Dec. 31/2025

                           
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes?

By Angelina Childree, LVT. Reviewed by Maria Zayas, DVM

1/ 9/ 2024

Feeding your bearded dragon properly is important to help prevent health problems & disease. A bearded dragon's dietary needs change throughout life & generally always include insects, vegetables, & fruits. Fruits in particular should make up 5–10% of a bearded dragon’s diet.

If you've ever had a dog, you may know that grapes & raisins can have toxic effects if ingested, but what about your bearded dragon? Can bearded dragons eat grapes?

Are Grapes Good for Bearded Dragons?

Grapes contain over 1,600 compounds, such as potassium, vitamin E, & antioxidants. These components can boost your bearded dragon's immune system & even promote eye health.

Grapes also have a high water content. Many bearded dragons drink water droplets from surfaces like plants & decor rather than drinking out of a bowl, so grapes can help promote hydration.

Not all grapes are created equally, however. Dark red & purple grapes will contain more antioxidants than white & green grapes, making them a more ideal snack for your lizard. While grapes have many health benefits, they shouldn’t be the main source of food for your bearded dragon’s diet due to their high sugar content, which can lead beardies to obesity.

Can Bearded Dragons Be Allergic to Grapes?

While it’s rare for a bearded dragon to be allergic to grapes, it can happen. A bearded dragon having an allergic reaction may begin gasping or flaring their nostrils. If your bearded dragon is exhibiting signs of difficulty breathing, seek veterinary care immediately. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grape Seeds?

When feeding grapes to your bearded dragon, always remove the seeds. Seeds can cause blockages within your bearded dragon's digestive tract, preventing waste from leaving their bodies which can be life-threatening. As a general rule, any fruit or vegetable containing seeds should always have them removed before it’s offered to your bearded dragon.  

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grape Jelly?

Fruit jelly contains a high amount of sugar &, often, high fructose corn syrup. Even a homemade jam will contain a higher amount of sugar than is recommended for your bearded dragon. It’s best to avoid jelly altogether.

You can puree grapes at home if you don't add other ingredients. Putting pureed fruit on a lick mat can be a fun form of enrichment for your bearded dragon! 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Wild Grapes?

It can be OK for your bearded dragon to eat wild grapes; however, they may not want to. Wild grapes are much different from those in the grocery store. Wild grapes tend to have thicker skin, which may make it harder for your bearded dragon to consume. Additionally, wild grapes are much more bitter than the domestic ones we are used to, so your bearded dragon may not enjoy their taste.

Wild grapes may contain chemicals & other harmful pesticides. If you do not know the source of the grape, it’s best to avoid offering it. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grape Leaves?

Bearded dragons may enjoy eating grape leaves. Grape leaves can be fed in moderation because they contain a high amount of vitamin A. Bearded dragons can be prone to vitamin A deficiency, which can make them sick. However, grape leaves, just like grapes themselves, should only make up 5–10% of their diet in combination with other varieties of fruits.

How Many Grapes Can a Bearded Dragon Eat?

Fruits are an essential part of a bearded dragon's diet, but they should be, at most, 5–10% of their total diet, or about one to two grapes once or twice a week as a treat. Having a gram scale to portion out your bearded dragon's food appropriately can be helpful.  

While grapes have many health benefits, eating too many can cause digestion issues & lead to obesity. Obesity can be a problem in all reptiles, but bearded dragons are one of the most common species to struggle with it. Saving high-value treats higher in sugar, such as grapes, for physical enrichment can help motivate your bearded dragon & promote exercise.  

How To Safely Feed Your Bearded Dragon Grapes

Wash the grapes thoroughly & remove any seeds. Depending on the size of your bearded dragon & the size of the grape, you may need to chop the fruit into pieces. Foods should be bite-sized to ensure your bearded dragon can safely consume them.

Foods that are too large for your bearded dragon can cause impactions. Impactions can create a blockage within the digestive system, causing little to no material to pass through the tract. Impactions can be fatal, so they are always considered a medical emergency. If your bearded dragon is not eating, defecating as normal, or is having trouble using their hind legs seek veterinary care immediately.

Fresh grapes have more nutritional value than cooking or freezing them. Grapes & other foods should be presented in a bowl, on a dish, or even in an enrichment item, especially if substrate is used in your bearded dragon's habitat. If the substrate is accidentally consumed, it may cause impaction as well.

What Other Fruits Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

Your bearded dragon may enjoy other fruits as well as grapes, such as:

Mangos

Apples

Apricots

Tomatoes

Blueberries

Strawberries

Raspberries

Avoid feeding your bearded dragon citrus fruits, as the acidity can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Cute Critter Pics:

Weekly Chuckle:

Slava Ukraine!

Dec. 24/2025

                             
The Average Lifespan Of A Bowhead Whale Might Surprise You

By Elias Nash   

12/14/ 2025 

The bowhead whale is a treasure trove of fun facts. It can grow up to 65 feet in length & weigh 200,000 pounds, & while that's not quite the largest whale species, it's still among the biggest animals on Earth. Bowheads also have the thickest fat of any animal, with blubber up to a foot & a half thick. The outermost layer of their skin is an inch thick, which is about 25 times thicker than the human epidermis. This insulation allows the bowhead to be the only baleen whale that lives full-time in the Arctic. They also have the largest mouths of any animal & the widest vocal range of any whale. These facts alone paint the picture of one of Earth's most awesome species, & yet, we haven't even gotten to the coolest part. What excites biologists most of all, is the bowhead whale's lifespan, which can eclipse 2 centuries.

Bowhead whales live longer than any other mammals, & are among the longest-living animals on Earth. How do we know this? Fortunately for marine biologists, whales have proteins in the lenses of their eyes that gradually decay over time. The oldest bowhead whale to have its eye analyzed was an unfortunate victim of 20th-century whaling that biologists estimated to be 211 years old. It's quite possible that, as you are reading this, there are bowhead whales in the ocean whose lives overlapped with Thomas Jefferson's. Naturally, the question on everyone's minds is how these whales live so long.

What bowheads can teach us about aging

Many biologists believe that studying the bowhead whale could help us develop anti-aging treatments. The reason that animals die of old age is that DNA undergoes mutations over the course of a life. These mutations can come from specific forces such as diet, disease, & radiation exposure, but they can also occur randomly. Over time, accumulated mutations weaken the genes', causing the body to decay. This decline doesn't happen until after sexual maturity, to ensure animals have a chance to pass on healthy genes to their offspring. Bowheads take a full 25 years to reach sexual maturity, so that decline doesn't even begin for a quarter of a century. Their advantage doesn't stop there, though.

A study published last month in Nature, revealed an incredible new side to bowheads' longevity. These whales have long been noted for having extremely low rates of cancer, which seems to go against logic. A larger body means more cells, so shouldn't they have higher rates of cancer? The study authors set out to answer that question by analyzing cell samples from bowhead whales. They discovered that bowheads have extraordinarily high levels of a protein called CIRBP, which works to repair broken strands of DNA. The secret to their power is that CIRPB production is triggered by low temperatures, & with a life spent in water that's no higher than 2 degrees Celsius, bowhead whales produce 100 times more CIRPB than we humans do.

Read More: https://www.sciencing.com/2051588/average-lifespan-of-bowhead-whale-might-surprise-you/

Cute Christmas Critter Pics:

Holiday Chuckle:

Slava Ukraine!

Dec. 17/2025

Science Says Cats Are One Of The World's Most Invasive Species. Here's Why

By Cori Chapman   

12/20/2024 

It can be easy to forget that the adorable bundle of fur curled up in your lap is actually a prolific hunter. There's a scientific reason that even domesticated cats bring home dead animals when let outside — it's in their nature. It is this natural disposition towards stalking & pursuit, coupled with the feline ability to reproduce quickly, that has made domestic cats one of the most invasive species in the world.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines an invasive species as a "nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction & that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health." The descendants of wild cats, the domestic & feral felines we know today arrived in North America alongside colonists from Europe. Cats kill billions of birds & mammals each year in the United States alone, per Forbes. In fact, a 2016 study conducted by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) revealed that felines are responsible for the extinction of approximately 63 species.

                         

Cats have a diet made up of approximately over 2,000 different species, providing a fairly definitive answer in the debate over whether felines are omnivores or carnivores. In 2023, Nature Communications published a study that determined that 347 of these species are endangered or extinct, with the list including birds, reptiles, & small mammals. Though they don't view them as prey, felines can even cause harm to humans.

Feral & outdoor cats are the main problem

Cats, especially those of the feral variety, can be detrimental to human health through the transmission of rabies or toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that result from exposure to cat feces (though this is primarily only a concern if the feline in question has eaten infected raw meat). While you likely don't have to worry about getting toxoplasmosis from scooping the litter box of your strictly indoor cat, indoor-outdoor felines could be carriers. Meanwhile, feral cats may choose to poop just about anywhere.

To add to this, unaltered outdoor cats reproduce at seemingly lightning speed. Shelters are often overwhelmed because of the constant influx of stray or unwanted felines, hence the term "kitten season," which ramps up as the weather turns warm (or remains consistent all year in more temperate climates). Feral cats typically aren't spayed or neutered, & therefore contribute to the rapid increase in number. In fact, one female cat can account for up to 180 kittens if not spayed (per Forbes). 

While the realization that felines are an invasive species might be distressing, kitty lovers can take key steps to help minimize the impact of cats on their local ecosystem. For instance, programs such as trap-neuter-return (TNR), a potentially life-saving alternative to kill shelters, seek to control the feral cat population by preventing more litters. While this approach may assist in addressing the population aspect, felines still contribute to the extinction of other species. The best way to combat their invasive nature it get your own cats spayed or neutered & keep them indoors. This will also give you the strongest chance of getting to spend as much time with your beloved pet as possible, as indoor cats tend to live for a decade or more longer than their outdoor counterparts, according to University of California-Davis (via PetMD).

Read More: https://www.cuteness.com/1739792/why-cats-among-worlds-most-invasive-species/

Cute Christmas Critters:

Christmas Chuckle:

Slava Ukraine!

Dec. 10/2025

100 Years After Vultures Disappeared from These Mts, Their Return Completes ‘Europe’s Yellowstone’

By Andy Corbley 

12/4/2025

Young griffon vultures are set to be reintroduced to the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, around 100 years after they went extinct there.

The reintroduction is part of a grand vision for “Europe’s Yellowstone,” a national park based in the Carpathians that would boast robust populations of wildlife unrivalled by any ecosystem on the continent.

It began in 2009, when Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC), an organization that has been restoring landscapes in the southern Carpathians called the Făgăraș, targeted 3 major species reintroductions to restore the chains of food & function chains that still include Europe’s 3 largest predators: the Eurasian lynx, the wolf, & the brown bear.

With the bison, beaver, & vulture, the Făgăraș would then also have its 3 largest custodians, as the beaver’s effect on rivers, the bison’s effect on the underbrush, & the vulture’s effect on carcasses, are essential for a perfectly functioning ecosystem.

But all 4 native European vulture species have been extirpated in the Carpathians for a century; victims of persecution, habitat loss, & lead poisoning.

Together with the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the FCC aims to reintroduce griffon vultures to the mountains by releasing young birds into large aviaries in-situ to acclimatize to their new surroundings.

“If they are released immediately, they would just fly off & go somewhere else,” said Christoph Promberger, co-founder of FCC.

“The vultures are the last keystone species missing from the Romanian Carpathians. They’re nature’s sanitary police. They’ve been gone for 100 years, it’s time to bring them back.”

Vultures are wide-ranging scavengers, capable of traveling long distances while barely flapping their wings. In 1986, in neighboring Bulgaria to the southeast, there were only 3 pairs of griffon vultures remaining in the wild, but by 2016 they’d made a triumphant return.

Cinereous vultures from Bulgaria have even been recorded flying into the Făgăraș Mountains, & it’s hoped those in Romania will travel just as freely. FCC plans to begin with griffon vultures, & follow-up with cinereous & bearded vultures.

While all 3 species are scavengers by trade, bearded vultures have some of the most acidic stomachs in the animal kingdom, & can swallow animal bones whole to support their diet of marrow. They & the other vultures play a crucial role by cleaning up dead animals & preventing the spread of diseases, while quickly recycling nutrients into the soil through a combination of their messy eating & nutrient rich droppings.

In 2016, the Romanian government adopted a non-binding memorandum for supporting the creation of a Făgăraș Mountains National Park, which they labeled a “European Yellowstone.” Stretching 2,000 square kilometers across the southern end of the Carpathian range, they include the highest mountain peak in Romania, Moldoveanu.

Only about 1.5% of Romania’s land area is protected within its system of 13 national parks. Support for the park is reportedly mixed between locals that are involved in ecotourism, skiing businesses, & logging interests. Bird Guides Europe reports that many now recognize the strong potential for tourism to improve rural livelihoods with small carve outs for sustainable rural economies.

“It’s the local communities who will decide whether they want the park, & many are now saying yes,” said Promberger.

100 Years After Vultures Disappeared from These Mts, Their Return Completes 'Europe's Yellowstone'

Cute Critter Pics:

Weekly Chuckle:

Slava Ukraine!

Dec. 3/2025

                               

20 Best Family Dogs Your Kids Will Love

By Emily Sanders. Reviewed by Kelly Gold, DVM

Updated 8/14/2024

The best dog for your family depends on your home & lifestyle, & every situation is different.

But generally speaking, good family dogs are adaptable & easy to train. They should be socialized, patient, & get along with both children & other pets. Children may also prefer playful dogs. 

Dogs that don’t shed a lot may be better suited for households with allergies. Families living in apartments or townhomes may want a quieter, calm dog that won’t bark at every passing neighbor.

Here are 20 of the best family dog breeds that could be a good fit for your home.

1. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. Frenchies make one of the best small family dogs because of their cheerful & easygoing natures—not to mention their adorable flat faces.

While they can have a lot of health issues, these fun-loving pups are highly affectionate & one of the best dogs for kids because they love playing with children & other pets.

2. Labrador Retriever

Whether black, chocolate, or yellow, a Labrador Retriever makes a great family dog.

Labs are naturally affectionate toward family & strangers alike, & their high intelligence means they love learning new tricks. Labs especially enjoy swimming & are ideal pets for families that enjoy spending time around water.

3. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is another of the best family dogs & most popular breeds. This beautiful, friendly dog breed is known for their eagerness to please & loving nature.

Goldens also don’t tend to bark much when well-exercised, mentally stimulated, & trained. So, they won’t annoy your neighbors every time the mail is delivered.

4. Irish Setter

Irish Setters are energetic & playful dogs that do best in active families where they can play, swim, & hike alongside their humans. With a sweet & intelligent temperament, Irish Setters are good companions for children who want a cheerful & rambunctious friend.

5. Pug

Behind the Pug’s smooshed face is a friendly & excitable family dog. While this small pup can be prone to bouts of high energy, they’re mostly couch potatoes that want nothing more than to lie on the couch with their humans.

Just make sure your family doesn’t mind the ever-present sound of dog snoring before bringing this breed home.

6. Beagle

Rambunctious Beagles are high-energy pups that need lots of exercise (both for their body & their brain). They also need lots of supervision, as the Beagle’s keen sense of smell can lead them into mischief.

But these happy pups thrive under the care of active & doting pet parents, making them excellent family dogs—if you’re OK with their loud baying.

7. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are big dogs with big hearts to match. Loving, friendly, & exceptionally patient with small children, the gentle Newfie does well in families who have the space for a 100-pound pooch.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Loyal, affectionate, & patient, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the best dogs for families. Their smarts & eagerness to please their people make Cavs easy to train with positive reinforcement.

9. Collie

The Collie comes in 2 coat types: smooth & rough. No matter which fur type you choose, Collies are one of the best family dog breeds.

They’re loyal, gentle, patient with children, & one of the smartest dog breeds. Though not overly hyper, they’re energetic dogs that do best with a family that loves being outside.

10. English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is a great family dog, but like their French Bulldog relatives, they don’t do well in heat & may have breathing difficulties thanks to their flat face.

Though they need daily exercise to stay healthy, Bulldogs tend to be low-energy dogs & are content to spend the day snoozing.

11. Boxer

Boxers are playful, outgoing, & friendly—all traits of a good family dog.

However, their energetic & people-loving nature means they’ll jump up for attention. Pet parents will need to patiently train their dog not to jump up, especially if small kids are in the family. But with consistent training, Boxers can be one of the best dogs for kids.

12. Cocker Spaniel

With their luxurious coat & soft eyes, Cocker Spaniels are a popular choice for a pet, & their gentle-yet-cheeky personalities make them one of the best dogs for families.

Cocker Spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs & are always ready for a good time, whether that’s running through the backyard with the kids or fetching a ball. They are also easy to train & typically friendly when meeting new people.

13. Brussels Griffon

Small but spunky Brussels Griffons make great pets because of their playful nature. They are affectionate & get along with children & other pets.

Brussels Griffons are also known as “Velcro dogs” because they love being around their family & often follow their pet parents from room to room. Be sure to give Brussels Griffons plenty of attention & don’t leave them alone for too long.

14. Standard Poodle

The largest of the 3 poodle sizes, the Standard Poodle is one of the best house dogs for many reasons. They are intelligent, friendly, & they don’t shed much.

Though there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, a Standard Poodle could be a good fit if someone at home is allergic to dogs.

15. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants with playful personalities. “Berners,” as they’re lovingly called, tend to be patient with children & other dogs, & their adaptable natures mean they can fit right into your home—temperamentally speaking, that is.

These giant dogs can grow to be over 27 inches tall & weigh more than 100 pounds, so make sure you have the space to bring one home.

16. American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs, or “Eskies,” are “intelligent, alert, & friendly,” according to the official breed standard. The breed also comes in 3 different sizes, but the biggest is still on the smaller side, at only around 30 pounds.

Along with being one of the best dog breeds for families, Eskies are great apartment dogs because of their friendly disposition & manageable size.

17. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers often have a bad rap because the breed’s 19-century origins were as bull-baiters. But with proper socialization & training, today’s Staffies are loyal, affectionate, & famously gentle around children. In fact, the breed is often nicknamed “the nanny dog” or “the children’s nursemaid” because they are one of the best dogs for kids.

18. Saint Bernard

Another good large dog for families is the Saint Bernard. These dogs are known for their calm demeanor & gentleness, even around rambunctious groups of children.

Just make sure you are fine with a lot of drool, which comes as part of the Saint Bernard package.

19. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Also known as African Lion Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt big game—including lions. However, today the breed is famous for friendliness.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are active dogs that do best in active families. Plan for lots of exercise, like long walks, swimming, or agility courses to keep this breed happy.

20. Goldendoodle

Part Golden Retriever, part Standard or Miniature Poodle, Goldendoodles inherit characteristics from their parents that make them one of the best family dogs: intelligence, friendliness, & low-shedding hair.

The breed can be prone to separation anxiety, so they may do best in a family of homebodies or those who are always willing to take their pup with them on adventures. Crate training from puppyhood can help reduce separation anxiety as well.

Is My Family Ready for a Dog?

If you’re thinking of adding a dog to your family, ask yourself a few questions first:

- How old are your children, & how will they adapt to a new pet?

- Does anyone in your family have allergies?

- How much exercise do you get? How active is your family?

- Is your family willing to invest in training, exercising, & caring for a new dog?

Remember: Dogs are a long-term commitment, & families should be prepared to care for their pup for 16 years or more, depending on the breed’s lifespan.

20 Best Family Dogs Your Kids Will Love | PetMD

Cute Critter Pics:

Weekly Chuckle:

Slava Ukraine!