Pacu

by Amy Tokic

Published: November 15th, 2013

About Pacu

Group

Freshwater

Size

Large

Temperament

Non-aggressive

Aquarium Size

Large (50+ gal)

Swimming Region

Middle

Fish Water Condition

Suitable Tank Mates

Giant gouramis, Large species of cichlids and large species of catfish

Suitable Tank Mates

Weekly care

Pacu General description

Pacus are a large family of freshwater fish related to the Piranha. However, while some species of Pacu do look like Piranhas, they are actually herbivores and an extremely peaceful species of fish. One of the primary differences between the two is that the piranha’s teeth are triangular and razor sharp and the Pacu’s teeth are more square shaped and human-like. Additionally, most of the similarities these two species share end in maturity, especially size-wise. Pacus are also known to develop personalities as they grow older and can sometimes recognize their owners. Their fascinating behaviors make them a popular choice among aquaria enthusiasts.

However, the impressive size of these fishes makes them a good choice only for the experienced aquarists who can provide the care they require. An adult Pacu can be over 30 inches long and will need to be kept in a pond or an enormous tank. Even the two types of Pacu that are most commonly sold in pet stores, the Black Pacu and the Red-Bellied Pacu, will grow to this size.

In case you have a big aquarium or you are prepared to get one to keep your fish happy in their environment, read on. Pacu has a lot to offer to the right owner but they also have a few quirks and requirements that don’t make them a good match for everybody.

Pacu are a large family of freshwater fish related to the piranha.

Origins

Pacu fish originate from tropical and subtropical South America. Their natural habitat includes river, lakes and flooded forests, and spans from the depth of the Amazon to River Plate basin. However, despite the fact that their place of origin is South America, several species of Pacu can be found all over the world in the wild. This is the result of the illegal release of Pacu pet fish into the wild after the owners realize that they have grown too big for their tank. Now, there’s Pacu in the wild everywhere from the United States to Scandinavia, and in some areas, these aquarium fishes are becoming an invasive species and a threat to the ecosystem.

Color

Pacu family consists of many different species of fish. Naturally, this accounts for some variations in appearance, and it’s mainly colors that help experts make the distinction between different Pacu species. Not unlike most freshwater fishes, Pacu will also be a bit dull in comparison to their colorful tropical relatives. The main colors of their scales are the typical greyish olive, but the accent colors will depend on the particular species. For instance, the Black or Black-Finned Pacu will have a mainly black body, whereas the Red-Bellied Pacu sports a striking scarlet underside.

Maintenance and care

The most important thing that you need to know before deciding to raise pacu is that they are an extremely large species of fish. And contrary to popular belief, some species can reach over three feet in length no matter how confined their aquariums are. It is not uncommon for inexperienced aquarists to purchase and raise younger specimens only to realize that they cannot keep up with their great size and extremely demanding aquarium requirements over time. Pacus should ideally live in extremely large aquariums of 150 gallons or more or large outdoor ponds.

Care should be taken when decorating and maintaining your aquarium because they are known to use their powerful teeth to sometimes crush aquarium heaters and accessories. Pacu are extremely powerful and can sometimes knock glass lids off aquariums when excited. You should also be mindful of their size and power while you clean the tank. Although they are an extremely peaceful species, they are very inquisitive and have an extremely powerful bite. There are several reports of aquarists who have been severely injured from bites by inquisitive pacus.

As for the rest of their care requirements, Pacus are surprisingly undemanding. They feel good in water that has a pH value of 6.0 to 8.0. The temperature of the water should be around 75 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, a basic simple freshwater aquarium setup will be a great fit for the Pacu, as long as the tank is big enough to accommodate them. As for the decoration, live plants are the only thing that’s not always the best idea, as Pacu will gladly devour it in no time.

Feeding

Pacu is an omnivore and in its natural habitat it will eat anything from seeds, nuts, and locally available plants to smaller fishes and snails. While the Pacu is in its juvenile stages of life, flakes could make the basis of their diet, but as they grow older, their nutrition becomes more complex. Ideally, you would feed them quality pellets, paired with plant food and the occasional worms, blood worms and tubifex.

While some species of pacu do look like piranhas, they are herbivores and an extremely peaceful species of fish.

Breeding

Breeding pacus in the home aquarium is incredibly difficult and not a lot of knowledge exists on the subject.

Aquarium varieties

Red Belly Pacus, Black Finned Pacus, Black Pacus, etc.

Photo credit: Wisky/Wikimedia; Tino Strauss/Wikimedia

Amy Tokic

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

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6 Popular Aquarium Fish You Need To Avoid

Just because a fish is beautiful or readily available, it doesn’t mean you should keep it in your own aquarium. Make sure you don’t get reeled into these six aquarium fish that shouldn’t be in your tank. Walk into just about any fish store and you’ll find a plethora of fish. If you go in unprepared, it’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of the tiny fish in the tiny tanks, and start buying them up left and right. When you get home and look into the background and care of these fish, you’ll learn what a horrible mistake you’ve made. Many of the fish in stores are not meant to be kept by the average person. They grow far too large for most aquariums the average person has in their home. The sad reality is that in most cases, these fish will die long before a larger tank is needed. Related: Take a Walk On the Wild Side of Bettas The following list is of fish that should be avoided when adding stock to your new or existing aquarium. Part of being a responsible pet owner, of any kind, is knowing about your pets before you bring them into your home. Common Pleco: As common as they may be, the common pleco has no place in the average home aquarium. These beautiful fish are typically just a few inches long when first purchased by an unsuspecting new tank owner, but they will inevitably grow to be rather large. A common pleco can reach lengths of up to 18 inches, and if cared for properly, will live 30 years. Many new aquarists think that they need an “algae eater” in their tank; however the truth of the matter is that it is easier to take care of the algae yourself than to get a fish that will never grow and live to its full expectancy. Unless you are equipped for this large of a fish, with a large bio load to go with it, skip the common pleco and go with a smaller variety such as a bristlenose pleco. Related: 5 Fish Questions You Always Wanted to Ask Arowana: These fish are stunning creatures that offer a glimpse into prehistoric times. That being said, they grow quickly, are aggressive, and prefer to be alone in an aquarium. While there are several different types, none of them are for the average aquarium owner. They require enormous tanks, a quality diet, and a well-equipped and knowledgeable keeper. The silver arowana, which is kept by experienced aquarists, can grow to be 35 inches long from head to tail. This is not a fish that should be tossed in a community tank, as it will only result in disaster. Pacu: Aquarists looking for a large “manly” fish will often turn to the pacu. A pacu is a fish that is related to the piranha, but instead of sharp teeth, it has teeth similar to a human. They may be slightly gentler than a piranha when small, but don’t be fooled – these fish can reach 3 feet long and can weigh up to 55 lbs in the wild. These giants can easily break the tank glass with a swift hit, and since they are omnivorous, they will quickly pick off any tank mates that can fit into their massive jaws. If a beefy, manly fish is what you’re after, skip the pacu and go for some of the smaller varieties of cichlids that are available. Red Tail Catfish: Many people adore catfish, and rightfully so. Catfish have a grace about them, while still being strong and agile. A commonly available catfish purchased by unsuspecting aquarists is the red tail cat fish (RTC). The RTC can reach amazing sizes of 5 feet long, quickly outgrowing even the most experienced fish keeper’s tanks. They will also eat most tank mates, which doesn’t make them the most popular fish in the aquarium. Bala Sharks: The word “shark” appeals to those who don’t yet know the hobby. The truth is that these “sharks” are actually minnows. The first big problem is that they grow far too large for the home aquarium, reaching sizes of 16 inches. Consider that, because they are minnows, they are schooling fish and need to be kept in groups of 3 or more – that’s a lot of long fish to keep in a home aquarium. They need large tanks to be able to keep a group of them comfortably. Iridescent Sharks: Once again, another “shark” that isn’t a shark at all. These are catfish that will grow to be 4 feet long, and can weigh nearly 100 lbs if grown to their full capability. They are commonly harvested in the wild for their meat. It’s fairly obvious that a fish that grows to this size cannot be kept by the average home aquarium owner. This is far from an all-inclusive list of fish that should be avoided, but should serve as a suitable stepping stone, and learning opportunity, to always research before you buy. If you want to see large aquatic creatures, visit your local aquarium where they are kept the way they should be and can grow to their full potential instead of dying prematurely due to stunting in tiny tank.

Silver Dollar

General description The silver dollar is an extremely popular species of freshwater fish. They get their name from their almost round shaped bodies and silver coloring. Silver dollars are closely related to piranhas and pacu, but are gentle vegetarians. Their hardy nature and easy going temperament make them an excellent choice for most community aquariums and beginner aquarists. Silver dollars are an extremely popular species of freshwater fish. Origins Silver dollars originate from the Amazon River in South America. Color The silver dollar’s scale-less bodies are silver colored. Maintenance and care

Oscars

General description Oscar fish are one of the most popular species of freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby today. They are a highly intelligent species of fish and often display highly individual personalities, making them a favorite among many aquarists. They are characterized by their thick, rectangular shaped bodies and comparatively large heads. Oscars are a large species of fish and can easily reach 18 inches in length. They are also highly territorial as adults and should ideally be raised by more experienced aquarists. Oscar fish are one of the most popular species of freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby today. Origins Oscars originate in the Amazon River basin in South America. Color The primary colorations that Oscars occur in are black, brown, orange and red. Albino varieties have also been bred selectively over the years. Maintenance and care

Freshwater Sharks

Freshwater Sharks General description Freshwater sharks are a group of freshwater fish belonging to the minnow family. While not a predatory species, freshwater sharks have long, powerful bodies and large dorsal fins, and are similar in physical appearance to marine sharks. Their vibrant colorations and fascinating behavior patterns make them favorites among most experienced aquarists. Freshwater sharks are a group of freshwater fish belonging to the minnow family. Origins Most species of freshwater sharks originate from different regions of Asia. Color Freshwater sharks come in red, silver, white, gold and black colorations. Maintenance and care

Arowana

Arowana General description Sometimes referred to as the dragon fish, Arowanas are one of the most beautiful and most fascinating species of fish in the aquarium trade. They are considered a Jurassic era species and have been around for over a 100 million years. The Arowana has a bony head and a long, powerful body. Their bodies are also covered in large, heavy scales with a mosaic pattern of canals. They are sometimes referred to as “bonytounges” because of the toothed bone at the bottom of their mouth which bites against the roof of their mouth. Arowana are also characterized by two, darkly colored, barbells that extend from its bottom lips. These barbells are often delicate, and can easily be damaged by rough handling. Due to their demanding nature and sheer size, the task of raising this fish should only be attempted by dedicated and experienced aquarist. They are also one of the most expensive species of aquarium fish, with some adult specimens commanding tens of thousands of dollars. In fact, a platinum arowana keeps the record as the most expensive aquarium fish ever sold when its price tag reached a whopping $400,000. The high value of these fish makes them very coveted among aquarists, but they’re not easy to come across. Arowanas are microchipped before they reach maturity to ensure the buyer knows that they were bred in captivity. In the wild, arowanas are considered endangered so the aquarium species all come from Asian arowana farms. Sometimes referred to as the dragon fish, arowanas are one of the most beautiful and most fascinating species of fish in the aquarium trade. Origins Arowanas are ancient fish with millions of years of history. Currently, there are about 10 arowana species that are kept as aquarium fish, and they originated either in South America, Australia, Asia, or Africa. In fact, they are the only freshwater species that can be originally found both in the waters of Asia and Australia. The most exotic and colorful species is from southeast Asia, the aptly named Asian Arowana or dragonfish. The silver arowana comes from South America, and it is native to the Amazon, Essequibo and Oyapock basins. This type of arowana is the least expensive one, as they are least restricted to import and export. Black arowana is also a South American species. Lastly, there are the rare Australian arowanas, also known as southern or gulf saratoga. They are native to the Fitzroy river system and the Gulf of Carpentaria drainage system. Australian arowanas are not considered endangered. Color The sleek, metallic scales of arowanas are one of the things aquarists most like about them. There are at least ten different aquarium arowana species, and the color of their scales will largely depend on the species they belong to. For instance, the Asian arowanas are, without a doubt, the most vivid and vibrant of the family. Some of the colors of these fishes are green, blue and gold, silver, and the popular blood red. The colors start out a bit duller in their juvenile years and intensify and transform when the fish matures. Their cousins, silver and black arowanas from South American waters keep their hues throughout their life. The Australian arowanas are mostly dull in coloring, leaning towards darkish grey and brown tones, although they can sometimes have spotted scales. Maintenance and care

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Are Dogs Smarter than Cats?

The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Welcomes a Super Cute Dog as a Resident

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Researchers Find Genetic Links Between Human and Canine Brain Tumors

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Humans Are Getting Their Pets Sick – Here's What You Need To Know

Zoonosis are diseases that can be transmitted from other vertebrate animals to humans, such as rabies or Lyme disease, and has been around ever since we started domesticating animals. However, recent studies reveal that a new and lesser-known form of zoonose is becoming increasingly common: the reverse zoonose. This is the latest phenomenon, where disease can be transmitted from humans to their pets. Dr. Benjamin Anderson from the University of Florida was amongst the first to warn about the increase of reverse zoonoses. He said that more attention should be paid to disease transmission “in the opposite direction”, and that both pets and their owners can be threatened by it, especially when sharing close quarters with one another.“We’re starting to see a lot of examples of reverse zoonosis. Pets are more susceptible than, maybe, we previously thought,” he said. “Typically, the viruses that I will have as a human are not going to fit into the receptors that a dog or cat has.”This means that reverse zoonoses typically appear when a pathogen in humans mutates and then adapts to a new animal host. In the past, however, it was much rarer for this to happen, because humans and animals have a totally different biology.But now, the viruses like  coronavirus or influenza have a much higher chance of cross-species transmission. This is mainly due to their RNA-based genetic material, which is more likely to mutate or have replication errors. According to Dr. Anderson, there are several diseases that have been documented to transmit from humans to their pets. These include COVID-19, tuberculosis, swine flu, dengue, human-norovirus, and other viral, fungal, parasitic, and bacterial infections.To make matters worse, the highest chances for this to happen is with pets such as dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets, as they have the most genetic similarity to humans, being mammals. “We have to first ask how the pathogen gets into those animals in the first place,” said Dr. Anderson for  Phys.org. “The pathogen doesn’t develop out of thin air in animals before suddenly spilling over into humans. While pathogens certainly can move from animals to other animals and can be picked up from the environment, exposure to humans also plays an important role. It’s this constant back and forth exchange that happens over time, increasing the probability of a mutation taking place that allows the pathogen to infect a new host.”Dr. Anderson also noted the difficulty in tracking reverse zoonoses, as it is a big challenge to link the transmission of diseases between humans and animals. Because of this, Dr. Anderson advises pet owners to be cautious around pets, particularly if they are sick with communicable diseases, like COVID-19 or the flu. Maintain good hygiene around your pets, and avoid direct contact.

Does Your Dog Have What it Takes to Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger?

Is your dog your favorite adventure buddy? Do you dream of exploring America’s National Parks system with your furry best friend by your side? While many parks have limitations on where dogs are allowed, the popularity of pet-friendly travel is on the rise. In response, the U.S. National Park Service introduced a program to teach dog parents how to travel with their pups responsibly – the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. But does your dog have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger? What is involved in earning that title anyway? In this article, we will break down the B.A.R.K. principles and why they are so important for responsible outdoor travel. We will also share tips for helping your dog become a certified B.A.R.K. ranger. What Does the Acronym “B.A.R.K.” Stand For? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, and what does the acronym “B.A.R.K.” stand for? Recognizing that a growing number of dog parents wanted to bring their pups with them when visiting the parks, the U.S. National Park Service recognized a need for education on how to travel with dogs responsibly. This means focusing on the importance of respecting the environment, local wildlife, and other visitors to the park. This program is a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). It is part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People Initiative, which is focused on the idea that “parks can be gateways to good health – for people and the planet.” The B.A.R.K. acronym stands for: B – Bag your pet’s wasteA – Always leash your petR – Respect wildlife K – Know where you can goThe concept is similar to the traditional Leave No Trace principles but focuses on how a dog may impact the environment and the overall park experience. What Are the Qualifications to Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger? The good news is that the requirements to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger are very broad. The program is open to dogs of all ages, breeds, sizes, and activity levels. From the senior chihuahua who prefers to be carried along the trail while still enjoying the fresh air to the high-energy Border Collie who could hike for days without stopping, all are welcome! So, does your dog meet the qualifications? As long as they are dog – YES!What is the Process of Getting Your Dog’s B.A.R.K. Ranger Certification? This is where the conversation becomes a little more complicated. While the B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a National Park Service program, the exact requirements to be named a B.A.R.K. Ranger vary from park to park. This allows each park to customize the program to best suit its area and the needs of those who visit each park specifically. At some parks, you will be asked to take a booklet and fill it out. Once you have completed the booklet, you will receive your commemorative leash tag. At other parks, a program is offered that you will attend to learn more about the B.A.R.K. principles and how they can be applied in your travels. Finally, some parks make it incredibly easy. They ask those interested to learn about the B.A.R.K. principles at home before coming to the park. Upon arrival, the dog's parents are asked if they understand and agree with them. They then take a pledge to follow these principles before their dog is given the coveted title.

Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?

Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

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

Unexpected Things That Helped Me Cope With Loss of My 17-Year-Old Cat

Getting to share your life with a pet is truly a privilege, as there’s not much that can rival the sheer joy and genuine love these little creatures bring to us. But when the time comes to say goodbye, the weight of grief can feel overwhelming. In these moments, it feels like nothing can help lighten the load we carry, but it’s crucial to remember that the journey through pet loss is a shared experience among countless others who have navigated the same emotional terrain.I recently found myself grappling with the profound loss of my beloved four-legged companion, a 17-year-old cat called Luna. Luna was not just a pet; she was a loyal friend for more than half of my life, a source of comfort during challenging times, and a bundle of joy who brightened even the gloomiest days. When Luna passed away, a void opened up in my heart, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief.

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.

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

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

Why Is My Bird Biting Me?

If you’re a bird parent, you love and cherish your feathered friend – but what do you do when your bird nips or bites? This is a behavior that can be both surprising and concerning, especially for first-time bird parents. But know, you’re not alone!If you’re wondering, “Why is my bird biting me?” This article is for you!We will explore the different factors and explanations for your pet bird’s newly developed biting tendencies, helping you understand the motivations, identify when there is a deeper problem requiring your attention, and learn how to address the behavior appropriately.Let’s look at how to set you and your bird up for a long, happy relationship by addressing problem biting today.Do Bird Bites Hurt?The short answer to this is – Maybe? Whether or not your bird’s bite will hurt depends on a few factors, including how the bird bites, their overall intention, your bird’s size, and your level of pain tolerance.Bird bites can range from a light little nibble that merely tickles to bites that have the capability of causing serious damage, especially to vulnerable areas like the eyes, ears, nose, lips, fingers, and toes.The potential for a bird bite to cause severe or lasting injuries highlights the importance of understanding your bird, why they may bite, and how to prevent this situation from happening. It’s also one of the most important reasons to consider when deciding if a bird is right for your child, elderly, or special needs family member.Even smaller birds can cause a surprising amount of pain. Often, it’s not the initial bite that causes the most pain. Instead, it’s the way that they will dig in or even grind their beaks that will lead to discomfort, stinging, and soreness.

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