All About the Guinea Pig

Today the guinea pig is known as an eminently delightful, loving pet considered well suited for children. The history of the animal, or Cavia Porchellus, is less well known. Guinea pigs originated in South America where they lived in the wild and were hunted for food until they were domesticated as early as 5000 BC. The animals were then brought to Europe in the 16th century by European traders where they then became "high status" pets - even Queen Elizabeth I had a piggie!

Why "Pig?"

The exact history of the name "guinea pig" is not well known. Some people believe the name was given because of the pig-like squeal the animal makes. Other people believe the comparison has more to do with the physical appearance, or the time spent eating.

Contributions to Science

Today the guinea pig is well known not just as pet but also as a research animal due to certain physiological similarities with humans. While this is sad for those of us who are fans of the animals, the guinea pig is directly responsible for the creation of a variety of life saving medications and medical procedures. Guinea pigs are still used in medical research for juvenile diabetes, tuberculosis, scurvy, and pregnancy complications.

The Advantages as a Pet

Guinea pigs are part of a group of pets known as "pocket pets" - small animals, usually rodents and hypothetically small enough to fit in one's pocket including rats, mice, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, and ferrets. Unlike smaller animals, guinea pigs are easier to catch if they escape and due to their size, less likely to hide within furniture or other small crevices that are hard to get to. These sweet furry friends are also less likely to destroy one's wooden furniture but they still require supervision during floor time just to be on the safe side. Guinea pigs are also happy to stay in a cage during the day and will happily return your affection using their own special language of chirps, purrs, and squeaks. Lastly, piggies are known for the adorable tendency to "popcorn" - jump in the air just like kernels of corn that become heated.

Classroom Learning Tool

For years teachers have been keeping guinea pigs in classrooms to be cared for and played with by the children. On the weekends and during extended breaks teachers or students would then take the pet home and care for him or her. While some people still consider this a useful tool for developing a wide variety of projects for students from scientific knowledge to personal responsibility, to budgeting and cage planning, there are a growing number of opponents to this use. Many people feel that being kept alone in a classroom without actual owners is too lonely and cruel. Other people suggest that animals should not be used to teach responsibility as only the animal will suffer the consequences of neglect.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Christine_Jones

Pet Millionaires: Seven Cats and Dogs Who Are Actually Richer than You

We hear about millionaires — and billionaires — quite frequently. But less often do we hear about pet millionaires. They do, however, exist. Since 1923, when the first reported case of a pet inheritance was affirmed in Willett vs. Willett, pets have been receiving money. Sometimes quite a lot of money. Here are seven dogs and seven cats (in particular order) that are probably richer than you:

Some of the World’s Richest Dogs

These dogs know how to live the high life. Seriously. They give a whole new meaning to the phrase “being treated like a dog.”

1. Gunther IV, the German Shepherd: This dog actually received his inheritance from his father, Gunther III, a German Shepherd who received an inheritance from Karlotta Liebenstein, a German countess. Gunther IV has bought a Miami villa from Madonna and won a rare white truffle in an auction. Learn more about Gunther IV on a Web site devoted to him and those he hangs out with. He’s worth about $372 million right now, thanks to his growing trust fund.
2. Oprah’s dogs: Oprah Winfrey has several animals, including some dogs. She wants to make sure that her dogs are cared for when she is gone. Her will specifies that that her dogs receive $30 million for their care. (Just a drop in the bucket when you look at the billions Oprah is worth.) True, that money will be split amongst all dogs that she has, but even so, each and every one is probably richer than you are. They’re definitely richer than I am.
3. Trouble Helmsley: New York’s “Queen of Mean”, Leona Helmsley, famously cut her grandchildren out of her will, but left her Maltese terrier $12 million. However, a judge knocked $10 million off that amount, so that brings the amount to $2 million. Additionally, Trouble will be not be so well taken care of after death, as the dog can’t be buried in the Helmsley mausoleum, due to cemetary requirements and state law.
4. Flossie: Drew Barrymore’s yellow Labrador retriever and chow mix, Flossie, has been left a home. Flossie awakened Barrymore and then-boyfriend Tom Green when a fire raged through the home. Barrymore amended her will to leave the home, valued at $3 million, to Flossie in return for this possibly life-saving deed.
5. Tina and Kate: These two collie crosses received $1 million for their care upon the death of their owner Nora Hardwell. In addition to the provision for their care, Tina and Kate also enjoy unlimited use of the lovely home Hardwell occupied near Bath, England, in a town called Peasedown St. John. The home comes with five acres, so these millionaire dogs have plenty of room to run.
6. Jasper and Jason: These dogs live in luxury, since the death of their owner. Jasper is a Labrador and Doberman mix. He was destined for euthanization after being abandoned. However, Diana Myburgh, a brewery heiress, rescued him. Jason is a Whippet. They were both given trust funds of $50,000. As you might imagine, now their funds have more than tripled. It may not be $1 million, but it’s still a hefty fund. Besides, they own a 1,236 acre estate that is worth waaaaaay more than $1 million, and enjoy the finest steaks prepared by a personal chef and ride around in a stretch limo.
7. Tobey Rimes: A reclusive poodle who is worth $92 million. Tobey descends from a poodle who inherited $30 million from his New York owner, Ella Wendel, who died in 1931. Now Tobey is the poster dog for the benefits of trust funds and compounding interest. He makes #3 the list of richest pets ever, behind Gunther IV and a chimp named Kalu.

Some of the World’s Richest Cats

Cats already think that they are royalty. This list of cats rich enough to live like royalty is likely only to increase this feeling of pet entitlement.

1. Tinker: This is the classic rags-to-riches story. Tinker was a stray, regularly visiting Margaret Layne, an old widow. In return for Tinker’s loyalty, he was awarded a fortune. There is a $226,000 trust fund for Tinker, as well as a new home — worth about $800,000. Tinker has been joined by two lovely female cats, Lucky and Stardust. Of course, if Tinker returns to his wandering ways, the will strips him of his money.
2. Beryl Reid’s Cats: Beryl Reid was an actress. She had a lovely $1.8 million cottage. She was also famous for her love of cats. So, when she died, her cats Hamish, Boon, Eileen, Coco and Tuffnel inherited. A friend was commissioned to look after them as they lived in their house.
3. Lola, The Millionaire Cat: This cat isn’t a millionaire — yet. While the other cats on this list inherited their wealth, The Millionaire cat is trying to earn money through blogging. The Millionaire Cat has a blog that shows videos of this entrepreneur doing every day cat things. The Millionaire Cat is taking donations via PayPal, and hoping for enough money to become a millionaire. It’s an interesting concept, but, unfortunately, this cat hasn’t got a cent yet.
4. Red: A tabby cat who kept bachelor David Harper company. When Harper died, he left is $1.1 million estate to Red. The cat is cared for the United Church of Canada, and will enjoy the benefits of the best food, bedding and medical care for the rest of his life.
5. Blackie: When British recluse Ben Rea died, he left $15 million to various cat charities — and to his cat Blackie. Rea left nothing to his relatives, however. Everything went to Blackie and to help cat charities. We don’t have a picture of Blackie, who seems to be as reclusive as his owner, but here is a picture of a black cat enjoying life.
6. Fluffy: Mary Burton was a church organist in Great Paxton, Cambridgeshire, Enlgand. She left her entire estate to the Wood Green Animal Shelter, provided her cat — a ginger tom — was well cared for. Fluffy, the ginger tom, received $60,000, plus the ability to live in the house and be well cared for. His diet was even specified: steamed cod, lean roast beef, milk, frexh pilchards and vegetables. Fluffy also requires plenty of sun and relaxation. He’s probably not worth quite $1 million, but Fluffy lies better than a lot of humans. This is what Fluffy likely looks like (we couldn’t find a picture) — a regular ginger tom.
7. Brownie and Hellcat: These felines each received $415,000 in the 1960s when their owner, Dr. William Grier, died. Charlie Chan, another cat beneficiary of Grier, received $250,000. The legacies of Brownie and Hellcat live on, even though they are dead; each legacy is now worth $4.1 million. Not bad. I don’t know what Brownie and Hellcat looked like, but the cat pictured here is definitely living the high life.

16 of the World’s Most Sought After Exotic Pets

Some people are content to own regular pets such as cats, dogs, birds, and gerbils while others prefer the more exotic, such as chinchillas, sugar gliders, monkeys, pythons etc., wanting the status of having owned an exotic animal.

It is the owner’s choice if they want to take on the many responsibilities that are involved in taking care of an exotic animal. And for those who seek the exotic, unusual and lavish, these pets can help fulfill that desire while adding to one’s status symbol.

There are many exotic pets that are legal to purchase [some even require special licensing] under the correct circumstances, ranging in price from approximately $800 to $138,000.

Most of them are available whether you are rich or poor, however all of these pets demand high attention and lots of time.

Bengal Cat

No relation to the Bengal tiger, the Bengal cat is a hybrid creation featuring pre-designed genetic characteristics that are crossbred with the likes of something more exotic, such as the Asian leopard cat.

The Bengal cat is a fun loving, always on the go cat that you won’t find resting very often.

The result is a new feline breed that acts much like a mellow domestic, but looks like he just walked off the Savannah plains.

Savannah Cat

Bred in a similar process to the Bengal Cat, the Savannah Cat is bred by mating the African Serval with a smaller domestic cat.

The Savannah inherently has a much more difficult breeding process, because an African Serval is 40lbs and undomesticated and breeding it with a domestic house cat is problematic.

Concurrently, the gestation periods between the two animals are different.

Chinese Crested Hairless Puppies

These chinese crested hairless puppies weigh about 5 to 12 lbs and are very vivacious, alert and friendly animals. Considered to be one of the rarest dogs, these dogs are prone to sunburning on a hot and clear day.

The dogs first originated in Africa and the animals is most often found to be a very pleasant companion that lives for over 10 to 12 years.

Hyacinth Macaw

The hyacinth macaw weighs in at four pounds, and the world’s largest parrot species also enjoys a tremendous four-foot wingspan.This South American native mates for life, is easily domesticated and will probably outlive you. In the wild, he eats the nuts from two kinds of palm trees, but one of them, the acuri, he only eats after it has passed through the digestive system of another animal.

Kinkajou

This nocturnal rain forest mammal is friendly and affectionate by nature and, therefore, enjoys some popularity among exotic-pet owners.

Despite their sharp, carnivorous teeth they eat bananas, eggs, mangoes, fruit loops, marshmallows, and gummi bears. This preserves their wicked, bacteria-loaded bite for when threatened or scared.

Sugar Glider

These popular little nocturnal marsupials from northeast Australia weigh no more than about five ounces.

Their lively and curious nature helps them to bond easily with humans. Unfortunately, they’re also social and nocturnal, and want your attention when you can’t give it - at night.

For that reason, it is recommended that you keep at least two.Owners should also provide an environment with branches or vines to satisfy the sugar glider’s desire to climb.

Snow Macaque

The Japanese Macaque, also known as the Snow Monkey, is a terrestrial Old World monkey species native to Japan.

The Snow Macaque is considered a threatened species as we continue to encroach on more and more of the animal’s habitat. Due to this fact, coveted licenses and special permits are mandated to own this very rare animal.

The Snow Macaque is a smaller primate with a lifespan of over 25 years with the distinguishing feature of a hairless red face.

Squirrel monkey

Hailing from Central and South America, the squirrel monkey is omnivorous, measuring in at about 2.75 pounds; they have a number of predators, which is one reason they run with a posse that can number as high as 500.

Speaking proportionately, they have the largest brain of all the primates (that includes humans). Couple that intelligence with a social and affectionate nature, and things like house-training come relatively easy to this monkey.

Mona monkey

This West African native is an Old World monkey who peaks out at about 15 pounds and lives into his early 20s.

Like any other monkey, this mona monkey also needs to move those crazy limbs. Owners should provide them with an enclosure that permits climbing, swinging, goofing around, and even hiding.

The most difficult job may be monkey-proofing your home, since he can outsmart or out-jiggle most baby-proof methods.

Chimpanzee

Eerily analogous to humans in life span, behavior and even DNA (we share 94%), chimps have a hold on human fascination and attract the likes of scientists, zoo-goers and potential pet owners.

This remarkable similarity also hints toward why they make for such problematic and unmanageable pets. Chimpanzee can be house-trained, but he’s intelligent enough to have a mind of his own. If he wants to raid the fridge, but fails to outwit you, his 115-pound frame has another option- take it by force.

His average upper-body strength is five times that of a human. With a more sophisticated gripping capacity he could show you up at the gym, but why bother? He can just maul you to death.

Chinchilla Lanigera

Chinchilla’s lifespan is typically about 15 years, but 18-22 years is not uncommon. Its Body length is about 10-14 inches; tail is another 5-6 inches or so.

With gentle handling from a young age most chinchillas will become quite tame and bond closely with their owners, although sometimes they do not like to be held or cuddled.

They are very active and playful. Chinchillas can be kept singly, and usually will do fine as same sex pairs especially if they are littermates or introduced at a young age.

White Lion Cubs

According to Forbes (America’s Priciest Pets), as a pet this cub is the world’s costliest animal. The white lion is not a species unto itself; he’s your standard lion with a potentially fatal flaw. The flaw is a recessive gene that alerts both potential prey (wildebeests, hippos and adult elephants) as well as predators (hunters) to his presence.

The problem with raising a cub is the same as raising some puppies — they grow up. In the case of a white lion, that can mean reaching 500 pounds.

Ball Python

There are two types of people: those who like snakes as pets and those who don’t.

It’s doubtful that the red eyes or exotic colors of some of these rare variations will entice the uninterested.

After all, ownership in this case means keeping your 5-foot-long ball python in a 30 gallon tank and feeding it dead mice, rats or gerbils every 10 days for the next 30 years.

Reticulated Python

Hailing largely from Thailand and Indonesia, reticulated pythons represent the longest known species of snake in the animal kingdom.

How do you keep this monster happy? Start with a fairly large tank for a habitat in which humidity levels and high temperatures must be regulated with some discipline.

Breeders recommend getting a second person to help you feed your reticulated albino type II tiger python ; someone needs to call an ambulance when it mistakes you for a carcass.

Lavender Albino Python Female

This Albino is very different from the more common form of albinism. The white areas have a nice lavender color and the eyes are a very deep, ruby red. The trait is a simple recessive and is represented in captivity at this time.

Also available from python breeder Bob Clark, the rarity has fueled demand.

Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos may live about 20 years. Leopard geckos reach approximately 8-10 inches in length.

Leopard geckos are commonly yellow and white with black spots (hatchlings start out more striped, and gradually change to the spotted appearance). There are several color and pattern (e.g. jungle) variations.

Goldfish - Common Diseases and Treatments

Goldfish are susceptible to disease and once infected can have a greatly shortened life span. The most common reasons goldfish get sick are if the fish tank is dirty, due to poor filtration, the water and oxygen levels are too low, the temperatures are either too warm or too cold and being improperly fed. Prevention and early detection is the key to help ensure healthy goldfish.

Ich (Ick, Ichtyopthirius, Freshwater White Spot Disease)

Symptoms: Body and/or fins are covered with tiny white dots and rapid gill movements may be noticed in later stages.

Ich is one of the more common diseases of goldfish, and if left untreated, it can be fatal to your fish. Treatment can take many days to cure, and it should be treated promptly since Ich is highly contageous.

The disease is easy to identify. The white dots are small and sometimes numerous, about a millimeter in size. They are easiest to see on the fish's transparent fins. When on the fish, medications have no affect on Ich. As the parasite grows, however, it will eventually drop off the fish to reproduce. At the bottom of the tank, it will form a cyst (also resistant to medications) and soon hatch into hundreds of baby parasites which will seek a new host animal. This process weakens the fish and leaves holes in the fish's body. A badly afflicted fish will likely display rapid gill movements.

Remedy: Contact your vet or pet store for further instruction. Several effective medications are available. It is wise to treat your main tank in order to ensure that you have successfully removed all traces of the parasite from it (although it may be beneficial to also move a badly afflicted fish to a quarantine tank). Leave the filter running, but remove any activated carbon because this substance takes medicine out of the water.

Tail or Fin Rot

Symptoms: Fin rot is a general term for necrotic loss of fin tissue, resulting in split or ragged fins. It is usually the edge of the fin that is attacked, although occasionally a hole may appear in the middle of the fin. The appearance of fin rot can vary between a distinct, semi-circular “bite” shape and a “shredded” effect.

Nearly all cases are caused by stress, fear or poor environmental conditions. Fin rot is often one of the first signs that a goldfish disease problem exists and all cases should be investigated to determine the underlying cause.

Remedy: You must first identify and address the cause of stress, this could be due to a fish disease such as parasites, overcrowding, low oxygen levels, bullying or poor water quality. If caught early, removing the stressor may be sufficient.
Medications used to treat the symptoms include Melafix, Maracyn, salt, antibiotics as a last recourse (such as Tetracycline or Sulfa-based products), hydrogen peroxide bath, or applied to the area (be very careful that this does not touch the gills since this can be fatal).

Fungus

Symptoms: Grey, or grey-white tufts of cottony material covering areas of the fish's body, sometimes covering almost all of the fish's skin.

When fungus is suspected, there could be several possible causes. All are somewhat similar in appearance, and include common fungus, mouth fungus, and body fungus.

Fungus normally indicates there is another problem which has weakened the goldfish. Some possibilities include parasites or even an injury due to spawning or due to colliding with a tank decoration. Whatever the secondary reason, it should be found and taken into account when the fish is treated for fungus.

Remedy: Improve water conditions and treat promptly. Standard anti-fungal medications, such as methylene blue, are usually very effective, but may affect filtration and water quality. When the disease occurs on open wounds, aquarium salt at a dose of 1-3g/litre can help reduce salt loss.

Constipation

Symptom: Goldfish is having trouble passing faeces, or are constantly trailing behind the fish. This is often caused by a diet without enough variety, or by feeding too many starchy foods.

Remedy: This problem is easily solved by changing to a diet with more variety and roughage. Some suggestions are live foods, peas, spinach, and tubifex worms. Enticing fish to swallow one grain of Epsom salt is also said to be beneficial.

It is also advised that dry fish food be soaked in water until it is soft before feeding. This helps in digestion, and also reduces the likelihood of constipation.

Dropsy

Symptoms: Dropsy is a bacterial infection that infects the goldfish from the inside and causes the scales to stick out from the goldfish's body. Dropsy can be caused by a bacterial infection which causes kidney failure in goldfish. The problem is, by the time you see the symptoms of dropsy on your goldfish, the damage to the kidneys has already been done.

Remedy: The main defence for dropsy is to keep your goldfish parasite free, which will reduce the chances of bacterial infections, which in turn will reduce the chances of a kidney failure. A broad spectrum anti-bacteria treatment is the best option in most cases.

Pop Eye

Symptoms: Fish's eyes stick out unusually. It is important to realise that some varieties of goldfish have eyes which naturally protrude, like the Moor, the Celestial, and the Water Bubble Eye. With juveniles, it is possible their eyes are developing into their adult configuration. Sometimes a fish will not develop telescopic eyes until it is two years of age.

Pop eye, however, is a condition which causes a fish's eyes to protrude away from the fish's head in an unusual way. Pop eye is usually caused by septicemia or tuberculosis.

Swim Bladder Disorder

Symptoms: A goldfish with swim bladder disorder will periodically float on its side on the water's surface or swim on its side a great deal. Usually it will only be periodically, with the fish sometimes able to swim normally. If a fish lies on its side on the water's surface without moving at all even after touching it, it may indicate a fatal kidney problem which fancy goldfish are prone to.

Remedy: Discourage the goldfish to swim greedily to the surface to suck down food, by soaking flake food before feeding so that it will sink lower in the water so the goldfish will not intake as much air. Also, the food will be less dry and instead of taking on moisture in the digestive tract and swelling up, causing blockages, the food will be moister and easily digestible. An increase of vegetable content in the goldfish's diet may also help, as well as the addition of aquarium salt to the water.

World's Most Beautiful Frogs

Frogs as pet is becoming popular as aquarium fish. Sometimes, these creatures are domesticated because of their small size, fairly attractive looks, and in many cases, because of the undemanding conditions needed to take care of them. Since most frogs do not have the dietary needs of mammals, their food often represents a fraction of the expense needed to nourish dogs or cats.

Argentine Horned Frog (Ceratopphrys ornate)

Image Source
The Argentine Horned Frog, a species found in the rainforests of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, is a popular pet frog. This frog with wonderfully bright coloration is known in the pet industry as "Pacman Frog" It is usually the hardiest species and is easy to care for. The Argentine Horned frog has simple requirements as a pet. It usually fed mainly on large adult locusts, black and brown crickets and mice.

Malagasy Rainbow Frog (Scaphiophryne gottlebei)

Image Source
The Malagasy Rainbow Frog is also known for a variety of common names like Ornate Hopper, Rainbow Burrowing Frog, Red Rain Frog and Gottlebe’s Narrow-mouthed Frog. It is one of the most highly decorated of the Madagascan frogs. It was named in 2008 as “being among the rarest and most remarkable amphibians” on the planet. Thousands are captured every year for the pet trade.

Albino Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli)

This variant of Albino Pacman Frog with orange and yellow back is very popular as pet. Its size ranges from 8-13 cm long or3-5 in and can weigh up to 0.5 kg or1 lb. Albino Pacman Frog of Cranwell's Horned Frog is nocturnal and rest with its eyelids open. As a pet they should be kept in a humid environment such as an aquarium with moist substrate (not gravel). They should be fed a mixed diet of crickets, mealworms, small mice, and feeder fish. It should be fed every 2-3 days until the age of 18 months, at which point they should be fed once every 10-14 days.

Magnificent Tree Frog (Litoria splendida)

Image Source
Another beautifully colored frog you'll certainly love to have as a pet is the Magnificent Tree Frog or Splendid Tree Frog. It is endemic to Australia and may grow up to 10.4 cm or 4.1 in. With an olive to bright green dorsal surface with a white ventral surface plus undersides of the feet and legs that are bright yellow, it is certainly another beauty of nature to admire.

Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)

Image Source
The shiny and bright green colored with white spots Green Tree Frog is one of the most popular pet frogs throughout the world due to its docile nature, cartoon-like appearance, and long life expectancy. Other common names for this frog include Australian Green Tree Frog, White's Tree Frog, or Dumpy Tree Frog. It is endemic to Australia.

Common Reed Frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus)

Image Source
Amphibian lovers will certainly love to own this colorful and beautiful frog. The Common Reed Frog has one of the most unique and beautiful color combinations and pattern. It can be found in many countries of Africa. This species is not just pretty but unique as well because it had been observed to change their sex organs from female to male. This likely occurs when the population does not have enough males to allow procreation and is accomplished when a chemical trigger activates the sex gene to disintegrate the female organs and develop the male ones.

American Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea)

Image Source
Green tree frogs are popular species of pet frogs, one of which is the American Green Tree Frog. It is a common backyard species that can often be seen at porch lights, where they may gather to look for insects to eat. This frog is available in most pet stores and they are relatively easy frogs to take care of. They need a large (at least two-gallon) terrarium and do well with bark, pebbles, or even paper towels on the floor of their terrarium.

Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)

Image Source
Puffing big red eyes, orange toes, yellow-green + blue + yellow body color combinations, the Red-eyed Tree Frog, an arboreal species native to Central America, is undoubtedly one of the most beautifully colored frog in the world if not the BEST. The red-eyed tree frog has three eyelids and sticky pads on its toes. Although most colorful frogs are poisonous, the Red-eyed Tree Frog is not. It relies on camouflage to protect itself.

Red Eyed Tree Frog (Litoria chloris)

Image Source
This frog is not just a beauty but also medically useful because it was found out that its skin secretions destroy HIV without harming healthy T cells. This adorable frog is also commonly known as the Red-eyed Tree Frog, but unlike the first Red-eyed Tree Frog that is endemic to Central America; this species is native to Australia. The Red-eyed Tree Frog is a uniform bright green above, occasionally with yellow spots, and bright yellow on the underside. The front side of the arms and legs are green, while the underside is yellow or white. The thighs may be blue/purple to blue/black in color in adults. It has golden eyes at the centre, which change to red towards the edge of the eye.

Rana Lemur Naranja (Phyllomedusa tomopterna)

Image Source
This pretty creature can be found in the South American countries Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana and Guyana. The Rana Lemur Naranja's natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical swamps and intermittent freshwater marshes.

Oriental Fire BMellied Toad (Bombina orientalis)

Image Source
The small but colorful Oriental Fire-bellied Toad found in Korea, China and Russia is commonly kept as pets in land and water vivarium. It is notable for its bright green and black coloration on its back and brilliant orange and black on their underside. This frog is toxic. The toxin is secreted through the skin on the belly in a milky-like substance when the frog is disturbed or frightened.

Image Source
It is also commonly kept as a pet in the US. It is fed with small crickets and other small insects and grubs.

Golden Dart Frog (Atelopus zeteki)

Image Source
Although the Golden Dart Frog or Golden Dart Frog is a species that belongs to the family of frog that is currently considered the most poisonous vertebrate in the world, some people keep it as a pet. In captivity, the frog is fed with Drosophila fruit flies, cochineals and crickets, the larvae of various insects, and other small live invertebrate foods.

Hyla japonica

Image Source
The Japanese Tree Frog, a species distributed from Japan, Korean and China, certainly has the edge among other frog species because the journalist Toyohiro Akiyama carried some Japanese Tree Frogs with him during his trip to the Mir Space Station (the world's first consistently inhabited long-term research station in space) in December 1990.
More colorful frogs you may like as pets.

Madagascan Mantella (Mantella madagascariensis)

Image Source
As manifested by the Madagascan Mantella, a species native to Madagascar, yellow and black combination is always one of the best color combinations. The natural habitats of Madagascan Mantella are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist mountains, and rivers.

Cruziohyla calcarifer

Image Source
Cruziohyla calcarifer is certainly unique for having two colors in the eye, both grey and yellow. It is also distinct by lacking the reticulated membrane that covers the eye in the genus Agalychnis. The range of this colorful frog extends through Central America into northern South America.

Heterixalus alboguttatus

Image Source
Of all the frogs I have searched, Heterixalus alboguttatus, a species native to Madagascar, it is the only frog that has polka dots coloration. Its natural habits are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland.

Granular Poison Frog (Oophaga granuliferus)

Image Source
Big eyes plus a bright red combined with speckled grey, the Granular Poison Frog, a species found in Costa Rica and Panama is certainly a beauty. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical, moist, lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Hope you enjoyed this. Thank you!

Ingin Menjana Pendapatan Online Dengan Hanya Klik Butang "START"?Klik sini sekarang

Family pets teach children about friendship, responsibility, loyalty, and empathy.

For many children, the family pet is their best friend—a companion who not only provides unconditional love, but who also teaches them about friendship, responsibility, loyalty, and empathy.

While most family pets are cats and dogs, other animals can be wonderful additions to your home. Rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, small birds, and fish can make great family pets, for instance, as long as they receive the specialized care they need. Even though these animals are smaller than a cat or dog, they require just as much attention and care.

The key to creating true family pets who are gentle, loyal, and loving to both animals and people—is to treat the animal as a beloved family member and to provide the training and care he deserves. It's not enough to get a pet "for the kids."

A pet is not a temporary playmate for children, but a lifelong family member who depends on the entire family, especially adults.

How old should my child be before we get a pet?

Although many experts recommend a child be at least six years old before a pet is brought into the family, you are the best judge of your child's maturity. At the very least, your child should exhibit self-control and understand (and obey) the word "no." If you think your child is ready for a pet, first introduce her to friends' well-behaved pets so you can observe your child's behavior around them.

Should we get a young pet or an older one?

Many families with young children choose a kitten or puppy, believing these pets are safer, easier to train, and more adaptable than older, larger pets. But this isn't always true. Because puppies and kittens are fragile, require extra time and care, and are prone to play-related scratching and biting, they may not be appropriate for a household with young children.

Adopting a friendly, calm, adult animal who has a known history of getting along with young children may be the best choice for your family. Before making a decision, talk with animal experts such as veterinarians, animal trainers, and animal shelter adoption counselors who can help you select the right animal for your family.

What kind of dog is best with children?

As a parent, you want your child to be safe around your dog. You want to know which breeds are good with children and which aren't. The truth is, all dogs have the potential to bite, and a dog's breed is only one of many factors that affect temperament and behavior.

The best dogs for children are those who receive proper socialization, humane training, exercise, and attention; who are given adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care; who are sterilized; and who are safely confined.

How should my child interact with family pets?

To protect both your child and your pet, it's critical that an adult supervise all pet-child interactions. It's also important to help your child see the world through your pet's eyes. Ask your child how he would feel if someone poked at his eyes or pulled his ears. Explain that even the most docile pet has limits, and that all animals must be treated with caution and respect. Help your child understand that:

Pets need space and may not always welcome human attention, especially when eating, playing with their toys, or resting.

Pets may become upset by too much petting or stimulation. Teach your child to heed warning signs (such as hissing, lip curling, retreating, and growling) that indicate her animal friend wants to be left alone.

Other people's pets may feel and display discomfort if your child touches or even approaches them. Tell your child to get permission from an adult before touching another pet. Explain how some pets may feel threatened when stared at, cornered, or hugged.

Animals in pain may lash out or bite anyone who tries to touch them. Teach your child to leave an injured pet alone and to immediately notify an adult.

Some dogs get excited and may even become more dangerous when children scream and run. Teach your child appropriate behaviors around dogs.

Dogs contained in yards or cars may try to protect their territory if approached. Teach your child not to tease or get close to them.

How can I help my pet feel safe?

Pets, like children, need time to adjust to new surroundings and circumstances, and need opportunities for "down time." Provide pets with a place of their own where they can retreat from children. Don't put your pets in situations where they feel threatened. For example, dogs left alone in yards can be accidentally or intentionally teased by neighborhood children. What's more, pets live longer, healthier, and safer lives when kept indoors with the family.

How can my child help care for a family pet?

Allowing children to help care for a pet teaches responsibility and instills a feeling of competency and accomplishment. Choose tasks appropriate for the age of your child. Even young children can be involved in some aspect of caring for an animal friend—selecting a new toy or collar, assisting with grooming, or carrying a food can.

How can I teach my child to take good care of pets?

The best way to teach your children how to be responsible pet caregivers is to be one yourself. This should start before you even get a pet—make sure you have realistic expectations about pet ownership. And take steps to select the right animal for your family at the right time.

As soon as you bring a pet into your family, set up and enforce rules regarding proper pet care. For example, tell your children not to pull the animal's tail, ears, or other body parts, and insist that they never tease, hit, or chase the pet. Teach children how to properly pick up, hold, and pet the animal. These simple lessons are essential to helping children become responsible caretakers.

Although certain pet-care activities must be handled by adults, you can still include your children by explaining why and what you're doing. For example, when you take your pet to the veterinarian to be spayed or neutered, explain to your child how the operation not only reduces pet overpopulation but can also make your pet healthier, calmer, and more affectionate.

Also involve your children in pet-training activities, which not only make your pet a more well-mannered family member, but also teach your child humane treatment and effective communication.

Ultimately, your children will learn how to treat animals—and people—by watching how you treat the family pet. They'll study how you feed, pet, and exercise your companion animal. And they'll pay close attention to how you react when a pet scratches the furniture, barks excessively, or soils in the house. Frustrating as these problems are, "getting rid of" the pet isn't just unfair to the pet and your children, but it also sends the wrong message about commitment, trust, and responsibility. When faced with pet problems, get to the root of the problem. Often a veterinarian, animal shelter professional, or dog trainer can help you resolve pet issues so you can keep the whole family together.

Pets bring tremendous acceptance and love. Pets don't care how we look or even how we act; they love us unconditionally. Pets pays little attention to age or physical ability, but accepts people as they are.

Scientific research has shown that interaction with animals can significantly improve peoples' physical and emotional health.

For people who are in difficult life situations, pets can be of special benefit. Pets can offer entertainment, or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity.

Pets can often reach people when human relationships may be difficult. Pets can help people feel less lonely, and less depressed. People often talk to their pets, and share with them their thoughts and feelings and memories.

Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching and turning. Stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person's blood pressure.

Pets can provide a welcome change from routine, or the renewal of old friendships. The pet can make it easier for two strangers to talk. It gives people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation.

People become more active and responsive both during and after interaction with pets.

Simply put, pets make people feel good and they help healing happen.

10 Tips for Adopting the Perfect Family Pet

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to add some four-legged love to your family. Adopting a pet should be fun and joyful, so we’ve created a list of handy tips to help you make good choices, and properly prepare your home for its newest member. Bring on the unconditional love, people!

1. Before you adopt a pet, talk to family members about what they want.

Discuss everyone’s likes and dislikes. Large dogs may be too strong or active for young children, for example, while some people may simply prefer cats over canines.

2. If you’re getting a pet for your children, don’t expect the kiddies to do all the work.

No matter how mature your child is, he will need constant supervision and help handling the responsibility of a cat or dog. Ultimately, the parent is responsible for the pet.

3. Make sure your family is ready for the changes a new pet will bring.

A furry friend brings love and adventure, but he also brings new household chores. Some dogs—especially puppies—may need a lot of attention and training, while cats thrive on a daily schedule of feeding, grooming and play.

4. Do a little research to learn which breed matches your family’s lifestyle.

Some breeds are naturally more aggressive or high-strung than others. Breeds such as Labrador and golden retrievers are known to be more even-tempered and well-behaved around children.

5. Confirm whether anyone in your family suffers from allergies.

Even if a family member has allergies, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t adopt a pet. Learn how to create an allergen-free environment.

6. Teach your family and kids about pet parenting before you adopt.

Learn about pet care, and explain to your children that walking a dog several times a day or cleaning a cat's litter box is part of the ongoing responsibility of caring for an animal.

7. Know that some animals and young children may not play well together.

Young children may unwittingly mishandle or hurt puppies and kittens, who are particularly vulnerable to being injured. On other hand, baby animals may have needle-sharp nails and teeth that can hurt children.

8. Make sure a pet suits your home and lifestyle.

Family members may have their hearts set on a large, active dog, but that particular pooch may not be the best choice for your circumstances. Or perhaps you like the look of a long-haired cat, but aren’t so keen on daily brushing.

9. Stock up on supplies, food and toys before you bring a pet home.

Make Fido or Fluffy feel welcome with all the comforts of home. The last thing you want is to rush to the store for a litter box and hope that your new cat will patiently wait for your return!

10. Create a schedule to share responsibility for caring for your pet.

A schedule is a great way to get the family involved in your pet's care and ensure that no one forgets to walk the dog or feed the cat. It will also help foster relationships between your new furry friend and everyone in the house.

Selecting the Right Pet for Your Family

For many kids, the family pet is their best friend—a companion who not only provides unconditional love, but who also teaches them about friendship, responsibility, loyalty, and empathy.

While most family pets are cats and dogs, other animals can be wonderful additions to your home. Rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, small birds, and some fish can make great family pets, for instance, as long as they receive the specialized care they need. Even though these animals are smaller than a cat or dog, they require just as much attention and care.

The key to creating a true "family pet"—one who is gentle, loyal, and loving to both animals and people—is to treat the animal as a beloved family member and to provide the training and care he deserves. It's not enough to get a pet "for the kids." A pet is not a temporary playmate for children, but a lifelong family member who depends on the entire family, especially adults.

1. How old should my child be before we get a pet?

Although many experts recommend a child be at least six years old before a pet is brought into the family, you are the best judge of your child's maturity. At the very least, your child should exhibit self-control and understand (and obey) the word "no." If you think your child is ready for a pet, first introduce her to friends' well-behaved pets so you can observe your child's behavior around them.

2. Should we get a young animal or an older one?

Many families with young children choose a kitten or puppy, believing these pets are safer, easier to train, and more adaptable than older, larger pets. But this isn't always true. Because puppies and kittens are fragile, require extra time and care, and are prone to play-related scratching and biting, they may not be appropriate for a household with young children. Adopting a friendly, calm, adult animal who has a known history of getting along with young children may be the best choice for your family. Before making a decision, talk with animal experts such as veterinarians, animal trainers, and animal shelter adoption counselors who can help you select the right animal for your family.

3. What kind of dog is best with kids?

As a parent, you want your child to be safe around your dog. You want to know which breeds are good with children and which aren't. The truth is, all dogs have the potential to bite, and a dog's breed is only one of many factors that affect temperament and behavior. The best dogs for kids are those who receive proper socialization, humane training, exercise, and attention; who are given adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care; who are sterilized; and who are safely confined.

4. What animals shouldn't be pets?

Cats and dogs have been domesticated over thousands of years, selected for attributes that make them suited to live in our homes. This isn't the case for wild animals such as reptiles and amphibians who fare best in their natural habitats without our interference and shouldn't be pets. Most parrots are also unsuitable as pets, as they, too, haven't lived in domestication like dogs and cats. Only a few breeds make good companions

© iStock.com

5. How should my child interact with pets?

To protect both your child and your pet, it's critical that an adult supervise all pet-child interactions. It's also important to help your child see the world through your pet's eyes. Ask your child how he would feel if someone poked at his eyes or pulled his ears. Explain that even the most docile pet has limits, and that all animals must be treated with caution and respect. Help your child understand that:

• Pets need space and may not always welcome human attention, especially when eating, playing with their toys, or resting.

• Pets may become upset by too much petting or stimulation. Teach your child to heed warning signs (such as hissing, lip curling, retreating, and growling) that indicate her animal friend wants to be left alone.

• Other people's pets may feel and display discomfort if your child touches or even approaches them. Tell your child to get permission from an adult before touching another pet. Explain how some pets may feel threatened when stared at, cornered, or hugged.

• Animals in pain may lash out or bite anyone who tries to touch them. Teach your child to leave an injured pet alone and to immediately notify an adult.

• Some dogs get excited and may even become more dangerous when children scream and run. Teach your child appropriate behaviors around dogs.

• Dogs contained in yards or cars may try to protect their territory if approached. Teach your child not to tease or get close to them.

6. How can I help my pet feel safe?

Pets, like children, need time to adjust to new surroundings and circumstances, and need opportunities for "down time." Provide pets with a place of their own where they can retreat from children. Don't put your pets in situations where they feel threatened. For example, dogs left alone in yards can be accidentally or intentionally teased by neighborhood children. What's more, pets live longer, healthier, and safer lives when kept indoors with the family.

	© iStock.com

7. How can my kid help care for a pet?

Allowing children to help care for a pet teaches responsibility and instills a feeling of competency and accomplishment. Choose tasks appropriate for the age of your child. Even young children can be involved in some aspect of caring for an animal friend—selecting a new toy or collar, assisting with grooming, or carrying a food can.

8. How can I teach my kids to take good care of pets?

The best way to teach your children how to be responsible pet caregivers is to be one yourself. This should start before you even get a pet—make sure you have realistic expectations about pet ownership. And take steps to select the right animal for your family at the right time.

As soon as you bring a pet into your family, set up and enforce rules regarding proper pet care. For example, tell your children not to pull the animal's tail, ears, or other body parts, and insist that they never tease, hit, or chase the pet. Teach children how to properly pick up, hold, and pet the animal. Make sure your children practice good hygiene and wash their hands immediately after handling your pet. These simple lessons are essential to helping kids become responsible caretakers.

Although certain pet-care activities must be handled by adults, you can still include your children by explaining why and what you're doing. For example, when you take your pet to the veterinarian to be spayed or neutered, explain to your child how the operation not only reduces pet overpopulation but can also make your pet healthier, calmer, and more affectionate.

Also involve your children in pet-training activities, which not only make your pet a more well-mannered family member, but also teach your child humane treatment and effective communication.

Ultimately, your children will learn how to treat animals—and people—by watching how you treat the family pet. They'll study how you feed, pet, and exercise your companion animal. And they'll pay close attention to how you react when a pet scratches the furniture, barks excessively, or soils in the house. Frustrating as these problems are, "getting rid of" the pet isn't just unfair to the pet and your children, but it also sends the wrong message about commitment, trust, and responsibility. When faced with pet problems, get to the root of the problem. Often a veterinarian, animal shelter professional, or dog trainer can help you resolve pet issues so you can keep the whole family together.