Medieval monastics were often discouraged from owning companion animals, which were viewed as a distraction, a religion scholar explains.
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Articles on Pets
Displaying 21 - 40 of 297 articles
More than half of the world’s turtle species are endangered or threatened, and overhunting of wild species is a major cause.
New research reveals the environmental impact of keeping tropical fish as household pets – but there are ways to reduce it.
A new study has reportedly found benefits to feeding cats a vegan diet. We got an expert to look at whether the evidence stacks up.
Animals, including the ones that live in our homes, can carry all kinds of illnesses. Most of the time it’s not a problem, but here’s what you should do to avoid getting sick.
Your faithful companion sees the world differently than you do, but it’s a mistake to assume dogs only see black, white and shades of grey.
Shelter dogs get a new shot at life through a college course that teaches them how to be faithful companions once again.
Animal shelters and other organizations that support pets and their owners after disasters will still need help months after the media has moved on.
It’s not just cats and dogs – we often feel a deep emotional bond with small animals like rabbits and guinea-pigs too.
New research shows climate change will harm animal welfare – including your pet.
Natural selection changed just 13 genes to separate your Felix and Fluffy from their African wildcat ancestor.
It might surprise you to know we share our cities and towns with a huge range of native animals. But dog and cat poo can signal to wildlife that predators are about and they should stay away.
Children under 5 years old may easily mistake a dog showing teeth for one that’s giving them a “friendly smile”.
Unfortunately, a rhetoric has developed within public discourse that cats are manipulative, vengeful, uncaring or even psychotic. But it’s unlikely they’ve deliberately peed on your rug to annoy you.
New research exposing the surprising scale and diversity of Australia’s invertebrate pet trade online highlights the need for better regulation to protect our wildlife and manage biosecurity threats.
And what about the old water-bottles-on-the grass trick? Does that actually work?
The environmental pawprint of pets is huge – and it’s mostly down to what we feed them.
Fireworks can frighten wild and domestic animals, start wildfires and affect some people’s mental health.
Studies in Yellowstone National Park show plant matter (mostly grass) is found in up to 74% of wolf scats, suggesting the behaviour may be inherited from the beginning of doggy time.
Companion dogs respond to their environments and their owners’ sense of well-being. When owners are stressed and anxious, dogs can exhibit undesirable behaviours.
Top contributors
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Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide
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Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, Nottingham Trent University
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Veterinary Science, University of Sydney
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Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, University of New England
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Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, Scotland's Rural College
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PhD Candidate, University of Adelaide
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Veterinarian and PhD scholar, University of Sydney
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Animal Geographer, Keele University
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Associate professor, Queen's University, Ontario
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Fellow, Keele University
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Visiting Research Fellow, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Nottingham Trent University
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Associate Professor, Geography and Urban Studies, Western Sydney University
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Richard Malik is a Friend of The Conversation.
Veterinary Internist (Specialist), University of Sydney
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Lecturer in Veterinary Education, Royal Veterinary College
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Professor, Management and Organizational Studies, Huron University College, Western University
