Animal health

There are many concerns a guardian will have for their pregnant dog. Maintaining the health and well-being of the mother is the best way to ensure the same for her puppies. Some female dogs reach sexual maturity after only 6 months of age. This could mean that a dog gets pregnant unexpectedly. Even...

If your dog has suddenly lost their ability to open their mouth, they most likely have masticatory muscle myositis. This immune system disorder disables your dog from eating, chewing, and even picking up their toys. It is extremely painful for our dog. This is why in this AnimalWised article we are going...

Not all symptoms of disease in cats are as obvious as each other. A cat may be seriously ill without showing any signs for a long time. Unfortunately, it is often the medical conditions which don't have obvious symptoms that can be the most life-threatening. A high lymphocyte count is something that can only be...

Respiratory diseases in dogs are a relatively common veterinary medical issue. Paying attention to their pet's overall health and well-being is essential for any dog guardian. However, since there are many different types of respiratory disease in dogs, many of the symptoms are shared. This can make...

A mother dog's breast milk is essential to her puppies' survival in their first weeks of life. It not only provides them with nutrients, but also key antibodies necessary for developing their immunity. Therefore, if a mother dog is not feeding her puppies or abruptly stops nursing them, this can be a...

The facial shape of our dogs varies greatly. Some have deer-like faces with long snouts and flat heads. Others have big round faces with lots of folds. In the latter category, it can be difficult to tell if a dog's face is swollen. This is why we need to be very observant when caring for our dog's well-being....

Metritis is something which can only happen to female dogs. This is because it is an infection of the uterus. A bacterial infection, it occurs during birthing or shortly thereafter. There are different causes of metritis, as we will see further on in this AnimalWised article. While we should be ensuring...

Cats can be affected by ticks in multiple ways. Normally, we tend to associate these parasites with dogs, but they can affect cats too. In addition, we often assume that ticks attach themselves only to animals, but the truth is that humans can also be bitten by ticks. Ticks are carriers of multiple diseases,...

Abscesses in rabbits are a relatively common disorder and can be more or less dangerous depending on their location and development. Even some large abscesses can be very treatable in certain situations. This does not mean we should ignore any abscess we find in a rabbit. However small, any lump in the...

An expectant litter of kittens can make any cat guardian nervous. The birth of new life can also be an emotional and joyful time. If you have been anxious about your beloved cat bringing new life into the world, you will likely have done all you can to make their first day a comfortable one. This is why...

Possums are extremely gentle creatures and they are not aggressive in the least. That said, in rare situations, possums will attack, specifically when they have to defend themselves much like any other species. A possum has only two lines of defense– either it will attack or play dead. While it is not a danger...

Furosemide for dogs is one of the most commonly prescribed diuretics for dogs which favors the elimination of liquids. This diuretic can only be prescribed and administered to a dog following strict veterinary control. Self-medicated Furosemide is never advisable, as if not administered correctly, it...

In this AnimalWised article, we are going to talk about notoedric mange, a type of scabies caused by the Notoedres cati mite. This mite is a parasite and its effect on its host can lead to intense itching and acute skin problems. When this host is your beloved cat, you will want to know what you can...

Brucellosis in cattle, also referred to as bovine brucellosis, is one of the most common diseases among cattle. This serious pathology is zoonosis, meaning it can be transmitted to humans and other animals. This disease of bacterial origin produces alterations within cattle reproduction, such as infallibility...

Fungi are very resistant organisms that can access an animal and/or human’s body through skin wounds, the respiratory tract or by ingestion. Sporothrix schenckii, for example, is a fungus which can cause sporotrichosis in cats. If not treated in time, it can be fatal. Itraconazole is one of the most...

Perineal hernias in dogs are not very common, however, if noticed, they do require immediate attention. If not treated in time, perineal hernias in dogs can lead to further complications which can put a dog’s life at risk. For more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, home remedies and treatment of perineal...

The importance of deworming dogs both internally and externally is not only emphasized for hygienic and/or aesthetic reasons. Deworming our animals also plays an incredibly important role in avoiding parasites in dogs, such as ticks. Tick-borne disease in dogs can be incredibly dangerous and should...

Hydrocephalus in dogs is not a common canine pathology; however, some dogs are more susceptible to it. Small breeds or brachycephalic dog breeds have a greater predisposition to suffering from this disease. If you notice any of these below-mentioned symptoms of hydrocephalus in dogs, rapid and intensive...

A dog’s paws and paw pads are an incredibly delicate part of their anatomy, especially because they are constantly in contact with the ground. For this reason, this area of a dog’s body often suffers from injuries and disorders. One of the most common canine paw disorders is known as pododermatitis in...

Feline acne is a dermatological problem which can occur in cats of any age. Feline acne on a cat’s skin is visible through the formation of blackheads. Symptoms of feline acne include inflammation, pain, and sores. But, what causes feline acne and how do you treat it? And, most importantly, is feline...

Ivermectin is a common antiparasitic drug for cats, dogs, and other animals. Currently, however, there are other products which have been proven safer for cats. If you are wondering, is ivermectin safe for cats? You’ve come to the right place. Here at AnimalWised we aim to discuss everything you need to...

Vitiligo in dogs is a rare condition with a relative lack of research in the area. Although not zoonotic or contagious, it is a skin condition which can also affect humans. Characterized by the development of white patches on the skin and hair, it is relatively uncommon. You might notice your dog gradually...

Understanding what healthy dog poop looks like is key when it comes to understanding a dog’s health status. Is your dog pooping white, yellow, or black feces? Have you noticed white chalky dog poop on the ground instead of the normal medium brown not-too-soft poop? Your dog’s poop color and poop consistency...

If you observe that your dog’s anus is reddened or inflamed, one would initially assume that this would be a sign of a dog hemorrhoid. However, other than in exceptional cases, dogs do not actually suffer from hemorrhoids. But then, if my dog’s anus is inflamed and/or swollen and it’s not as a result of...

Canine folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that usually occurs as a consequence of another skin disease. This dermatological disease directly affects a dog’s hair follicle health. Folliculitis in dogs is an infection that can appear in animals of all ages, but is more common in puppies...

Conjunctivitis in rabbits, known also as weepy eye, is a common rabbit eye infection. Conjunctivitis in rabbits can occur in one or both eyes and could be indicative of a dental disorder, hence the importance of early veterinary assistance. If you notice any symptoms of conjunctivitis in your rabbit,...

The first thing we need to state in this AnimalWised article on why do dogs eat their puppies? is that it is not common. While it can and does happen for the reasons explained below, it is in the minority of births. Mother dogs have a protective instinct over their newborn puppies. While it may sound counter-intuitive,...

Is your dog panting after giving birth? If your dog is extremely restless, uncomfortable, or nervous after giving birth, it is normal. However, if these do not remit, veterinary attention is required. Sometimes, after giving birth, bitches can experience complications which need to be attended to. For...

When temperatures soar, especially during heatwaves, dogs can overheat far faster than most owners realize. It is dangerous when your pup is overheating because it can be life-threatening within minutes. This is when daily situations like walking, training, driving to the park, or relaxing in your backyard...

Toxocara canis is one of the most common parasites in dogs. Referred to also as roundworm, this helminth parasite can affect all canidae species and humans alike. Toxocara canis is zoonotic, meaning that it can be transmitted from animals to humans. This is why it is incredibly important to follow your dog’s...

Are you wondering which are the most common cat eye diseases? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Most cat eye diseases and problems can be treated, but in most cases veterinary attention is necessary. If not treated, cat eye diseases can cause irreversible damage and can even result in blindness....

There are several causes of sore throat in cats and it is a caregiver’s responsibility to be able to identify if their cat has a sore throat and how to treat it correctly. But what are the common causes, symptoms and treatment of sore throat in cats? You may also be wondering how to tell if a cat has...

Generally, the testicles of cats go unnoticed due to their small size and location. Both their tail and the pocket of fur which covers their scrotum can keep them relatively well hidden. It can sometimes make it difficult for us to tell whether a cat is neutered. This is why a cat's swollen testicles...

While we think of the popularity of rabbits as pets being a relatively recent phenomenon, there have been organizations dedicated to their rearing for over a century[1]. This increase in popularity has also led to the need for more veterinarians to become specialized in bunny health. However, the first line...

Have you noticed that your dog won’t eat or drink? This is naturally a worrisome sign. The absence of appetite in dogs may indicate the presence of a pathology. In fact, if your dog IS NOT hungry, it is a common symptom of several diseases. Have you noticed that your dog won’t eat dry food or any food for...

Every animal has characteristics that naturally develop in order to aid it in living comfortably. Along with their great sense of vision, cats also have an acute sense of hearing. These senses help a cat maneuver through their respective environments and communicate between each other and other beings....

Allergies appear when the immune system develops an adverse or exaggerated response to an allergen. An allergic reaction leads to high release of histamine in the body. This hypersensitivity occurs as a consequence of the ingestion of certain foods or compounds. Food allergies in felines can cause several...

The way rabbits communicate may seem mysterious at first. As we get to know them, we can see that rabbits will show signs of happiness, stress, or even infection in their own way. It is up to us to ensure we interpret these signs carefully. When it comes to a rabbit's health, there are signs of an underlying...

Ragdoll cats are one of the largest breeds of domestic cat (they still don't quite rival the heft of a tiger) with males being larger than females. They originated in the United States of America from different breeds such as the Persian, Siamese and Birmese. In recent decades, these felines have become very...

A canary is a bird that has been bred in captivity for more than 500 years. This songbird is sweet, harmonious and greatly appreciated by canary enthusiasts for its pleasant and sweet melodies. Canaries are generally easy to care for. However, most importantly, they must be kept clean. If a canary or its...

Owners or prospective dog owners will be interested to know everything about mange in dogs, its symptoms and treatment, and even some home remedies. Scabies is a skin disease caused by several types of mites and can have serious consequences if not treated properly. It is found all over the planet and affects...

When giving a general medical examination, a doctor will look into our eyes to see signs of health problems. The veterinarian will also do the same for our cats. The reason is that eyes can show signs of brain damage, hemorrhaging or, of course, eye problems, among others. This doesn't mean the doctor...

Black and brown bats are dangerous to humans and pets, because everything from their droppings to their bite is infectious and can lead to diseases. Although it is rare to be attacked by a bat, when it happens you'll notice their very small but razor-sharp teeth. After being bitten by a bat, there is a risk...

Cats are very clean animals and take care of their own daily hygiene needs. But, like us, they can get sick and when they feel bad the first thing they neglect is their hygiene. In these situations they need pampering and for us to lend a hand. With this said, we must evaluate several points and consult...

Leishmaniasis in cats is a chronic disease caused by a protozoan parasite called Leishmania infantum. Although it is relatively rare in cats, it is a disease is considered to be emerging. It is also a type of zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transferred to humans. Although more commonly diagnosed in...

Constipation is not necessarily more common in small dog breeds, but the dog's size can be a factor in having trouble pooping. While it may be relatively frequent in small animals, it doesn't mean that constipation can be ignored. It can be a symptom of a more serious health concern. At the very least,...

A dog twitches when they lie down due to tremors and muscle contractions. While this twitching can be a normal response to physical activity, it can also be a symptom of certain physiological or emotional pathologies. While we can recognize tremors or twitching easily in the dog, it is more difficult...

A cesarean section in cats, also known as a c-section, is a surgical intervention which is required when a pregnant cat cannot give birth naturally. The reasons a cat cannot give birth without help are varied. They can be determined before the cat enters labor which will usually require scheduling of a cesarean...

Also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis in dogs, acute moist dermatitis is a skin infection which results in oozing inflamed patches of skin known as hot spots. The skin is exposed due to the hair loss in the area, a hair loss which is caused by the dog themselves. When a dog licks the same area repeatedly...

Cats living as companion animals in our homes have their needs covered by their guardians. Despite a preconception of being solitary and even selfish, domestic felines develop close bonds with their human companions. The strength of these bonds will depend on the individuals involved, as well as environmental,...