Animal health
Learn all you need to know about your pet's health. AnimalWised will explain some of the most common diseases in pets in a simple way, how to prevent and how to act in certain situations. Here you can clarify your doubts about specific diseases and learn in which cases you should immediately consult a veterinarian and even some home remedies that may complement the treatment prescribed by your veterinarian.
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Accepting that dogs lick their anus is part of their responsibility of care. There are certain canine behaviors which may be unappealing to us, but which are necessary expressions of the dog's behavior. Keeping a clean anus is very important for dogs. Dogs in the wild do not have a human guardian to...
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If you see a lump on your dog's nipple area, it's important to consider the potential of breast cancer in dogs. There are other symptoms of canine mammary cancer, but a lump is one of the most common. This does not mean a lump in the nipple area will provide diagnosis of cancer. This is something which...
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Also known as scabies in horses, mange is a skin disease caused by the infestation of mites. It is a disease which is most associated with dogs. This is because the specific mite that causes sarcoptic mange in animals is Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, a mite of the genus Sarcoptes which is highly contagious....
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Cats with diabetes need to eat protein-rich food which avoids nutrients such as high-glycemic carbohydrates. Many of us will not associate diabetes with felines since they generally do not eat sugar. This is a common misconception with cats since diabetes is related to poor diet, especially when it is high...
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We might associate deworming products with cats and dogs, but we ignore potential parasites in rabbits at our bunny's peril. Especially when they are kept in outdoor hutches, rabbits are vulnerable to many different types of internal and external parasites. Said parasites can enter their body through...
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Stronghold plus for cats is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent which is used to combat both internal and external parasites. Unlike many other antiparasitic deworming agents for animals, Stronghold Plus has two active ingredients. This provides protection against external parasites such as fleas, ticks...
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If your dog keeps rubbing their face on the carpet, the reasons for the behavior will depend on the context. If they are happily rolling on the ground and having a good time, it will be in contrast to a dog which appears to be rubbing their nose in distress. A dog's nose is very sensitive, meaning they...
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Conofite for dogs is a topical medication which comes in the form of ear drops. It is used to treat otitis, a general term for inflammation of the ear. Its usefulness for this purpose will depend on the underlying cause of the otitis, but its active ingredients make it useful against various common...
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Deciding when to euthanize a dog with kidney failure is one of the most heartbreaking and important decisions a dog guardian will need to make. There are many ways we can support a dog with kidney failure, but ensuring we diagnose the problem as early as possible is vital for prolonged life. Unfortunately,...
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Canine hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS) is an uncommon metabolic disorder impacting both the liver and skin. It exhibits distinct characteristics such as hepatopathy, hypoaminoacidemia, aminoaciduria, and superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND), leading to specific crusted, red, and histologically unique...
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Dermatitis in dogs is a term which refers to the inflammation of a dog's skin, a symptom which has many causes. Whether due to infection, sensitivity, parasites or any other issue, dermatitis can be very troubling for the dog. Not only does it cause discomfort and pain, but the damaged skin is made vulnerable...
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When a rabbit is pregnant, they will nest when they are about to enter labor. This nesting behavior is very important to offer both mother and her kits the security she needs to care for vulnerable offspring. Female rabbits will reach sexual maturity around 4 to 8 months of age, after which time they can...
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Heavy breathing is an increase in respiratory rate above normal and is known medically as tachypnea. It may or not be accompanied by dyspnea, the medical term for respiratory distress. Panting is a form of heavy breathing, but it is not always a sign of a problem. Panting is a normal reaction to various...
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Apoquel is a drug used to treat the symptoms which appear during cases of atopic dermatitis. This is a prolonged inflammation of the skin which causes redness, itching and purulent discharge in advanced cases. These symptoms can be very upsetting for the dog and put them at risk of complications such as...
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When we combine a cat's natural curiosity with an innate hunting instinct, they can get themselves into trouble. With the limited fauna of our homes and gardens, even the smallest insect can be a cat's white whale. Bees and wasps are large prey when compared with other insect species we might find near...
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Flea infestations can be a real hassle for both you and your cat. Their bites cause intense itching, redness, and irritation, leading to excessive scratching and potentially open wounds on your cat's skin. While you might have heard baking soda is a natural remedy for fleas, it's important to understand its...
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Mistaking a bloated belly in a cat for simply eating too much could be a costly mistake. Although gastrointestinal problems are a common cause of feline distended abdomen, there are many causes which can result in this symptom. Some causes can be easily treatable, others can be life threatening. For this...
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Melanoma, a type of cancer developing from pigment cells, lurks in the shadows for many dogs. While not always aggressive, it can be a serious threat, particularly when left undetected. Knowing the early signs of melanoma in dogs is crucial, as prompt diagnosis and treatment significantly improve their...
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Also known as dyspepsia in dogs, indigestion is a relatively common gastrointestinal issue in canines, but its acuity varies greatly. It can range from a slightly upset stomach to practically incapacitating the animal. Unfortunately, our dogs cannot directly communicate their gastrointestinal status...
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When your cat suddenly snubs their food and water, it's natural to worry. We, as loving cat owners, are experts in their routines and habits. While cats are notorious for their discerning palates, a persistent lack of interest in eating or drinking demands attention. From picky palates to hidden health...
Although some play down canine emotions, dogs can get sad. They do not have the same emotional capacity as humans, but dogs can get depressed due to various emotional or even physical problems. Such sadness will be manifested in various symptoms, including lethargy, withdrawal and even aggression in pronounced...
Mucus in a dog's stool is a serious symptom which should never be ignored by guardians. Due to the passage through the gastrointestinal system, a thin film of mucus should be present on the exterior of the dog's feces. However, this film is not usually visible. When thick or viscous mucus is visible, this...
Taking good care of your cat's teeth is important for their overall health and well-being. Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, is a common issue in cats that can lead to pain, discomfort, and other health problems if left untreated. But the good news is, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent...
Parvovirus in dogs is a potentially fatal disease which is caused by a viral strain known as canine parvovirus (CPV). Commonly shortened to parvo, this is a highly contagious disease which can be contracted by any dog in the right circumstances. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to this disease since...
Scalibor and Seresto are popular brands of flea collars that serve the same purpose. When placed around the neck of a dog, they offer protection against fleas and ticks. These external parasites bite the dog's skin to extract blood, causing itchy welts and potentially spreading disease. Fleas and ticks are...
Veterinary diagnostic imaging is moving toward integrated systems that combine AI, teleradiology, reporting, and clinical decision support.Veterinary diagnostic imaging has become one of the most important decision-making layers in modern animal care. Radiographs, ultrasound, CT, and other imaging studies help...
Bloody mucus in a dog's stool can be accompanied by other symptoms which imply the dog is gravely ill. If this is the case, you will need to take them to a veterinarian immediately. Clinical signs such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting imply the dog is in serious trouble. This means we can...
Does your furry friend seem less enthusiastic about walks or struggle to jump on the couch? Limping can be a concerning sign in dogs, and sometimes it might point to a common condition called canine osteoarthritis (OA). Early recognition and management of OA are crucial for maintaining your dog's well-being.
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We expect a male cat will behave differently before and after neutering. This is due to testosterone, the main sex hormone in male cats. The neutering process is designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies, removing the testicles which are the main source of testosterone production in their body. While...
Entropion in dogs is a medical condition which causes the eyelids to invert along their edge towards the surface of the eyeball. This is usually a result of eyelid muscle contraction and the tightening of ligaments anchoring the eyelid muscles. It results in the eyelashes rubbing directly against the cornea...
Cats are known for being very hygienic animals, often cleaning parts which seem impossible to reach. While some have more difficulty than others, they can clean their behind by bending over and latching on to their legs. When we see a cat has stool on their butt after using the litter box, it might suggest...
Solensia for cats is a veterinary medicine intended to treat osteoarthritic pain in felines. Osteoarthritis is a common disease in cats, especially as they age. It can result in significant discomfort and pain, negatively impacting quality of life to varying degrees. The active ingredient in Solensia for cats...
When a cat has fleas, letting them sleep in our bed is a mistake. Fleas are ectoparasites of cats and can cause them great discomfort. They feed on the blood of the cat, biting their skin to do so. This results in an inflammatory response, something which is greatly exacerbated the more fleas there...
Spaying is a procedure which results in permanent sterilization of a dog. While there are some variations, in most cases it entails an ovariohysterectomy. This is the surgical removal of both the ovaries and the uterus. These reproductive organs produce sex hormones which influence canine behaviors such as humping....
Abscesses in dogs are caused by the accumulation of pus in various tissues in a dog's body. They are often the result of infection, but they can also be caused by other inflammatory processes. While they often appear under the skin, they can create a fistula which extends to break through it. These are...
Spaying is a process of permanent sterilization of a female cat, meaning they can no longer reproduce sexually. In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, it has many benefits for the individual cat's health and overall well-being. The stage at which the cat is neutered will have an impact on these benefits,...
Vinegar is an effective method of eliminating fleas from dogs with mild to moderate infestations. If your dog has a serious infestation, then the fastest and most effective way to eliminate them is go to a vet immediately. They will provide you with the best type of antiparasitic product to work quickly...
When a cat has swollen and red gums, guardians often first notice it due to the cat's bad breath. This is because the inflammation is linked to bacteria in the mouth, which is often accompanied by plaque and tartar buildup. While painful and stressful on their own, they can cause serious repercussions...
Metronidazole is a commonly prescribed antibiotic in human medicine, but it has also veterinary uses. Although antibiotics are used primarily to treat bacterial infections, metronidazole has some effectiveness against protozoan infections such as giardiasis. Often sold under the trade name Flagyl, it...
Finding a lump in your dog's mouth should be worrying to any guardian. While it suggests there may be the presence of a tumor, it is also possible they have serious periodontal problem such as an abscessed tooth. These are not only uncomfortable and sometimes very painful, they can threaten the dog's life....
Diarrhea in cats is a symptom of many disorders. Although it results as a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, the underlying causes of diarrhea are diverse. They include both physical and psychological health issues. While it is a relatively common disorder in felines, it is also a symptom of certain very...
Some dogs will naturally make more sounds than others. This can be especially so after they have exercised or been involved in some strenuous activity. Some noises can appear all of a sudden and should alert us to a problem. The nature of this problem can be varied, so it is very important we look at...
Respiratory tract diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cats and one of the main reasons for visits to the veterinary hospital. Although upper respiratory tract infections are common in cats and rarely result in death, lower respiratory tract disease can be fatal. Cats that breathe heavy...
One important distinguishing factor between different medications is whether they are organic or synthetic drugs. Some may have a bias against synthetic drugs, but this is often more to do with perception than reality. Although they are created differently, synthetic drugs are designed to very specific...
The development of tumors in dogs is not a new phenomenon, but our understanding of their causes and treatment is relatively recent. This is partly due to advancements in veterinary medicine, since our ability to treat other canine health issues and use better preventive medicine means they have a greater...
Kidney problems in cats are relatively common disorders in cats, especially with older cats. As caregivers, it is very important we pay attention to any physical or behavioral changes in our cat. Unfortunately, the early stages of kidney problems in cats can have very few symptoms or even be asymptomatic....
Allowing our dog to sleep in our bed is a privilege. They are wonderfully affectionate animals that enjoy nothing more than snuggling up to us while we get our rest. Unfortunately, they are also inquisitive and often energetic animals that love to explore. Their investigations can lead them to less...
The reasons why a dog is shaking and acting weird can be due to a range of causes which affect their nervous system. These problems also usually affect their appetite, meaning they stop eating. Although a dog may have localized issues which can cause them to shake or tremble, acting weird and not eating...
If a dog starts limping when they wake up, it can be easy to think they are merely stiff from rest. While this can be the case, especially with older dogs, it doesn't mean we should think a dog limping after sleeping is normal. On the contrary, it can be a sign of various ailments and illnesses, particularly...
A cat can start shaking for any number of reasons, many of which are pathological. The extent of the shaking is also important since there is a difference between a mild passing tremor and a consistent episode of shaking. Whatever the cause of the cat shaking, it is important to know that it is not normal....