Basic animal care
171 articles
Any cat owner will know that cats have different personalities. Some will be lazy, blocking doorways like a living draft excluder. Others will jump over plant pots and lampshades like a little furry Evel Knievel. However, it is true that some breeds tend to share certain characteristics, even if there...
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...
Identification tags for your dog have information which is for the pet's benefit, but not for it to read. If you have a dog which can read you need your own TV special, not just dog tag info. You should know well enough the pertinent information which your dog needs for appropriate care. Many people, however,...
One of the most common characteristics of cats is their high level of cleanliness, as they are animals who groom frequently, use a litter box to do their business, cannot stand it being dirty and we must only be bathed on very rare occasions.
But to maintain such cleaning standards without any help at...
Are you determined to adopt a cat and welcome it to your home? Congratulations! Besides being fun, and very affectionate animals that will make your life happier. Cats are clean pets, it is not necessary to take them for a walk walk and adapt well to life in an apartment.
Although cats are animals that...
Many people think that because of their more independent nature, cats don't need many things to be happy. Not true! Probably everyone who has lived, or coexisted with a feline knows how much they need us, although sometimes it doesn't seem that way.
Do you think that providing water, food and a home...
The pomeranian is one of the most popular "toy" or miniature dogs in the world. Due to their sweet expression and plush appearance, many decide to adopt them to enjoy a loyal, caring and intelligent dog. However, very few know that their character can also stand out for being strong, active and curious....
Cats are incredible pets. They are funny, independent and very clean. Everyone knows that cats usually do their business inside a litter box. In fact, this factor is one of the main reasons why many people choose to adopt a cat, since they don't need to go out on the street as often as dogs.
Many of...
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...
Can dogs get cold? This is undoubtedly one of the most frequent questions asked by dog owners when winter arrives. Likewise, if they already have that layer of hair that protects them from low temperatures, why do they tremble when they are on the street? If you are also looking for an answer to this...
You may have noticed there has recently been an increase in cats around your area or are spotting some mischievous cats around your garden. This could be an indicator that you live close to a feral cat colony, a place where feral cats gather to live in packs in order to survive. Although some people...
Can you imagine a cat with no tail? Surely you will find this a bit strange to see. In case you did not know, there are several breeds of cats that are characterized by a very short tail, or complete lack of it. This is the case of the manx cat.
If you have a manx at home, you will enjoy the docility...
Dogs are part of our family and we share with them our life, home and sometimes even our bed. This is one of the reasons why it is essential to maintain the hygiene of our pet. In addition, it is important for your personal health, since a dirty dog can develop a multitude of skin problems, catch fleas...
There is a widespread idea that suggests having a large garden, or a large yard, is sufficient for a dog to exercise. Sadly for many dogs living in gardens, this is a myth.
In fact, most dogs living in apartments are generally more active and physically fit than those living in homes. This happens simply...
Cats are excellent pets regarding staying clean. Although they also take care of themselves, sphynx cats or hairless cats need more frequent hygiene care than other cats. This is because their skin is very sensitive and tends to accumulate more fat and dirt.
Therefore, AnimalWised want to clear up some...
Cats have a well-earned reputation for being extremely hygienic animals. Anyone who has a feline at home may have noticed the large amount of time each day that they invest in personal grooming. In spite of this, you may find yourself in a position where you must give an adult cat a bath. This is not...
The Spanish greyhound is an extraordinary dog. They are friendly, clean, obedient, docile and very affectionate with children. Perhaps their main downfall is their need to run a lot. This virtue turns against them because they are used by individuals who try to gain profit at their expense. They are...
If we talk about the special care of a white cat we must first distinguish this from an albino cat. The latter has a genetic disorder where, after the mutation, we are left with a white cat with blue eyes or one of each color. There are some, albeit few, differences with a white cat.
In this AnimalWised...
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...
If you see your dog doesn't have their usual levels of excitement or generally seems out of sorts, it is important to remember this could be due to a physical health issue. In this case, it is important to observe for clinical symptoms and take them to a veterinarian if you see anything indicating illness...
When owning a dog for the first time we sometimes make mistakes that can greatly trouble the dog. But, during the summer, our lack of experience can lead to very serious accidents and even fatal consequences.
In order to not pass through the bitter experience of observing inadvertent damage that you may...
The Kiwi, a flightless bird native to New Zealand, is an avian species which is currently endangered and protected by conservation laws. Being a national symbol of the country, the Kiwi is New Zealand's “honorary mammal.”
This AnimalWised article will study Kiwis as pets, in terms of general guidelines...
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...
Cats need a lot of love and affection from their owners, because they are social animals. They are much loved for their independence, but this does not mean they can be left alone for a long time. In fact, if you have to be away for a long time and you cannot bring the cat with you, the best thing to do...
There is quite a lot of interest about possums as pets. In our need to be connected to nature, many people are looking to exotic pets to keep in the home. As with any non-domesticated animal, we need to start with a question. Can we keep possums as pets? Furthermore, is it right to take wild animals away...
Malnutrition is defined as a widespread nutrient deficiency and its causes can be diverse. Causes such as an infestation by intestinal parasites or a symptom leading to the poor absorption of nutrients. However, most cases of malnutrition occur in abandoned dogs.
Taking in an abandoned dog is one of the...
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....
The pug. An immensely popular breed of dog. Although originally from China, they have found great fame in many countries. Their popularity should not surprise us though. Pugs not only have an adorable look, but a very balanced and cheerful temperament.
Although the pug is a small dog, they have a muscular...
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...
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...
If you love cats or have a cat at home, you will probably have wondered whether bathing cats is good for them, or whether it is necessary at all. In this AnimalWised article we will answer all these questions and we will give you some tips to bathe your cat.
Is it bad to bathe cats? Many people believe...
When the cold weather arrives, we humans wrap ourselves in layers. Sometimes we even miscalculate and wear too many clothes - it takes some time to adapt to each new season.
The same thing happens with animals. We think than they will feel cold when we take them out for a walk, so we make them wear...
If you are thinking of adopting a Sphynx cat, you must take into account some details about their diet and skincare to prevent possible health problems. While the Sphynx cat's baldness is their most popular trait - it's caused by a recessive gene - they do have some hair.
In this AnimalWised article we'll...
The goldfinch is a small bird with beautiful plumage and a beautiful, cheerful song, points that make it highly prized as a pet among fans worldwide. In some areas, there are even singing contests that showcase this beautiful bird.
Caring for a goldfinch is not complicated, but there are some aspects to consider....
There is an old saying that says "curiosity killed the cat", and it could perfectly be applied to the ferret. In fact, ferrets are among the pets with the highest rate of accidental death: this is why we at AnimalWised have listed common situations that may be dangerous for pet ferrets.
In this article,...
Puppies up for adoption are at what is definitely the sweetest stage of a dog's life, no matter whether they are Pit Bulls, Boxers or German Shepherds. All puppy dogs require the same attention, the same learning process and the same affection. Although this is a fun stage where the whole family works...
Have you ever seen a cat that appears to be abandoned in the street? You will probably have wondered what you should do, such as "is the cat truly abandoned, or is it exploring?", "should I touch it?", "can I give it food?", and most importantly: "can I pick it up and take it home?"
This is a complex...
Welcoming a dog into your home and keeping them in the best state of health requires looking after them in various ways. You'll need to care for your pet's physical, mental and social well-being, which goes beyond checking for symptoms of illness.
All dogs require some basic care, including daily walks,...
A goshala is a protective shelter for cattle in India. Cows are considered sacred in the Hindu religion and so goshalas are a refuge for them. In a goshala, cattle are respected, venerated and treated with dignity. Goshala is a Sanskrit term which combines go or “cow” and shala or "shelter". Providing...
Peafowl are commonly known as peacocks, although that is actually the name for only the male of the species. Females are peahens. Differences between male and female peafowl are quite obvious as they display strong sexual dimorphism. Males have beautiful bright blue and green tail feathers, whereas females...
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...
Caring for a Persian cat has some specific requirements which are not applicable to all cat breeds. While we need to ensure our cat has all their basic dietary, security and emotional needs met, Persian cats have traits which not all cat breeds have. For example, Persians are longhaired cats. This means...
It is important to understand that an albino cat requires special care. You may choose to adopt a cat with albinism because you like their physical appearance, but due to the characteristics associated with this condition, the albino cat may experience problems such as deafness, blindness, cancer or eye redness.
Albino...
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...
The Maine Coon cat is one of the largest domestic cats, with adult males weighing between 6 to 11 kg (13 to 24.5 lb). However, there have been cases of Maine Coon cats who have reached 20 kg (44 lb). This cat breed comes from the state of Maine, in the US. However, there are various theories about its...
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...
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 most important aspect of keeping a Savannah or Ashera cat is indirect, but completely relevant to their care. It's a hole - specifically the hole that will burn into your pocket if you decide to take in a Savannah or Ashera cat, whose current price varies between 17,000 and 100,000 US dollars.
If...
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...
If you want to adopt a cat but suffer from allergies, and using an HEPA air filter or taking antihistamines is not working, choose a hypoallergenic breed and watch all your problems disappear. Hypoallergenic breeds are less likely to start in an allergic reaction as they produce fewer allergens than other cats.
People...