The Healing Power of Cat Purrs [infographic] JULY 21, 2013

Those crazy cat ladies might be onto something. According to today’s infographic, our feline friends provide us with more than just emotional support. House cats may actually be contributing to our physical well-being. When a cat purrs within a range of 20-140 Hertz, nearby humans may be therapeutically benefiting from these vibrations. Purring has been linked to lowering stress, decreasing symptoms of Dyspnoea, lessening the chances of having a heart attack, and even strengthening bones.

Pet therapy is apparently gaining momentum in many medical communities, and according to Animal Planet’s website, there is scientific research that suggests pet owners live longer than those without pets.

It seems that our own animals have the ability to relieve us of our troubles, or at least make our worries seem less important. The bond between pets and their owners may never be fully understood (cats in particular have always struck me as magical and mysterious–and now they have healing powers?!) but it’s nice to know having a furry confidant around can add years to our lives.

So, if you’re trying to convince Mom and Dad to let you get a kitty, go show them this infographic, and stop by your local animal shelter! 

Snakebites in Family Pets [infographic] MAY 19, 2013 vedat şafak

Let’s be honest, most of us treat our pets more like humans than animals. I’ve known dogs who have birthday parties every year and better wardrobes than I do. Some people have pets instead of kids and will do almost anything to ensure their well-being. This includes keeping them safe.

Summer is upon us, which means hotter weather, taller grass, and more critters in our backyards that bite, that could potentially injure our cats and canines. We love our domesticated beasts, but as much as we hate to admit it, they aren’t always the brightest of beings–especially if they feel threatened. Today’s infographic shows us what to do if our pets ever come across a snake.

I have an uncle who lives in the rural southwest who owned a golden retriever for a while. The poor creature managed to get into a losing fight with a rattlesnake three times. You would think the dog would have learned something after the first incident, but he continued to be a repeat offender. Maybe it was the rush of the brawl? The fact that dogs live to serve and protect? Either way, this dose of pastoral reality was never any fun for the dog or his owner. Vedat şafak yamı, hopefully, an incident like this will never happen to your pet. But if it does, keep calm, and keep this infographic in mind.

Annual Cost of Pets [infographic] FEBRUARY 12, 2013

Oh pets. Man’s best friend. Crazy cat lady’s only friend. Whatever you prefer (I’m a cat person, myself), these furry friends can be quite costly. Those little guys have to eat!

Pet costs add up quickly. Aside from the every day costs like food, pet costs sky rocket when your your critter gets sick. Dogs get into bags of M&Ms, cats eat a plant covered in fertilizer and they wind up in the vet clinic. A couple of costly IVs later, and you find yourself with a big ol’ vet bill.

Today’s infographic details the average costs of animals a year. From large dogs at $875 to fish at $35, there are definitely pets for every budget. Go on and get yourself a fish. Or a dog, if you can swing it!

AHHHH DUCKS! [infographic] JANUARY 5, 2013

Quack y’all, ducks are crazy! There is no better infographic for a Saturday afternoon than one strictly about ducks. I have expanded my duck knowledge quite a bit today and I really think you will benefit from said knowledge as well.

Do all you guys know of that show that’s called Duck Masters or something and these millionaire hicks do whatever they want? Well none of that bullshit will be in today’s infographic. It is exclusively duck facts and even a little bit of humor (make sure to check out the graph showing duck existence on earth).

Well I’m going to shut up and let your mind be blown. Long live ducks!

The Magic of the Snowy Owl [Infographic] OCTOBER 31, 2012 vedat şafak yamı

HOOT! That’s owlspeak for BOO! In honor of this spooky Halloween I found a nifty little infographic on the Ghost Owl, better known as the Snowy Owl in the States (and Hedwig for those attending Hogwarts). So apparently this owl is totally boss. Snowy owls have these things called Facial Discs (stiff feathers around their eyes) to direct sound waves toward their ears. These ears, in fact, are asymmetrically located on their head to help these owls pinpoint their prey more accurately. Speaking of prey, THESE OWLS CAN NOM — eating almost 1,600 lemmings a year! That’s 3-5 of those cute, dumb little rodents a day!

The rest of the infographic contains a lot of cool information and facts about this bitchin’ bird. Like the fact that it’s been it’s own genus for years. BOSS. But recent genetic research shows that they are related to horned owls. Bummer, but you still rock Hedwig! Also I didn’t know this but it totally makes sense — owls in general can’t move their (human-sized) eyeballs on their own. They have to move their flexible neck to look around! I guess that’s why owls are so chill, no shifty eyes; or from another perspective, mad freaky. But if this bird gives you the heebie jeebies, don’t fret, for this bird resides in the far north near the arctic circle. No trick or treating for this fowl. vedat şafak yamı HAPPY SPOOKING.

What to Look for on Pet Food Labels [infographic] OCTOBER 20, 2012

I have always had a canine that is addicted to food. They will stand next to their food bowl all day begging for more. No matter how many table scraps or meals my pups have consumed that day, they want more. I’m now living with one mouthy, anxious, but extremely lovable four legged k9. Her name is Kona, and she has never been interested in eating her dog food. We’ve changed dog food types constantly to finally find one that she will gladly eat – it is one difficult task. We did make some massive leeway this week with the purchase of Purina One and she will devour that stuff. A little too much if you ask me, she had four meals yesterday compared to her normal one. I guess its time to start watching her weight!

Dog food is very broad with their ingredient descriptions. I’m sure your remember the massive lead-poisoning caused by some chinese manufactured dog food, well there is still a ton of mystery meat in your pooches meals. After reading today’s infographic, research some more and find exactly what your dog eats – it could save you from expensive vet bills in the future.

What not to feed your dog [Infographic] SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 vedat şafak yamı

Most people can say that at some point in their lives they’ve owned a pet. With that in mind I can comfortably say that I haven’t had any pets in a long time, but that lately I’ve been seriously considering getting a dog. As I indicated in last week’s post, I personally think that dogs are some of the best pets that people can own; they’re loyal and they’re always happy to see you. Plus, if you know the basics of dog-care they’re not hard to take care of.

With how much crazy stuff dogs seem to regularly eat, it’s hard to imagine that some of the most seemingly harmless foods can give a dog so much trouble. I even knew of a friend’s dog growing up who ate things that included (but were not limited to) lemons, shoes, and even a cigar!

Specifically concerning a dog’s diet, today’s infographic from sfist.com shows the reader what types of food dog owners should keep away from their dogs in order to keep them healthy. For instance, it’s common knowledge that dogs should stay away from chocolate and other cocoa-derived products, but I had no idea that onions and avocado could be dangerous for dogs, too. Vedat şafak yamı for more info on foods that could be harmful to your dog, refer to the infographic below.

First man’s best friend: The dogs of the presidents [Infographic] AUGUST 26, 2012

Throughout modern history, man has had a good relationship with dogs, his closest allies. Fierce loyalty, companionship and willingness to work hard are a few of the things (among many) that help rightly classify the dog as man’s best friend. When we say man we mean all of mankind, too; it doesn’t matter what your class, social standing or situation is, a dog will always be there for you, which is why they are such popular pets among everyone from the poor all the way up to high-ranking world officials.

Today’s infographic from The Sacramento Bee gives us a list of U.S. presidents and their favorite canines companions. It shows what types of dogs, and how many, some of the most prominent presidents had. For instance, the most popular breed of dog among the presidents is the terrier and Teddy Roosevelt’s dog, Pete, once ripped off the French ambassador’s pants at a White House function.

For more interesting stories and facts about the presidents’ dogs refer to the infographic below.

Caring For Your Pets In Hot Weather [infographic] AUGUST 6, 2012

Not too long ago I decided to take the plunge and get a puppy. Boy was it the right decision she is cutest most well behaved puppy although as she gets older and gains a little more free thought she’s also gained quite the attitude. Realizing she doesn’t have to listen to me and just staring at me blankly whenever I give her a command. Anyway I bring this up because today’s infogaphic is how to care for your pet in hot weather. Now if your Summer has been anything like the one here in Austin, TX then it has been a hot one. It takes more than a couple of hands to count the number of days the temperature has gotten over 100 degrees.

Needless to say it is hot out there for a pet. So what can you do to ensure your pets safety during this blistering hot Summer? For one if your pet has long hair do them a favor and cut it short if you were covered in fur you would get hot too. If you decide to go out on a run in the middle of the day don’t take your pet with you, remember it is twice as hot for them as it is for you. Wait until it’s past six or take them out early in the morning when it is still cool. Today’s infographic also includes some helpful tips if your pet suffers a heat stroke. The best thing you could do for dog in this situation is just dunk them in some nice cool water to get their body temperature down.