Basic animal care

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

The Shih Tzu is a breed native to Asia, likely Tibet or China. They are characterized by a small body, brachycephalic snout and, perhaps most noticeably, their beautiful long hair. Their features make them a much sought-after animal, but they are only for guardians who can meet the responsibility of all...

In most circumstances, we will ideally want to leave catching a stray cat to the professionals. Feline protection volunteers and wildlife welfare services are trained and experienced in humane cat trapping so it can be done as safely as possible. However, there are some circumstances where we are required...

If a dog suddenly wants to be alone, it is something contrary to canine nature. While sociability levels will differ according to the individual, dogs are social animals at their core. They thrive in a group environment and can suffer serious harm if they are unable to mix with others. If a dog is not as...

Grass is safe for dogs to eat as long as it doesn't have any toxic chemicals. It's a great source of fibre in our dog's diet and many dogs even enjoy eating it just for the taste. However, what does it mean when a dog keeps eating grass and throwing up afterwards? In this AnimalWised article, we're going...

Dogs are very sensitive and observant animals. When their human companion becomes pregnant they realise early on thanks to the subtle change in odor, body shape, mood and behaviour. This may cause your canine to also behave differently than usual. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain why...

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...

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. They are loyal, playful and affectionate dogs that make great companion dogs! In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain how to care for a Labrador Retriever puppy. We'll go through their diet, exercise, training, health care...

Pekingese dogs are small lion-like dogs, originally from China. In history, they were sacred animals and part of Asian royalty. Nowadays, they make great pets thanks to their independent and brave nature. Are you thinking of adopting a Pekingese dog? In this AnimalWised article, we're going to tell you...

Chinchillas are known for being very docile animals. So, it may surprise certain caregivers when their chinchilla suddenly bites them or someone else. There are a number of reasons as to why chinchillas bite or nibble. In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about if chinchillas bite, the causes...

Dehydration in dogs can lead to serious health issues. This is why it's important for us to make sure our dogs are drinking enough water for their body's needs and the amount of exercise they do. Unfortunately, in some cases, dogs may stop drinking water all out of a sudden. As their caregiver, it's...

Elevated dog bowls are a controversial topic any caregivers. This is because there are different theories on its pros and cons. Some say it is a digestion, whereas others say the contrary. The original theory that's supported elevated dog bowls stated that it would help the posture of large and giant...

You may have noticed that elevated cat feeders are becoming more popular in pet stores. When you observe your cat eating form a bowl on the floor, it may seem like there is little reason to have a raised feeder. Perhaps this is just another fad to make money selling feline accessories. Others may think...

Gouldian finches, also known as rainbow finches or simply Gould, are one of the most spectacular of the already beautiful group of birds we know as finches. They have been kept as pets for various reasons, one of the most obvious being their colorful plumage. Thanks to crossbreeding in captivity, their...

Turtles are known for being hardy animals. Not only are they literally hard thanks to their protective shell, but they are long-livers which have been known to outlive human guardians who have had them since childhood. With such resilience and longevity, it can be easy to think they are indestructible....

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog breed. They're a popular dog breed and easily detectable by their double coat, erect triangular ears and beautiful eyes. These dogs have an average lifespan of 12-14 years. This is why it's so important to be well informed when adopting a puppy. In this AnimalWised...

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,...

You've just adopted a puppy and you're wondering where they should sleep. Can they sleep with you in your bed or maybe outside? Each person has their own preference when it comes to where their dog will sleep. Your dog will have their own preference too. In this AnimalWised article, we are going to...

Birds are increasingly becoming popular house pets. This is probably due to their loving and friendly nature, playful character and beautiful colors. Unfortunately, the number of people who choose to clip their wings are also increasing. In this AnimalWised article we are going to elaborate on why it's...

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 Chihuahua is a dog known for many things, but its size is often what people first register. If we can imagine a scale of dog size, at the tallest end would be the Great Dane and the Chihuahua would be the smallest at the opposite end. Since the adult size of a Chihuahua is small enough, when we adopt...

Tortoises are often common choices as house pets. Before you go out and adopt a pet tortoise, however, it is important to know the basics of looking after a tortoise. Although they are known to be long-lived animals in the wild, they need special attention and care to live out healthy and long lives...

Having newborn puppies or kittens at home is always brings great joy, but also many questions. Did your dog just have puppies? Are you are tempted to pick up 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...

Rabbits are among the five most popular house pets. As first time owners, more and more people want to know the best ways to look after their pet bunnies and improve the health and quality of their lives. Looking after a rabbit Rabbits need specific care to stay healthy and happy. AnimalWised is here...

The appeal of turtles as pets rests with the individual. Some people prefer cats and dogs because they play with their guardians, are cuddly and are a larger part of pet culture. For others, the turtle has their own charm. They are adorable in their own way, their pace of life can help us to relax and...

A male cat's penis has certain peculiarities which may, at first, appear somewhat shocking to some cat owners. A male cat’s penile is formed in such a way that it allows a cat to fulfill its necessary function within the reproductive cycle of the species. Keep reading here at AnimalWised to find out...

Taking a cat's temperature is not something you will necessarily need to do a lot. If we are going to share our life with a cat, it is still an important thing to know. This could be in case we see them acting differently or suspect they may be showing symptoms of disease. Fever is a common symptom for...

If you’ve just adopted a rabbit it’s very important that you understand what basic care your rabbit basic requires. One of the most common doubts when it comes to rabbit care is about whether rabbits drink water, and above all, how much water rabbits need to be happy and healthy. It’s incredibly important...

When we see a cat, the first thing we want to do is pet them. They are adorable creatures with a soft coat, not to mention the fact that petting cats has been known to reduce stress in humans. It may be surprising to know that even cat guardians don't always know how to pet a cat properly. The result can...

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...

Deworming is an essential part of maintaining our dog's well-being. There are some who see it as a waste of time and expense. Doing so is to trivialize the many serious health problems which your dog can contract through parasitical infestation. Many of these remain asymptomatic as the disease takes...

If you share your home with one or more cats, you will know how they like to be cosy. While they may have a natural fur coat to keep them warm, this is not always sufficient in the winter months. If you have a hairless cat, then staying warm is an even greater concern. Even if they will still need to find...

When we see our cat in pain, we want to do everything we can to stop it. Some human drugs are prescription based, usually due to their availability and potential to cause harm. Others are over the counter as they are used more commonly and are not at a strength level conducive to addiction. Ibuprofen is an...

Reasons why your dog needs a shot generally fall into two categories, preventive medicine and curative care. The former includes vaccinations which are usually administered to puppies, although a booster shot may be required later on. Curative medicine injections are used to treat a condition or a disease....

One of the main behavioral problems often mentioned by dog caregivers has to do with the hyperactivity of the dog. This high energy level can make a dog appear; restless, nervous and/or anxious, thus making coexistence in the household or with other people, difficult. A loud and hyperactive dog is, in...