Natural World & Pets (Lifestyle, Sport & Leisure) Books Online

Pet Care Books: Dogs, Cats, Birds, Rabbits and the Natural World

Thinking of bringing home a pet? Read first. Puppies grow, kittens climb, and parrots can live for decades. Pet care books tell you what you are really signing up for, and they help you to give an animal a healthy, happy life. This shelf covers dog breeds from the Rottweiler to the Chihuahua, along with cats, parrots, rabbits, hamsters, hedgehogs, and even backyard chickens and goats. Writers such as Liz Palika, Sarah Hodgson, Ian Dunbar, D. Caroline Coile and Kim Campbell Thornton are all represented here.

Nature lovers will also find field style reading and children's books on animals and birds.

Before You Get a Pet: Questions to Ask

Too many animals are abandoned because their owners did not think things through. Spend an honest hour on these questions first.

Time: Who will walk, feed and play with this animal every single day?
Space: Does your home suit this size and energy level? A large working breed in a small flat will be unhappy.
Climate: Thick coated breeds can suffer badly in Indian summers. Ask a vet before choosing.
Cost: Food, vaccinations, grooming and emergency care add up over many years.
Lifespan: Dogs and cats may live well over a decade, and some parrots far longer.
Family: Is anybody allergic or afraid? Does everyone at home agree?

If you can, consider adopting. Indian street dogs, in particular, are hardy and affectionate, and they are well suited to the local climate.

Dog Care and Dog Training Books

Dog training books are the most popular part of this shelf, and rightly so. A well trained dog is a happier dog, and it makes life much more pleasant for everyone around it. Ian Dunbar is widely respected for his friendly, reward based methods, and Sarah Hodgson and Liz Palika are other names to look for. Puppy Care and Training offers help for that exhausting first year.

Breed guides are available for many popular dogs, including An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet series titles on The Boxer, The Rottweiler, The Cocker Spaniel, The Basset Hound and more. You will also find The Essential Pomeranian, Living with a Pomeranian, Living with a Pug, and How to Raise and Train Your Doberman Pincher Puppy. Read the breed guide before you decide, not after. Some breeds need hours of exercise each day, and others have well known health issues.

Some simple rules for new owners:

Reward what you like. Praise and treats teach much faster than shouting.
Socialise early. Gently introduce your puppy to people, sounds and other dogs.
Keep sessions short. A few minutes, several times a day, works better than one long lesson.
Be consistent. Everybody in the family should use the same words and rules.
Never hit your dog. Fear creates problems that can be very hard to fix later.

Cat Care Books

Cats are not small dogs, and a good book will help you to understand why. Kitten Care and Training is a solid first step, and titles like How to Understand and Take Care of Your Ragdoll Cat go into specific breeds. Learn the basics of litter training, scratching and safe play. Cats need vertical space and quiet corners, and a window with a view can keep an indoor cat entertained for hours. Vaccinations and sterilisation are important, so talk to your vet about the right timing.

Birds and Small Pets

Exotic pets need more research than you might think. Amazon Parrot as Pet and the Eclectus Parrot beginner's guide explain just how intelligent and demanding such birds are. Parrots need company and stimulation, and they can suffer when left alone in a cage for long periods. Please also note that keeping many native Indian birds as pets is illegal under wildlife law, so always check before you buy any bird.

Small animals have their own needs. The Hamster, Pet Expert: Hamsters and Guinea Pigs, Caring for Rabbits and Hedgehog: An Owner's Guide are good for families who want a smaller companion. Remember that young children can hurt small animals by accident, so an adult needs to supervise and remain responsible for daily care.

Backyard Animals and Small Farms

For those with a little land, books like Silkie Chickens, Raising Pigs and Nigerian Dwarf Goats give practical advice on housing, feeding and breeding. These are useful for hobby farmers, although many of them are written for other countries, so you may have to adapt the advice to Indian conditions. Students and serious farmers will find more in the agriculture shelf.

Pets and Your Health

Living with an animal has real emotional benefits. Pets get us moving, give us routine, and offer comfort on hard days. Live with Your Pet in Mind looks at this close relationship, and How to Massage Your Dog shows just how far that bond can go. Working Dogs: Tales from Animal Planet's K-9 to 5 World celebrates dogs that help people every day. However, no book can replace proper veterinary care. If your pet is unwell, stops eating or behaves strangely, please see a qualified vet right away and do not depend on a book or a web search. Serious students can explore veterinary science.

Books for Children Who Love Animals

Children who love animals often love reading about them too. All about Dogs, Eyewitness Bird, Ducklings and I Want a Pet books are good first choices. Reading about a pet's needs before bringing one home is an excellent way to teach responsibility. Let your child make a small chart of feeding and cleaning duties. Young readers will also enjoy the animal titles in children's encyclopedias and Little Explorers STEM.

Being a Good Neighbour to Animals

You do not have to own a pet to care about animals. Many Indian neighbourhoods have community dogs and cats. Learning about their behaviour helps you stay safe and treat them with kindness. Keep a bowl of water out during summer, support local sterilisation drives, and teach children not to tease or chase them. Noticing the birds, insects and trees around you is also a wonderful daily pleasure, and it costs nothing at all.

Explore More

Field guides to Indian birds, butterflies and mammals can be found under art and photography, and books about the living world are in biology. Environmental questions are covered in environment books, and gardens that attract birds and bees can begin with gardening books. Whether you are planning to bring home a puppy or simply love watching the sparrows, a little reading will deepen the relationship.

A pet is a long commitment, so read about food, space, cost and care before bringing one home. For a sick animal, always go to a qualified vet and not just a book.

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