Fur Loss in Rabbits - Causes and Treatments

The loss of hair in rabbits can be from natural causes such as molting or a doe preparing her nest for kindling. Some rabbits pull each other's fur out to show dominance.

More importantly are the causes of hair loss from illness and disease. Usually fur loss that is associated with an illness includes other symptoms other than the loss of fur. The most common illnesses connected with fur loss include fur mites, fleas, ringworm, infections, and wounds.

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Rabbit Hair Loss

Outdoor Safety for Rabbits

Rabbits are prey animals in every sense of the word and there are many animals in the environment that would love the easy meal of a domesticated rabbit. Most importantly, never leave a domesticated rabbit unsupervised or un-caged to roam freely in your yard. Diligence, supervision, and a little common sense will keep your rabbit safe from harm when enjoying the great outdoors.

Outdoor Safety For Rabbits

Rabbit Syphilis - Vent Disease Treatments

Rabbit syphilis is completely treatable with proper antibiotics. Topical ointments may relieve the pain and soreness but they will not kill the bacteria that caused the disease. Rabbit owners should become knowledgeable in what antibiotics are harmful to rabbits and which are safe. The most common antibiotic used for treating Vent disease is Benzathine penicillin with treatment typically lasting three weeks.

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Rabbit Syphilis

Rabbit Breed Profile - Thrianta

The History of the Thrianta Rabbit Breed

Like with most rabbit breeds during World War II, the Thrianta suffered greatly. Breeding and promotion was almost non-existent and many rabbits were a means of food for both their owners and German soldiers. Very few Thrianta rabbits were left by the end of the war.

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Thrianta Rabbit Breed

Controversy Over Hybrid Dog Breeds

Hybrid Dog Breeds, Designer Dogs, or Experimental Breeds - All Creating Controversy

The controversy over these hybrid dog breeds will be a debate for years to come. Pedigree dog breeders don't want to see their breeds being taken advantage of or lose the income to the hybrid dog breeders. Shelters will continue having to deal with the millions of pets being abandoned every year with many having to be euthanized because they didn't have the "cute" factor or pedigree papers.

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Hybrid Dog Breeds

Cat Breed - Birman

History of the Birman Cat

A legendary story tells of the hundred pure white cats with yellow eyes that guarded the sacred temple Khmer located in Burma. The temple, found on the side of Mount Lugh in Lao-Tsun, was protected by these felines long before the time of Buddha. Tsun-Kyan-Kse, a golden image with blue eyes, was housed inside the temple and was believed to reincarnate the bodies of priests into holy animals. The priest's souls were transferred into the body of the white cat and then passed onto the afterlife. The cats were considered a sacred pathway for the priests to pass onto the next life.

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Birman Cat

Ferrets: Symptoms and Treatments for Green Slime Disease

Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE) or Green Slime Disease

Ferrets between two and four years of age are more at risk for ECE. Young kits and older ferrets can also be affected and some ferrets can be carriers and rarely show signs of having the virus. The disease travels quickly and can be spread from ferret to ferret or from handler to ferret. The virus can attach itself to the skin and even clothing. There have been cases where owners reported to not be in contact with other ferrets other than their own when their ferret was affected.

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Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis

Cage Accessoriess for Ferrets

When not sleeping, ferrets are quite active and playful. Toys like balls and tunnels can add hours of amusement for your pet. Anyone who has ever owned a ferret knows that these creatures can make a toy out of anything they put their paws on. If space is available, provide an object that allows for hiding toys. A cardboard oatmeal container hidden under a bandana will become your ferrets "secret spot" where they can stash all of their treasures.

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Accessories needed for a ferret cage

Book Review: "Complete Guide to Ferrets" by James McKay

Not only is it important for ferret owners to have basic knowledge about their animals, it is important to have accurate information. Complete Guide to Ferrets goes beyond providing expert care tips and basic ferret health information. Mr. McKay holds demonstrations and gives lectures about ferrets which disprove many of the misleading myths that have circulated throughout history. He offers a chronological look at this exceptional creature that takes this animal beyond an adorable pet into an intelligent animal that should be appreciated and respected.

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Complete Guide to Ferrets - Book Review

Cat Breed - American Wirehair

What makes the American Wirehair cat unique is the texture of the coat. The individual hairs are bent and crimped which gives the coat an overall dense appearance. Other than this one feature, the American Wirehair resembles the American Shorthair in body shape and size. Some American Wirehairs may have curled whiskers which is a characteristic of the Rex Cat breeds. The coat standard is "springy, dense, and resilient" and the texture feels soft to the touch.

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American Wirehair Facts and Characteristics

Cat Breed - Ocicat

Ocicat owners describe this breed to be affectionate, attentive, loyal, and quite active. Because of its high intelligence and attentiveness, owners find the Ocicat easily trainable. The sweet nature and well-tempered disposition of the Ocicat make this breed a unique companion. When first seeing an Ocicat, individuals may perceive quite the opposite as its outward looks appear to be malevolent like the wild cats that it resembles. But don't let the looks of this breed fool you. The Ocicat is extremely friendly and dedicated to their owners making this breed quite popular to breeders, owners, and cat enthusiasts.

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Ocicat Facts and Characteristics

Cat Breed - Tonkinese

This breed should be an indoor only cat but doesn't have any special care needs, requiring only normal cat nurturing with some extra attention given to keep her out of mischief. Owning a Tonkinese has been described as possessing a "rare treasure". The beauty along with their sociable personality has made this breed popular among cat enthusiasts and breeders throughout the world.

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Tonkinese Facts and Characteristics

Biography: John James Audubon

John James Audubon died on January 27, 1851 and his name is honored by the "National Audubon Society", an organization dedicated in preserving and protecting all wildlife and their habitats, both of which were concerns of the late John Audubon. Some of his last writings discussed the destruction of birds and the environment in which they inhabit and the growing need of conservation for all wildlife.

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Biography: John James Audubon

Fact Sheet - Antelopes

Antelope come in a variety of sizes and the features range depending upon the species. Averaging only 10 inches in height and weighing approximately 8 pounds, the royal antelope is the smallest of the antelope species. This small animal can be found wandering the western coast of Africa. The giant eland of West Africa is the largest of the antelopes with its size being compared to that of a large cow. The giant eland can weigh over a half-ton with a shoulder height of 6 feet.

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Antelope Facts

Cat Breed - Siberian Forest

The Siberian Forest cat is a well-built cat that displays a long body and a broad, rounded head. The legs are quite powerful and the overall appearance is similar to the Norwegian Forest cat breed. The fur is dense and the undercoat will be thick and heavy which its ancestors needed to survive during severely cold temperatures. This heavy coat has a triple layer that is water resistant and this breed will also drop their coat twice a year. The most commonly seen coat color is the tabby coloring with white paws.

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Siberian Forest Cat

Cat Breed - Ojos Azules

The first Ojos Azules cat was found in 1984 and was given the name "Cornflower". After breeding of this newly found blue-eyed cat, the discovery was made that the blue eyes were dominant and all of her kittens were born with the same vivid blue eyes. Even with these unique qualities, the Ojos Azules is still quite rare. In 1991, The International Cat Association (TICA) began recognizing the Ojos Azules as an official breed in both the long and short hair but there were still less than a dozen registered by 1992.

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Ojos Azules Facts and Characteristics

Ferret Health: Aplastic Anemia - Symptoms & Treatments

One of the most important factors in pet ownership is knowing when your pet is ill. Become aware of your pet's typical behaviors and characteristics so you will know early on if your pet is experiencing some type of illness. Whenever a pet ferret is experiencing the symptoms of this disease, seek expert care immediately from an experienced ferret veterinarian. It is also highly recommended for owners who do not intend on breeding their ferrets, to have their female ferrets spayed which will prevent several diseases including aplastic anemia.

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Aplastic Anemia

Book Review - Barron's The Ferret Handbook

Book Review - The Ferret Handbook by Gerry Bucsis and Barbara Somerville
Even with the abundance of information found on the World Wide Web, having a ferret handbook or guide should also be a consideration so that you have the information you need right at your fingertips.

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Book Review: The Ferret Handbook

Foods Toxic to Rabbits

Poisonous Foods to Rabbits

Before allowing your four legged friend to munch on your lunch, make absolute certain that the food is safe for a rabbit to eat.


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Foods Toxic to Rabbits

What to Purchase for Your New Rabbit

Before bringing your rabbit home, make a list of everything you will need to purchase at the pet store. The more time you spend with your pet rabbit, the more you will learn about her unique personality. Your rabbit will have her own likes and dislikes and you can adjust your rabbit's needs as you see fit.


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Rabbit Needs & Supplies

Rabbit Hopping

The Sport of Rabbit Hopping in the United States

The origins of this sport began in Sweden during the late 1970s where it is referred to as rabbit jumping. The sport became a huge success abroad and Ms. Hoover hopes that this bunny activity will also gain the popularity that it has in Sweden. The events held in parts of the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany are known to have huge crowds with entrants ranging into the hundreds.

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Rabbit Hopping

Hedgehog Obesity

The weight of an adult hedgehog should average 10 to 20 ounces. Owners typically weigh their pets every two weeks to be certain that their companion is not under or over the recommended weight. Dry cat food is the most common type of commercial food fed to a pet hedgehog. It is important to provide a high-quality but low-fat formulated cat food to a hedgehog. These foods that are lower in fat content may be labeled as a "maintenance" formula. One tablespoon of dry food each day is the average amount of food to feed a pet hedgehog. By weighing the hedgehog on a regular basis, owners will know if the amount should be lowered or increased depending upon the weight of their pet.

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Dangers of Obesity in Pet Hedgehogs

Hedgehog Diet

Before trying to mimic the wild hedgehog diet for a pet hedgehog, you should educate yourself first in the nutritional requirements of this unique creature. The full understanding surrounding a captive hedgehog's diet is complicated and still not fully researched. Finding a balanced hedgehog food can be difficult as many manufacturers have taken pet food designed for other pets and have simply relabeled it for hedgehogs.

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What to feed a pet hedgehog

Hedgehog Housing and Cage Environment

Take the time to allow your hedgehog to explore its environment outside of the cage. Thoroughly proof the area that the hedgehog is allowed to roam as these small animals can get into some very small spaces. If a cage has enough space, is properly cleaned on a regular basis, and has plenty of objects to get him stimulated, your hedgehog can live quite comfortably in their cage. However, don't forget to spend quality time with your hedgehog and allow some free time outside of the cage as often as possible.

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Hedgehog Housing

Hedgehog Care - Bathing and Grooming

During a grooming session, an owner should take the time to give their hedgehog a thorough look-over. Examine the teeth if possible for any dental problems and check the ears for any build-up or anything that doesn't appear to be normal. Seek veterinary care for a hedgehog if at any time you feel your pet needs further care. For the overall health of a hedgehog owners should provide a proper diet, clean environment, regular grooming, and schedule a regular veterinary check-up once a year.

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Hedgehog: How to bathe and groom

Hedgehog as Pets

Hedgehogs are solitary creatures and will live contently without another hedgehog companion. Owning a single pet allows owners more quality and bonding time. Sharing your home with a hedgehog can be a rewarding experience for individuals who have the time and knowledge to socialize with a new pet. With proper care, a pet hedgehog can add many years of enjoyment to its owner.

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Pet Hedgehogs