Pets & Animals — How-To Videos, Articles, & Inspiration « Pets & Animals

How To: Remove a tick with Vaseline

In this video, we learn how to remove a tick with Vaseline. First, find the tick on the body of the animal. The tick will be obvious because the skin will swell up around where they are. Use a special tool to help pull the tick off, which has a slit in the middle of it. Now, slide the tool underneath the tick so it's in the middle. Twist the tool a couple of times and then pull the tick off from the body of the animal. After this, apply some Vaseline to the tick and it will kill it off, enjoy!

How To: Remove hair from a dog's ear

Fur can build up and mat on the inside of a dog's ear. Cutting it doesn't completely remove the problem, and pulling it out can hurt a dog's ear. A veteran pet groomer demonstrates one way of pulling ear hair from inside the ear of a toy poodle. Watch this video pet grooming tutorial and learn how to remove hair from a dog's ear.

How To: Make a cheap aquarium filter

Aquarium filters can be expensive to replace, but are important for the health and happiness of your aquatic friends. This video tutorial shows you how to keep your pet fish in good condition by making a replacement aquarium filter out of a soda bottle and a few other household supplies.

How To: Make a homemade fish aquarium filter

This is a short video of a DIY filter for a small aquarium. It works off the same concept as a sponge filter, but could be built to use and common HOB filter. You will need a Cool Whip container, a PVC pipe, silicone, airline and a pump. Watch this video pet care tutorial and learn how to make an aquarium filter at home for your pet fish.

How To: Handle and restrain a guinea pig for injections

This Animal Welfare Foundation two-part video tutorial is from expert veterinary staff demonstrating the correct procedures for handling small mammals for clinical examination and medication. Its aim is to show that the primary consideration should be for the the welfare of the animal. This video guide will show you practical animal handling for a guinea pig.

How To: Prepare venison dog biscuits

Here is a venison recipe that is sure to keep you out of the dog house. Well at least keep your dog out of the dog house. Watch this how to video and learn how to make venison dog biscuits for your dog. This deer meat is sure to be a treat for your pets.

How To: Clean your crayfish of worms

If your cray fish or crawfish has tiny tiny worms crawling over the shell, watch this how-to video to fix the problem.

How To: Introduce a pet rat to water

This instructional pet video shows a good way to introduce your pet rats to water. However, it's important to understand that some pet rats will just not like water. Your success will vary depending on your individual critter(s). Watch this tutorial video to learn the best methods of approach.

How To: Collect canine semen by manual stimulation

How to collect semen or sperm from a male dog. This is a hands on demonstration for dog breeders to learn how-to stimulate the dog's penis, slip a collection hood over the penis and then gather the sperm rich ejaculate.

How To: Deactivate (i.e. Calm Down) Your Crazy Cat in Seconds Using This Simple Trick

Cats. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, you've got to admit—they've got minds of their own. While this makes them incredibly entertaining at times, it can also cause tons of issues for their owners. Trying to "train" a cat is usually an exercise in futility.

How To: Make Dog Bows with Ribbon & Elastic Bands

So, basically I was looking around on the internet trying to find out how to make more intricate bows, and found nothing but a whole lot of very confusing instructional posts with no pictures or videos. Here you'll learn how to make cute little bows for your pets, in 6 simple steps! I'm still learning myself, but I'm hoping this could help others!

How To: Care for an Iguana Without a Cage

First of all, I would like you all to meet my good friend Iggy. There he is, in all his scaly reptilian glory. As you can see, he spends a lot more time on top of his cage than inside of it. You see, Iggy here doesn't deal well AT ALL with confinement. I don't know if it's possible for a lizard to be claustrophobic, but if it is possible, then Iggy definitely is. When his previous owner gave him to me, I tried to keep him in the cage, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea. When confin...

How To: Fully remove a tick

In this video, we learn how to fully remove a tick. Ticks can carry diseases, so it's best to get rid of these right away, checking your pet daily. Find the tick and then grab it as close as you can to your pet's skin. Pull it out and make sure you've gotten all the parts. Then, flush the tick down the toilet. You can also use a pair of tweezers to make this easier for you. Make sure you check thoroughly and don't miss if your pet does have these, they can spread onto the carpet and around th...

How To: Are There Bedbugs in Your Library Books? Here's How to Spot and Destroy Those Bloodsuckers!

Of all the places you'd think to check for bed bugs, I doubt that library books would be at the top of your list. As odd as it sounds, though, libraries and library books are some of the most common places for bed bug infestations. Libraries all over the country have reported bed bug problems this summer, and some have even had to temporarily close to take care of the problem. But before you vow to never set foot inside a library again, here's a little primer on how to check your books for be...

How To: Make a homemade cat trap

Needing to trip the feral cat population in your neighborhood. Well, it's time to make a trap, fill it with cats, and shut your trap. This good how to shows a trap you can build yourself, and the necessary tequinique to catch those cats.

How To: Train Your Pet Rat to Play Basketball

Train your pet rat to shoot hoops! This rat training instructional video demonstrates the steps you need to teach your pet rat this fun trick. All you need is a "basketball hoop", rat treats, a ping pong ball and an inquisitive pet rat.

How To: Sex a baby squirrel

This quick and easy video shows how to determine the sex of a baby squirrel. There is a demonstration of what a girl squirrel and boy squirrel look like to help identify. Watch this video animal care tutorial and learn how to sex a baby squirrel.

How To: Train your dog advanced tricks

Ron Watson of Positive Vibe dog training studio in western Michigan with Frisbee Foundations and Dog mantic Dog Training TV explains how to do vault, stall, and rebound discrimination dog training. First, add value to a barrel by using eye contact. When the dog goes to where the reinforcement happens, feed it treats. Then order the dog off the barrel. When the dog jumps up by its own volition, then you know the technique is working. Then, set a linear vault by saying, top, and tossing the tre...

How To: Handle and restrain a rabbit for injections

This Animal Welfare Foundation three-part video tutorial is from expert veterinary staff demonstrating the correct procedures for handling small mammals for clinical examination and medication. Its aim is to show that the primary consideration should be for the the welfare of the animal. This video guide will show you practical animal handling for a rabbit.

How To: Find and eliminate hidden pet poisons in your home

A lot of commonly used household items are actually poison for your furry friends. In this clip, learn all about which items can pose a danger for your dog or cat. It's not only chemicals that are bad for your pets, innocent seeming items like fruit, veggies, chicken bones, chocolate, human medications and many other hidden dangers exist as well.

How To: Express a disabled dog's bladder

This is an example on how to express the disabled dog's bladder. Prop the dog in a standing position with their feet flat on the ground. Either place the dog facing you or facing away from you. In this video, you will see the dog face the woman, as it works best for expressing her dog in that direction. Males should be faced away from you, as you do not want to have him urinate on you. Place both of your hands on the sides of the bladder. Keep in mid the bladder is known to move. The bladder ...

How To: Build a bearded dragon habitat

Creating a safe and appropriate environment for your bearded dragon requires knowledge of the animal's place of origin, as well as elements of an artificial habitat that enrich the lizard's daily living. Host Israel Dupont and herpetologist Hillary Dupont take you through step by step in what turns out to be a fun experience of science mixed with reptile interior decorating.

How To: Keep flies away from you with a fun science project

Are flies ruining your summer BBQs? Did you know there is an incredibly simple solution? This tutorial will show you how to get rid of pesky flies with nothing more than a ziploc bag, water and a few pennies.

How To: Put a cone or medical collar on your pet safely

If your pet has recently had surgery or been ill, they may need to wear a medical collar. A medical e-collar or a cone will prevent your pet from chewing or licking an area of their body that they shouldn't be touching. In this video from Dr. Lauren, you will learn where to get an e-collar and how to secure it to their head so that they stay safe and happy.

How To: Create a desert tortoise habitat

If you need to make a desert tortoise habitat you should be sure to do it properly since they are endangered animals. Desert tortoises like to eat plants because 90% of their diet should come from natural grasses. You should make sure they have dandelion, muellen and a bit of alfalfa. You can also feed them lettuce and make sure they get the right vitamins. You also need to make sure the soil is right for the desert tortoise. To build a habitat properly you need PVC pipes and slice these in h...

How To: Palpate a bovine to check for pregnancy

Suspect that your bovine (bull, cow) is pregnant. Well, there's only one way to be sure. Put on a plastic glove and insert your hand into the rectum, with your fingers together. See how to find out if your cattle is pregnant with help of this video tutorial.

How To: Perform dog arthrocentesis veterinary medical tests

An aging dog in poor health might be a candidate for a variety of clinical tests. Arthrocentesis, also known as joint aspiration, is a medical procedure in which synovial fluid is collected from a joint capsule via syringe that in turn is tested to diagnosis gout, arthritis, and certain types of infections. This video veterinary tutorial demonstrates the process of performing the procedure of canine arthrocentesis.

How To: Know when a pig is going into labor

See this how to video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate. Each litter can contain eight to twelve piglets. Watch this video to recognize if a pig is in labor.

How To: Properly trim your cat's nails using the regular and "kitty burrito" methods

One of the most painful, but necessary things to be done for cats is trimming their nails. Trimming your cat's nails is beneficial any pet owner, because it helps prevent scratched furniture and helps reduce scrapes and punctures in the skin. But it's also great for cats, because if left unkempt, can grow abnormally, creating tons of pain for your feline friend. Also, if the claws are left too long, they could get caught in carpet or furniture and pull them out while trying to escape. So, cli...

How To: Give your dog medication

Giving your dog any oral medication is never easy! This video will give you the hints and tips necessary to help make giving tablets or liquid medication easier. Such suggestions include making sure you are ready to give the medication before starting by taking the top off liquid medicine or removing the tablet from its wrapping. Then, hold your dog around the muzzle and place the medicine as far back on his tongue as possible. Encourage him to swallow by massaging his throat. Also, try hidin...

How To: Artificially inseminate a cow

Robert Whitacre is a professional artificial inseminator (AI) of cattle. This video shows how to artificially inseminate cows as part of an advanced breeding program for promoting favored genes in cattle livestock.

How To: Build a crochet style tent-bed for your pet

Crochet a cool house-tent for your little homeless friends. This instructional video will walk you through a super simple pet project. Whether you're out to craft dwellings for a dog, cat, pig, or free-range snake, this tutorial demonstrates how to build and combine all the necessary components, including the frames, walls, and personalized decorations. The results are quite cozy.

How To: Teach your dog crazy tricks

Dogs are smart. We don't need to punish them every time they don't do a trick. Through positive reinforcement training, dogs can learn almost anything. From Dogmantics, dog trainer Emily Larlham shows a few tricks she taught her dog!

How To: Make homemade baby bird food

This is just a quick video on a simple way to make homemade baby bird food, preferably for wild baby birds such as sparrows, starlings, robins, etc. This is a great starter recipe. If you've rescued an orphaned chick or taken one in as a pet, can be tricky to feed, but this simple feed is easy to make from cat food. Watch this video animal care tutorial and learn how to make baby bird food at home.

How To: Make a DIY aquarium background

This is how to make a DIY aquarium or fish tank background. Some people's methods may differ from these, but this is the easiest, most inexpensive way. You may want to listen to the Incubus song "The Warmth" while you are doing it. (Wait--is that Brandon Boyd?)

How To: Create cute reindeer antlers for your dog

Want to get your pet dog into the holiday spirit? Make your dog even cuter for the Christmas season with these reindeer antlers. They're a fun and easy art project for you to make. Just make sure your dog doesn't hide from you when you're done!

How To: Make a terrarium waterfall at home

If you own any bored reptiles and want to zest up their terrarium environment on a budget, this video will teach you how to make a cool waterfall for their terrarium using basic materials. It should take a couple of hours, and the results are very pretty (depending on your painting skills) and sure to entertain any small-to-medium-sized lizard. Not recommended for dinosaurs.