Artistic image of a painted turtle's shell submerged in a calm pond, showcasing the intricate pattern and individual scutes that make up its protective armor

Turtle Scales or Scutes? Understanding the Unique Armor of These Reptiles

18 May 2024

Turtles' shells are made of scutes, which are bony and have adapted to protect turtles over millions of years.

Colorful parrot perched on a branch, curiously eyeing a small pile of raisins on a wooden surface

Can Birds Have Raisins? The Good and Bad

18 May 2024

Raisins can make a healthy snack for certain birds, but they should be given sparingly because of their sugar levels.

Close-up portrait of a tabby cat sniffing a red hibiscus flower, with a blurred tropical background

Hibiscus and Cats: What You Should Know

18 May 2024

Hibiscus flowers are poisonous to cats and can cause stomach upset if eaten, so steps should be taken to prevent exposure.

Large orange and white Comet goldfish with flowing fins, intently eyeing a group of smaller tropical fish in an aquarium with lush decor

Can Goldfish Eat Other Fish? A Look at Predatory Behaviors

18 May 2024

Goldfish are omnivores and will consume smaller fish, as well as their eggs and fry, because of their diverse menu.

Veterinarian using tweezers to extract an ingrown hair from a poodle's paw pad on a medical examination table

Can Dogs Get Ingrown Hairs? Signs, Causes, and Prevention

18 May 2024

Causes, symptoms, and treatment of folliculitis in dogs, as well as how to prevent this common skin condition.

Border Collie sitting politely and looking up expectantly as its owner holds a bag of corn chips

Can Dogs Eat Corn Chips? A Look at the Risks and Benefits

18 May 2024

Corn chips are not poisonous for dogs, but they should only be given to dogs occasionally and in small amounts.

Black Labrador Retriever sniffing at a bird feeder filled with bird seed

Can Dogs Eat Bird Seed? Risks and Benefits Explored

18 May 2024

Dangers of dogs consuming bird food, such as stomach upset, poisons, and malnutrition. Proper storage and access prevention are important.

Vibrant blue, green, and yellow male parakeet perched on a wooden branch, with a magnifying glass in the foreground

Determining a Parakeet's Sex: Visual Cues, Behaviors, and Definitive DNA Testing

18 May 2024

Sexing a parakeet can be done through visual methods, watching for certain behaviors, and getting a definitive answer through DNA testing for the most accurate results.

Anxious-looking Labradoodle standing next to an open package of Nutter Butter cookies on a kitchen counter

Can Dogs Have Nutter Butters? The Dangers of Peanut Butter Cookie Consumption

18 May 2024

Nutter Butters and similar peanut butter sandwich cookies are bad for dogs because they are high in sugar, fat, and chocolate.

Pug dog intently staring at a plate of sweet potato peels on a kitchen counter

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skins? A Comprehensive Look

18 May 2024

The skin of sweet potatoes can be a choking hazard and cause an obstruction in your dog's intestines. Vets suggest removing the skin before giving it to your dog.

Orange tabby cat sniffing and investigating a jar of coconut oil and a cracked open coconut on a kitchen counter

Is Coconut Oil Safe for Cats? Benefits and Risks Explained

18 May 2024

Correct administration, positive effects, and potential dangers of coconut oil for cats, such as dosage, allergies, and skin treatments.

Dog closely inspecting a deer antler on a hardwood floor, with the owner's hands visible

Can Dogs Eat Deer Bones? Risks and Safer Alternatives

18 May 2024

Potential dangers and advantages of giving your dog deer antlers, including safety tips, how to prepare them, and other safe chew options.