Animal care

You may have seen a cat shake its tail like a rattlesnake. Pointed perpendicular to the ground, the hairs stand on end and it vibrates in a pulsing rhythm. Tail movement is an important part of cat communication, using it to signal to others in their environment their emotional state. This body language...

Cat communication relies heavily on body language. Although their purr or meow can be revealing, cats can say all you need to know without making a squeak. This includes body posture, something which is particularly important when a cat meets another cat. This can tell the other feline whether it is a friendly...

You may be aware that it is a legal requirement to vaccinate or even microchip your cat in certain jurisdictions. While the exact rules differ according to country or state, pet owners can get in trouble if we don't follow them. It is also a legal requirement to have insurance for certain activities such...

Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a small crustacean which is popular in home aquariums. Not only do they add a little visual diversity for the fish tank, but they are great for maintenance. These little aquatic custodians feed on algae and left over food from fish, helping to keep the tank clean...

Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) are some of the most elegant freshwater fish, one of the reasons they have become so popular in aquariums across the world. Their calm demeanor and hypnotic movements are a result of originating in the slow-moving waters of the Amazon basin. Their appearance also provides...

When setting up an aquarium, one of the most important considerations for any fish keeper is how long their fish will live. While it’s often assumed that fish have short lifespans, the reality is that many species can live for years—sometimes even decades, when given the right care. While wild fish face...

Goldfish are one of the most popular freshwater fish among aquarium enthusiasts. Known for their vibrant colors, unique shapes, and friendly nature, they have been domesticated for centuries and come in various breeds, from the common goldfish to the elegant fantail and the delicate bubble eye. These...

For many dog owners, there’s nothing more comforting than curling up in bed with their furry companion. In fact, studies suggest that over 50% of pet owners allow their dogs to sleep in bed with them. But is this cozy habit actually good for your sleep and health, or could it pose hidden risks? Some believe...

Earning a dog’s trust is the foundation of a strong, loving relationship. Whether you’ve just adopted a rescue dog or want to deepen your bond with your pet, trust-building takes time, patience, and the right approach. Dogs, like humans, need to feel safe before they can form meaningful bonds. But unlike...

Cats are often misunderstood when it comes to their body language, especially when it comes to their tails. One common behavior that can confuse cat owners is when a cat wags its tail while being spoken to. Unlike dogs, who wag their tails to express excitement or happiness, a cat’s tail movements can indicate...

We know the coziness of wrapping up in a blanket, something made all the better with a dog snuggling up to us. Just because we feel the benefit of a blanket when it is cold, it doesn't mean this is the same for the dog. We may see the dog is trembling a little when they sleep or we simply want them to be...

Many cats don't enjoy sleeping under the covers. They may be able to sleep for hours while dangling off the side of a cat tree or cram themselves into the tiniest space imaginable for a snooze, but will run away if we try to place a blanket over them. While most cats will enjoy sleeping in a bed, they often...

Keeping an eye on your cat's health means knowing what's normal, and that includes their temperature. While it's a common belief that you can tell if a cat's running a fever just by touching their nose or ears, the truth is, a thermometer is the only way to get an accurate reading. A temperature that's...

Whelping in dogs is the process of a mother dog giving birth to her puppies, also known as being in labor. It is a very sensitive time and we need to do what we can to ensure safety. Fortunately, a dog's mothering instincts are strong and she should know intrinsically what to do. Despite this, complications...

Whether hereditary, congenital or acquired, blindness in dogs is a condition which will significantly affect the level of care they will need. Blind dogs will need their guardians to provide specialized care that will ensure their safety despite a loss of vision. The level of vision loss can vary in the...

Dental hygiene in dogs is a serious health concern which goes ignored by too many dog guardians. Many of us neglect the cleaning of our dog's teeth, allowing plaque to accumulate and tartar to develop. This can lead to serious periodontal issues which can drastically affect the dog's oral hygiene. While...

Saying goodbye to an aging dog is an incredibly difficult decision for any pet owner. As our loyal companions grow older, we naturally grapple with questions about their well-being and whether we're doing what's best. While this choice is deeply personal, understanding the process, recognizing important...

Your cat's tail tells stories about their feelings and needs. Like an antenna, it's packed with nerve endings that help them communicate with other cats and with you. Each position and movement has a clear meaning, helping you understand when your cat wants more attention and when they need space. Learning...

Does your dog suffer from cracked or irritated paw pads? Whether it’s from hot pavement, icy sidewalks, or rough terrain, damaged paw pads can be painful for your furry friend. Fortunately, you don’t need expensive treatments to provide relief. With just a few natural ingredients and a little care, you...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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....

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...