What you need to know about animals

Humans have 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 number of people who choose to share their homes with an animal. The...

The common or shell parakeet, also known as the Australian budgerigar, has become a very familiar pet all around the world. In fact, the budgie is the world's most popular domestic bird. Budgerigars are as intelligent as some large parrots and they can be domesticated without a problem. They are able to...

Italy is, without a doubt, a mandatory destination for those who are interested in the history of our civilization, art, contemporary culture and delicious cuisine! Being a country that has witnessed the apogee and defeat of the Roman Empire, Italy is also known for the number of dog breeds which have...

There are many types of domestic rats across the world. Contrary to popular belief, these animals are as intelligent and sociable as other rodents such as rabbits, hamsters or guinea pigs. More and more people are deciding to adopt these animals because of the wide range of qualities they offer as a domestic...

No one should ever adopt a cat with the idea they might gave to give them up again. Adoption is different from fostering. With fostering, you know from the beginning their stay is temporary. With adoption, you will have to consider all aspects of their care and only adopt if you believe you can meet the...

Animal abuse is an ongoing problem across the world, but not all countries are dealing with it in the same way. Too many countries have insufficient animal rights legislation or enforcement, resulting in wild, domestic and livestock animals being without protection. Fortunately, some countries are taking a stand...

Neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are small and colorful fish which are incredibly popular with aquarists of all levels. They are great for experienced hobbyists because they can add to the biodiversity of an aquarium in a way that is balanced. Freshwater fish are usually easier to care for in tanks...

In relation to domestic animals, Germany is much more associated with the dog than the cat. The German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Dachshund are some examples of the many internationally recognized dog breeds which originate in Germany. Felines do not have the same history of breeding in Germany. There are...

For many families, adopting a new kitten is great news. However, their first cat may beg to differ. They are often reluctant in accepting the new kitten as they are territorial and used to being the only child. This is why they may be upset with you and the new kitten. So, how long does it take for a...

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,...

When a puppy bites us while playing, we know it is a young dog learning their boundaries. Once they receive the right levels of training and socialization, this biting needs to be stopped or redirected to something safer. This is a normal part of canine development, but it doesn't mean biting will stop...

When you adopt your first dog, their first night at home will provoke a diverse range of feelings. You will be excited about the new family member and all the joy they will bring to your home. You will also be anxious to ensure their transition is a smooth one and they they will feel happy in their...

If you’re considering bringing a podenco into your apartment, you might wonder if this active and agile breed is a good fit for smaller living spaces. Podencos are known for their high energy, intelligence, and strong hunting instincts, qualities that often make people question whether they’re truly suited...

There's no greater joy than adopting a dog and bringing home this new member of the family with whom you will build a lifelong bond. While many people tend to look for purebreds, adopting a mutt or mixed breed dog is a unique experience, and highly recommended for any animal lover. Perhaps you have already...

It may appear to be very difficult for these two animals to live together, if not impossible, but nothing is further from the truth. In fact, rabbits and cats can become great friends as long as the first stages of communal living are taken properly and progressively. If you're thinking about keeping...

Ferrets are wonderful, long-domesticated pets who have accompanied mankind for at least 2500 years. Such a long tradition of breeding ferrets means that nowadays there are many different types of ferrets of various shapes, colors and coats, just like there are different breeds of cats and dogs. This...

Armadillos, are animals that belong to the Cingulata order, with only the Chlamyphoridae and Dasypodidae families still extant. Their distinctive characteristic is an armored shell formed of bony plates, which is useful for fending off their natural predators and other dangers. This shell might make some...

"Red and black, friend of Jack; Red and yellow, kills a fellow." Have you ever heard this rhyme? It was created to remind people how to distinguish a coral snake (Leptomicrucus, Micruroides and Micrurus) from a scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides). Why is it so important to tell apart these two striped...

Many people have their doubts before adopting a new pet, especially if they already have a pet of a different species. Cats and hamsters in particular seem a difficult combination. However, even if a good relationship is hard to achieve, it is not impossible for cats and hamsters to respect each other...

If you are thinking about adopting another dog but you already have an American Staffordshire Terrier in your home, do not worry. Here at AnimalWised we will go into how the this breed gets on with other dogs and whether they'll develop a good or a bad relationship. Besides telling you whether American Staffordshire...

There are plenty of people who don't understand how keeping a bird caged is a pleasant idea, and it makes sense; bird catchers often keep beautiful species within minuscule cages, stripping them from their dignity and welfare. Still, bird lovers like me can't imagine life without hearing their beautiful bird...

The Fennec fox is a beautiful, clean, friendly and loving animal that can be easily domesticated. However, you cannot expect to simply take this beautiful creature home. Fundamentally, this is because the animal would die very quickly in its new habitat that we call home. If it survives, it will probably...

The hedgehog is a small mammal covered in spines that lives in Europe, Asia and Africa. There are 17 different extant hedgehog species, but the most common kept in captivity is the African pygmy hedgehog. All hedgehogs are nocturnal animals and feed mainly on insects. They are not difficult to maintain...

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.

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...

Having a mixed-breed dog often has many advantages. What's more, in many cases these dogs are very beautiful, intelligent and good-natured. Some pedigree dogs have not been bred or brought up in the correct way, and some breeders produce inbred litters. This impoverishment in their gene pool greatly affects...

Kangaroo rats (Dipodomys) are interesting and unique mammals, and it is for this reason why many people consider keeping one as a pet. Despite the name "kangaroo", this tiny animal is a rodent; the name comes from its long hind legs and huge tail, which it uses to keep its balance. There are actually...

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...

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...

The betta fish, also known as the Siamese fighting fish, is a freshwater fish from Southeast Asia. It can measure up to 2 inches in length and can live up to 3 years. It is widely coveted due to their spectacular fins and bright colors. However, many people get them without knowing which fish are compatible...

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...

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...

When us humans are cold, there are several options we can take in order to raise our temperature or our environment's. However, have you ever wondered what happens to your pet when they reach low temperatures? Cats, unlike other furry animals, do not have such a thick coat or double layer, like dogs do,...

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...

Adopting another dog into our family requires serious consideration. Not only do we need to consider our resources and ability to provide the right level of care, we need to ensure every member of our family is going to get along. When we already have a dog in this family, we might be quick to think a...

The coati or coatimundi (Nasua and Nasuella) are four different species in the Procyonidae family. This makes them closely related to the raccoon. They share several physical and behavioral traits with this animal, but coatis are recognizable for their distinct long nose. In fact, in some places they are known...

Choosing if your dog will live inside or outside the house is a decision that will influence your dog's behavior and attitude as an adult. Whether you've decided that your dog will live inside or outside or if you've yet to make up our mind, this article will be very useful to reach a final decision. In order...

If you have decided to adopt a hamster as a pet, it is important to be informed about its specific care, feeding, and even how you should prepare its cage. For this reason, here at AnimalWised we'll offer you a simple step by step guide to preparing a hamster's cage. Have you decided that a hamster is the...

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...

For some, the only silver fox they want to be around is George Clooney. For others, keeping a silver fox as a pet is a dream. Others still don't even know what a silver fox is. While some may think of them as a separate animal, they are actually the same animal as a red fox. The difference is that they are...

When we think of repellents for dogs, many of us might first think of the flea and tick repellents we use to keep parasites away from dogs. However, some of us may have a need to keep a dog off our property. In these cases, there are devices which can be used to help deter dogs. Reasons why you need...

Many families prefer to adopt cats when they are still kittens. However, once they have it at home, doubts start to arise: Where will it sleep? What to do if the kitten cries? What are the best toys for kittens to play with? What should I call it? It's normal to have doubts. We at AnimalWised want to give...

When you have kids, adding another mouth to feed can seem like an overwhelming prospect, even if it is only a little one. Cats do require responsibility and we need to be financially prepared for their arrival. We also may worry about diseases, fighting and other important health considerations to make when having...

Squirrels are small mammals from the family Sciuridae. Although there are almost 300 different species of squirrel. the animals we most associate with this name are tree squirrels. These include various types of squirrel species found in the subfamily Sciurus. These are bushy-tailed squirrels which are found...

Many people prefer to adopt a kitten so they can get used to living in their new home from a young age. However, before separating a kitten from their mother we must take certain factors into consideration so they can have the best physical and psychological development. In this AnimalWised article...

The feminine and masculine nature are very different, although they complement each other perfectly. The differences between the two are manifested through anatomy, physiology and behavior, and not only in the human species. We can observe these differences perfectly when comparing both genders in dogs. When...

If you are a dog lover, you are likely interested in the different breeds and personalities of the domestic dog. One important factor is intelligence. If you are aware of Stanley Coren's book on the intelligence of dogs, you will know the top spot is taken by none other than the Border Collie. Used as a working...

Do you have a pet Labrador Retriever and are thinking of adopting another dog into the family? Labradors are often great companions for other dogs since they are generally easy going and secure in the presence of other dogs. Those who already share their lives with a Labrador Retriever will know they...

There are millions of dogs abandoned on the streets around the world, and combating this alarming number seems like an almighty task. Especially because of the easy reproduction of dogs and the irresponsibility of many people. We at AnimalWised know that this is a serious problem that must be solved, for...

Have you adopted a puppy? Watching them grow up is one of the most beautiful things to be part of, especially as our relationship with them grows overtime. But, when is our puppy a full grown adult? In this AnimalWised article, we're going to talk about the stages a puppy will go through and when your...