Pomston

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: September 11th, 2018

About Pomston

Height

7-12 inches

Weight

10-20 lbs

Lifespan

13-16 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

Seniors, singles, families with children, apartments, houses with/without yard

Temperament

Loyal, loving, outgoing, curious, intelligent

Comparable Breeds

Boston Terrier, Pomeranian

Pomston Basics

Friendly, outgoing, goofy, and smart- these all qualities that can be attributed to the charming Pomston. This recent designer dog breed is a result of crossing the feisty and intelligent Pomeranian with the friendly and gentle Boston Terrier. Due to their small size and easy going personalities, Pomston puppies are a great choice for people living in apartments and cities, as well as families with older children. Having a four-legged family member such as the loyal Pomston can appeal to many, though, as these adaptable pooches are bred to be the perfect companion dog, and are definitely suited for their intended role.

While the lack of uniformity is an issue for all designer dog breeds, there are some general assumptions that you can make about your crossbreed dog’s personality and mature appearance that turn out true. After all, every hybrid dog is a direct offspring of two purebred dogs, so there’s not much wiggle room when it comes to inherited traits. In Pomston’s case, this means that you’ll be getting a small breed pooch, eager to please their owners and with a very sweet nature, smart but often a bit stubborn, too- and yet, ideal if you want a furry companion that will enjoy spending time with you and cuddle on the sofa rather than go for a run.

Friendly, outgoing, goofy, and smart- these all qualities that can be attributed to the charming Pomston.

Origin

Pomston is a designer breed, which means that these dogs have been around only for the past few years- at least when it comes to intentional Pomeranian and Boston terrier mixes. However, the breeds that were used to create this unique hybrid dog have rich histories and have been by our sides long enough for us to get a clear picture of their breed-specific traits and qualities. The Pomeranian parent of the Pomston has been a treasured companion and a lap dog for royalty and nobles ever since the 18th century, and the “American gentleman” as we know it today came to be a century later. In both cases, the parental breeds of the Pomston are well-known, popular, and loved by generations of dog owners and enthusiasts all around the world.

Pedigree

Unfortunately, as a designer breed, Pomston is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, which means these puppies can’t have a pedigree. It’s not to say anything about Pomston qualities, as all crossbreeds and hybrid dog breeds are yet to be recognized by major canine clubs and organizations- hopefully, the growing popularity of designer dog breeds will influence the official organizations to reconsider their rules.

Food/Diet

Your Pomston will need high-quality, well-balanced diet to stay healthy throughout its lifetime. Proper nutrition will ensure that your pet’s basic needs are met, and it’s of utmost importance to pick out the best Pomston food to support their overall health. Luckily, Pomstons are not too complicated when it comes to their dietary habits: they are rarely picky eaters and will do well with any high-quality kibble that’s appropriate for their current age (puppy, adult, or senior) and size. Dry food blends formulated for small breeds are usually a good choice, but make sure that the activity level of your pet matches the caloric values of the kibble. In most cases, Pomstons won’t be too active, so they don’t need calorie-dense foods for active dogs.

In fact, it is recommended to pay attention to how much food and treats you dole out to your loved Pomston in general, as they tend to be gluttonous and gain weight easily. Overfeeding your pet or overindulging them with yummy treats can only do them harm in the long run: obesity is a serious issue for Pomstons, same as any other canine. Make sure to follow the feeding guide printed on your pet’s food, or consult a veterinarian for advice on serving sizes.

Your Pomston will need high-quality, well-balanced diet to stay healthy throughout its lifetime.

Training

Just like their Pomeranian and Boston Terrier parents, Pomstons are quite smart. But, while their intelligence is indisputable, that doesn’t mean that training them will be easy from the get-go. Both of these breeds have a stubborn streak in them, so don’t be surprised if your Pomston puppy turns out to be strong-willed, too. Of course, with the right incentive (hint: their favorite treats), even the most bull-headed Pomston can be motivated to learn! A little patience and the right training technique will do wonders for your new puppy: positive reinforcement training method will make Pomston receptive and awaken their quick-learning side.

Although Pomstons are not too prone to behavioral issues in general, timely socialization and basic manners will ensure that no issues arise as your pet grows older. Make sure to go through basic training with your pet if you don’t want to deal with problems such as separation anxiety or other destructive behaviors.

Weight

Designer dogs are unique: each pooch can have looks and character that’s truly one of a kind. After all, you can never know what genes in the mix will be the most dominant! However, there are some general rules of thumb when it comes to crossbreed dogs, and you can usually know what to expect, at least approximately, with each of the littermates. When it comes to the weight of adult Pomstons, there are no rules set in stone: depending on which of the parents your pet favors, their weight can be anywhere between 10 to 20 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

Pomston dogs are known as friendly, outgoing, and quite affectionate. Both the Pomeranian and the Boston Terrier were bred to be lap dogs, and it’s no wonder that their offspring feels most at ease when snuggled next to their favorite human! Of course, it doesn’t have to mean that your pet will win the genetic lottery and inherit only the best of both worlds. Sometimes, some of the less desirable traits are inherited, such as the stubbornness of the Boston Terrier or the yippiness of the tiny Pom. Usually, though, the blend of characteristics typical for a Pomston is a highly-coveted one: these dogs make fiercely loyal, loving, and entertaining companions that adapt easily to most families’ lifestyles.

Additionally, Pomstons are beloved for their sweet nature that doesn’t discriminate, so you can expect these four-legged cuddle bugs to get along well with seniors, kids, strangers… They haven’t met a person that they didn’t want to wag their tail for! It goes without saying, though, that you’ll need to socialize your dog in order to see all of their best traits- without training, love, and care, it’s highly likely that your dog will turn out to be anxious, depressed, and even nippy towards strangers.

Common Health Problems

Most designer breeds have very few health issues, as diluting the gene pool of a purebred dog by introducing another breed is bound to minimize the chance for any inherited illnesses and conditions. Provided that your Pomston is fed well, has enough exercise and good care throughout their life, it’s safe to presume that they won’t be affected by any major health issues. However, it doesn’t mean that these crossbreed dogs are not prone to any health problems that their parents suffer from.

Pomstons that favor Pomeranian parent more might face dental problems such as early tooth loss, whereas those puppies that take up after the Boston Terrier in the mix might have eye problems, such as cherry eye or entropion (lid turning inward). Most of these issues are not life-threatening and can be prevented with timely care and veterinary assistance. In general, you can expect your Pomston to have far fewer health issues than a purebred dog.

Life Expectancy

Considering that it is expected for a designer dog breed to have fewer health issues than any of its purebred parents, as well as the fact that Pomston is a small breed dog, it is safe to assume that they’ll have long and healthy lives if they’re spending them in optimal conditions. As a hybrid breed that came to exist just in the last few years, it is still too early to tell how long these dogs live, but the life expectancy of their parents can tell us a lot about Pomston’s lifespan. These cute cross breeds are expected to live 13 to 16 years, possibly even more if all of their needs are being met.

Exercise Requirements

While they are definitely excitable and playful, Pomston dogs are not high-maintenance when it comes to their exercise requirements. Yes, they do have a bit more energy than your average lap dog, but it just means that they’ll always be up for fun and adventures! A daily game of fetch long walks, or some zoomies in the backyard will keep your pet content, exercised and away from trouble: because, let’s face it, any dog that doesn’t burn off their energy is bound to become mischievous or even destructive. All things considered, Pomstons can be categorized as dogs who need a medium amount of physical activity and 30 to 60 minutes of exercise will be more than enough to keep them happy!

Pomstons can be categorized as dogs who need a medium amount of physical activity- ideal if you are an apartment dweller!

Recognized Clubs

While the American Kennel Club will not recognize any designer dog as an official breed, there are numerous canine organizations and clubs that do make sure that there are certain standards of breeding for the hybrid dogs. The organizations that recognize the Pomeagle include American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.

Coat

The Pomeranian and the Boston Terrier are a world away when it comes to their fur: the first is recognizable by a fluffy, long-haired coat, whereas the American Gentleman flaunts a short, low-maintenance coat. It goes without saying that Pomstons can land anywhere between the two opposing sides! Additionally, Boston Terriers are well-known for their black and white coats, and Pomeranians can have a variety of coat colors, from tan to black.

When you combine the two breeds, you usually get a pooch with hair that is on the shorter side, in any of the color combos, from bicolored to brindle, to plain mono-colored tones. In general, Pomstons should be low-maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs. Brushing them every two days and giving them a bath every few weeks will be more than enough to keep them looking their best at all times!

Puppies

Your new Pomston puppy will need a lot of care and attention to grow into a loving, wonderful pooch with time. Proper socialization and basic training are a must for this crossbreed cutie, as they will ensure that the best parts of their personality and behavior come to light and weed out any potentially problematic traits.

Pomston dogs are loved for their friendly, easy-going character and loyal nature, and they make perfect companions for families, seniors, and singles. As small breed dogs that don’t require much exercise, Pomstons will fit right in an urban environment and are an excellent choice for apartment living. Generally speaking, these dogs are quite adaptable and chances are that your lifestyle will suit them perfectly whether you have an outdoors-loving family with kids or want a dog that will keep you company during Netflix marathons.

Photo credit: opalledo/Shutterstock; Jewelzz/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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No food is more synonymous with cats than tuna. Even the pickiest of cats can’t resist the tuna’s fishy flavor. Finally, scientists have learned why cats love tuna so much. In the study published in the journal Chemical Sense, scientists report that cats, like humans, have receptors needed to detect umami flavor. Along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, umami is one of the five basic tastes.Umami seems to be the cats’ favorite flavor. Considering that umami gives food a deep and savory meaty aroma, it’s no surprise that an obligate carnivore like a cat would prefer it over all other flavors.The research team also found that cats’ taste receptors bind to two chemicals found in high concentrations in tuna. These chemicals boost the umami flavor, making cats obsessed with tuna. “This is an important study that will help us better understand the preferences of our familiar pers,” says Yasuka Toda, a molecular biologist at Meiji University. According to Toda, this study could help cat food manufacturers create healthier food and more palatable medication for cats. Previous studies showed that cats have a unique palate. Cats can’t taste sugar, because their sweet receptor gene is dysfunctional. Scientists believe that felines lose the ability to taste sweeteners and carbs because they don’t need these macronutrients to survive. Cats also have fewer bitter flavor receptors than humans. This trait is commonly seen in obligated carnivores. “Since discovering that cats don’t have a functional sweet taste receptor, we did wonder what they would respond to instead,” study lead author Scott McGrane, a sensory science expert at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, told Live Science. Humans and other animals possess two genes - Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 that work together to detect umami flavor. Previous research has shown that cats express the umami-related Tas1r3 gene in their taste buds, but it was unclear whether they possess both genes needed to detect umami flavor. The research team led by McGrane discovered that cats expressed both Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 genes in their taste buds. To learn this, the scientist biopsied the tongue of a six-year-old male cat that had been euthanized for health reasons unrelated to this study. However, a closer look at the protein sequences encoded by these genes showed that they are very different from human genes. As it turned out, the main amino acids that activate umami flavor in people - glutamic and aspartic acid - were mutated in cats. “So I began thinking, maybe cats can’t taste umami,” said McGrane. But, as it turned out, amino acids don’t bind to the cat umami receptor alone. Nucleotides, which are common in meat and yeast, bind to the cat receptor and glutamic and aspartic acid then have an enhancing effect. “That’s the exact opposite of what we see in people,” explained McGrane. Cats love tuna because it contains the nucleotide inosine monophosphate. Tuna also contains large quantities of L-histidine, an essential amino acid for cats, that enhances umami flavor. “The L-histidine content of tuna is much higher than of other fish species and meat sources.”These new findings could be used for the development of tastier cat food and pharmaceuticals. Although cat food manufacturers already knew that cats prefer meaty flavors, they now have much more details about the compounds they can start working with. It’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that animals want to eat the food they formulate and find it appealing. “I think umami is as important for cats as sweet is for humans,” said Toda. Dogs, she explained, can taste both sweet and umami, which may explain why they’re not such fussy eaters. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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!

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils have a variety of uses and can be quite beneficial. And that’s not true for human use alone, as these natural oils found their way to the world of pets as well, and can be used to help eliminate a range of issues such as skin irritations, allergies, and fleas, and to boost the overall health of your dog’s coat. But, while there are plenty of pet products that contain essential oils, many owners are wondering: are essential oils really safe for dogs? It is a good question, so let’s try and find the right answer.Essential Oils for Dogs: The BasicsWhile some essential oils can be safe for dogs, it's important to use them with caution. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so strong scents can be overwhelming, even if they are of natural origin. Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, are generally considered safe in small amounts and when properly diluted. That being said, it is important to know what you are buying and to find essential oils that are made for pets especially. These are likely to be properly diluted and formulated to be safe for dogs. Essential oils can have various effects on dogs, both positive and negative. Some oils, like the aforementioned lavender and chamomile, may help with relaxation and anxiety, and help your pet sleep easier. On the other side, specific oils such as tea tree, citrus, and peppermint can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.When using essential oils around dogs, it's crucial to dilute them properly. Always dilute essential oils before using them around your dog. Most experts recommend a ratio of 1:50, meaning one drop of essential oil to 50 drops of carrier oil. Of course, you should always observe your dog's reactions. Watch for signs of distress or discomfort in your dog when you introduce a new essential oil. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the oil immediately.Ultimately, you should be wary of the application methods you are using. Avoid applying essential oils directly to your dog's skin. Instead, diffuse them in the air or use a diffuser. You can also add a few drops to your dog's collar or bedding if the goal is to deter parasites. Needless to say, it goes a long way to properly familiarize yourself with essential oils and how they are used in the dog world. You can go in-depth with  a book that specializes in this topic, and gain the ultimate knowledge about these helpful oils before utilizing these natural products for your pet’s well-being. 

Jolly Pets’ Annual “#WeGiveaJolly” Campaign Helps Shelter Dogs

Jolly Pets is the brand behind innovative, durable, and unique pet toys that are made entirely by domestic manufacturers – and every holiday season, they make an effort to spread joy, kindness, and love to all the pooches in need. This season, collaborating with 19 influencer ambassadors, they are once again heading their # WeGiveaJolly charitable campaign. Starting from November 28th until December 25th, Jolly Pets will donate a high-quality toy for every single purchase made. The toys will go to rescue dogs at 19 animal shelters in the USA, each represented by the influencer ambassadors, as announced by the marketing director of Jolly Pets, Louisa Casto. "The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs than through the power of play and companionship. Jolly Pets understands the importance of providing joy and comfort to dogs awaiting their forever homes, and # WeGiveaJolly exemplifies our commitment to this cause," said Casto. "We believe that every dog deserves love, care, and happiness regardless of their circumstances. That's why we're excited to kick off our annual # WeGiveaJolly campaign, collaborating with compassionate ambassadors and animal shelters to make a real difference in a dog's life."This campaign will bring true holiday cheer across the country, especially to rescue dogs who are in dire need of some love and compassion.The ambassadors, shelters, and locations are as follows:@guidingeyesfortheblind for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Yorktown Heights, NY@goodasgoldens for Canine Companions, Sacramento, CA@Jack_the_Sleeper for Fort Worth North Animal Care and Adoption Campus, Haslet, TX@moosethegoldenretriever for Rescue Village, Russell Twp., OH@cheriethesurfdog for Frenchies United Rescue, Claremont, CA@incredibullstella for Animal Help Alliance, Las Vegas, NV@iheartpgracie for Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York, NY@2rockstarlabs for Crossed Paws Animal Shelter, Woodsfield, OH@koda.laredo for Hoosier Bulldog Rescue, Indianapolis, IN@posies_pocketful_of_praise for Pickens Humane Society, Liberty, SC@ziggy_loving_life for Home Fur Good Animal Rescue, Phoenix, AR@maligator_apollo for PAWS Chicago, Chicago, IL@remingtonpup for Great Pyrenees Rescue Society, Spring, TX@gvl_golden_girls for Dog Squad, Greer, SC@enzo.and.bella for Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control, Northville, MI@benny.n.lola for Humane Society Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA@leuleu_theblue for the Pet Alliance Sanford Shelter, Orlando, FL@the.hero.dogs for Hot Mess Pooches, Homer, IL@fosterkittenhq for The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington, VA"By participating in Jolly Pets # WeGiveaJolly campaign, our customers are not only providing joy to their own pets but also extending that joy to shelter dogs waiting for a loving home. It's a small act of kindness that can profoundly impact these dogs' lives," Casto said. "We encourage using the hashtag # WeGiveaJolly on social media to encourage friends and family to participate in this heartwarming initiative."To learn more about the # WeGiveaJolly campaign and to shop for Jolly Pets' durable and innovative pet toys, visit  https://jollypets.com/pages/wegiveajolly-annual-toy-drive.

Lost Service Dog Survived 2 Months Alone in the Colorado Mountains

It’s every dog parent’s nightmare. 14-month-old service dog in training Nova Riley slipped out of her harness and bolted out of a Safeway parking lot in a panic. After several sightings by the community as they searched tirelessly alongside owner Robynne Simons-Sealy, Nova continued to run in fear from anyone who attempted to catch her. After two long months of worrying and searching, Simons-Sealy was reunited with her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. Nova was discovered injured in the woods of Meyers Ranch Park by two hikers on November 19th. The hikers recognized that she was injured, frightened, and needed help. They tried to carry her out to safely, but due to her high anxiety (understandable, given the situation), she bit one of her rescuers. Refusing to leave the poor dog behind, they decided to bring in help. One hiker stayed with Nova to keep her calm and assure her they weren’t giving up on her. The other hiker descended the trail to ask the park rangers for help and guide them, along with Animal Control Officer Kylie Rupe, three miles back to her position. “When we first got up there, I had brought treats and food up with me, knowing she would probably be very food-motivated at that point,” explained Rupe. “I used food to make friends, and she was very friendly but skittish.” With the help of both the rangers and animal control, Nova was carried to safety on a tarp. One of the rangers had recognized Nova from a lost dog poster, allowing her to be reunited with her worried and ever-grateful owner.

Cat Chattering: What Is It and What Does It Mean?

Cats communicate with each other and their humans in a variety of ways through vocalizations and body language. While you may be able to figure out what your cat is saying when they meow or hiss, you might be at a loss for an explanation when you see them chatter for the first time, especially if you’ve never seen cats do this before.What does it mean when cats chatter? Check out the information below to learn all about it so you’ll be able to figure out what your kitty is thinking and feeling the next time you see them exhibit this odd behavior.What Is Chattering in Cats?Chattering usually happens when a kitty sees something that they want to get their paws on. Many times, they’ll be looking out the window when a prey animal, like a chipmunk or bird, comes into view. Or, if your kitty spends time in a catio or outdoor enclosure, they might start chattering when they see small wildlife. As soon as your cat sees their intended prey, they may be ready to go on the hunt, and might express this feeling by chattering.This behavior doesn’t only happen when your kitty sees wildlife, though. It can also happen when you’re using a toy to play with them. The movement of the toy can get them excited and ready to pounce on their “prey,” and they might chatter as a result.Once you know what cat chattering looks like, you’ll be able to recognize it right away. But if you’ve never seen it before, it can be described simply as your cat making quick movements with their jaw, showing their teeth while staring intently at their target. Sometimes, no sounds will come out, but other times, they’ll make chirping sounds or even little meows. Some people even describe chattering as “ekekek”.To see what it looks like, here’s a compilation of cats chattering:

Dog-Killing Flatworm Discovered in California

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

What Size of Cage Does My Hamster Need?

Final Thoughts: The Best Hamster Cage SetupWhen setting up your hamster’s habitat, consider the floor space available. They are active and energetic creatures that need to be able to run, demanding more freedom to move than is often available in the overly hyped commercial cages. Instead, ensure the cage offers at least 24” by 12” of floor space on the main floor. Several cage styles are available, including wire cages, glass aquariums, and plastic pens. If you want to extend their habitat with a second floor, be cautious about the risk of injury. A long fall can be catastrophic. Include all necessities on the main floor of your hamster’s cage. This includes plenty of bedding to burrow into, clean hay, chew toys/enrichment opportunities, an appropriately sized exercise wheel, and access to fresh food and water. A proper habitat is the foundation for a happy, healthy life for your furry friend! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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