Animal care

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...

If you have decided to bring a pet rat into your home, you may be wondering if it can swim. After all, rats are delicate animals that you should always handle properly and with care. Because of rats' small size and tendency to flee from water, there are some methods and very useful tricks you can use when...

A tricky moment in cat care is trimming its claws. Cats don't usually enjoy this a great deal; they find it very uncomfortable. Even so, you must clip them to prevent any damage being done to you, the furniture, or even the cat itself. To do this, you should learn the best ways to interact with your...

The sexual and reproductive cycles of female dogs are completely dissimilar to the hormone cycles that govern sexuality and reproduction in humans. It is important to understand this before continuing. This article explains the heat cycle in a female dog, how long it lasts and at what moment your pet...

Do you have a short-haired guinea pig? You are very lucky if you have this type of rodent companion, as besides being a very intelligent and sweet pet, it needs less looking after than many of their own species. Even so, in order to make sure that their health doesn't suffer and it lives a long and...

In this article on AnimalWised, we will teach you how to clean the ears of a poodle, step by step. Don't worry, it's much easier than it looks. This hygienic habit must be done frequently to prevent the build-up of dead hair in the ear canal and to avoid its putrefaction there. The process of cleaning...

Many people ask this question and there are many different hypotheses. Some people believe it is not good to bathe rabbits, because they are very clean animals and they are constantly preening themselves (much like cats). Rabbits have a protective layer on their skin that could be washed away, and they...

The American Akita descends from the Matagi Akita, a breed from 17th Century Japan. These dogs were used for bear hunting at first, and later as fighting dogs. Over the decades they were crossbred with Tosa Inu and Mastiffs, originating different Akita breeds which were classified according to their use. American...

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...

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....

There are many genetic reasons why a dog might have a curly haired coat. If it is a mixed breed mongrel, then somewhere in its lineage is a dog with a curly haired coat. These coats can go from the tightly wound curls of a Poodle to the wavy curls of an Irish Water Spaniel. While genetics dictate the...

Noah syndrome is a variant of Diogenes syndrome, a condition which leads to compulsive hoarding. Instead of boxes of magazines, the hoarder maintains too many animals in their home. While many of us might have a cluttered home, Noah syndrome is something more severe. The animal hoarding is obsessive...

When a female dog is in heat, it can make their pet care needs more difficult. Their psychological state can be anxious, but they may also become aggressive. When you have male dogs in the home or you are taking the dog out for a walk, your main concern may be keeping male dogs under control when they sense...

If you share your home with one or more cats, you will know that their claws have to be reckoned with. Cats don't have the same appreciation for furniture and walls as we might do. What we think of as a cherished family heirloom might be little more than a mahogany scratching post to our cats. Reconciling...

Persian or Farsi is a major language descended from Old Persian. This Iranian language falls within the Indo-Irani branch of the languages within the Indo-European family. Farsi is primarily spoken in Afghanistan, Iran, and Tajikistan, as well as other regions influenced by Persian culture: more than 110...

Many people love keeping rabbits as pets instead of dogs or cats: bunnies look like fluffy clouds, a bit like plush toys to be petted and cuddled all day long. No wonder then that many people ask themselves, "is it bad to sleep with my rabbit?" Some people may find cuddling with their pets comforting, and...

Common or ring-necked pheasants are known by the scientific name Phasianus colchicus. They are common game birds, but they are also reared for poultry and can make good pets if you have a wide outdoors space and a place to shelter them. A moot point while raising pheasants is how to distinguish between...

The domestic donkey or ass, scientifically named Equus africanus asinus, belongs to the equine family, which also includes the wild ass, the zebra, and the horse. The domestic donkey is considered a farm or work animal, as they have been used to carry heavy loads since ancient times. Nowadays, donkeys...

From the white-tailed deer to Sambar deer, these gentle and majestic creatures are wild animals that belong to no individual. In many countries, deer are held in trusts and safe parks for their benefit and our own. It is illegal for people to hold or confine deer without a permit in most states and countries...

The Himalayan cat was originally a cross between Persian and Siamese cat. In Europe it is considered a variety of the Persian cat. In the United States it is considered a breed. Because of their long hair and their morphology, the Himalayan cat requires special care for it to retain its beauty and natural...

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...

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...

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...

Ragdoll cats are a relatively new breed from the United States. Its interesting name, "Ragdoll", was coined due to a unique feature of the breed. When you hold a Ragdoll cat in your arms, it immediately relaxes all its muscles and goes limp, looking like a rag doll. Do you have a Ragdoll cat? If you don't,...

Caring for a canary is simple, but it also requires constant monitoring to ensure everything is functioning correctly; as an owner, you will need to develop regular habits and do some research so that your beloved pet stays healthy, happy, and well in its small habitat. In this AnimalWised article,...

We will never get tired of repeating that any pet that you decide to take into your home is going to need your time and care. Your pet should undergo regular veterinary checks, as its health and well-being should be assessed by the corresponding professional. Birds are no exception. Even though they...

Many people are not sure about how often do dogs need to go for a walk; even if we could calculate the ideal number of walks or even the amount of time they should take, this would not work for all dogs. This AnimalWised article is going to talk about why is walking a dog necessary. We'll also give a number...

Boxer dog puppies are tender and sweet, little balls full of energy that melt our hearts as soon as they step into our homes. Among the most important things when caring for a puppy, we must emphasize nutrition, education and hygiene. But when is the right time to bathe a boxer puppy for the first time?...

Adopting a kitten or looking after a cat's newborn litter fills the entire home with love. However, even if these animals are known for being very independent and instinctive, they also require specific care and attention, and even more so during the first few months of their lives. If you provide your...

If you have decided to welcome a dog into your home, you must know one of the fundamental mistakes that as an owner you cannot allow, but that it's sadly all too common: Humanizing your dog. Dogs do not need to be held like a baby, they don't need coats in winter - in most cases -, and they do not need...

If you've got a cat you'll probably know that most felines are pretty much allergic to water, as in they hate baths and everything to do with them. A cat's curiosity will take it many places and if your pet gets excessively dirty you might wonder if whether or not you should help it to get clean and how...

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...

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...

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...

While dogs will groom themselves to a certain extent, they do need an occasional bath to maintain coat hygiene. This is especially if they have long or textured hair which is prone to matting. Most dogs also love swimming in the sea or at least frolicking in the surf. Swimming is particularly good for dogs...

Flies can often swarm around horses in a way which can be very disconcerting. With their tails flapping and their heads shaking to the side every few moments, the horse can look disturbed. How much they are being agitated can be difficult to tell, but persistent irritation can lead to stress and its...

Running, jumping and playing are activities young dogs need as much as they enjoy. They help to maintain a healthy physical development, as well as reinforce cognitive skills. Play is also a very important tool for socialization. Through play activity, the dog learns boundaries when interacting with...

Got dog hair on everything you own? Join the club. Ask any dog owner about shedding, and you'll likely get an eye roll followed by a resigned sigh. It's just part of the deal when you bring a dog into your life. However, understanding the difference between typical canine hair fall and excessive shedding...

Cow labor is also known as calving. Labor complications in wild cattle are believed to be rare. In domestic cattle, selective breeding has resulted in an increase in birthing problems. This is usually due to genetic issues which can increase the possibility of complications, such as an increased risk of dystocia...

As a pet owner, you naturally worry about your dog's wellbeing in all conditions and seasons. When temperatures drop, this concern becomes even more pressing. The truth is that, yes, dogs can die from cold weather if proper precautions aren't taken. Cold exposure poses real risks to our pets, and can potentially...

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...

Pregnancy in cats is a very sensitive time. The health of the mother directly influences the health of the young, both of which guardians want to safeguard at all costs. Although we can enjoy this time, we will be relieved when it is over and we know that mother and kittens are safe. To best ensure their...

There are various occasions when you might need to know if an egg is fertilized. Generally speaking, they fall under two main categories. The first is if you have a bird or a reptile as a pet. In these cases, it is possible they will lay an egg at some point and you will want to know if it has been fertilized....

Also known as the Siamese fighting fish, the betta fish (Betta splendens) is a very popular aquarium fish species. This is largely due to its ornamental fins and range of color patterns on its scales. Despite its popularity, it is a fish which needs the care of an experienced aquarist. This is because...

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...

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...

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...