Animal health

Maggots in dogs occur when a fly imbeds eggs into the skin of the animal which later develop into larvae. It is these larvae of various fly species which are known as maggots. When this occurs, it is known as canine myiasis. Various Diptera species can infest dogs with their larvae. While most do so...

Hamsters will scratch harmlessly as part of their daily grooming routine. Whether they are scratching themselves, licking to remove dirt or scratching at their cage to move bedding into a more comfortable position, a certain amount needs to be tolerated. However, when this behavior is repeated too frequently...

Anemia is not a disease in itself, but a blood disorder which often results from disease, as well as other causes. It describes the condition of low red blood cells and/or low hemoglobin in the dog's blood. There are several types of anemia, each with its particular characteristics and respective treatments....

Vaccinations are a form of preventive medicine which can stop the spread of serious diseases within the canine community. They are recommended by veterinarians and many countries have mandatory vaccination laws for certain diseases. For example, many US states require rabies vaccinations. These vaccinations...

The first thing to know about Shar Pei fever is that is is not fatal if caught in time. In fact, with adequate treatment, symptoms should start to resolve themselves relatively quickly. It is important to know that all Shar Pei dogs have the potential of contracting the disease. Unfortunately, the reasons...

Cats can become dehydrated easily, especially if they are not cared for properly. They are sensitive animals and can also be fussy with what they consume. Not only do we need to provide water, but it needs to be fresh and clean. If they only eat dry kibble, they won't have enough moisture in their food...

You may or may not have heard of Horner's syndrome, but it is something which can affect any dog. This is because it is essentially nerve damage, resulting in various symptoms which affect the eyes. This symptoms are such that they are generally easy for guardians to spot in their dogs, especially if you...

Following a vaccination schedule for cats is incredibly important and necessary in terms of the health and safety of the animal. Vaccines keep an animal safe from serious diseases, specifically for animals that travel or live in groups. However, as with most drugs, vaccines can present a series of adverse...

Taluremia is a disease which is common in the wilds of Asia, Europe and North America. However, it is fortunately not one which is very common in domestic rabbits. This doesn't mean it is impossible for a rabbit to contract it, however. While uncommon, if a rabbit is infected there is a chance of fatality,...

There are different reasons a dog may have black skin, some of which should be concerning. This is the case when it a symptom of an underlying condition. This can be a hormonal imbalance which is causing changes in their physicality and likely their behavior. It is also important to remember that black...

External and internal deworming is incredibly important for the health of our dogs. Many dog owners are however, still unaware of the importance antiparasitics. Owners who do not deworm their dogs, leave their animals exposed to infestations that can cause: discomfort, diseases and even death. Some of these...

Have you recently adopted a guinea pig and are wondering how to care for it? If you have a guinea pig it is very important to make sure that you maintain its health accordingly. If you believe that your guinea pig may be ill, we suggest consulting your veterinarian as soon as possible. If they are suffering...

Rabies is generally associated with dogs. We may fear stray dogs in case they are rabid, especially if they seem aggressive, but the same fear rarely occurs when encountering cats. However, in a 2008 study by the American CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), it was shown that more rabies cases...

Ticks are only trying to survive in their own way. Unfortunately, this way is often to attach themselves to the skin of animals and feed off the blood of other animals. This includes dogs as well as us humans. While any loss of blood is minimal, the tick themselves are vectors for certain diseases. One...

When a cat has a bloody nose, they have epistaxis. This is the scientific name for a nosebleed, something which can cause understandable concern for a cat guardian. While nasal bleeding is often associated with physical trauma, it is possible the blood is generated due to other problems. These can range...

Have you recently noticed that your fish are covered with small white dots? What in principle may seem like dirt or small specks, is actually a protozoan capable of making your fish seriously ill. Although it is rare in home aquariums, white spot disease in fish should not be neglected. In the long run,...

Usually the precursor to feline infectious anemia (FIA), feline mycoplasma are parasitic cells which often go unnoticed in the individuals which carry them. They are bacteria which go under the classification Mycoplasma haemofelis and, despite their hidden nature, can manifest in severe anemia symptoms in...

As with many edibles designed to improve our health, medications can often taste unpleasant. If your cat has already experienced ingesting medicine, they may begin to shake if they think you are going to administer them. It can be a very stressful situation for both pet and caregiver. For this reason it is very...

Considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Belgian Shepherd Malinois also stand out for their excellent health and great physical endurance. It is a working dog which stands out particularly for their high activity levels and need for sufficient exercise. If this is provided along with adequate...

It's not hard to understand why cats like curling up in a spot of sunshine or even chasing after their favorite toy. When they chase around a spider and happily pop them into their mouths, we may not see the same appeal. As cats are obligate carnivores, they need at least 20% of their diet to consist...

Basset Hounds are a French dog breed which was originally employed for hunting, so they are capable of chasing and tracking when they want to. Families with a Basset Hound know they are their own dog. This is represented by their look which gives off an air of extreme aloofness, but looks can be deceiving....

Ticks are one of the most common ectoparasites that can affect the health of our dogs, especially if our furry friends enjoy the outdoors and nature. Ticks are hematophagous, which means that feed attached to a host (living being) on blood. It is during this exchange in which ticks can transmit various...

Petting our cat has many benefits for both the feline and ourselves. Not only does it reduce stress and strengthen our bond together, it gives us an opportunity to observe them for any problems. If we pass our hands over their ears and feel a warm temperature, it might be cause for concern. If a cat has...

Hamsters have become an increasingly popular domestic pet. Although they require little space and relatively simple care, this does not mean they are invulnerable to stress. These rodents need special attention when it comes to their behavior and animal welfare. In the wild they serve as prey to many...

It is relatively common that cats, especially if they are young, experience eye infections. Eye infections in cats should receive veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Although they can be treated easily, if left untreated for too long it can result in a perforated cornea, resulting in: blindness....

When a dog ingests a snail, it can be difficult to know the dangers. Since they can be very adventurous when it comes to what they eat, dogs may find irresistible some things we find completely repugnant, including slugs and snails. While snails are a foodstuff eaten in many cultures around the world,...

Urinary incontinence in dogs is defined as an involuntary evacuation of urine. Urinary incontinence highlights that of a dog losing control over their bladder. In such cases it is normal for a dog to experience, for example, nocturnal enuresis, that is, when a dog urinates in their sleep. You may also...

Although human beings can contract various diseases through birds, that does not mean that they cannot be kept as pets. The probability of contracting a zoonotic disease varies according to a space’s hygiene, our own body hygiene or the animal’s state of health. It is important to remember that regular visits...

With advancements in veterinary medicine and a greater general knowledge about canine health, dogs have a better chance than ever to live a long life. Unfortunately, with an older dog population come more diagnoses of certain diseases exacerbated by age. Lymphoma is one such disease. Lymphoma is the...

Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. However, like any other dog breed, they can suffer from common diseases specific to their physiology. Beagles commonly suffer from ear, eye and skin problems. Beagles, despite being lovely, active and friendly pets, have an insatiable appetite...

Warts on dogs can appear relatively frequently, especially as the dog ages. Warts are characterized as benign superficial tumors which usually do not have any serious ramifications for canine health. We do need to be careful as there can be complications if the dog's wart starts bleeding. The warts may...

Here at AnimalWised we often stress the importance of preventative action for the animals in our care. Vaccination schedules, deworming programs and proper socialization are some of the key aspects of this type of care. However, there are some occasions when, despite our best efforts, something happens we...

A dog's eyes are a very sensitive part of their anatomy. As with all mammals, their eyes have adapted to their environment over time. This means they are not as good at discerning detail as human eyes, but they are much better at seeing in the dark. This does not means their eyes do not need protection....

A dog's penis health is not always apparent. We may not pay much attention to that area of their body unless we are giving them a bath or if they lie down to expose their belly. This is why it is so important to observe any behavioral changes in our pet. If they are excessively licking their genital...

The syndrome of sensory deprivation in dogs and other animals consists of the development of fears and phobias that cause an instability in the dog. This instability this leads the dog to perform unwanted or irrational behaviors. These behaviors may include; excessive barking in certain situations,...

Have you observed that your dog has been struggling to breathe? When faced with such a situation, it is essential to act quickly. When it comes to dogs and breathing difficulties, they are often related to pathologies that need to be diagnosed and treated as fast as possible. Respiratory difficulties in...

Gastrointestinal issues in cats are fairly normal. Many will happily eat various items in their environment, whether inside or out, much of which can lead to problems with digestion. They may feel unwell for a while or even become a little bloated, but it is often nothing to be concerned about. However,...

As with all mammals, a dog's liver is a vital organ and as such carries out functions necessary to maintaining life. Specifically, the liver removes toxins in the blood and passes them out as part of various biological cycles. For example, ammonia is converted to urea which is then exited the body via...

Anaphylactic shock in dogs is a veterinary emergency that requires rapid action in order to prevent it from having fatal consequences for an animal. This life-threatening allergic reaction can be avoided and making sure that you as a dog owner can recognize the symptoms is vital! In this AnimalWised...

The ‘E’ in E-collar stands for Elizabethan. Wrapping round the cat's neck, it provides a similar look to the late English queen and her penchant for wearing soft fabric ruffs. Unfortunately, if a cat is wearing an Elizabethan collar, it is not because they are looking for vintage style points. The E-collar...

A transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) can affect both male and female dogs. The sex of the individual dog is not as important, however, as their rate of sexual activity. If dog guardians want to know how to best prevent venereal tumors in dogs, then we need to stress the importance of sterilization. Neutering...

Any type of vomit in your cat is cause for concern, but guardians may be confused if their cat is throwing up water. There are many causes of throwing up a clear liquid, but if it is prolonged for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary advice. A cat...

Caring for our dogs requires a closeness which has many positives. We get to share their excitement, feel their love and eventually become like family. Unfortunately, our responsibility of care also requires us to look at their stool. It is not uncommon for a dog to get diarrhea at some point. While it...

It is bad enough when our dog pees in their own bed. It is unhygienic and can cause discomfort for the dog. When a dog pees in our bed, it is particularly frustrating as the clean up is not always easy. It can ruin sheets and even damage mattresses. If you ask yourself “why has my dog peed on my bed?”,...

Laryngeal paralysis is a condition that affects the upper respiratory tract in dogs. When it occurs, the laryngeal cartilages do not open (abduct) correctly during inspiration. It can be due to either congenital or acquired causes, as well as unilateral or bilateral. Some dogs may have the problem, but remain...

You don't necessarily notice a problem in your dog's back legs immediately. It could be that a dog doesn't start losing control of their back legs suddenly. Instead, they may develop weak back legs over a long period of time, gradually losing control. If your dog is starting to lose control over their...

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...

It is all too easy to ascribe human traits and characteristics to our dogs. Not only do they become a member of the family, but the love they reciprocate is real and evidenced in their behaviors. We can see a similar love when a mother dog gives birth to her puppies. She will care for them and ensure...

Running around in circles or even chasing their tail is not abnormal behavior in dogs. It is often a healthy expression of their canine nature. Like all dog behaviors, if the behavior becomes compulsive or it is accompanied by signs of distress or discomfort, it may be a symptom of a problem. Various physiological...

If you run around with your dog and pet them on the chest area, it's normal to feel their heart rate is elevated. When a dog has a rapid heart rate while resting, we might have more cause for concern. A dog's heart functions in the same basic way as our own. It will speed up or slow down depending on activity...