Endangered Giant Otter Triplets Born at U.K. Wildlife Park
Giant otters – native to South America – are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Their numbers have dwindled due to factors including poaching, deforestation, overfishing, conflict with fishermen, and issues with hydroelectric dams. A new set of these otters was born recently at a wildlife park, though, which staff hopes will help contribute to conservation. Yorkshire Wildlife Park in the United Kingdom announced last week that in late March, a set of triplets was born to parents Alexandra and Orimar, who also welcomed...
Wildlife Officials Issue Warning About Drunk Birds
Every now and again, people get a little inebriated. However, as wildlife experts warn, birds also occasionally show up to the party a little tipsy. In a recent social media post, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division said it’s the time of year for drunk birds. They explained that in the spring, it’s common for fruit-eating birds like cedar waxwings and American robins to eat fruit that has started to rot and ferment. That fermentation produces alcohol, which can cause the birds to behave much...
A Young Black Lab Named Shaw Needs a Committed Human Who Has His Best Interests in Mind
Shaw is a 1-year-old black Lab weighing in at 96 pounds! He has had a rough start in life, as he was originally purchased from a breeder and then given to a second owner who only had him for three months. Unfortunately, he was free-fed in his previous home, which caused him to be approximately 20 pounds overweight. He needs an adopter who is committed to his weight loss journey so that he can be a healthy, active young fella. Photo: Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue Alpha Males Need Not Apply Shaw, who is a neutered male, lived with eight...
April 17 is International Bat Appreciation Day! Learn About One of the World’s Oldest Bats
Most people get wigged out by the thought of bats, especially the idea of them getting entangled in their hair. What many people don’t realize, though, is just how much bats do for us and the planet. The Impact of Bats According to The Nature Conservancy, bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes an hour! Often, bats consume their body weight in insects each night, helping to keep bug populations in check. Bat droppings, called guano, are one of the richest fertilizers in existence. Lesser Long-Nosed bats are the main pollinator of Agave...
Watch How These Vet Staffs Struggle And Cry While Handling This Very Happy Parrot
There’s nothing like a video of somebody laughing their lungs out without context. It makes you curious if you’re not already laughing along with them. Happiness is contagious, you know? PHOTO: TikTok/@petlandnht “Paco came in for a wing and nail trim and had us crying from laughing.” The video starts off with the vets unable to do a simple trim since they can’t stop laughing because of Paco. The person holding the nail trimmer can’t help but cry and she even turned her back to compose herself. I guarantee...
Tiny Rescue Piglet Gets Mad When Her Foster Mom Stops Giving Her Kisses
A tiny rescue piglet named Blueberry may be small, but she’s full of sass and personality. Kayla Weber regularly fosters animals of all kinds and that’s how she ended up welcoming Blueberry into her home. Photo: YouTube/The Dodo According to The Dodo, Blueberry was taken from her mom at just 3 days old, far too soon to be without a mother’s care or breastmilk. Thankfully, she was rescued and placed into Kayla’s foster home for care. Kayla shared with The Dodo that she really had no idea what she was getting herself...
Military Dog Reunited With Handler After Being Left For Dead In Afghanistan
When Kristen St. Pierre returned from work in Afghanistan in 2019, she left behind her bomb-sniffing companion, Chase. As she shared on Facebook, despite being safe and sound in Georgia, St. Pierre couldn’t get the thought of Chase out of her mind and she regularly caught up with his new military handler to see photos and updates. However, in 2021, the United States troops abruptly left Afghanistan 20 years after invading the country. Amidst the chaos of the sudden withdrawal, St. Pierre lost touch with Chase and was unsure of what...
Murphy the Bald Eagle Has a Chick to Mentor After Trying to Hatch a Rock
Spring has sprung and with it comes mating and nesting behavior in the wild. For the last week or so there’s been big news about a bald eagle residing at the World Bird Sanctuary located in Valley Park in St. Louis County. If you’re unsure, that’s in Missouri. The eagle’s name is Murphy, and he’s garnered tons of attention for his attempts at hatching a rock in his enclosure. Sanctuary officials there note that male eagles play a substantial role in raising their young, so Murphy’s behavior with his rock...
Protect Your Dog from Highly Contagious Dog Flu: Health Risks and Precautions
Dog flu, or Canine Influenza Virus is a highly transmissible virus that was introduced to the United States in While it typically not can lead severe illness and even especially for dogs with compromised immune systems. With recent outbreaks in many states, it’s important for dog owners to understand the health risks and take precautions to protect their pets. Health Risks of Dog Flu CIV is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs of all breeds and ages. The two strains of CIV, H3N8 and H3N2, are particularly potent and...
How to Safely Clean Your Dog’s Ears
This quick guide to dog ear cleaning will tell you everything you need to know to keep your pup’s ears clean, healthy, infection-free, and functioning optimally! As dog parents, we know we must clean our dog’s ears to keep them healthy. But how often should you do it? What tools do you need? What’s the best way to clean a dog’s ears? Don’t worry: we’ll tell you everything you need to know! Getting Started: Know What Healthy Dog Ears Look Like When a dog’s ears are healthy, they will be slightly pink,...
How to Train the Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a strong working dog breed who needs extensive training and regular exercise to thrive. Early socialization and ongoing training beyond puppyhood are extremely important for this high energy dog, who was bred for strength and endurance. Here are the most important steps to take when training your Catahoula: Give them the right job Catahoula Leopard Dogs were bred to work. These dogs thrive when given an opportunity to train and learn new skills. Catahoulas like to be kept busy, and if your lifestyle...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: WisCARES grant, Maddie’s Insights and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. WisCARES receives $200,000 grant to help keep pets and people togetherMaddie’s Fund® has awarded a $200,000 grant to The Wisconsin Companion Animal Resources, Education and Social Support (WisCARES) program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-M). This grant will support the salaries of a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) and social worker at the WisCARES program. By having a social worker available to its clients, WisCARES… Learn...
Lost Dog Spends A Month Traveling 166 Miles Over Sea Ice To Neighboring Town In Alaska
A dog in Alaska was identified over a month after going missing more than 166 miles from home. The dog’s owner, Mandy Iworrigan, became worried when her pup, Nanuq, didn’t return home to Gambell on St. Lawrence Island from hunting one day. Photo: Wikimedia Commons License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Days turned to weeks and Mandy had no idea what had happened to her beloved dog until she saw a Facebook post featuring Nanuq from the neighboring town of Wales, which is 166 miles from Gambell over plates of sea ice! Hilary Ahkinga snapped photos...
Dog Orphaned After Owner Killed In Hit And Run To Become Service Dog
A dog named Patch was tragically orphaned after his owner was killed in a hit-and-run in Tennessee. According to a press release, the 50-year-old woman was walking her dog across a bridge near her apartment complex when a Ford F-150 pickup truck struck the woman and killed her. Photo: Flickr/Brad Montgomery License: CC By 2.0 Authorities discovered Patch had fled the scene and was waiting by the door of his apartment. Despite the tragedy, he was in good health when taken in by the Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control in Nashville,...
Stamping Out Rabies in Kabul
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs?
While not all dogs like belly rubs, many do, says dog behavior expert and VCA Animal Hospitals Licensed Veterinary Technician Laura Pobursky. “It’s for the same reason humans love a big hug,” she says. “Belly rubs release ‘feel-good’ chemicals in the brain that strengthen the bond between you and your pet.” What’s does a dog that likes belly rubs look like? Laura says the belly is a vulnerable and sensitive area for dogs, so offering their bellies can mean many things. It could be a sign of...
Shelter Searches For Family That Abandoned Dog With A Heartbreaking Note
Having to rehome a pet can be devastating, not only for the animal but for the family involved as well. Sometimes, rehoming a pet is truly in the best interest of the animal, but it’s not always an accessible option for people without resources. Shelters are often full or charge fees for surrenders, and as a result, people end up dumping pets in random places instead of taking them to a rescue. Photo: Instagram/@toronto_humane_society The Toronto Humane Society took to Instagram to share about a recent situation where that happened with...
Longtime Shelter Dog Gives Sweet Kisses To Rescue Staff Before Finally Going Home
When a rescue dog finally gets adopted from a shelter, it’s a heartwarming moment for everyone involved. However, sometimes those moments are bittersweet, especially if shelter staff have formed a deep bond with the animal in question. When a dog named Jax was brought into the Regina Humane Society, he was in rough condition, but the shelter recognized how sweet and loving he was. Photo: Facebook/Regina Humane Society Speaking with The Dodo, Bill Thorn, the Regina Humane Society’s director, said: “He was very thin, so it...
Australian Cattle Dog: Training Tips and Breed Information
The Australian Cattle Dog is a busy, strong-minded herding dog, who needs daily physical and mental exercise. As his name implies, this dog breed was developed in Australia to move cattle long distances and he maintains that rugged work ethic to this day. How to train an Australian Cattle Dog Begin training in puppyhood and continue through the life of your dog. Even the Australian Cattle Dogs who live as pets maintain a strong herding drive. His desire to chase animals and moving objects is strong. To help cattle dogs succeed, focus training...
Proud Golden Retriever Brings Mom A 3-Foot Snake As A Gift
Some dogs love to bring their owner various “gifts” they find either around the house or out in the yard. Some dogs bring sticks, while others bring toys. It’s a sweet gesture, even if the gift isn’t that useful. One dog, however, surprised his owner with something truly alarming: a 3-foot snake! Photo: TikTok/@pricelesstimes Casey Newlin was the supportive dog mom who happened to be graced with the snake after her golden retriever, Scout, found it in the yard. Newlin posted a video of Scout carrying the massive snake...
