Animal health

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,...

A splenic tumor in dogs is an abnormal growth on the spleen, a lymphoid organ which plays an important role in the immune system. It can be said to act as a kind of filter for blood, storing platelets, removing old red blood cells and metabolizing hemoglobin. Although a very important organ, it is not...

There may be many reasons why a dog has an upset stomach, some of which are serious and require veterinary treatment. While all symptoms will have a cause, not all will be known to us. It is common for a dog to have an upset stomach for a short period and recover quickly without us knowing the exact reason....

A tumor is a disorganized or abnormal growth of cells that occurs as a result of a genetic mutation. They can affect almost any tissue in the body where cells are able to divide and multiply, although they are more common in some areas than others. Intestinal tumors are not the most common in dogs, but...

Especially before they are toilet trained, it is common for a dog to pee a little inside the home. This is a particularly common issue in puppies. Once they have been trained to go outside, it is uncommon for dogs to urinate inappropriately. If they do so, they will have a reason behind it, whether of a physical...

Vision loss in dogs can be a progressive process, often as a result of degenerative disorders. The dog can gradually lose vision until they become completely blind. Dogs are very adaptable animals. Their keen sense of smell and hearing allow them to adequately navigate their environment even if they...

Urinary incontinence in dogs is often associated with the bookends of a dog's life. Puppies have not yet learned to properly control their bladder, so they will urinate inappropriately in the home until they are paper trained. Senior dogs lose bladder control thanks to the deterioration of genitourinary tissues...

Cats make many noises, but not all cats have the same vocalizations. Some are quick to purr, others will not be very vocal at all. Some cats even make noises like a pigeon. The type of vocalization a cat will make is influenced by many factors, including breed and health. Pigeon cooing is a relatively...

Melanoma in cats is a type of skin cancer that can also develop in the eyes, mucous membranes or mucocutaneous junctions. The latter is the transitional area between mucous membranes and skin. Although melanomas are always malignant in human medicine, we can find both benign and malignant melanoma in...

Unfortunately, many cats are hit by cars and run over. Both stray and domestic animals perish every year on the roads. Often they are blinded by a car's headlights and are stunned so they cannot escape. It is also all too common for cats to take refuge under a car to avoid the sun. They take a nap and...

All birds bred in captivity must wear a ring or band around their ankle. In fact, you should stay away from birds without a leg band, as it acts as an identity document for the bird and it includes lots of encrypted information such as its date of birth, origin and information about the breeder. The...

It is a well-known fact that cats are very careful animals, but like most other living things, they are curious and likely to make mistakes or be attacked. Because of these oversights and external attacks, our whiskered friends can be accidentally poisoned. If you're thinking about adopting a cat,...

Many people opt for birds when it comes to having an animal at home. There are many species of birds that you can adopt as pets, and canaries stand out as among the most charismatic and likable. Canaries are cheerful animals, and they are easy to look after. However, they are also at risk of various...

A bird's health is very important and, if you want one as a pet, you should provide the best for its welfare. In the case of birds intended for food, their health has an obvious and direct impact on public health. This AnimalWised article will talk about coccidiosis, a contagious disease that must...

Hypothyroidism is a syndrome caused by thyroid malfunction and the consequent reduction in the production and release of thyroid hormones. This disease is the most common hormonal imbalance in dogs. It causes very varied and unspecific symptoms, but the good thing is that it can be easily treated and is...

Acetylcysteine is a drug that some of us may be aware of as a treatment for paracetamol overdose. This is because it provides more of the compound glutathione which helps metabolize the paracetamol safely and protect the liver. While dogs can be given acetylcysteine for paracetamol overdose, it is more commonly...

Antiparasitic treatment is essential for dogs, especially if they spend a lot of time in nature. While all dogs will need to be taken outside regularly, some will need more extensive exercise. Taking them somewhere with tall grass and natural sites to explore allows them to express their canine instinct...

A home is rarely as full of tenderness as when a cat has given birth to her litter and is caring for her kittens. The mother's lactation and attention will be hugely important during the first three weeks for the proper development of the kittens. The owner also needs to pay close attention to the mother...

In general, a cat drinking more water than usual is not normal and is usually a symptom that something is wrong. An average cat weighing 4 kilos (8.8 lbs) should take approximately 180 ml/day. If they are overweight and also urinate a lot, it means that something is happening, and we should go to the vet....