Pet Care FAQ — Paws & Co

Question 1

How often should I feed my dog?

Accepted Answer

Adult dogs generally do best with two meals a day — morning and evening. Puppies under 6 months need three to four smaller meals. Always follow the feeding guidelines on your dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's weight, age, and activity level.

Question 2

What foods are toxic to dogs?

Accepted Answer

Keep these away from dogs: chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), macadamia nuts, avocado, alcohol, and cooked bones. When in doubt, stick to vet-approved treats.

Question 3

How much exercise does my dog need?

Accepted Answer

Most adult dogs need 30–60 minutes of exercise per day. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Huskies may need 1–2 hours. Senior dogs and brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs) need gentler, shorter walks. Always watch for signs of overheating.

Question 4

When should I take my dog to the vet?

Accepted Answer

Schedule annual wellness exams for adult dogs and bi-annual visits for seniors (7+). Visit sooner if you notice vomiting, diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, or any sudden behavioral changes.

Question 5

What's the best diet for a puppy?

Accepted Answer

Puppies need food specifically formulated for growth — look for 'puppy' or 'all life stages' on the label. Choose a formula with real meat as the first ingredient, DHA for brain development, and calcium for strong bones. Avoid adult dog food until your puppy reaches maturity.

Question 6

How often should I feed my cat?

Accepted Answer

Adult cats typically eat two meals a day. Free-feeding (leaving dry food out all day) works for some cats but can lead to overeating. Wet food should be served fresh and removed after 30–60 minutes. Kittens need three to four small meals daily.

Question 7

Do cats need wet food or is dry food enough?

Accepted Answer

Cats are obligate carnivores with a low thirst drive, so wet food helps keep them hydrated. A mix of wet and dry food is ideal — wet food provides moisture and protein, while dry food supports dental health. Always ensure fresh water is available.

Question 8

What foods are dangerous for cats?

Accepted Answer

Toxic foods for cats include onions, garlic, chives, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes, raisins, xylitol, raw dough, and certain artificial sweeteners. Dairy products can cause digestive upset in many cats despite the popular myth that cats love milk.

Question 9

How do I keep my indoor cat mentally stimulated?

Accepted Answer

Rotate interactive toys, provide window perches for bird-watching, use puzzle feeders, set up a cat tree for climbing, and schedule daily play sessions with wand toys. Even 10–15 minutes of active play twice a day significantly reduces boredom and behavioral issues.

Question 10

How often should I clean the litter box?

Accepted Answer

Scoop the litter box at least once daily — cats are fastidious and may avoid a dirty box. Do a full litter change and box wash every 1–2 weeks. The general rule is one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

Question 11

How often should I feed my fish?

Accepted Answer

Feed most fish once or twice a day, offering only what they can consume in 2–3 minutes. Overfeeding is the most common mistake — uneaten food decomposes and pollutes the water. Some species like goldfish do better with smaller, more frequent feedings.

Question 12

How do I cycle a new aquarium?

Accepted Answer

Cycling establishes beneficial bacteria that convert toxic ammonia into nitrite, then into less harmful nitrate. Add an ammonia source (fish food or pure ammonia), test water daily, and wait 4–6 weeks until ammonia and nitrite both read zero. Only then is it safe to add fish.

Question 13

How often should I change the water?

Accepted Answer

Change 25–30% of the water weekly for most freshwater tanks. Saltwater tanks may need 10–15% weekly changes. Always treat tap water with a dechlorinator before adding it. Regular water changes are the single most important thing you can do for fish health.

Question 14

What temperature should my aquarium be?

Accepted Answer

Tropical freshwater fish thrive at 24–28°C (75–82°F). Coldwater fish like goldfish prefer 18–22°C (65–72°F). Saltwater reef tanks typically need 25–26°C (77–79°F). Use a reliable aquarium thermometer and a heater with a thermostat for consistency.

Question 15

Why is my fish swimming erratically or near the surface?

Accepted Answer

Fish gasping at the surface usually indicates low oxygen or poor water quality. Check ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels immediately. Erratic swimming can signal disease, parasites, or water temperature shock. Perform a partial water change and test your parameters right away.

Question 16

What should I feed my pet bird?

Accepted Answer

A balanced bird diet includes a quality pellet formula (50–70% of diet), fresh vegetables and leafy greens, limited fruit, and species-appropriate seeds. Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, and anything with xylitol — these are toxic to birds.

Question 17

How big should my bird's cage be?

Accepted Answer

Bigger is always better. At minimum, your bird should be able to fully spread its wings without touching the sides. Bar spacing matters too — small birds like budgies need bars no more than 1.25 cm apart to prevent escapes or head entrapment. Horizontal bars encourage climbing.

Question 18

How much out-of-cage time does my bird need?

Accepted Answer

Most pet birds need at least 2–4 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily. Social species like parrots and cockatiels can develop behavioral problems without enough interaction. Always bird-proof the room first — ceiling fans, open windows, and toxic houseplants are common hazards.

Question 19

Why is my bird plucking its feathers?

Accepted Answer

Feather plucking can stem from boredom, stress, nutritional deficiencies, skin irritation, or underlying illness. Rule out medical causes with a vet visit first. Then evaluate enrichment, social interaction, diet, and humidity levels. This behavior can become habitual if not addressed early.

Question 20

How do I keep my bird's cage clean?

Accepted Answer

Line the cage bottom with paper and change it daily. Wipe perches and food/water dishes every day. Do a thorough cage scrub with bird-safe disinfectant weekly. Avoid aerosol sprays, scented candles, non-stick cookware fumes, and air fresheners — birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems.

Question 21

How often should I feed my reptile?

Accepted Answer

Feeding frequency varies widely by species. Bearded dragons eat daily as juveniles and every 1–2 days as adults. Ball pythons eat every 7–14 days. Leopard geckos eat every 2–3 days. Always research your specific species — overfeeding reptiles is a common and harmful mistake.

Question 22

What temperature and humidity does my reptile need?

Accepted Answer

Reptiles are ectotherms and rely on external heat to regulate body temperature. Most need a thermal gradient — a warm basking spot and a cooler retreat. Bearded dragons need 38–43°C basking spots; ball pythons prefer 30–32°C. Always research your specific species' requirements.

Question 23

Do reptiles need UVB lighting?

Accepted Answer

Most diurnal (daytime-active) reptiles like bearded dragons, chameleons, and tortoises require UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium. Nocturnal species like leopard geckos and ball pythons have lower UVB needs but still benefit from a proper day/night cycle.

Question 24

How do I handle my reptile safely?

Accepted Answer

Always wash hands before and after handling. Support the full body — never grab by the tail. Start with short 5–10 minute sessions and gradually increase as your reptile becomes comfortable. Avoid handling during shedding, after feeding, or when your reptile shows defensive posturing.

Question 25

What substrate is best for my reptile's enclosure?

Accepted Answer

Substrate choice depends on species and humidity needs. Bioactive soil mixes work well for tropical species. Reptile carpet or tile suits bearded dragons. Coconut fiber retains humidity for ball pythons. Avoid cedar and pine shavings — the aromatic oils are toxic to reptiles.

Question 26

What do hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs eat?

Accepted Answer

Hamsters and gerbils thrive on a quality seed/pellet mix supplemented with fresh vegetables. Guinea pigs need unlimited timothy hay, fresh leafy greens daily, and a vitamin C supplement since they cannot produce it themselves. Avoid sugary fruits and starchy vegetables for all small animals.

Question 27

How much space does a rabbit need?

Accepted Answer

Rabbits need far more space than most people expect. A minimum enclosure is 4× the rabbit's length, but free-roaming in a bunny-proofed room is ideal. Rabbits are social and active — they need several hours of exercise outside their enclosure daily and thrive with a companion.

Question 28

How often should I clean a small animal's cage?

Accepted Answer

Spot-clean daily by removing soiled bedding and uneaten fresh food. Do a full cage clean weekly — remove all bedding, wash the enclosure with a pet-safe disinfectant, and replace with fresh substrate. Guinea pigs and rabbits produce more waste and may need more frequent spot-cleaning.

Question 29

Can small animals be kept together?

Accepted Answer

Same-sex pairs of guinea pigs, gerbils, and rats generally do well together and benefit from companionship. Hamsters are largely solitary and can fight if housed together. Rabbits can be bonded in pairs but require a careful introduction process. Never house different species together.

Question 30

What bedding is safe for small animals?

Accepted Answer

Paper-based bedding (like Carefresh) is safe and absorbent for most small animals. Aspen shavings are also a good option. Avoid cedar and pine shavings — the phenols are toxic and can cause respiratory and liver damage. Fleece liners work well for guinea pigs and rabbits.

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