Rabbit Breed: American Fuzzy Lop

Origins: These rabbits were descended from Holland Lops, as a result of attempts to develop different markings (Holland Lops initially only had solid colors). Crossing with English Spots and French Angoras apparently had varied effects, such as the "right" markings but "wrong" fur type, and a "wool" fur type from a recessive gene. Around 1980, America breeder Patty Greene-Karl worked with the recessive "woolly" gene to breed "fuzzy" Holland Lops. From there, she developed a new breed, the American Fuzzy Lop, officially recognized in 1988.

Size: Small to medium, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds.

Physical Appearance: This cute bunny has a round and cobby body, short lop ears that hang about one inch below the jaw, and a flat wide face. It has a "no neck" appearance, with a proportionally large head. Fur is dense and long.

Characteristics: Affectionate, loving, sweet-tempered.

Colors: Nineteen recognized colors, including tortoiseshell, chocolate, lilac, chinchilla, squirrel, fawn, and others.

Special Facts: Adult American Fuzzy Lops are easier to groom than juvenile ones. Youngsters have soft coats that matt easily, so they need careful daily grooming. Once they mature and grow their "woolly" adult coats, these will be easier to care for.

Do You Buy Pets On Impulse?

Impulse pet shopping is always a bad idea!

Pet store animals are irresistible. They look like soft toys, and as they press their button noses and little paws to the glass, they seem to be pleading with you to take them home.

Many people succumb to the appeal without a thought. The credit card is pulled out, and the pet handed over in a pretty carrier. This happens especially often when the purchaser has children who are begging; "Pleeeeeeeeeease buy it for me, I promise to look after it forever!"

Unfortunately, "forever" usually lasts until the pet does its first poop on the bed, falls sick, starts to smell, or grows big and ugly. If only more people would just think carefully, do their research, and prepare the home and family first!

Pets are not toys to purchase and discard. They have emotions. They need stability, knowledgeable care and patient affection as well as proper diets, clean drinking water, baths, training, medical attention, toys, treats, walks, grooming, and clean living quarters.

When you tire of a toy, you can neglect it, sell it, destroy it, trash it, or give it away. But a pet is a living creature. It should never have to be neglected, killed, or passed around like a sack of unwanted goods just because someone did not think carefully before taking it home.

Pets need years and years--not weeks--of commitment. Think about that before you buy one. And please obtain the whole family's consent before acquiring a pet. "Mom doesn't approve" is a pathetic reason for giving away, killing. or abandoning an animal that depends on you to survive and sees you as its whole world.

Dog Breed: Shih Tzu

Origins: The Shih Tzu was bred from Tibetan and Chinese dogs, and kept as a pet by royalty and nobility.

Size: Small. About 26cm tall at the shoulder.

Physical Appearance: Double-coated, with a long, dense outer coat and thick undercoat. The hair is luxurious and flowing, usually straight but sometimes with a slight wave, and needs a tremendous amount of care. Owners are advised to tie the hair on the dog's head into a topknot to keep it neat and out of its eyes. Face has a sweet expression.

Characteristics: Intelligent, alert, active, happy, affectionate, friendly.

Colors: All colors.

Special Facts: Because Shih Tzus have similar origins to Lhasa Apsos the two breeds were confused in Europe adn the USA when they first reached the Western world in the 1930s. In the USA, Shih Tzus were even initially registered as Lhasa Apsos and interbred with them!

What Can You Do If Your Cat Has Feline Herpes Virus?

People always say "Prevention is better than cure." About 80% of cats have been exposed to FHV at some point in their life. It is difficult to prevent infections. Vaccination is available for FHV, however it is not 100% protective. Vaccinations can only help to reduce the severity of the cat flu and conjunctivitis. The normal 4-in-1 or 3-in-1 vaccination that your cat receives does cover FHV along with other viruses.

To attempt to lessen the severity of viral cat flu in cats, it is recommended that all kittens receive their three kitten vaccinations starting from 6 to 8 weeks of age and an adult booster vaccination 1 year after the last kitten vaccination. The subsequent booster vaccinations frequency can then be determined by the vet based on the risk of infection.

If there is low risk of infection by the viruses that the veterinarians vaccinate against, then it be best to give a booster vaccination every 3 years instead of yearly vaccinations.

Can I catch herpes from my cat?
No, only domesticated cats and their close relatives can catch Feline Herpes Virus.

Cat flu has many causes apart from FHV. Please seek veterinary attention should your cat develop cat flu and/or conjunctivitis. Do not attempt to self-medicate at the detriment of your cat or kitten.

Read More On Related Topics:

1. What Is Feline Herpes Virus Infection?
2. Is There Any Cure For Feline Herpes Virus?
3. What Are The Treatments For Feline Herpes Virus?
4. What Can You Do If Your Cat Has Feline Herpes Virus?

What Are The Common Diseases In Rabbits?

Common diseases in rabbits are not too difficult to spot. That's only if you really take the time to observe and interact with your bunny everyday. We take a look at some of the common rabbit diseases so that you'll know when to seek veterinary advice if your rabbit does have any of them.

Common Diseases In Rabbits

• Dental Disease In Rabbits
• Diarrhea In Rabbits
• Snuffles: Respiratory Tract Infection In Rabbits
• Rabbit Disease: Red Urine
• Rabbit Disease: Sore hocks
• How To Get Rid Of Fleas, Lice, And Fur Mites On Rabbits?
• Help! My Rabbit Has A Bent Neck!
• Ocular Diseases In Rabbits: Epiphora and Dacryocystitis

Ocular Diseases In Rabbits: Epiphora and Dacryocystitis

Rabbits with epiphora (watery eye) or dacryocystitis (infection of the tear sac) often present with staining and wetness of fur at the corner of the eye and occasionally accompanied by squinting and redness of the eye, thick mucous discharge or fur loss around the eye.

Epiphora is the production of excessive tears whereas dacryocystitis is the production of mucoid discharge. Causes of ocular discharge include:

• Dental disease
• Primary bacterial infections
• Conjunctivitis
• Corneal disease
• Eyelid problems
• Foreign body and tear duct problems
• Environmental irritation by perfumes, fragrances, hair sprays, paint or cooking fumes, smoke, dust, etc.

To effect the best treatment, we will need to first try to identify the underlying cause and in order to do so, certain diagnostic tests may need to be performed before treatment may be instituted.

The What, the Why, and the Benefits of Sterilizing Our Pets

Sterilizing a pet involves a one-time surgical procedure to remove part of its reproductive organs. This permanently prevents the pet from reproducing.

Sterilization is most commonly carried out on dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs from the age of six months and upwards. Males have their testicles removed; females have their ovaries and uterus removed.

The surgery is performed by licensed veterinarians, and the animal is under general anesthesia throughout. Most are back to normal in 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

Why Do We Sterilize Our Pets?

The most pressing reason for sterilization is to prevent unwanted young from being born. There are already more than enough abandoned animals in the world, so sterilizing pets helps control the situation.

You may be responsible owner with no intention of breeding your pet, but "accidents" do happen. Your pet may escape from home and mate outside; another animal may enter your home without your knowledge; or it may mate with someone else's pet at a pets-and-owners gathering!

The Benefits and Precautions

Besides preventing unwanted litters, sterilization affects pets' hormones so they become less likely to wander in search of a mate or behave aggressively. They are also less prone to disease such as womb infections, and mammary and testicular cancers.

Because sterilized pets often become more home-loving, they may gain weight because owners do not correspondingly reduce their feeds! So control your pet's food intake and give it more exercise. And watch for complications like loss of bladder control in older pets - this can be treated with medication.