Dogs have been loyal and treasured pets for millions of people for a very long time, but despite their friendly natures and wagging tales many people have a crippling fear of dogs. While well-trained dogs present no threat some breeds of dogs are very dangerous and because of this they have been banned and it is illegal to breed them. When a dangerous dog acts out it can be extremely violent and can pose a serious threat to children and adults. It is because of this that certain dogs have been listed as dangerous to prevent any further attacks.

In recent years violent dogs have regularly been in the newspaper and the media after hurting children and even causing death. This has only worked to increase some people's fear of dogs as the reality of the danger that they represent is publicly demonstrated. In order to gain some control over the ownership and training of dogs the Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced in 1991. It stated that certain types of dog are banned due to their naturally violent nature, and that no dog owner is allowed to let their dog become out of control and pose a threat to others.

The common house mouse is a terrifying sight for some people, but aside from nibbling through a few crumbs they rarely have any effect on the people living in the house. Any cat owner will be familiar with the sight of an escapee mouse running from the clutches of the cat and becoming caught behind a dresser or cabinet. They can cause a bit of trouble, but overall people do not notice them. For the petrels of Gough Island in the South Atlantic it is a very different story. Every year these mice are killing millions of baby petrels and coming back in increasing sizes.

The petrel is an endangered bird and it is thought that they can only be found on Gough Island. There used to be a population on Tristan da Cunha but they were wiped out due to black rats. Gough Island is a breeding site for over 20 species of birds, amounting to around 10million in total.

There are a number of false beliefs surrounding greyhounds that discourage people from keeping them as pets. They are known as racing dogs and because of this everyone assumes that they need a lot of exercise and are very boisterous. Also, due to their size people in small houses are reluctant to get a greyhound as they worry that they will run riot, causing damage and creating mess everywhere they go. But the truth is that none of these theories are correct.

Perhaps it is because greyhounds used up all of their energy in the races, but for whatever reason they are surprisingly easy-going dogs. All they need is a 20-minute walk twice a day. After that they will happily laze around, keeping their owners company. Because of this calm and lazy nature they also take up much less room than expected, happily curling up in a ball in the corner or keeping feet warm under the table. They also create surprisingly little mess as their coats are low maintenance and any hair that does come out is easily vacuumed up.

As the greyhound is so simple to care for they will suit most people. Each dog will have its own personality and while some may adore children, others may prefer to live with adults. In general greyhounds are ideal for any personality, in any walk of life. They are even ideal for the elderly as they are so calm and require little energy. However, be warned that their friendly personalities make them very poor guard dogs and they are more likely to make friends with the postman than attack his bare ankles.

Due to their calm and friendly natures greyhounds are increasingly being used in therapy to calm nerves and increase confidence. Stroking and interacting with these dogs has been known to reduce stress levels and increase trust and happiness. Both the elderly and children are amongst those reaping the benefits of this therapy, showing just how caring greyhounds can be.

We are all aware of the incredible animals who have learned to use their vocal cords to mimic human language. These animals are a rarity, which is why their new found skills are so highly circulated and well received on social media websites, with some even making the evening news… a famous husky who says “I love you too” springs to mind!

But what of the animals who haven't learned how to communicate with their voices?

They use their bodies and their behaviour to tell us exactly how they are feeling and it is up to us to learn how to be more receiving to what our animals are telling us.

Because of their interaction with humans for hundreds of years, common domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, have learned enough about us to tell us when they require one of their basic three needs; food, sleep and toilet, and we have become attuned to recognising this behaviour. Some animals go about it in a creative way such as; waiting by the door with their leads in their mouths, nudging their dinner bowl across the house to where you are or even persistently vocalising in their own language. But they, just as us, have other needs too, and this seems to be where the barrier of communication starts.

Your pets can't tell you when they are not feeling well. You will barely notice if they have a headache or are in pain or even just feeling a little blue, so it's time to be extra vigilant when it comes to our precious pets. After all, they are members of the family and no other member of the family would be overlooked if they were in need of anything.

Here's a simple exercise to form an understanding with your pet, or each of your pets if you have multiple. Set aside some time with no distractions at all and spend a few minutes of light hearted playing time. When they have calmed down, sit with them and pet them lovingly. Be sure to gently touch the areas that don't usually get much attention from you, such as their legs or paws. The idea is to see what they respond to and what they tell you when your attention is 100% completely on them.

Although often considered a grazing outdoor animal, ducks can also be indoor-outdoor pets. They are not necessarily prone to just stay indoors, you wouldn't convince on to snuggle between the sheets or lounge on the sofa. But they can be great for both indoors and out.

Ducks give a happy air to the house. Ducks naturally need to feel part of the team to survive. Ducks need love. If raising only one or two ducks, you may find the duck needs a lot of attention. This is a positive trait, as you will see the duck develops a relationship with its owners and new family. It may waddle around after you, seeking companionship.

Although, fun and entertaining as pets, keep in mind there are important things to know before picking your first duck. Rule number one is to provide ample outdoor space. Outside space should include a water source for swimming, like a pond. Ducks cannot be kept in apartments. Ducks need to go to the bathroom frequently and have enough space to do so. Ducks are happy to swim and feel enlightened when they touch water – make them happy. Ducks will also use an outside water source for food hunting as well. Although they will drink fresh water and eat feed, their natural instincts are to dig for rodents in the dirt.

Ducks do not have much mechanism for defence, therefore, they would feel threatened if they had to face a cat or dog.

As the title alludes to, a species of leaping cockroach has recently been discovered in South Africa. But before you get too scared; it does not inhabit the entire globe.

Discovered in late 2011 in the grass plains of South Africa, leap roaches hop the majority of the time, spending just a quarter of their lifespan crawling. They are similar to grasshoppers in the fact that they have admirable jumping abilities. In fact, a leap roach's hind legs are long and make up a tenth of its total body weight. Amazingly, one jump reaches 50 times its body height. With their grasshopper companions, they jump around together in the grasslands of Southern Africa. Although they're not too chummy as leap roaches use their remains as a food source.


The species was once thought to be a prehistoric gem, only to be found again, this time not buried under traces of rocks and bones. These creatures are interesting to many scientists and nature lovers, especially as the male and female counterparts look different. Both orange and slightly translucent in colour, the male has a more slender body. The female's core is outlined by a dark line and is coloured clear in the middle. Very strong legs are apparent on both. It has been noted that, close up, they give off the appearance of cross country cyclists or a personal trainer.

Ocean life is as diverse, if not more so, than that of land animals. There are an abundance of facts the many creatures and habitats in the sea; here are some of our favourites.

The electric ray is special in that it has not one, but two organs that store electricity. Shocks are produced of up to 220 volts. Indeed, all animals produce electricity but none to this degree. It is common to see a ray with different tails sizes. This is because predators tend to take a nibble from time to time.

The Siamese fighting fish is a beauty of the sea. Surprisingly though, is that the males are responsible for looking after the eggs. They must take them to a nest from the surface of the water to the deep underworld. 

Although sharks are the one of the most intimidating sea creatures, they have skin that is used to help burn victims via skin grafts. They are also used in another reconstructive way; their eye corneas are used in transplants with humans.

The almighty great white shark, over 20 feet long, can look for food on the water, sometimes leaping up and making a lonely seal its victim.

A puffer fish has a great defensive tactic. It blows up to a perfectly round size and uses hundred of sharp, poisonous spikes to defend itself, thus making it deadly to other creatures.

A flounder, Ariel's all time best friend, is just that: a fish that wanders around on the seabed. They find their food in the mud of the ocean, in areas where there is less water such as docks and ports.

There are so many people out there who own a mini pot-bellied pig. Some have done their research and come home with the indoor pig of their dreams, others, however, have come home with a supposedly miniature pig only to find that the pig grows to the size of a large dog, is as heavy as a baby elephant and requires more attention than originally expected. In this situation, the sad truth is that many of these pigs end up in a shelter.

The aim of this article is not to scare off potential pot-bellied pig parents, but to inform you about these lovable pets so that you will be prepared to raise them and understand their needs.

When you decide to adopt a pet pig, the most important advice you will ever receive is to look for a reputable breeder. These animals require a good start in life and adopting from a black market trader will cost you more in the long run. You may end up with a sick pig, the wrong breed, or an ill-mannered pet. Your potential pet pig must be registered, house-trained, happy and healthy, and able to socialise. It will also be to your benefit that the pig is spayed.

When you finally bring your new family member home, make sure to find a good vet and have your pet pig vaccinated regularly. Remember that pigs are social and require a lot of attention – if this is not provided, their intelligence and curious nature will guide them into mischievous behavior. Establish your dominance from day one; if you fail to do this, your pot-bellied pig will think that they are “Top Pig” and will definitely push their weight around, become bossy and even violent about food.

Because your indoor pig is an intelligent and sensitive creature, they do NOT respond well to physical discipline. Rather, encourage good behavior with their favorite reinforcement: food. They are fast learners and what they learn, they will remember for life (that includes bad behavior).

Your pet pig is very much like a child and if you are neglectful with the attention they so desperately desire, they will become unhappy and destructive. If you expect your pig to stay home alone for long periods of time, make sure that you provide enough attention for your pet. Sometimes a piggy companion might be the best solution (just make sure that your local laws permit this).

In days gone by, it was rare to find an owner who was willing to take the time and finances required to rehabilitate their dog or a cat after an accident. Animals which were injured in a way that required intensive rehabilitation were often simply “put to sleep”. However, with the advancements in veterinary science, coupled with the growing number of families with indispensable pets, physio for dogs and cats has become an option for the average earner.

Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, has made it possible for the pet lovers to prolong the lives of their pets after an injury, as well as to reduce pain and increase mobility – which keeps both the owners and their pets happy.

Physio for dogs and cats by no means condones the needless suffering of a pet for the benefit of the owner. It merely makes it possible for a beloved pet to have a more fulfilled life with their family, when this might not have been an option otherwise.

According to Gina McCulloch D.C., IVCA, IEBWA, physical therapy/physiotherapy is a physical means of treating conditions such as:

• Arthritis

• Pain induced behavioural problems

• Compensatory problems

• Gait abnormalities

• Lameness

• Musculoskeletal pain or stiffness

• Muscle imbalance

• Muscle weakness

• Muscle/tendon/ligament damage

• Nerve injuries

• Decrease in performance

• Sensitivity to being girthed

• Sensitivity to being touched or patted

• Uneven nail wear

Therapists will often use their hands to massage the affected area in order to restore mobility and decrease pain and stiffness. Machines, such as ultrasound and lasers are also used to aid the repair of tissue and relieve pain. As in physiotherapy in humans, electrical muscle stimulation is used to retrain muscles and helps to strengthen them after an injury. The application of heat and/or ice can also be advised by a trained therapist. This often stimulates healing and relieves swelling.

Dogs and cats require plenty of exercise, but after an injury it would be wise to talk to your vet about finding a trained physiotherapist who will be able to show you therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises for your pet. These exercises help to restore the physical functioning and range of motion in your dog or cat.

Contrary to popular belief, your bunny needs affection. Rabbits are social animals, and are very intelligent. Being around their family (non-human and human) is very important for their wellbeing. However, being the owner of an indoor bunny requires some effort and prior preparation.

If you are thinking about acquiring a rabbit, it would be a great idea to spay the bunny between the ages of 3-6 months – if your bunny is older than 6 months old, make sure you take him for a check-up first. Male and female rabbits feel the need to mark their territory and once they are sterilised, this behavior is reduced substantially. Sterilisation also prolongs the life of your indoor bunny.

The next important step is to bunny-proof your home. It is only natural for your rabbit to want to chew on carpets, furniture, and drapery and, of course, electrical wires. Your bunny's front teeth never stop growing, so chewing on these things help to keep his teeth manageable. Make sure that electrical wires are hidden from your indoor bunny's sight and that it receives plenty of attention and toys to keep it from getting into any mischief.

If you plan to keep dogs in the same area as your rabbit, they should be well trained and be able to follow commands – dogs' playful nature can become dangerous to your bunny. Cats generally get along with bunnies and, if you are planning to introduce a new bunny to the family, both should be spayed and of the opposite sex, they should be introduced to each other for short periods of time in an area which is new to both of them.

Rabbits are intelligent and usually choose one or two places to deposit their waste; it's usually in a corner. Putting a litter box in your bunny's favorite corner might be all you need to do. The older the bunny, the quicker he learns, so if you've got a baby rabbit: stick with it.

The type of litter to be used should be natural as rabbits nibble at it. Never use litter made from soft woods (shavings and chips), these are said to cause liver damage in rabbits. Even when you have found some good litter, avoid any problems by putting a handful of hay in the litter box for snacking. Clean the litter box often and soak it with white vinegar and club soda to remove stains and odors.