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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Dogs are often at complete rest when laying on top of us. Despite not making any noise other than some nose breathing, they are actually communicating something very important. When willing to sleep on our lap or share similar proximity, dogs are revealing something about the relationship you have together. Most...
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Determining the normal weight for your dog is crucial for their overall health and well-being. A dog who is either overweight or underweight can face various health issues, including joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes. While purebred dogs have established weight standards, mixed-breed dogs can...
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Neutering a male dog via castration will prevent a them from being able to impregnate a female, but not immediately. Castration is a procedure which removes the testicles of a dog, the organs responsible for producing the male gamete, i.e. sperm. After sperm is produced, it will remain in the reproductive...
Dogs, originally descended from wolves, have been selectively bred for various roles throughout history, resulting in a remarkable diversity of breeds adapted to different environments. This wide range of coat types is influenced by numerous genes, contributing to the incredible variety of breeds we...
For those passionate about canine genetics and breeding, understanding dominant and recessive genes is essential. These fundamental principles govern how traits are inherited and expressed in dogs, shaping everything from their appearance to their health. By examining how dominant and recessive genes interact,...
Fever in cats is a symptom of a wide range of diseases and health issues. Even a mild fever can be a symptom of a life-threatening pathology, so it is very important we observe our cats for any changes in our feline. Fever is raised body temperature as a result of the body's immune response. It is important...
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,...
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...
Both male and female dogs have nipples located on breast tissue. Just as in humans, they are anatomical features of both sexes, but there are not functional in both. Both male and female dogs develop nipples during their embryonic period, before sex has been determined. After this, males maintain their...
Animal shelters provide care and temporary housing for abandoned, stray, and surrendered animals. Effective management and cost optimization are vital for their sustainability, considering their reliance on limited resources and the increasing demand for their services. From my experience, shelters play...
A dog's pregnancy is a sensitive period, providing for both her own changing needs and those of her gestating puppies. Diet and nutrition is of particular importance. Without the correct nutrients, a pregnant dog can lose her puppies and even put her own life in danger. A balanced and nutrient-rich diet...
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...
Dogs often get resin or sap on their fur from brushing against trees like pines and maples, rolling in sticky materials, or walking through areas with debris or gum. Resin can be sticky and uncomfortable, causing dogs to lick or chew at the spot a lot. This can lead to matted fur, which traps moisture...
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...
Especially if we live with longhaired cats, the presence of wayward hairs can be a great annoyance. This is exacerbated to infuriating levels during shedding season when hairs fly all around the home. In addition to a messy home, cat hairs also raise more serious issues related to health and well-being....
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...
When a kitten in a cats 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 63-6y days of an average cat gestation....
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...
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...
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 leads...
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...
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...
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...
Some of us might be looking for something to help with dog period blood spotting since it can leaves 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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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 dace and think they...
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...
Aquascaping is often associated with mere fish tank decoration, but it is a much broader concept. The cultivation and design of aquariums can be used to create beautiful underwater landscapes which can suit your own personality and taste. It can be adapted for various spaces and helps to understand the...
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....
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
Chamomile, renowned for its healing properties, has long been used as a natural remedy for various health issues and skin disorders. Interestingly, its application has extended to the field of veterinary medicine, where it has become a popular method for addressing eye conditions in dogs. But what is the truth...
You may need to know what to feed a baby pigeon if you come across one which appears abandoned or injured. However, before we can think about feeding a baby pigeon, there is a certain protocol we need to follow. Such a protocol is to protect the health and wellbeing of both the pigeon and ourselves. Part...