Before adopting an animal
411 articles

When someone is allergic to dogs, it doesn't exactly mean that their body produces an immune response because of the animal itself, but because of particular allergens it produces. The most common allergens are proteins found in their saliva, dandruff and sebaceous glands on their dermis, and consequently...

Many people are allergic to dog hair and can't live with a dog that is constantly shedding hair all over the house. This doesn't mean they can't have a dog, but some dog breeds do not shed hair. Or at least they shed relatively very little. This doesn't mean these are hypoallergenic breeds, but the risk...

The raccoon is a wild animal of the Procynidae family native to North America. This omnivorous mammal is quite small - slightly larger than a domestic cat - with sharp claws and a thick ringed tail, and it's known as a scavenger or pest in some areas. Raccoons are quite adorable, and many people consider...

The evolution of dogs has been shaped by their contact with humanity. We humans have determinedwhat breeds should be crossed, and what individuals were chosen for further breeding in order to suit our needs or aesthetic tastes.
Whether or not you are in favor of selective breeding to achieve new breeds and...

The stoat is part of the mustelid family, a group which also contains otters, badgers and ferrets, among other mammals. Larger than the weasel and considered particularly aggressive, stoats weigh less than 260 grams (9 oz). This gives them impressive agility and speed to add to their ferocity. In fact,...

In our opinion, keeping a marmoset as a pet is not a very sensible idea. While marmosets really are adorable animals, in most cases they have been furtively and illegally hunted. This has caused some of the 22 marmoset species to become threatened; in fact, simply possessing a marmoset is punishable by...

Aquariums and fish tanks tend to get dirty very easily. Too much food, direct sun or having too many plants or algae can make the water murky. It is a good idea to use a pump or filter, but there are fish and other animals that clean your aquarium naturally, feeding on carrion that resides in the sand...

There are many canine organizations and associations in the world that work on developing breed standards, but they also work towards an alliance of dog breeders with the aim to protect specific breeds from exploitation. Their work has influenced current breeds but also animal rights policies.
There are...

The leopard cat is often confused with the Bengal cat because of their similar names and appearances. Both cats have reddish coats from gray to olive with spots or rosettes that remind us of those of leopards or ocelots. However, the leopard cat and the Bengal cat are not the same breed - they are not...

Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Shepherd have similar origins, their establishments dating back to 1897 and 1891, respectively. As you may be able to determine from their names, both breeds had similar functions, specifically guarding and herding livestock in their roles as herding dogs. Their...

Are you thinking about adopting a tomcat? You'll probably be wondering what to call him. After all, cats need unique names that fit their particular look and temperament, and there are so many good options out there. Nowadays, many people choose to give their pets names from another culture or language, or they...

Despite what popular culture would have you believe, it is actually possible for dogs and cats to live in harmony even if they have completely different temperaments, lifestyles and behaviors. A peaceful relationship and cohabitation between your household pets is extremely important, as it will allow...

While it is true that all dogs are equally great and worth loving, it is also true that not all dogs look alike. Chihuahuas and Alaskan Malamutes belong to the same species, but they look completely different. Like all species, dogs have evolved particular traits to adapt to their habitat and climate.
However,...

Many people have doubts before getting a dog, especially with there being so many breeds of dogs and cross breeds in the world. It will be crucial to focus a little bit on the temperament and requirements of certain dog breeds in order to work out if the dog is compatible with your lifestyle.
In this case...

If you have a love of Finland and its culture, you may be looking for names that come from this beautiful Scandinavian country. Whether you have a personal connection, have been there to visit or are simply desperate to find a unique name for your dog, you may find inspiration with our AnimalWised list...

The world of companion animals is becoming more and more diverse. When it comes to getting a household pet with which you can share an emotional bond, there are many animals that can make excellent pets beyond cats and dogs. One of these modern popular pets is the ferret, a kind of mustelid.
The ferret...

All of us who've ever considered adopting a pet have daydreamed about what we would name them. A dog's name is especially important, as it will be used in their training. Experts recommend choosing a name that's not too short or too long: 2 or 3 syllable names are better. Moreover, a dog's name must be...

If you've decided to adopt a dog, you'll soon discover just how wonderful your bond can be given the necessary time, effort and training. The first step to begin training a puppy or an adult dog is giving them a name, and if you want to help your dog learn faster you should choose a unique name that's...

Everybody wants unique names for their pets, and there is nothing better than a meaningful, beautiful name from an equally beautiful and meaningful culture. Whether you live in southern India, you may find the perfect choice in a list of Telugu names for pets with their meanings.
Telugu is the main language...

Have you ever wondered where do the different breeds of spaniel dog come from?
Spaniels were originally bred to be hunting dogs; more specifically, they were gun dogs, used to find and retrieve birds, not to kill them. Spaniels would work close to the hunter and provoke the birds - usually pheasants - to fly;...

If you are looking for Bengal cat names, you are either looking for names for a Bengal cat or cat names in the Bengali language. Fortunately, you can use this AnimalWised list for either purpose. Bengali or Bangla is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the East Indian subcontinent, which includes Assam,...

If you're about to welcome a dog into your life, you're probably worrying about many things, from its life necessities to its training. One of the most important things to decide is the name, and there are so many possibilities out there that it can be hard.
Do you have Indian or Pakistani heritage?...

Hindi is a language that belongs to the Indo-Aryan family, and it is the most widely spoken official language of India. Hindi is spoken as a first language by 425 million people, and it is also a second language for 120 million more people.
As the owner, you have the responsibility of caring for and...

Adopting a dog can be the best choice you ever make. No matter the breed or type, dogs are incredibly clever and caring animals that can form deep bonds with their human companions. However, getting a dog is not a choice to be taken lightly. As their guardian, you'll have the responsibility of covering...

Humans always been in contact with the animal kingdom, and while it may be true that modern society differs greatly from the old days, we are unable to completely cut ties with nature and animals. A good example of this is the amount of people who choose to share their home with an animal.
The world...

If you want to adopt a guinea pig as a pet you should take some things into consideration, such as how long will it live for and how to prepare its cage to fulfill all its needs and ensure a long and happy life.
Did you know there are different breeds of guinea pig? They all have different traits, but...

If you're thinking of getting a dog and think that the Schnauzer type is perfect for you, you may be wondering just how big can each breed can grow. In this AnimalWised article we will tell you about the different Schnauzer breeds: Miniature, Standard and Giant.
We'll go over the main differences between...

Many people who aren't experienced in keeping and training dogs aren't sure what is the best kind of dog for them. Should they choose a particular breed? Some breeds aren't recommended for new owners because of their size, and others because of their intellectual or physical requirements. Are you looking for...

This article will discuss two extremely intelligent dog breeds: Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. Both breeds have some characteristics in common, and their morphology, while different, can look similar from a distance. Both kinds of retriever dogs have a fairly similar build and used to fulfill...

The most wrinkly dog breeds include the Shar Pei, English Bulldog, Pug, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Dog de Bordeaux, Bloodhound, Pekingese, Serrano Bulldog, Basset Hound, Chinese Crested, Clumber Spaniel, French Bulldog, Tibetan Mastiff and Puli. These dogs can be big or small, with wrinkles all over...

If you've ever had a pet, you'll know that finding the right name can be as complicated as training them and arranging the home for them. After all, you want a name for your cat that sounds beautiful and unique, that matches their personality, that's easy to pronounce and that you don't get tired of. Those...

There are currently 14 species of macaw living in the wild in the forests of America, from Mexico to Argentina. Sadly, more than half of these species are threatened, and some have disappeared completely from their native habitats.
However, macaws adopted in reputable shops come from breeding farms. As...

Tortoises are reptiles that can be excellent household pets, if what you're looking for is an animal that is undemanding, peaceful and quiet. Tortoises are basically herbivorous; they feed on fruit, vegetables and occasionally larvae. Even so, some species are omnivorous.
Even though there are vast numbers...

Budgerigars, shell parakeets or budgies are a kind of parakeet characterized by their friendly and sociable character, as well as for their easy adaptation to living in a home. As such, it's not surprising that the majority of bird lovers choose budgerigars as pets.
When it comes to budgerigars, two...

Are you passionate about hedgehogs? At AnimalWised we are great lovers of this small spiky mammal with their pointy nose and little feet. They are an independent and beautiful animal. While they have an adorable and unique appearance, we need to think of them more as playthings. They are animals which...

The vast majority of domestic cats are friendly pets, but some are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of warmth temperaments and displays of affection. Therefore, in this AnimalWised article we'll show you the 10 most affectionate cat breeds.
Of course, there are many other loving and sweet breeds...

Dogs are very sensitive and empathetic creatures. On many occasions, dogs end up creating truly amazing and rewarding relationships with their human companions. Dogs and humans have made such a good team over the years that nowadays you can find dogs for practically all types of characters, personalities...

Many people love horses, as they are noble, beautiful and athletic animals. Horses have accompanied humans for years, as transport or farm workers; over the years, many different sports with horses have been developed. One of these equestrian sports is show jumping.
Show jumping is a type of equestrian competition...

The raccoon dog, also known as mangut or tanuki, is an East Asian animal native to China, Korea, Japan and the far eastern regions of Russia. Nowadays, however, it's been introduced to Northeastern Europe. Its scientific name is Nyctereutes procyonoides.
The raccoon dog is a very old species, but until...

Horses are beautiful, sensitive and noble animals who have helped us to travel and farm the fields for centuries. Nowadays, horses can enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable life without having to work.
Horses are classified into breeds like the Arabian, the Breton or the Friesian. However, horses are...

Do you like black cats?
Although in some countries of Western Europe and America black cats are considered bad luck and evil omens, in the United Kingdom and Japan they're believed to bring good luck and prosperity. In any case, black cats are very special and deserve unique and beautiful names.
To...

Cats are very sweet pets that will provide company in your home without having to dedicate too much time and effort. Cats are among the best pets you could ever have, and without doubt, the most beloved all over the internet!
You'll never understand the special moments a cat can give you - in its own...

The hamster is one of the most popular pets in the world, especially among children. Quite often, hamsters are the first pet that people bring home. This animal is easy to look after, and everybody falls in love with its sweet expressions and mousy movements.
However, it is important to explain to children...

Have you decided to adopt a dog? Naming your dog will be one of the first things you'll have to do as you'll be calling your dog with that name for many years to come. However, choosing a name can be tricky.
If you're from South Africa or simply enjoy the Afrikaans language, you've come to the perfect...

When adopting a cat, choosing their name is a fun and important task. This name will need to be well thought out as you will be calling your cat out for many years to come. If you're Irish or enjoy Irish culture, then it's no surprise that you want to name your cat in Gaelic or a Gaelic inspired name.
In...

The World Canine Organization (FCI) is the international body responsible for standardizing dog breeds into 10 groups, each with different sections. Of course, not all dogs belong to a single breed; there are many more that are mixed-breed or crossbred.
Unfortunately, in this article you will see how some breeds...

Sexual dimorphism is not a rule that can be applied to all species of parrots, as in most cases the differences between males and females cannot be seen at first glance. The only possible way to distinguish them is through analysis or by consulting an expert.
However, in certain species of parrots and parakeets...

If you live in Australia, you will know that having a dingo as a pet is possible. Adopting dingo puppies and raising them as if they were domestic dogs has become enormously popular on the Australian continent.
If you live elsewhere, however, it will be very difficult to have one because the exportation of...

Ostriches, or Struthio camelus, are the largest existing birds on the planet. They live in various sub-Saharan regions of Africa and, given their size and weight, flying is impossible for them. However they are exceptionally good at running.
If you are considering adopting an ostrich as a pet, you...

Do you have an outdoor pond? Adding fish is a great way to liven up your outdoor pond. In this AnimalWised article we're going to tell you the top 9 outdoor pond fish.