Animal care
307 articles
![Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/9/4/why_does_my_dog_smell_like_fish_4495_300_150.jpg)
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....
![How Long Does It Take a Dog to Recover From Neutering?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/8/4/how_long_does_it_take_a_dog_to_recover_from_neutering_4484_300_150.jpg)
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...
![What Happens if You Don’t Take Your Dog for a Walk?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/8/4/what_happens_if_you_don_t_take_your_dog_for_a_walk_4482_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Do Cats Have Belly Buttons?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/8/4/do_cats_have_belly_buttons_4480_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Do Neutered Cats Still Have the Urge to Mate?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/6/4/do_neutered_cats_still_have_the_urge_to_mate_4464_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Signs Your Guinea Pig Is Happy](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/5/4/signs_your_guinea_pig_is_happy_4451_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Cat Netting for Balconies and Windows](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/9/3/cat_netting_for_balconies_and_windows_4399_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Are Cat Haircuts a Good Idea?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/6/3/are_cat_haircuts_a_good_idea_4368_300_150.jpg)
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...
![How Do Butterflies Reproduce?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/5/3/how_do_butterflies_reproduce_4351_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Should I Cover My Rabbit Cage at Night?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/8/2/should_i_cover_my_rabbit_cage_at_night_4283_300_150.jpg)
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...
![What Dog Breeds Should Not Be Shaved?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/6/2/what_dog_breeds_should_not_be_shaved_4265_300_150.jpg)
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...
![How to Take Care of a House Sparrow?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/4/2/how_to_take_care_of_a_house_sparrow_4241_300_150.jpg)
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...
![My Turtle Isn't Moving - Why and What to Do](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/3/2/my_turtle_isn_t_moving_why_and_what_to_do_4233_300_150.jpg)
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...
![My Dog Is in Heat and Aggressive](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/8/1/my_dog_is_in_heat_and_aggressive_2184_300_150.jpg)
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...
![What My Dog Should Eat After Giving Birth](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/1/2/what_my_dog_should_eat_after_giving_birth_4213_300_150.jpg)
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...
![How Long Is Labor In Dogs?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/5/1/how_long_is_labor_in_dogs_4159_300_150.jpg)
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....
![Is My Turtle Hibernating or Dead?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/4/1/is_my_turtle_hibernating_or_dead_4147_300_150.jpg)
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...
![How to Tell if My Guinea Pig Is Pregnant - Physical Signs and Behaviors](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/4/1/how_to_tell_if_my_guinea_pig_is_pregnant_physical_signs_and_behaviors_4146_300_150.jpg)
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...
![How to Make Homemade Cat Litter? - 6 Sustainable Alternatives](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/4/1/how_to_make_homemade_cat_litter_6_sustainable_alternatives_4143_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Why You Should Never Dye a Dog's Hair](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/6/0/why_you_should_never_dye_a_dog_s_hair_4063_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Do Guinea Pigs Go Into Heat?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/4/0/do_guinea_pigs_go_into_heat_4047_300_150.jpg)
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....
![How to Help a Cat in Heat](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/4/1/how_to_help_a_cat_in_heat_1146_300_150.jpg)
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...
![How to Tell If Your Pet Rat Trusts You](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/9/9/how_to_tell_if_your_pet_rat_trusts_you_3998_300_150.jpg)
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...
![How Long Does a Parrot Live?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/7/9/how_long_does_a_parrot_live_3974_300_150.jpg)
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....
![Dog Paw Pads Anatomy](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/5/9/dog_paw_pads_anatomy_3957_300_150.jpg)
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....
![Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pigs as Pets](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/0/1/vietnamese_pot_bellied_pigs_as_pets_1109_300_150.jpg)
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...
![My Cat Has a Fat Pouch on Its Belly](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/4/9/my_cat_has_a_fat_pouch_on_its_belly_3948_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Taking Care of Pet Bearded Dragon](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/4/9/taking_care_of_pet_bearded_dragon_3940_300_150.jpg)
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...
![How to Get Mats Out of a Yorkie's Hair](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/9/8/how_to_get_mats_out_of_a_yorkie_s_hair_3896_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Does a Border Collie Need a Haircut?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/8/8/does_a_border_collie_need_a_haircut_3885_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Caring for a Dog After Spleen Removal](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/8/8/caring_for_a_dog_after_spleen_removal_3884_300_150.jpg)
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....
![How Often Should I Bathe a Cat?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/7/8/how_often_should_i_bathe_a_cat_3876_300_150.jpg)
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,...
![Environmental Enrichment for Dogs and Puppies](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/7/8/environmental_enrichment_for_dogs_and_puppies_3870_300_150.jpg)
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...
![When Can Cats Get Pregnant After Giving Birth?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/6/8/when_can_cats_get_pregnant_after_giving_birth_3868_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Albino Doberman Pinscher - Characteristics and Care](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/4/8/albino_doberman_pinscher_characteristics_and_care_3842_300_150.jpg)
The Doberman Pinscher is a very recognizable dog breed, known in particular for their short black and tan coat. Although the coat can also present in red and tan, a white Doberman Pinscher is not something many of us have come across. If we do find a white Doberman it is due to albinism, a condition due to...
![How to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/3/8/how_to_keep_dogs_cool_in_summer_3830_300_150.jpg)
In the winter, we can give a dog a coat to warm them up. When temperatures rise, it is not so easily 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...
![My Cat's Hair Is Not Growing Back](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/2/8/my_cat_s_hair_is_not_growing_back_3822_300_150.jpg)
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....
![I Can't Take Care of My Dog Anymore](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/2/8/i_can_t_take_care_of_my_dog_anymore_3821_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Can Hamsters Live Together in the Same Cage?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/2/8/can_hamsters_live_together_in_the_same_cage_3820_300_150.jpg)
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...
![Complete Senior Dog Care Guide](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/9/5/complete_senior_dog_care_guide_1599_300_150.jpg)
When a dog is considered geriatric depends on different factors. While age is the most significant, this can differ slightly depending on the size of the dog. Generally, smaller dog breeds are considered senior at a slightly later age than large dog breeds. Regardless of size, once they become elderly,...
![My Shar Pei Smells Bad](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/3/3/my_shar_pei_smells_bad_2339_300_150.jpg)
All dogs are beautiful and have their own characteristics which make them special. However, it is true that the Shar Pei has some traits which make them stand out on their own. Perhaps the most noticeable is their wrinkly skin which gives their coat very distinct folds and somewhat doleful expression which...
![My Cat Is Not Grooming Themselves Anymore](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/0/8/my_cat_is_not_grooming_themselves_anymore_3802_300_150.jpg)
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....
![Raising Angora Rabbits - Health & Care Guide](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/0/9/raising_angora_rabbits_health_care_guide_1908_300_150.jpg)
Angora rabbits are becoming much sought after companion animals. This is, in part, due to the rising popularity of rabbits as pets. They are more loving animals than many people think and can be great for families with children. With the Angora, in particular, their popularity is also due to their look....
![My Dog Has Dandruff and Bald Spots](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/9/7/my_dog_has_dandruff_and_bald_spots_3790_300_150.jpg)
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,...
![Things Cats Hate That Humans Do](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/2/7/things_cats_hate_that_humans_do_3722_300_150.jpg)
Cats are excellent companions who will treat us with love and affection, but only if we do the same for them. This means we should do everything we can to make them happy. It also means we need to avoid the things that make them unhappy. Unfortunately, even for loving cat guardians, there are some things...
![Is Taping Dog Ears Down a Bad Idea?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/1/7/is_taping_dog_ears_down_a_bad_idea_3713_300_150.jpg)
No other species of mammalian animal is as diverse as the domestic canine (Canis familiaris). Such diversity affects almost every part of their physical anatomy, resulting in dogs with vary greatly in appearance. This includes their ears. Some are large and pointed, others small and rounded. While all dogs...
![My Puppy Has a Dry Nose - What Does It Mean?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/0/0/my_puppy_has_a_dry_nose_what_does_it_mean_2001_300_150.jpg)
When caring for a puppy, we need to be vigilant against any possible symptom of disease. Some will be obvious or include changes of behavior. Others may be a little more subtle. When a dog has a dry nose, many of us think this is abnormal and a sign of a problem. This is partly due to the perceived wisdom...
![Can a Cat Freeze to Death? - Winter Safety Tips for Cats](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/8/6/can_a_cat_freeze_to_death_winter_safety_tips_for_cats_3687_300_150.jpg)
Can a cat freeze to death? The answer is yes, cats can suffer from hypothermia from low temperatures which can lead to their death.
This is why in this AnimalWised article we're going to answer common winter safety questions about cats, such as how cold is too cold for outdoor and indoor cats and how...
![My Kitten Is Very Scared - How Can I Help?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/9/1/my_kitten_is_very_scared_how_can_i_help_2194_300_150.jpg)
There are many reasons an adult cat might be scared. Fear often develops due to experiences from their youth. If they become scared all of a sudden, it is usually due to a change in their environment or a recent traumatic experience. However, with a young kitten, the reasons for being scared are often...
![Haircuts for Old English Sheepdogs](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/4/1/haircuts_for_old_english_sheepdogs_2145_300_150.jpg)
All dogs are unique individuals. They have multifaceted personalities which are our privilege to get to know. However, some breeds have a signature which makes them stand out compared to others and the Old English Sheepdog is one of them. The first thing most people notice with the Old English Sheepdog is their...