Tag

Pets

All articles tagged with #pets

Humid spots, not sunny windows: where to place a peace lily for best blooms
gardening1 month ago

Humid spots, not sunny windows: where to place a peace lily for best blooms

To help a peace lily thrive and bloom, place it in a humid, indirect-light spot (such as a bathroom or kitchen) rather than a sunny windowsill. It prefers north or east-facing light away from radiators and drafts, and you should water to keep the soil moist but not soggy (don't overwater). Regular misting or a small humidifier can boost humidity. Also note that peace lilies are toxic to pets, so keep the plant out of reach of cats and dogs.

Berkeley leptospirosis outbreak prompts pet, public-health precautions
public-safety1 month ago

Berkeley leptospirosis outbreak prompts pet, public-health precautions

Berkeley health officials report a leptospirosis outbreak near the Eighth & Harrison encampment, with two infected dogs (one fatal) and recent rodent activity; as of Jan. 12 there were no confirmed human cases. Leptospirosis is rare in the U.S., spread mainly through infected animal urine and contaminated water or soil, not airborne, and while most people recover with antibiotics, serious cases can occur. There is a canine vaccine (and vaccines for other animals) but no human vaccine. Officials advise moving away from the red zone, disinfecting gear, avoiding mud and standing water, vaccinating pets, and seeking medical or veterinary care promptly if exposure or symptoms appear.

Could Raccoons Be the Next Great Pet?
science1 month ago

Could Raccoons Be the Next Great Pet?

Experts weigh whether any wild species could be domesticated into the next popular pet; raccoons are highlighted as a potential example, but true domestication is a slow, complex evolution driven by social behavior and interaction with humans, with many urban wildlife species potentially following a commensal path rather than deliberate breeding, and dogs and cats remaining the benchmark.