Basic care of Dogs
Learn more about basic care of dogs by exploring our site and become a true expert on the animal kingdom. You'll find content created for the best professionals with pictures, videos and opinions.
57 articles

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...

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...

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...

Dogs are social animals. They need company for both their physical and emotional well-being. For domestic dogs, it is their human guardian who provides for their needs. You can meet their dietary, health and exercise requirements, but if you do not spend time with them, they will suffer. Some dogs will...

Dogs are often at complete rest when laying on top of us. Despite not making any noise other than some nose breathing, they are actually communicating something very important. When willing to sleep on our lap or share similar proximity, dogs are revealing something about the relationship you have together. Most...

Determining the normal weight for your dog is crucial for their overall health and well-being. A dog who is either overweight or underweight can face various health issues, including joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes. While purebred dogs have established weight standards, mixed-breed dogs can...

Neutering male dogs provides many benefits, not least the reduction of various health risks such as testicular or prostate cancers. While these advantages are important, neutering in the form of castration can prevent behavioral issues in male dogs related to their reproductive ability. Since sexually intact...

Both male and female dogs have nipples located on breast tissue. Just as in humans, they are anatomical features of both sexes, but there are not functional in both. Both male and female dogs develop nipples during their embryonic period, before sex has been determined. After this, males maintain their...

A dog's weight is an important consideration when adopting an animal. In terms of practical space, not all homes will be equipped to house a very large dog. We also need to be able to walk them comfortably and ensure the safety of all members of the home, including the dog themselves. If we adopt a German...

Does your dog suffer from itchy skin, watery eyes, or constant sneezing? These could be signs of allergies! Antihistamines are medications commonly used to combat these symptoms by blocking histamine, the chemical released during an allergic reaction. While traditional antihistamines are effective, some pet...

Dogs communicate more than just barks and whines. They use a wide range of sounds and behaviors to express their feelings. A key part of understanding dog communication is recognizing the sounds that make them happy. By learning these "happy sounds" and using them to your advantage, you can create a positive and...

It should be no surprise that certain sounds annoy dogs. Canines have an advanced hearing capability which far outweighs our own. While humans can perceive sound frequencies ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz, dogs are capable of registering sounds with frequencies between approximately 20 and 60,000 Hz. This...

As winter arrives and the first snowflakes fall, it is important to remember that our pets feel the cold just like we do. While dressing up dogs has become a popular trend for fashion reasons, the reality is that a winter coat is often necessary to keep them warm during the colder months.
In this AnimalWised...

Dogs, being active and curious creatures, are prone to sustaining various types of wounds. These injuries can range from minor scratches and scrapes to more severe lacerations and puncture wounds. While some minor dog wounds may heal on their own, providing timely and appropriate home treatment can expedite...

The signs a dog is sad or depressed are revealed in their body language and behaviors. Dogs do not communicate with us in the same way. They will want to tell us how they are, but they will do so in a manner which requires interpretation on our part. Many people will look at a dog's dace and think they...

As a responsible dog owner, we know that you prioritize the well-being of your beloved furry friend, aiming to provide them with a safe, loving, and fear-free environment. Just like humans, dogs can experience moments of unease or fear in certain situations. Our main objective here is to offer you gentle...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

With the arrival of high temperatures this summer, our animals can easily suffer from too much heat. Therefore, we must be incredibly attentive to the well-being of our animals to avoid problems such as a overheating and fevers. Such temperature related problems can can lead to heat stroke in our dogs,...

Blood tests are very necessary tests carried out, specifically a dog falls ill or is growing old. These tests are very common as they allow people to obtain a lot of information in a short time and in a relatively inexpensive way.
In this AnimalWised article we will cover the most important parameters...

We will need to know how to make a puppy poop if they have been separated from their mother too early. Newborn puppies are altricial animals, meaning they cannot look after themselves and need a parent to support them. Their mother will take care of all their needs, from feeding and general security,...

In an ideal world, we would be able to spend all day with our dogs. Even if we still had to go to work, being able to pat our furry pals during boring meetings would make often stressful days that much easier. Unfortunately, we all need to survive somehow and that means for the most of us, we need to go...

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....

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...

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...

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 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...