Stuffed Animals

     As you now know the basic facts about the panther chameleon, the next step would be to know the things that you have to do, if you want to bring it home as a pet. This includes the panther chameleon’s housing, food habits, environment, etc. So, let us take a look at the panther chameleon care sheet. Read more on pet care.

     Housing
     Panther chameleon pet owners should know that this reptile needs good ventilation throughout the day and hence, keeping it in a glass cage is not a good option. Instead, the best thing would be to invest in a reptarium or an aluminum screen cage. Another thing that has to be considered is the size of the cage. Though it is fine to have a small cage for a baby panther chameleon, as the reptile grows, it’s need for space also increases. The perfect cage for the panther chameleon would be one that is 36 inches by 24 inches big and 36 inches by 48 inches tall. Apart from this, one must remember that the panther chameleon should be kept alone in a cage because this reptile is territorial and having to share their space with another reptile will be seen as a threat and can also cause them stress.

     Cage Furnishing
     Once you have chosen the cage, the next step would be furnish it. This is important because the chameleon is a plant dweller and would live long, if kept in a natural environment. Due to this, it is necessary to furnish the cage with lot of plants and branches. Make sure that these branches are non toxic as some chameleons have the habit of chewing plants. Some of the plants that you can use to decorate your pet’s cage include hibiscus, pothos and dracaena. Adding some vines and sticks which will enable the chameleon to climb the cage will also be a good idea.

     Temperature and Lighting
     The panther chameleon, like all other reptiles is a cold blooded animal and cannot keep itself warm on its own. Hence, it is important to provide the perfect temperature to the chameleon in it’s cage. The perfect temperature for the chameleon would be somewhere between 75-90 degrees F. Using a incandescent light is best to heat the cage. However, make sure that the temperature does not go beyond 90 degrees F and does not drop below 75 degrees F. The best way to monitor the temperature is by keeping a digital thermometer in the cage. Apart from temperature, providing the correct lighting to the panther chameleon is also very important. The panther chameleon requires UV light for at least 12 hours in a day and hence, it would be a good idea to invest in a good UV bulb. It will also be a good idea to shift the cage outside on some days, so that the reptile can get some natural sunlight. Read the rest of this entry »

     Starfish express pentamerism, that is, pentaradial symmetry. Most starfish have five rays or arms that radiate from a central disk, although several species frequently have six or more arms. At the end of each arm or ray, there is a microscopic eye, known as ocellus that helps the starfish to differentiate between light and dark, which is useful to see movement. The bodies of starfish are composed of ossicles, which are made of calcium carbonate. These form the endoskeleton, which takes on various forms that are externally expressed as a variety of structures, like spines and granules. The architecture and individual shape or form of these plates which occur in specific patterns or series, as well as their location are the source of morphological data that is used to classify the different groups within the Asteroidea. The terminology referring to body location in starfish anatomy is usually based in reference to the mouth to avoid an incorrect assumption of homology between the dorsal and ventral surfaces in other bilateral animals. Thus, the bottom surface is referred to as the oral or the actinal surface, whereas the top surface is referred to as the aboral or abactinal side.

     The madreporite is a structure that can be easily identified as a light-colored circle, located slightly off center on the central disk. This is a porous plate whose function is, at least in part, to provide additional water for the animal’s needs, including replenishing water to the vascular system. Something that is peculiar to starfish anatomy is what is known as pedicellariae. These are small bear-trap or valve-like structures that are seen in certain groups. These can occur all over the body or may occur in tufts at the base of each spine. These structures are thought to act as defense whereas others have been seen to aid in feeding. Some species even use these structures to capture and kill prey. Read more on interesting facts about starfish.

     Starfish Internal Anatomy Read the rest of this entry »

     Conjunctivitis in dogs is no different than the one which affects human beings. As you know, this ailment refers to a condition wherein the transparent lubricating mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and the under surface of the eyelid, known as conjunctiva, suffers from inflammation. Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye as the affected eyes bear a red or pink cast. This appearance is due to the inflammation which gives a more prominence look to the blood vessels. Causes of this common eye problem in dogs are viral or bacterial infections, corneal diseases, infections of the eyelids, issues of the tear ducts, parasites harboring the eyelids or conjunctiva or some foreign substances like fibers, sand, chemicals, etc. Allergies, trauma and certain kinds of skin disorders may also trigger the occurrence of conjunctivitis in dogs. While these are known to be the common causes, in some cases, the condition may also be considered as idiopathic (arising from an unknown cause). Read more on dog eye problems.

     Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

     Symptoms are very prominent when your dog is affected with conjunctivitis. Swelling and redness of the white of the eyes, discharge from the eyes which may be watery or pus-filled, excessive blinking and rubbing of the eyes with paws which may be frequent or occasional. It is obvious that that your pet would not be able to give you a clear communication of the discomfort it is undergoing. So, it is you who must watch out for all such symptoms and take care of things as early as possible. Read more on dog eye infection.

     Conjunctivitis in Dogs Treatment

     The treatment of conjunctivitis in dogs is centered around taking care of the symptoms and the underlying causes, as well. The first thing to be done is a thorough irrigation of the eyes in order to get rid of any foreign substances. If any disorder of the tear ducts is a cause of the condition of conjunctivitis in dogs, medication is what is recommended by vets. Medication is also required in cases of infection of the eyelids. Read the rest of this entry »

     Chameleons facts go to show that this reptile has developed some of the most highly specialized skills when compared to any other animal, especially in the reptile world. Let us see what some other chameleon facts are:

     Physical Attributes
     Chameleons have flattened bodies that are laterally based. The major physical feature that you will notice in the chameleon is that it is heavily ornamented – It has crests, spines and horns and eyes that are bulging. Their eyes have a unique quality, which is that they can rotate independently of the other. In the sense that while one eye looks forward, the other can look back. This helps them to keep ‘an eye’ on their surroundings and be alert and aware of danger. Their vision is known to be their best feature, often called ‘binocular’ in nature.

     Chameleons have united toes, that come into a bunch and are found on the sides of either foot. These act like tongs, and help them to grasp the branches that they perch on. They have long, prehensile (which help them to grasp onto a surface) tails. Their bright colors are their most famous feature. Their tongues are long and sticky, which is required for them to easily grasp their prey.

     They walk in very slow, deliberate movements. They have sharp nails which help them to cling and climb onto the surface of trees. Adult chameleons shed their skin every 4-5 months in bits and pieces. Read the rest of this entry »

     Ferrets are mammals belonging to the family Mustelidae. Now whether it is the diet of the Silver-Mitt ferret, White-footed ferret or the black footed ferret diet, the diet needs to be taken care of. Use the following pointers in planning a good ferret diet for your pet. One which will provide it with all the essential nutrients and take care of its basic dietary needs. Read more on ferret colors.

     Protein Intake
     Ferrets are carnivores and prefer to ingest meats. These days however, with a whole range of ready-made pet foods, readily available in the market, it has led to a cut in the ferrets diet that it would have naturally. People have started buying more and more of these foods which are proving to be dangerous for the ferrets. This is because they are highly processed and do not provide for a ferrets regular intake of protein (30-40 %).

     A ferret in it’s natural surroundings will eat its prey whole or feast on its body parts. Thus, it requires meat based protein that is easily digestible. Do not compare it to humans or other pet species as it will not make do with vegetable proteins. It requires a meat based diet that has no fiber (it has a very delicate digestive system and cannot digest heavy foods). Read more on ferrets facts.

     Sources of the Food Read the rest of this entry »