There are three different clinical types of ataxia: cerebral, sensory, and vestibular.  Each type will be manifested by impaired coordination when standing or walking. Changes in a dog’s neck and head movement are characteristic of cerebral and vestibular ataxia. Any abnormal movements, whether on one side of your dog’s body or his entire body, should be looked at by a veterinarian or specialist.

Dogs with ataxia can be treated on an outpatient basis in most cases, unless the case is severe. Pet insurance usually helps cover the cost of treatments, which can be hefty. Still, only proceed with treatment once your vet has examined your dog and he has recommended treatment. Usually, there may be some underlying condition, such as an ear infection, that must be done away with before the results can truly be measured.

All breeds are vulnerable to ataxia, so be aware of your dog’s behavior and keep a look out for any abnormal movements or twitches. Keep your dog covered under health insurance. Doing so can ease your mind and lead to a better life  for both you and your dog.

Most vets recommend a good quality dry dog food fed in appropriate amounts. Dry food is less expensive than canned and does not contain excessive moisture. It can be left in open containers without spoiling and in self-feeders for ease and convenience. Dry food also promotes improved oral health and can satisfy dog’s chewing behavior.

Look for a food with a good amount of protein. Avoid food with too much filler, often in the form of corn, peanut hulls, weeds, straw, feathers, and corncobs. Protein should come in either animal or vegetable based products. Chicken, lamb, beef, or pork are all good sources of protein for your pet.

Finally, remember that frequent changes in dog food can lead to digestive problems. If your dog appears to be doing well on a certain brand of dog food, don’t change it. Do everything you can to keep your dog healthy, and especially avoid feeding him dinner scraps!

Many people think that large dogs don’t become cold as easily as littler dogs, but there is no real proof of this. Dogs, like humans, have a normal body temperature, which ranges from 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that if it’s cold outside, your dog may appreciate you putting some clothes on him.

Finding large breed clothes can be hard storefront to storefront, so look for an online retailer that has what you’re looking for. Online distributors also offer a one-stop shop for food, toys, and other doggy accessories that your large pup may enjoy.

So don’t be embarrassed to put your large dog in cute little outfits, at least not during cold weather. It may help him feel warmer and will give you something fun to do with your time.

Diagnosing cataracts in your dog should be left to a professional. It often looks a lot like Nuclear Sclerosis, which requires no treatment and which may not hamper your pet at all. It usually appears equally on both eyes as a hazed, grayish-looking effect.

The most common causes of cataracts are unfortunately unpreventable, like old age, hereditary, developmental, and congenial make up. Symptoms include loss of coordination for no reason, problems seeing objects within their peripheral vision (like when you’re not in their direct line of sight), or even less noticeable symptoms like depression.

Just like there are a number of causes, there are also a number of treatments available. Some include prescription medications and eye drops, over the counter alternatives, and laser eye treatment. Consult with your veterinarian to see if your dog does in fact have cataracts, and what steps you should take.

The poodle’s coat consists of two types of hair: the outer coat, which is thick, wiry, and curly and the undercoat, which should be soft and wooly to provide warmth. Poodle puppy coats, however, are different. Their hair is often soft and fine with little or no curl, but a slight wave instead.

That’s because as they grow, so does their hair. As the dog matures into adulthood, the coat develops a thick, curly quality. If you’re curious about how your puppy’s hair will turn out, look at their parents. If they carry good coats, their puppies likely will too.

The beginning of doggy haircuts started when hunters first trimmed the hair of their retrieving dogs to prevent drowning. Given the amount of hair on a poodle, they are a favorite of doggy stylists and their owners.

The style however, is usually determined by the owner’s willingness and capability to maintain the coat in a well-groomed fashion. Poodles that spend a lot of time outside are usually kept with shorter hair because it’s easier clean and comb.

However you style your dog’s hair, be sure you take care of their coat and feed them and exercise them regularly, as diet and exercise affect’s the look and health of your dog’s coat.

Yes, you can make healthy fish food right from your own home with ingredients you probably already have lying around your house.

First, it’s important to feed fish food high in DL-methionine, an important amino acid in fish nutrition. Start with whole salmon, frozen peas, hardboiled egg, brine shrimp, duck weed or spiulina powder, and fish or cod liver oil. Blend these ingredients and add corn starch to dehydrate. What you have is a spreadable paste that you can put on foil or wax paper and feed to your fish.

For more carnivorous fish, you can increase the amount of whole salmon or even add calamari. If you add squid, be sure all the ink is removed before adding it in.

All of these ingredients contain vitamins and minerals necessary to keep your fish bright and alive. Talk to your vet or local pet specialist if you are concerned with your fish’s health or dietary needs.

When keeping ants, you must remember that they are not a hands-on pet like a dog, or a fish when cleaning and maintaining. Any movement or disturbance of the farm can cause it to cave it, proving fatal to the colony.

First, there is the basic ant farm kit. There are various types available and by building the ants’ home yourself you can save on the initial costs as well as gain from quality and size of the farm. Then there are illuminated ant farms, which allow you to see the ants day or night. These come in a plastic home with blue or green lights usually incorporated into the base.

Gel ant farms are a clear plastic environment with a solid gel composite inside. The ants can build and tunnel within the gel, while providing them with a great nutritious food source.

Finally, there are giant ant farms which create the ideal environment for keeping ants. This environment allows them to nest and flourish, all while providing you with the opportunity to watch them on a much larger scale.

So if you’re thinking about caring for an animal, or want to keep your child busy with a nearly zero investment on your part, consider an ant farm.

Lizards, amphibians, snakes, and frogs top the list of weird pets, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make good pets. Most of these are nocturnal creatures, so they require special care, food, and medication. Big tree lizards are best suited for outdoor captivity. Smaller varieties, like the kind that live in small stone crevices, are rarely taken as pets, but can be found in some specialty animal shops. Snakes are often thought of as dangerous, but in fact, very few are actually venomous. Many don’t even have fangs. These are coldblooded creatures that require a preheated chamber.

All of these animals have differing diets. Some eat greenery and insects, while others eat eggs and live animals. Whichever you choose, be sure to nurture it and care for it, and ask your local animal expert or vet how to best maintain these animals in your home.

Some of the most popular dog names are popular because they’re all-American, such as Max, Jack, or Buddy. Others are popular because they’re fun to say and sound happy and energetic, such as Daisy, Charlie, or Rocky. There are a number of different considerations people take when naming their pets, but the most important thing to remember is that the earlier you do it, the better.

The earlier you name you pet, the earlier you will get yourself saying the name, helping your dog recognize and respond to commands directed at him. While you shouldn’t just settle on a name you’re unhappy with (after all, you’re going to be using this name for the rest of the dog’s life), don’t stress too much about naming the dog. Find out bits about the dog’s personality and let that guide you to the right name.

Worst of all, fleas can affect humans too. Their bite can cause pain and itchiness on the skin, and they’re known to multiply very rapidly. So what can you do to stop a flea infestation or prevent it altogether?

If your dog already has fleas, you may want to consider flea-killing products that are on the market, such as Frontline or Advantage. Other products, such as flea baths, special shampoos, or flea dips can be a safe and effective alternative.

To prevent fleas from ever entering your home, follow a few simple steps. First, be sure to groom your dog on a weekly, or even daily, basis. Clean up after your dog right away when he makes a mess, and stick to a regimented bath schedule for your pet. You should also vacuum often, as vacuuming picks up tons of fleas and their eggs. Finally, using moth crystals or other poisons can get the fleas your vacuum may have left behind.

Fleas can be bothersome and expensive to get rid of, so be sure you’re aware of your pet’s health.