Animal care
318 articles
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,...
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...
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....
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....
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,...
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...
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...
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? 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...
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...
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...
The care a mother provides for her young is instinctual and comprehensive. They do everything for them, from keeping them warm to cleaning up after them. As a human assuming this role, we don't have the same instinct. We need to meet all of these needs, but we also need to do in the circumstances of the...
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...
When the seasons change and the year starts to warm up, there are a lot of advantages for a cat. Although warmer weather means they can enjoy the outdoors more, it can bring other challenges. External parasites are one of the most problematic issues which can affect a cat's well-being. Not only can they...
The Shih Tzu is a breed native to Asia, likely Tibet or China. They are characterized by a small body, brachycephalic snout and, perhaps most noticeably, their beautiful long hair. Their features make them a much sought-after animal, but they are only for guardians who can meet the responsibility of all...
In most circumstances, we will ideally want to leave catching a stray cat to the professionals. Feline protection volunteers and wildlife welfare services are trained and experienced in humane cat trapping so it can be done as safely as possible. However, there are some circumstances where we are required...
Lice are one of the external parasites which most affect cats. However, they 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 indoors cats also. However, cats which are young, old or have a compromised immune...
If a dog suddenly wants to be alone, it is something contrary to canine nature. While sociability levels will differ according to the individual, dogs are social animals at their core. They thrive in a group environment and can suffer serious harm if they are unable to mix with others. If a dog is not as...
Grass is safe for dogs to eat as long as it doesn't have any toxic chemicals. It's a great source of fibre in our dog's diet and many dogs even enjoy eating it just for the taste. However, what does it mean when a dog keeps eating grass and throwing up afterwards?
In this AnimalWised article, we're going...
Dogs are very sensitive and observant animals. When their human companion becomes pregnant they realise early on thanks to the subtle change in odor, body shape, mood and behaviour. This may cause your canine to also behave differently than usual.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain why...
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!
Although we may have an idea of what is a tabby cat, the term has become a loose definition. Many of us refer to a cat with no distinct breed, using it to make the distinction between a purebred and a mixed-breed cat. However, this terminology is not completely correct. To make it even more confusing,...
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...
Dental hygiene for cats is often overlooked by those entrusted with their care. We might buy chew toys or special treats which claim to help clean their teeth. However, in many cases, this will not be enough to keep their teeth and gums healthy. There are many commercial cat toothpaste brands on the...
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. They are loyal, playful and affectionate dogs that make great companion dogs!
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain how to care for a Labrador Retriever puppy. We'll go through their diet, exercise, training, health care...
Pekingese dogs are small lion-like dogs, originally from China. In history, they were sacred animals and part of Asian royalty. Nowadays, they make great pets thanks to their independent and brave nature.
Are you thinking of adopting a Pekingese dog? In this AnimalWised article, we're going to tell you...
Chinchillas are known for being very docile animals. So, it may surprise certain caregivers when their chinchilla suddenly bites them or someone else. There are a number of reasons as to why chinchillas bite or nibble.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about if chinchillas bite, the causes...
Dehydration in dogs can lead to serious health issues. This is why it's important for us to make sure our dogs are drinking enough water for their body's needs and the amount of exercise they do. Unfortunately, in some cases, dogs may stop drinking water all out of a sudden. As their caregiver, it's...
Elevated dog bowls are a controversial topic any caregivers. This is because there are different theories on its pros and cons. Some say it is a digestion, whereas others say the contrary. The original theory that's supported elevated dog bowls stated that it would help the posture of large and giant...
You may have noticed that elevated cat feeders are becoming more popular in pet stores. When you observe your cat eating form a bowl on the floor, it may seem like there is little reason to have a raised feeder. Perhaps this is just another fad to make money selling feline accessories. Others may think...
Gouldian finches, also known as rainbow finches or simply Gould, are one of the most spectacular of the already beautiful group of birds we know as finches. They have been kept as pets for various reasons, one of the most obvious being their colorful plumage. Thanks to crossbreeding in captivity, their...
Turtles are known for being hardy animals. Not only are they literally hard thanks to their protective shell, but they are long-livers which have been known to outlive human guardians who have had them since childhood. With such resilience and longevity, it can be easy to think they are indestructible....
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog breed. They're a popular dog breed and easily detectable by their double coat, erect triangular ears and beautiful eyes. These dogs have an average lifespan of 12-14 years. This is why it's so important to be well informed when adopting a puppy.
In this AnimalWised...
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 responsable 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...
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...
You've just adopted a puppy and you're wondering where they should sleep. Can they sleep with you in your bed or maybe outside? Each person has their own preference when it comes to where their dog will sleep. Your dog will have their own preference too.
In this AnimalWised article, we are going to...
The German Shepherd is a beautiful medium to large-sized dog which has two coat variations. While all dogs of this breed will have a double-layered coat, this can be either medium or long in length. There are different types of German Shepherds according to their coat color, but not all are recognized by official...
While we should clean our dog's paws after a walk where they might get dirty, the current COVID-19 pandemic means extra precautionary measures need to be in place. Containment of the novel coronavirus means anything that possibly comes in contact with contagious material needs to be cleaned. In the case...
Before a dog gives birth, hygiene is an important consideration. We need to ensure the puppies are born in a safe environment and minimize the risk of infection. However, the birthing process can get messy. Afterwards, the amniotic sacs and placenta are usually eaten by the mother. She will also lick the...
Birds are increasingly becoming popular house pets. This is probably due to their loving and friendly nature, playful character and beautiful colors.
Unfortunately, the number of people who choose to clip their wings are also increasing. In this AnimalWised article we are going to elaborate on why it's...
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...
Scratching is an important behavior of any domestic cat. While it looks very satisfying, the purpose behind this activity is multi-faceted. Not only will it keep the cat's nails in good condition, but it helps the cat feel secure by marking their territory. Maintaining nail quality allows the cats to...
Diet is an important part of any dog's care. When they are pregnant, we need to ensure the health of not only the mother, but any puppies she may be expecting. The right diet for a pregnant dog is not simply to do with how much they eat. We also need to be considerate of any specific nutritional benefits...
The birth of newborn puppies brings many emotions to human guardians. While we are overjoyed about these beautiful new lives, we also must feel the responsibility of their care. Fortunately for us, the mother is doing most of the hard work. Our job is to support her and provide the best possible environment...
For female dogs which have not been spayed, their heat cycle is a part of their life and yours. Occurring an average of twice a year, a dog's behavior will become erratic and difficult for some to handle when they go into heat. While it may lessen in intensity as they age, it is something a dog guardian...
Whether your dog's pregnancy was planned, you want to do everything you can to ensure it proceeds without problem. Ensuring the puppies are born happy and healthy is vital, but so too is safeguarding the well-being of the mother. In certain circumstances a ‘natural’ or unassisted birth is not possible....
The rise in popularity of the French Bulldog has been meteoric. While all Bulldog breeds have their charm, there is something about the French Bulldog which sets them apart. Perhaps it is their particularly adorable presence, with their bat-ears and doleful eyes. It could be that not only do they go from...
The Chihuahua is a dog known for many things, but its size is often what people first register. If we can imagine a scale of dog size, at the tallest end would be the Great Dane and the Chihuahua would be the smallest at the opposite end. Since the adult size of a Chihuahua is small enough, when we adopt...
Cats are curious animals by nature, so it is not surprising that they approach, sniff and often nibble on newly introduced objects in our homes, such as new plants. If you are a cat guardian who keeps plants at home - whether indoors or outdoors in your garden - you may be worried about the risk of them...