Basic animal care

Canaries, those cheerful songbirds known for their vibrant melodies, are diurnal creatures, meaning they are primarily active during the day and sleep at night. Just like humans, they require adequate rest to maintain their overall health and well-being. Understanding their sleep patterns and habits...

Keeping a cat indoors is an important method of protection for many felines, especially when living in a built-up area such as a city. There are many dangers outside which can cause harm to the animal. There is also the risk of becoming lost and adding their number to the surfeit of stray cats which...

The canary (Serinus canaria forma domestica) is one of the most famous domestic birds in the world. Different birds kept as pets have different reputations. For example, the grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is known for its high levels of intelligence and well-developed personality. The canary is perhaps...

The hedgehog lifespan will vary according to species. All hedgehogs are part of the taxonomic family Erinaceidae and they make up all the members of the subfamily Erinaceinae. 17 species of hedgehog have been officially recognized, although there may be others yet to be discovered. Not all hedgehog species...

Ticks are blood-feeding parasites that latch onto their hosts, including humans and animals, to feed on their blood. Their bites can cause itching, redness, inflammation, and in some cases, allergic reactions. The presence of ticks inside the house not only increases the risk of bites and potential transmission...

Giving a puppy its first bath is one of the sweetest moments any animal lover can experience. However, there are some factors that should be taken into account before bathing puppies. These factors are directly related to a puppy’s health. Extra care needs to be taken especially if your puppy is between...

Every dog owner knows how important it is to walk their dog on a daily basis. Taking your dog for a walk allows them to get rid of their pent-up energy. In addition, your dog will be mentally stimulated and socially enriched by the sights, sounds and smells they encounter. A dog that never leaves their property...

Rabbits can be a great addition to the family for many reasons: they do not require a lot of space, expensive toys, or food. They also have their own unique personalities and can make friends with their caretakers or other pets. Among pets, rabbits are the third most popular after cats and dogs, and...

The survival of a species is based on adaptation to their environment. Since environments are rarely stable, behaviors need to be adapted to changing conditions. Since some environments can be sufficiently harsh to threaten the existence of an animal, said animal may need to take seemingly extreme measures...

In large part thanks to viral videos of cute small pigs on the Internet, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs have become a popular pet in recent years. At least they have become more popular than they were. Since they were not much available outside their native Vietnam, this increased popularity as a companion...

Cats are very hygienic animals. If they do not spend a large part of their waking life licking and grooming themselves, then it means there is something wrong. For this reason, there are not many occasions where you will need to bathe the cat. In general, the less we bathe them the better. However,...

The environment in which you keep your dog affects your dog in many ways. While we should know it is our responsibility to keep this environment safe, we may not be doing all we can to ensure the well-being of our dog. There are certain elements within a dog's environment which can cause them harm, even...

Fruit bats are a distinct species of Megabats. They are distinguishable from Microbats. While Microbats are insect eaters that can consume half their body weight in insects in a single night (that's just 12 hours!), fruit bats (also known as Flying Foxes) are native fruit and blossom feeders. These bats...

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...

Elevated dog bowls are a controversial topic among pet caregivers. This is because there are varying theories regarding their pros and cons. Some suggest they aid digestion, while others claim the opposite. The original theory supporting elevated dog bowls posited that they would improve the posture...

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,...

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...

The Fruit Bat is a Megabat, also known in some parts of the world as the Flying Fox. These bats differ in sizes depending on their habitat. Some fruit bats are not more than 2 inches in size whilst others measure 16" in length. Some of these bats weigh an ounce or two while others, a couple of ounces....

Having newborn puppies or kittens at home always brings great joy, but also many questions. Did your dog just have puppies? Are you tempted to pick them up, but not sure if you should? They look fragile, and perhaps you have heard that the mother dog will reject her newborn pups if a human touches them....

The French Lop is a small, furry and pleasant animal with long and floppy ears. When deciding to adopt one, it is important to pay attention to their particular needs. The French Lop rabbit weighs around 4.5 kilograms (9.9 lbs), although they can grow to be bigger. They are a delicate and quiet breed,...

In this AnimalWised article, we are going to discuss ranitidine, a drug which is used to treat various conditions. Most of these conditions are related to gastrointestinal issues such as inflammation and acid reflux. Not all drugs safe for humans are safe for dogs, but ranitidine is one of them. Although...

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...

Australian green tree frogs do not require excessive care and rigorous maintenance, because they are quite tough and resilient animals. Even so, if you decide to adopt an Australian green tree frog as a pet you should pay attention to a particularly important element in their basic care: their terrarium. At...

Although we need to expect it, we are never truly prepared for the death of a beloved dog. The circumstances of their death can affect how we are able to grieve. If we are fortunate, they can grow old and we can take solace in the knowledge they lived a long and happy life. Sometimes we are not so fortunate....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...