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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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
Whether vaccinated or not, kittens generally do not need baths. When newborn, their mother takes care of their hygiene by licking them and even disposing of their waste. As they develop, their mother imparts the skills they will need to clean themselves and others in their family group. Bathing also removes...
A healthy dog pregnancy will last around 63 days with different stages during this period. As a caregiver to the dog, we need to best ensure the mother dog's health and well-being. Doing so will give her gestating pups the best potential start in life. In this AnimalWised article we are going to tell...
We expect our pregnant dog to eat more since she has to provide enough nutrition not only for herself, but also her developing offspring. A dog pregnancy lasts around 65 days, a process which has various stages. The dog's appetite can fluctuate during these stages, resulting in her adjusting her food...
When a kitten in a cat's litter has died, it is understandable for us to be upset at the loss of life. The average kitten litter is around 4-6 newborns, but there could be even more. Unfortunately, it is relatively common for a kitten to die during various stages of the 63-66 days of an average cat gestation....
Rabbits are among the five most popular house pets. As first-time owners, more and more people want to know the best ways to look after their pet bunnies and improve the health and quality of their lives. Looking after a rabbit
Rabbits need specific care to stay healthy and happy. AnimalWised is here...
At AnimalWised, we frequently emphasize the importance of environmental enrichment for feline well-being. Providing a variety of toys and stimulating activities helps prevent stress, boredom, and behavioral problems in cats. But did you know that sound can also play a role in enriching your cat's life?
This...
When a beloved pet passes away, not everyone has the option for an expensive plot in a pet cemetery. Similarly, it may not be feasible to bury their remains at home. Some people choose to scatter the ashes, but this means we are not left with something tangible to memorialise them. Fortunately, there are...
Female dogs are only fertile for short periods throughout the year, but males can mate at almost any point. For this reason, there is a lot of competition between males for each female dog. While the males will fight it out, it is common for a female to mate with multiple partners when she is in the...
Dogs communicate more than just barks and whines. They use a wide range of sounds and behaviors to express their feelings. A key part of understanding dog communication is recognizing the sounds that make them happy. By learning these "happy sounds" and using them to your advantage, you can create a positive and...
When we adopt a turtle, we should know what we are likely to experience. We won't be able to play fetch or run in the country. This doesn't mean turtles aren't incredibly rewarding pets, but they are slow movers. They can remain still for long periods, even if they are not asleep. However, they do move...
Poultry red mites (PRMs), scientifically known as Dermanyssus gallinae, are minuscule, reddish-brown parasites that feast on the blood of chickens. These nocturnal creatures, primarily active under the cloak of darkness, pose a significant threat to the health and productivity of chickens. PRM infestations...
Dogs, being active and curious creatures, are prone to sustaining various types of wounds. These injuries can range from minor scratches and scrapes to more severe lacerations and puncture wounds. While some minor dog wounds may heal on their own, providing timely and appropriate home treatment can expedite...
The reasons a cat's third eyelid is showing can be benign, but it can also be a symptom of a serious disease. These can be bacterial infections or other diseases which affect the eye directly, but they can also be more systemic. Also known as the nictitating membrane, the third eyelid can appear in one...
Canaries, those cheerful songbirds known for their vibrant melodies, are diurnal creatures, meaning they are primarily active during the day and sleep at night. Just like humans, they require adequate rest to maintain their overall health and well-being. Understanding their sleep patterns and habits...
Wondering whether you should keep a puppy with their mother is an understandable predicament. If you have a dog that has just birthed some puppies, you will have seen the love and care with which she tends to her offspring. You have also invested practical and emotional energy in ensuring the mother and puppies...
Keeping a cat indoors is an important method of protection for many felines, especially when living in a built-up area such as a city. There are many dangers outside which can cause harm to the animal. There is also the risk of becoming lost and adding their number to the surfeit of stray cats which...
The best toys for Chihuahuas are similar to the toys all dogs need, but they have some specific considerations we need to make when caring for them. Chihuahuas are one of the most popular breeds in the world. The fact they are the smallest may be one of the reasons for this, but it is their uniquely charming...
The arrival of new life through the birth of puppies is an extraordinary and touching moment in a dog's life. Witnessing this natural process can be both awe-inspiring and heartwarming for pet owners. Mother dogs, however, undergo some behavioral changes after giving birth that can seem perplexing to...
The canary (Serinus canaria forma domestica) is one of the most famous domestic birds in the world. Different birds kept as pets have different reputations. For example, the grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is known for its high levels of intelligence and well-developed personality. The canary is perhaps...
The hedgehog lifespan will vary according to species. All hedgehogs are part of the taxonomic family Erinaceidae and they make up all the members of the subfamily Erinaceinae. 17 species of hedgehog have been officially recognized, although there may be others yet to be discovered. Not all hedgehog species...
Ticks are blood-feeding parasites that latch onto their hosts, including humans and animals, to feed on their blood. Their bites can cause itching, redness, inflammation, and in some cases, allergic reactions. The presence of ticks inside the house not only increases the risk of bites and potential transmission...