Sept. 25/2024

 

8 Pets That May Keep You up at Night

By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

Published 12/15/2023

Some pets do most of their activities at night—when most people are asleep. It’s important to keep a pet’s natural wake/sleep schedule in mind when choosing one for your family. While most pets can adapt to a pet parent’s attention during the day, their instinct is to do most of their more active behaviors, like exploring & playing, at odd hours.

Nocturnal Pets vs. Crepuscular Pets

Many animals that are active at night fall into one of 2 groups: nocturnal or crepuscular. 

Nocturnal animals become active when the sun goes down & are generally more or less awake for the entire night, unless they decide to grab a nap.

Crepuscular animals have 2 main periods of activity: near dawn & dusk. These critters are typically up a little before the sun sets in the evening & are active until a few hours after it sets. They then go to bed & catch a long nap until shortly before dawn. At this point, they get up again, are active for a few hours after dawn, then sleep during the day.

Nocturnal Pets

1. Hamster

Hamsters are nocturnal & best suited to households that are active after dark, without any early risers. This is because hamsters are one of the louder nocturnal pets—they like to run on their wheels for long hours & chew noisily at anything they can.

Do not place hamster cages where people sleep. A place that’s also quieter during the day (when the hamster wants to sleep) is ideal. Hamsters are often very grumpy when awakened, so if it’s necessary to wake up your pet (for example, for a trip to the vet), it’s best to do so slowly. When possible, it’s best to leave a sleeping hamster asleep.

2. Rat

Rats require a lot of time & socialization, & they thrive on attention. Though they’re nocturnal rodents that prefer to be active overnight, rats are also willing to get up during the day if that’s what’s necessary to spend time with their people. But if it were up to them, they’d be most active in the early evening, through most of the night, & in the early morning.

Overnight, rats love to play in groups. They enjoy climbing, & ladder toys made for birds are some of their favorite objects to scale. Rats will also use running wheels, so keeping their cage outside of your bedroom is a good idea.

3. Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are largely solitary creatures that tend to do most of their exploring & foraging in the evening. Although some will make noise while they run on wheels or play, many quietly explore their environment, looking for tasty snacks that might be hiding in the nooks & crannies of their homes.

In addition to being primarily nocturnal, hedgehogs also need an area to retreat to that’s always warm. A night heat lamp (like one used for reptiles) or a chew-safe heating pad is an essential part of their cage. Don’t surprised if your hedgie basks in that area all day long, even if it seems warm to you!

4. Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are strictly nocturnal & spend much of their night actively gliding, foraging, & playing. Like hedgehogs, they also need at least one part of their cage to be warmer than the environmental temperature. Sugar gliders can be entertained by hiding components of their diet throughout the environment to allow for hunting.

Luckily, most sugar gliders are not noisy household companions. However, they do have a fairly strong & distinct smell, which not all people will appreciate. As such, it may be best to plan to place their cage in a non-central, quieter part of the house.

5. Mouse

Mice are active creatures at night, often up running on wheels, chewing, & scratching at corners in their cage. Although they are small, mice can make some mighty noises that can bother sleeping humans. They’re best kept in small, same-sex groups (although males may fight), which can elevate the noise as they play & squeak at one another. For sound sleep, keep them outside of your bedroom.

Crepuscular Pets

1. Cat

Cats do great with families that have hectic schedules, as they can meld around the chaos well. However, despite their tendency to sleep 12–16 hours a day, they are also good at waking us up sometimes for attention or food.

As a crepuscular species, your cat may choose to get up at night to grab a snack, play with some toys, or just sit & stare at you, hoping you’ll get up & play. They may accompany you on trips to the bathroom overnight or try their best at the crack of dawn to get you to fill the food bowl. These are all very normal behaviors.

2. Chinchilla

Chinchillas are petite rodents with adorable large eyes & ears. Much like cats, chinchillas are crepuscular; although they may be up at night, they prefer to be active in the early evening & early morning. You can spend time with them before you go to bed & when you first get up, & they will be happy to see you.

Chinchillas also tend to spend some time being active overnight & can be noisy. They like to climb, jump, run, & chew, so they also need very large areas to be active over the nighttime hours.

3. Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos are small, compact crepuscular reptiles. Most leopard geckos will get up during the evening hours & be most active both during the evening & early mornings, although they will also spend some time awake overnight & occasionally during the day as well.

Leopard geckos will spend their awake time burrowing & hunting. Most of their nighttime activity is quiet, so a leopard gecko enclosure can often be left in or near human sleeping areas. Keep in mind their lighting requirements (heat is generally needed 24 hours per day) may bother some people at night.

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Sept. 18/2024

 

10 Fun, Interesting, & Little-Known Facts About Black Cats

By Stephanie Howe, DVM. Reviewed by Veronica Higgs, DVM

10/ 4/ 2023

You might think of a black cat as a witch's familiar or as a bad omen when one crosses your path, but there is much more to the black cat than meets the eye.

1. Black Is the Most Common Feline Coat Color

Have you had more than one black cat cross your path? It’s not a glitch in the matrix; black is actually the most common coat color among felines.

The gene for expressing eumelanin—the pigment needed to make black fur—is dominant in black cats. A cat usually gets 2 copies of a gene, one from mom & one from dad. If one of these genes codes for black fur, then the kitten will be black.

Black coats allow cats to blend better into the night, which helps them hunt prey. This genetic advantage may have allowed black cats to be healthier & more likely to breed.

2. Black Cats Are Less Likely to Be Adopted

Though black is a common cat color, studies have found that black cats are less likely to be adopted than cats with other fur colors. This may be because black cats have long been tied to superstition as symbols of bad luck or witchcraft.

The next time you’re looking to add a feline to your family, bringing home a black cat could save a life.

3. Black Cats Can Rust in the Sun

If you spend your summer by the pool, your hair might get lighter. The same applies to the fur of black cats, which may have light red or orange highlights when they spend a lot of time in the sun.

When a cat lounges in a window perch or spends time in a catio, the sun bleaches the pigment from the fur, causing it to lighten. Because fur isn’t alive, it will stay bright until it’s shed.

4. It’s Rare To Find an All-Black Cat

While some cats are completely black from head to toe, this is actually rare. Most black cats have some other coloring in their whiskers, paw pads, or random patches of fur.

Whisker hairs are thick sensory hair follicles that originate deep in the skin. Cats are known to shed their whiskers, & often new ones will grow back in other colors.

Paw pad color is often the same as a cat’s fur color. Darker-furred cats tend to have black or gray toes, while lighter ones have pink toes. Black cats with some white fur markings are more likely to have patches of pink or white on their paws.

5. There Are Many Famous Black Cats

Animation has brought to the fore many famous felines from Bagheera, the black panther in The Jungle Book, to Luna, the black cat in Sailor Moon.

Live-action famous black cats include:

Salem in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” (1996–2003)

Thackery Binx in “Hocus Pocus” (1993)

Isis in “Star Trek” (1966–1969)

In addition to silver screen characters, other black cats have gained celebrity status, including:

The official First Cat of the George W. Bush administration was named India. India was an all-black American Shorthair that lived to be 18 years old.

Blackie, the world's richest cat, was left a $12.5 million fortune when his pet parent, British antique dealer Ben Rea, died in 1988.

Oscar the Bionic Cat was the world's first cat to have double rear-leg prosthetics, in 2009.

6. Black Cats Almost Always Have Yellow Eyes

Just as genetics plays a role in the color of a cat’s fur, it’s also responsible for the color of their eyes. The same pigment (eumelanin) that affects a black cat’s fur also affects their irises. The majority of black cats have irises with yellow/gold, orange/copper, or green pigment.

The Bombay cat is a breed that typically has gold or copper eyes. Black cats in other breeds are more likely to have lighter eyes.

Kittens, like human babies, are typically born with blue eyes, but the color of their iris changes as they age. The change typically starts when kittens are between 4–8 weeks old, & their eyes will be their permanent color by the time they’re 3–4 months in age.

7. Many Cat Breeds Can Be Black, But Only One Is Always Black

While many cat breeds can have black coats, the Bombay is the only true black cat breed. The Bombay was created in the 1950s as a hybrid of the Burmese & American Shorthair. Bombay cats are nicknamed as “parlor panthers” due to their good looks, sleek black coats, & gorgeous copper-orange eyes.

Other pure black cat breeds include:

Sphinx

Persian

Ragamuffin

Scottish Fold

Selkirk Rex

American Curl

American Bobtail

&, of course, domestic short-, medium-, & long-haired cats can also be black. 

8. Black Cats Are Not Bad Luck

The superstition that black cats were associated with the occult started around the Middle Ages, & many black cats fell victim to this misconception. Many believe that this led to a decrease in the cat population & the eventual spread of the bubonic plague, or Black Death, in the early 14th century, which was a disease carried by mice.

The perceived connection between black cats & witches’ evil deeds continued to North America & came to a head with the Salem witch trials of the 1690s.

No one knows exactly when black cats got their bad rap, but a black cat crossing your path certainly won’t bring you bad luck. In fact, British & Irish sailors in the early 19th century believed that black cats were symbols of good luck & could protect ships from dangerous weather. They were also adept at killing rats on board.

9. Black Cats Have Their Own National Holidays

In the U.S., 2 days on the calendar are set aside for making the tiny panther in your life feel extra special:

October 27, 4 days before Halloween, is National Black Cat Day.

August 17 is National Black Cat Appreciation Day.

10. Black Cats Are Resistant to Disease

There’s evidence that black cats may have certain genetic mutations that make them less susceptible to some diseases. This finding may prove valuable when studying human medical advancements.

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Sept. 11/2024

 

17 Biggest Dog Breeds & How to Care for Them

By Emily Sanders. Reviewed by Jennifer Coates, DVM

8/15/2023

There’s nothing that fills your heart—or your home—quite like a big dog. But while there are a lot of benefits to a large dog joining your family, there are some considerations pet parents need to keep in mind, too.

Caring for a Big Dog

Pet parents considering big breeds of dogs should know what they’re getting into before bringing one home.

Size

Dogs that are big start out as (relatively) little puppies, but that doesn’t last long! Giant breeds typically take 18–24 months to reach their full size, but most of that growth occurs before they are a year old. Be sure you have enough room for their big “teenage” bodies. Families with children should also be mindful—while many large dog breeds are gentle giants, they can accidentally knock over young kids. 

Budget

Big dogs need more food than their smaller cousins. Also, veterinarians prescribe medicine based on a pet’s weight, so bigger dogs need larger doses. That all means bigger dogs will generally cost more than small dog breeds, because they need more of just about everything.

Health

Big dog breeds are especially prone to certain health conditions. Common concerns that pet parents should be aware of include bloat & gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), hip dysplasia, wobbler syndrome, & hypothyroidism. In general, big dogs also tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds.

Training

All dogs need to be socialized & trained starting in puppyhood, but it is especially important for big dogs. Considering that some breeds can reach weights of 230 pounds or more in adulthood, early training allows pet parents to ensure their dog learns good manners & polite interactions while they’re a more manageable size. It’s one thing to have a 20-pound Beagle jump up on you—it’s another thing entirely if a 140-pound Newfoundland does the same.

Big Dog Breeds

So, what are the largest breeds of dog? Let’s look at some that have a lot to love (literally).

1. Irish Wolfhound

Weight: 105–120 lbs

Height: 30+ inches

Irish Wolfhounds are often cited as the tallest dog breed in the world, with some reaching up to 3 feet in height (measured at the shoulder when standing on all 4 legs!). However, Irish Wolfhounds are prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia & life-threatening GDV, & they have a lifespan of only 6–8 years. These dogs tend to have sensitive personalities &, like all other dogs, respond best to training that uses positive reinforcement.

2. Great Dane

Weight: 110–175 lbs

Height: 28–32 inches

It’s not hard to see how Great Danes earned their title—the big dogs are truly great in size. But how they got the “Dane” part of their name is a little hazy, as the breed has no connection to Denmark. Instead, these giant dogs were bred in Germany to work as hunters & guardians. Great Danes, which are one of the biggest dogs in the world, tend to be quiet & gentle. But they do need plenty of space to get enough exercise.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

Weight: 70–115 lbs

Height: 23–27.5 inches

Bernese Mountain Dogs are big dogs with even bigger hearts. Originally bred in Switzerland & brought to the US as farm dogs, these affectionate pups are now mostly family pets. But that doesn’t mean they’ve lost their love for the outdoors—this breed loves to hike with their favorite people, so early leash training & recall are important to teach in puppyhood.

4. Saint Bernard

Weight: 120–180 lbs

Height: 26–30 inches

Originally trained by monks for avalanche search-&-rescue missions, Saint Bernards are now great family dogs that are great companions for children. These big dogs are affectionate, loyal, & have a low prey drive. However, due to their history as rescue dogs, they enjoy digging, so keep an eye on them when they’re outdoors.

5. Mastiff

Weight: 120–230 lbs

Height: 27.5+ inches

A giant among giants, Mastiffs are one of the biggest dogs in the world. Also known as Old English Mastiffs, their low energy levels mean they are content with staying home with you all day—& that’s perfectly fine with them, as this big dog can be wary of strangers at first. But with early & consistent socialization, they’ll learn to befriend new people.

6. Neapolitan Mastiff

Weight: 110–150 lbs

Height: 24–31 inches tall

Neapolitan Mastiffs are the Mastiff’s Italian, (slightly) smaller cousins. But while they may only reach half the weight of their English relatives, they’re still one of the biggest dog breeds. These giant couch potatoes are content with naps in the sun & need their pet parents to take them on walks so they get enough exercise. But take note: Their wrinkly skin & copious amount of drool mean pet parents must pay extra attention to grooming this giant dog.

7. Newfoundland

Weight: 100–150 lbs

Height: 26–28 inches

Newfoundlands are massive, friendly dogs that often charm their families with their sweet temperament. Newfies, as they’re affectionately called, were bred to pull carts & haul nets for fishermen, & they also served as water rescue dogs in Newfoundland & Labrador. They still love to swim & splash around today—as long as their swimming session is followed by a long nap.

8. Scottish Deerhound

Weight: 75–110 lbs

Height: 28–32 inches

The Scottish Deerhound is a rare breed that looks like a scruffy, big-boned Greyhound. An easygoing dog, the Deerhound enjoys both the great outdoors as well as staying cozy inside with their family. This big dog has a life expectancy of 7–9 years & may be prone to neck pain & hypothyroidism.

9. Leonberger

Weight: 90­–170 lbs

Height: 25.5–31.5 inches

The majestic Leonberger is a muscular working dog that likes having a job to focus on. However, this big breed is also affectionate & often happy just snuggling with their family (while taking up most of the couch). The breed is sexually dimorphic, meaning male Leonbergers look different than females (males have a lion-like mane around their neck, for example). Whether male or female, Leonbergers are prone to joint problems & heart disease, & they have a life expectancy of around 7 years.

10. Anatolian Shepherd

Weight: 80–150 lbs

Height: 27–32 inches

Anatolian Shepherds are a large breed of dog that tends to be independent & reserved. Bred to be guardians, they can be wary of strangers & often bark to warn their family of potential threats. This breed needs patient pet parents who can properly socialize them as puppies.

11. Black Russian Terrier 

Weight: 80–130 lbs

Height: 26–30 inches

The “terrier” name may make you think of a much smaller dog, but the Black Russian Terrier is far from a Yorkie. A powerful & courageous breed, these large dogs are loyal to their family & can be standoffish toward new people. However, they are gentle with children & can be sociable & affectionate when they learn strangers aren’t something to be suspicious of.

12. Bullmastiff

Weight: 100–130 lbs

Height: 24–27 inches

Bullmastiffs are a cross between a Bulldog & a Mastiff. They can be laidback & affectionate with loved ones, but also have a history as guardians. Bullmastiffs may be prone to conditions like hip dysplasia & subaortic valvular stenosis, a genetic heart defect that can be avoided with responsible breeding.

13. Dogue de Bordeaux

Weight: 99+ lbs

Height: 23–27 inches

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is an affectionate & highly loyal dog. This sweet breed can come with an independent streak, so pet parents must be patient & consistent when training. Don’t get this big dog if you’re squeamish about slobber; Dogues tend produce lots of drool, which can get trapped in their wrinkly skin & cause an infection if not regularly cleaned.

14. Cane Corso

Weight: 90–110 lbs

Height: 23.5–27.5 inches

Cani Corsi, or Italian Mastiffs, are working dogs with a drive to please their pet parents. Their strong sense of loyalty makes them good family dogs, but as with all large dog breeds, supervision around kids is strongly encouraged because they can accidentally knock small children over.

15. Great Pyrenees

Weight: 85+ lbs

Height: 25–32 inches

The Great Pyrenees enjoys relaxing at home with family. But don’t let their placid demeanor fool you: This breed is quite strong, & a fast runner due to its history as a livestock guardian. Great Pyrenees have a strong will & benefit from early training & socialization. They’re good with children & will happily join you on a long walk or hike.

16. Tibetan Mastiff

Weight: 70–150 lbs

Height: 24–29 inches

While the massive Tibetan Mastiff can reach up to 150 pounds, they have a thick double coat that makes them look even larger. This means that while they can thrive in the snow, Tibetan Mastiffs can be prone to overheating in warmer weather. They are an intelligent dog originally bred to guard, & they still enjoy having a job to fulfill today.

17. Bloodhound

Weight: 80–110 lbs

Height: 23–27 inches

Famous for their keen nose, droopy face, & deep howl, Bloodhounds benefit from mentally stimulating activities to keep them occupied & out of trouble. Their patient nature helps them deal well with children—as long as the kids don’t pull on their long, floppy ears.

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Sept. 4/2024

5 Fun Facts About Chinchillas

By Teresa Manucy, DVM

8/ 7/ 2023

What Is a Chinchilla?

Chinchillas are small social rodents known for their soft, plush fur as well as their quiet & shy demeanor. They are agile & athletic with the ability to climb well & jump up to 6 feet. Chinchillas require constant chewing to keep their continually growing teeth trimmed. They often sit upright to sunbathe, groom, & to eat with their front paws.

Chinchillas can make great family pets due to their small size & are comparable to a small cat or rabbit. They are naturally clean & odorless. Their timid, peaceful demeanor is better suited for adults & older children. Chinchillas are mostly active around dawn & dusk & tend to be more awake at night. A few fun facts about chinchillas include the following:

#1 Baby Chinchillas Are Called Kits

Baby chinchillas are known as kits & are born fully covered in fur. They weigh between 30–60 grams or 1–2 ounces. At birth, chinchilla eyes & ears are open & functional, making them one of the most independent newborn animals. The average chinchilla litter size is 2 kits but may range from 1 to 6. They will reach sexual maturity around 8 months of age.

#2 Chinchillas Like Dust Baths

Chinchillas will take occasional dust baths to keep their fur conditioned. Their fur should not be bathed in water or get wet since it takes too long to dry & may cause the skin to become inflamed. A dust bath will counter their naturally oily skin & helps maintain the softness of their fur. These dust baths should be offered to pet chinchillas at least 2 to 3 times per week. Offering too frequent dust baths may dry out their skin.

A chinchilla bath house or a plastic dishpan container that measures 6” x 6” x 12” may be filled with chinchilla dust 1–2 inches deep. It may be offered for an hour at a time or maintained with daily cleaning & weekly replacement of the dust. Sand should not be used as it may cause irritation of the skin or eyes & may damage the fur.

#3 Chinchilla Coats Make the Species Endangered

Chinchillas have very dense fur that has up to 60 hairs per follicle & 20,000 hairs per square inch which causes it to feel very soft & fluffy. This makes chinchilla fur desirable to fur traders who have over-hunted them to near extinction. Chinchillas are native to western South America & make their home in the rocky slopes of the Andes mountains. The species C. chinchilla is especially sought after for their higher quality fur & larger size than the common domesticated species C. lanigera. Chinchillas are currently on the endangered list & are protected in the wild. Their numbers continue to decline due to loss of habitat & excessive trapping.

#4 Chinchilla Lifespans Are Longer Than Many Small Pets

Chinchillas are expected to live between 10–15 years in captivity, though in the wild they are only expected to live 8–10 years due to the threat of predators including humans. This makes chinchillas much longer lived than other small pets such as guinea pigs or hamsters. One theory for why chinchillas have a longer lifespan than other small pet species is that their physical development is delayed in comparison. Another possible explanation is that chinchillas have fewer overall health concerns as a species.

#5 Chinchillas Are Pets for Every Family

Chinchillas can be great family pets due to their small size & quiet nature. While they are naturally clean & odorless, they can also be potty trained. They enjoy bonding with their pet parents or another same-gender chinchilla. They have simple dietary requirements, & are less active during the daytime, which is ideal for pet parents that are busy or away.

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