Animal health

Imagine a world without dogs. Not nice to consider, is it? They have been such an integral part of our lives for thousands of years, it is too difficult to comprehend a life without them. This wonderful relationship between dog and human comes with great responsibility though. We must not only love...

Although cases of phantom or false pregnancy in cats are very rare, it can happen. Pseudopregnancy, the scientific name of this condition, manifests the some or all the symptoms of pregnancy without the animal actually being pregnant. The instinct for reproduction is very strong. Female cats who cannot conceive...

Though the world is full of cat lovers, many people are turning against these fluffy mammals due to recent information alerting about their murderous behavior - which is causing a decrease in wildlife and bird population around the world. Demonizing cats cannot be the answer, and knowing of all the...

The Weimaraner or Weimaraner Vorstehhund is a dog breed of German origin. It is easily recognizable thanks to its light grey fur and its equally pale eyes, which attract much attention and make it one of the most elegant dog breeds. In addition, this hunting dog is a great life companion as it has a gentle,...

Diabetes is a disease that requires special care and monitoring to allow the patient to lead a normal life. It is not exclusive to humans, as it also affects many animals, especially dogs and cats. At AnimalWised we know that if you suspect that your cat may suffer from diabetes you may feel worried...

Skin diseases in dogs should be taken very seriously to prevent the problem from getting worse and having irreparable consequences over time. The skin is the organ that insulates the dog's organism from the environment and protects it from infections and viruses. In general, dogs have a layer of fat that...

While there is the popular saying that cats have nine lives, the truth is that their organism is susceptible to numerous different diseases. Many of the common diseases and conditions in cats are shared by humans; one of them is polycystic kidney disease, or PKD. Polycystic kidney disease can be asymptomatic...

Gastric torsion in dogs is typical of large breeds, such as the German Shepherd, the Great Dane, the Giant Schnauzer and the St. Bernard. This condition happens when there is a significant dilation and torsion of the stomach, due to the accumulation of gases, food or liquid. The ligaments of the stomach...

If this is the first time you have a zebra finch, you will probably be very surprised when you notice it has started to tear out its feathers. This type of behavior, which can be quite scary for new owners, may be due to several factors. Are you wondering why does your zebra finch tear out its feathers?...

Shar Pei dogs are known for their beautiful, wrinkly and sandy skin. However, they can suffer from different skin conditions and problems throughout their life, including fungi, irritations and allergies. All in all, Shar Pei are particularly sensitive dogs. This AnimalWised article will review the various...

A hedgehog may keep scratching due to health problems such as skin disease or parasites. There is also some normal scratching a hedgehog when they go through a process called quilling. This is normal process, but it can be worrying for inexperienced guardians. Since hedgehogs are becoming more popular...

Canine Anemia is directly related to a low red blood cell count in a dog's blood. It can occur for various reasons, ranging from injuries and the presence of parasites to canine parvovirus or the excessive appearance of antibodies. A vet is the only professional who can effectively diagnose and treat...

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...

There are many common, daily things that can kill your cat, and some can be found in your own home without you realizing. If you are a new cat owner, or if you're thinking about adopting a cat, it is essential for you to do some research and learn how to identify the most dangerous items, foods and plants...

The most common Persian cat health issues are related to their genetics. The selective breeding of Persian cats not only result in desirable physical traits such as long hair, they also limit their genetic diversity. Doing so means that certain conditions are passed on from one generation to another....

Are thinking about adopting a Bull Terrier? You've made the right choice - Bull Terriers are strong, muscular dogs known for being brave, smart and friendly. These dogs require the company of their human family to the point that if they spend much time alone they can end up developing stress, depression...

The idea of having siblings cross breed is not just a bad practice. It is an irresponsible action with unpredictable consequences. However, it happens a lot more than we might think. Professional dog breeders use this resource for various reasons that we will disclose later. Being an unwise practice,...

As occurs in males of most species, even in human beings, there is a stage in which testicles must descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotal bag. Sometimes we may have doubts regarding the correct timing for this, if it varies between species, quality of life or diet. Surely these and other...

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...

Birds are very sensitive and complex animals. Their legs are particularly fragile, and they can fracture fairly easily from a hit or a bad fall. In this AnimalWised article we will share the first aid steps you should take to help a bird that has suffered a fracture, since it is often difficult to find an...

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that can affect cats as well as dogs. The disease can be worrying if the cat's owner is pregnant; although it's difficult, the disease might be transmitted to the fetus. If someone at home is pregnant and you suspect your cat has toxoplasmosis, go to the doctor and the...

Like us, our canine friends also have a pancreas, a vital organ for the correct functioning of their digestive system. The pancreas affects the whole organism, as it releases glucagon and insulin, two hormones related to the metabolism of carbohydrates. Therefore, a change in your dog's nutrition will...

Who said that cats are unfriendly and rarely look for attention? This is a widespread but completely false myth. Cats can become very attached to their owners, and their bodies are susceptible to multiple diseases; when your cat feels sick, it will turn to you for attention and care. Cats have a very...

Nowadays the world of pets is very diverse, and increasing numbers of people are deciding to adopt animals that only decades before wouldn't have been seen as normal pets, like iguanas, snakes, ferrets or different rodents, including chinchillas. Domestic chinchillas are rodents and, as can often happen...

We have always been closely linked to the animal kingdom. With most of the human population currently living in urban areas, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the world of pets is massively diversifying in order to suit our new lifestyles. This is a good thing: Even if cats and dogs are the pets par...

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...

The German Shepherd is an extraordinary dog. They are considered one of the most intelligent breeds in the canine world, and they're famous for being great service and rescue dogs. However, such magnificence has a price. And this price is high: German Shepherds have too often been bred by inexperienced...

Also known as parakeets or budgies, budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are a type of small parrot which are common birds kept as pets. Although they are well suited to living in the home, they are not impervious to injuries such as a broken beak. We need to ensure we provide the right level of care so they...

It is very important to know about the external parasites that can affect your dog in order to quickly spot their appearance. Milder cases may involve discomfort and itching but, if the situation worsens, your best friend's life and health can be severely affected. Don't forget that if the infected dog...

Do you share your home with a dog? Then you've probably already noticed how complicated it can be for your pet to stay completely healthy, since our furry friends are susceptible to numerous conditions, just like us. It is important that the owner has a basic knowledge about first aid for dogs. However,...

There are many differences between the physiology of a dog 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 help...

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...

The presence of blood in cat urine is a symptom that usually frightens owners, usually for a good reason. Hematuria - as it is known medically - is a symptom that may be related to various diseases, and one that requires an immediate assessment by a veterinary surgeon. In order to inform you and raise...

A vaccination schedule for dogs should begin when they are a puppy, but there are some cases where this has not occurred. Late is better than never, so an adult dog can start a vaccination schedule after they have developed. The reason for vaccinations is due to the various contagious diseases which can...

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...

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most beloved breeds in the world; these dogs are known for being endearing and big-hearted creatures. Labradors love being showered with attention and hugged by everyone, especially children. Although Labrador Retrievers are overall very healthy dogs that don't get ill too...

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...

Canine leptospirosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by spirochaete bacteria of the Leptospira genus. It mainly affects the dog's liver and kidneys. Leptospirosis and is also a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transmitted to humans and other mammals. Many wild animals are common carriers...

Canine dilated cardiomyopathy is a fatal disease in which the muscle fibers contract weakly. Then, the muscles of the heart's walls become thinner and the chambers, that is, the ventricles and atria, get bigger. As a result of this disease, the heart gets bigger and loses its original shape, since its muscles...

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...

When you notice something that something might be wrong with your dog's health, it's essential to go to the vet as soon as possible so that they can conduct an examination and determine what it is that is affecting your pet's well-being. These worrying situations might come down to mild conditions...

A canary singing every day is a sign that it is a happy and healthy bird - and it's lovely to hear. Besides having beautiful yellow feathers, singing is the main skill and attraction of canaries. This is why when you have a canary and you notice that it doesn't sing as much, or if it simply stops, you...

Feline parvovirus is the virus that causes feline panleukopenia. This disease is quite serious, and if left untreated it can end your cat's life in a short time. It can affect cats of all ages, and it's highly contagious. It is important to know the symptoms, and it's even more important to protect...

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...

Both constipation and diarrhea are common symptoms that affect dogs. These symptoms indicate changes in the intestinal transit, which are also sometimes accompanied by deficiencies throughout the digestive system. Although these conditions are not usually serious for the dogs, they may be caused by diseases...

You should never forget that your beloved cat is still a predator and its body has perfectly evolved for hunting. An example of this are its paw pads: a cat's foot pads are very sensitive, and this allows them to measure the temperature of a surface when they walk on it and to evaluate the texture of...

Maine Coon cats are great pets and very healthy animals. But sometimes these poor cats are adopted from breeders or shelters where they are not given the care they need. This is why it is very important that when you decide to adopt one of these beautiful and elegant animals, you are given all the...

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...

If you welcome a pet into your home, you should be aware that it is your responsibility as an owner to make sure your pet enjoys a full state of health and well-being. This is very important so that their body can function properly and they can live a long and happy life by your side. Did you know that...