is kept out of reach and any drippings are cleaned up completely.

Freshwater fish
-Before introducing a new fish to an established tank, a period of quarantine is recommended. A 10-gallon aquarium equipped with an inexpensive box or sponge filter powered by an air pump is all that’s needed for most quarantine setups. A small heater and aquarium hood may also be helpful Once fish have been introduced to a quarantine tank, no new fish should be added until the quarantine period is complete.
-When moving your fish, the container should consist approximately one-third water and two-thirds air, and a secure lid to prevent your pet from jumping or spilling from the container during transport. Clear, strong, plastic bags, tied shut with a rubber band or duct tape, are also effective.
-When adding ornamentation to your aquarium, avoid items such as rocks or driftwood, that could carry diseases from a natural body of water (ocean, lake, pond or stream); items that may give off a toxin, like garden or field stones exposed to fertilizers or pesticides; and objects that are sharp or that could trap your fish.
- A good recommendation is for every inch of fish in the tank, one gallon of water must be available. For example, in a 20 gallon tank, you should only keep 20 inches of fish maximum. This means you could keep 20 fish that will only grow to be one inch long as an adult, or 5 fish that grow to be 4 inches long as adults, etc...
- Feed your fish a variety of foods including flakes, frozen, even live foods. This will help keep them healthy and active. Many of the prepared foods available have the needed nutritional value that your fish will need, and are recommended.

Marine fish
-Perhaps the best thing you can do for your tank and inhabitants is use a quarantine tank. A quarantine tank is a simple addition and helps to prevent the spread of disease into your healthy ecosystem. Place new additions in the quarantine tank for 2-3 weeks to ensure that nothing spreads into the main tank. This tank also makes treating sick fish much easier and cost effective.
-Clownfish are born male, but interestingly, the dominant fish changes sex to become female. By purchasing two young clownfish you are almost certain to have a pair.
-When starting a new marine tank it is important to plan ahead. Choose the type of fish you might want and then do some research about their needs and possible tank mates.
-Marine tanks need a minimum of light equal to 3-5 watts per gallon. Compact fluorescent or metal halide lights are the best choice.
-Avoid using tap water to fill your tank unless it has been filtered, preferably with a Reverse Osmosis DI filter. R/O water is available at a number of places for purchase.

Puppies
-When you get your new puppy home and he whines because he misses his mother, wrap a towel around a warm hot water bottle and place it in his bed. A ticking clock or a radio playing softly will also help.
-An idea for housebreaking: hang a bell by the back door. When you want to take your puppy outside, ring the bell. As he gets older he will ring the bell when he needs to go out.
-Cigarette butts are dangerous to puppies and most other animals, so don't leave cigarette butts where a puppy can get to them. If eaten, cigarette butts can lead to nicotine poisoning.
-Never give your pet chocolate. This can be very toxic to your pet.
- Problems with burrs in your dog’s hair? By crushing the burrs with pliers, you decrease their holding ability, leaving you able to comb them out. You can also remove them by working oil in the area.
-Fleas, fleas, fleas. To rid your pet's house of fleas, place pine needles in the house or under his bedding. Placing salt in the crevices of doghouses also helps to keep fleas out.

Reptiles
-Mouth rot is a type of mouth infection in reptiles. It can be caused by a number of things, some of which include, incorrect cage temperatures, poor nutrition, and forced feedings. Early cases of mouth rot can usually be treated at home with twice-daily topical application of dilute iodine and by improving nutrition and husbandry. If the reptile starts refusing to eat, it is time to see a vet.
-If you are consistent in feeding fire belly toads at the same time everyday, they will grow accustomed to it and be waiting for you when you come to feed them.
-Wash your hands thoroughly after handling a reptile. They can spread Salmonella through their feces. Salmonella can spread to humans causing diarrhea, pneumonia, or meningitis. Do not kiss your reptile!
-Provide rough areas or objects in your snake’s cage to assist them in shedding their skin.
-For most reptiles, by cleaning their cage, you are creating a new environment for the reptile to explore, satisfying their need to explore new areas.
-Proper temperature is essential for all reptiles. Improper conditions can lead to health problems and even death. Be sure to properly research your reptiles needs before making a purchase.

Small animals
-Having trouble clipping your ferret’s nails? Try a little Peanut butter on it’s tummy. It can distract it long enough for you to clip it’s nails.
-Excessive bathing can actually make your ferret smell worse. Only bathe it once about every 6 weeks.
-Ferrets have a definite taste for treats and will never cease begging for them. Limit their treats to no more than 7 a day.
-The number one item in a rabbits diet is water. Water must be provided at all times and clean, and cool enough for you to drink.
-Dwarf hamster love to roughhouse. This is often mistaken for fighting but is quite harmless, as it's their way of bonding.
-Need a lesson in packing? Just watch your hamster. Hamsters can store up to one half of their body weight with hoarded food or bedding material in little pockets in their cheeks.
-Hedgehogs do best with a shallow bowl filled with fresh water, rather than the typical water bottle.
-Chinchillas in the wild make their home in a rocky environment. Provide the same comforts of home for your pet by providing rocks for the chinchilla to scamper about on. The larger the cage provided for these little guys, the better.
-When picking up a Gerbil, pick it up by the base of its tail, as opposed to the end, in order to prevent injury.
-When purchasing a cage for a small critter (hamster, gerbil, mouse, rat, etc...) look for a cage that will be chew resistant and easy to clean.