Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings

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For centuries, humans have been torturing animals for personal benefit. These tortures have been selfishly justified by stating the necessity for food procurement, upgrading technology, and for boosting commerce. The most disturbing crimes against animals are the ones carried out merely for fashion, sports or pleasure. e.g. canned hunting. Those people who recognize this cruelty and raise their voices against it, are our saving grace. Here are a few quotes from some such individuals.


Animal Abuse

Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages. - Thomas Edison (American Inventor and Scientist)

Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character; and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man. - Arthur Schopenhauer (German Philosopher)

We have enslaved the rest of animal creation and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form. - William Ralph Inge (British Author)

For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love. - Pythagoras (Greek Philosopher)

Show me the enforced laws of a state for the prevention of cruelty to animals and I in turn will give you a correct estimate of the refinement, enlightenment, integrity and equity of that commonwealth's people. - L.T. Danshiell (Animal Rights Advocate)

He who harms animals has not understood or renounced deeds of sin ... Those whose minds are at peace and who are free from passions do not desire to live at the expense of others. - Sourced from Acharanga Sutra (Jainism - Non-Vedic Religion of Old India)

The awful wrongs and sufferings forced upon the innocent, helpless, faithful animal race form the blackest chapter in the whole world's history. - Edward Freeman (English Historian and Commentator)

Nothing living should ever be treated with contempt. Whatever it is that lives, a man, a tree, or a bird, should be touched gently, because the time is short. Civilization is another word for respect for life... - Elizabeth Goudge (Author)

I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs ...[they] are an obligation put on us, a responsibility we have no right to neglect, nor to violate by cruelty. - James Herriot (English Veterinarian and Author)

As custodians of the planet it is our responsibility to deal with all species with kindness, love, and compassion. That these animals suffer through human cruelty is beyond understanding. Please help to stop this madness. - Richard Gere (American Actor)

Cruelty to dumb animals is one of the distinguishing vices of low and base minds. Wherever it is found, it is a certain mark of ignorance and meanness; a mark which all the external advantages of wealth, splendor, and nobility, cannot obliterate. It is consistent neither with learning nor true civility. - William Jones (English Philologist and Jurist)

Anyone who has accustomed himself to regard the life of any living creature as worthless is in danger of arriving also at the idea of worthless human lives. - Albert Schweitzer (Alsatian Theologian, Musician, and Medical Missionary)

To inflict cruelties on defenseless creatures, or condone such acts, is to abuse one of the cardinal tenets of a civilized society - reverence for life. - Dr. Jon Evans

Our treatment of animals is important to our own internal state. If we are to expand our horizons, to grow to understand what the relatedness of each and every thing means, then our love and appreciation of all life is essential. Our respect and reverence for all living things will be reflected in our own living. - Bill Schul (Author of The Psychic Power of Animals)

If a man aspires toward a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals. - Leo Tolstoy (Russian Novelist and Philosopher)

Our treatment of animals will someday be considered barbarous. There cannot be perfect civilization until man realizes that the rights of every living creature are as sacred as his own. - Dr. David Starr Jordan (American Biologist and Educator)

We cannot have peace among men whose hearts find delight in killing any living creature. - Rachel Carson (American Author and Marine Biologist)

We cannot glimpse the essential life of a caged animal, only the shadow of its former beauty. - Julia Allen Field

I have always felt that the way we treat animals is a pretty good indicator of the compassion we are capable of for the human race. - Ali McGraw (American Actress)

The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men. - Leonardo da Vinci (Italian Painter, Sculptor, Architect, Musician, Engineer, and Scientist)

Murderers ... very often start out by killing and torturing animals as kids. - Robert K. Ressler (Former FBI Serial Killer Profiler)

If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men... - St. Francis of Assisi (Roman Catholic friar, founder of the Franciscans Order)

These birds and animals and fish cannot speak, but they can suffer, and our God who created them, knows their sufferings, and will hold him who causes them to suffer unnecessarily to answer for it. It is a sin against their Creator. - George Q. Cannon (Animal Activist)

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/animal-abuse-quotes.html

Animal emotions... we don't emotions!!

There is a movie by the name Hachi - A Dog's Tale, which tells the true story of a lost dog who is taken home by a professor. This dog eventually became so attached to him, that he walked with him to the station every morning, waited till he left and returned home. In the afternoon when it was time for the professor to return home, the dog went back to the station to receive him accompany him home. This happened till the day his master died in college and didn't return home. The dog didn't understand why the professor wasn't coming home, and so he spent the next 9 years returning to the station every afternoon to wait for his master, till someone came to take him back home! He died on the station, while waiting for the professor! Regulars at the station were moved to tears by this display of love, and a statue has been erected in the memory of this loving creature in the Shibuya station! I doubt anyone who watched this movie came out without being deeply moved. Can anyone reading this, please explain to me why a dog would do something like this, if he didn't experience emotions like love, a deep sense of attachment to his master, trust, etc., etc.?

You and I, it's a beautiful world!When you see or hear stories of animal affections, you can't help but be touched by the animal's love and loyalty for its owners and for others of its species. Simply because these creatures cannot speak and are at our mercy, doesn't mean that they do not feel emotions. In fact, research shows that animals can have a wide spectrum of emotions!

Research and Scientific Conclusions

Sheesh! This is embarrassing...Science, for all the noise it makes about advancing every day, hasn't yet come to a final conclusion about whether animals have emotions or not. Some studies show that they do, while some others are vague and do not prove anything. But they do not hesitate to conclude that since they cannot confirm the existence of emotions in animals, animals must surely not have any emotions. 

Studies have revealed the presence of spindle cells in the brain of chimpanzees, whales and dolphins. These are the cells that control the relationship between our feelings and thoughts, and also control our social behavior. But this is not conclusive proof that these creatures have emotions. People who study behavior - behaviorists - say that what we interpret as emotions in animals, is merely trained response to stimuli, which the animals develop over time, by assimilating the different reactions to different actions.

I'm sorry.. Please don't shout?Studies reveal that when owners yell at their dogs, the dogs look guilty irrespective of whether they've done something wrong, indicating that it is really difficult to accurately compare emotions and their manifestations, between humans and animals. But researchers of cognitive ethology back up the theory that animals are, indeed, deeply emotional and feel a variety of emotions. Neurons and chemicals found in the human brain, which are associated with feelings, have also been found in other mammals, tipping the scales in favor of animals having emotions.

Time to play?! Woohoo!Research also shows, that mice are capable of feeling empathy; chimps and dolphins seem really happy when playing; elephants, monkeys, otters and bears appear to grieve and mourn the death of their kind; baboons display quite a temper; elephants suffer from post traumatic stress disorder(!) and exhibit strong maternal instincts; dogs can feel jealousy, anger, shame, embarrassment and even get depressed; cats can cry and are also very affectionate; fish are sentient and have distinctive personalities; whales are quite amorous; mice love having fun just as much as you and I do; and iguanas seek pleasure too...

According to Darwin's theory of evolution, there is continuity in the process of evolution. So the difference lies not in whether or not different species have emotions, but in the degree of emotions experienced by different species.

The Emotional Angle

Keeping aside the scientific aspect of the topic, here are a few incidents which could very well make you wonder whether the question we are addressing is redundant! Read on...

We'll hug each other through this..There was a video posted on you-tube after the recent tsunami, where a dog was fiercely guarding another injured dog. He wouldn't let anyone come close to his injured friend, and would periodically lick him and gently place his paws on the injured dog's back. The injured dog was eventually treated and they were both kept together. If this doesn't scream love, affection, and a strong protective instinct, I don't know what does!

I'll miss you so much..Another video is about a bird who was hopping around the dead body of his mate. The bird had died at a busy traffic intersection and his mate refused to leave his side, pecking anyone who tried to get close, and squeaking loudly all the time as if it was crying. This continued for a couple of days till the bird finally gave up and flew away. You are free to draw your own conclusion.

We all know for a fact that lovebirds cannot survive alone. They have to be kept in pairs and if one escapes by chance, the other will eventually die. Why this deep sated need for companionship? Maybe they feel lonely? Just an emotional guess on my part!

That's my baby!Elephants are known for their strong maternal instincts and elaborate funeral rituals. They move in groups and take care of the younger ones, and refuse to leave behind an injured elephant. This can be proof enough, of their strong sense of belonging and care for each other.

For me, this question is redundant. I, personally, am not one who needs scientific proof for things that I can see with my eyes! All I need, is to see my adorable dog slinking away when my dad yells at him, to burrow his head under his blanket or behind the sofa and sit there till one of us goes and talks to him, to know that he does feel emotions! My neighbor's dog gave birth to two puppies, one of which was still born and had to be buried in the backyard. The new mom used to go scratch the place where her pup was buried and refused food for almost a week! How can you explain this, if animals are not supposed to have emotions?

We don't have emotions?!

Here's what I think of that theory!

But there are a few skeptics who believe, that what we imagine to be emotions in animals, is nothing but anthropomorphism - meaning, humans projecting their emotions onto animals (all those who are nodding their heads vigorously at this theory, have to come up with an explanation for the above-mentioned dead professor projecting his emotions on his very much alive dog!). These people, I'd like to invite to my home to try to convince my pet to play with them when he's just been reprimanded, or to look into his big, brown puppy eyes, which look oh-so-sad, when you refuse to give him his favorite treat, and then say with conviction that he doesn't have emotions! Not everything is justified by ink on paper. There are some things you simply have to see, to know and believe, wouldn't you agree?!

The gift animal for you

There are people and there are animal lovers. Animals love unconditionally. They don't ask for anything in return. Perhaps this is what knits some people more closely to animals than with other people. And when Mark Twain said, "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.", this is exactly what he meant.

Animal lovers can go to any extent to make their pet feel like their love begins and ends with them. They can never get enough of pampering their pet with exotic food, cute accessories, beach holidays, long drives, or pet treats. If you have friends who are die-hard animal lovers, you can try to impress them by gifting them with one or more of the following mentioned gifts. It would show them that you cared about them and their interests, and strengthen the bond of your friendship, as it shows that you care about what they care for the most.

Choose from an array of gifts like animal clocks, animal vests, animal houses, animal accessories, and much more. After reading this Buzzle article, you should not fall short of ideas for gifts for your animal-loving friends.

Animal Printed Top/Pullover

Make your animal lover sister/brother happy by gifting her/him this smart pullover with their favorite animal on it. The top can be customized with your choice of animal printed on it.

Antique Mug with Elephant Print

For your friend who loves antiques and animals, this would be the perfect combination ever!

Beetle Refrigerator Magnet

For your mother who spends more than half her day in the kitchen cooking delicious food for you, gift her these cute fridge magnets, which are sure to make her smile.

Cute Ceramic Birds Wall Hanging

For your friend who loves birds, hang this bird wall hanging on his bedroom window, and let this be the first thing he opens his eyes to.

Bone Photo Frame

What's cute? Your friend's dog's picture. What's cuter? Your friend's picture with her dog. What's the cutest? Your friend's picture with her dog framed in this photo frame!

Cookie Cutter

Your friend loves baking and she loves dogs. Gift her this amazing cookie cutter, and watch her grin grow wide as ever.

Cat-shaped Stuff Bag

It sure looks cheerful to me. Gift it to your cat-lover friend and cheer him up as well.

Cell Phone Key Rings

A cell phone is something that is with a person all the time. This gift would constantly remind your friend about his/her pet. Perfect!

Cute Cow Keychain

Cows never looked more appealing!

Patchy-Cow Alarm Clock

As long as this cute little thing doesn't make your friend snuggle back to bed!

Cute Bunny Slippers

Your girlfriend gets shoes, she gets comfortable shoes, she gets comfortable shoes that are cute, and they remind her of her pet bunny! She wouldn't be asking for more! You just earned yourself a brownie point!

Cat-printed Vest

For that fashionista cat-lover friend of yours... just what she might be looking for!

Fish Paperweights

A simple, sweet gift, for your fish-lover-dad's office.

Stylish Owl Necklace

Wearing an owl around her neck certainly won't make her wittier, it will, however, make her look prettier!

A Gift Hamper at the Dog Spa

Did you not think that dogs needed a massage or two, too? Tell your friend about it, and rest assured that he will thank you for this.

Dog Bone Necklace

Make you friend's Golden Retriever prettier by putting this necklace around her neck, that is sure to make her stand out.

Assorted Dog Treats

Friend's dog happy, friend happy. You know just what to do!

Giraffe Print Pillows

A giraffe-lover? May be a bit hard to find. These would however look pretty in your mom's drawing room.

Kitten Bookends

Your grandma reads books and she pets kittens. Go make her smile by giving her this perfect gift.

Ladybug Stuffed Toy

Add this to your little sister's collection of ladybug hair clips, bed sheets, and frocks.

Ostrich Showpiece

Something that will increase the beauty of your bird-lover friend's gallery corner.

Bird Keyring

That is one royal keyring. Anyone royal comes to mind?

Patches Piggy Bank

An amazing gift with an amazing cause, teaching a beautiful life-lesson, that of saving for a rainy day!

Pink Kitty Slippers

Nothing spells love for your girlfriend and her feet better than this pair of bedroom-slippers!

Butterfly Accessories

For that pretty one you are trying to impress, this should do the trick.

Butterfly Ring

If the above gift did the trick, this one should seal the deal!

Rat Diamond Holder

Lady, if the deal was sealed, return your love for your man with this precious, studded, rat-jewel holder.

Reindeer Glass Snowball

Memories of your trip with your wife to the North Pole, placed right next to her headstand, is sure to rekindle the romance every, single, time.

Reindeer Wall Art

The perfect gift for your friend who loves animals and appreciates good art.

Stained Glass Bird Art

Another gift to liven up that blank wall in your bird-lover friend's bedroom.

Stone Elephant Ornament

Gift these to your friends and relatives, to give them a glimpse of beautiful India.

Stylish Dog Collar

The perfect gift to celebrate your friend's handsome and strong Rottweiler's first birthday.

Vintage Animal Brooches

Gift these to your friend who is headed to her prom. The stylish animal brooches are sure to turn heads and make a style statement.

Vintage Owl Earrings

These pretty earrings can be the perfect gift for your sister or a friend who loves birds.

Amazing Bird Feeder

People who feed birds always stay blessed. Do your bit by gifting this super-awesome, beautifully designed, and very-inviting birdfeeder to someone you know who feeds birds.

Dog Kennel

A new house for your friend's pet. Your friend just got happy, and his pet just got happier!

Wooden Fish Paperweight

A congratulatory gift for your friend's newly opened office and the start of a business venture.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/best-gifts-for-animal-lovers.html

The Animal Quotes

Animal Quotes

"The purity of a person's heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals." ~ Anonymous

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France

"Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes!" ~ Theophile Gautierv

"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~ Immanuel Kant

"An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language." ~ Martin Buber

"A canter is the cure for all evil." ~ Benjamin Disraeli

"Dogs have owners, cats have staff." ~ Anonymous

"I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-contained, I stand and look at them long and long." ~ Walt Whitman

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans." ~ James Herriot

"A house is not a home without a pet." ~ Anonymous

"There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before." ~ Robert Lynd

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled." ~ Fyodor Dostoyevsky

"All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it." ~ Samuel Butler

"The bird of paradise alights only upon the hand that does not grasp." ~ John Berry

"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg." ~ Samuel Butler

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." ~ George Elliot

"... he will be our friend for always and always and always." ~ Rudyard Kipling

"The best thing about animals is that they don't talk much." ~ Thornton Wilder

Dog Quotes

"The dog represents all that is best in man." ~ Etienne Charlet

"A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself." ~ Josh Billings

"Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to." ~ Joe Gores

"The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too." ~ Samuel Butler

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~ Roger Caras

"The dog was created especially for children. He is the God of frolic." ~ Henry Ward Beecher

"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that is how dogs spend their lives." ~ Sue Murphy

"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." ~ Edith Wharton

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." ~ Ann Landers

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." ~ Ben Williams

"To err is human, to forgive, canine." ~ Anonymous

"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person." ~ Andrew A. Rooney

"A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue." ~ Anonymous

"You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!" ~ Dave Barry

"If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer." ~ Alfred North Whitehead

"Every boy should have two things: a dog and a mother willing to let him have one." ~ Anonymous

"If I have any beliefs about immortality it is that certain dogs I know will go to heaven, and very very few people." ~ James Thurber

Cat Quotes

"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshiped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this." ~ Anonymous

"There's no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that has a cat." ~ Wesley Bates

"A cat is a puzzle for which there is no solution." ~ Hazel Nicholson

"I've met many thinkers and many cats, but the wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." ~ Hippolyte Taine

"The Cat. He walked by himself, and all places were alike to him." ~ Rudyard Kipling

"In the beginning, God created man, but seeing him so feeble, He gave him the cat." ~ Warren Eckstein

"I love cats because I enjoy my home and little by little, they become its visible soul." ~ Jean Cocteau

"When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I with her." ~ Montaigne

"To err is human, to purr, feline." ~ Robert Byrne

Horse Quotes

"A dog maybe a man's best friend but a horse made history..." ~ Anonymous

"A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character." ~ Tesio

"A Horse! A Horse! My kingdom for a horse!" ~ Shakespeare

"And God took a handful of southerly wind, blew His breath over it and created the horse." ~ Bedouin Legend

We love the animal, They will love we

Infestation of fleas is a common skin problem among cats and dogs. To resolve these issues, pet owners often use topical products to get rid of these parasites. These topical formulations are usually applied once a month on the pet's skin to treat and prevent infestation of these parasites. Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix are some of the popular brands that sell these formulations. However, these products can have a few side effects, some of which can be serious if your dog is allergic to the medicine.

Side Effects

Skin Problems
Skin irritation is reportedly one of the most common side effects associated with the usage of these topical products. The application site may turn red and itch excessively, prompting your pet to scratch. Your pet may also continuously lick the application area in order to soothe the irritation. However, this skin irritation usually does not last long and goes away within 2 days. However, in case you notice that the irritation is bothering your pet, visit your vet's clinic immediately.

The pet's skin may show a weeping sore after application. The irritated spot may be found to be devoid of hair and releasing pus. An allergic skin reaction to the product can lead to the formation of a blistered rash where it is applied.

Drooling
Well, this side effect would probably never occur if you prevent your pet from licking these topical formulations. Just a few licks of the product can make your pet drool a lot. It is because these products have a bitter taste, which can make your pet hyper-salivate. The pet may drool excessively in order to eliminate this awful taste.

Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another negative reaction that can occur in pets from applying these products. So your pet may suffer from stomach issues that may manifest in the form of diarrhea and vomiting. These side effects may not occur immediately but one or two days after using the product.

Loss of Appetite
There have been instances wherein dogs were found to be the least interested in having any food, a few hours after the application of these products. In some cases, the condition was severe and pet owners had to make use of a needle-less syringe to give water to their pet.

Lethargy
The pet may show posture problems and have trouble walking after application, making him lethargic. In some cases, the pets may face difficulty in getting up or walking.

Seizures
Some pet owners have noticed their pet experiencing seizures after the application of flea control products. This is a cause for concern and it indicates the dog's intolerance to the product. The active ingredient permethrin found in some of these topical medicines, is known to attack the nervous system of the fleas. Permethrin may also affect the dog's nervous system when the product is applied excessively or used regularly over a period of time. This could be one of the reasons behind the occurrence of seizures in pets after using these topical formulations.

Breathing Problems
Some pet owners have also noticed their pet taking small shallow breaths after application. This side effect has occurred a few hours to a few days after applying these products. This may indicate an allergic reaction and should be immediately brought to the notice of your veterinarian.

Caution

You should carefully observe how your dog or cat reacts to the usage of topical formulations for flea control. In case your pet is not comfortable, it may prevent you from applying it the next time. It may run helter-skelter, whine, or even bite you, so as to stop you from using the medication. So if you notice that the formulation is hurting your pet, you should probably discontinue its application and discuss with your vet about safer alternatives.
When used correctly as instructed by your vet, the topical formulation may not cause any side effect. Serious side effects may indicate an overdose of the medication, which can always be avoided by using it in the appropriate amounts.
On the whole, keep in mind that the amount of topical formulation to be applied will vary depending upon the size of your pet. Its dosage is not the same for cats and dogs as well as for small and large-sized dogs. The concentration of ingredients in these formulations is specific to the size and the animal species under consideration. So talk to your vet and discuss the dosage that would work best for your pet.

Animal is a friends of the word

Animal is a friends of the word

Caution!

Dogs have the habit of chewing the sebaceous cyst that has erupted on their skin. Also, our feline friends tend to lick the infectious liquid oozing out of the cyst that has burst open. In such circumstances, fitting an E-collar is advised as long as the cyst does not get cured completely.

Sebaceous cysts are small bumps protruding from within the skin. They are a less common finding in dogs and have been linked to a disorder of the sebaceous glands. As we all know, the sebaceous gland that is an oil-producing gland lies underneath the skin. This oily substance (sebum) prevents the skin from becoming dry.

These glands are located in the hair follicles, pouches that contain the hair root. However, if these sebaceous cysts get blocked, say due to damage to the hair follicles, the oily secretion begins to accumulate below the skin, which often leads to the formation of small lumps, commonly referred to as sebaceous cysts.

Sebaceous cysts are harmless and treatment is not necessary, unless they become infected. In the absence of any infection, these bumps appear white and do not cause any pain.

Infected Cysts

When the sebaceous cyst gets infected, pus is formed, making it appear red, inflamed, and enlarged. These infected cysts are painful and may hurt your pet when touched. Many times, these infected cysts get damaged and release pus and blood.

Treatment
Following are some home remedies to treat these infected sebaceous cysts in dogs:

Warm Compress

Applying a warm compress regularly can be helpful to drain the cyst naturally. A warm compress dilates the blood vessels, thereby increasing blood circulation in the affected area. The increased blood flow not only delivers nutrients but also drains the inflammatory components that are causing swelling. Apply it 3-4 times for 10-15 minutes daily to reduce the swelling. With regular application, the cyst may dissolve naturally without causing any scabbing, in turn reducing the chances of scar formation.

Castor Oil

Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, castor oil can work wonders to clear these unwanted growths. The castor oil displays antibacterial, antiviral as well as antifungal activity. Hence, its topical application can be helpful to reduce inflammation and the itchy sensation associated with sebaceous cysts. Gently rubbing a few drops of castor oil over the affected area, a couple of times daily may eventually help the dog get rid of these skin eruptions.

Turmeric

Turmeric known for its infection-fighting ability may also contribute in healing sebaceous cysts in dogs. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric is anti-inflammatory and displays antiseptic properties. So its external application will reduce the swelling as well as treat the infection.

Turmeric when given internally can also contribute to treating cysts effectively. Mix a small amount of turmeric (less than a teaspoon) in your dog's food daily to clear these skin eruptions.

Coconut Oil

Among the wealth of benefits coconut oil offers, this one might be the least popular. The antimicrobial effects of virgin coconut oil can act as a great healing aid in the treatment of sebaceous cysts. It can help to combat infections caused by fungus, bacteria, and viruses. In fact, lauric acid, predominantly present in coconut oil is said to provide immune boosting benefits. So applying a small amount of coconut oil on the infected area of your dog can also help to deal with these skin problems effectively.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel celebrated for its astringent properties can also help in curing sebaceous cysts in dogs. These astringent herbs contain tannins which draw out excess oil and tighten the skin pores, in turn decreasing the size of the cyst. Using a cotton ball, apply the extract of witch hazel (available in the form of gel and cream) on your pet's infected area. Follow this skin care routine daily and you will soon notice your dog's cyst fading away.

Diet

One of the best ways to treat and keep these lumps from forming is by ensuring that your pet is getting healthy foods. A healthy diet can go a long way in keeping your dog's skin and coat in top condition. Feeding high quality protein foods that are good sources of omega-3s and omega-6s can help improve the skin and coat. These essential fatty acids are also found aplenty in fish oil and sunflower oil. You may mix 1 teaspoon of the oil into your dog's meal.

Regularly brushing your dog's coat is equally important as it prevents sebum from accumulating below the follicle, which often leads to development of cysts. On the whole, sebaceous cysts that are not bothering your pet are not a cause for concern and treatment may be unwarranted. However, in case you find them infected, seek veterinary advice and discuss the aforementioned home remedies at length before you go ahead.

Animal is a friends

Animal kingdom classification is not a job for the faint-hearted, for it is a really long list of classes and subclasses, many of which are named in Latin. There are millions of animal species on the Earth, and they are segregated under the kingdom Animalia, which in turn is divided into subkingdoms, infrakingdoms, superphyla, and phyla. Each phylum is further divided into class, order, family, genus, and species.

So, all animals ranging from single-celled microorganisms to highly complex, multi-celled organisms are classified into different phyla. It will definitely not be easy to capture 3.5 billion years of evolution in one small article, but let's give it a shot. My attempt at this categorization should help you with the basics.

Please note that this article will only explain the main phyla, and not the class, order, family, genus, and species. The term 'phylum' is defined as a taxonomic category that ranks above class and below kingdom. In general, it can be said that animals with similar body plans are classified in a particular phylum.

The kingdom Animalia is divided into three main sections - Subkingdoms Radiata and Bilateria, and Phylum Myxozoa. The Subkingdom Radiata has four phyla, whereas Subkingdom Bilateria is divided into two infrakingdoms - Deuterostomia and Protostomia. Infrakingdom Deuterostomia consists of four phyla. Infrakingdom Protostomia has four superphyla - Ecdysozoa (with 8 phyla); Lophozoa (with 8 phyla); Platyzoa (with 8 phyla); and Chaetognathi (single Phylum Chaetognatha).

Phylum Myxozoa - Ciliated Protozoans

This phylum has a group of minute, but multicellular, parasitic, aquatic animals. It is further divided into two classes - Malacosporea (with a spore size of 10 μm to 20 μm) and Myxosporea (with a maximum size of 2 mm). Some of the common parasites that infect fish such as salmon, catfish, carp, and trout, are actually myxozoans. Some myxozoans infect amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Even humans can be hosts of certain myxospores.

Phylum Chordata - Chordates

This phylum has some of the most familiar animals, including mammals such as humans. It has vertebrates such as reptiles, birds, and mammals; marine invertebrates such as sea squirts and sea tulips; and segmented marine animals (such as lancelets) with elongated bodies. Along with hagfish, vertebrates comprise the subdivision Craniata. Others include tunicates (Urochordata) and lancelets (Cephalochordata). Characteristic features of chordates include a notochord, a hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. Most of these animals are found to have one or more of these features, at least for a short period during their life cycles.

Class Mammalia - Mammals

These animals have hair or fur, and are capable of regulating body temperature, give birth to fully-formed babies, and produce milk to feed their young ones. Examples of mammals are monkeys, dogs, elephants, hippopotamuses, squirrels and other rodents, koalas, kangaroos, and humans. Marine mammals include whales and dolphins.

Class Amphibia - Amphibians


Amphibians lay eggs, usually in water. Most of them breathe through the lungs and skin. While some have gills, there are certain amphibians that breathe only through the skin as they lack lungs. These animals cannot regulate their body temperatures and can live both on land and in water. While some species are arboreal, there are some fossorial amphibians too.

Class Reptilia - Reptiles

Reptiles have roamed the Earth before the age of dinosaurs, and these animals adapt well to changes in the environment. Dinosaurs were actually a clade of reptiles known as Dinosauria. Examples of extant reptiles are alligators, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, tortoises, etc. These animals cannot regulate body temperature on their own. Other features include dry skin covered with scales and amniotic eggs.

Class Aves - Birds


There are over 8000 different species of birds that include parrots, sparrows, pigeons, geese, sea gulls, etc. They have feathered wings, which enable them to fly; beaks without teeth; and light bones that make their flight easy. Birds can breathe even at high altitudes, and they lay hard-shelled eggs.

Fish


Water is home to more than 20,000 different types of fish. They have gills and lack limbs. Earlier fish belonged to the class Pisces, but this classification is not in use anymore. Some examples of fish are sharks, goldfish, and herring.

Phylum Echinodermata - Echinoderms

The echinodermata phylum consists of animals such as star fish, sea urchin, sea cucumber, etc. The phylum has around 7000 species of marine animals with pentamerous (five-point) symmetry. Most of these animals are star-shaped, spherical, or elongated. Most of them have a spiny exoskeleton and lack a distinct head. Locomotion is achieved with the help of tubed feet.

Phylum Hemichordata - Hemichordates

The phylum has around 100 species that possess some of the characteristics of chordates. This is why the phylum is named Hemichordata. The characteristic feature of these marine animals is that their bodies are divided into three parts - the anterior part with a preoral lobe, a collar, and the trunk. Acorn worms are among the prominent members of this phylum. They are solitary, worm-like organisms that live in burrows. Others include pterobranchs (seen in colonies) and graptolites.

Phylum Xenacoelomorpha

This is a new phylum that has xenoturbellids and acoelomorphs. It has been discovered that these simple marine worms are closely related to sea urchins and even humans. So, it was decided to classify them under the infrakingdom Deuterostomia. Though xenoturbellids and acoelomorphs have a simple body structure, scientists believe that they have a common ancestor. It is also believed that the other complex deuterostomes descended from this ancestor.

Phylum Cnidaria - Jellyfish, Sea Anemones ...

Commonly known as Cnidarians, there are around 9000 species of aquatic animals in this phylum. Most of them are found in marine water, and many have specialized stinging organelles. The most popular Cnidarians are jellyfish, sea anemones, corals, and Portuguese man-of-war. This group usually consists of two types of animals, namely the polyps (fixed, solitary, or colonial life) and medusae (free-swimming). Reproduction is asexual (budding) in polyps and sexual in medusae.

Phylum Ctenophora - Comb Jellies


Otherwise known as comb jellies or sea walnuts, Ctenophores are marine animals with gelatinous bodies. They have hair-like cilia that help them swim. These tufts of cilia have a comb-like appearance, and so, the animal got the name comb jelly. There are around 100 to 150 species of Ctenophores, and most of them are hermaphrodites.

Phylum Placozoa

Placozoans are non-parasitic, multicellular animals that are considered as the most simplest form of invertebrates. The body of a Placozoan is made of thousands of cells that are arranged as a plate with two layers. The flattened body of a Placozoan has a thickness of around a millimeter, and it moves with the help of cilia. Though it is believed that the phylum has a single genus Trichoplax, with a single species Trichoplax adhaerens, it has been speculated that there are more placozoans in the world. Treptoplax reptans is another species that was described in 1896. However, the organism was not seen after that year.