July 26/2023

 

6 stunning animals without eyes

11/9/2020

by Brian

quizzclub.com

It is hard to believe that there are living creatures who don't need eyes. However, it is true. Let's see these eyeless animals with our own eyes!

All living creatures perceive the world differently. There are animals who don't have eyes & use other senses of perception instead to get information about what is going on around them.

#1 Mexican Tetra

The fish is born with eyes but they regress & are lost in adult species. It is their adaptation to the cave environment.

#2 Sea Urchin

These species can respond to light in many ways: from changing its color to moving closer to the source of light.

#3 Texas Salamander

It lives in underground water & uses water pressure waves to find food.

#4 Blind Albino Crab

Albino crab is endemic to Canary Islands. This tiny creature has one secret: it is a squat lobster, not a crab.

#5 Hydra

Hydras detect light with their tentacles. These tiny fresh water animals resemble dandelion seeds!

#6 Star-Nosed Mole

The star, which is actually not the nose, is the main tactile organ that helps this animal to navigate instead of the eyes.

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July 19/2023

 

7 Crucial Safety Tips For Walking Your Dog This Summer

By Sassafras Lowrey

7/17/2023

cuteness.com

Summer is here, & most areas of the county will be hot for several months. The hot weather can be fun, but it's also dangerous. While exercise & enrichment are important for dogs year-round, it's important to be cautious when taking your dog out during the hot weather. Here are 7 safety tips to keep in mind when walking or exercising your dog this summer.

1. Watch out for hot pavement temperatures

One of the main concerns with walking dogs in the summer is the pavement temperatures. Concrete sidewalks & streets heat up in the sun & can easily burn your dog's paw pads. The general approach for determining if the concrete is too hot is to put the back of your hand onto the surface for 7 seconds. If you can do so comfortably, then it may be cool enough for your dog to walk comfortably.

To protect your dog from both the heat & hot concrete, it's best to avoid walking during the hottest time of the day. Instead, try to arrange your schedule to get your dog out on walks during the early morning or late at night — when the concrete will be cooler. If you live in an apartment & must walk your dog on hot concrete to get them out to potty, consider investing in protective boots. Use positive reinforcement methods to teach your dog to be comfortable wearing them.

2. Know the signs of heat stroke in dogs

One significant risk in the hot weather for dogs is the risk of heat stroke. All dogs can overheat, including active & young dogs.

The best way to prevent heat stroke is to keep your dog in a cool part of your house during the hottest part of the day. When you are outside with your dog, provide them with access to cool places in the shade. It's also best to avoid encouraging strenuous play or exercise for your dog in the heat. Avoid those long walks and games of fetch during the hottest parts of the day.

Symptoms of heat stroke to watch out for include:

-Panting

-Heavy breathing

-Pale gums

-Lethargy

-Gastrointestinal issues including vomiting

If you think your dog is experiencing heat stroke, take them to the veterinarian immediately.

3. Bring cooling clothing & accessories

In addition to sticking to shady areas & walking in the early morning or late at night, providing your dog with cooling accessories can also be helpful. Cooling coats & cooling bandanas can help keep your dog comfortable & prevent overheating while out on a walk. Cooling vests are designed to be soaked in cool water. Hold the cooling vest against your dog's body to help deflect the sun & keep them feeling cooler.

4. Avoid discarded food on sidewalks

Summer BBQ gatherings are fun, but they can lead to dangers when walking your dog. Chicken bones, partially eaten bags of chips & other BBQ leftovers are especially common on sidewalks this time of year. This discarded food could make your dog sick if they eat them. When walking your dog, keep an eye out for tempting distractions & steer your dog away from them. This is a great time to practice cues like "leave it" & "drop" if your dog does manage to get something in their mouth that they shouldn't.

5. Stay hydrated

Keeping you & your dog well hydrated is important when out on summer walks. Carry a water bottle for yourself & fresh cool water to share with your dog. You'll also want to bring a portable or collapsible water bowl to make it easier for your dog to drink. Avoid letting your dog drink out of communal neighborhood water bowls, as they can spread disease.

6. Avoid tall grass & inspect for foxtails

Foxtails are a weed that looks harmless, but is very dangerous to dogs. Common in the western United States, these wheat-looking seeds have barbed heads. Foxtails can easily become embedded in your dog's feet, nose, ears, & eyes & lead to serious infections. Foxtails don't naturally break down & instead work their way into a dog's body. This can lead to serious infections or even death if untreated. Keep your dog out of weeds & tall grass & inspect your dog's body after each walk.

7. Watch for insects & snakes

Insect stings or snake bites (depending on where you live) can be another hazard to watch for on summer dog walks. Keep your dog away from snakes & other wildlife. It's helpful to have easy access to a first aid kit for dogs & to know how to use it. If you suspect your dog has been stung by an insect, & they are having any kind of reaction such as obvious discomfort, swelling, or difficulty breathing — then your dog should immediately be seen by a veterinarian.

The bottom line

Taking your dog out for summer walks can be a lot of fun, but there can also be unexpected dangers. Be thoughtful about what time of day you take your dog out to walk. Avoid the hottest part of the day & check the temperature of the pavement before walking. Try to keep your dog cool while walking & carry fresh water. Steer your dog away from any tempting food left on sidewalks. Avoid tall grass & assorted wildlife hazards.

                                       

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July 12/2023

 

Hamster Care Sheet

By Maria Zayas, DVM 

2/ 27/ 2023

petmd.com

Overview

Hamster Level of Care

Beginner

Hamster Lifespan

18-36 months

Hamster Roommates

The hamster species kept as pets are solitary & should be housed alone.

Hamster Handling

Handling Considerations

Hamsters who are stressed or scared will readily bite & care must be taken with handling them. Well-socialized & unstressed hamsters can be carried in 2 cupped hands. They are very active & move quickly & don’t typically enjoy being held for long periods. Hamsters who aren’t used to being handled yet can be picked up in containers like hamster balls or small carrying cages.

Recommended Home

Environment

Hamsters can do well in almost any room of the house. However, rooms with wide temperature fluctuations, direct sunlight on the hamster enclosure, or spots directly in front of open windows, air conditioners, or heating vents aren’t recommended.

Pet Parents

Hamsters are an appropriate pet for adults & children who are old enough to safely handle them. Hamsters are small & fragile, very fast moving, & will bite if stressed or scared. Small children often hold them too tightly, which may cause injury. As a result, older children who are comfortable holding them are a better fit.

Other Pets Hamsters Can Live With

No other animals can live in an enclosure with a hamster. Due to their small size & fast movements, it also isn’t safe to keep hamsters loose with other animals around. You can keep pets like cats & dogs in the same household as your hamster, but extra care must be taken to make sure their enclosures are secure.

Family Friendliness Level

Hamsters do well in family homes. They typically enjoy the extra stimuli of having several family members interacting with them & they do OK with foot traffic & sounds. Care must be taken with small children to make sure they know how to safely touch the hamsters & keep their fingers away from the openings in the enclosure.

Hamster Habitat

Enclosure

Hamster enclosures need to have at least 150 square inches of floor space with a solid floor & wire sides & tops. Bar spacings should be half an inch. Hamsters are escape artists—they can chew through plastic, wood, & even soft metals & learn to open cage doors. Many hamster parents add tunnel extensions to enclosures, but they must be thoroughly cleaned weekly & made from solid materials such as plastic. You also want to provide a hide box & a running wheel within the enclosure.

Bedding

A thick layer of bedding several inches deep should be provided so hamsters can burrow. Optimal bedding materials include unscented & un-dyed toilet tissue or recycled newspaper products. Wheat straw or aspen shavings are also alternatives.

Bagged “fluff” beddings are not recommended as they are an ingestion & obstruction risk, in addition to posing the risk of wrapping around & strangulating paws.

Never use cedar shavings as these are toxic to hamsters.

Feeding Dishes

Hamster food is typically placed into small bowls located in the cage. Heavier materials like ceramic crocks are preferred as they are harder to tip over. Be sure to clean your hamster’s bowl daily.

Hamster Diet & Nutrition

Main Food

The bulk of a hamster diet should come from a commercial pelleted diet with a 15-25% protein content. Unlike many other smaller pocket pets, too much fresh produce can cause diarrhea in hamsters & extra care must be taken to choose produce that is high in fiber, or it must be offered in moderation. Hamsters hoard & hide food so offering fresh produce can lead to spoilage. It is best used as a treat.

Water

Water should be provided in sipper bottles that are cleaned when refilled. Be careful to examine the tips of the bottles for chewing damage, & inspect the bedding below the bottle daily for accumulated moisture. Spot clean as needed.

Treats

Commercial hamster treats are readily available, including yogurt drops & dehydrated fruits. Fresh fruits & vegetables also work great as treats, especially during time out of the enclosure so hamsters can’t store the fresh food where it might spoil.

Supplements

Hamsters fed from a nutritionally complete pellet diet don’t need any supplements unless a veterinarian has identified a specific nutritional deficiency.

Foods to Avoid or Are Toxic:

-Apple seeds

-Raw beans

-Raw potatoes

-Almonds

-Citrus

-Garlic

-Onions

-Chocolate

-Sugary foods

-Salty foods

-Red Meat

Hamster Daily Care

Feeding

Hamsters are nocturnal, so it is recommended to offer new food in the evenings or before bed. Hamsters should generally be offered about a tablespoon of food daily, although this can vary by species so it’s always recommended to check in with your vet about your pet’s needs & current body condition.

Grooming

Hamsters rarely have any grooming needs from their humans. They do a very good job of grooming throughout the day & keep themselves very clean. Long-haired hamsters occasionally need help removing debris from their hair. In this case, they can be brushed with hamster-specific soft brushes.

Exercise

Hamsters are very active pets. They enjoy running, climbing, & tunneling. You can support these habits in a number of ways:

- Maintain bedding several inches thick in the enclosure for tunneling & burrowing.

- Include a running wheel that’s at least 8 inches in diameter & made from a solid material so their toes can’t get stuck.

- Tunnels can be included in the enclosure or in a separate play area, but care must be taken to clean the tunnel weekly. Tunnels must be made of a solid material (like plastic).

- Exercise balls must be about 7–8 inches in diameter & cleaned after every use. Use tape to secure the lid so it can’t open accidentally.

Disinfecting/Cleaning

Every week, all bedding should be removed from your hamster’s enclosure, all surfaces cleaned, & bedding replaced. Use small pet enclosure–specific cleaners or diluted vinegar to clean the enclosure. Tunnels can be submerged in diluted vinegar to soak. Inspect the enclosure for areas you hamster may chew & check that all doors & edges close & attach properly. 

Enrichment

Hamsters are high energy & super chewers. Provide various toys for running, climbing, & tunneling in addition to wooden toys to chew.

Hamster Veterinary Care

Annual Care

Your hamster needs to be seen by a veterinarian once a year for a wellness exam. Be sure to transport them in a secure carrier or take their entire enclosure. If transporting just your hamster, take pictures of their enclosure & all the products you use. Your veterinarian will want to assess their setup as part of the examination process.

Signs of a Healthy Hamster

-Alert, curious disposition

-Clean hair coat with no hair loss

-Clear, shiny eyes

-Clean nares

-Clean ears

-Nails & teeth that are not overgrown

Call a Vet If You See:

-Weight loss

-Wet, fecal-stained hair around rectum

-Wounds or trauma

-Lumps

-Coughing, wheezing, sneezing, nasal discharge, or other respiratory difficulties

-Diarrhea

-Anorexia

-Drooling

-Overgrown teeth

Common Conditions in Hamsters

-Diarrhea

-Wet tail

-Bite wounds

-Demodectic mange

-Cancers

-Alopecia (hair loss)

-Malocclusion

-Hairballs

-Gastrointestinal foreign bodies

-Hypothermia

-Amyloidosis

-Cardiomyopathy

-Rectal prolapse

-Stroke

-Diabetes

-Eye bulging

Hamster FAQs

Is a hamster easy to take care of?

Hamsters are remarkably easy to take care of. They have smaller housing needs than most pets, create little noise or smell, can function independently when you’re busy, have curious dispositions, & need enclosure cleanings just once a week.

What are the Dos and Don’ts for hamsters?

Do provide multiple outlets for exercise & chewing to support dental & mental health.

Don’t use cedar shavings, provide too much fresh produce for food, or leave enclosure doors unsecured.

Do hamsters need to be handled every day?

Yes, it is recommended to handle your hamster at least once daily. Though they don’t enjoy being held for long periods of time, picking them up daily will keep them comfortable with handling. This also lowers the risk of bites, allows you to inspect them for health issues, & enables them to be transported to exercise balls or play tunnels for enrichment.

Do hamsters like to be held?

Most hamsters do not enjoy being held for long periods of time. They can be picked up for quick petting, then offered a treat before being placed down again somewhere secure. They do enjoy interacting with their humans but do not like to sit still.

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July 5/2023

Garter Snakes: The Gardener's Friend

Benefits of Snakes in the Garden

By Robin Sweetser

8/ 27/ 2022

almanac.com

Garter snakes are a gardener’s friend! Harmless to humans, they eat the pests that wreak havoc in your garden. Learn more about the shy but helpful gardening helper who just wants to live peacefully in harmony with you—& eat your slugs!

I found a snake skin in my garden a few weeks ago. While other people might have been freaked out, it made me happy to know that snakes find my yard a good place to call home. The garter snake is the snake species that North American gardeners will most often encounter—& we should be thankful!

Of course, I am lucky that there are no venomous snakes in my area. Unlike other parts of the country, we have just one type of venomous snake in New Hampshire—the timber rattlesnake—& it is not found anywhere near where I live. In fact, they are so rare that the NH Fish & Game Department has implanted radio tracking devices in the ones that they have caught to keep an eye on their movements. I kind of wish we did have some; they’re known to eat tick-infested mice!

About Garter Snakes

There are many types of garter snakes found all across North America, from Mexico to Canada. They have a variety patterns & markings, & can be brown, tan, olive, or black with yellow, red, orange, or even blue stripes down their sides & backs. Some are all black. They can grow to be over 4 feet long, but most adults reach only 2–3 feet in length.

- Often called “gardener snakes,” they earn that name by eating grasshoppers, slugs, grubs, & other insects. A large adult garter snake may even eat mice. (Unfortunately, they also eat some critters such as frogs, toads, salamanders, & earthworms.) To eat large prey, they unhinge their jaw from their skull. Back-curving teeth keep the prey from escaping.

- Since they grow throughout their lifetime, snakes need to shed their skin when it gets too small. To do this, they rub their head on something rough to hook the skin near their lips & as they crawl out of it, the skin is turned inside out. 

- Garter snakes won’t bite you unless provoked. They won’t chase you. They are really very shy & are not looking for a fight!

- Garter snakes do produce a very weak venom, but the venom is so mild that it rarely has any effect on humans (it can cause light swelling in those who are allergic, however). The snake uses its venom to subdue larger prey items, like frogs & mice.

- Active year-round in the south, in the northern half of North America they hibernate below the frostline in the winter, congregating in large numbers in burrows & crevices to keep warm during the cold months. In the spring, they emerge & mate.

- Females only breed every 2 to 3 years. They bear live young in the late summer, usually having between 4 & 20 babies, though some can bear up to 85! 

- It takes 2 years for garter snakes to reach maturity & they can live to be 10 years old in the wild.

Benefits of Snakes in the Garden

I see these fine fellows often in the spring out sunning themselves on large flat rocks. Since they are cold-blooded, they need the sun’s warmth to help them digest their food. In the summer, I hear them slithering beneath the landscape fabric & black plastic that we use for mulch in some of the garden beds.

When I’m picking cucumbers or squash, they will swiftly slip out of the way—& it can be startling—but I am happy to have them, especially if they are eating the cucumber beetles, slugs, & squash bugs.

A Word of Warning

Garter snakes are relatively harmless, beneficial predators of rodents & insect pests. However, do not pick it up. Alarmed, it may give you a little nip (harmless but still a bite).

Learn to identify snake species as well. There are venomous species that can be dangerous if provoked or startled. Pit vipers such as water moccasins & rattlesnakes have thick bodies, narrow necks, & wide triangular heads, while non-venomous snakes tend to have heads that are barely bigger than their necks. If you are unsure what venomous snakes are located in your state, check out this list of venomous snakes by state.

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