animal studies basics

Feeding Requirements: Different species have different dietary needs.
- Dogs: Dry or wet dog food, raw diets (e.g., BARF diet).
- Cats: Meat-based wet or dry food.
- Rabbits: Hay, fresh greens, and small pellets.
- Guinea Pigs: Hay, vitamin C rich veggies, and pellets.
- Birds: Pellets, fresh fruit, veggies, and seeds as treats.
- Reptiles: Insects like crickets, leafy greens, and calcium supplements.
- Livestock: Grass, hay, silage, grains, and mineral blocks.
Hygiene and Cleaning: Maintaining clean environments is vital for disease prevention.
- Dogs: Wash bowls daily, bathe as needed, clean kennels and bedding regularly.
- Cats: Clean litter tray daily, wash bedding, and groom regularly.
- Rabbits: Daily hutch cleaning, hay replacement, and disinfection of bottles and bowls.
- Guinea Pigs: Spot clean daily, full cage clean every two to three weeks.
- Birds: Change cage lining daily, clean perches, and disinfect bowls and toys.
- Reptiles: Spot clean daily, deep clean weekly, and replace substrate.
- Livestock: Manual removal of waste, keep dry bedding, and clean water and food troughs.

Gentle Handling Techniques: Understanding how to approach and handle animals safely and with minimal stress.
- Dogs: Approach calmly, allowing sniffing; use leads or harnesses.
- Cats: Let them come to you; support chest and rear legs; avoid grabbing.
- Rabbits: Support the chest and bottom; never pick up by the ears.
- Guinea Pigs: Cup hands under their chest and legs; hold close to the body.
- Birds: Use perch or hand taming; stay quiet and calm.
- Reptiles: Support the entire body; avoid sudden movements; wash hands before and after handling.
- Livestock: Use pens and races; respect flight zones; stay calm.

Reading Body Language: Recognizing signs of stress, fear, aggression, relaxation, and contentment.
- Importance of understanding these signs in cats and dogs particularly.

Signs of Good Health vs. Illness:
- Healthy Signs: Bright eyes, alert, well-eating, cleaning fur and feathers, no discharge, normal breathing and movement, regular toilet habits.
- Unhealthy Signs: Lethargy, hiding, dull eyes, diarrhea, coughing, discharge from eyes or nose, whimpering, wheezing, bloating, changes in poo and wee, or blood present.
Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
- Examples: Ringworm, salmonella, rabies, toxoplasmosis.
- Prevention: Always wash hands after handling animals, wear gloves when cleaning, vaccinate animals when appropriate, and keep animal areas clean and disinfected.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Using gloves, masks, and boots to protect oneself from diseases when appropriate.

Basic Work Health and Safety (WHS) Knowledge: Rules and guidelines for working around animals.

Familiarity with Common Animal Breeds: Dog breeds, cat breeds, small animal breeds, reptiles, birds, and livestock.

Enrichment: Providing mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and stress.
- Examples by species:
  - Dogs: Toys, scent games, and training.
  - Cats: Scratching posts and climbing trees.
  - Rabbits: Tunnels and chew toys.
  - Birds: Swings and puzzle feeders.
  - Reptiles: Branches, hides, and climbing structures.
Restraints: Safe methods to restrain animals when required.
Vaccination: Understanding the vaccination protocols for different species.
Dissecting: Knowledge about dissection procedures.
Parasite Control: Methods for preventing and controlling parasites in animals.
Temperament: Understanding different animal temperaments.
Microchipping: Knowledge and importance of microchipping animals.