| Family: Delphinidae Species: Delphinus delphis
Habitat: Inshore and offshore
Status: Commonly seen
Population: Unknown
Threats: Nets, pollution, hunting, human disturbance
Group size: 10-500. Eastern Tropical Pacific areas have the largest groups.
Adult weight: 70-110kg
Food: Octopus/squid, fish
Teeth: Top: 80-120 bottom: 80-120
Behaviour: Dolphins are very active. They swim very quickly and perform acrobatics. They like slapping the water with their chin and doing flipper slaps. They surface for air in groups. When they are frightened they also group closely. Common dolphins are very vocal (high-pitched squealing) and can sometimes be heard above the water. They can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes.
Location: They prefer warm temperatures, tropical and sub-tropical areas. They favour enclosed areas such as the Red Sea and Mediterranean. The Indian Ocean is less populated by dolphins.
Colours: There are many variations of colours. The most distinctive mark is the hourglass pattern on a dolphin’s side that is made up of the colours white, grey, yellow and black. The dorsal fin has a variety of different colour possibilities, it can be black, black with a grey spot, or white with a dark border. On its lower body many dolphins have shades of yellow or grey arranged in lines. Its facial patterns vary too. Young Common dolphins are much lighter in colour than adults.
Your pets
Horses
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- Be sure that your horse gets enough exercise; horses that do not can become restless and in extreme cases dangerous.
- Keep horses out of the sun in warm weather; if they are primarily outdoors, make sure that they have enough shade and water.
- Give horses time to cool down after they are worked. In warm weather it is a good idea to hose them off.
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- When horses are outside in the summer make sure they are treated with fly spray and/or fly masks on. Be careful when putting on masks as bugs can get trapped underneath.
- To avoid dehydration of a horse, limit activity when the temperature is over 27C and the humidity is above 70%.
- A hoof is like a fingernail. It is always growing and will need to be clipped so that it won’t be uncomfortable for the horse.
- Lots of things affect how much and what type of food a pony or horse will need to eat. A lot depends on its size and how much activity it will have. If the weather is cold, your pony will need more food to keep it’s body temperature up.
- Ponies and horses have small stomachs, so they cannot eat all the food they need for a day in one go. The rule is little and often, which is why a stabled pony or horse needs feeding four times a day. Ask your vet to advise you on how much and what type of food to give your pony.
- Bathe horses occasionally. Shampooing helps to keep skin healthy and coats clean. Proper brushing with curries and stiff brushes should also be done regularly.
- You must look after your horse’s hooves properly and make sure that they are cleaned out with a hoof pick every day.
- Remember, your horse will need your love and attention
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Dogs
- Your dog should have a mixed diet of meat and cereal every day, as well as fresh, clean water.
- Take your dog on regular walks and provide a well-fenced garden in which your dog can play.
- Every dog should have a collar with an identity tag. This is required by law.
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- When walking your dog always make sure you clear up after them. Remember to take your pooper-scooper with you.
- A dog needs companionship. Make sure your dog spends enough time with other dogs or people.
- You should register your dog with a veterinary surgeon and make sure it receives injections against serious diseases, as well as having annual boosters.
- Prevent behaviour problems from developing by training your dog from a young age – to come to you, stay, sit and lie down.
- When you start training, use rewards such as food, touch, and praise, and accompany these rewards with appropriate command words that your dog will eventually learn to recognise.
- Make sure your dog is well looked after when you are away from home. Seek professional advice on what type of kennel is best for your dog. Then inspect several and decide for yourself whether the facilities and the staff are to your satisfaction.
- In sunny or hot weather, body temperature may rise rapidly. Heat stroke can kill a dog within minutes. Do not leave your dog in a car in warm weather, and always make sure it has plenty of cold water to drink.
- Use a reliable, strong, short lead for walking your dog. If your dog is unreliable off its lead, use the long training lead for exercise. Always keep your dog on the lead for walks near traffic or farm animals.
- A dog needs regular brushing as well as flea-prevention treatment.
- Remember, your dog will need your time and dedicated interest for the whole of its life.
Cats
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- A cat needs regular meals. Canned pet food generally provides a well-balanced diet. Dry and semi-dry foods are very good for your cat but are low in moisture, so extra water needs to be provided with these foods. Milk is an excellent food but it disagrees with some cats. Cats should not be fed on any type of bone. Fresh water should be available at all times.
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- Cats are very fussy about cleanliness and spend a lot of time washing and grooming. You should brush your cat regularly, particularly when it is shedding its coat, as this stops fur from matting and loose hair forming “fur balls” in the cat’s digestive system. Long haired cats are especially prone to hair balls. Cats almost never need baths.
- Cats are easy to toilet train and kittens should soon learn to use a litter tray. You should change your cat’s litter regularly and wash the tray with mild soap before rinsing it well.
- Cats like to play and will benefit from a garden or safe place to play in each day. Even old cats enjoy short periods of play. In play, cats practise the skills and techniques important for their survival.
- You should provide a warm and sheltered environment for your cat.
- Making sure your cat has a scratching post will help to stop it damaging your furniture.
- You should register your cat with a veterinary surgeon to make sure it has injections against certain serious diseases. Annual booster injections are also necessary. You will need to regularly worm and treat your cat for fleas and ask your vet about the various treatments available.
- Make sure your cat is well looked after when you are away from home, either with friends or at a reputable cattery.
- Remember, your cat will need your time and interest for the whole of its life!
Pictures
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On holiday!!!
Animal Ark 