Saltwater Goby Fish

by Amy Tokic

Published: January 23rd, 2014

About Saltwater Goby Fish

Size

Small

Group

Saltwater

Temperament

Non-aggressive

Aquarium Size

Medium (30 gal)

Swimming Region

Bottom

Fish Water Condition

Temperament

Anthias, Basslets, Clownfish, Damsels and Dartfish

Difficulty Of Care

Weekly care

General description

Saltwater Goby Fish are a large family of fish made up of over 2000 distinct species. Most species of saltwater goby fish are extremely small in size and they are characterized by their brightly colored, torpedo-shaped bodies. The goby’s two pelvic fins are also fused into a unique disc-shaped sucker which allows the goby to attach itself it to various surfaces. Gobies are a relatively hardy species of fish that adapts fairly easily to life in the aquarium. This along with their peaceful temperament makes them excellent choices for most beginner aquarists.

Saltwater Goby Fish are a large family of fish made up of over 2000 distinct species.

Origins

Gobies originate in the shallow tropics of oceans across the world.

Color

Gobies are one of the most colorful species of saltwater fish. They come in dazzling shades of red, yellow, orange, blue, green, silver, white, brown, grey and black.

Maintenance and care

Gobies are one of the smallest species of marine fish in the modern aquarium hobby and most species do not grow any larger than a couple of inches in length. Gobies are also extremely hardy and can adapt to a range of aquarium conditions.

An extremely peaceful variety of fish, gobies are very slow swimmers and shouldn’t be housed with larger, more aggressive species of fish that can harass it. Gobies can however be aggressive and territorial towards other gobies after reaching maturity.

Saltwater goby fish thrive when housed in aquariums with relatively peaceful tank mates and numerous caves and crevices. They are also an extremely intelligent species of fish and will often remember specific landmarks in the aquarium to retreat to when feeling threatened or preyed upon. Many species of goby also enjoy burrowing in the aquarium bottom and should be kept in aquariums with a soft sand substrate. Gobies are also prolific jumpers and should not be kept in open aquariums. They should only be housed in tanks with tight-fitting lids.

Feeding

Gobies are primarily carnivores and should be fed on a meaty and varied diet consisting of live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill and plankton.

Gobies are also extremely hardy and can adapt to a range of aquarium conditions.

Breeding

There are no known reports of successfully breeding gobies in the home aquarium.

In the wild gobies build burrows on the ocean floor out of sand and tiny pieces of coral rubble. Once spawning is complete, the female goby tends to the burrow while the male stands watch over the eggs.

Aquarium varieties

Catalina Goby, Clown Goby, Court Jester Goby, Neon Goby, Dracula Goby, Jaguar Goby, Watchman Goby, etc.

Photo credit: Richard Ling/Flickr; Haplochromis/Wikimedia

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Can I Convert My Freshwater Aquarium Into a Saltwater Aquarium?

Freshwater aquariums are often the starting point for those new to fishkeeping. It’s a lower-cost entry point and generally more forgiving than saltwater aquariums as you learn the ins and outs of maintaining your tank. But what if you started with a freshwater aquarium but are now ready to switch? Must you purchase everything from scratch to set up a new aquarium? It’s a question that we hear often. The good news is that you CAN convert a freshwater aquarium into a saltwater aquarium with some planning, preparation, and a few key steps. This article will discuss the pros and cons of having a saltwater aquarium and some other essential information to help you decide if this is right for you and your fishkeeping journey. If you are ready to make the change, we’ve also included a step-by-step guide to switch your tank over properly. Let’s get started… Can You Put Saltwater Fish in a Freshwater Aquarium? If the reason you are considering changing to a saltwater aquarium is a love of the bright, colorful fish, you may be wondering if you can simply place the new fish in your current aquarium setup. Spoiler alert: Don’t do that! Saltwater fish have adapted and evolved to thrive in environments with a high salt concentration. This means changes in their bodies at a cellular level and how their bodies process water to eliminate the excess salt. When placed in freshwater, they cannot adjust to the new environment. As they take in the water, their cells absorb it through osmosis, causing them to swell. Ultimately, this is a fatal mistake. If you want your saltwater fish to survive, let alone thrive, you must ensure that they are in a saltwater environment.

Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks

Pairing the right fish with the right coral makes for a vibrant and healthy aquarium. Here’s what saltwater fish will enjoy your coral reef tank. Saltwater fish, particularly reef-dwelling species, are some of the most colorful creatures on the planet. They come in every color of the rainbow ranging from brilliant blues and greens to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. As beautiful as these fish are, however, not all saltwater fish are reef-compatible. Keep reading to learn more about reef-safe species of fish to use in your saltwater tank. What Makes a Species Reef-Safe? A reef environment is a living entity made up of live rock, corals, and marine invertebrates – it is an underwater ecosystem that needs a certain balance to survive. The truth of the matter is that some species of fish simply are not compatible with a reef environment for one reason or another. Some saltwater fish feed on marine invertebrates or smaller species of fish, for example, and others dig through the tank substrate which can disturb corals and other tank inhabitants. Related: The True Tail Behind the Regal Tang Fish A reef-safe species of fish is simply one that is deemed safe for use in a reef aquarium – this means that it is unlikely to eat small fish and marine invertebrates and that it will get along with other species of fish. Top Recommended Species of Reef-Safe Fish There are thousands of different species of saltwater fish, but many of them are not reef-safe. If you are thinking about adding fish to your reef tank, consider one of these top recommended species of reef-safe fish: Gobies: The name goby applies to fish belonging to the family Gobiidae and there are more than 2,000 different species. Gobies usually grow to no more than 4 inches in length and they are bottom-dwellers, typically feeding on algae and small shrimp. Related: Open Your Tank to Clams Anthias: Many of the orange, yellow, and pink fishes that live in reef environments are anthias – fish that belong to the subfamily Anthiinae. Anthias usually remain fairly small and they feed largely on zooplankton which means that they aren’t a threat to invertebrates and other fish. Wrasses: While some wrasses are notorious for killing invertebrate and other fish, many of the smaller species are considered reef-safe. Cleaner wrasses, for example, feed on dead tissue and parasites. Other reef-safe wrasses include the exquisite fairy wrasse, the leopard wrasse, and the Christmas wrasse. Blennies: There are six families of blennies grouped into the Blennioidei suborder. These fish are usually fairly small with long, eel-like bodies and large eyes and mouths. Blennies burrow into sandy substrate, feeding on small crustaceans – they are not a threat to larger invertebrates. Tangs: These fish belong to the family Acanthuridae which they share with unicorn fishes and surgeon fishes. There are nearly 100 species in this family that have been identified and tangs are among the most colorful of these species. Some tangs can grow very large but they have small mouths that they usually use to feed on algae. These are just a few of the many reef-safe species out there – if none of these appeals to you, do some research of your own to find some better options. Just make sure that your reef tank is fully cycled and stable before you add any fish.

Risky Business: Four Types of Dangerous Aquarium Fish

Swimming in the shallow end isn’t for everyone. Some people like their fish to have a bit of bite! Check out these four types of dangerous aquarium fish if you want to swim on the wild side. If you like to live life on the edge, and prefer to think outside of the box when it comes to aquariums, it may appeal to you to add an element of danger to your tank. We’ve picked out four ferocious fish you may want to tangle with (but you wouldn’t want to meet them in a dark alley). They have qualities that make them dangerous, either to humans or to other aquatic life, and if you’re a thrill-seeker, they’d be a perfect fit for your aquarium! Lionfish These saltwater fish can grow to 12 inches. Lionfish are equipped with spines that they use to take down prey and predators, and even humans. There are several types of lionfish; however, the most sought-after type for aquariums is the Red Lionfish. A sting from a lionfish is venomous, but is not usually fatal to humans. It can cause symptoms such as headaches and nausea, and of course, pain. Related: 5 Fish Questions You Always Wanted to Ask Pufferfish If you’ve ever seen the face of a puffer fish, especially the cartoon variety, your initial reaction may have been “Awww!” But don’t let their round puppy-dog eyes and puckered lips fool you; these fish are poisonous and can be deadly. Puffer fish use air to expand their bodies when stressed, and their skin has prickly spines that contain tetrodotoxin, which is extremely poisonous to humans. There is currently no known antidote, so use extreme caution when in close proximity to these fish. Also, take care when choosing tank mates for them, as any fish likely to try to attempt to eat a puffer will die. Piranha No list of dangerous fish would be complete without the most famous carnivorous fish, the Piranha. However, this one is not as aggressive as media has led us to believe (seriously, have you seen the movie “Piranha 3D” – yeah, they’re not really like that). Related: 4 Annoying Pests Found in Your Freshwater Aquarium These guys do have some sharp teeth and can bite, but are not likely to attack a larger predator or an aquarist’s hands if given the chance. They are much more likely to prey on a carcass in the wild, and actually eat a pretty varied diet consisting of meats and vegetable matter. Keep in mind that although they would prefer not to attack you, they can and will, if they feel threatened. It’s important to remember that they do they have incredible force behind those jaws and can bite a finger clean off. Stonefish The stonefish is the most poisonous fish known to man. The stonefish is a saltwater fish that possesses 13 spines on their back and can bury themselves into the sand. In the wild, people risk stepping on them and getting stung, and if this happens, immediate medical attention is required. Despite their deadly qualities, people still seek to keep these fish in home aquariums. They grow to sizes of up to 16 inches. Even though they’re not the most attractive fish in the sea, the novelty of owning such a dangerous fish keeps them in high demand, and they are also consumed in some parts of the world.

Coral Reefing: Choosing Soft or Hard Coral

When it comes to making a choice between soft or hard, it’s not just a question for tacos. If you’re into coal reefing, are you going to go with soft or hard coral? Saltwater enthusiasts have varied opinions of whether soft corals of hard corals are the best. Each type of coral presents its own challenges, but they can both be an enjoyable way to bring life to your saltwater aquarium. What’s the Difference? First, to understand the difference between soft and hard corals, we have to go deeper than just whether they are soft or hard. Related: Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks Hard coral has a calcium-based exoskeleton, as well as six smooth tentacles. At one time, coral was believed to be more similar to plants than they are animals, but scientists have proven that corals are actually animals. Hard corals are exceptionally difficult to care for in an aquarium, as they require intense lighting amounting to 5 to 6 watts per gallon. Hard corals also need to have ample calcium and minerals available to help them to grow and thrive. They sport a branch-like appearance, and when they die, their exoskeletons become the start of a new home for the next coral. Keep in mind that they are capable of administering a lethal stink to corals that are too close to their own territory, so always position them approximately 8 inches away from each other. Soft corals do not have a hard exoskeleton; instead they contain particles called “spiracles” that help to hold up their bodies. Soft corals have eight tentacles as opposed to the six that hard corals have. They are less complicated to care for, as far as lighting and water quality, and they will grow fine without complication even in less than pristine waters. Related: Top 5 Low Light Corals for a Beginner Reef Tank Appearance wise, soft corals are more like a mushroom, and have more variance in their shapes and sizes than that of hard. Soft corals use toxins as a defense mechanism, and so running carbon in your tank is important to remove this from the waters. There are pros and cons to each type of coral, and like just about anything else, there is no clear cut reason to have one or the other. Both types can add amazing visual aspects to an aquarium, and even more so if a reef contains both hard and soft corals together to create an amazing visual ecosystem. Each type of coral, regardless of whether it is hard or soft, has specific care requirements just like fish. They have food preferences, lighting preferences, and even fish preferences. It is important for any reef keeper to remember that corals are animals, and just like any other pet research must be done to offer them the very best care possible. This may be even more important to corals considering the current state of the world’s natural reef systems. Caring for corals in a tank could mean the difference between extinction and existence – so keep on reefing, just always remember to do so responsibly!

Finding Dory: The True Tail Behind the Regal Tang Fish

Thanks to Hollywood, the new must-have fish to have is the Regal Tang. But this isn’t a fish for the faint hearted – are you up to the challenge of keeping this saltwater beauty? It seems like every time a children movie comes out with animals as the main characters, they always become trendy pets. When Beverly Hills Chihuahua came out, everyone had to have a purse dog; when Finding Nemo came out, everyone needed “Nemo” and his fishy friends. The problem with this trend setting is that folks often make impulse buys without proper research on their must-have pet. And you know that with the summer release of “Finding Dory” (the sequel to Finding Nemo), the number one fish to have will be the Regal Tang. Anticipating another rush into salt water tanks for all of the fans, here is what you need to know before you buy. Regal Tang Fish Basics The adorable, forgetful Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, is known by several names: regal tang, royal tang, hippo tang, and blue tang. Tangs are members of the surgeonfish family named aptly for two spines they have near the base of their tail. They are found naturally around the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, as well as Indonesia and the Philippines. These bright fish are common among those who keep saltwater fish; however, tangs are considered fragile fish and shouldn’t be kept by someone just starting out in the hobby, or beginning their saltwater adventure. Related: The Pros and Cons of CO2 in an Aquarium Regal Tang Care Requirements Regal Tang diets require a consistent source of spirinula to graze from in the tank, but they are omnivorous and need other sources of food as well. Full grown Regal Tangs will grow to about 12 inches nose to tail, and so require an aquarium no less than 180 gallons. Tangs are also semi-aggressive fish that may not get along with others. Suitable tank mates include clown fish, saltwater angelfish, and cardinalfish. Bear in mind that the more fish living in the tank, the larger the aquarium should be. Male regal tangs are territorial and aggressive when living with other males of the same species. Related: The Dish on Discus Living conditions, aside from the large tank, should include adequate filtration and water movement provided by power heads and a protein skimmer. This fish enjoy a higher pH level of 8.0-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. Regal tangs are egg layers, but have not been successfully bred in captivity. As you can tell after reading the basic care of a regal tang, Dory is not a fish to be kept in every home. If your child shows an interest in having an aquarium after watching the movie, it may be best to start out small and work your way up the ladder of fish before diving in to the deep end of fish keeping. If it’s your first time, consider a freshwater tank before trying salt. But if you’ve got your heart set on salt, find a good fish store that can help guide you with knowledgeable information. In the long run, if you wait to find Dory, you’ll enjoy the hobby a lot more, as will your children.

Holiday Gifts for Your Cats: Tips and Recommendations

Your cat is a member of your family, so why not include them in the gift giving tradition of the holidays by getting them something special? With a wide range of pet products on the market, you can find an item that your kitty is sure to love, and you can make sweet memories in the process. Whether you have a stocking for your furbaby or you plan on wrapping a little gift for them, here are some holiday gift ideas for cats to help you get started.

Dog-Killing Flatworm Discovered in California

Fleas and ticks aren’t the only parasites that dog owners have to fear in southern California this summer. Scientists from the University of California, Riverside, are warning dog owners to keep their pooches out of the water this summer after they have discovered a potentially deadly parasite.A deadly flatworm species that has previously only existed in Texas and other Golf Coast states, has made its way to the west coast and is now present in the portion of the Colorado River that runs through California. The worm, Heterobilharzia americana, is a flatworm commonly known as the liver fluke. The parasite can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that affects the liver and intestine of dogs. Although treatment options are available once the dog becomes infected, they aren’t always effective leaving vets no other option than to euthanize the dog. “Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it’s there,” said Adler Dillman, a nematology professor at the University of California, Riverside. “If you’re swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.” After learning about several cases of infection in local dogs, professor Dillman and his research team headed to Blythe, a border town in Riverside County. All of the sick dogs have spent time there, swimming in the river.Since snails are responsible for transmitting the infection, researchers collected more than 2,000 along the banks of the Colorado River. The team used DNA testing to identify the snails and the flatworm.The team was astonished to find not one, but two species of snail that can carry the parasite!“We actually found two species of snail that can support H. americana in the river in Blythe and we found both snails actively shedding this worm,” said Dillman, according to UC Riverside News. “Not only was it a surprise to find H. americana, we also didn’t know that the snails were present here.”The flatworm first makes its way into the snail's body, traveling through its system. Once transformed, it moves out to find a mammal host to infect. Without a host, the parasite can’t survive more than 24 hours on its own. Dogs and raccoons are particularly susceptible to becoming infected after coming into contact with water, whether from drinking or swimming in it. The worm gets inside the veins of the intestinal lining, where it develops into an adult and mates. The presence of adults in the veins isn’t as problematic as the eggs that get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. The dog’s immune system reacts by forming clusters of cells, called granulomas. In time, the organ tissues stop functioning.It may take several months for a dog to show any signs of the infection. Symptoms start slowly and include loss of appetite, and progress to vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease. “If your dog has these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River, it’s a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test,” said Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Treatment typically involves use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian.”Although potentially deadly for our canine companions, this parasite can’t cause the same issues in humans. “ It can cause swimmers itch, a red rash where it penetrates human skin. But it’s not able to cause an infection,” Dillman explained.Steer clear of bodies of water that could contain infected snails to prevent your pooch from catching flatworms. If your pooch can’t resist taking a dip, monitor them for symptoms of flatworm infection in the weeks afterward. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What You Need to Know About XL Bully Ban

American XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year after numerous attacks were reported across the United Kingdom. The term "XL Bully" typically refers to a type of  American Bully breed known for its muscular build and larger size compared to standard American Bullies. These dogs are often selectively bred for their size, strength, and temperament, so while they are not inherently aggressive, they have the means to do some damage if they are reared to be dangerous.The ban has owners of bully breeds across the UK scared and confused, so here’s what you need to know about the details of this edict. Starting from December 31st, all XL Bullies will have to be kept on a lead and have a muzzle while in public. What is more, from this date it will be completely illegal to advertise, breed, sell, exchange, gift, or abandon or let stray any XL Bullies. In short – it is a decisive strike against this breed, as announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, earlier this year.Furthermore, a complete ban on people owning XL Bullies will come into force in the UK from February 1st, 2023. This had owners scared that their pets would have to be put down just because of their breed, but, luckily, that’s not the case. If the owner applies before the end of January, with the wish to keep their pet. With that, the household will receive an exemption certificate, but it will also have to comply with a very strict set of rules related to the breed. UK government department Defra has announced that it received more than 4,000 exemption applications so far and that a “majority” were approved. Their spokesperson said that “ "The majority of applications are successful and the majority of successful applicants are receiving their certificates in less than a week."This only supports the assurances that there will be no “forced” euthanization of these dogs. However, those people that do not apply for an exemption by the end of the deadline, will have to put their XL Bullies down. They will be granted £200 to cover the costs of a vet euthanizing their dog. Rescue and rehoming organizations can claim £100 per animal for the same purpose. The government's website states "the euthanasia must be performed by 31 January 2024" for these financial claims to be successful. Sadly, because of this new law, at least 246 XL Bullies will be put down in the coming period, as their owners did not apply for an exemption, or were not granted one. American XL Bullies are not the first dogs to be banned in the UK. Several breeds were banned in the past, and owning them is now completely illegal. These breeds include the  Pitbull terrier,  Japanese Tosa,  Dogo Argentino, and  Fila Brasileiro. Owning a banned dog breed can get you in plenty of trouble, specifically an unlimited fine and a six-month prison sentence. 

More Dogs Than Ever Euthanized as Shelters Hit Capacity

Each year millions of cats and dogs enter shelters and rescues nationwide. Almost a million more animals have entered and lingered in the nation’s shelters in the last three years, resulting in an ongoing capacity crisis. Last year, 3.2 million dogs entered shelters and rescue organizations nationwide. More than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in 2023, compared to 330,000 cats that were euthanized last year. This marks a four-year peak in non-live outcomes for dogs and the first time the number of dogs euthanized has surpassed the number of euthanized cats.  These heartbreaking findings were published in an annual report of shelter populations compiled by Shelter Animals Count, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization founded in 2012. “Everywhere you turn, the shelters are in crisis,” said the organization’s executive director Stephanie Filer. “It’s truly about an imbalance of animals coming in at faster rates than they’re leaving.”According to Filer, for years cats were considered most at risk because they entered shelters at high rates, but faced low adoption rates. However, focused efforts to reverse these trends are giving results, and the newest data shows a positive shift.“We have seen major positive change,” said Filer. “Adoption rates are high and intakes have decreased, and there are efforts to keep cats at home or in their communities.”Unfortunately, dog programs are suffering, with adoption rates significantly lower than in recent years. “Too many dogs are entering shelters and being left behind,” added Filer, according to USA Today. “Unlike cat adoptions, which continue to increase, dog adoptions have essentially flatlined.”When people think of animal shelters, most imagine scores of large-sized mixed breeds and pit bulls. But in reality, there are purebreds like huskies, French bulldogs, Labradors, and even designer dogs.The one thing no animal advocate thought possible happened - the rates of dog euthanasia surpassed the rates of cat euthanasia for the first time in a long time. “The real reason we’re saying, ‘Wow,’ is that it wasn’t that way for a lot of years. And now it is,” said Filer.More than 6.5 million cats and dogs ended up in U.S. shelters and rescues in 2023. While the number of intakes remained relatively steady, this was the fourth consecutive year of overpopulation. While more dogs were adopted in 2023 than in 2022, the adoption rates were insufficient to meet the demand.The high cost of living, job loss, and housing cost challenges are the main reasons adoption rates aren’t keeping up with animal intake. At the end of 2023, an additional 70,000 cats and 107,000 dogs are waiting for a forever home in one of the many shelters and rescues nationwide. “With more animals entering shelters than leaving, animal welfare organizations and their communities need to continue working together to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters, including finding ways to increase access to veterinary care and advocating for pet-friendly housing policies,” said Matt Bershadker, president and the CEO of ASPCA.Experts agree that the promotion of shelter adoptions is the best way to solve the ongoing capacity crisis. Adopting an animal from a shelter saves a life, but it also supports the struggling shelters and their staff. Although adopting a cat or a dog from a shelter isn’t possible for everyone, there are other things you can do to help. Volunteering in your local shelter, fostering a pet, or donating are great ways to get involved and help alleviate the shelter crisis.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

When it comes to eating, most dogs will eat just about anything – in fact, if it’s something that’s forbidden for them to eat or something that they really shouldn’t be munching on, their appetite only seems to increase. And unfortunately, that also includes poop. While it is definitely disgusting to see, it actually has a lot of science behind it. The behavior is called  coprophagia, and it is influenced by a lot of major factors. Getting to know them can help you better understand this odd behavior, and help you act accordingly. So let’s learn all about dogs and poop-eating.Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?Believe it or not, eating poop is a fairly common behavior in dogs. In fact, recent studies reveal that it is  in a dog’s DNA to eat poop. It isn’t, however, a behavior that should be ignored completely. Because it can give you insights into the health and mentality of your four-legged friend. If you spot your pet munching on the forbidden fudge, it could signal a major nutritional deficiency. So, basically, if a dog is lacking certain nutrients in their diet, they may seek to fulfill those needs by eating feces. Of course, it can also signal underlying medical issues. It is known that some medical conditions can lead to coprophagia, such as malabsorption disorders or  parasites. Coprophagia can also sometimes stem from behavioral issues, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. Dogs may resort to eating poop as a way to cope with these feelings or out of sheer boredom. It can also come from simple attention-seeking. Yup, your dog can eat feces as a way to gain attention, especially if they've received a strong reaction from their owners in the past. And, if you notice that your doggo is nibbling on poop in the park or on the street, they could be attracted to the scent. The scent of feces attracts some dogs, especially if it's from another animal. Of course, neglect can also be a viable cause. Dogs that are confined in tight spaces or cages can exhibit unnatural behaviors, such as excessive eating of poop. It can also stem from anxiety, fear, isolation, or from problems related to diet. Either way, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues and to address any behavioral concerns. Of course, ensuring your dog has a balanced diet, plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training can help deter this behavior. It can also be wise to supplement your dog’s diet with  quality multivitamins, which can balance their nutritional needs and prevent poop-eating. 

Mice Have Passed the Mirror Test: What It Means

The “mirror test” is used by scientists to help them determine if an animal is self-aware—if an animal looks in the mirror and recognizes themselves in it, rather than thinking that there’s another animal looking back at them, they pass the test and are considered self-aware.Several animals have passed this test, such as primates, Asian elephants, and bottlenose dolphins, among others. More recently, a study has shown that mice can also recognize themselves when they look in the mirror.The Experiment That Proved Mice Can Pass the Mirror TestTo figure out if mice can pass the mirror test, scientists put some white ink on the foreheads of black mice. Then, they let the mice look into a mirror. What they discovered was fascinating: the mice recognized themselves in the reflection and started grooming themselves once they realized that there was something on their head that shouldn’t be there.Also, if the mice didn’t realize that something was on their forehead (when black ink was used so it would match the color of their fur or when the spot of ink wasn’t large enough), they didn’t start grooming themselves. This shows that there was a reason the mice groomed their heads after looking in the mirror, and it was an attempt to clean themselves of the ink stain.In addition to looking at their behavior, the scientists also used gene expression mapping to see which neurons in the brain became activated when the animals saw themselves in the mirror.  Findings Shed Light on Self-Recognition in MiceThis research shows that mice may be self-aware, but there are some things to consider. For example, the mice who groomed themselves to remove the ink were already used to mirrors, while mice who weren’t familiar with mirrors didn’t groom themselves. Also, mice who were socially isolated didn’t groom themselves during the experiment with the mirror, unlike mice who lived with other mice that looked like them.There’s still more to discover and learn about these animals, so scientists are planning on doing more research in this area.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

Dog Finds A Forever Home After Spending 1,007 Days at Delaware Shelter

Tessy, now a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, spent 1,007 days at a Delaware animal shelter before being adopted into a forever home. This cute pooch arrived at Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA) on January 17, 2021, hoping to be adopted in no time.Unfortunately, finding her people proved challenging for Tessy. Days, weeks, months, and years went by, and Tessy was still living at the shelter with no prospective adopters in sight. “Tessy is loyal, goofy, snuggly, and remarkably smart,” said Leigh McKinley, a director at the Humane Animal Partners, according to PEOPLE. Like many other shelter dogs, Tessy had some trust issues and was wary of new people and experiences. These problems were the reasons for Tessy’s longer stay at the Humane Animal Partners shelter. “Tessy exhibited fear-reactive behaviors in the form of lunging, barking, and growling towards unfamiliar stimuli. Our goal was to help her overcome those fears and learn to trust humans and her surrounding environment, essentially changing her emotional response from a negative to a positive,” McKinley explained.The shelter used a behavioral modification plan, which consisted of positive reinforcement training techniques to help Tessy overcome her fears. Fixing a problematic behavior takes a lot of time, patience, and effort, but the shelter’s staff didn’t give up on Tessy.“Changing an involuntary physiological behavior takes dedication and consistency to be successful, and while we were determined to see this through, the nature of being in a shelter, with different staff members working with her on any given day, and for varying amounts of time, means the change would take time,” said McKinley. “We also needed to make sure her adopters were the right fit for her. We took a very thoughtful and careful approach to introducing her to people, and it took time for the right family to find her.”Then, almost three years later, all of Tessy’s hard work paid off! After 1,007 days at the shelter, this cute pooch has finally found her forever home. The family who adopted Tessy, met her several times to help her feel at ease. For the adopters, it was love at first sight, and Tessy instantly felt safe around them. “When her adopters Jeanine and Jeff first met her, we all tried to keep a level head about it, not getting our hopes up too high. After their third meeting, though, we could tell Tessy had already established a level of trust with them that we had never seen so quickly before,” said McKinley. Jeff and Jeanine adopted the pooch shortly after the third visit, and the shelter’s staff was ecstatic that Tessy had found a loving home.“It was a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the adoption day, everything from celebrations to disbelief to sadness, excitement, a bit of anxiety, and everything in between. Mostly, though, we felt proud. Proud of her, proud of everyone who helped get her to this point, and proud of the results,” McKinley shared.  “We all know she’d do okay, we are also quite aware that going from three years in the shelter into a loving home is a big adjustment, and it will take her a while to fully acclimate. We tried to instill in her adopters to be confident and patient but never to be complacent.” the shelter’s director added.It’s important to know that not every visit to an animal shelter ends with ‘love at first sight.’ A lot of adoptable dogs have experienced some level of trauma and neglect, and are generally more anxious inside the shelter. Keep an open mind when visiting your local shelter and remember that each of these pups deserves a loving family and a forever home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Vet School Aims to Dispel Misinformation About Mysterious Illness

News about a mysterious illness has been making dog parents across the country nervous as they seek out available information. While there have been reported advances made in understanding the cause of the illness, many of the details are still vague, and a lot of “data” being shared by the mainstream media seems to be contradicting. How do you know what to believe?To help clarify the sea of information, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has published an educational hub on their website with information about the illness, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC).This hub is divided into several categories: Prevalence, Clinical Signs, Pathogenesis, Screening, Treatment, Prevention, Travel, and News. The goal is to share reliable and actionable information for pet parents that will help them make smart, knowledge-driven decisions about their pet’s health, especially as we head into a busy time of travel during the holiday season.Reported Cases of IllnessAccording to the hub, there are currently reported cases of “a chronic respiratory disease with characteristics of aCIRDC” in 16 different states, including:CaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNevadaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne of the most important things to note is the wording used by LSU Vet Med. This list is based on reported respiratory illnesses that have characteristics of the mystery illness, but it does not mean that the disease itself has been confirmed. Many respiratory infections and ailments present with very similar symptoms, including Canine Influenza and Bordatella.How to Prevent Illness in Your Dog This Holiday SeasonWhile there is no guarantee that the above states pose a higher risk of aCIRDC, veterinarians and other professionals recommend that pet parents take precautions to keep their pets safe. This is especially important as many of us plan to travel and visit family for the holidays. The following recommendations (as outlined by LSU Vet Med) will help to prevent your dog(s) from getting sick from any respiratory ailment, not just aCIRDC.Ensure Vaccinations are Up to DateWe currently don’t have enough understanding of aCIRDC for a preventative vaccination, but there are vaccinations for some respiratory illnesses. Check with your veterinarian that your dog is current on all routine vaccinations.Limit Exposure (Where Possible)If possible, avoid or limit bringing your dog to areas that put them at a higher risk of contracting a respiratory illness. This includes dog parks or shelter environments. Have a conversation with boarding and training facilities where dogs socialize to better understand their preventative measures, including cleaning and sanitization efforts. You should also ask about the vaccine requirements for dogs in their care and their plan for handling animals that show signs of being ill.Isolate Dogs with Signs of IllnessIs your dog showing signs that they may be ill? If so, isolation is critical. Don’t bring a potentially sick dog to public spaces, and do your best to keep them safely isolated from any other unaffected dogs in your home.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

New Study Shows Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to Get Cancer

When it comes to humans, early detection is key when dealing with different types of cancer, and the same is true for canines. Naturally, a healthy diet, daily exercise, and regular veterinary checkups can all help keep your four-legged companion in tip-top condition.But, wouldn’t it be great if you knew in advance that your pooch is more predisposed to cancer? A new study published in Royal Society Open Science shows that there is a strong link between the dog’s size and their likelihood of getting cancer.Leonard Nunney, a biologist at the University of California, Riverside, and the lead author of the study wanted to understand how cancer starts and how it is initiated in different dog breeds. Nunney explained that while humans have an increased risk of developing cancer as they get older, the same isn’t true for dogs.This new study looked at dogs ranging in size from a tiny Chihuahua up to a mastiff, and a giant Great Dane. Despite the popular belief that larger dog breeds are at a higher risk of cancer, it turned out that bigger dogs are at a lower risk of developing any type of cancer simply because they tend to have shorter lifespans compared to smaller dog breeds, which typically live longer. Breeds like golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Labrador retrievers are considered large dogs and usually live up to 12 years. This study showed that smaller dog breeds, like Chihuahuas, terriers, and Pomeranians are at a higher risk for developing cancer because they tend to live longer, typically around 15 years or more. While doing their research, Nunney and his team made another discovery. They learned that certain dog breeds, regardless of their size, are more predisposed to developing certain cancers.Nunney lists terriers, specifically West Highland terriers, also known as Westies, as having a higher likelihood of developing bladder cancer. Flat-coated retrievers are prone to a rare type of cancer, called sarcoma, which is found in soft tissues and bones. In addition to these two breeds, Bernese mountain dogs are also more likely to develop cancer than other dog breeds. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, one in four dogs will, at some point in their life, develop cancer. Furthermore, almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop some type of cancer. But before you rush to get your dog to the vet for a full checkup, know that just because smaller breeds are more likely to develop cancer, that doesn’t mean they will. According to researchers, only a few dog breeds tend to be predisposed to cancer, as this illness is caused by genetic mutations. The researchers also discovered that while ancestry-based interbreeding reduces the breed’s life expectancy, it doesn’t increase the risk of cancer. Thanks to this new research scientists and animal experts can better understand dog breeds and how their genetics play a role in developing cancer. “Dogs are an extremely good model for understanding the genetic changes that may lead to a higher susceptibility of specific cancers,” added Nunney. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Happens if Dogs Eat Cat Food?

A multi-pet household is always full of adventures, and even more so when you have both cats and dogs. While there are many fun aspects to sharing your life and your home with multiple pets, there are quite a few challenges, as well – such as making sure everybody’s keeping their nose in their own food bowl. We all know that dogs tend to have healthy appetites and are not picky, which means they’ll often try (and succeed) in eating cat food when given the chance.While not the  worst thing a dog can eat when sharing a home with a cat (litter and its contents seem to be irresistible to some canines), kitty kibble certainly isn’t the best type of food for your dog, either. But what happens if dogs eat cat food? Can it be harmful to them? And are cat and dog foods really that different? Here’s what you need to know.What Happens if a Dog Eats Cat Food?Let’s face it: if a dog eats cat food occasionally, it's usually not a cause for concern. The worst that can happen is an upset stomach or a bit of diarrhea. The main cause is the fact that cat food is formulated differently from dog food, containing higher levels of protein and fat, which can be harder for dogs to digest. If a dog eats cat food regularly, however, it can lead to digestive issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or even  pancreatitis due to the higher fat content. In other words, sneaking food from the cat’s bowl once or twice won’t be an issue – but repeated consumption most definitely will. What is more, cat food lacks certain nutrients that dogs need in their diet, such as adequate levels of vitamin E and taurine. So, while an occasional nibble might not harm your dog, it's best to prevent regular access to cat food to avoid potentially considerable health problems.Another reason why doggos should steer clear of cat food on a regular basis is weight gain. Cat food has a quite higher fat content, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. All the excess weight (which can pile up quite quickly) will lead to a lot of health issues, like diabetes or joint issues. If your pooch likes to sample cat food, they might also experience an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. This is because cat food contains much more protein than the usual dog food. Higher levels of protein are harder to digest for dogs, and this results in gastrointestinal discomfort. A home remedy for an upset tummy in dogs – if it’s due to eating a bit of kitty food – could be providing  dog probiotics in combination with a bland diet for a day or two, until they’re feeling better. 

New Study Searches for the Secret Connection Between ‘Gifted’ Dogs

As dog parents, we all want to believe that our dog is the smartest, most incredible, most amazing dog out there. Right? But there is a select group of dogs whose talent and intelligence stand out above the rest. What makes these dogs so bright? That’s what a new study hopes to understand… Known as “Gifted Word Learner” (GWL) Dogs, these dogs display an impressive vocabulary by learning the names of dozens of their toys, with some learning as many as 125 toys by name! Interested in better understanding this phenomenon and what makes these dogs so naturally gifted, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary set out to identify any commonalities between these pups. Their recent study, published in Scientific Reports on December 14, included 41 GWL dogs from nine countries: the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary. They put out a call for ‘gifted’ dogs, asking owners to complete and submit a self-assessment following their detailed instructions and send the results in a video. Dogs that passed that phase were then given an online vocabulary assessment test to better assess their language skills. The owners were also given a questionnaire to provide a better understanding of each dog’s life experience. “In the questionnaire, we asked the owners about their dog’s life experience, their own experience in raising and training dogs, and about the process by which the dog came to learn the names of his/her toys,” explained Dr. Andrea Sommese, study co-author. Researchers discovered some interesting connections between the GWL dogs using all this information.

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