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The post Do Dogs and Guinea Pigs Get Along? 6 Vet-Approved Tips on Living With Them Both by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Animals of the oddest pairings can sometimes come up on your social media feed. Sometimes, a snake and a mouse will seem to become friends, a coyote and a common canine, you name it! However, as cute as you might think these situations are in theory, animals’ lives can be in danger in these scenarios, even if it seems like all is well.

Canines have been used for a millennia to weed out rodents and other small animals. Guinea pigs are fast moving rodent prey animals. You can see how this pairing can be unwise from the start. While dogs and guinea pigs can never be left alone together, that doesn’t mean you can’t have both of them as pets. In this article, we aim to explain some things you can do to keep your guinea pig safe if you also have a dog.

Can Dogs and Guinea Pigs Get Along?

We don’t want to say it’s impossible for dogs and guinea pigs to get along, however, it’s unlikely that they will ever form a strong relationship and in most cases, the guinea pig will be in danger if left with a dog unattended.

It’s important to remember that guinea pigs are prey animals and dogs are predators by nature. Many dogs were bred to hunt and track down small animals such as guinea pigs, so your dog will not see a guinea pig as a pet the way that you do. They will need to be taught to stay away from your guinea pigs and this is easier said than done for some dogs.

Some dogs may have more restraint and less interest in a guinea pig than others, but you still don’t want to risk leaving the two of them alone together. There are ways that you can keep both a dog and a guinea pig together, though.

Image Credit: Hinzefoto, Shutterstock

The 6 Tips for Living with Dogs and Guinea Pigs

If you want to keep both a dog and a guinea pig as a pet, here are some tips for making sure that the two can cohabit successfully, even if they don’t ever get along.

1. Don’t Let Your Dog Around the Guinea Pig’s Cage

Wherever your guinea pig hutch or enclosure is, make sure your dog just doesn’t have free rein and access to this area. You will need to keep them completely separated. Having a potential predator lurking around the guinea pig hutch is a welfare concern.

If your dog feels like they can get to the guinea pig, they might try to break through the enclosure when you’re not home or when you’re not around. If there is any way for your dog and guinea pig to make contact, you may come home to a tragedy. It’s best to keep your guinea pig in a separate room or area of the garden that your dog doesn’t have access to.

2. Don’t Let Your Dog Stress Your Guinea Pig Out

Guinea pigs are very nervous animals. That is because in the wild, guinea pigs are predated from the land and sky with raptors and Andean bears amongst the threats. To survive they need to be in a constant state of high alert.

Domesticated guinea pigs retain these survival instincts and the presence of a larger mammal stalking or staring at them will be very stressful. Even if you don’t let your guinea pig out of their hutch, but your dog is allowed to roam around them, sniff them, and otherwise intrude on their safe space, it can cause some major anxiety for your guinea pig.

Since Guinea pigs are already naturally pretty anxious, putting them in a situation where they are in a constant state of fight or flight can really impact your guinea pig’s overall health and wellbeing.

Image Credit: aurelie le moigne, Shutterstock

3. Do Not Let a Child Supervise

You might think that your dog is calm enough to be in a situation where they can be with one of your children and a guinea pig with no consequence.

Accidents can happen very quickly. A child should not be left in a situation where they need to supervise the safety of two pets, one which can easily kill the other. In addition the child may potentially be caught in the cross fire if they need to intervene and be injured themselves.

Educate your children not to take the guinea pig and dog in a room by themselves, even if it really seems like the cutest scenario.

4. Don’t Buy Similar Toys for Dogs

If you are trying to desensitize your dog to your guinea pig, the last thing you want to do is rile them up with toys that sound just like them! If you buy squeaker toys or toys of a similar size or that look similar to a guinea pig, it can be very confusing for your dog to understand the difference.

They might hear the squeak and want to play! This can be incredibly dangerous, so it’s best if you never get it started in the first place. Trying to get prey animals and predators to coexist can be very difficult, and your dog being stimulated by squeaky toys is just another way to make this situation even more complicated.

If you do choose to use squeaky toys then we recommend that this is coupled with” leave it” and “drop it” commands so that they will reliably release the object. This will be a useful safety backup in case your dog and guinea pig ever accidentally come into contact.

Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock

5. Remember That Guinea Pigs Pack a Punch, Too

Don’t think that dogs are the only ones to pose danger in this situation. You might have a well behaved little Shih Tzu that you think wouldn’t hurt a fly. However, that doesn’t mean that when your guinea pig feels threatened they won’t take a nip at the dog, no matter how harmless it might be.

A guinea pig has very sharp incisors that grow continually over time. They can easily pierce through your dog’s sensitive skin. Some guinea pigs are also more aggressive than others.

6. Use Scent Training

Your dog has an excellent sense of smell and will likely be very aware there is another animal in or near the house. To reduce the level of interest they have in searching out the source of the smell you can practice scent swapping. Use a piece of material or clean cloth and rub it over the guinea pig. You can then give this to your dog to smell and investigate. Use this to re-enforce the leave it and drop it commands too. You can also attach the rag to a flirt pole to teach engage and disengage. This is another backup incase of accidental introduction of the guinea pig and dog. Better that they have practiced leaving the scent alone than becoming overwhelmed by it in the moment.

Image Credit: EkaterinaSid, Shutterstock

Always, Always, Always Supervise

Sure, the images of a dog and guinea pig frolicking around and having a grand old time will get lots of likes and loves from the digital audience. However, is it a good idea? The answer is a solid no. It is never a good idea to put an animal in a predicament where they could be in danger for any reason.

In fact, keeping an animal free from fear and distress is one of the five freedoms of animal welfare, in which animals should be treated safely and kept in safe conditions that keep them free from stress, fear, and mental suffering. The five freedoms of animal welfare are a global standard that describes the conditions in which animals should be kept under human care. If you can’t meet this or other requirements for your guinea pig, it’s best that you don’t keep them as a pet.

If your dog loves your guinea pig, it’s highly unlikely that they would ever hurt it on purpose. But it is very likely that they could hurt it by accident. Even smaller dogs like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians could hurt a guinea pig if they got a hold of it just right. The reality is, our dogs have powerful jaws and guinea pigs are a prime prey animal.

So, it’s best to always supervise the two animals if you ever have the guinea pig out of the cage for any reason. You can’t have too much trust in scenarios like this. No matter how cute you think it is that your guinea pig and dog interact with one another. Your dog might absolutely adore your guinea pig but prey drive and instinct can kick in, in an instant. A sudden snap, bite or picking up of your guinea pig by your dog can easily end in tragedy. So even if your dog doesn’t have bad intentions, they might not be able to understand or differentiate between your pet guinea pig and “prey” and may accidentally harm them by knocking into them, causing them stress, standing on them or picking them up.

Conclusion

Now you understand that guinea pigs and dogs are not the perfect pairing. While your dog might truly seem to love your guinea pig, that doesn’t mean that they can’t accidentally hurt them. However, there are ways to keep both of them as pets, provided that you supervise them closely. An interspecies relationship between a dog and guinea pig will depend heavily on the individuals involved but we do not recommend that they are allowed to interact.

You are the animal guardians, and it’s best that you use your own discretion on how you think the situation should be handled. However, because of the predator-prey relationship, we highly recommend never trusting a situation between a canine and a rodent.

Featured Image Credit: Garna Zarina, Shutterstock

The post Do Dogs and Guinea Pigs Get Along? 6 Vet-Approved Tips on Living With Them Both by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Can Dogs Eat Hearts of Palm? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Considerations by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Hearts of palm are literally exactly what they sound like—the very internal parts of certain species of palm tree. These tender veggies can serve in a variety of recipes and so many people can reap the long list of benefits this plant has to offer.

Many use hearts of palm as a meat replacement thanks to its incredible texture and subtle flavor. This versatile plant is also fine for your pup to munch on—in moderation, of course. 

In this article, we aim to look at the benefits versus the risks of hearts of palm for dogs.

Hearts of Palm Is Non-Toxic to Dogs

Hearts of palm are considered non-toxic to dogs, so dogs are allowed to eat this well textured plant source in moderation. Hearts of palm are super versatile in the kitchen, and for your dog as well. They have a fleshy texture but hearty flavor, and since they are used as a meat substitute, it’s no wonder your dog is likely attracted to the recipe.

Hearts of palm come from different trees but most often the coconut (Cocos nucifera), peach palm (Bactris gasipaes), juçara (Euterpe edulis), açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea) and palmetto (Sabal spp.) are used.

Our dogs can have a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. Having fresh items in the diet can really increase roughage and allow you to ensure you’re giving your dog the best nutritional benefits possible. However, foods like hearts of palm should still be given in moderation, as they can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs if eaten in large amounts, and your dog gets all the nutrients they need from their normal dog food anyway.

Image Credit: rodrigobark, Shutterstock

Benefits of Hearts of Palm

As a whole, dogs can eat hearts of palm in moderation. Here are some of the benefits of hearts of palm for your dog.

High Fiber

Hearts of palm are relatively high in fiber. This can be beneficial to the gastrointestinal system. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber for a range of benefits to digestion. Adding a little roughage into your dog’s diet can help them feel fuller for longer and ease passage of feces. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing though and too much fiber can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Low in Fat

These veggies are low in fat, meaning they are a healthy choice for food to feed your dog, especially if they are carrying extra pounds.

Rich in Vitamins & Minerals

Hearts of palm are absolutely packed with valuable vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and folate. Granted, your dog gets an evenly balanced bounty of vitamins and minerals in their commercial diet, but fresh nutrients are also beneficial.

Image Credit: rodrigobark, Shutterstock

Risks of Hearts of Palm

Yes, hearts of palm are generally safe for dogs—but beware! While this is usually totally fine for most healthy adults, that doesn’t mean certain dogs won’t have a negative effect from it.

Gastrointestinal Upset

While hearts of palm are non-toxic, it can still be problematic to your dog’s system when you introduce a new food. Your dog can be very sensitive to certain food items—especially very off-the-wall plant items that aren’t a part of their natural diet.

If you have a rather sensitive pup, they might experience some gastrointestinal upset. The signs could include excess salivation, vomiting, whining, diarrhea, or general discomfort. Usually they will pass on their own, but you should always consult your vet if you’re concerned after your dog ate hearts of palm.

Not all parts of palms or all palm plants are safe for your dog. As an example Sago palm, Cycas revoluta, is toxic to dogs. If your dog has been eating a palm plant you have at home it is best to check the toxicity of the individual species, but most canned palm hearts will be safe.

Image Credit: IgorAleks, Shutterstock

How to Serve Hearts of Palm to Your Dog

Ultimately, there is no real reason to routinely add hearts of palm into your dog’s diet. But if you want to give them a little taste every once in a while, you should only serve them plain and unseasoned. Certain seasonings and flavors can be toxic to dogs, particularly garlic and onions, so even if the hearts of palm won’t make your dog sick, other ingredients could. And while hearts of palm do have their perks, there are plenty of other supplemental foods that would be more canine-specific and nutritionally beneficial.

Another consideration is that the harvesting of hearts of palm has become controversial due to the environmental impacts.

Conclusion

Now you know more about hearts of palm and their effect on our pups. If your pup caught a few pieces falling from the countertop—that’s okay! It will be perfectly fine, as it is non-toxic to your dog. However, they shouldn’t be fed hearts of palm regularly, as they are not part of a dog’s natural diet and can cause an upset stomach if eaten regularly or in excess.

Featured Image Credit: HC FOTOSTUDIO, Shutterstock

The post Can Dogs Eat Hearts of Palm? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Considerations by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (With Info & Pictures) by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Two things exist with our list of large dog breeds that don’t shed. First, they are all working animals with a defined purpose enhanced by selective breeding. Second, there’s a noticeable absence of ancient breeds, such as the Samoyed, Chow Chow, and Alaskan Malamute. These spitz-like dogs shed, often with two definitive seasons when the dogs blow their coats.

Dogs tend to shed more if they have an undercoat. This extra hair isn’t needed in the warmer months, so they tend to thin it out, much to the chagrin of their owners. It’s important to note that all dogs shed somewhat as replacing worn and damaged hairs is a normal process, not unlike what you experience. With that said, several things besides breed can affect how much a dog sheds, including nutrition, environmental conditions, and health. If you’re looking for a big dog but want to keep the shedding to a minimum, here are some possibilities.

How Are Dogs Classified?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies breeds based on their historic job, anatomy, and other factors representing common denominators between the dogs. This system helps enthusiasts, veterinarians, and scientists understand our canine companions better to improve their physical and mental health care. The defined AKC groups are the following:

The 18 Large Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much

1. Standard Poodle

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Given their history as water dogs, it seems odd that the Standard Poodle is in the Non-Sporting Group. They are highly intelligent and capable of doing anything needed in the field. They are alert and always enthusiastic, and their energy is contagious. Poodles have a curly coat that doesn’t shed much but does require regular grooming to prevent matting.

2. Afghan Hound

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You can’t help but notice an Afghan Hound, and they thankfully don’t shed much. Their long coats are silky and long. But even though they are low shedders, they need frequent grooming to prevent mats and keep their hair trimmed neatly. This breed is intelligent yet independent, making them better suited to experienced pet owners.

3. Airedale Terrier

Image Credit: Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock

The Airedale Terrier isn’t your average member of this group. This pup is versatile in the many jobs these animals have fulfilled. They started as hunting companions and ratters. Their intelligence made them excellent choices for more demanding work in the military and law enforcement. They are courageous and protective of their families, making them good watchdogs.

4. Barbet

Image Credit: Annabell Gsoedl, Shutterstock

The Barbet sheds minimally, despite their long, curly coat. These pups are at home in the water and the field as tireless hunting companions. They seem to enjoy the work wholeheartedly. This French canine has a history going back hundreds of years in their native land, although the breed almost died out like many European dogs during the world wars. It’s a recent addition to AKC, getting recognition in 2020.

5. Bearded Collie

Image Credit: Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock

The Bearded Collie is a sweetheart. This dog is quite intelligent, which isn’t unexpected in a herding animal. They often work independently and must be alert to manage the livestock. This pup is usually vocal since it comes in handy with rounding up cattle and sheep. Their long, silky coat sheds a lot once per year, but frequent grooming the rest of the year can keep it under control and mat-free.

6. Black Russian Terrier

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The Black Russian Terrier resembles a Schnauzer, one of 17 breeds used for selectively breeding this pup. The goal was a versatile and fearless guardian and military dog. This animal is highly intelligent and more than capable of these demands. Thankfully, they shed very little, although they will shed more twice per year.

7. Bouvier des Flandres

Image Credit: Tatyana Kuznetsova, Shutterstock

The Bouvier des Flandres was selectively bred as a herder, with the size, intelligence, and big voice for the job. This pup has also been an all-purpose farm dog because of these traits. However, the animal’s beauty caught the fancy of many enthusiasts. The Bouvier has a medium double coat that requires regular brushing to control the shedding, but it isn’t nearly as much as other large breeds.

8. Boxer

Image Credit: Dmitry Kalinovsky, Shutterstock

The Boxer is a joy to be around because of the dog’s friendly and happy nature. It’s a sharp contrast to the breed’s past. We have dedicated enthusiasts to thank for selectively breeding this pup to make them the delightful pets they are today. The dog’s smooth, short coat needs only weekly brushing with a curry brush or hound glove to keep shedding to a minimum. However, the shedding does pick up in spring and autumn.

9. Briard

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The Briard is a hard-working dog, serving as both a herder and guardian of livestock. You can’t help but fall in love with this loyal and affectionate pet. This pup is intelligent and willing to go the extra mile for their families. While the animal has a long, wavy coat, they shed minimally. Regular grooming is necessary to keep your pup mat-free and looking their best.

10. Giant Schnauzer

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The Giant Schnauzer can do it all, including driving cattle or playing fetch. This pup is easy to train and eager to please. The dog’s size also makes it a formidable guardian for livestock or the homestead. This pooch’s wiry double coat needs weekly brushing, although some people prefer to keep it short with regular trimming.

11. Greyhound

Image Credit: Haletska Olha Shutterstock

The Greyhound is as sweet as it looks. This deep-chested dog is ready for anything with the energy to match. They are easily trained with consistent lessons to reinforce their canine manners. They are intelligent animals with a keen prey drive. While they do shed a bit, they aren’t considered heavy shedders, and it can be kept to a minimum with regular grooming.

12. Ibizan Hound

Image Credit: Sergii_Petruk, Shutterstock

The Ibizan Hound is a handsome dog that always seems to strike an elegant pose. They are high-energy animals that love to play. They are all about family, freely showing their affection. It’s an ancient breed, with a history going back thousands of years to the Phoenicians. They also don’t shed much, although you should brush them weekly to keep it to a minimum.

13. Irish Water Spaniel

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The Irish Water Spaniel is a fitting addition to the Sporting Group. It’s all about the hunt for this pup, but they also love to play. Since they are excellent retrievers, this dog will keep the game going as long as you want to throw the ball. They shed minimally despite their medium, curly coats, and they are said to be good for some allergy sufferers.

14. Komondor

Image Credit: HellViolet, Pixabay

The Komondor began life as a livestock guardian in their native Hungary. These dogs have all the necessary skills: alertness, intelligence, and independence. Yet, they are calm animals despite their high need for mental stimulation. Their long, corded coat sheds minimally, even if it looks a bit odd. It also provides welcome insulation when in the field.

15. Portuguese Water Dog

Image Credit: Lynda McFaul, Shutterstock

The Portuguese Water Dog loves everyone, including other pups. This dog has an adventurous side, thanks to the breed’s development alongside the fishing trade. Their long, curly coats need regular brushing, particularly if you let your pet go swimming. You can also keep it cut short to cut down on grooming. However, they are said to shed much less than other breeds.

16. Saluki

Image Credit: Elisabetta Bellomi, Pixabay

According to Guinness World Records, the Saluki is another ancient breed and maybe perhaps the oldest domesticated dog breed. They are highly intelligent animals that need mental stimulation and enrichment to thrive. They are amazingly clean dogs, putting them on a par with cats in self-grooming. Weekly brushing will keep their coats looking their best, but they don’t shed much to begin with.

17. Schapendoes

Image Credit: Kobus-van-Leer, Pixabay

The Schapendoes is a Foundation Stock Service dog destined for the Herding Group. The breed is also known as the Dutch Sheepdog. This pup has many traits of herders, including high energy, devotion, and protectiveness. They are devoted to their families and charges. This breed also suffered during the world wars, but enthusiasts have worked tirelessly to ensure future generations. They do shed more during the spring and autumn, but it’s far less during the rest of the year or some other large breed dogs.

18. Standard Xoloitzcuintli

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The Standard Xoloitzcuintli is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog because of the animal’s unique coat. Their history goes back thousands of years to the Aztecs, making them the North American equivalent of breeds considered sacred to the Ancient Egyptians. This pup doesn’t shed much thanks to the lack of fur but does need sunscreen when going outdoors to protect their skin.

Determining Which Dogs Shed

Science has come a long way toward identifying which dogs shed and to what degree through DNA testing. The genetics behind shedding is complex. However, researchers have discovered two genes with the most significant effect: MC5R and RSPO2. That’s good news for breeders and pet owners because they have access to this information to better match dogs and households.

The MC5R gene affects shedding. The RSPO2 gene involves the furnishings or hair on the animal’s eyebrows and mustache, characteristic of breeds such as the German Wirehaired Pointer. Dogs with no furnishings, referred to as an improper coat, are more likely to shed than those with these features.

Inheritance Patterns

Each gene has two variants or alleles. The combination of what a puppy inherits from their mother and father offers a reliable indicator of how much that animal will shed. The involvement of two genes means a spectrum of inheritance patterns and, thus, the degree of shedding, going from high to moderate to low.

Genes can either be dominant or recessive. A trait is expressed if just one of the dominant alleles is present in the pair. An animal inherits the alternative only if both alleles are recessive. Scientists indicate a dominant trait with a capital letter representing the gene and a lowercase for the recessive.

For example, let’s give the dominant shedding trait the shorthand “S” and the recessive form “s.” A puppy with SS or Ss will shed. A pup that has the ss pair will not shed as much. Let’s consider the effect of furnishings. It is also a dominant trait, so FF and Ff mean the pup has them. A dog with ff won’t have this feature. The scale of shedding varies with the interplay of these two genes.

Sellers can conduct pre-breeding DNA screening of their dogs for the shedding trait. They can also test the puppies. If it’s a dealbreaker for you, we suggest asking about it before you buy. It’s affordably priced and easy to collect a sample. It can give you the peace of mind you need before bringing home a pet.

Image Credit: Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock

The Hypoallergenic Myth

Many people consider non-shedding dogs in hopes they are hypoallergenic, however, a truly hypoallergenic animal does not exist. The allergen triggering annoying symptoms isn’t the dog’s hair itself. Instead, it’s specific proteins found in the dog’s urine, saliva, and dead skin cells or dander that cause the problem. Your pet’s hair may have the allergen on it, so shedding can increase the chances that these allergens are spread around, but not shedding doesn’t completely eradicate the trigger. You’re still being exposed to it regardless of its source.

Notably, the dog’s sex may play a role. Another possible trigger exists with a protein unique to a male dog’s prostate. A test can identify if it’s the cause of your allergy misery. That can open the possibility of owning a female pup without dealing with a pet allergy. Discuss the possibility of an in vitro allergen test with your doctor.

Conclusion

Our round-up includes a wide variety of dogs of different weights and degrees of what can be called minimal shedding. While all dogs lose some hair, some breeds shed less than others, and if you’re looking for a big dog, we hope this list gives you an idea of what to expect when it comes to their shedding.

Featured Image Credit: volofin, Shutterstock

The post Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (With Info & Pictures) by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.