Animal health

At AnimalWised we try to bring you everything you need to know about your companion animal's care. Unfortunately, this also entails some subjects readers might find upsetting. When a cat becomes pregnant, it brings up issues of responsibility which can be difficult to consider. Cats become parts of families...

When we see a bunny sneeze, it can be one of the most adorable sights. They give a crinkle of their nose and do a little hop as reaction. When it is a one-off or rare case, there should be nothing to worry about. When a rabbit sneezing becomes frequent or even chronic, then it is a symptom of a health...

Dilated pupils in dogs, especially in bright light or if affecting only one eye, can be a cause for concern. If you notice that your dog's pupils become unusually enlarged, it is always best to seek veterinary attention. There are multiple reasons that can explain the pathological dilation of pupils in dogs....

We all may be aware that worms in cats are a fairly common type of parasite. Unfortunately, internal worms do not always show symptoms, especially during early stages of the infestation. We may not notice until we see white spots in their feces. However, not all worms are the same. A more obvious symptom and...

The first months of a kittens life are characterized by rapid growth. For this kitten this is a time of discovery and awakenings. For their human guardian it is a time for both joy at this new life and concern that they get the best start they can. In cases where we think the kitten is not growing as...

Although rare, cats can suffer from autoimmune skin diseases which includes pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus erythematosus and paraneoplastic pemphigus. In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about autoimmune skin disease in cats, including the different types of pemphigus...

Kidney failure in cats is common in older cats. When untreated, this could bring more serious health issues. When chronic, there is no cure. However, by detecting kidney failure early on we can find the right treatment for our cat and improve their quality of life. In this AnimalWised article we're...

Our dog's eyes can be very expressive, but also capricious. Sometimes they look directly at us and follow us around the room. Other times they might seem to avoid eye contact in a coy way. When they see something which interests them such as a potential plaything, their eyes can dart back and forth in...

Seeing abnormal cat poop is likely a sign of a health problem. While it is possible psychological issues can cause changes in your cat's stool, it is more likely to be a result of physical health issues which result in gastrointestinal problems. Changes in a cat's poop can be due to color, consistency,...

Puppies start to grow their temporary teeth around the age of 3 weeks. This is when they'll start weaning and playing with chew toys. But, why are their teeth so sharp? In this AnimalWised article we're going to tell you why puppy teeth are so sharp. We'll also go through the difference between puppy...

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs, affecting roughly 1 in 100. While watching your pet experience a seizure can be intensely frightening, understanding this condition can help you provide better care and reduce anxiety for both you and your dog. The good news is that...

There are many differences between the physiology of a dog and the physiology of a human; this is why we categorically condemn medicating your pet by yourself with human medicine, as it endangers its health and its life. However, there are many similarities between your organism and your pet's that can...

Siamese cats can be very healthy pets as long as they come from ethical and responsible breeders and there are no problems of consanguinity or other negative factors. However, some Siamese cats up for sale or adoption are victims of these practices. Siamese cats live longer than other cat breeds, reaching...

What's better, castration or sterilization? Is there a big difference between the two neutering methods? If you own two or more dogs of the opposite sexes, these are questions you'll surely have asked yourself more than once. After all, preventing unwanted litters is one of the inherent responsibilities...

It's crucial to know about the different illnesses that are likely to affect your Maltese in order to prevent them and react to any symptoms in time. Some signs of disease, such as brown ears, diarrhea, an allergy or vomiting, are easy enough to recognize; if you notice these symptoms in your Maltese...

Taking a cat into your home is a big responsibility. Even though you're dealing with a very independent and self-sufficient animal, as its owner you should still be able to meet all its requirements to keep it healthy. It's necessary to regularly care for its health and follow the established vaccination...

Deciding to share your home with a dog makes you responsible for ensuring its complete welfare. This means caring for many different aspects, which above all include providing proper socialization, adequate companionship and affection, and an optimal diet. Dog food is highly important because it has...

The liver is one of the largest organs in our body, and it's considered the big laboratory and storehouse of the organism. It synthesizes a lot of enzymes and proteins, and thus it is the largest detoxifying organ. The liver also stores glycogen, which is essential for the balance of glucose, among...

As we have already mentioned in other articles, dogs are susceptible to many diseases that also affect humans. Sometimes, these familiar diseases are not serious and are only a response from the dog's organism, which is trying to cope with a situation through its own healing resources. It is essential for...

The world of animal companions has diversified greatly over the years. However, cats and dogs still remain the quintessential pets. While the nature of both animals is completely different, they need similar basic care: Adequate food, companionship and affection, following the appropriate vaccination...

The Maltese dog, sometimes mistakenly called "Bichon", is a very old breed. Its origin is not known for certain, but it might have been in the Sicilian city of Melita or the Méléda Island in the Adriatic Sea. These dogs were bred to hunt mice on ships and harbors of the Mediterranean. Nowadays they are...

Purple spots on a dog's ear can be sign that they are suffering from vasculitis in dogs. Canine Vasculitis is the inflammation of a dog's blood vessels. This pathology affects not only the skin of the dog, but in some cases, other organs too. Although vasculitis in dogs is easy to define, is very difficult...

The primary function of a dog's anal glands is to lubricate the rectum for better deposition during defecation. Some people may refer to them as anal sacs, which is technically true as they are a sac which contains these glands within. If the sacs aren't cared for regularly enough it can suffer from infections,...

Coccidiosis in dogs is a disease caused by protozoan parasites called coccidia. It is characterized by the presence of diarrhea. This disease is especially serious when it affects puppies. Proper diagnosis and treatment, concluded by a veterinarian, is necessary. In this AnimalWised article we are going...

Dogs are very curious animals, when we take them out on walks they want to discover their environment. Depending where you live, it's not uncommon for dogs to find themselves with a snake. Since snakes are cold blooded animals, they can adapt to almost any type of climate. If your dog gets bit by a snake that...

It is no secret that a cat's curiosity has no limits. Exploring an unknown space, examining what you do, meddling around with anything that catches their attention is a completely normal behavior in them, but sometimes it brings negative consequences. This curiosity can lead the cat to ingest substances...

In this AnimalWised article we will talk about a drug with which we must be especially careful, diazepam. This precaution is due to its effects on the central nervous system. The benefits of this action depend on a prescription and a dosage strictly controlled by the veterinarian. Therefore, we should never...

Vomiting and diarrhea are relatively common in dogs and can sometimes worry their owners. This situation can become increasingly worrying if it doesn't desist or if there is an appearance of blood in the vomit or feces. Some symptoms such; anorexia, apathy or fever can even worsen this clinical case. In...

The DHLPP vaccine for dogs has become much more commonly used in veterinary medicine. It is a combined vaccination for dogs which gives them protection against certain diseases. These diseases are made up of five components which fight against; canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, canine parainfluenza...

Dogs mature at a very different pace than humans. Like physical development, behavioral development is a dynamic process that undergoes successive changes throughout the animal's life, from birth to death. However, there are certain periods of time when these changes have a greater impact on the animal's overall...

Selegiline, also known as L-deprenyl and marketed under the brand names Eldepryl and Emsam, among others, is a drug used in humans to treat Parkinson's disease and major depressive disorder. However, it is also approved as a veterinary drug for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction syndrome in geriatric...

It can be difficult to tell if a cat is in pain. They are particularly good at hiding when they feel discomfort, so it is incumbent upon their guardians to ensure we are observant of any symptoms. When a cat has an upset stomach, they may feel pain which we cannot detect. This is especially so if their...

Choosing a rabbit as a pet instead of a dog or cat is an increasingly common trend. These animals feed mainly on hay, combined with some fruits and vegetables, in addition to commercial feeding. The fact that rabbits are herbivores does not mean that they can eat all kinds of vegetables or plants, as they...

It's common to find dogs chewing or licking their paws. They usually do so to clean themselves and maintain proper hygiene. However, sometimes a dog may begin to do it excessively. This can become a problem as they can chew their paws raw until one can see their skin or even their flesh. In this AnimalWised...

Cats, like any other living beings, are susceptible to various diseases that can have severe consequences if left undiagnosed and untreated, particularly in vulnerable stages such as early kittenhood, old age, or when the immune system is compromised. It is crucial to prioritize preventive measures,...

The growing homogenization of modern livestock, focused on a few high-performance breeds, threatens the rich genetic diversity of traditional cattle breeds. These breeds, adapted to specific conditions and possessing unique characteristics, face the risk of extinction. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) emerges...

Has your horse been squinting, weeping, or sporting a red, irritated eye? You might be facing a common foe: conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, understanding and recognizing this condition is crucial for your horse's well-being. Untreated, it can lead...

Sebaceous cysts in dogs are benign lesions that frequently appear on the skin, especially in older animals. They are cavities surrounded by epithelium tissue that contains the fatty secretion of a sebaceous gland. Sebaceous cysts on dogs can look both painful and potentially harmful, but they are a...

If your dog frequently goes outside, plays with other animals and also has a garden at home, it will be much more susceptible to a parasite infestation. Most commonly, these involve fleas and ticks. Deworming is absolutely essential in keeping your pet healthy. If not, it could develop a serious illness,...

Does your cat have fleas? If you've detected the presence of these small insects on your pet's body, it's important for you to start treating them for parasites as soon as possible. You must ensure this infection and infestation doesn't evolve or spread any further. This is in addition to getting rid...

While their curiosity can be endearing, it can also lead dogs to consumer foreign bodies which can pose serious health problems. Dogs rely heavily on their senses of smell and taste to explore the world around them. Unfortunately, this means that they may find objects that pique their interest or seem particularly...

Stomatitis in cats is a relatively common oral health issue which can affect our felines. It is a general term which refers to the inflammation of the mouth and lips, potentially affecting any of the oral mucosa. This includes the gums, tongue and soft palate. Causes of cat stomatitis are varied, but the...

While ticks can be present all year round, the arrival of spring means they become more active and prolific. Preventive measures should always be taken, but we need to be extra careful while the temperatures increase. This is especially if we are out walking in the country or in any area with long grass....

White spots on a dog's skin can appear almost anywhere. We might see one or more white spots on their nose, lip, ear, paw or even their tongue. Location is very important in helping a veterinarian determine the cause of the white spot, but there are other factors to consider. We also need to look at the...

Feline sarcoma is a type of cancer which affects mesenchymal cells of various tissues. This means it can affect tissues such as bone and cartilage, but it is more common in the soft tissues such as fat and muscle. These sarcomas most commonly present as tumors and it is normally used to describe malignant cancers,...

One of the first things we notice about a dog is the color of their fur, but the color of their skin is not always very noticeable. In fact, too many guardians pay insufficient attention to a dog's skin. When a problem develops which leads to symptoms such as flaking, redness, swelling or the presence...

Deworming in dogs can be used as either a treatment or a preventative for parasites in dogs. While it specifically refers to anthelminthic drugs which kill parasitic worms, it is a term which can also be used more broadly. They can be both internal and external, but deworming tablets are taken orally. When...

The first thing you need to know when purchasing cough syrup for dogs is that we cannot use those products formulated for humans without strict veterinary prescription. This applies to both prescription-only and over-the-counter medications. Many ingredients used in cough syrups are not suitable for dogs,...

A tummy ache is a common symptom in dogs, but it is not always easy to observe. While it is often a sign of mild gastrointestinal upset, it is also a possible symptom of a more serious illness. This is especially the case if it persists for a prolonged period. Although an upset stomach is itself a symptom...

Have you noticed your cat walking strangely with its back legs? Maybe your cat can't support itself on its hind legs or is dragging its back legs? Vets call this condition "ataxia" when it affects the back legs. While that sounds technical, it simply means your cat is having trouble coordinating their...