Animal care
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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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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...
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...
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...
Those of us who choose to adopt a cat should always do so with the appropriate sense of responsibility. This not only means we provide them with food and shelter, but we commit ourselves to spending time with them and forming strong bonds. Fortunately, meeting this responsibility is also one of the...
Mobile apps are a great tool to help us manage different aspects of our daily lives. For dog and cat caregivers, they open a door to multiple possibilities that will allow them to take better care of their welfare, among other benefits. To illustrate this, in this article we will talk about Flockr, one...
When we adopt kittens into our home, there are many milestones of their development we can expect to witness. We are often surprised at how much they can grow and how quickly they do so. Most kittens will even change their eye color as they age. One of the most important changes is when the kitten's...
Depending on what they last rolled in, dogs can smell like many things, but fish is one of the most unpleasant and common odors they develop. This foul odor can come from the mouth, the butt, or seemingly the entire body. If your dog smells like fish, it is usually the result of an underlying health problem....
Neutering or spaying a dog is a surgical procedure in which the reproductive organs are removed: In female dogs, the ovaries, and uterus are removed; in males, the testicles are removed. This procedure is becoming more common as the importance of neutering a dog and its benefits become better known among...
Every dog owner knows how important it is to walk their dog on a daily basis. Taking your dog for a walk allows them to get rid of their pent-up energy. In addition, your dog will be mentally stimulated and socially enriched by the sights, sounds and smells they encounter. A dog that never leaves their property...
Cat's 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 expose their belly to their guardians it shows a level of love and trust which is not easy for every cat to express. When they allow...
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...
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 are...
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...
Especially if it is a first pregnancy, a lot of parents will worry about providing the best start for their growing family. This will entail troubleshooting many potential dangers such as childproofing the home or simply ensuring they can meet all of their responsibilities. If there are pets in the home,...
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...
Did you know that guinea pigs are capable of making a variety of different sounds? Although these rodents appear to be calm and quiet, they have a very distinctive language that they use to communicate and exchange information with other individuals, regardless of species. The different sounds your...
Butterflies are among the most popular and appreciated invertebrates in the world. The delicate shape of their body and the variety of colors of their wings make these insects very eye-catching and curious animals, both for their morphology and for their life cycle. They begin their life as an egg, hatch...
Cats often develop certain behaviors when they perceive situations that cause fear or stress. When they find themselves in such a situation, they tend to defend themselves and in some cases even become aggressive. It is important that you learn to recognize these signals so that you can properly address...
Different breeds age differently, with small dogs generally living longer than large ones. Although the standard age for senior dogs varies by breed and size, pet owners should watch for signs of aging and make the necessary adjustments to provide their pets with the best senior dog care possible. To...
Rabbits can be a great addition to the family for many reasons: they do not require a lot of space, expensive toys or food. They also have their own unique personalities and can make friends with their caretakers or other pets. Among pets, rabbits are the third most popular after cats and dogs, and they...
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...
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...
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...
When a dog is experiencing their heat cycle, we can expect certain changes. Such changes apply to both their physical state and their behavior. As dog guardians, we need to ensure we provide care adapted to their changing needs. While this will involve a lot of practical care, it is possible a dog's emotional...
A shiny coat is one of their most beautiful physical features, but let us face it, cats shed. Cat owners must be prepared to tolerate loose hair in the house and on their clothing. Changing coats is a normal, natural process in a cat's life, regardless of hair length. Cats shed more hair in the spring...
A female dog that has just given birth to a litter of puppies requires a number of special attentions that we, as caregivers, need to know. There are some changes in her diet that we need to consider, especially because a lactating female dog needs a more nutrient dense diet than normal. What your female...
Since ancient times, domestic ducks have served as a source of food and income for people in many parts of the world. Today, ducks are mostly kept for egg and meat production on homesteads and large backyards, but they can also be kept as pets for entertainment. Ducks are social, clean, intelligent and...
When we decorate our home with plants, we will likely consider aesthetics above anything else. Although many of us will have to be considerate of allergies, we know that we can simply enjoy the view, colors and sense of freshness plants can give. Dogs are usually much more inquisitive. They may try to...
When we are caring for a pregnant dog, everything is building to the moment of delivery. We want both the mother dog and future puppies to be as safe and healthy as possible. Since a prolonged and/or difficult labor will threaten the health of both, we need to know as much as we can before the birth....
The survival of a species is based on adaptation to their environment. Since environments are rarely stable, behaviors need to be adapted to changing conditions. Since some environments can be sufficiently harsh to threaten the existence of an animal, said animal may need to take seemingly extreme measures...
Given the speed and ease with which guinea pigs reproduce, it is not uncommon for owners to have doubts about whether or not their guinea pig has become pregnant. Whether you are breeding guinea pigs or you have unknowingly allowed your guinea pig to get pregnant, there are certain signs that indicate...
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...
If you have recently adopted a bird, you will want to do your best to ensure their well-being. While food, water and a suitable cage are considered the basics, environmental enrichment is not optional. By taking birds from the wild into the domestic environment, we remove the stimulation and enjoyment they...
You have likely seen on social media various examples of a dog's hair being dyed. There are reports of dogs being dyed to look like animals, cats having their coats shaved to imprint with various designs or sometimes the entire coat of a dog being turned a different color. They are popular because they...
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....
If you share your daily life with a dog, you will notice its tremendous behavioral and cognitive complexity, as well as its ability to feel and express a wide range of emotions. Many people anthropomorphize and misinterpret their dogs' behavior, leading them to conclude that their animals hate them,...
A cat in heat can be a difficult time for their guardians. Their behavior can be erratic and cause upset within the home. However, it is the cat who will be feeling most frustrated, especially if she has no opportunity to mate with a male. For this reason, we need to do what we can to help a cat in heat...
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...
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....
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....
In large part thanks to viral videos of cute small pigs on the Internet, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs have become a popular pet in recent years. At least they have become more popular than they were. Since they were not much available outside their native Vietnam, this increased popularity as a companion...
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...
The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is a type of lizard that has gained popularity as a pet in recent years. Nowadays, bearded dragons are among the most well-known species in the pogona genus. Their small size, docile nature, and high sociability make them great pets for beginners. Taking good care...
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...
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...
Often we consider a spleen a non-vital organ. Maybe we haven't heard of dogs having a splenectomy (spleen removal), but know it is possible for humans to live well after having the organ removed. However, although a dog can survive after spleen removal, this does not mean they can live the same as before....
Cats are very hygienic animals. If they do not spend a large part of their waking life licking and grooming themselves, then it means there is something wrong. For this reason, there are not many occasions where you will need to bathe the cat. In general, the less we bathe them the better.
However,...
The environment in which you keep your dog affects your dog in many ways. While we should know it is our responsibility to keep this environment safe, we may not be doing all we can to ensure the well-being of our dog. There are certain elements within a dog's environment which can cause them harm, even...
Like many mammals with a relatively short gestation period, cats are known for having a great ability to reproduce. They become sexually mature at a young age. After this point, they can become pregnant and even have multiple litters per year. This can result in a large feline family, something which may...
It's no coincidence early settlers used rabbit's fur to keep them warm. They are an animal which is able to keep themselves well insulated in some of the coldest areas of our planet. Although they have techniques to help regulate their body temperature when the summer months start to arrive, they will...
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