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The Akita has a unique combination of dignity, courage, alertness, and devotion to its family. It is extraordinarily affectionate and loyal with family and friends. It is almost feline in its actions; it is not unusual for an Akita to clean its face after eating, and to be very neat and tidy in the house.

Physical Characteristics

Akita dogs possess heavy bones and a body that is big, and a bit longer than it is tall. The Akita is very strong, enabling it to hunt easily through snow and other rough terrians. The breed is energetic with an alert gait. An excellent hunting companion, the Akita possesses a strong guarding instinct and a coat that is weatherproof protects them from harsh conditions. Its hair, which is about two inches long, has a straight, dense inner layer but harsh outer wrapping. The color of its coat, meanwhile, are various, including white, brindle, or pinto.

Personality and Temperament

The Akita is obedient towards its master and always alert. Being independent and courageous in nature, it functions tremendously as a hunter or guard dog.

Though the dog is a bit stubborn and dominating, it will behave properly under the guidance of a dedicated trainer. However, some Akitas do shows signs of aggression towards other dogs and are unnerved around strangers.

Care

An Akita is at its best when kept inside the house with access to outdoors. To keep these dogs obedient, regular mental and physical exercise is very important. The exercise should ideally include running in an enclosed area or long hours of walking. The Akita’s weatherproof coat requires occasional brushing to get rid of dead hair (more frequent combing will be required during the shedding seasons).

Health

The Akita, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, occasionally suffers from microphthalmia, patellar luxation, epilepsy, renal cortical hypoplasia, VKH-like syndrome, polyneuropathy, entropion, and cataract. Care should be taken to prevent some major health problems associated with the breed such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). The breed is also prone to some minor health issues, including gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, pemphigus, lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and sebaceous adenitis. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run thyroid, hip, eyes, and elbow tests on the dog.

History and Background

Considered a “natural treasure” of Japan, its native country, the Akita was originally bred as an adaptable hunting dog in the mountainous region of Northern Japan.

The Akita was saved from extinction in the 1800s, during which the Japanese made a concerted effort to save seven native dog breeds. The Akita is the largest among those seven breeds.

Hachiko, arguably the most honored Akita, would wait for his master every day at the station to accompany him back home. Even after his master’s death, he continued to religiously wait for him at the station every day for nine years. After Hachiko died on March 8, 1935, a statue was built to commemorate his dedication; it is here that Hachiko’s ceremony is held annually.

Hellen Keller, renowned American author and political acitivist, is credited with bringing the first Akita to the United States in 1937. It later became recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972, and is today considered an excellent breed with good-natured and courageous attributes — a fact that lends itself to the breed’s most common profession in Japan: guard dog and police dog.

An Alaskan Husky is not in actuality a breed of dog, but rather a category of dog. All breeds of highly efficient sled dogs fall under the Alaskan Husky category, as the Alaskan is the breed of choice for world-class dog sled racing and sprint competition. The majority of Alaskan Huskies have pointy ears and a tail that curls over their backs.

Vital Stats

Height: 23 to 26 inches
Weight: 40 to 60 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Physical Characteristics

Alaskan Huskies resemble Siberian Huskies in appearance. Males range from 40 to 60 pounds and females average 35 to 48 pounds. Because the Alaskan Husky is more a general category than a strict breed, it comes in any color and any pattern of markings.

The Alaskan Husky is larger and leaner than the similar looking Siberian Husky. Where Siberians often have blue eyes, or a combination of blue and brown, Alaskans’ eyes are generally brown.

It has good vision and a strong nose due to the inclusion of sight-hound in their genetics. Swimming and retrieving do not come naturally to the Alaskan Husky, but it can jump up to six feet from a sitting position.

Personality and Temperament

The Alaskan Husky tends to vary as much in temperament as it does in appearance. It is often affectionate with people as well as other dogs, and is are known for their enthusiastic cuddling. Though the Alaskan Husky is usually thought to be a “jumper,” it usually jumps on people out of affection, not dominance.

The Alaskan Husky is loyal but fiercely independent, and will not stick close if let off-leash. It is an adventurer at heart and loves car rides and changes in routine. It can be willful and mischievous, and difficult to housebreak without a firm hand leading them. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend with a dog, an Alaskan Husky will not be the breed for you.

Care

An Alaskan Husky’s coat tends to be self-cleaning, much like the similar Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky. Therefore, it doesn’t tend to get stinky and only need infrequent bathing. Shedding occurs once a year as a seasonal event during spring; it does not lose hair year-round.

The Alaskan Husky is extremely energetic, with seemingly unquenchable endurance. It does not do well in an urban apartment environment as it need a constant source of exercise. A spacious home with a large yard is ideal for the Alaskan Husky.

Health

The Alaskan Husky lives approximately 12 to 15 years. It is generally considere to be healthy breed, but tends to fall victim to certain strains of genetic health problems similar to those found in purebreds. These may include progressive retinal atrophy, which culminates in blindness and hypothyroidism, and a congenital deformation of the larynx, which causes the dog to make a wheezing sound when breathing; earning Alaskan Huskies the nickname “wheezers.”

History and Background

The Alaskan Husky, though not a recognized breed on its own, originates from the cross-breeding of multiple other breeds. The purpose of breeding an Alaskan Husky is to create the best working dog possible, so the bloodlines will depend on the specific purpose the Alaskan Husky will be used for.

A racing sled dog, for instance, may be any combination of husky and purebred pointer or hound, depending on the need for distance or sprinter speeds.

Originally, Alaskan Huskies were developed by mushers (the human dog sled racers) from the different bloodlines of native Inuit dogs. Some of the main breeds used now in developing Alaskan Huskies include the Eskimo dog, Siberian Husky, Greyhound, and German Shorthaired Pointer.

The Belgian Sheepdog is elegant, with proud carriage of the head. It is a strong, agile, well-muscled dog that is alert and full of life. The Belgian Sheepdog is also recognized for its endurance and ability to learn quickly.

Physical Characteristics

The Belgian Sheepdog is a breed that is square-proportioned with moderately heavy bones in the body. A gait that is effortless, tireless, and smooth enables it to herd for a long time. Its intelligent facial expression, meanwhile, is striking and gives the dog a sophisticated look.

The Belgian Sheepdog’s undercoat is dense, and its outer coat, which is black in color, is straight and long. Curiously, many Belgian Sheepdogs tend to move in a circle instead of a straight line.

Personality and Temperament

The Belgian Sheepdog is best defined as “intense.” It exhibits an independent nature and is highly protective of its human family. That is why this breed is a great choice for a house dog.

It is somewhat conscious of strangers, and at times show signs of aggression towards other pets and dogs. Extremely obedient, the Belgian Sheepdog is also playful, alert, intelligent, and a quick learner. Some Belgian Sheepdogs, however, display a dominating character.

Care

The Belgian Sheepdog loves to live inside the house with its human family, although it can adapt to outdoor living. It also performs best when given access to the yard. Apart from that, exercise on a regular basis is essential for the breed and should ideally combine long hours of play and jogging. The Belgian Sheepdog’s coat requires the occasional brushing to keep away dead hairs, even more so during times of shedding.

Health

The Belgian Sheepdog, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, is not prone to any major health concerns. However, it is susceptible to minor issues such as hypothyroidism, seizures, allergies, and skin disorders. Ocassionally, elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), hemangiosarcoma, pannus, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are seen in this breed. To identify these issues early, a veterinarian may recommend that the dog undergo regular thyroid, elbow, hip, and eye exams.

History and Background

The Belgian Sheepdog, sometimes referred to as Groenendael, is known for its versatility and hard-working nature. It is one of the variations of the Belgian Shepherd (or Continental Shepherd); the others being Belgian Malinois and Belgian Tervuren. However, the Belgian Sheepdog has a longer black coat compared to the other Beglian shepherd dogs

Between 1891 and 1901, a time in which the Belgian Shepherd became registered by the Societe Royale Saint-Hubert, there was a concerted effort to develop a standard for the breed, as well as improve its type for exhibition shows.

The earliest Belgian Sheepdogs were used for herding and guarding purposes. They later became popular police dogs in the United States and played a significant role in the First World War as watchdogs. It was not until 1959 that the Belgian Sheepdog got its current name, after the three Belgian Shepherd types were separated into distinct breeds.

A cat crouching generally means some kind of discomfort—fear, aggression, or even pain. The rest of their body language and the context of the behavior give us hints as to what your cat is feeling. For example, a cat crouched with her ears flat and her head low while hiding in the corner is being defensive. She probably feels trapped and wants you to back away. A cat who crouches does not necessarily require a trip to the veterinarian but may benefit from some changes to her environment such as places to hide or moving food somewhere quieter.

What To Look Out For

Crouching cats have their bodies tucked and their tail wrapped around them. This differs from a relaxed cat who may have her tail out long or splay her body out (for easier petting). Details about her body language including her facial expression and ear position are important for understanding why your cat is crouching. If you notice your cat is crouching, start by asking yourself some questions about the behavior. Answering these questions can help you figure out why your cat is crouching and what you can do about it.

Aggression

Cats may take a crouching posture when they feel antagonized. Along with her crouched body, her tail is wrapped around her, her ears are flat, and her eyes are fixed on you. The cat is saying “back off or else.”

Pain or Discomfort

Your adorable cat makes for a great companion, and for that reason, it’s imperative to stay on top of your cats’ health. When we think of our cat being sick, we often look for the common symptoms of sickness in cats. However, several silent cat-killing diseases with no apparent symptoms can progress to severity before they are discovered. As a responsible pawrent, you should also be aware of some of the common silent killers in cats. Having the knowledge of the most common silent killers are, you can understand what symptoms to look for and benefit from getting your cat prompt and lifesaving medical response.

What To Keep An Eye On

1) Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is the most common silent killer in cats and can be hereditary. It’s rarely evident until 75% of both of your cat’s kidneys function is affected with symptoms including:

• Excessive drinking and urinating
• Larger clumps in the litter box
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Bad breath caused by toxins in the blood
• Lethargy

Chronic kidney disease doesn’t have to be terminal. With the right management and treatment, your cat can go on to live a long life. Low protein diets, routine blood work, more water intake, and medications can help improve your cat’s kidney function.

2) Diabetes

Diabetes causes your cat’s pancreas to secrete a smaller amount of insulin than they need. So common is diabetes that it’s estimated that 1 in 230 cats will develop diabetes during their lifetimes, and those statistics keep rising. Overweight to obese cats are at a greater risk of developing diabetes.

It’s easy for diabetes symptoms to go undetected, but are all signs are to those of kidney disease and include;

• Frequent urination and drinking/thirst
• Fatigue
• Larger clumps in the litter box
• Weight gain/weight loss
• Decreased/ ravenous appetite
• Abnormal walking

Diabetes is a costly disease to treat since it often requires twice-a-day insulin injections. What’s more, you need to make dietary changes to include more protein and fewer carbohydrates. With enough care and support, diabetes can be managed save for extreme complications like hyperglycemic syndrome, diabetic ketoacidosis, etc., which can be life-threatening.

3) Heart Disease

Heart disease is so deadly in cats because it shows few to no symptoms in its early stages, not to mention a cat’s tendency to hide illness. Many cats suffer from heart disease, with most not showing signs until the disease reaches an advanced stage. In advancement, heart disease can manifest in heart failure, dyspnea, coughing, thromboembolism (clots), cardiac arrest, or sudden death.

All cats are at risk of developing heart-related diseases. Notably, some breeds, including the Ragdoll (and related species), Maine Coon, Sphynx, and Rex breeds are at higher risk. Moreover, cats eating low quality foods that are taurine deficient are also at higher risk.

Talk to your vet immediately if you suspect that your cat has heart disease. Prompt diagnosis may improve prognosis and prolong your cat’s life. Besides, if you own a breed known to be prone to cardiomyopathy, consult your vet.

4) Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism causes your cat’s thyroid gland to produce excessive thyroid hormone. It’s most common in middle-aged to senior cats and encompasses many of the same symptoms as kidney disease, including:

• Excessive drinking and urination
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Racing heart rate
• Hypertension — acute blood loss, neurologic signs, clots, or stroke
• Organ injuries like heart murmurs

Given the right treatment and medication, hyperthyroidism is treatable. The earlier it’s identified and treated, the better the recovery chances and the less likely your cat develops side effects or organ damage.

5) Cancer

Unfortunately, as cats live longer, their likelihood of developing cancer increases. Typically, cancer produces no symptoms until it has spread throughout the body. At that point, the prognosis is low, but the disease is treatable. For this reason, it is essential to recognize the signs of cancer so you can have an early diagnosis and start treatment.

• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Difficulty in breathing
• Abdominal bloating
• Weakness or lethargy
• Hiding and restlessness
• Fever

The most common cancers in cats are skin and gastrointestinal cancer.

As most cat parents can relate, it’s not always easy to identify when your kitty is sick. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle and scheduling routine vet checkups can go a long way in helping your cat prevent or catch these and many more silent killers before it’s too late. With most of these diseases, the sooner they’re detected, the sooner your vet can treat them.

Infection by worms is a common health problem that can affect dogs. You won’t see your dogs worm symptoms because they’re pretty easy to miss. It’s easier to spot some kinds of worms than others. For example, if your dog picks up a tapeworm, you will usually see what looks like grains of rice in his stool. Roundworms also can often be seen in a dog’s stool. Tapeworms may appear as small moving presences in a dog’s fur, or around the anal area. Heartworms, on the other hand, do not produce discernable signs of their existence until heartworm disease is at a reasonably advanced stage. Here are ten common symptoms that may mean your dog has worms.

1. Vomiting

Dogs with worms often throw up. Roundworms may sometimes show in a dog’s vomit.

2. Diarrhea

Soft stools or diarrhea may be the result of worms. As well as diarrhea, bloody stools may indicate hookworms.

3. Coughing

One advanced stage sign of heartworms in a dog is the development of a cough. Dogs with roundworms or hookworms may also cough.

4. Lethargy

Dogs that are lacking in their usual level of energy may have worms.

5. Change in Feeding Habits

A sudden change in a dog’s appetite may mean he is infected with roundworms. Food may lose its appeal, or he may suddenly be more hungry because worms are stealing nutrients from his food.

6. Loss of Weight

Rapid loss of weight may indicate the presence of tapeworms or whipworms.

7. Dull Coat

Worms may cause a dog’s coat to begin to appear dull and dried out. Other indications of worms may be hair loss and the appearance of rashes.

8. Skin Irritations

A severe infestation of worms may cause skin irritation and itching.

9. Scooting

A dog rubbing its bottom on the ground often indicates a problem with the anal glands. However, a dog with worms may scoot to relieve the itch, due to worms in the anal area.

10. Bloating

If a dog begins to have a pot belly, it may have contracted worms. If a bloated stomach applies to puppies, they will probably have picked up worms from their mother.

The beloved late great Betty White was highly regarded not just for her impressive acting career but for her animal rights activism.

“Betty White demonstrated a lifelong commitment to helping animals in need, including dedicated support for local shelters and animal welfare endeavors, fiercely promoting and protecting animal interests in her entertainment projects, and personally adopting many rescued animals,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO.

According the New York Post, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association president Tom Jacobson added, “Her work with [the zoo] spans more than five decades, and we are grateful for her enduring friendship, lifelong advocacy for animals, and tireless dedication to supporting our mission.”