How smart are dolphins? Dolphins are considered the second most intelligent species after humans. Surprisingly‚ they surpass primates in cognitive abilities with their high brain-to-body weight ratio‚ enabling sophisticated problem-solving and abstract comprehension. These magical sea creatures demonstrate remarkable adaptability‚ self-awareness (a rare trait among animals)‚ and mirror self-recognition. Dolphins are known for tool usage‚... The post Woman wakeboarding in the Sea of Cortez becomes flanked by countless sea creatures appeared first on Animal Channel.

Samoyeds are a popular dog breed due to their adorable appearance and vibrant personality. These dogs love to spend time around humans and other animals‚ making them excellent companions for all kinds of people. Samoyeds are generally considered a healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12–14 years‚ if not longer. However‚ there are still several health issues that this breed can experience. This article provides you with a list of the most common Samoyed health issues that you should know about. Keep them in mind before choosing a Samoyed as your new family member. The 7 Samoyed Health Issues 1. Uveodermatologic Syndrome A common health problem in Samoyeds is uveodermatologic syndrome (UDS). This issue is characterized by eye inflammation‚ skin depigmentation‚ and hair whitening. In severe cases‚ Samoyeds with this problem can experience various ophthalmological disorders that could eventually lead to blindness. Dogs that suffer from UDS will likely showcase the following signs: Red/cloudy eyes Tearing Localized vitiligo (mainly on the nose‚ lips‚ and eye rims) Retinal detachment Cataracts Glaucoma Blindness This health issue in Samoyeds is treatable‚ but the affected dog will likely need lifelong therapy to maintain their health‚ and early intervention is vital for a good outcome. Image Credit: hedgehog94‚ Shutterstock 2. Eye Problems In addition to UDS‚ Samoyeds are prone to various eye problems that can cause severe damage‚ some of which are not treatable. Retinal Dysplasia Retinal dysplasia in Samoyeds is mostly due to genetic disorders‚ which is why these dogs require DNA screenings. This health problem occurs when your Samoyed’s retina‚ located at the back of the eye‚ forms abnormal folds‚ eventually leading to impaired vision and blindness. Unfortunately‚ there’s no specific treatment for this issue. Some dogs can undergo gene therapy‚ but the outcome may not be successful. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) This disorder causes the photoreceptors inside the dog’s retina to die‚ eventually leading to blindness. PRA is not treatable‚ so all dogs suffering from it will become blind at one point in their life. However‚ there’s also a DNA screening for this disorder that reduces the chances of newborn Samoyed puppies developing it. Cataracts Samoyeds are prone to developing several different types of cataracts‚ including posterior punctate and juvenile cataracts. A few of these problems are inherited‚ while older Samoyeds are at risk of developing age-related cataracts. The treatment for cataracts in Samoyeds depends on the type that a dog has; some can be easily treated‚ while others might not have a cure. Distichiasis Samoyeds with distichiasis have eyelashes that grow from the ducts inside the eyelid‚ which is unusual. In some situations‚ these hairs irritate your Samoyed’s eyes; in others‚ they won’t cause any harm and can even go unnoticed. 3. Heart Problems Samoyeds can experience various heart problems and abnormalities due to genetics. Aortic Stenosis Aortic stenosis is a congenital condition that can affect Samoyeds. The issue is present at birth‚ and due to abnormalities‚ the dog’s heart needs to work much harder than usual to provide a blood supply to the body. This health issue could eventually lead to death‚ so prompt treatment is important. The actual treatment method can vary based on the severity of the issue. Some Samoyeds may need medications‚ while others may require surgery. Pulmonic Valve Stenosis Pulmonic valve stenosis is another congenital condition. Three different types of this issue can affect dogs‚ but all of them can eventually lead to heart failure. The treatment options vary based on the severity of the issue‚ but most Samoyeds suffering from pulmonic valve stenosis require cardiac catheterization to open up the narrowed valve. Image Credit: hedgehog94‚ Shutterstock 4. Hip/Elbow Dysplasia Samoyeds can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia‚ which can be passed on to their offspring. Therefore‚ these dogs require screening for both of these health issues. Hip dysplasia: This problem occurs in many medium and large dog breeds‚ including Samoyeds. Hip dysplasia is when the ball and socket joint of the hip has not formed correctly‚ leading to abnormal movement and wear of the joint‚ lameness‚ and arthritis. In many cases‚ surgery is necessary to resolve the problem and relieve your dog’s pain. Elbow dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic issue in Samoyeds. Similar to hip dysplasia‚ elbow dysplasia results from incorrect growth and development of the joint‚ but there are different components of the elbow that may be affected. Depending on the type and severity‚ elbow dysplasia may require medication or surgical treatment. Responsible breeders of dogs that are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia will have their dogs scored before breeding to try to ensure that only healthy individuals are contributing to future generations. The Canine Health Information Center organizes this‚ and many other health programs for breeders and pet owners. 5. Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy A genetic defect that can occur in this breed is the Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy. This condition is passed from mothers to their male puppies‚ and it can be deadly. Common signs of Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy include: Excessive thirst Excessive urination Poor appetite Vomiting Lethargy Anemia This genetic condition has no cure‚ meaning that it’s vital to screen Samoyed mothers and ensure that they don’t carry this gene. Fortunately‚ DNA testing is relatively inexpensive‚ so all responsible breeders should be able to show evidence of the test results. Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina‚ Shutterstock 6. Diabetes Mellitus It’s common for middle-aged Samoyeds to experience diabetes mellitus. This issue can occur in dogs for several reasons‚ though in Samoyeds‚ it’s mainly related to having chronic pancreas inflammation. Samoyeds suffering from diabetes mellitus may experience the following: Increased urination Increased appetite Vomiting Weight loss Dehydration Infections Poor coat health Seizures This health issue can’t be cured‚ but Samoyeds with diabetes can still lead normal lives if they get the needed treatment and adapt their lifestyles to their condition. 7. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland and causes it to produce abnormal hormone levels. These hormones affect various parts of your dog’s body‚ including hair growth‚ weight regulation‚ and reproduction. Therefore‚ Samoyeds suffering from hypothyroidism are prone to being infertile‚ losing hair‚ and gaining weight. Depending on the severity of the issue‚ most dogs will require daily thyroid supplementation to stay in good shape. Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina‚Shutterstock Conclusion There are several different health issues that Samoyeds could experience. However‚ the Samoyed is still considered a healthy dog breed‚ as many of these conditions are not life threatening‚ and can be managed. Through genetic testing and other screening modalities‚ the incidence of many of these health issues can be reduced with responsible breeding. Sources https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/samoyed https://www.samoyedclubofamerica.org/the-samoyed/health-and-care/health-issues/ https://www.samoyedhealthfoundation.org/diseases/uveodermatologic-syndrome-uds/ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cataracts-in-dogs https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/distichia-or-distichiasis-in-dogs   Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot‚ Shutterstock The post 7 Samoyed Health Issues You Should Know Before You Get One appeared first on Pet Keen.

Dogs come in different shapes‚ colors‚ and sizes—as well as prey drive intensities. Some dogs love to cuddle and sleep most of the day away‚ while others are constantly on the hunt. It can be hard to snap these dogs out of their fixation once they’ve spotted a small moving animal‚ while other dogs may not care for the chase at all. Certain dogs have a higher prey drive because of their breeding‚ but they can also be developed by their environment. A dog with a high prey drive is challenging if not trained properly‚ as they can be difficult to control. Although it can never be fully trained out of your dog‚ their prey drive can be positively redirected‚ and with the right tips‚ they can be raised to become obedient and delightful pets. How Are Dogs with High Prey Drives Classified? Dogs that stalk‚ search‚ chase‚ snatch‚ and bite are classified as having a high prey drive. One or two of these behaviors can be stronger in different breeds‚ but they will typically display varying degrees of all five. However‚ it is the job of the owner to redirect this energy into games‚ toys‚ or treats‚ instead of the smaller animals around them. It is important to understand that if you try to completely suppress an instinctive behavior‚ you will almost always lose. However‚ if you use positive reinforcement to focus that instinct in a more desirable way‚ you will have a much greater chance of success‚ as well as a less frustrated pet. The 20 Dog Breeds with High Prey Drives 1. Greyhounds Image Credit: Alexandra Morrison Photo‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 13 years Height: 27 to 30 inches Weight: 60 to 70 pounds Known for their speed‚ these dogs will zoom around your yard after a ball—or a cat. They were bred for hunting‚ where their high speed and excellent sight were very useful. Although one of the breeds with a high prey drive‚ these dogs do get on well with other dogs and can be in the ownership of seniors due to their gentle and sweet-natured personalities. However‚ early socialization with small animals and children is a must for this breed. 2. Border Collies Image Credit: ForeverNaturalPhotography‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 15 years Height: 18 to 22 inches Weight: 30 to 55 pounds These intelligent sheepdogs are incredible herders‚ and they know how to control a flock of sheep with their eyes and movements. They love to work and do well on a farm where they have the freedom to run and release all their energy. However‚ farm life isn’t a requirement to owning this breed as long as you provide them with around 2 hours of activity each day. Due to their intense herding instincts‚ they may try to herd children and small animals in the home. Thankfully‚ this behavior can be trained out of them by a strong leader and enriching lifestyle. Allowing them to run with other dogs can be a great way for them to let off steam‚ and activities like flyball are a fantastic way to keep their bodies fit and minds active. 3. Cocker Spaniels Image Credit: chrisukphoto‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 14 years Height: 13.5 to 15.5 inches Weight: 20 to 30 pounds Those floppy ears‚ big eyes‚ and stunning coats are a few of the many stunning features of a Cocker Spaniel. These dogs are great companions that are sporty enough to eagerly participate in any activity or adventure. They were created for hunting but are one of the most popular breeds in America. These dogs are water lovers‚ too‚ so swimming is an excellent activity to release some of their energy. If integrated with cats and other pets from a young age‚ they’re able to live harmoniously with them. These dogs love to follow their nose‚ so teaching them to “hunt” for items at home‚ or engaging in scent training‚ are some easy ways to let them use their instincts. 4. English Pointer Image Credit: Jelena Safronova‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 17 years Height: 23 to 28 inches Weight: 45 to 75 pounds The English Pointer is an intelligent breed that is friendly and playful. They are highly active‚ speedy‚ and need a lot of exercise‚ making them one of the best dogs for runners‚ cyclists‚ and hikers. These dogs were bred for hunting‚ and as their name suggests‚ they would point hunters in the direction of wild game. Because of their instinct to chase and grab smaller animals‚ care must be taken when they share a home with smaller pets. These dogs are highly trainable but require a strong leader and consistency‚ as their prey drive can often make them disinterested in training. 5. Irish Setter Image Credit: Kseniia Kolesnikova‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 15 years Height: 25 to 27 inches Weight: 60 to 70 pounds Although developed as gun dogs‚ Irish Setters are great family dogs. They are loyal‚ intelligent‚ and sweet-tempered. These dogs are energetic enough to keep up with children but are gentle enough around the elderly. However‚ the Irish Setter is energetic and big‚ so supervision is required around little children. These beautiful dogs do enjoy a good chase‚ but they are often content chasing toys. If raised among smaller dogs and cats‚ they will generally view them as family‚ not prey. These dogs have stunning coats that can be seen in red‚ mahogany‚ and chestnut. They need moderate grooming and a lot of exercise. These dogs don’t do well in apartments or small homes as they enjoy a lot of space to move about. 6. Beagles Image Credit: AlbanyColley‚ Pixabay Lifespan: 10 to 15 years Height: 13 to 15 inches Weight: 20 to 30 pounds Beagles love homes with other dogs‚ but their high prey drive makes them a concern around smaller pets like hamsters or guinea pigs. They’re great family dogs‚ are loveable‚ and make great companions. They have compact bodies that are suitable for apartments‚ but they do tend to howl‚ which may not go down favorably with the neighbors. Regardless of your living space‚ Beagles need frequent walks as they are an active breed that was bred for hunting‚ and will do well with scent training. Beagles come in black‚ red‚ and white colors‚ as well as a few other variations and patterns. They love to eat and are prone to obesity. They’re also prone to joint‚ eye‚ and heart problems‚ so frequent checkups at the vet are necessary. 7. Australian Shepherds Image Credit: Eve Photography‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 15 years Height: 18 to 23 inches Weight: 40 to 65 pounds Like the Border Collie‚ Australian Shepherds are born to herd‚ and are excellent at it. They are working dogs that save farmers a lot of time and effort by rounding up their sheep and cattle‚ and are commonly used as police dogs because they are highly trainable and intelligent. They are agile and competitive and‚ when trained well‚ perform brilliantly in obedience dog competitions. These dogs do well on ranches but also do fine in homes with fenced-in yards. However‚ they need to be exercised and kept busy because dogs that don’t receive enough mental and physical stimulation will act up and become challenging to live with. 8. Afghan Hounds Image Credit: Anna Goroshnikova‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 18 years Height: 25 to 27 inches Weight: 50 to 60 pounds Although Afghan Hounds look prim and proper‚ these dogs can be delightfully silly and playful. Apart from their long‚ stunning coats‚ these dogs have long faces and flowy ears. Afghan Hounds were bred for coursing and hunting‚ where they would spot prey and hunt it down. Although beneficial in the forest and other hunting spots‚ this behavior is unhelpful on causal walks. Unless highly trained‚ Afghan Hounds should remain on the leash to prevent them from running off after other animals. Apart from their high energy needs‚ their coat also requires a lot of maintenance with brushings at least once a day to prevent tangles and frequent baths. 9. Alaskan Malamutes Image Credit: Steve Heap‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 14 years Height: 23 to 25 inches Weight: 75 to 85 pounds The Alaskan Malamute has a similar appearance to a wolf‚ but is domesticated. They were bred to pull heavy sleds and have the endurance and energy for it. These dogs are hard workers that need a leader‚ which must be their owner. They are strong-willed‚ stubborn‚ and highly intelligent. If they don’t see their owner as a strong leader‚ they will assume the role and become difficult to manage. The Malamute needs space to run and play‚ and requires at least one hour of exercise every day. Due to their strong personalities‚ it is a good idea to take them to puppy training. They are not a good choice for inexperienced dog owners‚ but in the right home‚ can be very loving‚ loyal pets. It is vital to raise them to respect children and small pets‚ as they can be overly boisterous if strict guidelines are not enforced. 10. Basenjis Image Credit: Verbitskaya Juliya‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 13 to 14 years Height: 16 to 17 inches Weight: 22 to 24 pounds The Basenji is an African dog that has been around for centuries. Evidence of these dogs goes as far back as 6000 BCE in the form of cave paintings. These dogs are small‚ but high-energy. They are intelligent‚ almost to a fault‚ because they get bored easily‚ which can quickly result in disobedience. They enjoy playtime and long walks‚ but should be kept on a leash as they are scent-sensitive and will often ignore their owner’s call if they pick up the smell of something more interesting. Although loving‚ Basenjis aren’t great with young children because they find them too unpredictable‚ but early socialization can help with this. 11. Bullmastiffs Image Credit: BORINA OLGA‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 7 to 9 years Height: 24 to 27 inches Weight: 100 to 130 pounds Bullmastiffs are a solid‚ giant breed that can look quite intimidating. However‚ these dogs are generally quite docile and loving‚ and will often fit in well in households with children and other pets. Although large in structure‚ Bullmastiffs are gentle towards family members of all ages‚ but due to their large size‚ they require strict training and socialization. Bred as guard dogs and to pursue poachers‚ they can be a bit boisterous and get carried away if they are allowed to. They’re typically calm dogs but do require a fair amount of exercise between their naps on the couch. They have a high prey drive and can be hard to control when they spot something due to their large size‚ so early training is essential. 12. Doberman Pinschers Image Credit: Mary Swift‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 12 years Height: 24 to 28 inches Weight: 60 to 100 pounds Doberman Pinschers look tough and scary and are often used for police work‚ but they’re also loyal‚ curious‚ and affectionate. They need a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to avoid unwanted‚ destructive behavior. They do better in homes without small animals‚ because they may hunt‚ chase‚ and bite‚ even though their intention may not be to do harm. These dogs do best in families and active homes. They don’t do well on their own for long periods‚ so people who work long hours or can’t give their dog a lot of attention aren’t suitable for this breed. Doberman Pinschers do well with other dogs‚ are patient with young children‚ but they do need strong leadership and strict training. 13. Jack Russell Terriers Image Credit: Maryshot‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 14 years Height: 10 to 12 inches Weight: 9 to 15 pounds Although small‚ Jack Russell Terriers are full of energy and tireless. They have big personalities and are eager to please their owners. They’re silly but confident‚ and aren’t afraid to challenge a dog twice their size. They thrive off attention and enjoy retrieving games such as fetch. They also chew a lot‚ especially as puppies‚ so appropriate toys for sharp little teeth are necessary. Jack Russell Terriers get on well with other dogs and can live in homes with cats‚ although some will be forever chasing and barking at them. Bred to chase rats and other small prey‚ they are not suitable for homes with small pets like rabbits‚ guinea pigs etc. These lively terriers can get carried away‚ and can be a bit too much for young children. 14. Whippets Image Credit: Fotomaha‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 15 years Height: 18 to 22 inches Weight: 25 to 40 pounds Similar in appearance to Greyhounds‚ Whippets are also incredibly fast and athletic. They need a yard with a fence to keep them safe‚ as they will run off‚ and should always be walked on a leash. They enjoy sprinting games and will happily pursue a flying disc or ball. They do well in active families and are great running companions. Whippets are also goofy‚ playful‚ and sweet and enjoy a good snuggle with their owners. They get cold easily and can wear pet jackets for extra warmth as their coats are short and smooth‚ and their bodies are slim. They are generally happy in the company of other dogs and cats‚ but due to their instinct to chase‚ may not be ideal for sharing a home with small pets. 15. Weimaraners Image Credit: Dmitry Veryovkin‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 13 years Height: 23 to 27 inches Weight: 55 to 90 pounds Known as the “Gray Ghost‚” Weimaraners have a sleek and velvety blue or gray coat and striking blueish eyes. These dogs were created for hunting bears and other big game and still have a fearless nature because of it. They are the result of crossbreeding Bloodhounds with a few German and French hunting dogs. They also perform well as pointers and retrievers. Weimaraners love living indoors with their family members but do require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep their intelligent brains busy. A bored Weimaraner is a problematic dog that will bark excessively‚ so owners need to get them occupied or moving. 16. Rhodesian Ridgebacks Image Credit: SubertT‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 12 years Height: 24 to 27 inches Weight: 70 to 85 pounds The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful and brave dog that was bred to track and bring down wild animals‚ such as lions and antelope. Although a true hunter‚ these dogs are also sweet and gentle dogs that love their families. As for their name‚ Rhodesian Ridgebacks were named after their place of origin‚ Rhodesia (today called Zimbabwe)‚ and after the stripe of backward hair that lines their backs. These dogs are alert and strong-willed. They’re also athletes that need firm training‚ and a minimum of 45 minutes of activity‚ through exercise and play‚ per day. They vary in color from brown to red and have minimal grooming needs. They love being a part of a pack and get on well with other dogs and cats. 17. Samoyeds Image Credit: Chendongshan‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 14 years Height: 19 to 23.5 inches Weight: 35 to 65 pounds The stunning Samoyed stands out because of their thick‚ fluffy‚ white coats and noticeable smiles. These cuddly dogs are social and thrive when given a lot of attention. They like meeting new people and dogs and are eager to play. They do well in the cold as they were developed to pull sleds in the snow—and have an excellent work ethic. They require firm training‚ which should start at a young age. Samoyeds are vocal dogs that will communicate their needs to you. They don’t like to be confined‚ so a fenced-in yard is ideal for them. Frequent exercise will keep these dogs from becoming destructive. 18. Salukis Image Credit: Elisabetta Bellomi‚ Pixabay Lifespan: 10 to 17 years Height: 23 to 28 inches Weight: 40 to 65 pounds There is so much history around Salukis‚ as they are an ancient hunting breed. These dogs were held in high esteem by the Egyptians‚ who would mummify them so that they could enter into the afterlife alongside the Egyptian Pharaohs. Salukis were bred to hunt down smaller animals to provide their owners with food. They are tall‚ slim‚ and have long hair. Salukis love their families but don’t like strangers or children. They do best with active couples or singles‚ who can devote their time to them and take them on hikes and runs. They can live with cats‚ provided they have been safely introduced. Tips for Raising Dogs with High Prey Drives There are varying degrees of prey drive intensity between different breeds of dogs‚ with some being able to release that instinctual behavior through chasing and retrieving games‚ and others requiring a bit more intensive activities. Below are a few tips for raising dogs with high prey drives: Start training early and get your puppy well-socialized before their high prey drive kicks in. Train your dog to have a strong recall so that they know to come to you when called—even if they’ve spotted a rabbit or squirrel. Also‚ train them to respond to commands. Play impulse control games and predation substitute games. Tire your dog out by doing various activities with them throughout the day‚ such as swimming‚ running‚ hiking‚ having them run next to you on a leash while you cycle‚ and through games such as fetch‚ tug-of-war‚ and hide-and-seek. Give puppies lots of different toys to play with. Avoid reprimanding your dog and focus more on getting their attention with treats before they would typically respond to “prey.” You’ll need to monitor their behavior and reactions to know when the best time is for you to step in. Keep your dog in a fenced yard to prevent them from running off. Use a leash when taking them on walks so that you have control over your dog. Never leave your dog unsupervised with children or smaller animals. Can Dogs with High Prey Drives Live with Cats? Most dogs with high prey drives can live with cats if they’re introduced to them slowly and from a young age. Unfortunately‚ if you have an older dog with a high prey drive‚ it isn’t recommended that you bring a new cat into the home‚ as it may not be a safe environment for them. However‚ it does depend on your dog‚ their personality‚ and the intensity of their prey drive. When introducing your dog to a new cat‚ make sure to take the process nice and slow‚ as rushing through it can be detrimental. First‚ keep your dog and cat separated by a closed door so that they can familiarize themselves with each other’s smell. Then‚ start to feed each pet near each other but not in eyesight. This will help them associate good things with the other pet’s smell. After a period of doing this‚ you can begin face-to-face interactions in a neutral area. Keep your dog on their leash and keep the interactions short but frequent. Once they get used to each other from daily exposure‚ you can let go of your dog’s leash and allow them to interact freely. The thing to be aware of is that dogs with a strong instinct to chase and grab can easily kill a cat‚ or other small animal‚ without actually intending to‚ so it is important not to assume that a docile dog is 100% harmless. If they want to chase a cat‚ assume that they might one day catch it. Conclusion Dogs with high prey drives need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation as this will prevent destructive and problematic behavior. Although dogs with high prey drives shouldn’t be left unsupervised with smaller pets‚ they tend to live harmoniously with cats when introduced slowly and from a young age. Training from puppyhood and strong recall are essential for these types of dogs. Sources https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-training-strong-prey-drive https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-channel-your-dogs-predatory-instincts-on-walks/ https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/behavior-appearance/prey-drive-in-dogs?lightboxfired=true# https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/how-introduce-dog-and-cat   Featured Image Credit: olginaa84‚ Pixabay The post 18 Dogs with High Prey Drives &; Tips for Raising Them (History‚ Facts &; Pictures) appeared first on Pet Keen.

Hamsters have a hearty appetite for various foods‚ but fruits seem to be one of their favorites. Most hamsters will never turn down a sweet and tasty fruit‚ even if it is not that good for them to eat. Pomegranate is a type of berry that has hundreds of edible seeds (arils) known for their sweet‚ yet slightly tart taste. Although pomegranate is high in essential vitamins and minerals‚ hamster owners might want to think twice before feeding this fruit. Pomegranates are high in organic acids‚ making them a less ideal fruit for hamsters to eat.  What Should Hamsters Eat? As omnivorous rodents‚ hamsters enjoy eating a varied diet containing different plant and animal-based ingredients. They should be getting around 70% of their nutrient intake from a commercial diet that has been specially formulated for hamsters. 20% of their diet can be made up of fresh vegetables‚ hay and some proteins like mealworms or boiled egg. The final 10% is for treats‚ such as fresh fruit‚ seeds or nuts. Although fruits seem like a healthy snack or treat‚ they are generally very high in sugar‚ which is why they should only be fed in very small quantities to your tiny hamster pal. Is Pomegranate Safe? The seeds and skin of the pomegranate are not known to have any toxic properties that would make them unsafe for hamsters to eat. Therefore‚ your hamster is unlikely to die or fall seriously ill if they ate a few pomegranate seeds. Despite pomegranates being non-toxic for hamsters to eat‚ it still doesn’t make the fruit good for them to eat regularly. Image Credit: Valentyn Volkov‚ Shutterstock Why Should You Avoid Feeding It? Pomegranates are relatively high in sugar‚ fructose‚ and water which might be difficult for your hamster to digest. This is why some hamsters may experience a bout of diarrhea and digestive upset after eating pomegranate seeds. Keep in mind that diarrhea puts your hamster at risk of dehydration‚ so monitor your hamster for signs of diarrhea a few hours after they eat pomegranate. The juice of the fruit is high in organic acids such as oxalic‚ punicic‚ citric‚ and malic acid‚ which are not good for hamsters to ingest. Those acids can be irritating to your hamster’s mouth and may erode their tooth enamel over time. Hamsters should not be eating highly acidic fruits like lemon‚ grapefruit‚ pomegranates‚ and limes because they may cause digestive upset. Health Benefits One of the main reasons you might have planned to feed pomegranate to your hamster is because of the fruit’s potential health benefits and nutritional value. Nutritional Value of 0.5 cup (87 grams) of pomegranate:  Water: 67.8 grams (g) Carbohydrates: 16.3 g Fiber: 3.48 g Vitamin C: 8.87 milligrams (mg) Vitamin E: 0.522 mg Potassium: 205 mg Zinc: 0.304 mg As we can see from the table above‚ pomegranates are a natural source of essential vitamins‚ minerals‚ antioxidants‚ and insoluble fiber. Although these nutrients are beneficial to hamsters‚ they should be obtained from their main diet rather than from acidic fruits. Better and Safer Alternatives If you want to offer fruit to your hamster as a nutritious snack‚ there are better and more importantly safer alternatives to pomegranates. Small pieces of apples‚ bananas‚ strawberries‚ and blueberries are among the many fruits safe for hamsters to eat in moderation. Those fruits are also rich in vitamins and minerals‚ but lower in organic acids than pomegranates. Image Credit: itanapunyo‚ Pixabay Conclusion Pomegranates might be non-toxic for hamsters to eat‚ but they are not recommended to feed considering there are better alternatives. Much like citrus fruits‚ which should also be avoided when feeding your hamster‚ pomegranates are very acidic. As they are not essential to your hamster’s health‚ we would recommend choosing from one of the many hamster-safe fruit options out there‚ and keep that pomegranate for yourself. Sources “What Can Hamsters Eat? – PetMD” “Pomegranate‚ Raw” “Dwarf Hamster Care Sheet – PetMD” “Your Hamster’s Diet”   Featured Image Credit: Peggy_Marco‚ Pixabay The post Can Hamsters Eat Pomegranate? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts &; Advice appeared first on Pet Keen.

A Louisiana woman and her three husbands were arrested for allegedly holding a woman captive as a sex slave. The foursome reportedly practiced Vikingism‚ forced the detainee to denounce Christianity‚ and offered a puppy as a ritual sacrifice "to the gods." Police arrested Hannah Frisby‚ 29‚ and two of her three husbands: Caleb Frisby‚ 28‚ and Justin Cowart‚ 26‚ on Thursday. Frisby's uncle‚ 54-year-old Tommy Allen‚ was also arrested. Hannah Frisby was hit with charges of first-degree rape‚ ritualistic acts‚ and aggravated battery. Cowart was charged with aggravated battery and first-degree rape. Caleb Frisby was charged with aggravated battery. Allen faces a charge of aggravated battery.The alleged victim told investigators that she was in a polyamorous relationship with Hannah Frisby‚ Caleb Frisby‚ and Justin Cowart‚ according to court documents. The victim‚ who suffers from autism and ADHD‚ reportedly said that Hannah was the "head" of the group.The victim said Hannah required her to live with the group if she wanted to be in a relationship‚ arrest records say. The victim allegedly moved into the house with Hannah and the three husbands. The victim claimed the group ordered her to denounce Christianity so that she could practice the religions of the quartet: Wiccan witchcraft‚ satanism‚ and Vikingism.KTVE reported‚ "After being in the relationship for two weeks‚ the victim was punished by being forced to enter scalding hot water and scrub herself with stiff bristled brushes covered in bleach in front of residents in the home. According to court documents‚ the punishment was due to the victim’s self-harming."The torturous bath was reportedly done to rid the victim of "evil spirits."According to arrest records‚ the victim accused Hannah Frisby of placing a puppy on a table and holding a large knife to the dog's chest‚ telling the victim it was "a sacrifice to the gods."It was not clear if the puppy was actually killed‚ according to the New York Post. The group told the victim that she was nothing more than a slave and was to provide sex to the husbands on demand‚ according to the affidavit. The foursome allegedly told the victim that in order to "move up ranks" in the family‚ she needed to reproduce.The victim's sibling visited the house on Sept. 21. When she arrived at the residence‚ the victim reportedly asked the sister‚ "How is Freddy?" The question is a safety code in the victim's family to secretly notify each other that they are in trouble. The victim then grabbed a notebook and asked her sister to read her poetry‚ according to court docs. The victim allegedly wrote in the notebook: "Help me. They won’t let me leave. They beat me every day like a slave."The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office arrived a short time later to get the victim‚ according to KNOE. Hannah Frisby‚ Caleb Frisby‚ and Justin Cowart were arrested on Thursday and booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center. Allen was also arrested for allegations that he abused the victim. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Megyn Kelly explained on Thursday how CNN's aggressive moderation in a town hall with Vivek Ramaswamy may ultimately backfire on the legacy media.On Wednesday‚ Ramaswamy participated in a CNN-hosted town hall in Iowa. Throughout the hour-long affair‚ CNN anchor Abby Phillip repeatedly interrupted Ramaswamy‚ talking over him and trying to fact-check him in real time. Often‚ it appeared that Phillip was trying to debate Ramaswamy — not give him the opportunity to speak directly to voters‚ which is the purpose of a town hall.The veracity of Ramaswamy's beliefs notwithstanding‚ Kelly said that Phillip repeatedly interrupting Ramaswamy only makes him more likable."I realize that Vivek is having a really fun time spinning a bunch of yarns about everyone's favorite conspiracies ... that's for his voters and everybody else to pass judgment on‚" Kelly began."But here is what's so annoying‚" she continued. "That Abby Phillip is annoying. She is such an interrupter. Like shut the eff up. Let him make his point. If you want to fact-check him later‚ then do. Shut up‚ though! CNN has got an aversion to letting the words come out of the candidates' mouths.""Even if you don't agree with what he's saying‚ you invited him! Let him say it!" Kelly exclaimed. By repeatedly interrupting Ramaswamy‚ Kelly said CNN was providing voters a "disservice." But it's worse than that‚ she added. The interruptions made Kelly feel as though CNN was intentionally trying to "censor" him."I‚ too‚ am leaning in. The more she’s trying to censor what he's saying‚ I'm like‚ 'What's he saying? Why is she so averse to it?' ... Let him finish. You invited him there. Let him make his damn point‚" she said.Kelly later joked that she's "ready to vote for [Ramaswamy] just because" of how CNN treated him.The SiriusXM radio host‚ who moderated a Republican primary debate last week‚ raises an interesting question: What is the job of a moderator? To host or to play interlocutor? To protect an audience from alleged misinformation or to let candidates to speak for themselves and to allow voters decide for themselves?After all‚ is any journalist capable of fact-checking accurately in real time? And more importantly: Is a town hall moderator the gatekeeper of truth? Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A San Francisco-based electric company that was recently approved to bump up monthly costs for consumers is asking for yet another rate hike due to climate change‚ according to KTVU.Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers will see their bills increase by $33 per month starting at the beginning of the year. However‚ PG&;E claims it is not enough to protect against climate concerns.The utility company is now seeking approval for another rate hike that will increase monthly bills by $12-$20 per month on top of the already-approved New Year's Day increases that have yet to appear on customers' bills."We are working to keep customer costs at or below assumed inflation for the long term‚ between an average of 2% and 4% a year‚" the company recently claimed.KTVU reported that increases for 2023 and 2024 "will be large."On December 1‚ PG&;E filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission to explain why it needs $2 billion from its customers‚ citing safety reasons. The increase that takes effect in January was approved by the CPUC for the electric company to fund the undergrounding of electric lines to decrease the risk of wildfires. Now‚ PG&;E says more funding is required for wildfire mitigation.In a statement to KRON‚ the company said‚ "The wildfire mitigation and catastrophic events application is an annual request to recover a portion of the costs associated with wildfire mitigation‚ catastrophic events such as wildfires and storms‚ and other activities related to safety that are incurred beyond. These costs do not include instances where PG&;E equipment was found to have caused a fire."The Utility Reform Network‚ a nonprofit group opposed to the "outrageous" rate hikes‚ accused PG&;E of gouging its customers."It's gonna be between $12 and $20 additional each month. That's on top of the $33 that's coming January 1‚" said Mark Toney‚ the network's executive director."They want them to start collecting in March‚ even before the CPUC has held a proceeding and decided whether PG&;E should get paid back by rate payers; $2 billion for overspending‚" Toney continued. "Oh‚ PG&;E has several requests for at least another $3 billion."Toney explained that the electric company is attempting to get customers to cover costs "for something that has not even happened." He noted that the Utility Reform Network is partnering with legislators to set price increase limits to protect customers.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Conservatives are constantly complaining about the left’s domination of culture‚ but they rarely take the actions necessary to make a difference. Corporate executives are acutely aware that offending progressive sensibilities can quickly end their careers‚ while offending the right carries little or no consequence. I can remember dozens of proposed conservative boycotts that folded immediately and had no effect. That’s why the Bud Light boycott was so shocking. Anheuser-Busch suffered serious financial losses that sent its stock tumbling and its executives running for cover. Yet the company never apologized for its actions‚ which centered around using a transgender influencer to promote its products. Now Budweiser believes enough time has passed and is attempting to buy its way back into the hearts and minds of conservatives by paying for influential endorsements. Don’t believe it. Conservatives must avoid snatching defeat from the jaws of victory and hold the line against a company that holds them in contempt. Conservatives never even got the empty apology because Anheuser-Busch is still more scared of progressives‚ and the company has every right to be. Bud Light is a brand built almost entirely on its popularity among the working class and red America. It is the default beer of backyard barbecues‚ football games‚ and country music concerts. No trendy urbanite or socially conscious activist would be caught dead drinking Bud Light. It is cheap beer for people who are looking to have a good time and do not care about signaling their social status. Anheuser-Busch is perfectly aware of the dynamic and has made billions of dollars by leaning into this image. Its advertisements are not aimed at progressive college professors or New York Times readers. They are aimed squarely at Joe Sixpack. While every company feels compelled to advance the progressive agenda due to the left’s ideological dominance‚ Anheuser-Busch was aware that its customers were not fans. After a trans shooter killed six people‚ including three children‚ at a Christian school in Nashville earlier this year‚ it would have made sense to dial back the woke propaganda and stick with endorsements from football players and country musicians. Instead‚ Bud Light executives decided to slap a picture of Dylan Mulvaney on the side of their beer cans. The reaction was incredible. Overnight a beer that had once been ubiquitous in red America suddenly became a punch line. Guys would laugh at anyone who ordered “the trans beer” at the bar‚ and Anheuser-Busch lost $27 billion in market value. Despite these incredible losses‚ Anheuser-Busch refused to apologize to its customers. The company shuffled around a few marketing executives and released an empty statement about “getting back to basics.” But executives also knew any sign of backpedaling would been seen as a betrayal of the progressive cause. Bud Light started running more ads with guys in pickup trucks but refused to side with its customers over the woke mob‚ and conservatives refused to forgive. The insincere pandering and vague statements were insufficient‚ and the brand continued to suffer. A new strategy Bud Light still refuses to ask for forgiveness‚ but the company has developed a new strategy to regain its core market. In back-to-back episodes of Tucker Carlson’s show on X‚ Kid Rock and Dana White just happened to lead off their respective interviews by explaining why it was time to abandon the Bud Light boycott. Kid Rock originally helped to kick off the viral boycott by shooting cases of Bud Light with a submachine gun and posting the videos online. But now he wanted everyone to know that while Bud Light deserved a black eye‚ it was time to forgive and forget. UFC owner Dana White‚ whose company just received a $100 million sponsorship from Anheuser-Busch‚ told Carlson’s audience that patriots should be drinking gallons of Bud Light. Not exactly subtle. Carlson claimed that Anheuser-Busch had effectively apologized by handing the UFC $100 million and that seemed like a win. I am a fan of Carlson’s work‚ but with all due respect‚ that is not an apology or a victory. If buying Dana White and Kid Rock is all it takes to end the most effective boycott in conservative history‚ then conservatives deserve to lose.When the left wins a culture war victory‚ the results are obvious‚ and conservatives should demand nothing less. Progressives do not simply stop a behavior that they object to; activists ensure that the company expressly declares loyalty to progressive ideology and makes substantive changes to its corporate culture that guarantee future compliance. Although the Mulvaney incident was particularly egregious‚ it was far from the first time Bud Light has gone woke. The company had previously launched six separate “Pride"-themed marketing campaigns‚ including cans celebrating the use of “correct pronouns.” If Anheuser-Busch can buy its way back into red America’s good graces without having to make a meaningful ideological shift‚ it will return to pushing a progressive agenda as soon as the marketing department believes the coast is clear. No quarter During the boycott I laid out four conditions for victory: Enemies are fired. Friends are hired. The company donates money to your patronage network. HR trains employees never to cross you again. If a corporation is canceled for a marketing campaign that insults two-spirit transmen of color‚ an apology is not enough. The company is forced to fire everyone involved with the campaign and must hire or elevate more two-spirit trans men of color inside the organization. Money is donated to LGBTQ charities that provide scholarships to two-spirit transmen of color‚ and HR develops sensitivity training to ensure that no one ever offends that group again. Conservatives never even got the empty apology because Anheuser-Busch is still more scared of progressives‚ and the company has every right to be. A couple of right-of-center guys getting some advertising money is nice‚ but it is insufficient. Until Anheuser-Busch issues an explicit apology and‚ more importantly‚ takes substantive actions that signal a shift in the values advanced by the company‚ it should get no quarter.

Although the genre is often maligned by purists as lightweight and disposable‚ many are memorable examples of pop songcraft at its best. From our friends at CultureSonar The post Top 10 Bubblegum Hits appeared first on Best Classic Bands.

Hunter Biden Goes THERE About How Much His Daddy Loves Him in PATHETIC Attempt at Playing the Victim