Animal care
From the moment we have an animal in our care, we are responisble for assuring they get essential care and live in the appropriate conditions for their species, making sure their mental and physical care is covered. In this AnimalWised section we will teach you everything you should know about how to properly care for your pet.
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Since the quality of a dog's coat is a good general indicator of their overall health, dandruff alone can be cause for concern. When our dog has dandruff and bald spots at the same time, we should know it is something which needs to be addressed. Hair loss, also known as alopecia, has various causes,...
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Cats are known for their self-grooming. It is rare we should see our cat be dirty since they spend such a large part of their day licking themselves clean, often in highly contorted states. While this can be amusing, it is also reassuring. It shows us the cat is healthy and ready to take care of themselves....
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Hamsters can be wonderful companion animals. They are especially popular with children and they can bond much stronger than many imagine. Since hamsters are such great companions to us, many caregivers wonder if we can provide them with their own companionship when we are not around. For this reason, they...
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At AnimalWised, we promote responsible animal guardianship. This doesn't begin when the animal arrives in the home, it begins long before when making the decision whether one should adopt in the first place. This decision require serious consideration of the responsibility a dog's care will require. This...
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From the time they are born, kittens will have fur on their body. The only exception for healthy kittens are hairless cat breeds. However, this hair will vary across their lives. Longhaired cat breeds will have fur which grows thicker. At certain points, a cat's hair will shed and make it look thinner....
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In the winter, we can give a dog a coat to warm them up. When temperatures rise, it is not so easy to take layers off. Keeping a dog cool in the summer is not a minor issue. When a dog becomes too hot, it threatens their health. Heat stroke is a real problem, especially for dogs which have a sensitivity...
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I bought my first automatic feeder out of guilt. Late shift, dog at home, and the realisation that "he'll be fine" had become something I said rather than something I knew. What surprised me was that the biggest change had less to do with the feeder itself.
Pets thrive on familiar routines. Meals arrive...
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Border Collies are popular dogs for many reasons. Not only are they excellent working dogs on farms, but their supreme intelligence means they can be trained for many purposes and their warm temperament make them loving companions. However, the first thing many notice about the Border Collie is their physical...
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When caring for a longhaired dog, there are certain precautions we need to take in terms of coat care. However, even when we brush them enough and ensure their coat is well-groomed, it is easy for some dogs to get mats or tangles in their hair. The Yorkshire Terrier is a breed noted for their beautiful...
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Although you might not notice it when they are newborn, you may see your cat start to develop a fat pouch on their belly. Even if your cat is otherwise slim and lithe, you might see they have a fat belly. This can make us worry if they are eating too much or are suffering from an inflammation which poses...
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A dog's extremities play important functions, not only related to mobility. They allow them to interact with their environment, communicate with others and even allow themselves to get comfortable. A dog's paws are almost paradoxical as they are both very sturdy and very sensitive at the same time....
There are over 350 different species of parrots within the parrot superfamily, including parakeets, lovebirds, cockatoos, parrots, and macaws. There are many factors that affect the life expectancy of these animals, including their species, habitat, diet, and whether they live in captivity or in the wild....
Domestic rats still have a stigma for many, even those who would otherwise consider themselves animal lovers. They are often categorized as vermin and overlooked as pets. When well cared for, rats can make incredible companion animals. Practically speaking, they are small and do not require the same...
It is important to remember that guinea pigs go through heat, which is different in males and females. Like other mammals, they have dimorphic sexes, and their females give birth to live young and feed them milk from a mammary gland. They also have oestrus cycles, which are different from menstrual cycles....
With the wide range of cats litter available, choosing the right product for your cat can be a daunting task. Not to mention that some products can be quite expensive. Moreover, there are some products that can even cause allergies or inflammation of the cat's mucous membranes because they contain fragrances...
Modern pet parenting is smarter than ever. As our homes become more connected, so does the way we care for our pets. Feeding isn’t just about filling a bowl anymore—it’s about creating a healthy rhythm that supports your cat’s overall well-being. Every mealtime and sip of water can make a difference when...
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Pet lovers know that keeping their homes clean while giving pets the comfort they deserve is no easy task. That’s why more and more families are turning to Luciphia Pet Blankets, known for their...
The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a bird in the sparrow family (Passeridae) found in most parts of the world. The house sparrow is closely associated with human settlements and can live in both urban and rural areas. The main breeding season for these birds is from April to August, although nesting...
With the arrival of summer and the increase in temperatures, many guardians believe that cutting their dog's hair will benefit them. They may even think that shaving their coat will help to keep them cool. Although they may have the best intentions, sometimes shaving a dog's hair can be detrimental to...
Cat haircuts are a controversial subject for many reasons. Different groomers offer options to cut, trim or even shave your cat into various styles. Some people think this is a fun way to enjoy living with a cat as a pet or can help protect cats against adverse environmental conditions. Others see it...
Cats love heights, but their penchant for altitudes can often get them in trouble. There is a reason for the clichéd trope of firefighters having to remove cats stuck in trees, but the real danger is not the cat going up to heights. The problem is the risk of falling from them. Falling from heights in cats...
The journey of pregnancy in dogs is an amazing process that spans approximately two months, or 63 days on average. During this period, the expectant mother's body undergoes a series of intricate transformations to support the growth and development of her litter. While many of these changes occur internally,...
Guinea pigs are friendly rodents that are becoming increasingly popular as pets. They are small, intelligent, and have the ability to adapt to living in an apartment. Although guinea pigs can be nervous or skittish at first, with consistent, gentle handling they usually become tame very quickly and...
Spaying and castrating your cat provides many benefits to the individual cat, their adoptive family, and the larger cat population as a whole. There are many factors we need to consider about these procedures, with the stage at which they take place being of particular importance. One of the main benefits...
Cats are very particular about their bellies. It is one of the most vulnerable parts of their body, and they will go to great lengths to protect it. For this reason, when a cat exposes their belly to their guardians, it shows a level of love and trust which is not easy for every cat to express. When they...
The earliest accounts of the breeding and domestication of horses date from around 3500 B.C. Horses played a fundamental role in the development of civilization as we know it. These animals made it possible to travel enormous distances and connect different peoples. However, in the 20th century, the relationship...
If you have been walking your dog and it started raining, you may be in a situation when they will need a wash when you return home. Even on a sunny day, your dog can easily find ways to get a little grubby and in need of a bath. Unfortunately, there may be instances when we reach for the dog shampoo...
Dogs are known for their ability to bark, but have you ever wondered why they do it? Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, including communication, warning, and expressing emotions such as fear or excitement. However, when your dog barks at you for no apparent reason, it can be confusing and frustrating for...
Keeping our dogs comfortable in hot weather is a top priority for responsible dog owners. As temperatures rise, we often seek ways to cool down ourselves, such as turning on the fan or cranking up the air conditioning. But what about our pets? Do fans and air conditioning have the same positive effects...
Breeding horses is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of equine reproductive physiology. One of the most common questions among horse breeders is how many times a mare needs to mate to become pregnant. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this...
With their small and sociable nature, sparrows have become a charming presence in both countryside and urban landscapes across the world. Their distinctive chirping and adaptability to human environments make them endearing to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. However, as their popularity increases the...
Rabbits, members of the family Leporidae, are renowned for their graceful hopping and jumping abilities. Their gentle nature and adorable looks have made them popular pets worldwide. Whether you're considering adopting a rabbit or simply curious about these animals, you might have wondered about their reproductive...
Mounting behavior in dogs is a common concern for many dog owners. It can be confusing to see a male dog trying to mount a female dog that is not in heat. While this behavior is often associated with mating, there are several other reasons why a male dog might engage in mounting. Understanding the underlying...
An elderly dog walking restlessly around the home can be one of the many changes in behavior due to the advancement of age. While it is good for a guardian to have concern, it doesn't mean the dog is in immediate danger. It does mean we need to be considerate of any problems and help the dog adjust to...
We don't expect a neutered cat to hump because their sexual organs have been removed. Whether it is another cat, an object, or even their guardian, humping is often seen as only a sexual release for frustrated cats. For sexually intact cats, mounting will occur during copulation when a female cat is in heat....
If you need to eliminate cat pee odor from your house, it will be due to the cat urinating outside their litter box. There are various reasons why this will occur. It could be due to their age. Kittens may not have learned to use the litter box, and senior cats often suffer incontinence in their old age....
Neutering male dogs provides many benefits, not least the reduction of various health risks such as testicular or prostate cancers. While these advantages are important, neutering in the form of castration can prevent behavioral issues in male dogs related to their reproductive ability. Since sexually intact...
A dog's weight is an important consideration when adopting an animal. In terms of practical space, not all homes will be equipped to house a very large dog. We also need to be able to walk them comfortably and ensure the safety of all members of the home, including the dog themselves. If we adopt a German...
Wet dog smell is a unique odor which often has the uncanny ability to linger for a long time. It is instantly recognizable and can infuse itself into soft furnishings as if they were the dog's own coat. Peculiar and unattractive, it is a smell that can also work its way into the fabric of our clothes and...
As winter arrives and the first snowflakes fall, it is important to remember that our pets feel the cold just like we do. While dressing up dogs has become a popular trend for fashion reasons, the reality is that a winter coat is often necessary to keep them warm during the colder months.
In this AnimalWised...
Some of us might be looking for something to help with dog period blood spotting since it can leave stains on the ground, soft furnishings, and other areas. However, it is important to know that dogs don't have a period. This is because they don't have a menstrual cycle like humans. Instead, they go...
It should be no surprise that certain sounds annoy dogs. Canines have an advanced hearing capability which far outweighs our own. While humans can perceive sound frequencies ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz, dogs are capable of registering sounds with frequencies between approximately 20 and 60,000 Hz. This...
When a cat changes their behavior towards you, becomes apathetic, meows constantly, or changes their eating habits, it could be a sign they want another cat in the home. When a cat is lonely, they will express this desire for company in various ways. Intense loneliness can become so stressful that it...
Ever wonder why your cat jumps at the vacuum cleaner or hides during a thunderstorm? Cats have far more sensitive hearing than humans, picking up on a wider range of frequencies that go unnoticed by our ears. This superpower can be a double-edged sword. Many everyday sounds we barely register can be overwhelming...
Menopause is the term used to explain the cessation of reproductive age in the human female, not something which felines will experience. There are sometimes human physical conditions which, although not biologically the same, have a parallel. Cats and humans do not have the same type of reproductive cycle,...
As a responsible dog owner, we know that you prioritize the well-being of your beloved furry friend, aiming to provide them with a safe, loving, and fear-free environment. Just like humans, dogs can experience moments of unease or fear in certain situations. Our main objective here is to offer you gentle...
The signs a dog is sad or depressed are revealed in their body language and behaviors. Dogs do not communicate with us in the same way. They will want to tell us how they are, but they will do so in a manner which requires interpretation on our part. Many people will look at a dog's face and think they...
Pomeranian dogs are known for their ability to shed, something which is more noticeable than many other breeds. This is because of the sheer abundance of fur in Pomeranian dogs, making a high-shedding rate an often messy business. Known for being loveable little balls of fluff, any annoyance over their...
There are many reasons you may want to help your cat to get to sleep. Some cats may be having a period of stress or hyperactivity which is making them restless. Helping them to sleep better will hopefully help with the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Another reason is the disruption even happy cats can cause...
Does your dog suffer from itchy skin, watery eyes, or constant sneezing? These could be signs of allergies! Antihistamines are medications commonly used to combat these symptoms by blocking histamine, the chemical released during an allergic reaction. While traditional antihistamines are effective, some pet...