Tips for Keeping Your Aquarium Water Quality High

by Kate Barrington

Published: April 26th, 2016

tips for keeping your aquarium water quality high

You may not be able to visibly see the difference, but the quality of the water in your aquarium makes all the difference. Here’s why your aquarium water quality needs to be high.

The most important thing you can do to keep your aquarium fish happy and healthy is to maintain high water quality in your tank. Water quality refers to more than just the cleanliness of your tank water – it also has to do with the temperature, pH, hardness, and aeration of your tank. Simply put, the quality of your tank water is measured in terms of how well it meets the needs of your aquarium fish.

The Importance of Water Tests

How do you know what kind of quality your tank water offers to your fish unless you test it? Looking at an aquarium filled with clean water, you might think that it is perfectly fine. What you may not see, however, is toxic ammonia levels, low pH, or dangerously high temperatures. Monitoring the conditions in your tank is the only way to gauge your water quality. The best way to keep an eye on conditions in your tank is to perform a weekly test of your tank water. Aquarium water tests can be used to get readings on pH level, water hardness, salinity, even the ammonia and nitrate levels in your tank. Water tests cannot gauge the temperature of your tank, but that is easy enough to do with a submersible aquarium thermometer.

Not only should you be testing your tank water on a weekly basis, but you should also be keeping a record of the results. How do you know what is “normal” for your tank unless you have a record of it? After testing your tank water for a few weeks in a row you will be able to establish a base line for your water quality. In the future then, if you receive a reading that is outside the normal range for your tank, you will know that something is wrong and you can take steps to fix it. The sooner you notice problems with water quality, the more likely you will be able to fix the issue before it becomes a problem for your aquarium fish.

Keeping Aquarium Water Clean

In addition to monitoring your water quality with weekly water tests, you also need to perform routine water changes. A water change simply involves removing a portion of your tank water and replacing it with clean water. As your fish eat food and produce waste, the beneficial bacteria in your tank help to breakdown those wastes in a process that produces ammonia. Other bacteria then convert that ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate. The only way to remove the nitrate from your tank is to replace some of your tank water. Water changes should be performed on a weekly basis and they should consist of about 15% to 20% of your total tank volume. Be sure to use a gravel vacuum to perform your water changes so you can remove accumulated detritus from the substrate in your tank.

Water changes are important in maintaining high water quality, but you also need to have a filtration system in place. Having a high-quality filter installed in your tank is the best way to remove solid waste particles from the tank water and it can also remove dissolved wastes and harmful toxins. There are many different types of filter to choose from but you should select one that offers mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration for the best results. Another thing that can help improve water quality in your tank is the addition of live plants – they will help to convert the carbon dioxide your fish produce as a byproduct of respiration into the oxygen they need to thrive.

Different species of aquarium fish have different needs for water chemistry, but all aquarium fish require high water quality in order to thrive. Fortunately, maintaining high water quality in your tank is fairly easy as long as you stay on top of routine maintenance tasks.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Top 5 Invertebrates to Hire For Your Freshwater Cleanup Crew

Taking proper care of your aquarium is hard work – that’s why you need to bring in some extra muscle! Here are 5 invertebrates that you want on your freshwater cleanup crew. When it comes to maintaining a thriving freshwater aquarium, there are many simple things you can do. One thing you should do is test your tank water weekly to make sure that your water chemistry remains stable. Installing a high-quality filtration system and performing routine water changes are important as well. In addition to these things, you might also think about adding some freshwater invertebrates to your tank to create a “cleanup crew.” What is a Cleanup Crew? A cleanup crew is simply an assembly of organisms that help to control the accumulation of detritus in your tank. Detritus is simply another word for the waste products that build up in the substrate of your tank. This includes uneaten fish food, fish feces, and decaying plant matter. A cleanup crew can be composed of various fish and invertebrates that are scavengers, naturally feeding on detritus. Snails are an excellent example of a scavenger that can be used in a cleanup crew – various species of shrimp and crabs also make good additions to the freshwater cleanup crew. Related: Top 3 Substrates to Use in Planted Aquariums Best Freshwater Invertebrates There are many different options to choose from when it comes to freshwater invertebrates, but some of them are better than others. Here are our picks for the top five invertebrates to consider for your freshwater cleanup crew. Nerite Snails While some aquarium snails can become a nuisance, nerite snails are highly beneficial. These snails feed on algae and detritus but they tend to leave aquarium plants alone. Another benefit of nerite snails is that they cannot breed in freshwater so you don’t have to worry about them taking over your tank like some snails do. However, if you do have a saltwater aquarium, there are saltwater varieties that you can incorporate into your tank ecosystem as well. One main reason that nerite snails are so popular is their docile and peaceful temperament. They will move throughout your tank cleaning up while avoiding creating any conflict with the other fish that you already own. This makes adding them to the take a much easier process with fewer challenges along the way. Plus, taking care of these snails is easy, so they are a great place to start when you are thinking about adding some invertebrates to your tank to help you keep things as clean as possible. When adding your snails to the aquarium, keep in mind that it is almost impossible for a nerite snail to turn itself over if they find themselves upside down. For this reason, it is best to avoid simply dropping them into the aquarium and allowing them to float to the bottom. Instead, take the time to carefully place each snail in the tank in an upright position. Their lifespan ranges from 1 to 2 years, and they can reach up to an inch in size when they are fully grown. You should have a minimum of a 5 gallon tank if you are going to add nerite snails to your little ecosystem, though. And these freshwater snails like having driftwood and rocks in their environment as well. Amano Shrimp These freshwater shrimp grow up to 2 inches long and they are known for eating all kinds of algae. They are incredibly hardy shrimp, making them a great choice for those who are new to fishkeeping and have no prior experience with shrimp care. Amano shrimp are generally peaceful so they won’t bother your other tank inhabitants, and they may even feed on leftover fish food and other detritus. One thing to be wary of, however, is that large fish might eat these shrimp so keep them with smaller, peaceful species. Once you get to know these cute little shrimp, which can live anywhere from 2 to 3 years, you won’t find it surprising when you learn that they are one of the most popular types of shrimp among aquarium hobbyists. Many aquarium owners fall quickly in love with them due to their busy personalities. They add some interest to the tank as they race about the tank in search of food unlike many other bottom feeders that tend to move in a much slower manner. They follow an omnivorous diet, and they require a minimum of a 10 gallon tank—preferably one that has plenty of live plants. Plus, these little guys will get along well with snails, other shrimp, and fish, so with the right combination of animals, you can easily set up a peaceful little community of varied species. Related: Tips for Keeping Your Aquarium Water Quality High Crayfish Similar in appearance to small lobsters, crayfish can be a colorful and useful addition to the freshwater cleanup crew. Crayfish are scavengers that are likely to eat various types of detritus in the aquarium but they can be territorial with their own species so it is best to keep just one. If you are determined to add a second crayfish, it is recommended that you only do so in an aquarium that is a minimum of 55-gallons. You will also need to ensure that there are plenty of hideouts available to offer them a place where they can getaway from one another as needed. Keep in mind, however, that there is no guarantee that your crayfish won’t end up fighting with one another and even potentially killing one another if a conflict arises. Appropriate hideout options include anything from a hollowed-out aquarium ornament to a simple piece of PVC piping. If you’re thinking about adding crayfish to your tank, it’s important to know that you will need to set up your aquarium so that it will closely resemble the natural habitat of the crayfish; otherwise, they can become stressed out, stop eating, and experience anxiety. Thankfully, it isn’t hard to get the job done, as you can simply line the bottom of the tank with rocks that they can hide in, along sand that they can burrow into. Your filter, water pump, or air pump should be able to mimic the current of a river. And, because these interesting creatures will eat plants, as well as algae, it’s best to add live plants that are fast growing to your tank. Beyond that, providing your crayfish with the appropriate pellet food will also keep them happy and healthy. Fiddler Crab The fiddler crab is a small, peaceful species of crab that generally grows no larger than two inches. These crabs will eat almost anything, though they do require some salt in the tank water in order to survive. These invertebrates are ideal for brackish tanks. They can live anywhere from 2 to 3 years, and they need to live in a tank that is at least 10 gallons in size. The tank also needs to be set up with shallow water, and there should be areas of the environment that rise above the surface of the water as well—these crabs are semi-terrestrial, so they will need to be able to come out of the water as they please. Fiddler crabs can live in a tank with live plants, however, there is a high likelihood that they will destroy the plants in your tank. For this reason, it is best to either place them with fast-growing plants that can withstand a little abuse or to stick with artificial plants when decorating your aquarium. If you are sticking to artificial options, you will need to increase the amount of oxygen coming into your tank with an air pump to provide the high oxygen levels that they are naturally accustomed to. In terms of setting up your aquarium as a community, working with an expert who really knows these animals is recommended. You’ll need to have fish that are not only able to live in a brackish tank, but who can also swim fast enough to get away from a crab that might be aiming to attack. Otherwise, you can maintain a tank that solely houses fiddler crabs. Freshwater Clam These invertebrates act as living filters – they help to keep tank water clean by consuming detritus directly from the water column. Freshwater clams only grow about two inches long and they are fairly easy to care for as long as you don’t keep them with fish species that tend to feed on invertebrates (this includes pufferfish). They can also get along well with a variety of snails and shrimp, so you can have an entire cleaning crew to help keep your tank clean. Just bear in mind that they do prefer a pH of 7.0-8.0 or slightly lower, and a water temperature of 70-80°F, if not slightly cooler than that. Pay careful attention to the number of freshwater clams in your tank, checking on them regularly. Freshwater clams do not live very long compared to other options on this list, with their average lifespan reaching approximately 6 months in the best cases. However, they can be stressed from minor changes in the tank which can cause a quicker death. If your clams die while buried down into the substrate, a common way that they like to ‘hang out’ in their tank, it may be harder to notice that they have passed. However, their decomposing bodies can cause serious issues with your water quality by causing ammonia spikes and potentially killing off other inhabitants in your tank. For this reason, you will need to be diligent and remove them quickly if they do pass away. Keeping your freshwater aquarium clean can be a challenge since you have to maintain a balance between keeping your water quality high while also making sure your beneficial bacteria have the nutrients they need to thrive. Establishing a cleanup crew made up of freshwater invertebrates is a great way to improve the cleanliness of your tank without adding to your work load.

7 Common Types of Algae Found in Freshwater Aquariums

It’s not easy being green… or brown… or red. How many different types of freshwater algae are you familiar with? If you see something green and fuzzy growing on your tank surfaces, it is probably some kind of algae. Not all algae is green, however, and it might not all be fuzzy. There are a number of different types of algae which can be found growing in freshwater aquariums. Know your algae – here are seven different types of freshwater algae you might encounter and how to control them. Related: Tips for Keeping Your Aquarium Water Quality High Most Common Freshwater Algae Types There are many different types of algae which grow in aquatic conditions but there are seven that are most commonly seen in freshwater aquariums. These seven types of algae are: Brown Algae: This type of algae is most commonly seen in tanks with high phosphate or nitrate levels. Brown algae is also common in new tanks but it generally goes away after the tank has cycled properly.Green Hair Algae: This type of algae grows in long, wispy threads and it is sometimes called thread algae. This algae is usually green in color, though it may also be brown. Hair algae is easy to remove but it quickly returns if the conditions responsible for its growth are not remedied.Red Algae: This algae can be found in both freshwater and saltwater conditions and it is multicellular which gives it a rigid structure. Red algae is also sometimes called beard algae or brush algae but these are all different types of red algae. Related: Setting a Schedule for Routine Tank Maintenance Green Algae: This type of algae is most commonly seen in aquariums with very bright lighting and it can grow on tank objects as well as in the tank water. Sometimes green algae will cause an algae bloom which turns all of the water in the tank green.Blue-Green Algae: Technically, blue-green algae is actually a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria and it is most commonly found in very nutrient-rich waters. Most freshwater fish do not eat blue-green algae but some freshwater snails like Nerite snails do.Black Algae: This type of algae is commonly found in planted tanks and it grows in dark black spots that may be fuzzy in texture. Black algae is often seen in the roots of slow-growing plants and in filters.Diatoms: This type of algae is brown in color and it may show up in spots on the walls of your tank or on other tank objects. Diatoms can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments. My Aquarium Has Algae! Now What? If you notice algae growing in your aquarium, it doesn’t mean that you have failed your fish in any way. Algae is a natural and common struggle when maintaining a tank, one that we will all experience at one time or another. By recognizing that you have a problem, you’ve already taken the first step towards getting it under control. The earlier you recognize that you have an algae problem, the easier it will be to clean. The Blackout Method A common approach to removing algae in a planted tank, the blackout method works by removing all light from the tank for a set time. By removing light, you are removing one of the basic things that the algae need to grow and thrive. Start by removing as much of the algae as you can from your tank. Complete a 50% water change, paying careful attention to thoroughly cleaning your aquarium filters. By taping standard black garbage bags onto your tank, completely block any light from reaching the aquarium and leave it in complete darkness for 96 hours. If you do use carbon dioxide in your tank, turn it off. You should also avoid feeding your fish during this time to avoid introducing any additional food for the algae. After the 96-hour period, uncover your tank. Complete another 50% water change, cleaning your tank and all filters thoroughly. At this point, you should see a significant difference in the condition of your tank! UV Sterilizers Using a fluorescent bulb, these devices emit ultraviolent that can kill single-cell organisms like algae. They are safe to use around your fish when used correctly, continually working behind the scenes to keep the water in your tank clean and clear. While these devices are found to be highly effective, it should be noted that they can only kill algae and bacteria that are floating in the water as it passes through the device. This means that they can’t completely clean your tank on their own. Instead, you should use a sterilizer as part of a larger cleaning plan, removing algae from the various surfaces in your aquarium and allowing the sterilizer to clean free-floating algae. Chemical Algae Treatments There are chemical treatment options available on the market that will work to combat the existing algae in your tank while also preventing any new growth. Take the time to read the packaging of any product that you are considering both to ensure that it is formulated to work with the specific type of algae that you are cleaning up as well as to learn how to use the product safely. The benefit of using a chemical treatment is that it involves less work than physically cleaning and removing algae. However, not all chemicals are safe for use in every aquarium. Some chemical treatments that are labeled as unsafe for use in aquariums with live plants, snails, or other invertebrates. If these are included in your tank, be cautious. Always do your research first. Tips for Controlling Freshwater Algae The secret to controlling algae in your freshwater tank is to limit the things algae needs to grow. You cannot reduce your water level without affecting your fish, but you can take away other key nutrients like light. Algae is most likely to grow in tanks that are placed in direct sunlight and in tanks that have a surplus of artificial lighting. Keep your tank away from windows and only keep your tank lights on for 10 to 12 hours per day. You can also limit the nutrients that algae needs to grow – this includes nitrate and phosphate. Using an aquarium filter and performing water changes to keep the water quality in your tank high will help you to accomplish this goal. Another option is to stock your tank with algae-eating fish or invertebrates. Most species only eat green algae, but you can find species that specialize in eating certain types of algae if you do your research. You may not be able to completely prevent algae from growing in your freshwater aquarium, but there are plenty of things you can do to limit its growth. By controlling lighting and nutrients you can reduce algae growth and adding algae-eating species of fish will take care of any leftovers.

Meet the Snail Assassin: Your Solution to Pest Snails

Got a snail problem you need taken care of? To take care of a snail problem, you need to send in an Assassin Snail! Every aquarium keeper has run into the problem of pest snails, at least once. Your neat little pond snails, Ramshorn snails, or Malaysian trumpet snails, have started taking over your tank. You are kept up at night wondering if they will eventually take over your home, that you’ll wake up to find them reading your paper, enjoying your coffee, and kissing your husband or wife. Okay, maybe not quite THAT bad, but there are solutions, and one of the most interesting to watch solutions come in the form of… another snail! Assassin snails, scientifically known as “Clea Helena,” are a black and yellow striped snail with an elongated shell. These snails are carnivores, and so they eat pest snails in the tank, along with decaying matter such as fish food. They enjoy meaty foods like catfish pellets if live foods are scarce. Related: Top 5 Invertebrates to Hire For Your Freshwater Cleanup Crew Clea Helena will make quick work of your pest snail problem, ripping them from their shells for a snack, and leaving nothing behind but a cemetery of empty shells in their wake. It will be hard to believe that your tank was once teeming with pest snails so thick you couldn’t see the glass. Assassin snails, which hail from Southeast Asia, are a pretty calm snail considering their job and name. They don’t eat plants, and so can be kept in just about any aquarium. Assassin snails are whelks, which typically are found in saltwater conditions. But assassin snails are solely freshwater snails, and have become increasingly more popular in the aquarium trade due to their striking appearance and ability to control pest snails with minimal effort on the keeper’s part. Related: Tips for Keeping Your Aquarium Water Quality High Assassin snails are exceptionally tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, while they come from fast moving streams; they seem unscathed by any tank environment and can live with just about any fish. They scavenge for decaying matter in the tank, and so along with their ability to control snail populations, they are also useful in tank maintenance as well. Their breeding practices are extremely interesting. Assassin snails are slow breeders, so they are unlikely to become a pest. The male fertilizes the eggs, which the female keeps inside of her until just before hatching, when she lays the eggs in a transparent glob and within an hour or so little assassins have been born. The babies will then hide beneath the substrate for up to six months before they will be seen at the surface scavenging for food like their parents. If you have a snail problem, or even if you don’t, assassin snails are one of the coolest inverts to put into a freshwater aquarium. They can help keep your tank clean, free of pest snail issues, and amuse you all at the same time. After all, how many times can you say that you have real live assassins living in your home? And of course, you have to keep the pest snails from taking over the world!

Understanding the Basics of Freshwater Aquarium Lighting

The right lights make all the difference to your freshwater aquarium. Offering much more than just illumination, aquarium lighting helps feed your plants. What is the key to making your freshwater aquarium look its best? Proper tank lighting. Of course, having the right substrate, plants, and aquarium décor is also important but you won’t be able to see any of that if you do not have the right lighting in place. Before you go out and buy a lighting system for your tank, take the time to learn the basics about freshwater aquarium lighting. The Purpose of Tank Lighting The first thing you need to know about freshwater aquarium lighting is the purpose it serves in your tank. If you have a standard fish-only aquarium, the main function of your tank lighting is simply for illumination. Having the right lighting will bring out the coloration in your fish, helping them to look their best. If you have a planted tank, lighting serves a much more important purpose – it provides the plants with the energy they need to maintain the process of photosynthesis. This is the process through which plants convert light into energy to fuel their growth. Without proper lighting, your aquarium plants will not grow. Related: Top 5 Invertebrates to Hire For Your Freshwater Cleanup Crew How Much Lighting do You Need? The amount of lighting you need in your freshwater aquarium will depend on the type of tank you intend to cultivate. Again, lighting in a fish-only aquarium primarily serves the purpose of illumination. In most cases, an average of one to two watts per gallon should be sufficient. For example, a 20-gallon aquarium that houses fish only will be able to get by with a 40-watt standard fluorescent bulb. If you plan to grow aquarium plants in your tank, you will need at least double the amount of lighting as a fish-only tank – aim for at least 2 watts per gallon, but ideally closer to 5 watts per gallon. For the same 20-gallon tank, this would equate to two 50-watt compact fluorescent bulbs or one 100-watt bulb. These are just examples – aquarium lighting comes in a variety of wattages depending on the type. Related: Tips for Keeping Your Aquarium Water Quality High Best Types of Lighting for Beginners In addition to thinking about the amount of lighting you need in your tank, you also have to think about what type of lighting is best. Standard fluorescent bulbs are a good option for fish-only tanks because they provide adequate illumination without producing a lot of heat. For planted tanks, compact fluorescent or VHO (very high output) fluorescent bulbs may be a better option. Keep in mind that these types of lighting produce more heat than standard fluorescents, so you may need an auxiliary fan. For very deep or heavily planted tanks, metal halide lighting systems are a good option – these too require a fan or chiller. Once you’ve chosen the right lighting system for your tank you then need to think about what kind of bulbs you are going to use. One thing you need to consider, of course, is the wattage – this will be determined by the type of tank you have. Standard fluorescent bulbs generally only go up to 40 watts while compact fluorescents range from 10 to 130 watts. VHO fluorescents range from 75 to 165 watts and metal halide bulbs can go up to 1,000 watts. In addition to the wattage, you also need to think about the type of lighting. Full-spectrum bulbs are designed to imitate natural sunlight and they are generally the best choice for freshwater aquariums, especially planted tanks. If you have a fish-only tank you can get by with a color-enhancing bulb that produces light from the warmer end of the lighting spectrum to enhance the appearance of your fish. Now that you know the basics about freshwater aquarium lighting you will be better equipped to choose a lighting system for your own tank. Remember, lighting requirements are different for planted tanks than for fish-only tanks, so decide what kind of tank you intend to cultivate before you start shopping for lighting.

A Six-legged Abandoned Dog Has Surgery to Remove Extra Limbs

A six-legged cocker spaniel found abandoned in a supermarket parking lot in Wales has had surgery to remove her extra limbs. The pooch was named Ariel, after the Little Mermaid, because her extra limbs were fused together, resembling a mermaid’s tail. Greenacres Rescue, a non-profit group from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, took Ariel in, arranged her surgery, and found her a foster family.  Ariel, who was born with multiple birth defects, was operated on at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital. Surgeon Aaron Lutchman performed the surgery and managed to save all four limbs amid fears that one hind leg might have to be amputated. “She’s doing really well, she’s bounced back and she’s a happy little dog and we’re hoping she’s going to go on to lead a fabulous little life,” said Lutchman. “She’s got her own little character and even though she’s had a tough start in life she really has done well to come through this as she has… if we can do what we can to help then that’s just absolutely brilliant.” According to Mikey Lawlor, founder and manager of Greenacres Rescue, Ariel was skinny and distressed when she was rescued. “The vet who initially assessed Ariel noted that, in addition to her two surplus back legs, she also had an additional vulva,” said Lawlor. A CT scan later revealed that Ariel was born with only one kidney, which increased the complexity of the medical treatment she required. Unfortunately, the pup’s pelvis never formed properly because she had two hip joints on one side of the body. As a result, Ariel’s normal hind leg had no muscle tone, so there was a chance that that leg had to be amputated as well. “Thankfully, that wasn’t the case though as it’s shown signs of having strengthened a lot in recent months,” Lawlor added.Ariel is recovering nicely after her surgery, having lots of love and fuss from the nursing team. Now that the surgery is behind her, everyone is hoping that she’ll have an easy and quick recovery.“There were two procedures which lasted about two hours, but both went fine. The next day she was up, walking around and eating and drinking.”“Now we just need to keep our fingers crossed she doesn’t get any infections, but she really is in the best of hands,” added Lawlor according to BBC. The brave pooch was discharged over the weekend and has already returned home to her foster family in Wales. According to her vet, Ariel has to rest for the next two weeks to recover completely. The founder of Greenacres Rescue hopes that the organization will be able to find a forever home for Ariel after she completes physiotherapy and recovery. “The response we had to Ariel’s story so far, including calls and emails from as far away as New York and Australia, has been incredible - so I’ve no doubt she’ll be snapped up,” said Lawlor.“I just can’t say enough of a thank you to everyone who’s contributed to helping her.” The organization raised around $19,000 for Ariel’s life-changing surgery thanks to donations from people all over the world.“Ariel was a complicated little dog whose care required close collaboration across a number of our specialist teams, including orthopedics, soft tissue surgery, anesthesia, and radiology,” said Vicki Black, the director of Langford Vets’ Hospital. “As part of the University of Bristol, we are a center committed to career-long learning and are proud to innovate and treat pets like Ariel. We are delighted such a lovely animal has recovered well from her surgery.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pandemic Puppies Are Behaving Badly, Study Shows

Puppies bought during the COVID-19 pandemic are more likely to exhibit one or more problem behaviors, a new study suggests. Research by the Royal Veterinary Colledge (RVC) has found that four in five (82%) owners of pandemic puppies have resorted to using punishment-based training methods to try to curb their dog’s problem behavior. The study found that moving the dog or shouting at them were the most commonly used aversive training methods. Other owners reported using water pistols, rattle bottles, and choke chains. Only 18% of owners who participated in the study said they didn’t use any aversive training methods or aids. Not only are aversive training techniques such as yelling at the dog or pulling its lead ineffective but they are also linked to further behavioral problems. The survey which was funded by the Battersea animal rescue charity asked more than 1,007 UK dog owners to list problem behaviors exhibited by their dogs. The list consisted of 24 problem behaviors reported by the owners. They ranged from control behaviors ( pulling on the leash) and attention-seeking behaviors, to aggressive behaviors and fear behaviors (anxiety around other dogs or people).Almost all (97%) owners said their dog exhibited at least one problem behavior from the list. At 21 months, owners on average reported five behavioral problems, while 20% of owners reported that their dogs had eight or more problem behaviors. According to owners, pulling on the leash is the most common problem behavior (67%), followed by jumping on people (57%), and not coming back when called (52%).Denise Mariner-Chappell got a Labrador retriever Ted during the pandemic. Strict lockdown measures made it hard to properly train and socialize her new pooch.“He’s a crazy dog when he’s out,” she said. “He’s just manic. He just wants to play and sniff, and everything, but not with humans.” Dr. Rowena Packer, the lead author of the study explained that problem behaviors are very common in pandemic puppies. In many cases, owners exacerbate these issues by using punishment-based training methods. “Although we understand these problem behaviors can be very frustrating for owners, they are often a sign a dog is struggling to cope or that they haven’t been taught an appropriate response in a situation, rather than dogs intentionally behaving badly,” she added.Packer warned that punishing the dog can make it anxious and fearful and cause it to develop further behavioral problems, including aggression. According to Robert Bays, Battersea’s senior animal behavior manager, the charity has seen an influx in dogs with behavioral problems coming into centers. These pups are suffering from separation anxiety and show other problem behaviors, which can be linked to training challenges brought on by the pandemic. “Without the right kind of positive training and support, a small behavioral problem in a puppy or a dog can quickly escalate into a serious issue, so we are deeply concerned with this study’s findings that so many owners are using aversive training methods,” said Bays.This training approach can cause additional behavioral problems in adulthood and also significantly damage the relationship between the dog and its owner. The study found that puppies who were still exhibiting problem behaviors by the age of 21 months were at a higher risk of being rehomed or euthanized. “A key piece of guidance arising from our study is that attending puppy classes is a vital way to support owners in using the best training techniques available.”Although many pandemic puppy owners missed these training classes due to lockdown restrictions there are thankfully many certified trainers who offer training classes for adult dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Reveals Older Dogs Who Sleep Badly May Have Dementia

It’s hard to watch a beloved dog get old, as it seems like only yesterday your senior pooch was a teething puppy with a penchant for chewing your slippers. The American Kennel Club, the expert on all doggy things, says that most small breeds become seniors between the ages of seven and 10. Larger breeds age faster than their small counterparts and are considered old when they are six years old. Like old people, senior dogs can get dementia.As they age, dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), a condition that is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Scientists have long known that people with dementia can find it harder to get to sleep. Now, researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered that senior dogs with dementia experience the same sleep problems as people with dementia. “Just like humans with Alzheimer's disease, dogs with CCDS, experience sleep disruptions, such as insomnia, and sleep fragmentation,” said senior study author Dr. Natasha Olby, a professor of veterinary neurology, neurosurgery, and gerontology at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. To discover whether sleep problems are a sign of early dementia in dogs, as they are in people, Dr. Olby and her team used a group of senior dogs who were part of an ongoing trial testing antiaging supplements. Scientists selected 28 dogs between the ages of 10 and 16 to participate in the new sleep study. To be included in the antiaging study, the dog must have lived more than 75% of the expected lifespan for their breed. The dogs also couldn’t suffer from arthritis or be blind, as they needed to complete tasks designed to test their cognitive abilities. Scientists evaluated each dog’s cognitive abilities by having them perform a series of tests and asking their owners to fill out a list of questions, known as the Canine Dementia Scale Questionnaire.In the new study, researchers used polysomnography, a form of electroencephalogram (EEG) used to diagnose sleep problems in people. The researchers affixed electrodes on the dogs’ skulls using a water-soluble gel and recorded brain activity during a two-hour nap. “Past sleep studies in dogs often involved surgically implanted electrodes,” said Alejandra Mondino, a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University. “Non-invasive studies are relatively new. We are one of a handful of groups doing this work.”When results from cognitive testing were compared to sleeping brain waves, researchers discovered that dogs with more advanced dementia took longer to fall asleep and spent less time sleeping. “These dogs have dementia and sleep disruption is a part of that,” said Mondino. “In addition to the shorter time spent sleeping, when we look at the EEG, we saw their brain activity during sleep was more akin to wakefulness. In other words, when they do manage to sleep, their brains aren’t really sleeping.”These results don’t explain the link between sleep and dementia, but studies like this one may help scientists to better understand the process and find ways to treat it. “There’s a possibility we might be able to identify an early signature of change on the EEG that can tell us ‘Hey, things are starting to slide’. Because with a chronic neurodegenerative process, of course, we’d love to be able to intervene sooner rather than later,” said Olby according to CNN Health.Until that happens, veterinarians can prescribe medications for anxiety and melatonin for sleep to senior dogs with cognitive decline. Diet and exercise also appear to be a factor. Studies have shown that diets rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and medium-chain fatty acids could potentially slow the development of dementia in dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Vegan Dogs and Cats? Maybe!

Pet food manufacturers have amped up the quality of the vegan options to meet industry standards for protein.

Is Your Cat Itchy? Causes and Treatments for Itching in Cats

Itching, or pruritis, in cats has various causes, so it’s a symptom of multiple problems. Sure, a cat will have an itch they need to scratch every now and then, just like people do. But if you see your cat scratching more than usual, or they’re scratching, licking, or biting themselves so much that they’re losing fur and causing cuts and scabs on their skin, there may be an underlying issue that should be addressed.Whether your cat is scratching at one area or they’re itchy all over, don’t ignore this problem. Read on to learn about some of the causes of itchiness in cats, along with some of the things you can do to provide relief. Remember, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian about your cat’s symptoms so you can give your pet the right treatment.Reasons Why Your Cat Is ItchyHere are some of the conditions that can cause a cat to feel itchy:AllergiesA lot of things can cause an allergic reaction in cats that leads to itchy skin. For example, if your cat is allergic to an ingredient in their food, such as a particular protein, their allergy might manifest as itchiness. As another example, your cat might be allergic to something in the environment, such as dust in the house or pollen that blows in through a window. And some cats have contact allergies to products, from litter to plastic or fabric, that can cause a reaction. The goal is to find the allergen and remove it from your cat’s environment as best as possible. In the case of a food allergy, using food trials with the guidance of your vet can help you figure out what’s causing the reaction so you can start giving your cat food that’s appropriate for them. ParasitesBites from insects and parasites can cause your cat to feel itchy. Fleas and mites are a couple examples. And, yes, indoor cats can get fleas, as they could be brought in from outside and find their way to your feline.When it comes to mites, such as ear mites or mange, your veterinarian can prescribe treatments after performing some tests for an accurate diagnosis.For flea allergy dermatitis caused by flea bites, it’s a matter of eliminating the flea infestation and preventing future infestations. You can use over-the-counter products, such as Frontline Plus for Cats, which is a topical treatment you apply between your cat’s shoulders (where they won’t be able to lick it off). It kills flea eggs, flea larvae, and adult fleas, as well as ticks and chewing lice, and each dose works for a month. But you also need to thoroughly clean your home and your pet’s things to be sure you eliminate fleas in the environment.

This App Helps Lost Pets Find a Way Back Home – Already Saving 8,000

PetRadar is a company like no other, helping desperate owners find their missing cherished pets. And now, after successfully reuniting 8,000 missing cats with their owners, the company has expanded to include missing dogs as well.According to the research done by  ASPCA, around 15% of all cats in the USA go missing over a five period. But that is not the worst of it. In just one year, around 10,000,000 dogs go missing in the United States alone. It is a truly alarming statistic, and PetRadar aims to change it for good. David Olthaar is the man behind PetRadar and created his brand almost spontaneously. The idea came to him when he saw a blurry “missing cat” poster on a rainy night. It was almost impossible for that poster to yield results. So he thought that a better way existed, especially in our day and age. And the result is PetRadar and its great success.  "We wanted to use social media ads for good. And what's better than reuniting lost pets with their owners?" David Olthaar said. Thanks to the benefits of the modern digital age, they used sponsored posts on social media to advertise the search for the missing cat in a 1km radius around its last address. The success was near instant. After the first missing cat was found, it became clear just how effective the idea was. "I remember when the first sighting of a lost cat came in. I couldn't believe it. Reuniting them was a beautiful moment. I was even invited for dinner as a thank you!"The idea soon became a major project and a successful worldwide system for finding missing pets. "After finding our 8000th missing cat, I knew we needed to start saving dogs, too!"So, after initially being named CatRadar, the company became PetRadar - expanding on missing dogs as well. And within a week, the first missing doggo had been reunited with his owners. We can only imagine the bright future that lies ahead of this project, and the happy end for many missing pets (and their owners) around the globe.

Felix Cat Insurance Will Pay Your Engagement Ring – On One Condition

If you're ready to tie the knot, you should know that there’s a way to make this special occasion even more memorable – by including your furball in the proposal. Not only is it an adorable way to ask for someone’s hand in  marriage, but thanks to Felix Cat Insurance, it can also be a way to get a gorgeous ring for free! This company is launching “A Purr-fect Proposal” campaign, aiming to help one couple of cat lovers celebrate that special moment in their lives. The aim of the campaign is to cover the costs of an engagement ring and the only requirement is to include your cat in the proposal!December is truly a magical month, so it doesn’t surprise that it’s also the most popular month to get engaged – which is why Felix Cat Insurance chose this month to bring their plan to fruition. The contest is open until December 19th, and the company will choose one lucky winner whose kitty-centered proposal plan sounds the best three days after that, on December 22nd. The winner will be gifted $4,750 or have the cost of an engagement ring covered. Not only that, but they will also receive a package of cat treats, festive toys, and even elegant cat clothes for their furry helper – to wear on the special occasion, of course. "Our felines are family members and just like your closest friends and family, we want to include them in celebrating meaningful moments like this," said Jamie Maxfield, Marketing Director and Brand Expert at Felix Cat Insurance. "Planning for the future can also bring challenges, which is why we're spreading holiday cheer by easing the expense of this life milestone as you, your partner, and your furry friend embark on your new life together. Not only is Felix here to ease the expense of this core life event, but we can also be there every step of the way afterwards."Here are the contest details as laid out by the company:Prize:$4,750 to put toward an engagement ring. A curated kit of treats and surprises so your furry friend can join in on the celebration. Dates: The contest opens on November 28th, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. EST and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on December 19, 2023. The winner will be selected on December 22, 2023. Eligibility & Rules: You must live in the United States.You must be 18+ in age. The proposal must take place within the month of December. This contest is not available in Washington or Puerto Rico. For more information on the "Purr-fect Proposal" contest, including terms and conditions, visit  FelixPurrfectProposal.com. Good luck – and congrats on the engagement to be!

Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs?

Ah, peanut butter –who doesn’t love a smear of this sticky butter on their toast? Whether you top it with bananas or jelly or something else altogether, spread on bread, mix in oatmeal, or add to smoothies, you likely enjoy the nutty goodness of peanut butter at least a few times a week. But can you share PB with your dog? While this tasty spread is generally safe for dogs as they have no issue eating peanuts in the form of butter, it’s the other ingredients that may be in the PB you’re eating that could harm them. This is what you should know before giving your pet peanut butter – whether as an ingredient of something else or on its own.Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs? To give you a short and straightforward answer, yes, peanut butter is safe for dogs when it’s made only out of peanuts as the single ingredient. However, that’s not always the case with commercially made peanut butter. To tweak its consistency, shelf life, or even modify its flavor, companies can add a variety of different ingredients to their peanut butter products, so it’s crucial to read the label before giving your pet even just a lick of peanut butter – and it wouldn't hurt to do so before eating it yourself, either. The most dangerous ingredient (for dogs) that could be added to peanut butter is  xylitol, or birch sugar, as it is sometimes labeled. This sweetener is highly toxic to dogs as even small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure in dogs.Another thing that could be problematic about peanut butter for dogs is not a matter of a sneaky ingredient but the fact that it’s a high-fat food. If not given in moderation, peanut butter can largely contribute to obesity in dogs, and in turn, promote health issues such as  pancreatitis at worst and upset tummy at best. It is also important to note that some dogs may be allergic to peanuts, the same as is the case with us humans. If you are giving your pet peanut butter for the first time, monitor them for signs of allergic reactions, such as itching, redness, swelling, or gastrointestinal upset, and consult your veterinarian if concerns arise.Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs and How To Incorporate It In Your Dog’s DietIn addition to being yummy, peanut butter is also beneficial for dogs. It might be high in fat, but it is predominantly unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, joint function, and immune system function in dogs. It is also a rich source of plant-based protein and will support your pet's overall health when given in moderation. So how do you ensure you don’t overdo it with PB and that your pet reap only the benefits of this nutty spread? While an excellent reward to utilize when training with positive reinforcement methods, peanut butter should be given sparingly rather than every time your pooch does a good job. Use a small amount – a teaspoon will work well for the job. Alternatively, if your pet loves the taste of peanut butter but you’re trying to maintain their weight, opting for peanut butter-flavored treats is a perfect compromise. My dogs prefer crunchy treats and are big PB fans, so one of their favorites is  American Journey Peanut Butter Recipe Grain-Free Oven Baked Crunchy Biscuit Dog Treats.

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Britain's Beloved Breed, the Scottish Terrier, Faces Extinction

Once an icon of British culture, the Scottish terrier is now facing extinction. The Scottie has a distinctive silhouette of a short-legged but sturdy dog with furnishings at the beard, legs, and lower body.These mighty pooches decorated everything from the Monopoly board to designer bags, and shortbread tins. However, the Kennel Club has placed the Scottish terrier on its “at watch” list after only 406 puppies were registered by breeders in 2023.The number of registered Scotties has been plummeting for five consecutive years, but this is a record low.The Scottie was the most popular in the 1930s when there were more than 5,800 registered puppies in a single year. Presidents Franklin D Roosevelt and George W Bush enjoyed the company of Scottie dogs, while countless celebrities including Dorothy Parker and Charles Lindbergh owned a Scottish terrier. Originally bred to hunt foxes, badgers, and other vermin in the Highlands, the Scottish terrier has a loyal, fateful, and bold nature, but is never aggressive. Scotties are dignified, self-assured, independent, and highly intelligent dogs that make wonderful companions to people of all ages.Unfortunately, the Scottie isn’t the only dog that has fallen out of favor with British dog lovers. On the Kennel Club’s “at watch” list are also the English pointer, the rough collie, the wire fox terrier, the Sussex spaniel, the curly-coated retriever, the otterhound, the Gordon setter, the Norwich terrier, and the Manchester terrier. “The Scottish terrier has been such an icon and recognizable breed in the UK for decades and means so much to so many different people, so these latest figures are really worrying,” said Bill Lambart, a spokesman for the Kennel Club.On the other end of the popularity spectrum are Bernese mountain dogs and miniature longhaired Dachshunds, which saw the biggest rise in registrations. The English setter, the Jack Russel terrier, and the Yorkshire terrier also experienced a surge in popularity. Brits are lucky to have more than two hundred wonderful dog breeds to choose from. Each of these breeds has unique personality and character traits and make amazing companions. However, most dogs seen in the parks and streets come from the top ten most popular breeds.“People often opt for well-known choices and simply forget to dig a little deeper, with the worrying knock-on effect that not only are some of our most iconic breeds in decline but also that people might not be getting the perfect match for them,” said Lambert. “People simply forget there are so many different dog breeds, with different personalities and characteristics, and it’s not just the well-known ones that could be a great match for our lifestyles.” The Kennel Club is pleased to see that some of the country’s native breeds, like the English setter, are regaining their popularity. However, the organization also stresses that many breeds are at risk of extinction only because they are no longer fashionable. The top ten most popular breeds in the UK, including the French bulldog, Labrador retriever, and Cocker spaniel, account for more than 60 percent of annual puppy registrations for all breeds. Despite the low registration numbers, there’s still hope for the Scottish terrier. Breed enthusiasts and clubs have started to promote the breed’s unique traits, in hopes of increasing the public’s interest in this amazing breed. The plan to educate the public about the Scottish terrier’s character, history, and suitability as a companion pet could be essential for boosting the breed’s registration numbers. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Shows Shape of a Dog’s Head Can Actually Affect Their Sleep

If you have noticed that your dog’s sleep quality is reduced, or that they have begun to snore heavily, there might be an unusual reason behind it – the shape of your pet’s head! Snoring problems can be quite common for many dogs, but they are most often seen in brachycephalic dogs – basically, dogs with flat faces. For example, this is the key characteristic of the  French Bulldog, one of the world’s most popular breeds. In the USA, and in Hungary where the research for these claims was conducted, the goofy little French Bulldog holds the place of the number one most common pet dog breed. And that means that some health-related issues, stemming from their flat-face appearance, are coming into the foreground. Their shortened skulls and brachycephalic morphology result in sleep problems, snoring, difficulties with breathing, and deteriorative brain morphology changes. According to the latest  study by a Hungarian research team, flat-faced dogs tend to sleep more because their breed suffers from sleep apnea and thus their daytime sleepiness is increased. Thus, their REM (deep) sleep phase is much longer than their non-REM sleep, while the EEG patterns in their sleep indicate signs of white matter loss. And while some owners across the world see these Bulldogs and their extremely flat skulls as an attractive or unique feature, it is, nonetheless, a major health hazard. These breeds, for example, the French Bulldog, the Pug, and the English Bulldog tend to live around 3 to 4 years less than other dogs, and in many cases, they don’t even live to adulthood.Some will even have to undergo surgery to correct their musculoskeletal, respiratory, and eye problems, which can cause them a lot of problems throughout their lives. To make matters worse, the rounded and short skull of these dogs results in a distorted and rounded brain, which could affect neural functioning.All this resulted in the Hungarian team’s extensive research into the sleep of these breeds. They studied the sleep of 92 dogs, using EEG. "In the sleep lab, dogs spend about three hours with their owners. As nothing exciting happens, the dogs fall asleep quickly. Meanwhile, we conduct the electrical potential generated by the brain activity with electrodes glued to their scalps," says Anna Kis, who is considered a pioneer in the study of sleeping dogs and a researcher at the HUN-REN Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology. "We wanted to investigate whether flat-faced dogs sleep differently from other dogs, as they are known to suffer from oxygen deprivation due to respiratory problems and therefore have poorer quality sleep. We found that the flat-faced dogs slept more in the three hours given to them during the study. More daytime sleep is probably compensation for insufficient sleep at night.”Ivaylo Iotchev, the first author of a study of dog sleep patterns that was published in the Journal of Brain Structure and Function, adds "In the present study, we found that brachycephalic dogs had decreased beta waves and increased delta compared to dogs with longer noses. The frequency of sleep spindles increased. This pattern has previously been associated with poorer learning in dogs and loss of white matter in humans."He also adds "There may be several reasons for our results. The most interesting of these is that it seems as if the flat-faced dogs have retained the sleep pattern of puppyhood, similarly to newborns who spend more time in REM sleep.”If you own a brachycephalic dog and have been seeing a lack of quality in their sleep, these studies might provide the answers you are looking for – your pooch’s genetics might be to blame for their poor sleep.

Study Reveals a Link Between Mental Health and an Attachment to Pets

We have all been told at one time or another that our pets are good for our mental health. But have you ever stopped to consider how your mental health could also impact the attachment bond you form with your pet? Could your attachment to your pet hurt your mental health?These questions and more were the inspiration behind a new study out of the University of Helsinki.Rather than focusing solely on the benefits of dogs and cats to our mental well-being, researchers went a step better. The goal was to better understand how the relationship we form with our pets could have an impact both on us as well as on the pets themselves. They also dug into how an owner’s attachment style could impact the care they provide and our pet’s behaviors.The research team collected information from approximately 2,500 pet owners and 3,300 pets to gather the necessary data. This included:Personality traits (of owners, dogs, and cats)Owner mental well-being ratingsUnwanted behavior traitsOther potential influences, like children in the householdAttachment stylesIn terms of the relationship, they looked specifically at two types of insecure attachment – anxious and avoidant. Anxious attachment refers to owners who desire to have their pets nearby and are concerned about the risk of losing their pets. On the other end of the spectrum, avoidant attachment refers to pet owners concerned about losing their personal autonomy and, as such, seeking a higher level of independence.The study found that cat owners with lower mental health ratings demonstrated anxious attachment to their feline friends. However, dog owners with similar mental health ratings were split between anxious attachment and avoidant attachment.Interestingly enough, there was a clear division between the attachment styles when categorizing the relationships based on a dog’s mental well-being and potentially “unwanted” or “problem” behaviors. Dogs who demonstrated aggression or ADHD-like behavior were more likely to have avoidantly attached owners, while dogs who demonstrated fear-related behaviors were often connected to anxiously attached owners.What does all this mean? By recognizing the connection, we can better understand how personality and attachment styles can influence one another.For example, if a dog owner demonstrates avoidant attachment, they may not provide the security a dog desires in a potentially threatening situation. As a result, the dog may develop aggression. However, it is also possible that a dog’s aggressive response may contribute to an owner’s need for space and independence from the behavior and its impact on their daily activities.“What made this project unique was that it involved dogs, cats, and owners alike,” explained Professor Hannes Lohi. “We need a deeper understanding of the connections between owners and pets and the associated factors so we can, for example, help people make better decisions when obtaining a pet. It’s important to acknowledge that obtaining a pet while experiencing poor mental well-being may not necessarily meet the expectations of improving it.”Not only is this a big step forward in helping people make educated decisions about pet ownership, but it could also provide valuable guidance for trainers and behaviorists when dealing with unwanted behaviors.

Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?

As winter comes, the roads become icy and treacherous and rock salt is used to make them less slippery. While roads covered with rock salt are common in the chillier months of the year, dog owners are wondering if it is safe for their pets to walk on rock salt or accidentally ingest it. After all, dogs are known to be inquisitive and eager to lick or nibble on anything and everything so the idea is not as far-fetched as some might think at first. So, without further ado, let’s find out if rock salt is toxic to dogs and how you can best protect your pet in the winter months.Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?Sadly, the answer is yes – rock salt, commonly used for de-icing roads and sidewalks in winter, can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, can cause salt poisoning or hypernatremia in dogs. Ingesting excessive amounts of salt can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, increased urination, and in severe cases, it can even result in tremors, seizures, or death.And that is not all. In addition to the risk of ingestion, rock salt can also cause irritation to a dog's paws if they walk on treated surfaces. The salt can cause dryness, cracking, and discomfort, and dogs may try to  lick their paws to alleviate the irritation, leading to ingestion of the salt. After all, the roads are meant for cars and tires, so it was sadly never taken into account that pets would walk on them as well. Still, as a caring owner, there are a number of precautions that you can take in order to ensure that your dog doesn’t ingest rock salt – here are some of the most popular ways.Clean their paws after walks:Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove any salt or de-icing chemicals. Do this after every walk and as soon as you get home. Remember to take care of your pet’s paws and paw pads. When injured or unkempt, they can cause great discomfort. Furthermore, you can consider using  dog boots if your pet doesn’t mind it – they’ll keep their paws safe and warm.

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