Kingsbrook Animal Hospital's Blog: Tidbits
Showing posts with label Tidbits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tidbits. Show all posts

Monday, March 29, 2010

Animal Facts


The blue whale is the largest creature that has ever lived on earth. It tips the scales at a whopping 170 tons - that's the same as about 22 elephants. Its heart is the size of a small car, and its largest blood vessels are wide enough for an adult to swim through without much difficulty.

The largest land animal in the world is the Kodiak bear. It weighs about 862 kilograms, which is roughly the same as 14 male gymnasts.

Woodpeckers slam their heads into wood at a rate of 20 pecks per second. What protects them from injury is a spongy area that sits behind their beaks and acts as a shock absorber.

Approximately 50 percent of all orangutans have fractured bones, a result of falling off of trees on a regular basis.

Giraffes and humans have the same number of bones in their necks: seven.

When a lion wants to mate, he cannot be stopped. Copulation occurs every 15 minutes for one week straight. Luckily for lionesses, lions only want to mate once every two years.

All clams are born as males. A clam can change to become a female, but only once, and the change is irreversible.

The brain of a roach is located inside of its body. If a roach loses its head, it can live up to nine days. A decapitated roach dies not because it cannot think, but because it cannot eat.

The koala does not need to drink liquids; it can obtain all of its liquids from eucalyptus leaves which are 50 percent water.

African elephants produce approximately 100 kilograms of manure per day. Most of this manure is eaten up by beetles.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Amazing and Weird Facts About Animals


There are only 3 animals w/ blue tongues; the black bear, the chowchow dog, and the blue tongued lizard.

Camels have 3 eyelids

An ostrich's eye is bigger than it's brain and can run up to 43 mph

Toucans are found only in tropical areas of Central and South America. Some toucan spp. have bills more than half as long as their bodies.

A beaver can hold it's breath for 45 mins.

The longest recorded life span of a tapeworm was 35 years.

You're 20 times more likely to be struck by lightening than to be bitten by a rattlesnake.

A male angler fish attaches itself to a female and never lets go. Their vascular systems unite and the male becomes entirely dependent on the female's blood for nutrition.

Bengal tigers are the most water loving of the big cats. They will even chase prey into the water.

A dog was the first animal in space and a sheep, a duck, and a rooster the first to fly in a hot air balloon.

The oldest breed of dog is the saluki

The bee hummingbird of Cuba is the smallest bird in the world.

The elephant is the only mammal that can not jump.

Stay tuned for more amazing and weird facts! If you find some you'd like to share please let us know!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Tidbits: Factual, Funny, Fascinating


* Uno, a beagle that won Best in Show at this year's Wesminster Kennel Club Dog Show, has become a certified therapy dog. Uno will spread cheer at hospitals, nursing homes, schools and other facilities. www.aspca.org

* Young male dogs playing with female pups will often let the females win, even if the males have a physical advantage. Researchers suspect they might lose the game in the short run, but they could win at love in the future. www.discovery.com

* Help your favorite charity during this economically gloomy season by signing up at GoodSearch.com The search company engine donates 50% of its revenue to the nonprofit you designate when you search the Net. www.goodsearch.com

* More than half of Americans not only believe in guardian angels, but believe they have been protected from harm by one during the course of their lives. www.time.com

* More than 370 of 1000 Magellanic penguins that mysteriously washed up on Brazil's equatorial beaches were flown via Air Force jet to southern Brazil in October and successfully released by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Associated Press

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Tidbits: Factual, Funny, Fascinating


*Researchers in Austria found that dogs can classifly complex color photographs and place them into categories with computer automated touch screens. While this demonstrated that dogs are able to form a concept ("dog"), it did not determine whether they recognized the pictures as actual dogs. sciencedaily.com

*A New Mexico firm is building all-wood human coffins in a partnership with People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The coffins bear painted slogans such as "Told You I Wouldn't Be Caught Dead In Fur!" Associated Press

*Fossils unearthed in China may help explain how turtles got their shells. The 220-million-year-old fossils had only plastrons, the part that protects the turtle's belly, which supports the theory that plastrons evolved to form a complete carapace. National Geographic

*An AVMA study found that veterinarians have a very high level of job satisfaction, just behind clergy, teachers, and psychologists, and above physicians and lawyers. Veterinarians rated well above average compared to all jobs. avma.org

*A new player in the pet-pampering arena is Doggy Adventures, a New Jersey company that goes beyond dog-walking by taking dogs on a 90-minute day trip for play and exercise. Dogs are grouped according to temperament and physical ability. Philadelphia Inquirer

Monday, March 23, 2009

Tidbits: Factual, Funny, Fascinating


* The latest weapons in the war against bedbugs, which have become an epidemic in New York City are Mardi Gras, Jada, and Taz. Canine teams from Advanced Canine Dectives from Connecticut can search a 200 room hotel for the bloodsucking pests in just 8 hours, accurately pinpointing sources of infestation. www.advancedk9detectives.com

*The largest animal eye belongs to Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, the colossal squid. A specimen caught in April in New Zealand had eyes measuring 11 inches across. www.softpedia.com 5/5/08

* Veterinary Pet Insurance polled more than 3000 of its policyholders and found that 42% involved or planned to include a pet in their nuptials. According to popular wedding Web site The Knot, the trend is tres' bon. "It's actually a great way for you to personalize your wedding." www.vpi.com, www.theknot.com

* An extensive genetic study suggests that severe droughts occuring between 90,000 and 135,000 years ago reduced the number of early humans to as low as 2000. The U.S. Census Bureau calculated our number at 6,671,275,141 as of June 1. www.cnn.com 4/24/08

* It's more fun than hard science, but Pooch IQ promises to objectively rate a dog's reasoning, memory, persistence, and problem-solving skills using toys and games. The Pooch IQ scale, which runs from 55 to 150, includes labels such as dased and confused, not so bright, pretty clever, smarty pants, and absolute genius. www.poochiq.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Tidbits: Factual, Funny, Facinating


* The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act became law in May. The act prohibits insurance companies from using genetic information to deny, cancel, or charge more for coverage; it also prohibits discrimination based on an individual's DNA. (www.geneticfairness.org)

* Disinfectant wipes may spread drug-resistant bacteria rather than kill them. A study of 2 hospitals in Wales showed wipes could transfer "superbugs" such as methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus (MRSA) if a single wipe was used on multiple surfaces. (Reuters 6/4/08)

* A recent poll found that pet owners, especially dog owners, favor John McCain over Barack Obama in the U.S. precidential race. The McCains own more than a dozen dogs, while the Obama household is sans pets. (Associated Press 7/8/08)

* George Washington's dog was named Drunkard. (www.everything2.com)

* K9 Water Company of Valencia, California markets "vitamin fortified bottled water" in varities to tempt the canine palate: toilet water, puddle water, hose water, and gutter water. (www.k9waterco.com)

Friday, February 20, 2009

Tidbits: Factual, Funny, Fascinating


* The story of a rescued cat that lived for 19 years in a small town library has sold for about $1.25 million. Grand Central Publishing bought the book, entitled "Dewey, a Small Town, a Library and the World's Most Beloved Cat." New York Times 4/4/07

* National Human Genome Research Institute is looking into the reasons why dogs vary so much in size, which can improve understanding of diseases caused by growth gone awry. Associated Press 4/5/07

* Missing sleep may cause the brain to stop producing new cells. A team from Princeton University found a lack of sleep in rats affected the hippocampus, a brain region involved in forming memories. BBC News 2/7/07

* The last animal listed in the American Heritage Dictionary, 2000, is the Zyzzyva, a tropical weevil. www.freakyanimals.com

* A new study ranked U.S. cities that exemplify superior care, services, and legislation for pet's health and well being. It analyzed 30 different criteria ranging from veterinarian-to-pet ratios to incidence of obesity to rabies legislation. The top five cities are: 1. Denver, 2. Oakland, Portland, Anaheim, and San Francisco. Press release 3/19/07

* A Boston terrier named Mickey that disappeared 4 years ago from his Kansas City backyard was reunited with his owners. They received a call from an animal shelter 1,100 miles away in Montana thanks to an embedded microchip. Associated Press 4/5/07

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Tidbits: Factual, Funny, Fascinating


* The Association of American Veterinary Colleges (AAVMC) has established the Senator John Melcher DVM Leadership in Public Policy Award to be given annually to a current or former faculty or staff member at an AAVMC member institution. Senator John Melcher, an advocate for veterinary medicine on Capitol Hill at the White House, was the first recipient. Press release 3/8/07

* A Veterinary Pet Insurance survey indicates that pets have moved from the backyard to the bedroom: 56% of respondents reported that their pet sleeps right next to them every night while only 1% said their pet sleeps outside. PRNewswire 2/8/07

* Can birds plan ahead? Experiments done at the University of Cambridge suggest they can. Birds stored snacks when they detected that food would be in short supply and also planned for a balanced diet by storing combinations of foods in different places. LiveScience 2/21/07

* Digital cameras already remove red eye in photos of humans. However, animal eyes reflect light differently creating an eerie glow. A new camera from Hewlett-Packard can now remove animal "glow eye" as well as blemishes and wrinkles in photos of humans. Press Release 3/11/07

* Of the 750 respondents to a recent American Kennel Club dog owners study-a majority of whom were female-42% said they own a dog to enhance their personal health and reduce stress. The top activity enjoyed by dog owners is a good old-fashioned walk. Dog ownership also heavily influenced purchasing habits-owners considered their pets 47% of the time when purchasing a car. PRNewswire 2/11/07

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Tidbits: Factual, Funny , Fascinating


* Images from Google Earth reveal that cattle tend to align their bodies in a north-south direction. Wild deer also display this behavior-a phenomenon that has previously gone unnoticed. The explanation remains a mystery. National Geographic News

* Within 100 milliseconds of seeing a moving swatter, a fly's brain can calculate the position of the impending threat and place its legs and body in an optmal position that allows it to jump in the opposite direction. Science Daily

* The Louisana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and its Wildlife Hospital treated about 100 pets, 100 baby squirrels, and a number of baby birds in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. www.vetmed.lsu.edu

*An estimated 1 in 10 celebrants, or 7.4 million households, plan on dressing their pets in costume this Halloween. Top 5 animal costumes: devils, pumpkins, witches, princesses, and angels. National Retail Federation

* The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted unanimously to designate the manatee as a threatened species rather than endangered. A recent survey found 3,116 manatees in Florida waters, up from 1,267 in 1991. Associated Press

* According to a recent survery, more than two thirds of Americans would rather be stranded on a desert island with their pet than their partner. Reuters

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Tidbits: Factual, Funny Facinating


* The Red Cross has released a new book dedicated solely to the health and well-being of dogs. Dog First Aid is a health and emergency preparedness guide with a full-length instructional DVD to make care even easier for dog owners. (Press release 10/3/07)

* Fed up with rodents running through Russia's Hermitage palace, Empress Elizabeth decreed in the 18th century that the best ratters be sent to St. Petersburg. Today 50 cats live at the palace, now a museum, and the staff make voluntary contributions to pay for their upkeep. The cats are considered so important that they have their own press secretary. (Press release 10/5/07)

* Animal Care & Control of New York City, a nonprofit organization that runs the city's animal shelter system, recently introduced a novel public awareness ad campaign that features mug-shot like, black and white photographs of 6 different cats and dogs that need a home. Animals waer signs around their necks that list their "crimes"... from "owner missing" and "owner died" to "landlord objected and "victim of divorce." (Press release 8/13/07)

* Thousands of walrus have appeared on Alaska's northwest coast in what conservationists are calling a dramatic consequence of global warming. Usually found on the Artic ice pack during summer and fall, the walrus have gathered on Alaska's rocky beaches as a result of the lowest summer ice cap on record. (Associated Press 10/8/07)

* In an effort to help curb exponential growth in the stray dog and cat population that is taking a heavy toll on Honduran wildlife, much of which is endangered, 24 volunteers from the University of Florida provided free medical examinations, vaccinations, deworming, and spay/neutering for local pets. Intervet. a sponsor of the continuing program, supplied vaccines and funds to cover the cost of medical equipment. (Press release 9/2/07)

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Tidbits: Factual, Funny, Facinating


* About 50 million kangaroos are harvested annually to produce 30,000 tons of meat. Some environmentalists are promoting "roo" as eco-friendly because, unlike more flatulent cattle and sheep, kangaroos don't produce methane. (Sydney Morning Herald 12/4/07)

* The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies recently announced that it's gone to the dogs-and cats. A policy with collision coverage now covers canine and feline family members paying up to $500 if a customer's pet is hurt or dies in a car accident. The coverage is not yet available in North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York or Virginia. (www.progressive.com)

* A feral cat survived for 9 days with a peanut butter jar stuck on its head. Tabitha Cain of Barlett, Tenesee, finally trapped the once chubby cat when it was too weak to flee. The cat made a full recovery. (Associated Press 12/1/07)

* The Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), recently shown to be associated with colony colaspe disorder of honey bees, has been in the United States since at least 2002, according to a note published in the American Bee Journal. It has been thought that IAPV was a recent introduction from Austrailia. (Bloomberg Press 11/19/07)

* The Amazonian black ghost knifefish is unique in its ability to swim backward or forward ot catch its prey. (www.plosbiology.org)

* Nevermind the children...stick with marriage for the sake of the planet. An analysis on domestic relations and resource uses in the U.S. and 11 other countries found that divorce leads to more households (6 million extra in the U.S.), which means more land, electricity, water, and other goods are consumed. (Philadelphia Inquirer 12/4/07)

* A new study reveals that wine can be used as a disinfectant for sanitizing kitchen countertops, utensils, and even fruits and vegetables. Wines with the most alcohol and the highest acidity were the most effective against E coli and staphylococcus. (Press release 11/12/07)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Tidbits: Factual, Funny, Fascinating


* Copy Cat, the world's first cloned cat, had her first litter of kittens. These kittens weren't cloned-their father is Smokey, a naturally born tabby. Copy Cat was cloned by Texas A&M University researchers in 2001. Associated Press 12/15/06

* Elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and antelopes from the Munich Zoo create their own power supply-their manure is recycled to generate electricity. The plant, launched in cooperation with Munich city council, operates by fermenting the manure, producing methane which is burned to provide energy. Reuters 12/13/06

* Can a single female cat and her offspring really produce 420,000 cats in seven years? Many rescue programs and humane societies use this figure to encourage neutering, but no basis for this statistic has been found. More realistic calculations put the number at 100 to 5000. The Wall Street Journal 10/12/06

* Researchers have developed DNA tests that can quickly identify 30 different shark species, including those protected under strict laws such as the great white and basking sharks. These tests have already aided the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in several cases of illegal shark fin processing. Associated Press 8/16/06

* The collective name for a group of frogs is an "army." In the case of their warty cousins, it's a "knot of toads." www.freakyanimals.com

* The Chytrid fungus has killed millions of frogs and eliminated 120 frog species in the Carribean and Central America. Milwaukee County Zoo workers are trying to help scientists slow the spread of the fungus and are collecting, disinfecting, and housing the few frogs that have survived. Associated Press 12/18/06

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Tidbits: Factual, Funny, Facinating


* According to Veterinary Pet Insurance, the top 3 most expensive conditions in pets are disk disease, lung cancer, and gastric torsion in dogs; and foreign body ingestion (small intestine), urinary tract reconstruction, and foreign body ingestion (stomach) in cats. (Press release 1/19/08)

* Cats step with both left legs, then both right legs when they walk or run. The only other animals that do this are the giraffe, camel and the maned wolf. (www.didyouknow.cd/animals)

* According to recent national survey, if a recession hits in 2008, pet owners are far more likely to cut back on luxury items, electronics, even groceries, than on care or supplies for their pets. (Press release 1/21/07)

* If people could gorge like crocodiles, a 130 pound person could down a 30 pound hamburger in one sitting. Crocodiles can eat this way because of a heart valve that lets blood bypass the lungs and flow through straight to the stomach, enabling secretion of gastric acid extraordinarily quickly. (2008 LiveScience.com)

* All ancestral roads for the modern day domestic cat lead back to the Fertile Crescent, the area around the eastern end of the Mediterranean, according to researchers at the University of California-Davis. (Press release 1/28/08)

* Rather than adopting-and abandoning-a live chick or bunny this Easter, kids can adopt their very own virtual pets online, and learn to build a simple Web page to give their pets a home. (holidays.kaboose.com/easter-adopt.html)

* Flare-ups of avian flu in Vietnam have prompted many diners to turn from chicken to rat. Rats have been a delicacy in rural areas of Vietnam for centuries; urban area restaurants are featuring it grilled with lemon grass or roasted in garlic on their menus in 2008, the Year of the Rat. (Wall Street Journal 2/7/08)

* Fleas can jump 130 times higher than their own height. In human terms this is equal to a 6-foot person jumping 780 feet into the air. (www.sciensational.com)