Water
Giving your pet bird water
Your bird's big on water, and getting enough of it is serious business for companion avians. Seed-eating birds in particular get very little water from their food, so you'll need to provide a ready supply. Read on to find out how to wet your pet's whistle – or his squawk, as the case may be!
The importance of filters for fish
Fish tank filters regulate water quality
Water means everything to your fish. In addition to regulating pH level and temperature, you will need to ensure that it's free of waste and chemicals and rich in oxygen. If the water becomes contaminated, the tank's inhabitants can become poisoned. Proper filtration helps your fish stay in the "swim" of things.
Raising fish in ponds
If you've got a sense of adventure--and enough room--you may enjoy the challenge of setting up an outdoor fish pond. If properly cared for, coldwater species such as goldfish and koi will thrive in these larger, more natural living quarters. Whether your pets will live this good life during the summer months or, if climate permits, all year round, you'll be expanding your knowledge as a fish caretaker and beautifying your backyard.
Introducing a new fish to your tank
Congratulations, you're expecting a pair of bouncing baby goldfish! Or perhaps you're adding a trio of tetras to your warmwater tank. No matter the size or species of your new fish, you can ease the transition to their new home and give them a proper welcome by taking a few simple precautions.
Setting up your first aquarium
Welcome to the wonderful world of fish! While providing for your
fine-finned friends' needs may not be as demanding as caring for a dog or cat, proper set-up and regular maintenance of the tank are essential to keeping its inhabitants happy and healthy.
Fish Tank Water Care Is Important for Fish Health
A fish living in an unsuitable environment--contaminated with toxins, for example, or kept at too low a temperature--is no better off than a fish out of water. In order for your pets to survive and thrive, the water in the aquarium must be in good condition--free of toxins, rich in oxygen, and maintained at the temperature and pH level appropriate for their species. With careful monitoring and regular water changes, you'll ensure a healthy home for your pet. The use of a tap water conditioner is strongly recommended when setting up a new tank, replacing water after a water change.
Nutritional needs for gerbils
Time to eat...again! Your little critters can work up quite an appetite with all that digging, chewing and running on the exercise wheel. As a responsible gerbil caretaker, it's your job to meet your pets' nutritional needs while providing as much variety as possible.
A guinea pig's nutritional needs
What do guinea pigs eat?
What do guinea pigs like to do? Eat, eat, and eat some more! In the wild, these South American mammals spend about six hours a day grazing on grasses, so it's no wonder that your pet always seems to be nibbling on something. As a responsible caretaker, it's up to you to provide the ingredients for this daily chow fest. Topping the menu are specially formulated pellets, followed by plenty of hay supplemented with fresh fruits and veggies.
Water and your hamster, guinea pig, rat, mouse or gerbil
Your little critter is big on water, and making sure he gets enough of it is one of your most important jobs as a pet parent. Companion animals who eat pelleted diets in particular get very little water from their food, so you’ll need to ensure a ready supply. Read on to find out how to wet your pet’s whistle – or should we say squeak?!
Abundant water is fundamental
No other nutrient is as much of a multi-tasker as water. Your hamster, guinea pig, rat, mouse or gerbil uses water to:
Nutrional needs for hamsters
He may be a little guy, but your hamster's big on food. With their high metabolisms, these animal companions require about 10 percent of their body weight in food every day. In the wild, hamsters scarf down seeds, plants, fruit, and the occasional insect or earthworm. Your pet will do just fine on specially formulated hamster mix, supplemented every couple of days with fresh foods like fruits and vegetables.
Tips for keeping your dog cool in hot weather
Dogs can suffer from the same problems that humans do in hot weather. These health concerns include overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions, you can keep your animal companions healthy and happy in higher temperatures.
Tips for keeping your cat cool in hot weather
Cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do in hot weather. These health concerns include overheating, dehydration and even sunburn, By taking some simple precautions, you can keep your animal companions healthy and happy in higher temperatures.