10 Essentials You Always Need in Your Fish Room

by Summer Davis

Published: May 19th, 2016

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10 essentials you always need in your fish room

Ever wonder what the pros keep in their fish rooms? They’ve shared their tips and secrets with us, and we’re pleased to pass along the 10 essentials you always need in your fish room.

Serious hobbyists go beyond having a tank or two; they have a whole fish room stocked with numerous tanks, many species, and a lot of supplies to make their lives easier. I polled several fish keepers who boast impressive fish rooms to see what they thought to be the most useful tools of the trade (beyond the typical nets, water changer, and other obvious fish-keeping basics). Here are their top 10 essentials you always need in your fish room:

Plastic Tupperware containers: These are useful for just about everything from holding surprise fry, transporting fish, and growing live food cultures. In fact, just about any bucket or container you can think of comes in handy for fish keeping. From empty kitty litter buckets to Rubbermaid totes, anything that holds water is handy. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly before and after using them.

Cotton balls, Q-tips, and tweezers: They aren’t just for bathrooms and personal hygiene! Q-tips and cotton balls are excellent to feed small worm cultures. And tweezers can be used to plant plants or remove things from the tank.

Turkey Baster: This kitchen staple can be used to remove waste from a bare bottom tank, to suck up fry in order to move them, or to feed larger fish. They are easily cleaned out and cheap to replace when needed.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers: These cleaning essentials are aquarium safe! They will remove algae from the tank glass, clean decorations, and keep your tanks sparking.

Vinegar: A natural and eco-friendly cleaner that can be used to remove stubborn water deposits in empty tanks, on decorations, etc. Just rinse well after a vinegar scrub and it’s good to go back in the tank. Vinegar also works well when you clean the outside of the glass.

Bleach: Another essential cleaner that can be used to clean tanks, sanitize equipment, and dip plants with stubborn algae on them. After using bleach, rinse well, and add the items back in the tank. (BTW, tips #5 and #6 are paired well with the items in You should also keep paper towels or clean rags around to use for cleanup, and for wiping off surfaces.

Extra sponge filters or filter media in existing tanks: These make it quick and easy to set up a new tank, a quarantine tank, or fry tank, without worrying about cycling.

Battery-powered air pumps and extra blankets: Should you have to suffer through a prolonged power outage, you’ll need these items to insulate the tank and keep the water oxygenated. Without them, you could lose your fish very quickly.

Backup filter and heater: You should always have a backup filter and heater in the event of equipment failure, especially during a time when you cannot get one immediately. Having a spare is simple peace of mind.

Found natural décor: Any rocks or wood you find in your adventures outside. You never know when you may decide to set up a new tank! Look for unusual shapes and sizes to spruce up your tanks with a natural flair. The fish love it!

Summer Davis is the mom of three kids, four dogs, and several tanks of fish. She boasts a passion for all animals, whether they are in the water or on land. This fish aficionado has kept many different species in her time, but holds a special place in her heart for wild and domestic bettas. When she’s not talking about fish, Summer “spins” her extra time as the director of a baton twirling organization.

Summer Davis

Summer Davis is the mom of three kids, four dogs, and several tanks of fish. She boasts a passion for all animals, whether they are in the water or on land. This fish aficionado has kept many different species in her time, but holds a special place in her heart for wild and domestic bettas. When she's not talking about fish, Summer "spins" her extra time as the director of a baton twirling organization."

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Get to Work on an Office Aquarium

Bring life into your office with a fish tank. A growing trend in the workplace, aquariums add color, energy, and stress release to a busy day. Working in an office setting can be tedious and boring. It’s the same routine day in and day out; nothing but inanimate objects to stare at while typing for hours, making phone calls, and sending e-mails. Adding a small tank to your desktop can offer stress reduction and something natural to look at while you work. Before you set up, the first thing to do is check with your boss to make sure that you are permitted to bring a pet to work. If the boss man or boss lady says it’s a go, then have fun with it! Based on company rules, decide on a tank size. Typically, this is going to be five gallons or less for a desk top. It may be as small as one gallon. Related: 10 Essentials You Always Need in Your Fish Room Once you decide on what size tank or bowl you’re going to be using, then you can think about what is going to go in it. A five gallon is perfect for a betta, if it is equipped with a heater and a filter. It is often thought that bettas don’t need these things to survive, and perhaps they don’t, but they do need it to thrive. Another option is a small school of tetras, or a couple of live bearers. Just be sure not to over stock your tank, as it will be left to its own devices during your weekends, sick days, vacations, etc. Depending on your budget, a basic rectangular tank looks sharp – if you’ve got the dough, go with a more expensive decorative tank. Do some research and find something that you’ll love to look at day in and day out. Find something that can fit in the allotted space you have, without being bumped by elbows or visitors to your office. Related: The Ins and Outs of Shipping and Receiving Fish Once the tank and livestock are chosen, if applicable, think about decorations. Do you prefer a silk plant approach, or a tank planted with live plants? Small trinkets can be purchased to jazz it up. Whatever your choice is in this area, make it your own. If you choose live plants, make sure that the light is strong enough so that they can grow. Once all the hard decisions are made, the rest is easy. Do research on temperature, and water conditions of whatever livestock you choose. Remember to schedule weekly water changes, (a good Friday afternoon time killer!), and then sit back and enjoy your tank while you work. Before you know it all of your co-workers will be visiting your office to see it, and say “hi” to the fishy interns.

Aquarium Biology 101: Anatomy of a Fish

We all know that a fish has gills and fins… but there’s more to them than just a few basic parts. Get ready for our crash course in “Anatomy of a Fish.” How familiar are you with your fish? Sure, you know that they have the basics: gills, scales, fins. But there’s more to your fish than that. Here are some parts of a fish you may not have known existed, and what they do. Fins Of course fish have fins everywhere. The tail is called the caudal fin, used to propel the fish through the water. Most fish have strong caudal fins. The fin at the top of the fish’s spine is the dorsal fin. Think of a shark, often portrayed with their dorsal poking just far enough out of the water that you know they are lurking. The two fins on either side of the fish’s gills are called the pectoral fins, protruding from the breast area – or pectoral muscles. Just below that is the pelvic fin and further back on the belly of the fish is the anal fin. Each of these fins provides the fish with the ability to move and navigate in their natural habitats. Aquarium fish are often bred to emphasize longer, fuller fins for sake of beauty and not for survival. Related: The 5 Stimulating Spawning Methods of Fish Lateral Line Going down the side of a fish is an intricate system that most people are unaware of. It’s called the lateral line system, and simply put, it’s a group of nerves that are hyper sensitive to movements, pressure, and changes within the fish’s environment. Several diseases exist in fish that affect this system. Often referred to as lateral line disease, or “hole in the head,” this is often times fatal for fish. It will appear as an open pit in the fish’s head or along the lateral line. The concern is often that it leaves the fish susceptible to other infections. There is one known cause of these diseases, though many aquarists speculate about what might be. Treatment is often symptomatic, along with providing a quality diet and fresh, clean water. Labyrinth Organ Most people are aware that fish breathe using organs called gills, but this doesn’t apply to all fish. Fish such as bettas and gourami have a specialized organ called a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air from the surface of the water. This is an evolutionary adaptation because their natural habitats are located in low oxygen shallow waters. Related: 10 Essentials You Always Need in Your Fish Room Swim Bladder The swim bladder is a part of the fish that is hollow and air filled; it helps the fish maintain buoyancy in the water. In aquariums, some fish will get swim bladder disease, most noticeable by a fish swimming in a chaotic or unnatural fashion. Some fish don’t have this organ, and these fish must always swim or they will sink to the bottom. Fish that do have a swim bladder are able to stop swimming for periods of time without issue. There are some fish anatomy parts that aren’t as commonly known by the average person. This information is useful when owning and keeping aquarium fish, so that you are more aware of what they should look like, and how they should act, and if a problem arises, a keeper who is knowledgeable about their animal’s body will be able to treat issues more effectively.

Fish Ponds Let You Take Your Hobby Outside

Revitalize your outdoor living space with a container pond or a small water feature. Easy and inexpensive, your pond will add new life your landscape. Fish keeping doesn’t just have to be an indoor hobby. As the warmer weather approaches, consider taking your hobby to your yard! Just like container gardening, the addition of a small pond to an outdoor living space is becoming a popular landscaping feature. Small ponds are popular for those who have space for them. It offers the ability to grow aquatic plants, and keep fish outdoors in order to enjoy them in the warmer months. For some lucky people, this may be year round water feature. For others, spring and summer allow them to enjoy their hobby outdoors. Ponds can vary in size just as much as aquariums do – depending on the amount of time, money, and space you have at your disposal, you’ll be able to determine exactly what you can do with these outdoor exhibits. Related: Get to Work on an Office Aquarium Just as with aquariums, it is important to keep in the basics in mind. If you’re building a new pond, it will go through the nitrogen cycle just as any aquarium does. Be mindful of this when stocking your pond, so that your fish are healthy and happy. The other consideration is the size of the pond. While it may not be as easy to know exactly what the capacity of your pond is, it is an important aspect when choosing what fish to pick, and how many to put into your pond. Most people prefer to keep coldwater fish such as koi and goldfish in their outdoor ponds, which is a great idea. However, they are dirty fish that can grow to large sizes if kept accordingly. It is tempting to fill your pond with a large amount of fish, but this will only lead to tragedy in most cases. A good rule of thumb is at least 10 gallons of water per koi or goldfish. If you are unsure of the capacity of your pond, you can get a rough idea by looking at the dimensions of your pond and the depth. The depth of the pond is also important, especially if you live in an area that has frigid winters. When your pond freezes over, it should be deep enough so that the bottom stays liquid. The fish will become dormant in this water for the winter, but if it is not deep enough and freezes solid, they will not survive the season. To avoid this issue, there are a few things to consider. Bringing the fish inside for the winter is probably the most practical choice. Others choose to heat their ponds for the winter, but this can become expensive with the cost of electricity. As well, there is a chance that the heater will malfunction, which will end in a pond of frozen fish. Related: 10 Essentials You Always Need in Your Fish Room Container ponds are also a trendy and compact idea, and it is ideal for smaller areas, such as a porch, balcony or front yard. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a container of water, plants, and fish. Many choose to keep guppies or other live bearers in their container pond for the summer months, because they will feed on small insects, and most likely will spawn. The above considerations of stocking, temperature, and size of these containers are important, but you must be sure to filter the water, as it can become stagnant easily. The fun part of doing a container pond is that you can get creative in what container you decide to use as your pond. Everything from decorative buckets to old fashioned tin cans can be turned into a pond, and with some ingenuity and creativity, a beautiful water feature is easily and cost-effectively part of your landscape to enjoy all summer long.

Fish RX: Hikari PraziPro Fights Parasite Infestations

What do you do when your fish get sick? When parasites invade your aquarium, medicate your fish with Hikari PraziPro. Unfortunately, diseases and parasites are par for the course when it comes to aquarium fish, just as you would expect for any other family pet. Fish can fall victim to a laundry list of parasitical inhabitants that inflict immense damage and can mean a slow, painful death. They can wreak havoc on tanks of any size if not treated and dealt with quickly and efficiently. To take care of these problems quickly, you need to be a diligent fish owner, knowing your fish well enough to tell when something isn’t quite right. Parasites in aquariums can cause a multitude of complications, which include slowly starving the fish, or eating them from the inside out. Signs of parasites can be as obvious as worms coming out of the fish’s body, a once bright and active fish becoming dull and lethargic, or a fish flashing the plants and other aquarium decorations. Knowing your tank and your fish is key when diagnosing a problem. Once you are aware of the problem, addressing it with a product that will work well and fast is the next step. Related: Why You Need To Dip Your Coral in Coral RX Hikari PraziPro is a trusted medication that can be used in fresh, salt, and pond waters to control parasite infestations. If you have multiple tanks of different varieties, this is great product to have on hand. It will treat tapeworms, roundworms, flukes, and other common parasites. A huge perk of this product is that it can be used as a preventative measure, even when no signs of parasites are present. The medication isn’t harmful to plants or fish, so using it as a ‘just in case’ measure is completely safe. The product can be used every five to seven days – use one teaspoon per 20 gallons, or 1 oz per 120 gallons. Simply measure the solution and either place into the filtration system, or distribute around the edge of the water. Be certain to remove any activated carbon prior to dosing, as it will remove the medication from the waters. Related: 10 Essentials You Always Need in Your Fish Room Hikari PraziPro costs around $13 for a 4 oz bottle, which will treat 480 gallons. For pond owners, a larger bottle 16 oz bottle is available for around $40. It is available online or in most pet stores. This is the kind of product no fish room should ever be without. Every fish owner should have it on hand just in case of a parasitic outbreak, or just to use occasion as a preventative, especially if you are bringing in new fish and plants on a regular basis. I personally would recommend dosing PraziPro every time something new is added to the aquarium, to avoid any major issues cropping up down the road. Hikari also offers a product to aid in the treatment of Ich called Ich-X, which claims to be highly effective. PraziPro can be used in coordination with Ich-X without negative consequences, so if new fish have been brought in these two products paired together can eliminate the chances of any type of infestation in the aquarium.

Canadian Dog Dacquri Claims New World Record

Do you have a dog that loves to play with socks? Does your dog steal your socks from the laundry basket or even right off your feet? While many dog parents will view that as troublesome behavior, one family recognized that a dog’s love for removing socks might be a golden ticket to something more. Daiquiri, an Australian Shepherd from Canada, recently claimed a new world record after successfully removing the most socks from people’s feet in a minute. The adorable record attempt was held on the set of the TV series Lo Show Dei Record in Italy. Here, Daiquiri went person to person, removing 21 socks from the feet of 11 women as they sat in a row in front of him. He was given three attempts at beating the record previously held by Lilu and Briana from California (20 socks). His owner, Jennifer Fraser, wasn’t allowed to touch the pup at any point during the attempts, but she could guide and encourage him through the process. On his first try, Daiquiri tied the existing record. On his second try, he beat it by a single sock!

Can I Use Human Hair Shampoo to Wash My Dog?

Making sure your pet’s hygiene is up to standards is an important thing, but you have to be careful about how you go about it. There aren’t a lot of important rules to consider when doggo baths are considered, but you should pay special attention to the type of shampoo that you use. If you are all out of pet shampoo, and you are thinking that a little bit of human shampoo won’t make a difference – think again. Using human hair shampoo on your dog is not recommended, and the reasons for this are many, including negative effects on your pet’s overall health and the quality of their skin and coat. Here’s what you should know before you reach for your shampoo when bathing your pooch.Why You Shouldn’t Use Human Shampoo On DogsThe first and foremost thing you have to consider is pH balance. Human shampoos are formulated to match the pH level of human skin. However, that level is totally different for dogs. Because of this, human shampoo can greatly disrupt the natural pH levels of a dog’s skin, ultimately leading to rashes, irritation, and skin diseases. And the same goes for the ingredients in that shampoo.  Dog shampoos have totally different ingredients compared to human shampoos. The latter has many chemicals that are considered too harsh for dogs. Dogs are prone to skin allergies and sensitivities, and some of the ingredients in human shampoos could make these issues much worse. The allergies can also be triggered by the strong fragrances of human-grade shampoos, which dogs can’t really stand. You should also take into account that a dog’s coat and human hair are totally different. While human shampoos are meant to lather well on hair, they’ll be too soapy for dogs. Rinsing out human shampoo from a dog can be a challenge, and a lot of chemicals can stay trapped in the coat and absorbed through the skin. Ultimately, all of this can leave your dog’s coat damaged, their skin irritated, and their health vulnerable to viruses and skin-borne infections. 

Meet the Lancashire Heeler, the AKC's Newest Dog Breed

Say hello to the Lancashire heeler - the American Kennel Club’s 201st recognized dog breed and the newest member of the Herding group. Although small in stature, Lancashire heelers are active and sturdy dogs ready to compete with 200 other dog breeds at thousands of U.S dog shows.“A small, powerful herding dog that thrives on human interaction, this breed would make a great companion for active families that can provide a great deal of love and attention," said Gina DiNardo, American Kennel Club’s Executive Secretary.These small dogs have long bodies and short coats, often black and tan or liver and tan. The Lancashire heeler is a solidly built dog that is around one foot (30 centimeters) tall at the shoulders and weighs up to 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms). Traditionally, Lancashire heelers worked on farms as ratters and herders. Today, these feisty dogs participate in various canine sports and pursuits.“They are gritty little dogs, and they are very intelligent little dogs,” said Patricia Blankenship, who has bred Lancashire heelers for over a decade. “It’s an enjoyable little breed to be around,” she added. The official breed standard calls for Lancashire heelers to be courageous, happy, and affectionate to owner. The owners of these pooches say that happy heelers sometimes pull their lips back and smile. These small but powerful dogs won’t be content to lounge around all the time. They are highly energetic and just as skilled in performance sports as they are in conformation. Lancashire heelers can be found competing in agility, herding, obedience, rally, barn hunt, tracking, disk dog, dock diving, and therapy trials. “There are even a couple that have competed in Earth dog and weight-pull events,” said Sheryl Bradbury, President of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club (USLHC), according to AKC. “It’s a breed that will work hard all day and is happy to curl up at your side and watch the TV news at night.”“The breed is different but in a good way,” said Jeff Kestner, Club Chair of Judges’ Education Committee. “It’s not a run-of-the-mill dog. Its eyes and expression are like magnets. Being a herding breed it's extremely intelligent - it definitely needs a job to do.” According to Bradbury, the biggest misconception about the Lancashire heeler is that it’s adorable and sweet and the perfect size to sit on your lap. “I always caution the buyers to not let a puppy’s cuteness fool you. The minute it is off your lap it may be chewing your shoes or nipping at your heels. Conversely, it will be your loyal best friend.”This cute breed often develops a strong bond with one household member. They will like to interact with the entire family but will pick a favorite person. “It is great with children as long as the children understand how to respect the dog,” added Bradbury. The breed’s origin is packed with mystery but they were first bred in the United Kingdom. The Lancashire heeler is regarded as a “vulnerable native breed” and faces extinction in its homeland. The United Kingdom’s Kennel Club has added an average of just 121 Lancashire heelers to its registry in recent years.Being recognized as a dog breed doesn’t mean that the breed in question is newly created. To officially recognize the Lancashire heeler, the American Kennel Club required proof of a minimum of 20 litters bred with a three-generation pedigree. This guarantees that the breed is established and sustainable. According to Bradbury, there are around 400 Lancashire heelers nationwide but there’s no doubt we’ll see more of these dogs in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The US National Park Service is Being Sued Over Stray Cats

The US National Park Service was sued by a non-profit organization due to its controversial plan to remove the famous stray cats of Puerto Rico, a historic district in the US territory. The lawsuit was filed by  Alley Cat Allies, a non-profit based in Maryland, and it comes four months after the radical announcement that left many in shock. The Federal agency revealed that it would contract an animal welfare organization to remove around 200 stray cats that live in Puerto Rico’s historic seaside fortress in Old San Juan. What the organization still hasn’t decided upon is whether the captured stray cats would be placed in foster homes, kept in shelters, adopted, or face a different fate. What is more, the federal agency did not reveal if a third-party organization has been hired yet. The National Park Service also added that it would hire a “removal agency” if the organization it contracted ultimately failed to remove the cats within a six-month period. The news caught many by surprise, as many locals – and tourists alike – loved the cats, and many considered them a delight and a local attraction. Alas, many considered the cats a nuisance too, as the National Park Service stated in a report in 2022 that the cat population in the city had grown out of proportions and that the smell of feces and urine in the area was becoming too strong.The announcement of their plan roused many animal rights activists, who say that six months is not enough to remove such a great number of cats. They fear that, as a result, many cats would be killed. Ultimately, the Alley Cat Allies filed its lawsuit in an effort to ensure the best possible outcome for the felines in question. They requested additional environmental statements from the National Park Service, and asked that “a judge find its actions allegedly violate acts including the National Environmental Protection Act.” It remains to be seen what will be the fate of these kitties – but one can only hope they won’t be harmed in the process. 

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Neutering Rottweilers May Shorten Their Lifespan, Study Finds

Increased lifespan is often cited as one of the main benefits of neutering a dog. But is that true? A recently published study found neutered Rottweilers may have a shorter lifespan than their intact counterparts. Neutering is a commonly performed surgical procedure that prevents unwanted puppies, controls the pet population, and eliminates certain health problems in dogs. It offers significant health benefits, such as reduced risk of pyometra and mammary tumors in female dogs. However, in recent years, concerns have been raised about the possible side effects of neutering. A recent study aimed to shed some light on this topic by comparing the lifespans of neutered and intact male and female Rottweilers. Scientists analyzed available clinical records of 3,085 intact and 4,100 neutered Rottweilers from July 1994 to June 2021. These records were collected by VetCompass Australia. The analysis provided surprising results. Scientists discovered that Rottweilers that were neutered before one year of age had a shortened lifespan of one-and-a-half years in males and one year in females when compared to intact Rottweilers. The analysis showed similar results for dogs neutered before the age of four-and-a-half years. “Most other studies have found that neutering dogs increases their longevity but ours is the first that went against that,” said Dr. Caroline Joone, the study’s lead author and senior lecturer at James Cook University in theriogeneology. “It was a bit of a shock when that wasn’t what we found,” Dr. Joone added. “We were fortunate with the data we had because we could determine when a dog was desexed and when they died.” Despite the study’s findings Dr. Joone strongly encourages owners to neuter their four-legged companions to prevent unwanted litters, as well as, serious health issues. “There are serious consequences for not neutering a dog, such as the risk of life-threatening uterus infection known as pyometra, mammary tumors, and unwanted puppies,” Dr. Joone explained. At this time, it’s unclear whether there is an ideal age to neuter a Rottweiler that doesn’t influence their lifespan. The study also highlighted several factors that could affect the lifespan of any dog, including nutrition, exercise, health care, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors. These factors may be reduced by screening for genetic health conditions. Selecting healthy breeding pairs may also help reduce the occurrence of hereditary disorders and support longevity. Let’s not forget that overweight dogs have a shorter life span than lean dogs. “There’s a strong suspicion that the reduced lifespan is more to do with weight issues than the neutering itself, so I would encourage owners to go ahead and neuter their dog but make sure you keep it at a good, healthy weight.”Dr. Joone explained that a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining a healthy weight in neutered dogs.Do these findings apply to all neutered dogs or just Rottweilers? Scientists aren’t sure yet but plan to extend their research to other popular breeds, such as golden retrievers and greyhounds, to determine whether these results are widely applicable. The role of weight gain post-neutering and other underlying causes of reduced lifespan in neutered dogs are worth investigating further. Additionally, this study also showed that the time of neutering a dog may affect its lifespan. Dogs are often neutered between six months and one year of age, but mounting evidence has suggested that this may not be the best time to neuter a dog. Based on this analysis, neutering Rottweilers early, especially before the age of one, reduces lifespan, highlighting the importance of determining the optimal neutering age. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Tell Your Cats Are About to Fight, According to Scientists

Have you ever wondered if your cats are play fighting or fighting for real? People living in multi-cat households know that the occasional scuffle or a full-blown cat fight is bound to happen. However, many cat owners have a hard time figuring out whether their cats are fighting or roughhousing. A new study published in Scientific Reports can provide some clues. As it turns out, certain behaviors could indicate whether an interaction between two felines is friendly, aggressive, or something in between. In this study, scientists, including Noema Gajdoš-Kmecová from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia, analyzed 105 videos of interactions between 210 cats. The videos were obtained directly from cat owners and YouTube. After watching around one-third of the videos, Gajdoš-Kmecová pinpointed six types of specific behaviors, including wrestling, chasing, staying still, vocalizing, interactive, and non-interactive activities. She then watched all the videos again to see which cats exhibited one of these specific behaviors and for how long. After running a statistical analysis, Gajdoš-Kmecová was able to identify three distinctive types of interactions between the cat pairs - playful, intermediate, and aggressive. To confirm her findings, other members of the research team also watched the videos and classified each interaction between cats. Over half of the cats from the videos, 56% to be exact, exhibited playful interactions. According to the study, playful interactions included wrestling and a lack of vocalization. About 29% were labeled as agonistic, meaning they exhibited any type of social behavior that included threatening, aggression, and submission. Cats in this group vocalized and exhibited recurring bouts of inactivity.The cats in the intermediate group were involved in both aggressive and playful encounters. According to researchers, this group showed prolonged exchanges of specific behaviors, like laying on the back with the belly exposed, pouncing, stalking, and grooming each other. Scientists believe that this mixture of playful and aggressive behavior may be a sign of short-term friction between the cats rather than the end of the relationship. “This might escalate into a fully agonistic encounter but does not necessarily reflect a breakdown in their social relationship but rather a short-term disagreement in social priorities,” researchers wrote in the study. This study is the first to apply a scientific approach to cat behavior that can be identified by experienced and first-time owners alike. Thanks to this study, scientists can now classify inter-cat interactions as either playful, agonistic, or intermediate. “Wrestling can be a sign of a fight but if it comes with bouts of inactivity then that often means it is playful,” explained Profesor Daniel Mills, who led the study.“Playfighting is also without vocalizations. That’s the profile of a friendly cat. The agonistic cat, they might not do as much wrestling with inactivity but they do lots of vocalization.”“Owners should keep an eye out on how much they are wrestling and whether or not they’re vocalizing. Vocalizing can be broad and include meowing and also yowling,” he added. We all know when cats are fighting fur real, but it’s important to recognize intermediate interactions, where things could end in play or escalate into a real fight. “A lot of cats end up at cat rescue centers because the owners think that they’ve fallen out. In the clinic, I’ve seen cats that are playing and the owner thinks it’s a real fight,” said Professor Mills. If your cats are really getting along (share food and toys and sleep together), an occasional bout of agonistic play is okay. But if your cats aren’t the best of friends, you should look for signs of agonistic behavior. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

With Just a Sniff, Dogs May be Able to Curtail PTSD Episodes

Halifax's Dalhousie University finds dogs can identify the adrenaline hormone through an individual's breath.

Stray Dog Becomes Surrogate for Abandoned Puppies at Texas Shelter

A stray Great Pyrenees dog, found wandering the streets of Fort Bend County, Texas, became a surrogate mother to a litter of six abandoned puppies.In late October, a concerned citizen found an abandoned litter of puppies. After failing to locate the pups’ mother in the surrounding area, the person brought the puppies to Fort Bend County Animal Services. “They were tiny, needing immediate bottle feeding and care, they were just about a week to 10 days old,” said Rene Vasquez, the director of Fort Bend County Animal Services, to PEOPLE.Although the puppies arrived at the shelter in good condition, they were starving and needed nourishment ASAP. The Fort Bening County Animal Services took to social media to look for fosters to take in the puppies and provide them with around-the-clock bottle feedings. Around the same time, another local found a stray Great Pyrenees, named Nova, who was full of milk. While it was clear that Nova had a litter recently, her puppies were nowhere to be found. The woman who found Nova saw the shelter’s online call for help and decided to contact them with a different idea. Instead of using volunteers to do the bottle feedings, she suggested bringing Nova by to see if the dog would accept to nurse the puppies. The shelter loved this idea and decided to give Nova a chance. A few seconds after Nova met the puppies it became apparent that the shelter made the right decision. “Nova was so happy to see the puppies! She took to them right away, and they were very happy to have a mama and food,” Vasquez shared. Although the abandoned puppies aren’t Nova’s biological litter, she accepted them as if they were her own. Acting like a true momma, Nova quickly allowed the pups to nurse and cuddle close to her for warmth. Thanks to Nova’s maternal instincts the puppies are doing well and growing quickly.“We were so happy that Nova was able to step up and be a mom for them. Sometimes, it is difficult to find bottle feeders and fosters for when the puppies or kittens are so little, so to have a nursing mom available to accept the babies is definitely a good day,” said Vasquez. Nova and the puppies, five boys and one girl, are currently living in a foster home. The fosters caring for the four-legged bunch plan to adopt Nova once the puppies are weaned. “The puppies will stay with Nova until they are weaned, and then we will start looking for homes for them. They will also be vaccinated, microchipped, and fixed before going to their forever homes,” the shelter’s director added. The case of Nova and her adopted litter has a happy ending, but not all stories end on a positive note. “As an industry, we are facing a real crisis in animal welfare across the country with an abundance of stray animals and not enough adopters or fosters to help the overcrowded shelters and rescues. Nova and her puppies illustrate the importance of spaying and neutering,” said the Fort Bend County Animal Services director.Shelters around the country are struggling to take in new animals due to a lack of forever homes and overcrowding. Each year, millions of pets end up in shelters across the nation, most of which are never adopted into a forever home. If you’re looking for a four-legged companion, visit your local shelter or rescue organization to see which of their residents would make a perfect addition to your home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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How To Tell if a Cat Is Cold

Despite your cat’s luxurious coat, they can feel cold sometimes, and it’s important to make it easy for them to warm up because, if they get too cold, they could become hypothermic. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs that your cat is cold, and how to help them feel warm and comfortable.Signs Your Cat Is ColdCats of all ages and breeds can feel the effects of the cold, but kittens, seniors, and those who are ill are more susceptible. And, of course, hairless cats can get cold even faster. Here are some of the ways to tell if your cat is cold:Your cat’s body feels cold – Feel your cat’s body to see if they’re cold to the touch. If their ears, paws, and tail are colder than normal, they may need help warming up. Your cat’s posture changes – A cat who’s cold may curl up in a ball to try to warm up. You might also find them puffing up their fur or they might be in a hunched position as they try to conserve heat. Your cat is looking for warmer spots – A kitty who’s feeling the chill in the air will find the warmest spots in the house. They might get under the thick blanket on your bed, or they might insist on sitting in your lap. And you might find them spending more time near a heater or fireplace. During the day, they might also move to areas that get more sunshine to feel its warmth.Your cat isn’t as active – When a cat feels too cold, they may become less active. If your pet is sleeping more or appears lethargic, first make sure that another medical issue isn’t to blame. If it’s because they’re cold, take action to warm them up, including turning up the heat in your home. Bear in mind that cats with certain conditions, such as arthritis, might feel even more discomfort when it’s cold, and this can lead to changes in activity level and behavior too.Your cat starts shivering – Like people, cats shiver when they’re very cold, and this is a sign that you need to warm them up right away. But because this could also be a symptom of other problems, from illness and pain to stress and fear, be sure to determine if temperature is really the culprit.What To Do if Your Cat Is ColdThere are many ways to help your feline friend feel cozy and comfortable, such as:Give your cat a cozy bed and blanket in a warm spotWhen you see that your cat is feeling cold, give them a warm bed that they can rest in to warm up. There are heated beds that you plug in, as well as self-warming beds that work without electricity. Plus, there are heated pads that can be helpful in making your kitty feel cozy. And you can let your cat crawl under a soft blanket for extra warmth. Just be sure to use heated beds and pads as directed to prevent injuries. Let your cat relax in a warm area in the house, such as near a heat source or in a spot where the sunshine streams in during the day. Move your pet away from drafts.Snuggle with your catOnce your cat finds a comfortable spot on the bed or sofa, you can lie down next to them to help them warm up with your body heat. They’re sure to love the attention, and you’ll get to be near your purring feline friend.  Put sweaters on your catAs long as your kitty doesn’t mind wearing clothes, you can use sweaters to keep them warm on chilly days. This is especially useful for hairless kitties. And you can use clothes to keep your cat warm while exploring the outdoors with you.Protect cats who spend time outsideIf your pet is an adventure cat who goes outside with you, or an indoor/outdoor cat who goes out on their own, check outdoor temperatures first. Generally, it’s best to let them spend time outside only when it’s at least 45°F (7°C), but every cat is different, so some might only feel comfortable when it’s even warmer than that.Whenever it’s cold, raining, windy, or snowing, keep them indoors until the weather clears and warms up. Remember, cats who are cold or wet for too long are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.Note: If you have an outdoor cat, they’ll look for shelter to stay as warm as possible, so give them a safe and dry outdoor enclosure that will protect them from the elements if you can’t bring them into your home, which would be preferable.Check Out These Products That Help Cats Stay WarmHere are a few products we recommend for keeping your cat warm: K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded

Lost Tortoise Found After 3 Years

A story about a lost tortoise in Florida proves that reunions can happen even years after losing a pet, and that social media can play a huge role in reconnecting people with their lost pets.

A Former Elvis Impersonator Adopts Elvis, the Dog Who No One Wanted

Elvis, the only dog who didn’t get adopted at Anti Cruelty’s Fall in Love adoption event, finally found a forever home with an owner who used to work as an Elvis Presley impersonator. A three-year-old pit bull terrier mix was the only pooch out of 22 dogs and 39 cats who didn’t find a forever home at the November 11 adoption event. After the event, Elvis had to be sent back to his kennel which served as his home for around four months.Shortly after the event, the shelter took to social media to ask for help finding this handsome boy a forever home. The post that has gone viral said: “Elvis is the only dog that didn’t find a home during our Fall in Love adoption event. He met a lot of potential adopters but sadly did not get adopted. Help us find Elvis a family to love!”In the post, the shelter described Elvis as a “three-year-old meatball” with “the silliest personality.”“His giant smile lights up every room he enters. Elvis is a snuggler, so he hopes you’re okay giving up your personal space.”Elvis arrived at the shelter as an injured stray dog. Since the pooch didn’t put weight on his hind leg, the shelter took X-rays which showed a fractured pelvis. Although the fracture healed completely during his stay at the shelter, Elvis might be prone to arthritis in the future. A few days later this handsome boy found his forever home! And this is where things get really interesting. The couple who adopted the cute pup has a special connection to him - one of them used to be an Elvis Presley impersonator.Loren Agron, one of the pup’s new dads, worked as an Elvis-impersonating waiter at Ed Debevic’s, a 1950s-themed diner where staff entertained customers with choreographed dance routines. Agron dressed up as Elvis Presley and called himself Elvis Parsley.“I wore a black cowboy shirt and quintessential giant Elvis sunglasses, I had long sideburns and my hair was all pumped up and slicked back,” Agron told The Washington Post.“Elvis has always been a big part of my life because I’ve always loved music from that era,” he added.First, Agron went to the shelter to meet Elvis alone, and then he came back with his partner, Drew Wilhelm. “While we were sitting in the waiting room to meet him, I felt like a father waiting for his newborn son to arrive,” said Wilhelm. “As soon as I saw him, I knew that was our dog,” he added. “He couldn’t stop jumping on us, he was so excited we were there to see him.”The couple adopted Elvis that day and took him to his forever home.  “Elvis has left the building,” the shelter wrote alongside a photo of the happy family. “His adopters have been waiting for the right time to welcome a dog into their family, and once they saw Elvis on the news, they couldn’t deny that it was fate.”The couple plans to keep the handsome pup’s legendary name and smitten with their new four-legged companion. “The couple is head over heels in love with their new family member and already has a dog bed and tons of toys waiting for him at his forever home,” the shelter wrote in a post. “Loren is a dedicated ACS supporter and has hosted many of the ACS’s fundraising events at Chicago’s fabulous drag queen, Debbie Fox. We couldn’t be happier for Elvis who finally got his happily ever after!”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What to Know When Traveling Across the US/Canada Border with Your Pet

International travel with your best friend by your side can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the rules and regulations for crossing the border can feel daunting.Whether you’re heading to Canada for a pet-friendly weekend getaway or attending a Canadian pet show or expo, ensuring that you meet all the needs for crossing the border with your furry friend will set you up for a smooth journey.Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about traveling with your pet across the US/Canada border.In this guide, we’ll cover essential documentation, tips to set yourself up for a stress-free crossing and answer some of the most common questions about pet-friendly international travel.Can You Drive Across the Canadian Border with a Dog (or Cat)?If your next pet-friendly road trip will take you across the border into Canada, you’re in luck. Pet parents can drive from the United States to Canada with the whole family, including their furry family members, if they have the necessary paperwork.Entering Canada may be more complicated if your dog is coming from any country other than the United States. This is due to the concern of rabies, which causes some countries to face restrictions. If your dog has recently been to another country, it is recommended that you look further into the requirements for traveling from that area or ask your veterinarian.What Do I Need to Cross the US Border into Canada with My Dog?When traveling to Canada with your dog, the documentation required will depend on their age.If your dog is 3 months old or older, you must provide a rabies vaccination certificate to cross the border. This document must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and show that your dog received a rabies vaccine within 3 years of the date you are crossing.The rabies vaccination certificate must include the following: Your name and address A description of your dog (breed, sex, age, color, markings, etc.)Date of rabies vaccination Vaccine product informationVaccination expiry date Name, address, license number, and signature of the veterinarian who administered the vaccinePuppies under 3 months of age are not required to provide proof of a rabies vaccine. However, border security may ask for proof of your dog’s age.Are the Rules Different for Cats or Other Pets?All cats over the age of 3 months must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate showing that the vaccine was administered within 3 years of the date of travel. Kittens under 3 months old are exempt from this requirement.The requirements for ferrets to cross the border are similar. However, the rabies vaccination certificate must show that the vaccine was administered within 12 months of the travel date.Any pet parents traveling with a bird must complete a “ Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Pet Birds from the United States of America to Canada.” This form details important information for your upcoming travel, including the number of birds you can travel with, depending on their species.Do you have a pet that we haven’t addressed? More information can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

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