easy to find from breeders if you want a mainly pink axolotl that many people confuse for white. They feature a light pink body and head, dark pink gills, and black eyes that make them stick out, which is a good thing because many people who are new to axolotls mistake Lucies for one of the albino axolotl variations, which they are not.

If the eyes are black, regardless of how white the body and head appear, you are looking at a leucistic axolotl, not an albino. Because Lucys are so prevalent, you can typically expect to pay between $10 and $30 for one, with some reaching as much as $50 depending on the situation.

The Golden Albino Axolotl

The golden albino axolotl is a variation of the white albino with a minor genetic mutation.
This axolotl has a little golden gloss to its body and head, typically with bright spots that are easier to notice with some lighter parts that appear to be pure white, as the name indicates.Because they are an albino variety, the golden albino has no black on them at all, and their eyes are normally red but might be translucent and seem white.

The White Albino Axolotl

Following that is the white albino axolotl, which is highly popular yet reasonably simple to find in comparison to the other two types on our list.This axolotl has an all-white body and head, and while it can have red eyes, it is far more usual for its eyes to be translucent, giving it a white appearance. As previously stated, if it has black eyes, it is a Lucy and not a white albino.

Although the majority of breeders will almost certainly always have this axolotl barian in store and ready to ship, they are more rare than the two above and generally price for $20 to $50 depending on shipping distance. Due to their albino coloring, albino axolotls have no black on them and are one of the first varieties people choose if they wish to start collecting the rarer axolotl hues.

The Melanoid Axolotl

Depending on its age, the golden albino axolotl may appear to be a typical white axolotl until its glossy pigments emerge and give it the distinctive gold appearance. A golden albino may generally be found for $20 to $50 depending on the breeder, although they are significantly tougher to obtain than their white relatives owing to being slightly rarer.

The melanoid axolotl is extremely similar to the wild axolotl we discussed before, and the only significant distinction between the two is that a younger wild will have specks throughout its body that diminish as it gets older.
The melanoid also lacks the golden rings around its eyes, which provide a quick and easy method to tell them different once a wild’s specks have gone.

The melanoid axolotl is sometimes misidentified as a wild kind, even by individuals who already possess axolotls, although they are generally completely black, with the chance of becoming pure pitch black.
A melanoid may cost anywhere from $20 to $50, with some total pitch black melanoid axolotls selling for up to $70 due to their scarcity.
Aside from the pitch-black variations, the majority of breeders should be able to provide you with this axolotl variety with fairly easy.

The Dirty Leucistic Axolotl

The filthy leucistic, often known as the dirty Lucy, is the next and last of the more frequent axolotls. These have the same hues and coloring as ordinary Lucies, with a pink body and black eyes, but the name “dirty” is added because they have black speckles around their head, giving them a more distinctive appearance.
This makes the variety uncommon, with breeders typically charging $40 to $70 for it, but in our opinion, a dirty Lucy is not worth the extra money till it is approximately eighteen months old or so, since the black spots might fade with maturity, converting it into a standard Lucy.

Piebald axolotl

While some people mistake a dirty Lucy for a Piebald axolotl, they are really distinct pattern variants of a normal Lucy. The black markings on the filthy Lucy’s head are the only ones it possesses, but the Piebald axolotl has them all over its body and tail. This design is far more unusual than a standard filthy Lucy, and costs for a Piebald axolotl can vary substantially based on the pattern. However, like with the filthy Lucy, we would not advise our readers to buy a Piebald axolotl unless it is extremely old, as the distinctive markings will sometimes vanish with age, leaving you with a normal Lucy that was very costly.

The Copper Albino Axolotl

Moving on to our first fully-fledged unusual axolotl, we have the copper albino, which is another albino variety of the axolotl but, unlike its white or golden brethren, has a copper appearance to its body and head.
There are four more species variations within the copper albino axolotl variety.
Regular copper, light copper, het copper, and melanoid copper are the rarest, with the last being exceedingly difficult to get because most breeders preserve them for selective breeding to increase the melanoid copper variation population.

A normal copper axolotl will often cost between $80 and $100, with rarer specimens costing up to twice that much.
The copper albino, unlike its other albino relatives, is not a genuine albino since its shiny pigments might cause black eyes.
Fortunately, the copper skin is easily visible, making it easy to distinguish from a Lucy.

The Green Fluorescent Protein Axolotl

A luminous GFP axolotl under a blacklight.

Following that is the green fluorescent protein variety of axolotl, which is perhaps the most sought after axolotl in the uncommon category due to its ability to glow in the dark. GFP axolotls are the first man-made variation on our list and are not a naturally occurring variety. The GFPs were produced by combining green fluorescent proteins with more common axolotl variations in an effort to find therapies for diverse human diseases.

A GFP axolotl will glow lime green when placed under a black light or UV lamp, however we would not recommend that any of our readers leave the animal in this condition for long as they tend to become nervous under these lights. Although you may wind up with a GFP that appears to be a common variety, its glow in the dark powers raise the price to between $80 and $100 minimum depending on breeder, but if the basic variant is uncommon, the price can skyrocket.

The Mosaic Axolotl

With the mosaic variation of the species, we are now going into the first of our very rare axolotls. The mosaics are natural anomalies, with some suggesting that each axolotl born has a 1/7000 chance of being born with the mosaic coloring. This unusual phenomenon is due to two DNA cells merging into one, resulting in the axolotl displaying traits from both parents in one body, resulting in some stunning designs.

Because the mosaic variation of the axolotl cannot be precisely searched for owing to the odd event that generates it, they can range in price from $500 to $1000, but if the pattern is very spectacular, they can sell for more over $1000. These are extremely uncommon axolotls with exquisite color and pattern combinations that are rarely seen, making them one of the species’ really distinctive variants.

The Chimera Axolotl

The following axolotl is arguably the rarest that the overwhelming majority of individuals will ever get to add to their collection, but even then, they may be quite expensive, with the highest reported sale of a chimera axolotl being over $2000. Again, this variety of the species is dependent on fluke incidence in nature simply to be produced, let alone live, which is why collectors are prepared to pay such high prices for them.

The chimera variation of the species is created when two eggs combine in the embryo to become a genuinely unique axolotl. When the animal is born, it inherits half of the traits of one egg and half of the characteristics of the other, resulting in a half-while albino, half-jet black melanoid axolotl with a split straight down the center. This makes them genuinely unusual to look at, but there is a 1 in 10,000 chance of a chimera being born and a 1 in 100,000 chance of it surviving more than a few days, but those that do have a premium price tag that we predict to grow owing to its unique axolotl looks.

The FireFly Axolotl

Axolotl with a black body and a bright tail, known as a Firefly Axolotl.

The Firefly Axolotl was developed as a hobby by Lloyd Strohl II using embryonic graphing and has resulted in one of the most beautiful looking axolotl variations available. Although the precise colors vary based on the axolotl, they usually have one color for the head and body and another for the tail. Furthermore, they can have a jet black body with a white tail, with the tail also containing GFP to make it shine under UV or black light. Although we’ve heard individuals say they’ve made secret bids for them, none have ever been sold, and only around 10 of them have been made to date.

The Silver Dalmatian Axolotl

The silver dalmation axolotl morph is the species’ second rarest naturally occurring morph, and they are exceedingly difficult to get. As more collectors desire to add a silver dalmation axolotl to their collection, we have seen offers of $4000 being made on public forums to acquire them, with the real selling price generally not being confirmed. Unfortunately, because this very gorgeous axolotl variation is so uncommon and expensive, it appears that it will take many years before a breeder is able to start up a selective breeding program to try and make it more widespread. Although the axolotl’s primary body is silver, it is covered with dense black patches resembling a dalmation dog, hence the variant’s name.

Although some people have been known to publish photographs of axolotls that suit the description of a silver dalmation, many of them are just melanoid with a distinctive pattern that some people have mistaken for a silver dalmation. Some members of the axolotl community believe that the silver dalmations are just a very unusual pattern of the melanoid, but further research is needed to be certain.

The Enigma Axolotl

The Enigma is the final axolotl on our list, and very little is known about this variety of the species because there has only ever been one report of this morph. The engima axolotl is similar to a Piebald in that its head, body, and tail are all one color while another color runs along its body in a pattern, but instead of a pink body with black markings like a Piebald, the Engima has a black body with green markings making it truly unique and truly one of a kind.

Common questions about Axolotl

Let’s now dive straight into answering some questions about Axolotl that many people have.

What Is The Rarest Type Of Axolotl?

We went through the list of axolotls in order of most frequent to least common, thus the enigma is the rarest type of acolotl and is also a naturally occurring morph rather than a man-made morph. The silver dalmation is the second rarest naturally occurring morph, although they are so uncommon that most people will never even see one, let alone own one. Most axolotl collectors believe that the rarest axolotl they will ever see, let alone acquire, is either a mosaic or a chimera.

Is it true that axolotls glow in the dark?

No, axolotls do not glow in the dark. This question is frequently asked because of GFP axolotls, but they do not shine in the dark. This variety of axolotl will only glow when exposed to a black light or UV light, and even then, it can be distressing to the axolotl, therefore it should only be done for a few seconds at a time rather than being kept in a tank with a permanent UV light or blacklight on them to make them glow.

Is it possible for axolotls to be blue?

No, although certain melanoid axolotls appear slightly blue, they are actually a shade of grey, and even then, their skin darkens as they age, causing the blue appearance to diminish with time. This is why we did not include them on our list; most breeders would not sell this sort of axolotl since, to our knowledge, none of them have ever reached maturity with a little blue appearance and have all ended up with black skin.

Is it possible for Axolotls to be red?

No, this is another question we get frequently, but a healthy axolotl cannot be red. If your axolotl is red, it most likely has septicemia and you should get help from your local veterinarian as soon as possible. Your axolotl will almost certainly require antibiotics and will need to be quarantined away from any other animals in its tank until you receive further advise from your veterinarian.

What Exactly Is An RLG Axolotl?

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about what an RLG axolotl is, and it’s not a particular morph of the species, but rather a term used to indicate extremely long gills (RLG) in an axolotl. Some breeders have attempted to selectively breed this characteristic into the axolotls they sell, and the word is gradually becoming more common as time passes.

Do Axolotls Have Color Changes?

Yes, axolotls’ skin darkens as they age. Axolotls cannot alter their color in the way that a white albino may and then decides to become a jet black melanoid. We’ve heard this described incorrectly a few times online, which has caused a lot of confusion among the axolotl community, with many people believing that axolotls can just change their coloration whenever they choose.

Your Morkie Breed Temperament Guide!

The Morkie has grown in popularity in recent years as more and more individuals fall in love with the breed and decide to add a morkie to their family. Morkies are a cross between the maltese and the Yorkshire terrier, and while there are other Yorkshire terrier mix breed choices, morkies are by far the most popular. The breed is also known as the morkshire terrier, however for the sake of this article, we will refer to it as a morkie because it is the more widely used term.

Morkies are a fantastic little pet with a tiny size and very few inherited health concerns, but they might have a varied disposition. Morkies, like other dog breeds that are a cross between two more established breeds, can inherit qualities from both paternal lineages, despite the fact that the Yorkshire terrier and the maltese have quite distinct features. Fortunately, the great majority of respectable breeders would not sell a morkie puppy unless it is derived from at least three generations of morkie parents, rather than being a first, second, or third-generation descended from straight Yorkshire terrier or Maltese parents.

Fortunately, breeders can easily ensure that the morkie dogs they sell have a better balanced temperament since they have been able to use selective breeding over the three generations to try and encourage good personality qualities. This generally results in a very well-rounded dog with a nice disposition, comparable to that of other small dog breeds.

However, there is no assurance in the personality of your morkie, and because it is such a new breed, there is still a good chance that it may get features from either the Yorkshire terrier or the maltese genes. We’ll now go through what you may anticipate from your morkie, as well as how to prevent undesirable habits if they do appear.

The Parent Breeds’ Temperament

To comprehend the morkie temperament, you must first comprehend the common personality features of both parent breeds. The morkie dog, like many other mixed breed dogs, can inherit both positive and bad characteristics from its purebred parents. As previously said, those that breed the morkie bloodline use selective breeding to attempt to generate the desirable personality qualities of the parent breeds, but it will take decades before the more negative traits have a chance of appearing.

First and foremost, we shall discuss the Yorkshire terrier dog breed. As most people are aware, Yorkshire terriers are highly active, intelligent dogs with huge personalities, with many being quite curious while also having a fiery side. Yorkshire terriers make wonderful companions and are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide if properly socialized and trained. A Yorkshire terrier enjoys being the center of attention while simultaneously being fiercely protective of its owners.

Moving on to the typical Maltese bloodline personality qualities that most morkie breeders try to nurture in their pups. The Maltese dog breed was developed to be spoilt lapdogs rather than working dogs like the Yorkie. This has resulted in a very gentle, sweet-natured, friendly, loving, and tranquil canine breed that may make an ideal companion owing to their loyal and dedicated attitude to their owners.

Advantages of the Morkie Personality

Because the morkie is a cross between a maltese and a yorkie, it can have any of the excellent qualities described above while still having its own distinct personality. The more desirable qualities and characteristics of a morkie are the intellect and inquisitive temperament of the yorkie combined with the loving, kind, and quiet attitude of the maltese lineage all in one puppy. This can result in a really sociable, charming, and lovely little morkie puppy that can make a terrific family dog, but it is quite unlikely that all of these characteristics will be present in your morkie.

Almost all morkies establish deep attachments to their owners and the family that they adore. They like being played with and will actively attempt to entice you to do so at times. A morkie is also one of the more sociable dogs of the smaller breeds, being extremely exuberant, active, confident, and devoted. Depending on what you desire from your new dog, a morkie may be a perfect new addition to your family because they form close bonds with their human family members fast.

We’ve saved the most frequent feature for last since it may be either a positive or bad quality in the breed depending on what you’re searching for. A morkie may be highly distrustful of strangers, which is a typical feature inherited from the yorkie lineage and appears to remain in morkies as well. They will do everything in their ability to notify their family of a stranger or simply an unusual sound, and while they are not great guard dogs owing to their small size, they are an excellent early warning system.

On the other hand, we’ve received a lot of stories from morkie owners claiming that their dog can bark for five to ten minutes simply because it heard a neighbor coughing. Although this tendency can typically be taught out of your morkie, it can be an issue if you live in a small apartment with thin walls and unexpected noises on all sides that your morkie may take some time to adjust to.


The Morkie Temperament’s Drawbacks

Moving on to the more negative aspects of the morkie personality, because a morkie can quickly form a very strong bond with the human members of its family, it often wants a lot of attention, and depending on your other commitments and the time you have available, you may not be able to give your pet morkie all of the attention that it may want. If your morkie does not feel like it is getting enough attention, it may exhibit destructive behavior, like as chewing on household things.

Unfortunately, the morkie breed can be prone to separation anxiety, and separation anxiety can be difficult to teach out of dogs. If your morkie is left alone for a lengthy amount of time, anxiety may set in, resulting in your dog barking for extended periods of time when alone. Again, this will depend on your house and your particular situation, but if you live in a tiny apartment with thin walls and have to leave for work or school, your morkie may bark for extended periods of time.

Although this is less frequent in the morkie breed, they can suffer from tiny dog syndrome as well as have a diva attitude. This can result in your morkie forgetting its size if it takes a dislike to another dog while out on walks or at the dog park and barks violently at much larger breeds. Fortunately, this is typically much easier to train and discourage in your morkie using standard dog training techniques, although it does need consistency to train the habit out of your morkie.

Although a more prevalent train, a morkie’s intransigence can generally be broken with a reward. Another feature acquired from the terrier lineage is the ability to be obstinate and only do things on their terms. If your morkie is obstinate and refuses to do what you want, much like many other dog breeds, flashing its favorite reward may frequently convince your morkie to perform what you want without difficulty.


Do Morkies Make Good Pets?

This leads us to one of the most often asked questions we receive when individuals inquire about adding a morkie to their household. Morkies, in our opinion, make fantastic companions and are a wonderful small dog with the enthusiasm and inquisitiveness of a terrier as well as the loving and playful character of the maltese lineage. If you are prepared to put in the time and effort to train your morkie’s bad qualities, they may be wonderful additions to your home.

Are Morkies Good Family Dogs?

Morkies, in our opinion, are wonderful family dogs and will likely adjust well to live with families as well as little children. As previously said, the morkie breed is a dog that rapidly bonds with its owners and sees itself as a member of your pack. This can frequently result in your dog wanting to play with your children and can be a method to get both your dog and your children out from under your feet while at home if you have other things to do.

As previously said, many breeders will strive to instill maltese characteristics in a morkie’s disposition, and the maltese dog makes wonderful family pets. Even if your morkshire terrier inherits more features from its yorkie ancestors, they make wonderful family dogs.

Is it true that Morkies are aggressive?

The great majority of morkies get along well with other dogs and household pets if they were raised together or are introduced to each other as family members rather than being locked in a room and kept alone. Although it is uncommon for a morkie to be too aggressive, they can get protective if threatened or if their little dog syndrome comes in, but as previously mentioned, this is typically trainable out of the breed.

Do Morkies Like to Be Cuddled?

We notice a lot of potential morkie owners contacting us and wondering if the breed likes to cuddle. Because your morkie was bred as a lapdog, it is quite possible that it will love snuggling if it inherits the majority of its features and personality traits from the maltese lineage. Having said that, even if your morkie inherits the majority of its qualities from the yorkie lineage, there is a good possibility it will love snuggling.

Do Shih Tzus Shed? – How to Stop or Reduce Excessive Shedding

The shih tzu dog breed has grown in popularity slowly over the last decade or two, with each passing year showing steady development and rises in popularity. When with most things, as more people express an interest in specific dog breeds, the number of individuals contacting out and asking various questions about the breed grows. Over the previous several months, we’ve heard a variety of inquiries about the breed, but the most common one is about shih tzu shedding and how to control it.

As a result, we’ve decided to make this the focus of today’s post in order to assist as many of our readers as possible who are thinking of adding a shih tzu to their home. One of the primary reasons we see so many individuals contacting us and inquiring about shih tzu shedding is because so many people claim that shih tzus are hypoallergenic pets. This is primarily owing to shih tzu hair not activating some sensitivities that individuals may have to other dog breeds’ real fur, which leads to possible allergic relationships.

Although the fact that shih tzus have hair rather than food helps lessen the severity of several common dog allergies, bear in mind that the breed is not completely hypoallergenic, that they are a double coat breed, and that the shih tzu’s lengthy coat may trigger some allergies in some people. However, if you have allergies to dogs, the shih tzu coat is one of the finest alternatives because it does not provoke as many allergies as ordinary dog fur.

As a result, many individuals may be able to have a shih tzu in their house and go about their everyday lives without experiencing any of the signs of an allergic reaction that they would have with other breeds. Furthermore, many of these folks claim that the shih tzu shed is so allergy-friendly that they do not need to use antihistamines while the breed is in their house.

However, there are a number of actions you can do to better regulate your shih tzus’ shed and help decrease the chance of the breed causing your allergies to flare-up. We will not go into further detail about the many methods and tricks that you can use to assist our users keep their shih tzus shed under control.

A Quality Brush Is Always Good To Have At Hand

The best approach, in our view, to get your shih tzu’s shedding under control as soon as possible is to use an appropriate de-shedding brush and brush or groom your pet shih tzu on a regular basis. This lets you to gather significant volumes of your shih tzu’s shed at once, preventing it from being deposited throughout your home while your shih tzu goes about its daily activity.

This not only helps to minimize allergy flare-ups, but it also saves time while cleaning your home by collecting all of the deposited shed. There is no need to brush your shih tzu on a regular basis; once or twice a week will do to get the most out of the process and assist reduce your shih tzu shedding problem. This approach is suitable for both a puppy and a fully grown shih tzu shedding with its full mature coat, making it the logical choice for our readers.

Furthermore, the shih tzu dog breed has been known to have issues with its long coat becoming matted depending on what it does on a regular basis. Because it is one of the double coat dog breeds, this can lead to difficulties, therefore regular brushing and grooming of your shih tzu hair can give the added advantage of helping to avoid any matting of its coat and ensure that your dog is not experiencing issues with this frequent condition as well.

Although there are no fully hypoallergenic dogs, frequent brushing of your shih tzu will most likely get you as near as you can get. We understand that some of our readers may believe that having their shih tzu to stay still for five to ten minutes to allow you to brush it will be a nightmare. Fortunately, if you are in this scenario, we have a small technique to share with you that we believe will help keep your shih tzu’s attention and allow you to groom away as needed.

The method is purchasing a Kong dog toy and some reward paste to occupy your dog and keep it calm while you brush it to remove its shed. We understand that this appears to be extremely easy, and in all honesty, it is, but the truth is that it works and may keep your pet shih tzu in place for well over ten minutes. Our suggested treat paste is not only tasty enough to entice your shih tzu, but it is also highly sticky, which means it will have to work hard to get it out of the kong toy.

Deshedding Dog Shampoos may help

As previously said, regular brushing of your shih tzu can often be sufficient to reduce the likelihood of any potential allergies flaring up owing to the coat of the shih tzu dog breed, but you can go this one step further to perhaps get your shih tzu shedding as close to zero as possible. Although there have been a few shampoos that promised to reduce your dog’s shedding for years, they were virtually all a terrible waste of time and money until lately.

Fortunately, there are shampoo solutions on the market that have a proven track record of reducing your dog’s shed. Our suggested shampoo, which is listed above, has the greatest reputation, the highest market share, and a plethora of independent reviews, which you may read if you so choose. It has a proven track record of reducing the quantity of shed that a dog will discharge all year and may be able to assist you with your shih tzu.

The shampoo provides benefits even with a dog breed with a double coat, such as the shih tzu, and may also assist with any potential dry skin concerns that your shih tzu may be experiencing. For best results, employ the brushing technique described above to gather as much shed as possible before washing and shampooing your shih tzu. Just make sure that you just bathe your dog once a week at most, and that you brush him more frequently than that.

We understand that some of our readers may have a shih tzu who dislikes bath time, but we have a small tip that you may be able to utilize for this as well. We’ve lost count of the number of dog owners who say their pets make bath time a nightmare but have excellent success rates when they take their dog outside and wash it with a hose pipe. This frequently allows you to bring your shih tzu’s shed issue under control without having to clean up a messed-up bathroom afterwards.

Natural Oil Supplement May Impact Shedding

Now, we just want to make a short disclaimer about this method: while it has a proven track record of assisting dog owners in reducing the quantity of shed that their dogs produce, it will only work if your dog’s shed is caused by nutritional inadequacies. The previous techniques focused on managing your shih tzu’s natural, year-round shed release, but this method focuses on increasing your shih tzu’s diet to regulate its shed. If your dog’s food already contains sufficient of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, this technique may not provide any benefit at all.

In any case, there have been increasing complaints of the shih tzu dog breed shedding more than other breeds if it does not consume enough Omega essential fatty acids. Many dog owners have reported that adding a doggie oil supplement to their pets’ diets has resulted in a significant reduction in the quantity of shed that their dogs produce. Given that this is a quick and easy remedy, it is well worth a shot for your shih tzu shedding problems if you suspect it is related to a nutritional deficit in your dog.

One of the nicest aspects of this technique is that increasing the Omega oils in your shih tzu’s food can also assist with a variety of other frequent problems in the breed. Unfortunately, shih tzus frequently suffer from dry skin, hot areas, skin lumps, a dull coat, and digestive problems. Omega fatty acids can assist with all of these difficulties and are certainly worth experimenting with in your shih tzu to see if it improves the condition.

We simply want to point out that while certain Omega 3 supplements designed for people can be used with dogs, many of those in pill form should be avoided. Although the precise causes are unknown, some dogs might suffer stomach distress from the chemicals in plastics, therefore we always recommend that our readers utilize a dog-specific Omega 3 supplement.

The time your dog spends outside may matter – try to limit it

This next one has only recently had any actual data released to back it up, however the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has published some early studies that do show that restricting your dog’s time outside may help them shed less. Due to the temperament of a shih tzu and the breed’s lack of use as working dogs, it is uncommon for a shih tzu to sleep outside. However, depending on your circumstances, this may be something you may attempt to assist manage your dog’s shed.

The idea is that you continue to take your shih tzu for its daily walks and let it play in the yard or garden as usual, but you make sure that it sleeps indoors rather than outside. However, the study into this is still in its early phases, and many issues remain unanswered. We just wanted to put it in our list in order to provide our readers with the finest information available when it comes to regulating their shih tzu’s shed.

Will Betta Fish Consume Snails Or Not?

Betta fish are one of the most popular fish on the market owing to its beautiful colors and fluttery fins. Other owners like seeing their Bettas construct bubble nests or simply explore the aquarium. Betta fish are notorious for being quite aggressive, despite their inherent beauty and curiosity. Either against other fish, tank items, or even their own reflections!

Betta fish are generally housed alone due to their aggressiveness, however I’m sure you believe your Betta fish is lonely. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend the entire day locked up in your room with no interaction. So some Betta owners felt that their fish needed a companion, and what better companion than the humble snail?

Of course, the concern for every Betta owner about a possible snail is whether the Betta fish would attack or consume it.

Will Betta Fish Eat Snails?

If the snail is tiny enough, then yes! Betta fish eat zooplankton, insect larvae, and tiny crustaceans in the wild. A tiny snail is nothing more than a nibble for a Betta, however they will seek for other food sources first. What about bigger snails, you may ask? The good news is that Bettas will usually ignore a huge snail.

Typically, since Bettas may still nibble on the long, meaty eye stalks and tentacles. Betta fish will not aggressively seek a snail as a food or a danger, apart from an attempted nip, in which case the snail will be OK. Snails move slowly and aren’t swimmers, so they don’t hold the Betta’s attention for long. This isn’t to say Bettas won’t bump into a snail or go for a bite, but it also means they won’t scheme to murder the snail.

Which snails are ideal for your tank now that you know your Betta will not try to kill or eat a snail?

The Mystery Snail

The Mystery Snail, one of the most popular snails on the market, is an excellent friend for your Betta fish. If you plan on introducing a mystery snail, or any snail, it is advised that you have at least a five-gallon aquarium, as this will allow the snail and Betta fish plenty of space to call their own. Your Betta will have other things to invest in besides the snail, lowering the danger of future assaults.

Mystery Snails have comparable temperature and water needs as your Betta, so there’s no need to worry about additional chemicals or water changes. Both the snail and the Betta will be OK as long as you clean and balance your water on a regular basis. Best of all, if your Betta bites one off, Mystery Snails may regenerate missing eyes and tentacles.

For one reason or another, the Mystery Snails are excellent escape artists. As a result, always have a sturdy lid on your tank. Don’t blame your Betta if your snail has gone missing. It has most certainly fled, and you must find it as soon as possible before it dries out and dies.

Nerite Zebra

This beautiful snail with black-and-white stripes on its shell is another excellent Betta buddy. Because of their tiny size, you may keep more than one in a typical five-gallon tank, and they are not explosive breeders because they need brackish water to reproduce. Having said that, because they are smaller, your Betta may be more likely to pick on them. Thankfully, they do not consume them.

Your Zerba Nerites, like Mystery Snails, will be happy to have a Betta fish as a neighbor as long as they have lots of space to explore. Similarly, if your Betta has other diversions, it won’t mind the tiny snails exploring its aquarium. Zebra Nerites do require a higher pH than Betta are accustomed to, but as long as the water and chemicals are consistent and clean, the Zebra Nerites will be completely content.

Assassin Snails

A pretty unusual snail that feeds on other snails. If you have too many snails in your Betta tank for whatever reason, an Assassin Snail will swiftly reduce the population. Your Betta, like other snails, will not disturb your Assassin Snail until you want to show it who’s boss. Despite being a snail-killer, an Assassin Snail will not attack your Betta.

Assassin Snails, like their victim, can consume plants and will roam the tank searching for leftovers to eat if left to their own devices. They do, however, demand meatier meals, so if you want an Assassin Snail with your Betta, be sure you feed it blood worms or other meaty goodies. Your Betta fish will like these snacks as well, so make sure there is enough for them to share.

Why Should You Purchase A Snail?

There is a notion that snails, even a single snail in smaller tanks, can clean the tank for you, eliminating the need for you to worry or do any labor. Unfortunately, this is a myth. Snails forage for algae, decaying vegetation, and uneaten food near the tank’s bottom. They do aid with waste removal, but they and the Betta also create trash that the snail will not touch.

A snail will assist you in keeping your tank clean, but it will not clean the tank for you. Similarly, your Betta fish will not require the presence of a snail. As previously stated, a Betta fish will ignore a snail at best and nip it at worst. Your Betta will never eat a snail unless it is extremely tiny and fits in its mouth.

To be honest, your Betta fish is quite satisfied with having its own area and being fed every day. Having saying that, the personalities of your Betta and snails should not be overlooked. Some Betta fish appear to like the presence of snails and may even swim up to or near them. Similarly, some snails appear to love chasing the Betta about. Either waiting for meals or seeming to be interested.

If you buy a snail for your Betta tank, you want to bring some life to the tank. Add something fresh and interesting for you and your Betta. Your Betta’s reaction will be determined by its personality, but you may be confident that your Betta will not devour your snail. As long as the tank is large enough, there is plenty of food, and the water is just perfect, your snail and Betta will have a long and happy tank-mate relationship.

Doberman vs. Boxer! – Which breed should you pick?

The Doberman Pinscher and the Boxer are two dog breeds that are frequently regarded as dangerous. However, don’t judge a book by its cover since both dogs are fantastic! However, if you are unsure about which dog to purchase, the following final comparison may be able to assist you.

Appearance

Measurements and weight

The first major distinction between a Doberman Pinscher and a Boxer is their size and weight. A Doberman Pinscher is much larger than a Boxer, weighing up to 100 pounds. It may also reach a height of 26 to 28 inches, depending on whether it is a female or male Doberman Pinscher.

A Boxer, on the other hand, typically weighs no more than 80 pounds. In terms of height, they typically grow to be 20 to 25 inches tall as adults, depending on their gender.

Color

Furthermore, while a Doberman Pinscher and a Boxer dog have the ability to appear in a variety of colors, there are significant distinctions between the two breeds.

There are several choices when it comes to the Doberman Pinscher breed. A Doberman Pinscher can be all black or all white, or it can be a combination of the two. In that scenario, several color combinations with black, white, red, blue, fawn, and tan are possible!

When it comes to the Boxer, though, other hues are also available. However, the coat of a Boxer will often be white, fawn, or brindle.

Coat

In terms of coat, both dog breeds are extremely similar. Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Boxer are not only highly muscular, but they are also incredibly easy to care for due to their coats. Both dog breeds have short hair and are quite silky to the touch.

Characteristics

Temperament And Personality

If you genuinely want to obtain a good image of each breed, you must go a bit further into their individual features and temperament. It’s vital to note that both dogs have wonderful traits that make them ideal for adoption or purchase.

You just need to interact with a Doberman Pinscher dog once to understand how devoted this breed is. They are known for being highly loyal to their owners, which is always a good characteristic in a dog since they would go to any length to ensure that their person is secure and protected. The Doberman Pinscher is not only loyal, but also obedient and active, making it an excellent dog for training and exercise. Because the Doberman Pinscher is so vigilant, it also makes an excellent security dog.

When it comes to guarding its master, though, the Boxer may have a little advantage over the Doberman Pinscher. To put it another way, a Boxer is just as devoted as a Doberman, but it also has incredible power and muscle to back it up. Aside from that, the Boxer has a very lively disposition and requires a lot of exercise to operate effectively. As a result, if you’re seeking for a basic company dog, the Boxer might not be the best choice. Because of its disposition, the Boxer thrives best in busy surroundings with plenty of opportunity for exercise.

Intelligence

Another wonderful trait that these dogs have is their incredible intellect. The Doberman Pinscher, in particular, is one of the most intellectual dogs in the world, making it extremely simple to educate a Doberman Pinscher varied talents and instructions. Dobermans, in particular, are ideal for training as guide dogs due to their incredible intelligence!

To be sure, the Doberman Pinscher outperforms the Boxer in terms of intellect, but it doesn’t change the fact that Boxers are also highly clever. As a consequence, they have all of the necessary characteristics to become a well-trained dog with a little exercise, although they may require a bit more coaching than a Doberman Pinscher. To get the most out of a Boxer’s skills as a dog, you must offer it your undivided attention.

Compatibility with other dogs and with children

Another significant issue that many people have when considering adopting a dog is whether the dog will get along with other potential pets or even children.

If you have other dogs in the house, a Doberman Pinscher might not be the ideal choice. Specifically, while they generally get along well with other dogs, they have a propensity to react negatively to other pets. However, it should be emphasized that this is an issue that, in most cases, can be solved with proper training. Also, bear in mind that a Doberman Pinscher is a highly dominant dog that may require some training and socialization before being placed with another dog or other pets.

When it comes to tolerance for other pets, a Boxer, on the other hand, is unlikely to cause you any concern. Of course, they can be a little domineering at first, but after that phase is through, there should be no issues!

Furthermore, both sorts of dog breeds get along fantastically with youngsters, making them the ideal family dog. This is especially true for the Boxer, since it is a very kind and loving dog toward youngsters and will go to great lengths to protect them. The same may be stated about the Doberman Pinscher, however it should be mentioned that Dobermans don’t always get along with youngsters if they aren’t reared together. In any event, the Doberman Pinscher is more suited to older children than smaller ones, as these youngsters are more likely to respect the Doberman’s boundaries.

Health

General Health and Life Expectancy

While the Doberman Pinscher is not regarded a particularly troublesome dog in terms of general health, it is more prone to specific genetic disorders such as certain eye problems or Von Willebrand’s Disease, to mention a few. Aside from that, the Doberman Pinscher has a larger risk of having hip bone problems and is more sensitive to cardiac difficulties.

Regrettably, the same may be true of the Boxer. The Boxer is also more likely to be diagnosed with genetic illnesses, such as hip dysplasia, cancer, or heart problems. Furthermore, the Boxer has a very short muzzle, which enhances its chances of having respiratory problems. When it comes to Boxers, it’s critical to work with a reputable Boxer breeder. A majority of the above-mentioned health issues may be traced back to poor dog breeding.

In terms of life expectancy, the Doberman narrowly outlives the Boxer. To be more specific, Dobermans often live 10 to 13 years, but Boxers typically live 9 to 12 years.

Diet

As previously said, both the Doberman and Boxer breeds are highly active, energetic dogs, which means they will require healthy and high-quality food to keep them going throughout the day. It should be emphasized, however, that the amount of food you eventually feed them with is highly dependent on their weight and the amount of exercise they get on a daily basis.

Dobermans are generally not fussy eaters as long as they are fed a well-balanced diet on a regular basis, especially when their proclivity for health problems is taken into account. You just need to ensure that your Doberman gets enough proteins, carbs, and lipids, as well as other vital nutrients, to keep it strong and healthy. That is why it is critical to get high-quality dog food from a pet store that is meat-based rather than grain-based. Otherwise, your Doberman may have stomach problems. Some owners even choose to feed their Doberman raw meat and bones, which is perfectly OK if you prefer. Finally, feeding your Doberman vegetables and fruit is also suggested, though you should not overdo it.

A Boxer is much easier to feed because it will eat almost everything. You should keep in mind, however, that you should not feed a Boxer humans food since it will be difficult for them to digest. The most important thing is that you feed your Boxer adequate high-quality meat-based diet that provides critical nutrients like calcium. Boxers are prone to allergies, so this is something to bear in mind when it comes to their food as well!

Requirement for Grooming

A Doberman requires very little grooming maintenance. As a result, brushing its hair once a week, give or take, should sufficient. However, keep in mind that a Doberman has a proclivity to shed continually throughout the year. Furthermore, you will need to trim its nails once a month, or else these lengthy nails will be quite unpleasant.

Boxers, on the other hand, only shed twice a year on average. They should also be brushed once a week or so, and their nails should be trimmed once a month.

Furthermore, to maintain their coats glossy and healthy, both breeds should be cleaned every 1 to 2 months. It should be emphasized, however, that you should not go crazy with this when it comes to Boxers, since they are especially prone to sensitive skin.

Doberman vs. Boxer: Which Is Better?

Overall, both the Doberman and the Boxer are excellent dogs that do not deserve their reputations of being violent and deadly. Which breed you should acquire is totally dependent on your own tastes, however a Boxer is a little better option if you’re seeking for a family dog, while a Doberman is a better choice if you’re looking for a dog to train hard!

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes – Things To Know Before Feeding

Because bearded dragons have grown in popularity in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of queries that individuals who possess a bearded dragon as a pet have. With the species’ popularity growing by the month, we anticipate a rise in the amount of queries as time goes on. Because we frequently see the same questions asked over and again, we’ve decided to start producing dedicated articles for the most frequently asked questions.

Although we nearly always see individuals reaching out and asking questions like “What do bearded dragons eat?” because the topic is so general, we like to focus on the more specific inquiries we encounter. For today’s post, we’ve decided to focus on the subject “Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes?” since we’ve observed an increase in the number of individuals contacting us and particularly inquiring if tomatoes are okay for their bearded dragon.

Although many individuals include tomatoes in their bearded dragon diet, they should not be given on a regular basis, and in all honesty, we wouldn’t give tomatoes more than once a week at most. Although a little quantity of tomato in their diet can be deemed healthy eating owing to their excellent nutritional profile, we would only utilize them on occasion due to their high acidity levels.

We’ll now go through the details of a tomato, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of feeding them to your pet bearded dragon. Before we go any further, we’d like to point out that a huge percentage of bearded dragons will eat everything you put in front of them. Just because your pet bearded dragon will eat tomato, maybe in bigger quantities, does not mean you should allow it to do so, since there are alternate food alternatives available for it to eat, as we shall discuss.

Tomatoes Are Bad For Bearded Dragons?

Tomatoes, as previously mentioned, have a high acidity level, and some bearded dragons may refuse to consume them when compared to other popular fruits and vegetables commonly offered to bearded dragons. Although this acid is typically OK in tiny doses, allowing your bearded dragon to consume tomatoes on a daily basis might cause problems for your pet. Although the amount of tomato that individuals give their pet bearded dragon varies per owner, it appears that a sixth of a regular size tomato sliced into much smaller pieces once per week is the standard serving size that we see people go with. Simply chop the tomato into little pieces before feeding it to your pet bearded dragon to guarantee that it can readily consume them.

This is why we always advocate only using tomato to supplement your bearded dragon’s meal, with the majority of what they consume consisting of an appropriate bearded dragon primary food mix and other fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement. This provides your bearded dragon with a balanced nutritional profile and ensures that it receives all of the vitamins and minerals that it needed to live a long and healthy life.

A Note About Baby Bearded Dragons and Tomatoes

We just wanted to make a brief note to emphasize that we would never recommend tomatoes for a newborn bearded dragon because they are possibly dangerous. Because of their tiny size, it is easier for potentially dangerous acid levels to accumulate in them and create long-term problems. Baby and perhaps young bearded dragons should always be fed an appropriate food source, with non-acidic fruits and vegetables included into their diet as well.

Exceptional Vitamin and Mineral Content

Tomatoes, on the other hand, give some good nutritional value with some vitamins and minerals that are not present in such quantity as other meals from the fruit and vegetable category. This is why some bearded dragon owners may still add tomatoes to their bearded dragon’s diet in tiny amounts to supplement their nutritional intake.

When it comes to vitamins, a serving of tomato contains significant levels of the following:

  • Thiamin
  • Folate
  • Vitamin B12
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Vitamin B6
  • Pantothenic Acid
  • Choline
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • Betaine

Tomatoes, on the other hand, have a high mineral content and may be added to the diet of your pet bearded dragon. A serving of tomato has adequate amounts of the following minerals:

Calcium
Magnesium Iron
Phosphorus
Potassium
Sodium, Zinc, Copper, and Manganese
Fluoride of Selenium

Tomatoes are high in nutrients, however owing to the acidity issue mentioned previously, many individuals who own bearded dragons choose to feed their pets other fresh fruits and vegetables. Other favorite fruits and vegetables for bearded dragons are papayas, peeled bananas, apples, raspberries, plums, peaches, pears, melons, pineapples, cherries, and grapes. Just be sure to limit the fruit-based treats to approximately 20% of your bearded dragon’s overall diet consumption for maximum health.

Good Fiber Source

Although there are more fiber-rich foods available, a normal tomato has about 1% fiber, and with a bearded dragon, every little bit helps. Unfortunately, bearded dragons are prone to constipation and impaction, the latter of which can be fatal. Although include enough of fiber in your bearded dragon’s diet is not guaranteed to avoid these illnesses, it is thought to help reduce the risk. Furthermore, fiber is vital in any bearded dragon’s diet since it keeps your bearded dragon regular and supports good digestion.
teeming with water

Although this is not usually an issue with the normal bearded dragon’s diet until they are in their later years, some bearded dragons will go off their water at random and not drink anything near the needed quantities. Although not as frequent as some of the other difficulties that bearded dragons might face, the fruits and vegetables mentioned above, as well as tomatoes, are excellent ways to persuade your bearded dragon to consume its water intake instead.

To be clear, we are not recommending that you remove your bearded dragon’s water supply and only feed it high water content meals, but this is a wonderful method to sneak some water into your bearded dragon if you suspect it is dehydrated. Most bearded dragons will just focus on the meal and wolf it down without a second thought. Because many fruits contain more than 80% water and many veggies include more than 70% water, this is a nice little technique to carry in your back pocket in case you ever need it.

How Do You Cook Tomatoes for Your Bearded Dragon?

Although we said it previously, if you do decide to feed your bearded dragon tomatoes, the preparation is relatively simple when compared to some of the other fruits and vegetables that bearded dragons enjoy. Simply split the tomato into sixths and then slice one of the portions into extremely little pieces that your tomatoes can easily consume. Depending on where you got the tomatoes, you might want to give it a quick wash with cold water to remove any pesticides that may have remained on it, but other than that, you’re pretty much done.

Some individuals remove the seeds from the tomato before feeding it to their bearded dragon, and others have their own method. At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is to chop it small enough to make it as easy for your bearded dragon to consume as possible. Again, as we have stated several times throughout this essay, we would not advocate allowing bearded dragons to consume tomatoes more than once a week.

Other than tomatoes, what do bearded dragons eat?

We discussed several alternatives for your pet previously in the post, but papayas, peeled bananas, apples, raspberries, plums, peaches, pears, melons, pineapples, cherries, and grapes are popular choices. Having said that, while watermelon and pineapples are popular choices, they can have comparable difficulties to tomatoes due to their somewhat greater acidity levels than other fruits.

Do Cavapoos Shed? – A Few Quick Tips to Reduce Shedding!

Cavapoo dog

The cavapoo dog breed is constantly growing in popularity, and if the previous three years are any indication, its popularity will only rise more, with practically exponential year on year growth. We are constantly seeing individuals contacting out and asking a plethora of questions regarding the cavapoo breed, just as we have seen with other breeds that have seen a huge increase in popularity. One of the most common things we’ve seen folks ask is if cavapoos are hypoallergenic or if they shed a lot.

We chose to dedicate this post to the issue after witnessing an increase in the number of individuals contacting out and asking similar questions with each passing month. Our aim is that we will be able to assist as many of our readers as possible who are thinking about adding a cavapoo to their household or who currently have a cavapoo. We understand that many people are concerned about their dogs’ shedding, which makes cleaning their home a misery, and that other individuals are allergic to dogs.

Unfortunately, no dog breed is hypoallergenic, and all dogs lose their fur and skin cells. This means that their hair and dander might still trigger allergies in certain people, but cavapoos shed considerably less than other breeds. This is because the breed is a cross between the cavalier king charles spaniel and the poodle dog breeds, and if your cavapoo obtains the poodle genes and develops a curly coat, it may be highly allergy-friendly.

Due to the fact that the cavapoo is one of the low-shedding breeds, a cavapoo breeder will frequently strive to use selective breeding to guarantee that the puppies they produce have the coat of a poodle rather than the cavalier king charles spaniel. This increases the likelihood of their puppies having the poodle coat and significantly increases the potential client base of those searching for dogs with coats that shed less and that they can live with without the use of antihistamines.

Fortunately, there are a lot of actions you can do to significantly minimize the quantity of cavapoo you shed. We will now take a more in-depth look at the many steps that you can put in place to decrease the quantity of shed coat on your dog in order to lessen the amount of cleaning necessary as well as the possibility that a cavapoo may cause any canine allergies to flare up.

How to Handle Your Cavapoos’ Shedding

Although there are a few things you may do to lower your cavapoos shed level, we believe that frequent brushing as part of a consistent grooming program is the best option and can provide good benefits. However, we find far too many people using a standard brush, which does little to nothing to assist with a cavapoo’s coat, so make sure you use a proper de-shedding brush. These de-shedding brushes are inexpensive and make short work of your cavapoo’s curly coat, letting you to swiftly get any shed hair in order.

These specialized brushes are ideal for breeds with wavy coats, such as cavapoos, and they also eliminate the need for professional grooming. Furthermore, there is no need to brush your cavapoo on a regular basis with these brushes; one to three times a week for approximately five minutes is typically sufficient. Your objective is to brush your cavapoo coat and gather all of the shed fur at once so you can toss it in the garbage and prevent it from falling out all over your house.

We also have a fast tip that you can use to your advantage because we know that many cavapoo dogs would seldom sit still and allow you brush their fur. For best results, purchase a Kong dog toy and some peanut butter for dogs, then place some of the peanut butter in the Kong toy and freeze it overnight. The delectable peanut butter then holds your dog’s interest and helps it sit or lay still while you brush their coat.

If you must utilize this suggestion, make sure to use doggie peanut butter; human peanut butter sometimes includes Xylitol, which should not be offered to dogs. These specialized doggie butters are devoid of Xylitol, so they will not create any stomach difficulties in your dog, but they are just as tasty and will assist to retain your pet cavapoos attention while you brush them, frequently giving you with plenty of time to spare after brushing.

A Good Deshedding Dog Shampoo Can Be Helpful

When bathing their dogs, more and more people are beginning to use a Deshedding Dog Shampoo rather than a conventional dog shampoo since they have gone a long way in the previous five years or so and are now extremely effective products that are also very affordable. Gone are the days when the market’s canine de-shedding shampoos performed little or nothing; these current solutions have an outstanding track record when it comes to performance.

Our suggested shampoo has a fantastic reputation that is only growing as it receives more and more excellent, independent evaluations from other dog owners. We have no doubt that incorporating it into your grooming regimen will aid in reducing cavapoo shed and improving the condition of your cavapoo coat.

We’ve had several comments from dog owners all over the world who use the shampoo while also brushing their cavapoo once or twice a week, as discussed earlier in the post, and have had wonderful success. Although the cavapoo coat may not shed much in terms of fur, this can assist to catapult the results in terms of dander, making these shampoos necessary for anybody with allergies sensitive to a dog’s dander.

Why It Might Be Beneficial To Give Your Dog Natural Oil Supplement

Although the first two treatments are aimed at assisting you in managing your cavapoo’s natural shedding, this strategy is a direct counter to another frequent source of shedding in dogs. One of the major reasons your cavapoo’s coat may shed more than usual is due to a lack of Omega 3 and Omega 6 in its diet, but luckily, this is quite simple to correct. Adding a good oil supplement to your cavapoo’s diet will help improve the quality of your dog’s coat in as little as two weeks.

We frequently see individuals ignore this as a possible explanation for their cavapoo shedding more than normal, although it is far more common than you believe. Many dog food companies are unable to incorporate the appropriate levels of essential fatty acids in their recipes because they must adhere to calorie limits in each serving of their food. Unfortunately, once the lean protein and exceptionally nutritious veggies have been consumed, there is little to no room left for necessary fatty acids.

Tips on picking dog food

Because the prices of particularly customized dog meals have come down in recent years, an increasing number of individuals are beginning to feed a high quality personalized dog food to their dogs. This allows you to quickly and simply create a customized dog food that is particular to your dog’s breed, age, and health needs and is sent to you each month. These meal alternatives are not only delicious, but they are also high in critical nutrients and allow you to guarantee that your dog is getting enough necessary fatty acids to aid with excessive shedding.

We’ve seen individuals assume they can get around this by feeding their cavapoos more costly dog food, but this is not the case. Fats have nine calories per gram, but carbohydrates and protein include just four, making it difficult for even the most expensive meals on the market to provide enough fats. Because they are so inexpensive and effective, more and more owners are beginning to supplement their dog’s food with an oil supplement.

They also provide a number of extra health advantages for your pet cavapoo, such as relief from hot spots and dry skin, as well as the ability to lessen the symptoms of various allergies in your dog and assist with a variety of digestive disorders. They are definitely worth trying because to their inexpensive cost and convenience of usage, even if you only take a thirty-day course to see if you can detect any advantages in your dog.
Limit the amount of time your dog spends outside.

We’re just going to skim over this one since we doubt it applies to the majority of cavapoo owners. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has begun study on the relationship between a dog shedding excessively and sleeping inside the home. According to their preliminary research, bringing a dog inside who sleeps outside may assist to minimize shedding and hair release from your dog’s coat in as little as six months.

Because the majority of owners use their cavapoo as a lap dog rather than a work dog, they will most likely sleep inside. We just wanted to mention this in our post because more and more research is being published to demonstrate this link. However, there is still a lot of study to be done to try and improve on the reasons why this would happen, and as previously stated, very few people will have their cavapoo sleep outside anyhow.

What Causes Cavapoos to Shed?

The main reason a cavapoo sheds its coat is because to natural hormones present in its body that instruct your dog’s coat to release any dead or damaged hairs. This is the primary reason that all breeds shed, and there is little we can do about it. As a cavapoo owner, our only real choice is to try to control it using the techniques outlined in stages one and two of this post. When it comes to cavapoo shed, people are usually amazed by how much of a difference simple brushing and washing can make.

As mentioned previously in the article, the second most common reason your cavapoos coat may shed more than usual is a deficiency of Omega 3 and, to a lesser extent, Omega 6 in their diet. As we said previously in the article, you can typically resolve this fast by adding some oil supplements for dogs to your cavapoos’ food in as little as two weeks. The third cause is generally due to parasites, and if you suspect that your cavapoo has parasites, we strongly advise you to take it to your local vet for professional assistance.

Wrapping up

That concludes our post in which we shared our ideas and techniques for dealing with your cavapoos shed and answered the question “Do cavapoos shed?” We hope that our advice will assist you in reducing the quantity of shed from your cavapoo coat and avoiding allergic responses to your dog. If you want to keep your house as clean and tidy as possible, our suggestions and methods above can also help you keep your cavapoo’s fur in order and drastically minimize the amount of time you need to spend cleaning your home.