Animal care

Especially when out walking during, the pads of a dog's paws are subject to various rough materials. Whether in nature or in urban areas, gravel, rocks, asphalt and other surfaces can lead to friction on their skin. Changes in temperature can also increase the impact on the skin, with very cold surfaces causing...

Dogs are social animals. They need company for both their physical and emotional well-being. For domestic dogs, it is their human guardian who provides for their needs. You can meet their dietary, health and exercise requirements, but if you do not spend time with them, they will suffer. Some dogs will...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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....

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...

A splenectomy in dogs is the surgical removal of the spleen. We often we consider a spleen a non-vital organ. It is possible for dogs to survive without a spleen, but this does not mean they have no health concerns after a splenectomy. There are some important considerations we need to make when caring for...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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,...

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 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...