Characteristics

Do Dogs See Color?

How dogs see color is a long-standing topic of research and the results are pretty amazing. While dogs can't appreciate all the colors that humans do, their world is not entirely black and white. In fact, dogs live in a pretty colorful world.

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Do Dogs Recognize Facial Expressions?

As most pet owners acknowledge, our dogs recognize our facial expressions. A frown tells a pup something is amiss and a smile makes his tail wag. Now, there is scientific evidence to validate our observations.

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Do Cats See Color?

How cats see color is a long-standing topic of research and the results are pretty amazing. While cats can't appreciate all the colors that humans do, their world is not entirely black and white. In fact, cats live in a pretty colorful world.

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How Dogs Use Smell to Perceive the World

The nose is a prominent canine facial feature…long, short, black, pink. Noses vary, but they all have one thing in common. Noses are key to canine survival.

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The Pros and Cons of Pedigree

When choosing a dog, potential pet owners often consider acquiring a pup with a pedigree vs. a mixed breed. In order to make a more educated choice, it is good to know a little about what makes a pure breed so 'pure' as well as what 'mutts' have to offer. Dogs of pedigree can be wonderful pets or service dogs, so avoiding inherited medical problems is important.

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Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers?

Whiskers are more sensitive than regular hairs because the follicles from which they originate are packed with blood vessels and nerves. In fact, a dog's whiskers are as sensitive as a human's fingertips.

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Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses?

There's an old adage that a dog's cool, moist nose is a sign of good health. But is that true? And exactly why is that canine nose wet in the first place?

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Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?

Like us, cats are mammals that are covered with hair. But there are definite differences in the hair that covers our bodies. While we may have whiskers on our faces, they are nothing in comparison to kitty whiskers!

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Why do Cats Lick their "Privates" in Public?

Most of the time cats are a source of amusement, but sometimes they can be a source of embarrassment. One of the more embarrassing things that cats do is to lick their private parts in public.

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Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds: Is There Such a Thing?

Pesky allergies can interfere with the fun of owning a dog. There are varying opinions on the matter, but it is generally thought that even though there is no canine breed that is 100% hypoallergenic, there are breeds that are less likely to stimulate allergies in people.

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Proper Etiquette at the Dog Park

Dogs, like people, need mental and physical exercise. They crave playful interaction with their peers. Going to the dog park will allow them to see, hear, and smell new things as they exercise with other dogs. Active dogs, like active, people, are healthier. So, Gather 'round! Take a trip to the park.

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First Aid for Injured Tails in Cats

The tail is an important part of the feline anatomy and is actually an extension of the spine. The wagging tail is a communication tool in the feline world, so a cat that doesn't wag his tail is an indication that something might be wrong. Common tail injuries in the cat include abrasions, lacerations, fractured tail, and nerve damage.

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Collie Eye Anomaly

Collie eye anomaly is an inherited, developmental disease in dogs. There is a mutation on the gene that determines the development of the eye, and this causes the blood vessels that support the retina to be underdeveloped, affecting vision.

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Dealing with Drooling

Dogs, like people, produce a thick liquid inside their mouths called saliva. While the production of saliva is normal, excessive production is not.

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Genetics Basics - Understanding DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a long molecule that contains an animal’s entire genetic code. DNA is primarily located within the nucleus of each cell. In the nucleus, enzymes transcribe the DNA bases into a substance called RNA (ribonucleic acid), which serves as a messenger, taking the DNA message out into the cytoplasm of the cell where the RNA is translated into proteins. These proteins are responsible for a number of functions in the cell and throughout the body, primarily by acting as enzymes that regulate various cell reactions. DNA tests allow us to examine an animal’s DNA in order to see whether they carry certain genetic diseases. DNA testing can also be used to determine the ancestry of an animal.

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Genetics Basics - Modes of Inheritance

Inherited traits or disorders are passed down in an animal's genetic code. This genetic code is found in the animal's DNA. The DNA contains thousands of genes. A gene is a specific DNA sequence that leads to the expression of an inherited characteristic.

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Genetics Basics - Coat Color Genetics in Dogs

Despite the huge variety in coat color, there are only two basic pigments that determine the color of canines: eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red). All different variations in color are created by these two pigments, which are both forms of melanin.

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Genetics Basics - Mutations vs. Markers

Each time that DNA is replicated, errors can be made. One base may be switched for another base, for example an A switched with a C. In more severe situations, an entire section of the genetic code can be deleted or moved to a different location. Depending on where in the DNA this mutation occurs, the effects of these mutations may vary from nonexistent to severe.

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Managing Feral Cats

Ownerless cats may look the same, but there is a difference between stray and feral cats. A feral cat is born and lives in the wild with little or no human contact. A stray cat is a domestic cat that has been abandoned or has strayed from home and become lost. A stray cat may be presently homeless but was once a pet that lived with humans.

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Factors to Consider in Pet Selection - Dogs

Getting a dog is a long-term commitment. Before choosing a pet, consider initial and recurring costs, home environment, size, temperament, and physical characteristics of the dog. Consider training, exercising, and grooming needs, along with your lifestyle.

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Factors to Consider in Pet Selection - Cat

With over 70 pure breeds and countless combinations of mixed breeds, there are lots of cats to choose from. That's a good thing, because cats are the #1 pet in the United States. Of course, all cats consider themselves number one!

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