Four Paws Guides

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

Happy cat

Being a Responsible Pet Owner

How to become your pet’s best friend? 

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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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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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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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Cat with green eyes

A Cat's Personality

All cats possess certain traits, but different levels make up their character

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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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Happy Turkey

Have Yourself a Merry Cruelty-Free Christmas Dinner

FOUR PAWS recommends animal-friendly food alternatives 

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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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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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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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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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Halloween for pets

Halloween – Scary for Pets too

A guide for pet owners in the spooky, festive season

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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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Cat at home

Car Accidents Involving Cats

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

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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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