Four Paws Guides

Our guides offer numerous tips and useful information for everyday life with an animal.

      Two lambs at a stable

      7 Crucial Questions About Live Lamb Cutting (Mulesing) And Pain Relief

      Shedding light on the silent suffering of live lamb cut sheep, and why lamb cutting with pain relief is far from the best long-term solution to dealing with flystrike

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      dog and a pumpkin

      Halloween – Scary for Pets too

      A guide for pet owners in the spooky, festive season

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      Dog in transport crate

      Ukraine: How to Cross the Border With Pets

      Leaving the country with your dog, cat or other pets into neighbouring countries

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      Cat looking into the camera

      A Cat's Personality

       Did you know that cats have different personalities, just like humans?

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      Cat at home

      Car Accidents Involving Cats

      What to do when a cat is involved in a car accident 

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      Child with a lamb

      How to Wear it Kind

      A shopping guide for compassion in fashion by FOUR PAWS

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      Knitted socks

      A Guide to Kind Knitting

      Wool yarn and alternatives for animal-friendly knitting

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      Happy Turkey

      How to Have a Cruelty-free Feast

      FOUR PAWS recommends animal-friendly food alternatives 

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      Two lambs in a field

      A Guide for Brands and Retailers

      A helpful guide for fashion brands and retailers looking to make the switch to sheep-friendly materials

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      animals in costumes

      Cruelty in Using Pets or Animals as Influencers

      Where Do We Draw the Line on Animal Suffering?

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      Happy cat

      Being a Responsible Pet Owner

      How to become your pet’s best friend? 

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      Happy and healthy Dushi

      The Transformation of a Rescued Wild Animal

      After being rescued, many of our animals go through an incredible mental and physical transformation 

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      A lamb and its mother

      FOUR PAWS Investigates Mulesed-Wool in Global Sportswear

      Our report reveals there is no evidence for Nike’s mulesing-free claim  

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      Pig in pig farm

      Emergencies and Abuse in Animal Husbandry – What to Do

      FOUR PAWS gives tips on what to do as a witness of farm animal suffering

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      Guinea pig

      Keeping Guinea Pigs in Outdoor Enclosures

      A garden enclosure simulates their natural environment

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      Guinea pig

      Health Checklist for Guinea Pigs

      Guinea pigs are susceptible to a range of diseases. Regular health checks can help you to recognise and deal with problems early on.

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      Rabbit at the vet

      Flystrike in Rabbits

      How do you prevent and treat the dangerous disease in rabbits?

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      Cat in a home

      How Cats Communicate

      More than just meowing, cats have various ways of interacting with other cats, animals and humans

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      Sneaking cat

      Territorial Behaviour of Cats

      Being highly territorial is all part of their natural feline behaviour

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      Cat looking at the viewer

      Cats and Their Hunting Behaviour

      Understanding typical actions of your pet

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      Two cats

      Social Behaviour of Cats

      Are cats loners? Interesting facts every cat holder should know

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      Cats drinking

      Milk Is Not Good for Cats

      Adult cats are lactose intolerant and develop gastro-intestinal problems after drinking milk

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      Two kittens playing

      Kittens and Their Development

      Cats are born blind and deaf, but develop strong senses right after birth

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      Cat eating

      Feeding Your Cat Properly

      Important points regarding healthy nutrition for cats 

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      Dog looking at food

      Feeding Your Dog Properly

      Important points regarding a healthy nutrition for dogs 

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      Cat

      Climate Change and the Diet of Our Pets

      Conscious pet feeding can have a positive effect on the climate 

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      Dog

      Vegetarian and Vegan Diet for Pets

      What you need to consider for dogs and cats 

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      Dog

      Food Allergies in Pets

      Common symptoms and how you can help your pet

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      Easter bunny ears

      Tips For An Animal-friendly Easter

      Some Easter traditions and treats may have cruelty behind them

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      Moulting: Dogs & Cats

      Advice for pet owners: expect a 'hairy' spring and autumn

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      Young bird

      'Branchling' – Hands off Please!

      Guide for animal lovers: what you can do for young wild animals

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      Dog during Carnival

      Carnival: No Fun For Animals

      FOUR PAWS gives tips on what pet owners should look out for

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      Dog and cat in home

      Cuddling With Pets

      Snuggling is not only good for us, but also for the animals we share our lives with

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      Cat in carrier

      Travelling With Your Cat

      Not every cat is suited to be taken on a trip

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      Guinea pig

      Protect Guinea Pigs from Summer Heat

      The importance of keeping guinea pigs cool in the summer

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      Travelling with your dog by car

      Travelling With Your Dog by Car

      Guide for Dog Owners: How to drive your dog relaxed in the car

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      Dog with swimming pool

      Swimming Pools Pose a Danger to Pets and Wildlife!

      Having a swimming pool is fun, but there are risks for animals that can be prevented

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      dog in hot weather

      Pets in Hot Weather

      What pet owners should know to keep their four-legged friends safe

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      Cat looking worried

      Finding an Abandoned or Lost Pet

      What to do if you find a dog or cat without an owner

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      Dogs behind bars

      The Harmful Consequences Caused by Pet Abandonment

      Leaving dogs and cats behind harms the animals, their owners and shelters

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      Dog Hexi as photo model for abandoned dogs

      Helpful tips for pet owners in a difficult situation

      Abandoning your pet is never an option. See our advice for support and solutions.

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      Dog in a shelter

      The Top 9 Reasons Why People Give Up Their Pets

      Learn more about why pet owners abandon or surrender their animals

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      Cat in Crate

      Pet Abandonment – A Global Animal Welfare Issue

      Every day around the globe, hundreds of thousands of animals are abandoned by their owners

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      Dog in the outdoors

      Correctly remove ticks

      Due to the mild weather, ticks are now active almost all year round

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      Scared dog

      New Year's Eve: Minimising Your Pet's Stress

      A guide for owners of dogs, cats, birds and small rodents

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      Cat looking scared

      Fireworks Are Frightening to Pets

      Your pet and fireworks: what you need to know

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      Dog behind a fence

      How to Get Your Dog Healthily Through Winter

      Road salt, gravel and snow – keep your beloved friend safe in the cold season

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      Foster dog

      How Fostering Helps to Save Lives?

      You are helping the animal shelter, the animal, and yourself!

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      Puppy

      How to Find a Responsible Breeder

      Thinking about buying a puppy? Follow these steps! 

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      Woman doing online research

      What You Need to Know About Online Puppy Sellers

      The most common tricks to avoid when looking for a puppy

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      Puppies

      Questions to Ask When Buying a Puppy

      Simply asking the right questions can be the best way to avoid the risks of the unscrupulous puppy trade  

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      Zoe was rescued from a fur farm

      Shopping Guide for Animal-Friendly Fashion

      From wool to down – have a heart for animals when shopping 

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      dog with carer

      Pet support services in Australia during tough times

      Many Australians with pets are facing hardship and uncertainty, and there are caring animal services available to lend a helping hand to prevent having to surrender or abandon pets.

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      Merino sheep in a field

      Webinars on Sheep Welfare Within the Wool Industry

      Watch the FOUR PAWS wool trainings to learn more about animal-friendly practices in wool production

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      Protecting animals in floods

      How to Protect Animals During Floods

      Planning is key and how to help water-logged animals

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      Enrichment for Big Cats

      Enrichment for Big Cats

      An important part of animal management in human care allowing them to act out natural species behaviour 

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      Kangaroo on road

      Avoiding Wildlife Accidents

      How to prevent collisions with wild animals – and what to do in case of an emergency

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      Dog in a field

      Awns / Grass Seeds: Why They Pose a Danger to Dogs

      Avoid tall grasses and fields of cereal crops to protect your dog

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      Cat

      Coping With the Death of a Pet

      The loss of a much-loved animal can leave a huge void in your life

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      Dog being hugged

      Preparing to Say Goodbye to Your Pet

      What to consider before your pet's passing 

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      Sleeping dog

      Letting Your Pet Go

      Knowing when the time has come to say goodbye

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      Circus bear muzzled for entertainment

      Tips for an Animal-friendly Holiday

      Selfies taken with penguins and quokkas, bears in chains, on the back of an elephant or petting lion cubs. Animal welfare should not stop during your holidays.

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      Scared dog

      Separation Anxiety in Dogs

      What can you do if your dog doesn’t like being left home alone? 

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      White and grey fox laying in the snow

      10 Tips for Wear It Kind Gifts

      Here are our top 10 animal-friendly fashion gift ideas!

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      Dog in a car on a sunny day

      Could Your Car Become a Heat Trap?

      Why you should never leave your dog in the car in warm weather

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      Cat-Friendly Water Bowl

      Cat-Friendly Water Bowl

      Guide for Cat Owners to keep your cats hydrated

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      Dog with luggage bag

      Travelling with a Dog

      How to plan and prepare for a trip with your furry friend

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      What do dogs enjoy doing on holiday?

      What Do Dogs Enjoy Doing on Holiday?

      Guide for dog owners: Ideas for a dog-friendly vacation

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      Small but mighty - Fancy Mice

      Mice as Pets

      A pet mouse is great animal for people who like to observe

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      Best design for a mice habitat

      How to Design a Habitat for Mice

      Mice are intelligent animals and need an engaging enclosure

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      Most common illnesses in mice and how to prevent them

      Health Checklist for Mice

      Veterinary care for mice: Most common illnesses in mice and how to prevent them

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      Healthy Nutrition for Your Pet Mice

      A balanced diet is important for every animal

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      Rats as pets

      Rats as Pets

      Intelligent, playful, curious – rats can make great pets if kept in the right conditions

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      Enclosure for rats

      How to Design a Habitat for Rats

      Enrichment and good design are vital for rats

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      White rat

      Pet Rats – their most common diseases

      Signs that your rat needs to go to the vet

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      Appropriate nutrition for pet rats

      Appropriate Nutrition for Pet Rats

      A balanced diet is a key factor to pet rats healthy

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      Prejudices against rats

      Prejudices against Rats

      What is true? Do we underestimate this little rodents?

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      Lamb in a field

      Disasters and Farm Animals: Are You Ready?

      This guide will help you and your livestock get prepared for when disaster strikes

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      Rescued bears

      Tips for a Loving Mother's Day

      9 animal-friendly Mother's Day ideas that come from the heart

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      Woman and a horse in a barn

      Disasters and Your Horse: Are You Ready?

      This guide will help you and your horse or other equines get prepared for when disaster strikes

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      A dog affected by severe flooding

      Disasters and Your Pets: Are You Ready?

      This guide will help you and your family get prepared for when disaster strikes

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      Bears hugging

      Show Your Love for Animals this Valentine's Day

      Five animal-friendly tips to make your heart beat faster this Valentine's Day

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      Dental Care For Dogs and Cats

      Powerful bite – tips for keeping your pet's teeth clean and healthy

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      Stella McCartney bag, Paris Fashion Week 2020

      Animal Welfare in Fashion Report Names the Best and Worst Brands in 2021

      FOUR PAWS reports good progress on animal welfare in fashion, but there is still a long way to go

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      Cat with green eyes

      Living With a Cat Means Responsibility

      Dogs have owners, cats have staff – a common saying, that has some truth to it

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      Dog

      Checklist – What to Consider before Adopting a Pet

      There are a few things you should be aware of before giving an animal a forever home

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      Dog and a car ramp

      How Can You Help Overweight Pets

      What every pet owner can do to make life a bit easier during the diet process 

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      Cat with a measuring tape

      Is Your Pet Overweight?

      Some tips to help you determine if your pet is in the normal weight range or a bit chubby

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      Dog looking at a donut

      Countermeasures to Pet Obesity

      Weight loss tips for your cat or dog to bring them to a normal size

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      Dog at the vet

      Dangers of Pet Obesity

      Being overweight reduces both quality of life and life expectancy

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      guinea pigs

      Guinea Pigs – Their History

      Where do they come from originally? Where does their name come from?

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      Cat yawning

      Spring is here – and it’s mating time for cats

      Unneutered cats can produce unwanted offspring during this period

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      Cat in a big pet bed

      A Baby Is On the Way

      Preparing your cat for the arrival of a new family member 

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      Dog in the garden

      Preparing Your Garden for Spring and Your Pets

      FOUR PAWS' guides on how to make your garden safe for animals

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      Enrichment in BEAR SANCTUARY

      Enrichment for Bears

      Search game for children – Dushi needs support!

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      Dogs on leash

      Spring Time: Keep your Dog on a Leash

      Let wild animals raise their babies in peace

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      Two dogs in the office

      The Benefits of Dogs in the Office

      Dog-friendly workspaces can be great for both people and the animals

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      Dog laying in bed

      What Needs to Be Considered When Returning to Work

      Guide for dog owners: how to adapt and prepare your dog to be left for longer periods on their own

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      Rabbit in snow

      Rabbit Winter Care

      A how-to guide to making your rabbit enclosure winter-proof

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      Dog in the snow

      Pets in Winter

      Keeping your four-legged friends happy and safe in the cold season

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      Dog tied outside of shop

      Keep Your Pets Safe from Theft

      Stolen dogs are becoming a significant problem in many countries

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      What to Do if Your Dog Goes Missing

      What to Do if Your Dog Goes Missing

      Guide for dog lovers: What you can do if your dog has run away

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      Cat

      Cat Fun in Autumn

      How to keep your pet busy and entertained during the cosy fall season

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      Cat in the snow

      Outdoor Cats in the Winter

      Bringing your cat with outdoor access safe through the cold season

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      Cat in the grass

      Beware of Ticks!

      Caution helps to protect dogs and cats

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      Cat on balcony

      Cat-proof Balcony

      What you need to consider to keep your cat safe

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      Dog

      How to find a good dog training school

      Dog/puppy training schools – what to look out for

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      Man with dog on a leash

      Positive dog training

      Dogs learn best with positive reinforcement 

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      Pigeon

      Animal-Friendly Pigeon Repellent

      Guide on wild animals: How to deal with them properly?

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      Nutrition

      Nutrition Guide

      A FOUR PAWS nutrition guide

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      Mouse looking out a small wood house

      Small Mammals as Pets

      Guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, mice, and rats – only for committed families 

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      White rabbit

      Rabbits as Pets

      Guide for pet owners: Rabbits do not belong in cages – so keep the residence appropriate to the species

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      Guinea pig

      Guinea Pigs as Pets

      Guide for pet owners: What to do to make the little rodents - guinea pigs - feel comfortable with you

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      Dogs in the Autumn

      Dogs in Autumn

      A guide for pet owners: essentials to keep your four-legged friends happy and healthy during the fall season

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      Dog panting in the heat

      Fake Animal Rescue Videos

      How to spot orchestrated animal rescues  

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      Guinea pig

      A Small Mammal Moves In

      Tips to become good small mammals owners as a whole family

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      Dog at Home

      Q&As: Pets and Coronavirus

      Information for Pet Owners

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      Pet cat sleeping

      10 Ways to Help Animals and People While at Home for COVID-19

      You can still show your love for animals while staying safe at home!

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      Cat and her owner

      How to Become a Foster Carer

      Are you ready to become an animal's foster parent? 

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      Kitten Hazel

      Why Do You Want to Have a Pet?

      Discover the motivations behind pet ownership

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      Guinea Pig

      Quiz: What Pet Best Suits My Lifestyle?

      Find out what pet might be perfect for you

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      Dogs at home

      Does a Dog Fit My Lifestyle?

      Test yourself with our '30-day dog challenge'

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      Cat at home

      Does a Cat Fit My Lifestyle?

      Test yourself with our '30-day cat challenge'

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      Guinea pigs as pets

      Does a Small Mammal Fit My Lifestyle?

      Test yourself with our '30-day challenge'

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      Cat and his owner

      The Responsible Way to Acquiring a Pet

      Where should you purchase your pet from? 

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      Removing Cat Hair

      Advice for cat owners: how to remove cat hair and prevent excessive shedding

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      Golden retriever puppy outdoors on a sunny day

      10 Tips to Recognise a Responsible Puppy Seller.

      FOUR PAWS advice on what to look out for when you are buying a puppy 

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      Dogs with Christmas tree

      Christmas with Pets

      A Guide for Pet Owners: dangers under the Christmas tree

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      Cat at home

      Emergency Plan for Pet Owners during COVID-19

      What happens to my pet if I am ill or need to go into self-isolation?

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      Dog in the snow

      When Your Dog Has a Cold

      Swift recovery for your four-legged patient

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      Rescued bear in BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh

      #SanctuarySaturdays

      We are celebrating the amazing work our colleagues are doing in the FOUR PAWS Sanctuaries around the world

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      Close up of a white rabbit

      How the Rabbit was Domesticated

      Rabbits represent the domesticated form of the game-rabbit and belong to the most popular domestic animals

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      Cat at home

      A cat-friendly home

      A Guide for Cat Owners: How to design your home in a lovely way for your furry friend

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      Dogs in Speranta Shelter

      A Pet is not just for Lockdown

      FOUR PAWS' Guide for Animal Lovers

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      White rabbit relaxing

      Common Mistakes when Keeping Rabbits

      Guide for Rabbit Owners: Seven of the typical Mistakes

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      A first-aid kit for your dog

      A First-Aid Kit for Your Dog

      FOUR PAWS Guide for Dog Owners: What belongs in the pharmacy bag for the dog

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      Happy cat

      The Purr-fect Vacation

      A happy cat’s holiday guide

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      Scared dog

      The Impact of Lockdown on Domestic Violence

      FOUR PAWS' Guide for Animal Lovers

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      Snuffle mat for dogs

      Make a Snuffle Mat for Your Dog

      Instructions: creative fun for both you and your dog!

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      Raccoon at TIRART

      Rescued Raccoons in TIERART

      Many raccoons live at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary in Germany

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      Dog sniffing on another dog

      Giardia – Invisible Guests

      Guide for pet owners: the dangers for animals and humans

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      Sleeping rabbit

      Health Checklist for Rabbits

      A regular and thorough rabbit health check is very important. As flight-animals, rabbits are masters at hiding health problems

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      Rabbit eating

      A Balanced Diet for a Rabbit

      As for every animal, an adequate diet is essential for rabbits to stay healthy, fit and satisfied.

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      Rabbit listening

      The Proper Lifting and Lowering of a Rabbit

      What you should know about caring of a rabbit

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      Rabbit enclosure

      How to Design a Rabbit Enclosure

      Make rabbits feel at home

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      dogs in the office

      Dogs in the Office

      Tips and tricks for a healthy working relationship with your canine colleague

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      dog get petted by his owner

      Clicker training for Pets

      Encouraging positive behaviour through positive reinforcement

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      Keeping Guinea Pigs in an Apartment

      Given the right living conditions, guinea pigs can be kept in an apartment

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      Common Mistakes when Keeping Guinea Pigs

      Here are some of the most common errors made while keeping guinea pigs

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      A Balanced Diet for a Guinea Pig

      Guide for guinea pig owners: They are exclusively plant-eaters (herbivores), feeding only on grass, hay, vegetables and fruit

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      Putting Guinea Pigs Together

      Guide for pet owners: How do you get a harmonic group?

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      Guinea Pigs – Their Most Common Illnesses

      Guide for guinea pig owners: Guinea pigs are generally robust animals. However, certain illnesses tend to affect them more often than others

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      A Natural Life for a Guinea pig

      Interesting background facts about these lovely rodents

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      Clicker Training for Guinea Pigs

      This method is mostly known from training with dogs

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      What to do if you suspect your dog has eaten poisoned bait

      Advice for dog lovers: important facts about dogs and poisoning 

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      Happy dog

      Dogs and their Needs

      Guide for dog owners: What does my dog need?

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      Getting a Dog?

      Things to consider before getting a dog

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      Getting a Cat?

      Things to consider before getting a cat

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      Checklist: Getting a Pet

      A guide for future pet owners

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      Guide for pet owners

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