Animal care
350 articles
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...
If you need to eliminate cat pee odor from your house it will be due to the cat urinating outside their litter box. There are various reasons why this will occur. It could be due to their age. Kittens may not have learned to use the litter box and senior cats often suffer incontinence in their old age....
We don't expect a neutered cat to hump because their sexual organs have been removed. Whether it is another cat, an object or even their guardian, humping is often seen as only a sexual release for frustrated cats. For sexually intact cats, mounting will occur during copulation when a female cat is in heat....
An elderly dog walking restlessly around the home can be one of the many changes in behavior due to the advancement of age. While it is good for a guardian to have concern, it doesn't mean the dog is in immediate danger. It does mean we need to be considerate of any problems and help the dog adjust to...
Rabbits, members of the family Leporidae, are renowned for their graceful hopping and jumping abilities. Their gentle nature and adorable looks have made them popular pets worldwide. Whether you're considering adopting a rabbit or simply curious about these animals, you might have wondered about their reproductive...
With their small and sociable nature, sparrows have become a charming presence in both countryside and urban landscapes across the world. Their distinctive chirping and adaptability to human environments make them endearing to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. However, as their popularity increases 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...
Breeding horses is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of equine reproductive physiology. One of the most common questions among horse breeders is how many times a mare needs to mate to become pregnant. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this...
Keeping our dogs comfortable in hot weather is a top priority for responsible dog owners. As temperatures rise, we often seek ways to cool down ourselves, such as turning on the fan or cranking up the air conditioning. But what about our pets? Do fans and air conditioning have the same positive effects...
Dogs are known for their ability to bark, but have you ever wondered why they do it? Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, including communication, warning, and expressing emotions such as fear or excitement. However, when your dog barks at you for no apparent reason, it can be confusing and frustrating for...
If you have been walking your dog and it started raining, you may be in a situation when they will need a wash when you return home. Even on a sunny day, your dog can easily find ways to get a little grubby and in need of a bath. Unfortunately, there may be instances when we reach for the dog shampoo...
The earliest accounts of the breeding and domestication of horses date from around 3500 B.C. Horses played a fundamental role in the development of civilization as we know it. These animals made it possible to travel enormous distances and connect different peoples. However, in the 20th century, the relationship...
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...
Cat's are very particular about their bellies. It is one of the most vulnerable parts of their body and they will go to great lengths to protect it. For this reason, when a cat expose their belly to their guardians it shows a level of love and trust which is not easy for every cat to express. When they allow...
Spaying and castrating your cat provides many benefits to the individual cat, their adoptive family and the larger cat population as a whole. There are many factors we need to consider about these procedures, with the stage at which they take place being of particular importance. One of the main benefits...
Guinea pigs are friendly rodents that are becoming increasingly popular as pets. They are small, intelligent and have the ability to adapt to living in an apartment. Although guinea pigs can be nervous or skittish at first, with consistent, gentle handling they usually become tame very quickly and are...
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...
