Four Paws Guides

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

      Dog and a pumpkin

      Halloween – Scary for Pets too

      A guide for pet owners to survive the spooky season!

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      Floods in South Carolina, USA, after a hurricane

      Flooding and Animals

      Be prepared! This guide outlines steps to keep your pets and livestock safe during a flood

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      Dog Janosch and various muzzle

      Muzzles for Dogs – Correct Fit and Training

      Criteria for a good, suitable muzzle and tips for use

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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 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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      Dog standing on grass

      Dogs and Their Needs

      Guide for dog owners: How to care for your dog’s needs

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      Stray dog

      Staying Safe Around Street Dogs

      What to be aware of and how to behave

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      Two intertwined hands holding two cones of icecreams

      Animal-Friendly Ice Cream Alternatives for Summer

      Do your bit for animal welfare by opting for a plant-based cold dessert

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      Savannah Cat that almost looks like a serval

      Hybrid Cats – Problematic Exotic Breeds

      What you should know about domestic cats mixed with wild cats

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      Ghenges & Khan lionesses

      Tips for a Loving Mother's Day

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

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      Cat in the grass

      Beware of Ticks!

      Caution helps to protect dogs and cats

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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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      Two dogs at a lake

      Bathing fun for dogs

      Water safety tips for dog swimming

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      Dog playground

      How to Find Good Dog Trainers and Dog Schools

      Not every dog school fits you and your best friend

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      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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      Cat inside a house

      Cost of Living Crisis for Pet Owners

      Cost of Living Crisis for Pet Owners

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      Dog opening a Christmas gift

      Christmas with Pets

      A guide for pet owners: dangers under the Christmas tree

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      Knitted socks

      A Guide to Kind Knitting

      Ethical wool yarn and alternatives for animal-friendly knitting

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      Cat-Friendly Water Bowl

      Cat-Friendly Water Bowl

      A how-to guide to keep your cat hydrated and entertained

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      Dogs outside

      Pets in Hot Weather

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

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      Pools are a danger to animals

      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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      Happy and healthy Dushi

      The Transformation of a Rescued Wild Animal

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

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      Pigeon

      Animal-Friendly Pigeon Repellent

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

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      Baby red squirrel being held in hand

      Squirrel in Need

      Guide for animal lovers: tips for saving squirrel babies

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      Chicken

      Tips for an Animal-Friendly Easter

      Some Easter traditions and treats may have cruelty behind them

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      Group of young hares

      Do Not Disturb Young Hares

      Tips on how to help young wild animals

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      Kitten 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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      Cat in Germany

      Spring Is Here – And It’s Mating Time for Cats

      Unneutered cats can produce unwanted offspring during this period

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      Dog Nimo in Vietnam

      Setting the record straight on spaying/neutering myths

      World Spay Day, advocates spaying and neutering of animals as a proven means of saving the lives of companion animals and strays alike, who might otherwise be put down in a shelter or killed on the street 

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      Enrichment for pets

      Keep your pet happy & healthy with enrichment

      Celebrate Love Your Pet Day on February 20th by creating enrichment activities for your pet! 

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      Exploring lion bonds in the wild and in sanctuaries

      The differences in the bonds formed by wild lions and lions in sanctuaries are interesting to observe. Understanding how they develop relationships in different environments can provide insight into how to care better for these animals 

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      Lions kissing

      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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      Dog during Carnival

      Carnival: No Fun For Animals

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

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      A hedgehog sitting in straw

      Found a Hedgehog – What now?

      A guide for animal friends: what to do if you have just found a hedgehog

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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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      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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      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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      Dog Hexi as photo model for abandoned dogs

      Do Not Abandon Your Pet!

      Helpful tips for pet owners in a difficult situation

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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 in a shelter

      The Top 9 Reasons Why People Give Up Their Pets

      Learn more about why pet owners abandon 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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      Cat looking scared

      Fireworks Are Frightening to Pets

      Your pet and fireworks: what you need to know

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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

      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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      Dog in the snow

      Pets in Winter

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

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      Dog at home in cosy bed

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

      A guide for owners of dogs, cats and small rodents

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      Cheetah Sasha at LIONSROCK

      When is a cat not a so-called big cat?

      In the world of big cat enthusiasts there is one 
      debate that could really put the cat amongst the pigeons: Are cheetahs big cats?  

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      Leopard Bakari

      Jaguar versus leopard: The key differences

      Spot the difference between jaguars and leopards

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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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      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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      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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      Dog and their owner walking

      Mindful Walks with Your Dog

      Why you should focus on your canine companion

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      Cat

      Moving House With a Cat

      Making the move go smoothly for your furry friend

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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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      Deer Kalle at TIERART

      Avoiding Wildlife Accidents

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

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      Dog

      Dementia in Pets

      How to recognise the disease and what you can do for your pet

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      Dog with collar

      Dog Collars

      Why making the right choice is so important 

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      Cat

      Cat-Sitting Season

      FOUR PAWS offers tips on giving your feline friend a relaxed holiday too

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      Cat

      Cats and Collars

      Are cat collars safe? Potential dangers cat owners must know

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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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      Dog

      Planning Your Holiday When Your Dog Can’t Come With You

      Leaving your dog with friends, family or in a boarding kennel

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      Dog in a field

      Awns: Why They Pose a Danger to Dogs

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

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      Animal Welfare and Tourism

      Animal Welfare and Tourism

      Selfies with or petting lion cubs? Animal welfare should not stop on holiday!

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      Sleeping dog

      Letting Your Pet Go

      Knowing when the time has come to say goodbye

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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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      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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      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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      Dog in a 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 standing next to a suitcase

      Travelling with a Dog

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

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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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      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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      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 and his owner

      Pet Owners Can Help Their Fearful Pets

      How can fear, anxiety and phobia be prevented or eased? 

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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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      Healthy Nutrition for Your Pet Mice

      A balanced diet is important for every animal

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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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      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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      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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      Pet Rats – their most common diseases

      Signs that your rat needs to go to the vet

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      Prejudices against rats

      Prejudices against Rats

      What is true? Do we underestimate this little rodents?

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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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      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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      Cat on a lead

      Cats on a Lead

      Reasons for the trend and what cat owners should know

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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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      Dental Care For Dogs and Cats

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

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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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      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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      White and grey fox laying in the snow

      Wear it Kind for Christmas

      Our 2021 round up of animals in fashion highlights, as well as top 10 #WearItKind holiday gift ideas!

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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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      Two cats

      Social Behaviour of Cats

      Are cats loners? Interesting facts every cat holder should know

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      Cat looking at the viewer

      Cats and Their Hunting Behaviour

      Understanding typical actions of your pet

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      Sneaking cat

      Territorial Behaviour of Cats

      Natural feline behaviour is a part of being a highly territorial creature

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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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      Dog at Home

      Q&As: Pets and Coronavirus

      Information for Pet Owners

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      Tiger playing with enrichment

      Enrichment for Big Cats

      Enrichment is an important part of animal management in human care

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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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      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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      Rabbit at the vet

      Flystrike in Rabbits

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

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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 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 panting in the heat

      Fake Animal Rescue Videos

      How to spot orchestrated animal rescues  

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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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      Bali Parvovirus Misson

      Parvo Education

      We love️ dogs and wouldn't want anything bad to happen to anyone, so here's what you need to know about parvo.

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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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      Cat and her owner

      How you can Become a Fosterer

      Foster parent’s guide

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      Dog and cat

      Are You Ready to Become a Fosterer?

      Foster parent’s guide

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      Cat at home

      Emergency Plan for Pet Owners due COVID-19

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

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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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      Puppy and its owner

      The Responsible Way to Acquiring a Pet

      Where should you purchase your pet from? 

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      Kitten Hazel

      Why Do You Want to Have a Pet?

      Discover the motivations behind pet ownership

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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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      Pet Care Tips

      Caring for pets is a big responsibility, and not one that should be taken lightly. 

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      dog cooling down in pool

      The Five Domains for Animal Welfare

      Did you know that your pets have different welfare needs? The Five Domains Model will help you make sure your pets are healthy and happy. 

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      dog on lady's lap

      Adopt don’t shop

      At FOUR PAWS we are passionate about adoption and encourage everyone to support their local shelter or animal welfare organisation by either adopting, fostering or donating. 

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      dog fetching a stick in water

      TIPS: Help your pet beat the heat this summer

      Beat the heat with our summer tips for your pets.

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      dog cooling down in water

      TIPS: How to test if your dog is dehydrated

      Beat the heat with our summer tips for your pets. We must remember that just like us, our pets, especially dogs, can get dehydrated.  

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      dog at the beach

      TIPS: How to keep pets cool when the heat is on

      Beat the heat with our summer tips for your pets.  Here are our top tips for keeping your pets cool when the heat is on! 

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      litter of stray dogs

      Good reasons to sterilise your pet

      Being a responsible pet owner means sterilising your pets. Why? Sterilisation saves lives as there are less unwanted litters and fewer animals who end up in the welfare system needing to be rehomed. 

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      dog standing in field while sun sets

      How to be an everyday animal hero

      We all have the capacity to be kinder to animals and to be animal heroes. What is an animal hero? 

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      dog locked in a car

      TIPS: What should you do if you see a dog in a hot car?

      Leaving dogs in a car is a serious form of animal cruelty. 

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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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      Dogs in Speranta Shelter

      A Pet is Not Just for Lockdown!

      FOUR PAWS' Guide for Animal Lovers

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      Birds in your garden

      How to Create a Cat-Proof Garden for Birds and Fish

      A FOUR PAWS' Guide with tips for garden owners

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      Cats and garden

      How to Design a Garden for Your Cat

      Words of advice for cat owners: Tips for a cat-friendly garden

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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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      Travel-related illnesses in dogs

      Travel-Related Illnesses in Dogs

      Guide for Dog Owners: How to prevent parasites and diseases

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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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      Dog at home

      Pet Technology Revolution

      Gadgets that make life easier for pet owners and can be useful for their pet

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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

      Raccoons – Also Known as Procyon Lotor

      Many raccoons live at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary in Germany

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      Pet cat sleeping

      10 Things You Can Do for the Animals and Yourself Now

      You can prove love for animals even in difficult times

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      Enrichment in BEAR SANCTUARY

      Enrichment for Bears

      Search game for children – Dushi needs support!

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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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      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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      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 a 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 lying in the gras

      Correctly Remove Ticks

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

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      Guinea Pigs – Their History

      Where do they come from originally? How did they reach Europe? Where does their name come from?

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      A Natural Life for a Guinea pig

      Interesting background facts about these lovely rodents

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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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      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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      Keeping Guinea Pigs in an Apartment

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

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      Guinea pig

      Keeping Guinea Pigs in Outdoor Enclosures

      The best way to keep guinea pigs is in a garden enclosure all year round, as this simulates their natural environment as closely as possible

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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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      Putting Guinea Pigs Together

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

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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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      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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      Clicker Training for Guinea Pigs

      This method is mostly known from training with dogs

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      Dog

      Moulting: Dogs & Cats

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

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      AAI Dog Kaya at the AAI Center Bulgaria

      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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      Portrait of a Dog in Speranta Shelter

      Checklist: Getting a Pet

      A guide for future pet owners

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