Pet turtles may react to the owner's presence, especially if they are fed often by the same person. Discover common pet turtle behaviors with tips from the owner of a reptile store in this free pet care video.

Duration :0:1:16

Expert: Tim Cole
Bio: Tim Cole has kept reptiles for more than 40 years. He has professional experience working with zoos and scientific field studies. Cole is the owner of Austin Reptile Service.
Filmmaker: MAKE | MEDIA

Mushrooms have been used in holistic medicine and nutritional supplements for thousands of years. However, it was not until the last two decades that these effects have been validated by many ethnobotanists and medical researchers.

The ability of certain mushroom species to boost energy level, increase quality of life, and enhance aspects of the immune system has been a popular subject of medical research, which led to the discovery of pharmaceuticals including penicillin, ciclosporin, griseofulvin, cephalosporin, ergometrine and the statin drugs.

The first statin, mevastatin, was isolated from a mushroom named Penicillium citrinum in 1976. Later, Merck isolated lovastatin from the mushroom named Aspergillus terreus. In 1990, researchers from HiPet USA’s headquarters in San Marcos, California have successfully extracted and purified a powerful compound named “Mushrooms Beta Glucan” which offered exceptional immune system enhancing activity.

A naturally derived polysaccharide, Beta glucan is a bioactive molecule found in many different substances includes barley, oats, yeast and mushrooms. Because Beta glucan is a long-chain polysaccharide, the different sugars can be linked in several different ways, which allows for different appearances and functions to the different forms of Beta glucan. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the source of the Beta glucan we use based on the results we are looking for.

The mushroom source of Beta glucan has been used in many countries in Asia for health purposes for a long time. When you look at research on mushroom Beta glucan, a large percentage has been done in Asian laboratories in the past. However, in the United States, researchers from the Sloan-Kettering Institute and City of Hope are catching up with their progress. As the result, Beta glucan extracted from different mushrooms now has trade names used for research and health uses, like Lentinan, D-fraction, AMFM…etc. Having these kinds of standardized mushroom Beta glucan can make it easier to compare research studies between laboratories.

In general, Beta glucan is derived from the mycelium (roots) and the fruit-bodies of mushrooms. The concentration and potency of each different product varies depending on the various timing of harvest and the extraction methods. Mushroom Beta glucan has shown effectiveness as an anti-tumor defense and as an immune system modulator. In one recent study, mushroom Beta glucan was able to activate and promote the release of infection-fighting cytokines to promote a healthy immune response.

In another study on AMFM, a Beta glucan source which comes from suehirotake mushrooms, mice were given mushroom Beta glucan and were able to block the progression of tumor cells. Yet another study showed that Beta glucans protected lymphocyte blood cells (important in the immune system) from undergoing DNA damage by free radicals.

It was found that Beta glucan can effectively enhance the immune system by activating the macrophages, which work as the front line defense of our body. These cells in our immune system are responsible finding, identifying, and destroying foreign invaders in our body and further activate other components of the immune system to produce of other immune cells, including B-cells, T-cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells in preparation of the future adverse events. An article which reviewed several types of mushroom Beta glucan showed that different mushrooms had different effects on different tumors and it was clear that some mushrooms act more strongly against some tumors than against others.

These efforts in science eventually leads to the conclusion that nutritional supplements containing purified mushroom extracts can bring the greatest benefit to your companion animals. It has also been shown to provide positive results on chronic infection and blood sugar challenged body. It is a powerful immune system support compound bestowed by our mother nature. This means that Mushroom Beta-glucan does not fight a specific disease directly, but rather helps to make the immune system function of our best friends at an optimal level so they can more successfully combat all kinds of diseases.

Mushroom Beta-Glucan, an all-natural polysaccharide extracted from the medicinal mushrooms using the patented AMFM procedure by HiPet USA, has the capability to enable the immune system to release an arsenal of defense, addressing a wide range of ailments and holds outstanding supplemental value for our beloved dogs and cats.

In order to produce the best cat supplements using ingredients devoid of pollutants and contaminants, HiPet USA cultured their own medicinal mushrooms with organic herbal mediums in a controlled environment, followed by purification and extraction utilizing a patented biotechnology process to preserve nature’s secret to improve wellness.

The result is better overall health with stronger joint and bones, leading to a better quality of life.

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Mealtimes can be the most important part in a dog's existence as these food motivated animals are voracious eaters. Dogs that are left alone at home all day would eagerly wait for the arrival of the master as once the door opens, the bowl of kibble is not far behind. Dogs in the wild use much of their time hunting for food. Dogs have to hunt to survive and since food is not always available, dogs would eat every bit of the prey when one is found. Dogs are mainly carnivorous but these adaptable animals can eat anything when prey is not available. Dogs in the wild can turn vegetarian and survive on fruits, berries, grass and leaves.

Modern day dogs do not have to hunt to survive. Dogs never go hungry as they are regularly provided with nutritious food by their owners. Most dog owners will be mystified by the pet's habit of eating inedible things. Well fed dogs would still add rocks, twigs, cloths and even poop to their menu. You are lucky if your pet has the habit of eating leaves as some dog owners are concerned by the pet's inclination to eat poop.

The need to correct a dietary imbalance was considered as one of the reasons why dogs eat leaves. Dogs are noted to have a high level of intelligence, these animals also have the ability to know if something is amiss with their system. A dog's habit of eating leaves is attributed to the need to fill up a nutrient deficiency that would result if an owner provides the dog with cheaper but low quality food.

We are aware of the dog's big appetite. Dogs are noted to have a curious personality. This curious nature often results to ingestion of non-edible objects. Voracious eaters that they are dogs would not pass up the chance to eat spoiled food. Should we be surprised if our pets get stomach upsets every now and then? Fortunately, nature has given our canine friends ability to self medicate. Dogs simply need to eat leaves and presto! the foreign matters as well as the toxic substances in the stomach that ails the pet will be vomited. The leaves eating habit can be a way to gain attention. Dogs that eat leaves of prized plants will surely be reprimanded by the owners. Reprimands though and even punishment would be better than being ignored.

The dog's habit of eating leaves is actually not dangerous unless the leaves that were munched by the dog were sprayed with poisonous substances. To keep the pet safe, the owner has to find ways to curb the dog's inclination to eat leaves.

Find out more about why dogs eat leaves and first aid for dogs at Sarah's Dogs.

Dogs are noted for their legendary scenting ability. Before domestication, the nose is considered as a very important survival asset of dogs. The ability to smell has a large bearing on the survival skills of dogs. Dogs that have survived in the wild have greatly depended on the nose to hunt and more importantly to avoid their predators. The ultra sensitive smelling ability of the dog is one of the reasons why these animals are highly valued . Modern day dogs no longer need to hunt or fight predators but the scenting ability is still very much at work especially for working dogs.

Aside from being home companions dogs are used in other capacities as well. Dogs have been utilized to herd but in recent years these animals noted to have excellent scenting abilities were trained to become bomb and narcotic sniffing dogs. Rescuing lives have been added to the outstanding accomplishments of these animals branded as man's best friends. Dogs really do have awesome scenting abilities because studies have proven that dogs can detect cancer. A dog indeed is a cut above the rest not only because of its loyalty to mankind but also because of its excellent olfactory skills

A wet and cold nose is one of the distinct characteristics of dogs. The excellent scenting ability of dog is probably due to the cold nose. The awesome olfactory capabilities of dogs is attributed to the moisture that makes the nose cold.

We humans get cold noses when the weather is cold, the same thing is true with dogs Dogs are very active and curious animals. Dogs are inclined to roam and when they do they would do a lot of sniffing along the way. Dogs have the inclination to sniff the ground so that the moisture from the grasses will be picked up by the nose. Dogs have the propensity to lick as this is a normal canine behavior. Dogs will be seen licking the nose after a meal.

The moisture from the long tongue can be easily transferred to the nose. The cold nose aids in regulating the body temperature of dogs. Dogs do not have a very efficient cooling system due to very few pores. Dogs can only cool off the body by panting. The special gland in a dog's nose that secretes fluids keeps the nose moist and cold and aids in the cooling down of the body.

At Sarah's Dogs you can read more about why dogs have cold noses, dog first aid and many other interesting dog facts.

People keep dogs for a variety of reasons. While some breeds work for a living, majority of these four legged friends are primarily kept as companions. Loyal and protective, dogs would always shows an inherent eagerness to serve its people. Being social animals, dogs would always manifest its affectionate nature. Dogs are considered as members of the family because of these most valued human-like attributes.

Nature has not gifted the dog with the ability to speak but these intelligent creatures can very well communicate with people by using an array of gestures and body language. Given a chance, dogs would always lean on their favorite people. To gain balance, a dog scratching its body would usually lean on the masters legs. On the other hand, a dog would lean on people not only to prop the body when scratching an itch. The dog's tendency to lean is basically a manifestation of its affectionate however, the attitude can also be a sign of the dog's dominant, possessive and protective nature.

Dogs would constantly show their affectionate nature to their human family because these are very sociable creatures. A walking dog that sees the master would veer away from its original direction to sidle and lean on the master's legs. Dogs are said to be intelligent creatures but in spite of that fact, a dog would ignore the well padded comfortable bed and choose to sleep on the legs and feet of its master.

The leaning habit of the dog can be a manifestation of its protective and possessive behavior. Dogs can easily discern danger. A dog leaning on the master in a potentially dangerous situation would seem to assure the master of its protection. Dogs, especially those that have formed strong ties with their owners would be possessive of their masters. The leaning gesture is the dog's way of broadcasting to everyone that the person it is leaning to is already taken.

A dog's tendency to lean can be a manifestation of a dominant behavior. Dogs are pack animals and the tendency to lean is a demonstration of its dominant personality. A dog that is allowed to be dominant would be the headache of its owners. The affectionate personality that is manifested by the dog's tendency to lean is one of the reasons why dogs are highly valued pets but if leaning is done by the pet to be dominant then it is imperative for the behavior to be modified.

Find out more about why dogs lean, dog first aid and dog behaviour at Sarah's Dogs.

Licking is a natural behavior of dogs. It is believed that dogs have learned to lick from puppyhood. Mother dogs lick the puppies clean but licking is also done to promote urination and defecation. Hungry puppies that want to nurse would lick the dam. When the puppies get older, the licking is done to ask the mother dog to regurgitate food. By licking each other, puppies enhance the tie between the littermates.

The tendency to lick will remain even if the dog matures. Dogs are very affectionate pets and this affection will be shown by the dog's inclination to lick the human family. Dogs not only lick humans and other dogs as they are also seen licking themselves. The dog's tendency to lick the feet is very annoying to most dog owners. Dogs are very active animals and you can just imagine what things the dog would have on its paws. Dogs always give the owners sloppy kisses thus you can imagine the consternation of a pet owner if the dog is seen licking the paw that has stepped on feces or rotten animals.

A dog will lick the feet for a lot of reasons. It seems that dogs hate dirty feet as they are often seen licking the feet clean. Dogs have the tendency to like things that humans find hateful. Dirt and abhorrent things may be lodged between the paws and the dog would not stop until it is removed and eaten. Dogs have another reason for licking the feet - pain. Dogs are active animals that love to wander thus it is not surprising if they come home with an injured foot. Dogs though have a very effective cure for wounded feet, the dog only has to lick the feet and the pain will be gone.

Boredom and anxiety are other reasons why dogs would lick the feet. Licking the feet is for dogs while nail biting is for humans. By licking the feet, the anxious feeling will be eased. Bored dogs would need something to occupy their time and in the absence of toys, the dog will lick the feet.

Made to choose between a dog that licks the feet and one that destroys the furniture, the licking dog will win hands down. The dog's habit of licking the feet or any other part of the body for that matter must be stopped as it can result to raw skin. Excessive licking of the feet must be stop before it turns into an addicting habit as the feet that is constantly licked can have hard to cure granulomas.

More about why do dogs lick their own feet and dog first aid at Sarah's Dogs.

Some behaviors of man's best friends would seem odd to humans. It is not uncommon for pet owners to observe the pet turning around in circles, sleeping with the four legs up like an upended table and chasing the tail. Another weird behavior of the pet is scooting. To scoot, a dog would propel its body forward using the front legs while dragging the butt against the floor, the carpet or the grass.

A dog that cocks the head or one that chases the tail endlessly is an amusing sight that will elicit laughter from the family. But this entertainment will only be for a while as it would certainly be tedious to see the dog performing the trick endlessly. An owner can't help but think that something must be wrong with the pet.

Scooting can be attributed to boredom. Dogs that are ignored would do anything to get the family's attention because being social animals dogs would crave for the attention of its human family. A dog will be encouraged to chase its butt if laughter and attention are drawn out from the human family. The dog excited with the clapping and the laughter of the family will be enticed to do the act over and over again.

The scooting of the pet may not be done to amuse the family. Scooting is a sign that the pet is either in pain or uncomfortable. Dogs are indiscriminate eaters thus the discomfort that makes the dog scoot can be caused by a cloth, a string or plastic that gets stuck and dangles from its rectum. The hair on the anal area especially on long haired breeds can have clinging dried up feces. As dogs don't have hands, the foreign objects on its rear end will be removed with scooting.

Worm infestation and anal gland disorders are possible reasons why the dog would drag its butt on the floor. A dog infested with tapeworm will scoot as the segments of worm will collect on the anus and on the hair around the area anal area causing severe itching. Another reason why a dog would drag its butt on the ground is anal gland disorders. Anal gland secretions give the dog its distinct odor. Nature has designed the draining of the anal gland secretion to be done when the dog defecates however because of low quality food, dogs commonly have soft stools. Soft stools would result to impacted anal gland. An impacted anal gland would be painful for the dog thus it would try to empty the sacs by dragging its butt in the floor.

Want to know more about why dogs scoot as well as dog first aid. Visit Sarah's Dogs.

Dogs have a reputation for being great sleepers. Breeds of dogs that are often seen sleeping in front of the fire are lovingly nicknamed fireplace rugs by their owners. Some dogs would sprawl in the middle of the doggie bed; others would take the flying squirrel position. Some dog would sleep all curled up or would sleep with the legs up in the air like an upended table. Dogs have different sleeping positions but one thing is common in these animals - they spend more than half of the day sleeping.

The sleeping positions of humans are analyzed and interpreted by psychologists. Every time you see the pet sleeping all curled up do you ever wonder why the dog sleeps this way? The expertise of dog behaviorist may not be necessary to know the reasons why dogs sleep this way. Dogs have learned to survive on their own before they were domesticated by man.

Life on the wild is hard as these animals would have to hunt to survive and in doing so would sleep wherever the need to rest strikes them. Dogs in the wild would sleep on snow, on hard ground and on prickly vegetation. Obviously, because dogs don't have blankets to keep them warm, they need to curl up to conserve warmth. By sleeping this way, the paws will be covered by the body and the tail will be used to protect the face from the elements.

Dogs are pack oriented animals thus they would always stay together. The wilderness is vast but these animals would need to find a place that would be safe from predators. Dogs would need to curl up to sleep in order to accommodate other pack members in the cramp den. Dogs in a pack need to stay together and to sleep together to protect each other from predators. By curling up, the dog is protecting its vital organs from the predator's attacks.

The hard life of dogs ended after domestication. Every thing the dog needs are provided by the owner. Pet dogs now sleep in comfortable beds. Dogs are also allowed to sleep on the master's bed. However, dogs are still found sleeping all curled up. No harm would come to a dog sleeping in this position but curled tight in a ball, the pet cannot have a restful sleep as the muscles are not relaxed. To make the dog comfortable you can try to encourage the dog to take other positions when sleeping.

Learn more about why dogs sleep curled up as well as first aid for dogs at Sarah's Dogs.

Dogs are well loved pets and pet owners are often seen kissing and cuddling a pet that is often times considered as the baby of the family. Even non-dog lovers would not be surprised to see a kid sleeping under the covers with a dog as these animals are noted to be specially affectionate with children. One of the downsides of keeping dogs for a pet is their doggie smell. No matter how pet owners aver that their pet has no doggie smell, the dog would still emit a distinct odor that is quite unpleasant to humans.

Because dogs are considered as family members, they are regularly groomed and kept clean. Frequent bathing is not advisable for dogs as it dries up the skin thus owners would provide the pet with doggie powders and colognes to maintain the pleasant smell in between baths. Pet owners can never prevent a dog from giving in to their primitive behavior whenever given a chance.

This means that once a chance is presented the dog would roll in smelly rotten animals so that the putrid smell will cling to the fur. It is common for dogs to struggle when they become aware that a bath is forthcoming. Dogs though are known to enjoy bathing in muddy and smelly water. If the smelly water is not rinsed from the fur the dog would smell like a dirty damp carpet.

Dogs have great appetites thus they will eat anything. As Fido was not taught to use toilet paper, the ingested plastic that was not totally excreted would cling to the dog's rear end to give the dog an obnoxious smell. The unpleasant smell can be due to dried up feces on the fur around the anus. The dog's abhorrent smell can be due to a medical reason. Diabetes and kidney diseases can give the dog bad breath. An infected ear due to parasite infestation, an impacted anal gland, teeth and gum diseases - all these conditions can contribute to the dog's unpleasant smell.

The doggie smell is more noticeable in the anal area as the anal glands of a dog secretes a yellowish to grayish fluid that has a smell distinct to every dog. A dog's unpleasant smell though is primarily caused by poor hygiene. Humans that are not too concerned with proper body hygiene would also have an unpleasant smell. Dog owners can easily deal with the unpleasant doggie smell by making sure that the dog is regularly groomed.

Read more about why dogs smell and first aid for dogs at Sarah's Dogs.

To the amusement of dog owners, dogs would sometimes show some peculiar and amusing behaviors. Dogs, unlike other animals that would simply lie down to sleep, would have to circle the sleeping area before lying down and then would take a curled up position to sleep. However, some dogs would lie on their side; others would sleep on their stomach with all the legs stretch out. Dogs that take on the flying squirrel position when sleeping will be an amusing sight.

Another amusing sleeping position of the pet is one where the back is against the bed or the floor and the legs are in the air like the legs of an upended table. Without a doubt, this sleeping position would be the funniest most especially if the dog is dreaming of running and making pedaling motions with its legs

Dogs have been the most valued companions of man because of the way these animals have closely bonded with its human friends. These most valued companions consistently aim to please the family thus it would not be unexpected if even when sleeping the dog would still want to entertain its people. A dog that sleeps on its back with the legs up in the air as if waiting for the ceiling to fall down would certainly be a funny sight.

On the other hand, a dog expert would know the other reasons for this funny sleeping position of the pet. A dog that sleeps on its back may be trying to cool the body by exposing the belly which is the less hair covered part of the body. A dog finds it rather hard to cool the body as it has very few sweat glands. Thus in very hot weather a dog would loll its tongue to keep cool. The dog has another way improving its rather inefficient cooling system and this is by sleeping on its back to expose the belly to cooler air.

This rather funny sleeping position is a manifestation of the dog's affectionate nature. Dogs would always want to be cuddled and kissed by its family and it is certainly hard to resist the temptation of patting a dog that is sleeping on its back with all the legs up in the air. A dog's most comfortable position is to sleep lying on its back. Dog owners would notice that their pets sleep this way if the dog is safe and secure inside the housed. Dogs don't feel so secure when they sleep outdoors thus they are not seen sleeping on their back. Dogs that sleep outdoors are all curled up. This way the vital parts of the dog are protected from potential harm that can be caused by the dog's enemies.

Sarah's Dogs has more answers to why dogs sleep on their backs as well as information about first aid for dogs.