Animal 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....

If you see your dog's paw curling under itself, it is understandable to grow concerned. Since our dogs are usually so active and eager to explore, limitation of their movement results in a serious decrease in their quality of life. We may not even notice our dog's paw folding under at first. As the process...

As with all living matter, the tissues which make up a dog's body will degrade over time. It is an unavoidable fact of aging. Since the brain is made up of living tissue, it is no exception. When leg muscles deteriorate, their physical ability to walk is affected. When brain tissue degenerates, it will...

The cat is a born hunter with great agility to chase their prey. It is their acute sense of smell which helps them to track this prey in the first place. Their sense of smell is not only useful when hunting, but helps them to know as much as possible about their environment. With such usefulness, anything...

Canine penile bleeding is always a worrying symptom in your dog. Even if it is only a small amount, a male dog bleeding from his private area can be a symptom of a serious health problem. This is especially so when there is no sign of a wound and you cannot determine the source of the blood. It is important...

Cats are well-known for their personal hygiene. They spend many hours of the day grooming to ensure a spotless coat which helps maintain overall health. In the wild, this is still very important. Their hygiene routine is not limited to their coat. They will also go to great lengths to ensure they urinate...

Some people may not equate a cat as having a 'voice', perhaps because their language is different from we humans. But a cat's vocalization is just that; their voice. Feline communication is diverse and particular, with their voice being a very important aspect. They use it in various ways to express an...

Different dogs have varying capacities for drooling. Much of this has to do with the shape of their mouths. However, the amount and consistency of any dog's saliva can reveal something about their health and well-being. If a dog's mouth is dry, their saliva will be thick and sticky. It is unlikely thick...

While domestic dogs do not need to use their claws for hunting prey like their wild counterparts, they are necessary for basic movement. They keep the dog balanced, allow them to interact with their environment and grip slippery surfaces. These all help to both maintain their safety and lead their best...

Our dogs have a habit of eating anything in sight. While their metabolism is strong and their sense of smell is unparalleled in domestic animals, it can happen they eat spoiled food. The result of eating spoiled food is food poisoning, something which can affect a dog in varying degrees. Some mild gastrointestinal...

It is easy to overlook rabbit constipation, because your rabbit may not show alarming symptoms, or may show symptoms that are difficult to recognize. This is why it is important to pay attention to your rabbit and make sure they are defecating regularly and without difficulty. Although constipation is generally...

Canine cystitis is one of the most common conditions faced by dogs. Often, the initial symptoms may lead you to believe that your dog is just misbehaving and you may not pay enough attention to what is really going on. To prevent your dog's discomfort worsening, and to be able to initiate the best course...

A suitable first aid kit for dogs is recommended for all dog guardians. When it comes to dog wounds, their adventurous and often energetic nature means they can get in trouble easily. Whether they run over something sharp or get on the wrong side of an aggressive animal, accidents happen. Knowing the best...

Prednisone is a drug which is commonly used in human medicine. While it is also used in veterinary clinic, it is less often used to treat cats than it is dogs. The reason for this is because it is a prodrug which needs to be converted in the body before it can activate and become useful. Once this occurs,...

Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication which is sometimes prescribed in veterinary medicine, although it is used on humans also. A relatively common drug, ketoconazole can be purchased over the counter. This means many animal guardians might want to use this product on their companion animals if they...

If we see a dog with a purple tongue there is a very important distinction we need to make. Some dogs naturally have a tongue pigmentation which appears purple, blue or even black in color. These are the minority of dogs, but it is a trait which is common in certain breeds. If your animal is such a dog,...

Vomiting and diarrhea in cats are symptoms of many different health disorders. They can often happen on their own, but even the two occurring together can be relatively common. While the problem may not be a serious one, vomiting and/or diarrhea in cats is a sign of a problem. To gauge whether this problem...

Amitraz is a product which is becoming increasingly well-known, especially in veterinary medical circles. It has been used to treat various conditions in dogs, but some animal guardians unfortunately give it to their dogs without a veterinary prescription. Often used to treat parasite related conditions...

Hyperthyroidism is not necessarily a condition we associate with dogs. Fortunately, this is because it is relatively rare. However, for dogs which are affected by this condition, their lives can be dramatically affected. This is why AnimalWised investigates hyperthyroidism in dogs and provides information...

Interferon or, to give its full name interferon alfa2-b, is a drug which is used in both human and veterinary medicine. While it has various uses, it is most commonly used to treat disease affecting the immune system. This includes feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV)....

A tumor refers to an abnormal cell growth which can occur in any part of the body. Tumors can be benign or malignant, and are also known as neoplasms, which are synonymous with cancer. Brain tumors in dogs are not very common, but they can occur for no apparent reason, which is why the signs of brain...

The first thing you should know is that there are a large number of diseases and parasites that can affect chickens. As a chicken or poultry carer, it is essential that you are able to recognize symptoms of the most common chicken diseases and viruses, especially in the case of treating them accordingly...

A dog limping can be a heartbreaking sight. Lameness in any of a dog's four limbs can occur for various reasons, some of them temporary, others permanent. Looking at the leg which is affected can help us determine which is affecting our animal if we see our dog limping on their front leg. Due to the varying...

There may be some metaphoric truth to the phrase ‘let sleeping dogs lie’. While dogs need a lot of rest to maintain their energy, if your dog is sleeping too much, ignoring it could be dangerous. Many health issues share similar symptoms and sleeping more than usual is something common to many problems....

Did you know that there are many benefits of neutering a cat? Cat castration is a common practice among many caregivers, specifically because it offers a cat significant benefits. You may be wondering, ‘‘Is neutering good for cats?’’ And the answer is yes! As with any procedure, however, there are side...

Not only are mosquitoes bothersome, but they can also transmit various diseases to humans such as the Dengue virus, Zika virus and the Chikungunya virus. Additionally, there are several dangerous mosquito-borne diseases which can be transferred to your pets, and this needs to be avoided. Luckily, there are...

The renal system in dogs includes the kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra. It is part of the larger urogenital system. The main purpose of this system is to remove waste products from the body, but it is also used to regulate the blood and control levels of various substances in the body. Renal disease...

Demodectic mange in dogs is the second most common type of canine mange. It is also known commonly as red mange due to the characteristic redness in the skin of dogs suffering from the disease. It is also sometimes known as hereditary scabies, but this is misleading. If the problem is not a genetic condition,...

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...

Rabies is a disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. Although rabies is not a very common in cats, it is very dangerous, since it has no cure and results in the death of an animal. Does your cat often leave the house and is in contact with other animals? If so, rabies prevention is key! For...

Hives in dogs, also referred to as Urticaria, can be defined as visible bulges on skin, in addition to noticeable reddened skin inflammation. Have you noticed your dog scratching more than normal? This, in addition to a swollen face, are common symptoms of hives in dogs. For more aboutthe causes, symptoms,...

We love to look into our dogs eyes and feel close to each other. If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. There are certain circumstances which can lead to blue eyes in dogs. It might not be something you see occurring immediately, often progressing over time....

Lupus in dogs is an autoimmune disease which can present in two main forms. The type of lupus in dogs depends on whether it is limited to the skin or if it has spread throughout the organism. It is important to know the nature of each canine lupus case as this will determine the course of treatment required...

Ibuprofen is a very common over-the-counter painkiller, frequently used for human consumption. For this reason, many caregivers wonder whether or not Ibuprofen is dangerous for dogs. It’s important to know that offering your dog Ibuprofen without veterinary consultation or according to an appropriate dosage...

Seizures in dogs are a relatively common occurrence. It is a serious condition which can lead to various problems, especially if they are severe. The most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy, but this is not the only reason. Even if our dog does not yet have a condition such as epilepsy, we need...

Food allergies in dogs, which must be differentiated from food intolerance in dogs, can occur in any dogs of any age or breed. The most common allergy in dog symptoms include itchy skin and dermatitis. Offering your dog a diet appropriate to its allergies is key in making sure it lives a happy and healthy...

One of the things you should know before before adopting a hamster is that a hamster’s life expectancy is much shorter than that of other pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits or turtles. These small rodents are incredibly sensitive, they get sick easily and tend to suffer from sudden alterations within in...

It is not uncommon for dog guardians to observe their canine having diarrhea. While it does mean there is some issue with their gastrointestinal tract, it doesn't mean it is a severe condition. If your dog has diarrhea you need to monitor it for frequency. If they have diarrhea regularly, there is likely...

Have you noticed your cat losing balance back legs or that your cat is suddenly walking like it’s drunk? If so, your cat may be suffering from ataxia. Ataxia in cats, otherwise referred to as a loss of balance in cats, is a health problem more common in domestic cats. Treatment for ataxia in cats requires...

Have you noticed that your cat’s stomach is bloated and soft? Has your cat shown signs of abdominal discomfort and/or lack of appetite? If so, there is a possibility your cat is suffering from ascites, otherwise known as fluid in the abdomen in cats or abdominal effusion. If you notice that your cat is...

One of the World Health Organization's ‘essential medicines’[1], omeprazole is an antacid drug commonly used in human medicine. Various diseases and conditions treated with omeprazole can manifest themselves in our dogs. Gastrointestinal issues are quite common in canines, especially as they are often known...

Known scientifically as thrombocytopenia in dogs, a low platelet count puts the animal at a significant health risk. Platelets have various functions in a dog's circulatory system, not least of which is their ability to coagulate blood. Doing so helps to bind together leaking blood vessels to stop bleeding....

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...

Rats do not have the best reputation in relation to disease. One of the worst cases against them was their apparent role in the Black Death which killed potentially hundreds of millions of people in the 14th century. While it is unlikely rats alone were the cause of so much terror, it is important to...

Encephalitis in dogs refers to an inflammation or infection of the brain. The different types of encephalitis in dogs include infectious and/or idiopathic encephalitis. The different types of encephalitis vary depend on the root of the cause. If you notice any of the below mentioned symptoms, we recommend...

Similar to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus which seriously compromises the immune system of cats. This means they are unable to respond appropriately to various pathogens and diseases. Even diseases which would otherwise not cause significant...

Being concerned that your elderly cat has a tumor is understandable. Unfortunately, as our cat's age, their immune response goes down and their chances of developing certain diseases go up. Tumors are one such health issue which increases in likelihood for older cats. Not all tumors will be malign or cancerous....

There is nothing abnormal about a dog licking his penis or genital area. This the best way for the dog to maintain hygiene. As with any canine behavior, if your dog licks their privates too often, it could be a sign of a health issue. Diseases and health problems of the penis are relatively common in dogs....

Fear is as natural an emotion as it is necessary. Wild dogs need it to evade predators and be vigilant against threats. Being vigilant can be more difficult when their environment is in darkness. If our companion animals are well-cared for, they may have less reason to fear, but it won't go away completely....

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...