Kristin Hitchcock
Author for A-Z Animals

Intervertebral disc disease in dogs is a spinal condition that affects the discs between the vertebrae. The discs in between the vertebrae function as cushions between the vertebrae. They absorb… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Basset hounds are often very misunderstood. They have a reputation for being a bit "slow." However, you may be incorrect about basset hound intelligence. They may not jump up quickly… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

If your dog is limping, there is a good chance that something is wrong. Dogs don't limp without a reason, just like people don't. However, the exact reason can vary… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Sighthounds are a group of dog breeds bred to chase things on sight. Think of dogs like greyhounds and whippets, which chase things that move. Unlike scent hounds, they do… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Birman cats have extremely luxurious fur. Luckily, though, they aren't that high-maintenance. Unlike many other cat breeds, they don't require much brushing and do a very good job of keeping… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Contrary to some misconceptions, cats can experience separation anxiety. While it isn't quite as common as it is with dogs, cats with this condition will display similar signs of distress… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Despite their smaller size, blue jays are known for being aggressive. They can be aggressive for a few different reasons, including: Territorial: Blue jays protect their territory fiercely, especially when… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Clumber Spaniels are a rare dog today. However, they're known for their mild-mannered nature and aristocratic vibes. For the most part, they're utilized for hunting purposes and have yet to… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Boiling Lake is a natural wonder located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica. It's very close to a magma chamber, which is located underneath it. Therefore, the lake… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

English Springer Spaniels are known for their beautiful, flowing coats. However, keeping them tangle-free and healthy requires consistent grooming. Otherwise, the mats can quickly become overwhelming. Luckily, the required grooming… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

At first glance, it might seem like dog poop fertilizer is a great solution for your lawn and garden. After all, isn't poop good for plants? However, there are several… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Wolves are pretty large. They can reach 100 pounds, though females are often around 80 pounds maximum. While this does seem pretty large, some dog breeds are even larger. For… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Miniature Boxers are not recognized by any major kennel club. Instead, they're created by crossing a Boxer with another small breed, like a Boston Terrier, Pug, and Beagle. Therefore, miniature… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Both group and private dog training sessions offer invaluable insights into dog training. However, they are not created equal. While private dog training is often more expensive, that doesn't mean… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

There are three distinct subspecies of sea otter. All of these species are at different population levels: Northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni): This subspecies is currently Threatened. Their population… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

In 2022 and 2023, turkey prices reached an all-time high. However, prices have fallen a decent amount since its peak in 2022. There are tons of different reasons turkey prices… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Florida is known as being a great place for snowbirds to retreat to. However, many parts of Florida aren't all that warm in February. The southernmost region still enjoys pretty… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Male and female Irish setters are generally pretty similar. Both are relatively active and need plenty of exercise. They aren't a good choice for those who aren't particularly active themselves.… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

You'd be forgiven if you believed all aspen trees were identical. However, there are actually five main types of Aspen trees. Each of these types has its own unique characteristics.… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 2 months ago

Dog food technically isn't poisonous to humans. However, you shouldn't generally eat it for a few different reasons: Nutrition: Dog food is formulated for dogs - not humans. It lacks… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

French Bulldogs are the most popular dogs in the United States. Frenchies are incredibly small and compact, making them great for urban dwellers. They're also low-energy and very friendly. Therefore,… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Just like people, cats can develop a range of eye problems. Some of these are very minor and similar to conditions you may see in people, like conjunctivitis. However, others… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

The depth of Kentucky's Lake Cumberland depends on exactly what part of the lake you're at. If you imagine a lake like an upside-down mountain, you can see why the… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Squirrels do not mate for life. They are actually very promiscuous, mating with several partners in a single breeding season. Females will mate with several males during their short breeding… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Alaska is a big state. However, there are many countries bigger than Alaska. While we can't provide an extensive list (there are far too many in the world), here are… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Illinois is firmly near the front of the rankings in terms of education. According to the U.S. News & World Report, they're ranked around #12. A lot goes into this… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Florida's beaches are often exceptionally beautiful. However, seaweed can occasionally wash ashore and disrupt swimming and other beach activities. It's hard to swim or enjoy the beach when seaweed levels… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They're renowned for being exceptionally friendly and good with children. However, that doesn't mean they're a good… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require quite a bit of grooming. Their coat can be prone to matting, eventually leading to sores if you aren't careful. Luckily, this problem can be… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Some dog breeds are simply cleaner than others. However, exactly what defines "clean" depends on who you ask. Some breeds are relatively low-maintenance and may not require as much brushing,… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Dog parks can be incredibly fun places for your dog to socialize and burn off some steam. Many dogs have few chances to run free today, so dog parks can… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

As you might guess, the Sahara desert gets very little rainfall. Each year, the entire desert receives an average of 3 inches. For comparison, the global average rainfall is 31… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Havanese have very luxurious, non-shedding coats, which is one reason they are so popular. When properly cared for, these dogs are a truly stunning breed. However, all that hair comes… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Cane Corsos are known for their agility and athleticism. Unlike many mastiff breeds, Cane Corsos have a very high energy level. They're also very people-oriented and need plenty of companionship.… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Squirrels can be very fun to watch. However, their antics can also be unwelcome, especially if they start nibbling in your garden. Luckily, there are some natural and effective ways… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Dreaming of an Eclipse: Discover the Spiritual Meaning and Interpretation There is something so special and mystifying about eclipses. Typically, they are a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, twice if you're lucky! You're… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

West Highland Terriers require a bit of grooming to keep their fur healthy and clean. Their thick double coat protects them against the elements, but it also requires regular brushing.… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

When prepared correctly, rabbits can eat asparagus. In fact, it is pretty nutritious. It includes a lot of fiber and folate - both things your rabbit needs. The fiber helps… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

The Sussex Spaniel is a small- to medium-sized dog breed from England. As their name suggests, they were originally bred for hunting. However, they're pretty rare today, though they are… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Elk are herbivores, which means that they are typically unaggressive. They spend their time grazing peacefully and don't show aggression unless provoked in most cases. However, what's provocative to an… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Sadly, people have hunted elk to near extinction in Tennessee. Since the 1800s, there have been very few elk in the state. Luckily, Tennessee has been working on a few… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Birman cats are recognizable by their stunning, pointed colors. Simply put, this means they have a pale color on their torso and a darker shade on their extremities. Heat affects… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Pekingese puppies vary significantly in price depending on the dog's quality and their source. Typically, a pet-quality dog is between $800 to $2,000. However, a show-quality puppy often costs much… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Despite being relatively small, Lowchen can cost quite a bit of money due to their rarity. They may cost as much as $4,000 to $8,000 for a single puppy, which… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Pekingese aren't the most common companion dogs. However, they appear more and more in mixed breeds. "Designer dogs" are becoming increasingly popular, and it's no different for Pekingese mixed breeds.… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

No dog truly stays a puppy forever. However, some breeds maintain more puppy-like characteristics into adulthood than others. These dog breeds that look like puppies are very popular companion dogs,… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago

Birman cats are typically considered a healthy breed. They have a long lifespan of 12 to 16 years, which is higher than most other cat breeds. However, that doesn't mean… Read More

By Kristin Hitchcock 3 months ago