Four Paws Guides

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

      Man with dog on a leash

      Dog Training Basics

      How do dogs learn?

      More
      Two dogs at a lake

      Joyful Swimming for Dogs

      Water safety tips for dog swimming

      More
      Dog wearing a harness

      The Right Harness for Your Dog

      Criteria for a good fit and comfort

      More
      Dog playground

      How to Find Good Dog Trainers and Dog Schools

      Not every dog school fits you and your best friend

      More
      Two lambs at a stable

      7 Crucial Questions About Mulesing And Pain Relief

      Shedding light on the silent suffering of mulesed sheep, and why mulesing with pain relief is far from the best long-term solution to dealing with flystrike

      More
      Cat inside a house

      Cost of Living Crisis for Pet Owners

      Cost of Living Crisis for Pet Owners

      More
      Dog opening a Christmas gift

      Christmas with Pets

      A guide for pet owners: dangers under the Christmas tree

      More
      Knitted socks

      A Guide to Kind Knitting

      Ethical wool yarn and alternatives for animal-friendly knitting

      More
      Happy cat

      Being a Responsible Pet Owner

      How to become your pet’s best friend? 

      More
      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

      More
      Cat-Friendly Water Bowl

      Cat-Friendly Water Bowl

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

      More
      Dogs outside

      Pets in Hot Weather

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

      More
      Puppy

      How to Find a Responsible Breeder

      Thinking about buying a puppy? Follow these steps! 

      More
      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

      More
      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

      More
      Bears kissing

      Tips for a Loving Mother's Day

      9 animal-friendly Mothers Day ideas that come from the heart

      More
      Cat lying on grass

      Plants That Are Dangerous to Pets

      Protect your beloved animals from poisonous plants in your home and garden

      More
      Pigeon

      Animal-Friendly Pigeon Repellent

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

      More
      Dog lying in grassland

      Danger from Oak Processionary Moth

      Guide for dog owners: How to protect your dog from the poisonous caterpillar 

      More
      Hedgehog in the undergrowth

      Easter Bonfires Can Be a Deadly Fate for Wild Animals

      FOUR PAWS advises: Only pile up firing piles shortly before lighting

      More
      Dog lying in the gras

      Correctly Remove Ticks

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

      More
      Cat in the grass

      Beware of Ticks!

      Caution helps to protect dogs and cats

      More
      Chicken

      Tips for an Animal-Friendly Easter

      Some Easter traditions and treats may have cruelty behind them

      More
      Baby red squirrel being held in hand

      Squirrel in Need

      Guide for animal lovers: tips for saving squirrel babies

      More
      Young bird

      'Branchling' – Hands off Please!

      Guide for animal lovers: what you can do for young wild animals

      More
      Group of young hares

      Do Not Disturb Young Hares

      Tips on how to help young wild animals

      More
      Kitten in the garden

      Preparing Your Garden for Spring and Your Pets

      FOUR PAWS' guides on how to make your garden safe for animals

      More
      Cat in Germany

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

      Unneutered cats can produce unwanted offspring during this period

      More
      Dog on leash

      Springtime: Keep your Dog on a Leash

      Let wild animals raise their babies in peace

      More
      Dog during Carnival

      Carnival: No Fun For Animals

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

      More
      Lions kissing

      Love for Animals this Valentine's Day

      Five animal-friendly tips to make your heart beat faster this Valentine's Day

      More
      Fawns, young deer

      Early Born Wildlife – What You Absolutely Have to Consider

      FOUR PAWS asks walkers for increased attention for wild animals

      More
      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

      More
      Husky lying in the snow on a mountain

      Winter Hikes With Your Dog

      Essential tips on enjoying safe hiking adventures with your dog

      More
      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

      More
      White rabbit

      Rabbits as Pets

      Guide for pet owners: Rabbits do not belong in cages – so keep the residence appropriate to the species

      More
      Cat looking worried

      Finding an Abandoned or Lost Pet

      What to do if you find a dog or cat without an owner

      More
      Dogs behind bars

      The Harmful Consequences Caused by Pet Abandonment

      Leaving dogs and cats behind harms the animals, their owners and shelters

      More
      Dog Hexi as photo model for abandoned dogs

      Do Not Abandon Your Pet!

      Helpful tips for pet owners in a difficult situation

      More
      Dog in a shelter

      The Top 9 Reasons Why People Give Up Their Pets

      Learn more about why pet owners abandon their animals

      More
      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

      More
      Cat looking scared

      Fireworks Are Frightening to Pets

      Your pet and fireworks: what you need to know

      More
      Dog behind a fence

      How to Get Your Dog Healthily Through Winter

      Road salt, gravel and snow – keep your beloved friend safe in the cold season

      More
      Rabbit in snow

      Rabbit Winter Care

      A how-to guide to making your rabbit enclosure winter-proof

      More
      Hens pecking at food in the snow

      Have Yourself a Merry Cruelty-Free Christmas Dinner

      FOUR PAWS recommends animal-friendly food options

      More
      Dog looking at food

      Feeding Your Dog Properly

      Important points regarding a healthy nutrition for dogs 

      More
      Cat

      Climate Change and the Diet of Our Pets

      Conscious pet feeding can have a positive effect on the climate 

      More
      Dog

      Vegetarian and Vegan Diet for Pets

      What you need to consider for dogs and cats 

      More
      Dog

      Food Allergies in Pets

      Common symptoms and how you can help your pet

      More
      Cat eating

      Feeding Your Cat Properly

      Important points regarding healthy nutrition for cats 

      More
      Lying cat

      Cat Cold – What to Do

      Tips for cat owners: how to help your feline friend recover

      More
      Cat in the snow

      Outdoor Cats in the Winter

      Bringing your cat with outdoor access safe through the cold season

      More
      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

      More
      Dog in the snow

      Pets in Winter

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

      More
      Sparrow

      Feeding Birds in Winter

      How you can help the little visitors in the cold season

      More
      Dog in the snow

      When Your Dog Has a Cold

      Swift recovery for your four-legged patient

      More
      Zoe was rescued from a fur farm

      Shopping Guide for Animal-Friendly Fashion

      From wool to down – have a heart for animals when shopping 

      More
      Rasberry bushes

      Animal-Friendly Gardening In Autumn

      How to prepare your flora so it's fauna-friendly for winter

      More
      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

      More
      Dog and their owner walking

      Mindful Walks With Your Dog

      Why you should focus on your canine companion

      More
      Cat

      Moving House With a Cat

      Making the move go smoothly for your furry friend

      More
      Dog and a pumpkin

      Halloween – Scary for Pets too

      A guide for pet owners to survive the spooky season!

      More
      Cat

      Cat Fun in Autumn

      How to keep your pet busy and entertained during the cosy fall season

      More
      Deer Kalle at TIERART

      Avoiding Wildlife Accidents

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

      More
      Dogs

      Dangerous Foods for Dogs

      What is harmless to humans can be deadly to your companion 

      More
      Cat

      Dangerous Foods for Cats

      A guide to keep your furry friend happy and healthy

      More
      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

      More
      Dog

      Dementia in Pets

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

      More
      Cat lying on grass

      Harvest Mites in Pets

      Tiny creature, irritating bite – how pet owners can protect their furry friends

      More
      Dog with collar

      Dog Collars

      Why making the right choice is so important 

      More
      Dog on leash

      Which Leash Suits Which Dog?

      A must-have for dog owners 

      More
      Cat

      Cat-Sitting Season

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

      More
      Cat

      Cats and Collars

      Are cat collars safe? Potential dangers cat owners must know

      More
      Cat in carrier

      Travelling With Your Cat

      Not every cat is suited to be taken on a trip

      More
      Dog

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

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

      More
      Dog in a field

      Awns: Why They Pose a Danger to Dogs

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

      More
      Stray dog

      Staying Safe Around Street Dogs

      What to be aware of and how to behave

      More
      Animal Welfare and Tourism

      Animal Welfare and Tourism

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

      More
      What do dogs enjoy doing on holiday?

      What Do Dogs Enjoy Doing on Holiday?

      Guide for dog owners: Ideas for a dog-friendly vacation

      More
      Cat

      Coping With the Death of a Pet

      The loss of a much-loved animal can leave a huge void in your life

      More
      Dog being hugged

      Preparing to Say Goodbye to Your Pet

      What to consider before your pet's passing 

      More
      Sleeping dog

      Letting Your Pet Go

      Knowing when the time has come to say goodbye

      More
      Dog in a car

      Travelling With Your Dog by Car

      Guide for Dog Owners: How to drive your dog relaxed in the car

      More
      Guinea pig

      Protect Guinea Pigs from Summer Heat

      The importance of keeping guinea pigs cool in the summer

      More
      Dog standing next to a suitcase

      Travelling with a Dog

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

      More
      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

      More
      Scared dog

      Separation Anxiety in Dogs

      What can you do if your dog doesn’t like being left home alone? 

      More
      Dog and his owner

      Pet Owners Can Help Their Fearful Pets

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

      More
      Rats as pets

      Rats as Pets

      Intelligent, playful, curious – rats can make great pets if kept in the right conditions

      More
      Prejudices against rats

      Prejudices against Rats

      What is true? Do we underestimate this little rodents?

      More
      Enclosure for rats

      How to Design a Habitat for Rats

      Enrichment and good design are vital for rats

      More
      Appropriate nutrition for pet rats

      Appropriate Nutrition for Pet Rats

      A balanced diet is a key factor to pet rats healthy

      More

      Pet Rats – their most common diseases

      Signs that your rat needs to go to the vet

      More
      Small but mighty - Fancy Mice

      Mice as Pets

      A pet mouse is great animal for people who like to observe

      More
      Best design for a mice habitat

      How to Design a Habitat for Mice

      Mice are intelligent animals and need an engaging enclosure

      More

      Healthy Nutrition for Your Pet Mice

      A balanced diet is important for every animal

      More
      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

      More
      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

      More
      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

      More
      Cat outdoors

      Cats on a Lead

      Reasons for the trend and what cat owners should know

      More
      Child with a lamb

      How to Wear it Kind

      A shopping guide for compassion in fashion by FOUR PAWS

      More
      Woman doing online research

      What You Need to Know About Illegal Online Puppy Sellers

      The most common tricks to avoid when looking for a puppy

      More
      Puppies

      Questions to Ask When Buying a Puppy

      Simply asking the right questions can be the best way to avoid the risks of the illegal puppy trade  

      More
      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  

      More

      Dental Care For Dogs and Cats

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

      More
      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

      More
      Lying cat

      Removing Cat Hair

      Advice for cat owners: how to remove cat hair and prevent excessive shedding

      More
      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

      More
      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!

      More
      Woman and a horse in a barn

      Disasters and Your Horse: Are You Ready?

      This guide will help you and your horse or other equines get prepared for when disaster strikes

      More
      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

      More
      Dog

      Checklist – What to Consider before Adopting a Pet

      There are a few things you should be aware of before giving an animal a forever home

      More
      Cat with green eyes

      A Cat's Personality

      All cats possess certain traits, but different levels make up their character

      More
      Cat with green eyes

      Living With a Cat Means Responsibility

      Dogs have owners, cats have staff – a common saying, that has some truth to it

      More
      Two cats

      Social Behaviour of Cats

      Are cats loners? Interesting facts every cat holder should know

      More
      Sneaking cat

      Territorial Behaviour of Cats

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

      More
      Two kittens playing

      Kittens and Their Development

      Cats are born blind and deaf, but develop strong senses right after birth

      More
      Cats drinking

      Milk Is Not Good for Cats

      Adult cats are lactose intolerant and develop gastro-intestinal problems after drinking milk

      More
      Cat looking at the viewer

      Cats and Their Hunting Behaviour

      Understanding typical actions of your pet

      More
      Two Cats

      Sexual Maturity of Cats

      What every responsible cat owner should know

      More
      Cat in a home

      How Cats Communicate

      More than just meowing, cats have various ways of interacting with other cats, animals and humans

      More
      Dog at the vet

      Dangers of Pet Obesity

      Being overweight reduces both quality of life and life expectancy

      More
      Cat with a measuring tape

      Is Your Pet Overweight?

      Some tips to help you determine if your pet is in the normal weight range or a bit chubby

      More
      Dog looking at a donut

      Countermeasures to Pet Obesity

      Weight loss tips for your cat or dog to bring them to a normal size

      More
      Dog and a car ramp

      How Can You Help Overweight Pets

      What every pet owner can do to make life a bit easier during the diet process 

      More
      Dog at Home

      Q&As: Pets and Coronavirus

      Information for Pet Owners

      More
      Enrichment for Big Cats

      Enrichment for Big Cats

      An important part of animal management in human care allowing them to act out natural species behaviour 

      More
      Two dogs in the office

      The Benefits of Dogs in the Office

      Dog-friendly workspaces can be great for both people and the animals

      More
      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

      More
      Mole

      The Mole: An Underground Guest

      Guide for animal lovers: So humans and moles can live together peacefully

      More
      Dog tied outside of shop

      Keep Your Pets Safe from Theft

      Stolen dogs are becoming a significant problem in many countries

      More
      Rabbit at the vet

      Flystrike in Rabbits

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

      More
      Cat at home

      Car Accidents Involving Cats

      What to do when a cat is involved in a car accident 

      More
      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

      More
      Man with dog on a leash

      Positive dog training

      Dogs learn best with positive reinforcement 

      More
      Cat in a big pet bed

      A Baby Is On the Way

      Preparing your cat for the arrival of a new family member 

      More
      Cat on balcony

      Cat-proof Balcony

      What you need to consider to keep your cat safe

      More
      Fruit and vegetables

      Nutrition Guide

      A FOUR PAWS nutrition guide

      More
      Dog panting in the heat

      Fake Animal Rescue Videos

      How to spot orchestrated animal rescues  

      More
      Quinea pig

      A small mammal moves in

      Tipps to become good small mammals owners as a whole family

      More
      Mouse looking out a small wood house

      Small mammals as pets

      Guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, mice, and rats – only for committed families 

      More
      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 

      More
      Foster dog

      How Fostering Helps to Save Lives

      A win for the shelter, the animal and you!

      More
      Dog and cat

      Are You Ready to Become a Fosterer?

      Foster parent’s guide

      More
      Cat and her owner

      How you can Become a Fosterer

      Foster parent’s guide

      More
      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?

      More
      Kitten Hazel

      Why Do You Want to Have a Pet?

      Discover the motivations behind pet ownership

      More
      Guinea Pig

      Quiz: What Pet Best Suits My Lifestyle?

      Find out what pet might be perfect for you

      More
      Dogs at home

      Does a Dog Fit My Lifestyle?

      Test yourself with our '30-day dog challenge'

      More
      Cat at home

      Does a Cat Fit My Lifestyle?

      Test yourself with our '30-day cat challenge'

      More
      Guinea pigs as pets

      Does a Small Mammal Fit My Lifestyle?

      Test yourself with our '30-day challenge'

      More
      Puppy and its owner

      The Responsible Way to Acquiring a Pet

      Where should you purchase your pet from? 

      More
      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

      More
      Dogs in Speranta Shelter

      A Pet is Not Just for Lockdown!

      FOUR PAWS' Guide for Animal Lovers

      More
      White rabbit relaxing

      Common Mistakes when Keeping Rabbits

      Guide for Rabbit Owners: Seven of the typical Mistakes

      More
      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

      More
      Happy cat

      The Purr-fect Vacation

      A happy cat’s holiday guide

      More
      Raccoon at TIERART

      Furry Intruders – Animal-Friendly Removal of Raccoons

      FOUR PAWS provides tips on how to keep raccoons at bay 

      More
      A dog affected by severe flooding

      Disasters and Your Pets: Are You Ready?

      This guide will help you and your family get prepared for when disaster strikes

      More
      Dog at home

      Pet Technology Revolution

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

      More
      Scared dog

      The Impact of Lockdown on Domestic Violence

      FOUR PAWS' Guide for Animal Lovers

      More
      LIONS at LIONSROCK

      E-book: Londi learns about Lions at LIONSROCK

      A special gift for your supports 

      More
      Snuffle mat for dogs

      Make a Snuffle Mat for Your Dog

      Instructions: creative fun for both you and your dog!

      More
      Raccoon at TIRART

      Raccoons – Also Known as Procyon Lotor

      Many raccoons live at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary in Germany

      More
      Pet cat sleeping

      10 Things You Can Do for the Animals and Yourself Now

      You can prove love for animals even in difficult times

      More
      Enrichment in BEAR SANCTUARY

      Enrichment for Bears

      Search game for children – Dushi needs support!

      More
      Dog sniffing on another dog

      Giardia – Invisible Guests

      Guide for pet owners: the dangers for animals and humans

      More
      Rabbit listening

      The Proper Lifting and Lowering of a Rabbit

      What a you should know about caring of a rabbit

      More
      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

      More
      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

      More
      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.

      More
      Rabbit enclosure

      How to Design a Rabbit Enclosure

      Make rabbits feel at home

      More
      dogs in the office

      Dogs in the Office

      Tips and tricks for a healthy working relationship with your canine colleague

      More
      Dog geting pet by his owner

      Clicker training for Pets

      Encouraging positive behaviour through positive reinforcement

      More

      Fruit and Vegetables Seasonal Calendar

      Animal-friendly food is always in season!

      More

      Guinea Pigs as Pets

      Guide for pet owners: What to do to make the little rodents - guinea pigs - feel comfortable with you

      More

      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

      More

      A Natural Life for a Guinea pig

      Interesting background facts about these lovely rodents

      More

      Putting Guinea Pigs Together

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

      More
      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

      More

      Keeping Guinea Pigs in an Apartment

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

      More

      Guinea Pigs – Their History

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

      More

      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

      More

      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.

      More

      Common Mistakes when Keeping Guinea Pigs

      Here are some of the most common errors made while keeping guinea pigs

      More

      Clicker Training for Guinea Pigs

      This method is mostly known from training with dogs

      More
      Dog

      Moulting: Dogs & Cats

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

      More

      What to Do if Your Dog Eats Poisoned Bait

      Advice for dog lovers: important facts about dogs and poisoning 

      More
      Happy dog

      Dogs and Their Needs

      Guide for dog owners: What does my dog need?

      More
      AAI Dog Kaya at the AAI Center Bulgaria

      Getting a Dog?

      Things to consider before getting a dog

      More

      Getting a Cat?

      Things to consider before getting a cat

      More
      Portrait of a Dog in Speranta Shelter

      Checklist: Getting a Pet

      A guide for future pet owners

      More
      Dog with a ball

      Help us create a better world for animals!

      Give Now!

      Search