Special Species

Get insights for your birds, small mammals, reptiles, or other unusual pets to give them the special care they need, from dietary to veterinary requirements.
rat behaviors
Special Species

The Truly Affectionate 'Pocket Pets' Few People Own

It's too bad only a small percentage of pet parents adopt these intelligent and charming creatures, as they offer many of the benefits that draw people to dogs and cats. Requiring only a fraction of the space as other pets, they will quickly become part of your family if you let them.
— 6 min read
toxoplasma gondii
Special Species

The Link Between a Common Parasite and Mental Illness

The jury is still out on whether this brain parasite associated with certain household pets is causing mental illness in humans, but there does seem to be a link between the infection and schizophrenia. It’s known to change the behavior of rodents, and now wolves at Yellowstone.
— 5 min read
10 animals that mate for life
Special Species

10 Animals That Say 'Till Death Do Us Part'

Much of the animal kingdom couldn't care less about monogamy, but here are 10 exceptions. They usually stick with the same mate until one of them dies, often creating stable family groups to raise their children. How many can you name?
— 3 min read
opossums living fossils
Special Species

The Greatly Misunderstood One-of-a-Kind ‘Living Fossil’

Many consider these critters loathsome, dirty and disease-ridden, but nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, they provide many benefits, as they are pros at making ticks, slugs and snakes vanish. The next time you see one in your neighborhood, I invite you to view it with different eyes.
— 6 min read
10 most intelligent animals
Special Species

The Most Surprisingly Smart Animals

Many people already know that dogs and elephants are intelligent, but what about these other species? One 8-year old girl feeds one of these species in her back yard and has accumulated over 70 'gifts,' including a 'best friend' charm they've brought her in return.
— 5 min read
pet snakes
Special Species

The Exotic Pet That Ends Up Suffering More Often Than Not

A survey of 744 owners shows more than half don't provide adequate housing, and that can lead to both physical and behavioral issues. Others simply don't give their exotic pet the special care they need. And that's too bad, because when they receive the right care, they make wonderful pets.
— 5 min read
pileated woodpecker
Special Species

The Most Unlikely Zoo Animal Ambassador

This zoo recently introduced a new addition to their Ambassador Animal Program, a program that offers up-close experiences with guests. Norman, who lost his home and mobility to loggers, is blazing the trail as the first of his kind to become an ambassador.
— 4 min read
bird intelligence
Special Species

Are Birds More Intelligent Than We Thought?

Birds' brains have perplexed scientists over the years because they lack a cerebral cortex - the area of the brain in mammals responsible for advanced cognitive skills. But now researchers have made an exciting discovery that may mean they're way smarter than we ever thought.
— 4 min read
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bark & whiskers disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Specific questions about your pet's medical issues or recommendations cannot be answered without first establishing a client-patient relationship with a veterinarian. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.

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