Seeing all the videos about capybaras made us curious to find out more about this animal. Did you know that the capybara is also known as carpincho or water hog? Internet sensation The capybara is an internet sensation. Someone even wrote and released a song about them and it blew up on TikTok. Other animals have also been caught in the spotlight, such as cats and, more recently, axolotls. This attention has increased the capybara’s popularity, leading people to think they might make good pets. But they don’t. They are cute but they should not be kept as pets. Capybaras are naturally found i ..read more

We normally associate allergies with springtime, when there are plenty of pollen and grass seeds in the air and a variety of creepy critters come out of ‘hiding’, causing allergies for some of us. But we often forget how dry the air can be in some parts of South Africa in winter and that our average temperatures in this season are still warm enough for some bugs, like ticks and fleas, to survive.   Ticks and fleas Unfortunately, ticks and fleas can survive in most parts of our country during winter. Although there might be fewer fleas around, they are still there. Ticks and fleas are one ..read more

As dog owners, we all want our furry friends to be happy and healthy. When our pups get anxious or stressed out, whether it’s due to separation distress or anxiety, a fear of thunderstorms or other triggers, we don’t always know how to help them. In situations where our pets get anxious or afraid, calming medication might be the solution. Sometimes, a little medicine can go a long way, but with so many options out there, it’s important to consider which are safe and effective.   Common causes of stress and anxiety in dogs Separation Dogs are social animals, and some dogs can become anxio ..read more

With 40 subspecies, the grey wolf boasts a relatively stable population and a widespread range (North America and Eurasia). The closest relative of our domestic dogs, grey wolves adapt well to a wide range of habitats. Easy pickings The grey wolf can reach top speeds of 45km/h. Although this is not fast in the wild, he does get the upper hand by being able to maintain his top speed for a lengthy period of time. A wolf pack hunts together, allowing the pack to bring down large prey animals such as livestock and wild deer.   Forest dwellers Another name given to the grey wolf is timber ..read more

Q: What is the difference between a tired yawn and a yawn when my puppy is uncomfortable? A: The difference is in the context and what the rest of the body is doing. Yawning has multiple reasons depending on the situation and how your dog is feeling physically and emotionally. If your dog has just woken up and stretches out with a yawn, this is not a stress signal. If you (or another dog) is interacting with your dog and he does a yawn (mostly coupled with a head turn), this is a distance-increasing signal – your dog would be asking for a pause in the activity, or he is uncomfortable and reque ..read more

The love and need of having an animal companion sometimes goes much further than the realisation that financial constraints can be a huge stumbling block. Often, pet owners in the communities don’t realise what their responsibilities towards their pets are, or they simply don’t know how to take proper care of their animals.   Education is key This is where the Society for Animals in Distress (SAID), situated in Vorna Valley, Midrand, comes in. They are more than just a shelter that houses abandoned pets. This animal welfare organisation is a beacon of hope for compromised animals in indig ..read more

You might remember Yax, the male yak character in the movie Zootopia. Let’s find out what the 10 cool things are of the yak. Rasta looks You’d be forgiven for thinking the yak looks like a Rastafarian, with his long coat. Some yaks have long fringes that grow over their eyes and faces. Sometimes, a yak only has the fringe hanging down from his sides, down his legs and almost to the ground. He has a dense undercoat, which adds to his Rasta looks. 2. Dressed for the occasion The yak is able to live in very cold conditions, and that is why he has such a long coat. He is very valuable to the peo ..read more

Have you ever heard of a fossa? This little creature is totally different and even scientists struggled to categorise him. Let’s find out what is so cool about a fossa. 1. Malagasy mammal Lemurs aren’t the only cute furry things to come out of Madagascar – fossas also call this African island home. They are one of Madagascar’s many strange endemic species, completely unique to the island. 2. Big kahuna The fossa has a body length of about 70cm, and a tail almost as long, making him the biggest carnivore in Madagascar and giving him the top spot in the food chain. 3. What’s for dinner, Maurice ..read more

Teaching a rat this trick is way easier than you’d think. “Playing basketball?” For sure! You can even teach your rat to paint! Watching rats play basketball is most probably one of the most fun things to do – you will be amazed just how clever these little critters can be! This exercise is used to teach psychology at many universities. The trick simply teaches your rat to pick up an item and place it into a container.   What you need There are cute basketball hoops on the market for rats, but all you really need is a masking tape roll or a small container, and a light, easy-to-pick-up ob ..read more

Q: My hamster seems to keep falling off his solid training wheel, which we bought a week ago. Is there something wrong with him, or should we just give him time to get used to the wheel? A: It is unusual for a hamster to fall from the wheel. Is it placed in a position where the floor is level, or does it possibly lean over a bit, making it easier to be flung off at speed? Healthy hamsters run very fast on their wheels. If yours continues to struggle, then perhaps a visit to your exotic animal vet is indicated. Alternately, there are wheels available that are closed on all sides except for the ..read more