Category: General

There are, of course, many instances of cats and dogs getting perfectly well. They can share the same house, spend time together, and, apart from some boisterous playtime sessions, never fall out. There are dogs that gleefully meet new cats, and cats that will happily mix with dogs they don’t know. However, there are also those cats and dogs that don’t get along. Often, they come from the same house, which can make home life awkward.

So, why is it that some cats and dogs seemingly hate each other? According to experts, it is because the two species communicate differently, so while the wag of a dog’s tail signifies it is happy, it can look like a threatening move to a cat. And, dogs and cats are both predators, which means that they may view the other as competition for the same prey.

Fortunately, even if you have a cat and dog that don’t get along, there may be steps you can take to help them bond and at least tolerate the other’s company.

Why Cats & Dogs Don’t Get Along

There are many cases of dogs and cats getting along with one another, and some readers are likely to have both species in their own homes. They can coexist, often peacefully, and sometimes even amicably. But there are natural reasons that these two popular pet species don’t get along.

They Communicate Differently

The main reason that cats and dogs don’t get along is that they are very different species, and they communicate differently. This means that they also read body language differently.

Dogs love to chase, and they find a lot of enjoyment in running. When two dogs run together, it is usually a sign of friendship. Similarly, a friendly and playful dog might run towards a cat in a bid to play. However, cats don’t act in this way, and when they see a large dog running toward them, they are more likely to see this as a threat rather than a sign of possible friendship. The cat’s instinct is to run from the potential danger, but this only encourages the dog further, and so the problem escalates.

Tail wagging is another way in which the two species communicate differently. A dog wags its tail to show enjoyment and happiness. A cat typically wags its tail to show that it is under threat or that it needs to defend itself. If a cat sees a dog wagging its tail, it may see this as a potentially aggressive move.

Competition

Cats and dogs have long been domesticated and lived with or near humans. And both, either directly or indirectly, have relied on humans for food. This means that they naturally compete for food and have done so for millennia. Even today, if a cat is fed on the ground or takes a treat to the floor, the family dog is likely to try and steal it, causing friction between the two.

Both domesticated animals also compete for human attention and they can both get jealous of the attention the other is getting. Cats can be very territorial and see a new pet dog as trying to muscle in on its territory.

How To Help a Cat & Dog Get Along

1. Socialize from a Young Age

Socializing your dogs and cats is an important step in their development. Basically, it introduces them to new situations, people, and other animals. They become desensitized to the experience, and this makes them less likely to view any new encounters as being threatening.  Socialization is most effective when started at a young age so take your puppy to puppy classes and find ways to socialize your kittens. It will pay off in the long run.

2. Go to Training Classes

Training classes are a great opportunity to socialize your dog and get them used to other dogs, although there will rarely be cats at the classes. You also learn the basics of training, which includes good recall and also how to keep your dog calm in new situations. You won’t learn every command you ever need at training, but you will be taught how to teach new commands.

3. Take It Slowly

Whether you are introducing a new dog to the cat in your home, or you are trying to socialize your dog, it is important that you take things slowly. If you go too quickly, it can be overwhelming for the animal, which can lead to your efforts having the opposite effect. Introductions should be slow and gradual, giving the cat the opportunity to get away to somewhere safe. Training and socialization should be slow enough that the animal can get to grips with one stage before moving on to the next.

As well as taking it slowly, you should also remain calm throughout. Animals pick up on our emotions, so if you exhibit signs of anxiety and stress, your cat or dog will pick up on it.

Conclusion

Cats and dogs can and do get along, but there are instances of them seemingly hating one another. A lot of this acrimony comes from the fact that the two species act and communicate very differently to one another. Socializing them can help introduce them to the other species and desensitize them to their actions, while training helps further reinforce this. In all cases, you should take your efforts slowly and always be calm and patient.

Featured Image Credit: Stock-Asso, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Some Cats & Dogs Hate Each Other? The Interesting Answer! appeared first on Pet Keen.

When going to work, most dog owners must leave their pets alone at home. It can be stressful because you worry about what they might get into or whether their barking is bothersome to neighbors. In addition, your pet may experience unpleasant emotions such as loneliness, stress, and boredom if left alone for lengthy periods.

A pet camera is an excellent solution for busy owners. A pet camera is a device packed with high-tech gadgets that allows you to check on your animal companion wherever you are. These devices come in many different sizes and shapes, but they all share the same goal: to give you confidence that your pet is safe and well-behaved.

Here are the top 12 benefits of having a pet camera.

The 12 Benefits of Having a Pet Camera

1. Stop Worrying About Your Pet’s Health

When owners have to leave their pets alone at home, one of their top concerns is that these animals can hurt themselves, consume something harmful, or suffer an injury but have no one to help. With a camera, you can check on your pet whenever you want to, ensure they’re all right, and then carry on with your day without worrying.

2. Discover More of Your Pet’s Habits

How many times have you wondered what your pet is up to or how they live a day without you? With a camera, you can observe your pet’s activities throughout the day, the things that attract their attention, and their favorite activities when you’re not home. You may discover many habits that you were previously unaware of.

3. Interact with Your Pet Even When You’re Away

Animals, especially dogs, will miss you when you’re away. This is when technology can help! Many cameras on the market have speakers, and some even offer secure video streaming, allowing pet owners to talk to their animal friends who are at home. This interaction will enhance the relationship between owners and pets and allow you to keep an eye on your pets.

4. You Can Be More Productive at Work

You might think that having instant access to check on your pet’s condition regularly will reduce your productivity. However, studies have shown that taking a short break in the middle of the workday can significantly increase employees’ productivity. You can focus better and finish your work more quickly when you are happy and stress-free. And nothing is more relaxing and uplifting for your mood than seeing your pet companion on camera.

5. You and Your Pet Are Always Entertained

Some cameras have features that allow you to provide treats to your pet. Some even include a laser pointer for your cat or other animals to play with. You and your pet can have a lot of fun together remotely. Pet care has indeed reached a new level thanks to technology.

6. Preventing Destructive Behavior

Unwanted behavior usually results from boredom, so interacting with your pet during breaks is a great way to provide mental stimulation. This will make them less bored and help reduce their anxiety, hyperactivity, and destructive behavior.

7. Discourage Undesirable Behavior

Whether you have a cat who loves to scratch your favorite furniture or a dog who barks nonstop and annoys neighbors, the camera’s speaker will help you to check in on your pets and correct their bad behavior.

8. Reinforce Good Habits

With a convenient treat-dispenser camera, you can reward your animal companion at home for acceptable behavior to reinforce their good habits. Ask your pet to do something, then give them a treat when they obey your commands. This way, you can also use your camera to train your pet even when you are at work.

9. Record Entertaining Footage

Cameras help you record beautiful, touching, or funny videos of your pet doing the cutest things. A lot of people enjoy watching pet videos, so if you don’t mind, share your pet’s funny footage with friends on social media.

10. Uncover Separation Anxiety

A pet camera is a great device to use if you want to confirm that your companion has separation anxiety. With the aid of this device, you can observe their actions and body language all day to help you determine whether or not they’re experiencing separation anxiety.

After recording the footage, if there is an issue, you can consult with a pet therapist or a vet to determine the root of it. Regardless of whether you spot a problem, observing your pet’s behavior is an eye-opening and beneficial experience. You’ll have a better overview and insight into how to help your precious friend feel good.

11. Calm Your Pet

If you get a camera with a two-way speaker, you can talk to your pet to see how well they are doing and comfort them in a calm tone if they are unhappy and overexcited.

12. Security

A pet camera can also serve as a security camera because they work pretty much the same way. However, pet cams often have a few extra pet-specific features that can make them more helpful, such as a treat delivery function and pet-safe lasers.

Conclusion

If you are a busy owner, installing a pet camera can change your life and put an end to all the worries of leaving your animal friend at home. As you can see, pet camera options are plenty, so make sure you consider the brand’s reputation and choose something that fits your budget. Also, don’t forget to look at verified user reviews and ratings before making an order.

Featured Image Credit: Jinning Li, Shutterstock

The post Top 12 Benefits of Having a Pet Camera – Great Reasons to Have One appeared first on Pet Keen.

Axolotls are the flamboyant superstars of the salamander world. People are fascinated by their alien-like appearance, showy gills, beaming smiles, funny faces, and googly eyes—as a result, Axolotls are an incredibly popular aquarium pet. One question that’s been playing on the minds of many animal lovers is: are Axolotls blind?

Some owners say their Axolotl doesn’t really react to their presence—and this may lead many to believe that they cannot see. Well, the answer is not completely straightforward. Axolotls can see light and movement but not as well as humans. So, sit back, buckle up, and let’s dive into their anatomy, abilities, and how their vision stacks up against humans.

Do Axolotls Have Eyes?

First things first, let’s sink our teeth into some science. These lil’ salamanders have peepers, but they’re not exactly like our human eyes. Located on the top of their head, these sense organs are small and round—they look kind of like little black beads or stick-on eyes. Although functional, these eyes are pretty basic: able to detect light and movement, but nowhere near as advanced as our eyes. So, basically, you could say that Axolotls have limited vision—but these eyes do everything an Axolotl in the wild needs them to do to facilitate hunting and predator evasion.

So, What Can They See?

Just because they don’t have the best eyesight doesn’t mean they’re completely blind. In fact, they’re able to navigate their underwater habitats well. These beady little eyes can detect brightness and motion, which is pretty dope when you’re trying to avoid getting eaten. They also help in predation—Axolotls are carnivores and their less-developed eyes still do play an important role in hunting.

In addition to security and nutrition functions, Axolotl eyes help these cartoonish-looking buddies structure their days. Axolotls can see subtle changes in light levels and use that information to regulate their circadian rhythm—meaning they can use light to tell whether it’s night or day and know when to rest and when to wake. What they are missing out on is colors or fine details. There’s no way that we can perceive and appreciate a beautiful underwater landscape in the same way we can.

Do Axolotls Have Eyelids?

In their larval stage, Axolotls do not have eyelids. This unusual lack of an eyelid does not seem to hinder the Axolotl’s vision too much; they are still able to see without eyelids. In terms of eye health and protection, their eyes are protected by a slimy layer of mucus. This helps potentially damaging dirt and debris slide right off their smiling faces. But remember, we said only larval Axolotls are lidless. So, let’s talk about what happens to the eyes of an Axolotl during metamorphosis.

During metamorphosis, their googly eyes—and the rest of their bodies—undergo several changes to help them adapt to life on land. These changes very rarely happen in aquariums—this tends not to be something pet owners will ever observe. Big changes occur—including the development of eyelids! This is a huge shift from the life they’ve lived so far as a larval salamander, and it allows them to further protect their eyes from harmful stuff like dust and sand on land.

But these little guys also experience increased muscle tone in limbs, the absorption of gills and fins into the body, and a reduction in the skin’s permeability to water, so they can stay hydrated on land more easily. Finally, the lungs of an Axolotl develop further during metamorphosis: they’re able to breathe air much more efficiently.

Are Some Axolotls Born Without Eyes?

You may not have heard about the eyeless Axolotl. It’s a mutant variation of the regular Axolotl that was first discovered as a spontaneous mutation. This means that this type of Axolotl was observed to have arisen naturally in a stock of salamanders without genetic intervention by scientists. These Axolotls lack eyes due to a developmental defect.

But here’s the really cool part—remember how Axolotls can regenerate body parts? Well, scientists have been able to restore vision to eyeless Axolotls, but transplanting eyes from a regular Axolotl at an early developmental stage. That’s right, the nerve fibers from the transplanted eye can find their target areas, even though the paths they take can differ from animal to animal. The once-blind Axolotls can then perceive where objects are located—which is incredible!

This is just another crazy example of the incredible adaptability and resilience of these creatures. We can learn a lot from studying them. It’s fascinating to see how their bodies can create and compensate for major changes, and their abilities open up a lot of possibilities for future research in regenerative medicine.

Do Axolotls Make Good Pets?

So, let’s talk about whether or not Axolotls make “good pets.” They’re popular among aquarists, but they may not be the best pet for everyone. First, Axolotls require specific living conditions to thrive. They need cold water with minimal light and a filtration system to keep the water clean. These needs set a high bar for their maintenance. This can be a challenge for some pet owners, especially if they’re new to keeping aquatic animals.

Another thing to consider is that their poor eyesight means they don’t respond well to much visual input or commands from humans. Many other pets—even other lizards—will begin to recognize and react to their owners quickly. But in contrast, Axolotls are not the easiest pet to interact with. This means that they may not be the best choice for someone looking for a more interactive and responsive pet.

Axolotls are fascinating creatures: but they may not be the best pet for everyone. And they are a huge time investment: they live up to 15 years! It’s important to carefully consider their specific living conditions, their nature as solitary creatures, and their poor eyesight before deciding to keep one as a pet.

If you’re thinking about getting one, keep in mind that they need a tank with plenty of hiding spots and a low light level. You’ve gotta work with and not against their true natures. This will help them feel comfortable and secure.

Conclusion

Axolotls are not great at seeing, but not completely blind. If you compare them to us, their sight can be judged as pretty weak overall. Their vision is very different from humans, but they can still see and perceive their environment.

Although their sense of sight is quite different from other animals, it remains effective in their environment. With proper care, they can thrive in captivity, but they don’t make the most interactive pet. So, if you’re thinking about getting an Axolotl as a pet, be aware that their limited vision plays a role in making them seem “boring” to many. If you do get one, remember that they are super cool and worthy of love and attention—even if they don’t reciprocate much.

Featured Image Credit: LaDameBucolique, Pixabay

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