Animal care

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...

Generally speaking, it is safe to deworm a pregnant dog. Deworming is a necessary protocol for any dog since it prevents common parasite infestations which can cause harm to both the dog themselves, as well as other animals and humans in the home. Protecting a pregnant dog from these problems also protects her...

If your pregnant dog is shaking, it is common to think of the possibility she is going into labor. How far along the dog is into her pregnancy will determine whether this is a joyful occasion or a serious cause for concern. A dog's pregnancy will last an average of around 9 weeks, although this will vary...

Turtles reproduce by internal fertilization, requiring a male and a female to do so. If you have a male and female tortoise at home, pregnancy is a real possibility. Similarly, if you have a female tortoise at home and they are exposed to a male for any length of time, pregnancy can occur. Tortoises are...

Also known as Henry's pouch, the Henry's pocket is a fold in the skin which creates a little chamber on the outer side of the ear pinna. The purpose of this part of a cat's ear anatomy is not well understood. It is possibly a vestigial trait, but it is something which appears on some other mammal species....

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...

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...

When we decide to adopt a dog into our family, it is important we recommend spaying or neutering. This is so that we can avoid unwanted pregnancy which can both strain our resources and contribute to the overpopulation of abandoned dogs. Some may find they have a pregnant bitch either by design or accident....

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...

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...

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 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...

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 trying to breed guinea pigs or you have unknowingly allowed your guinea pig to become pregnant, there are some signs that indicate...

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...

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...

If you live with chickens or have found orphaned chicken eggs, you may be wondering, ‘‘How are chickens born?’’ The first thing you will need to do is verify that the eggs have in fact been fertilized. Once confirmed, there are a series of recommendations to take into account to ensure the proper development...

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...

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...

When caring for a pregnant dog, there are many factors to take into account. We want to do everything we can to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and puppies, so we need to look at all of their needs. This means providing them with the right diet, ensuring their environment is stress-free and...

Lice are one of the external parasites which most affect cats. However, they are often not discussed as much as fleas and ticks in cats. They most commonly affect strays or cats with access to the outdoors, but they can occur in indoor cats also. However, cats which are young, old, or have a compromised...

Fruit bats are a distinct species of Megabats. They are distinguishable from Microbats. While Microbats are insect eaters that can consume half their body weight in insects in a single night (that's just 12 hours!), fruit bats (also known as Flying Foxes) are native fruit and blossom feeders. These bats...

When caring for a domestic rabbit, trimming their nails is part of their grooming routine. However, how do you trim rabbit nails at home? In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explain how to trim rabbit nails and why it's important to trim your rabbit's nail. Continue reading to learn more!

Olive oil is considered a “superfood” thanks to its many nutrients and nutritional benefits. Olive oil is just as healthy for cats as it is for humans. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to discuss the benefits of olive oil for cats. We'll also look into the different uses for olive oil for cats.

As a cat caregiver, you must already know that each cat is different when it comes to their personality. Where some cats will enjoy being indoors all day and rarely go out, others will need more time in nature to exercise and satisfy their curiosity. However, what should you do if your cat keeps trying to...

Elevated dog bowls are a controversial topic among pet caregivers. This is because there are varying theories regarding their pros and cons. Some suggest they aid digestion, while others claim the opposite. The original theory supporting elevated dog bowls posited that they would improve the posture...

The Kiwi, a flightless bird native to New Zealand, is an avian species which is currently endangered and protected by conservation laws. Being a national symbol of the country, the Kiwi is New Zealand's “honorary mammal.” This AnimalWised article will study Kiwis as pets, in terms of general guidelines...

Snails are very interesting animals that can be kept at home and cared for as a pet. Due to the fact that snails aren't the most popular pets, you may be asking yourself how to care of a pet snail. Continue reading this AnimalWised article to learn about creating the right habitat for your pet snail,...

Newborn rabbits, also called bunnies, are very vulnerable. Normally, their mothers are very responsible and take great care of them. Nevertheless, we need to be informed as pet companions so we can provide them with whatever they may need to grow happily and healthily. In this AnimalWised article we are going...

The yellow-bellied slider turtle (Trachemys scripta scripta), also called yellow belly slider, is a land and water turtle from the Emydidae family. Although mostly found in the wild, in a variety of habitats, they are now also being welcomed into people's homes as house pets. To help them thrive in...

The Fruit Bat is a Megabat, also known in some parts of the world as the Flying Fox. These bats differ in sizes depending on their habitat. Some fruit bats are not more than 2 inches in size whilst others measure 16" in length. Some of these bats weigh an ounce or two while others, a couple of ounces....

It can be worrying if the cat you have bred gives birth to a single one kitten litter. After all, cats are known as usually producing multiple kittens at a time. Does this concern you? In this AnimalWised article we will go over the different reasons as to why has your cat only had one kitten. The truth...

Due to a horse’s impressive beauty, elegance, intelligence and sensitivity, they have managed to adapt to diverse activities and sports. For these above-mentioned reasons, their breeding is now widespread throughout the world. After centuries of coexistence, however, we still have so much to learn from...

Having newborn puppies or kittens at home always brings great joy, but also many questions. Did your dog just have puppies? Are you tempted to pick them up, but not sure if you should? They look fragile, and perhaps you have heard that the mother dog will reject her newborn pups if a human touches them....

After a cat gives birth, it is important to be mindful of a mother cat's behavior toward her kittens. Even with first-time mothers, her instincts will kick in and look after all of the kitten's needs. From the second they are born, the mother cat helps them to feed, defecate, stay warm, and even move around....

In this AnimalWised article, we deal with a topic which has raised the concern of many dog guardians. The topic of dog breeding is important because a dog will follow their natural desires and try to breed given the chance. It is also a controversial one due to the problem populations of dogs caused...

Heat in dogs is one of the biggest concerns that caregivers express when they live with dogs, whether male or female. Many dog owners want to prevent their dogs from having offspring, and in this case, it is essential to be able to recognize the characteristics of a female dog’s fertile period and to...

The Pomeranian breed is known for many things. They have a little bear-like face which belies the fact they are one of the sweetest and most endearing dogs you could find. But it is the fluffy mane of fur from which this face emerges that many come to associate the most with the Pomeranian. With the...

The French Lop is a small, furry and pleasant animal with long and floppy ears. When deciding to adopt one, it is important to pay attention to their particular needs. The French Lop rabbit weighs around 4.5 kilograms (9.9 lbs), although they can grow to be bigger. They are a delicate and quiet breed,...

In this AnimalWised article, we are going to discuss ranitidine, a drug which is used to treat various conditions. Most of these conditions are related to gastrointestinal issues such as inflammation and acid reflux. Not all drugs safe for humans are safe for dogs, but ranitidine is one of them. Although...

The cat is an extremely clean animal that can spend many hours preening itself; it is also an exceptional pet that retains its hunting instinct, and it is an independent explorer on top of it all. For all these reasons you may sometimes think that a cat needs less care than a dog, but this is a serious mistake,...

Cats hate bathing and in fact, apart from certain breeds, they do not really need it because they can spend up to four hours a day preening themselves with their rough tongue. However, there is an area that cats cannot reach with their tongue to clean: the eyes. The task we explain below will not be...

Australian green tree frogs do not require excessive care and rigorous maintenance, because they are quite tough and resilient animals. Even so, if you decide to adopt an Australian green tree frog as a pet you should pay attention to a particularly important element in their basic care: their terrarium. At...

There is a widespread belief that cats don't really get on with water. We won't completely deny this, but if you accustom a cat to water when they are kittens, they will be much more comfortable in later life. On the market today there are so many different options to clean your cat. Brushes, special...

Despite their tiny size, fleas are a major nuisance. They are attracted to other living beings as they can use them as hosts for warmth, protection and, most importantly, a source of sustenance. Their presence for the host, however, is not mutually beneficial. They can cause skin irritation which leads to a...