Animal health

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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)....

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Knowing the different skin disease which affect dogs is an essential part of their care. Identifying changes to the condition of their skin can mean early signs of serious conditions are treated promptly. Observation of the dog's guardian is crucial as this is the way we can bring an issue to the attention...

All behaviors have their motives, even if their impetus is an unconscious one. This means understanding said motives can help us to understand what a dog's behavior might say about their well-being. In this AnimalWised article on my dog walks in circles, we look at what causes might be behind spinning...

If your dog has black gums, it is important to know when this is normal and when it is a sign of a health problem. Poor dental hygiene is a common issue of the latter. Many oral diseases can worsen over time or, in some cases, lead to other pathologies. The moment we realize something is wrong with...

You may be aware that dogs often go somewhere quiet when they are about to die. For this reason, when you see your dog is hiding and acting strange, you may fear the worst. While it is a possibility we need to consider, there are many different reasons for this weird behavior in dogs. It may be a health...

There are many things cats do which we consider weird. They are part of normal feline behavior to which cat guardians eventually adjust. Some of these are characteristic of cats as a species, others are particular to an individual cat. It doesn't mean they are necessarily unhealthy or signal a problem...

Many people associate allergies and dogs with the effects they have on humans. Too few are considerate of the fact dogs can have their own allergy problems. While allergies can be infuriating for anyone, humans are able to go to a pharmacy and buy over-the-counter medication to help combat daily inconvenience....

One of the most common cat ailments seen in veterinary clinics is a gastrointestinal problem. With symptoms ranging from very mild to life threatening, better understanding the causes of digestive diseases is essential to maintain cat health throughout their lives. Unfortunately, since the problem stems from an...

On hot days or if they have just completed exercise, it is normal for a dog to breathe short and fast. They are breathing in to balance their body temperature and ensure they have enough oxygen to recover. This is a normal physiological process. However, accelerated breathing can have a pathological origin,...

Do you have a puppy that can't walk normally? Do their legs bow out and they lay flat on the ground? Are they not able to stand up at all? When this occurs, it can be very shocking for dog guardians. They look like they are completely immobilized and we fear our puppy may be unable to walk or even stand...

Allopurinol is a drug that is used in human medicine to reduce the level of uric acid in blood plasma and urine. Doing so inhibits the particular enzyme involved in its formation. In veterinary medicine, this is a drug which is used in combination with drugs such as miltefosine which is administered to treat...

Credelio is a veterinary drug (lotilaner), used to eliminate flea or tick infestations in dogs and cats. It acts by affecting the parasite's nervous system once they feed on the cat. This treatment is through small, flavoured and chewable pills. But is Credelio safe for cats? In this article form AnimalWised,...

Skin diseases are one of the most frustrating pathologies for both dogs and their tutors. Apart from the obvious fact they jeopardize the health of the dog, they also reduce their quality of life. With sores, lesions, rashes and other symptoms of skin disease, the dog will often bite and scratch out of frustration....

A dog shouldn't be coughing and gagging at exactly the same time. It may happen we notice that they have a dry cough, but gag sometime before or after. Since a dog's symptoms can help us to understand their underlying problem, we need to look at overall context. This is why we look at these clinical signs...

The anal glands of a dog are something we ignore at the animal's peril. Sacculitis, also known as anal sac disease, is something which often gets ignored in its initial stages. Part of the problem is that it can be difficult to tell the difference between normal and abnormal discharge from the glands. If...

Diarrhea is a relatively frequent disorder in dogs and can be due to multiple causes that require different treatments and care. However, if you observe blood in your dog's stool, it's understandable that you worry. Bloody diarrhea in dogs has different causes and treatment. In this AnimalWised article...

Some human pathologies or conditions also appear in dogs. Therefore, when we observe our dogs having certain symptoms, we may begin to worry. In this AnimalWised article we will explain how to detect the symptoms of stroke in dogs. We will also go into depth of the causes, clinical signs and treatment for...

It wasn't long ago that most societies saw rabbits as livestock rather than companion animals. However, the last thirty years or so have seen rabbits being recognized as the lovable family members they can be. For this reason, more and more veterinary clinics are providing rabbit-specific care. They are...

When we adopt a dog, seeing them stretch is often adorable. They may stretch out on their bed, your bed, the grass or on the kitchen floor. It's a normal behavior which often shows they are tired or are emerging from a deep sleep. However, as with any behavior, if a dog is stretching a lot and seems...

Digestive problems are some of the most frequent health issues in domestic rabbits. This is because there are so many factors which can compromise their gastrointestinal health. As sensitive animals, changes to their environment, diet or any aspect of their care can lead to various symptoms. Even psychological...

Metronidazole (brand name is Flagyl) is a drug used for certain bacterial and protozoal infections, such as diarrhea and other intestinal issues. If your cat has some intestinal health problems and your veterinarian has prescribed them with metronidazole, keep reading this article! In this AnimalWised article,...

Nowadays, many care givers are aware of the importance of deworming their puppies. Parasites not only harm the dog, but can also transmit diseases and affect other animals, even people. This is why keeping them under control is essential to caring for our puppy and household. In this AnimalWised article we're...

Since we take our dogs out for walks and witness them urinate, we might notice there is something different about their urine. While we need to ensure it is not something that was already on the ground, crystals in the dog's urine are a worrying. This is because they may indicate the presence of bladder...

All cats do not have a uniform color of nose, similar to their fur and eyes. The important thing we need to consider if we notice the coloration of a cat's nose is whether it is natural. Similar to a cat's fur and eyes, if there is a change in tonality in an adult cat, then it is a sign something may have...

In may be unpleasant to check our cat's litter tray, but finding crystals in their urine is just one reason why it is important. Crystals which are passed on their own may not cause a severe problem, but the likelihood is that they indicate the formation of struvite crystals, commonly known as bladder stones...

There are dogs of many shapes and sizes, all with particular characteristics. These characteristics may be related to their body shape, coat type or even their ears. Some have short ears which stand erect. Some have long ears which droop down past the face. However, it is not common to have a dog breed...

It is not only humans who are affected my dental problems. Too many dog guardians forget this, neglecting their dental hygiene until it is too late. Without proper dental care, dogs are more likely to develop one of the most common dental diseases in dogs. When we see blood on our dog's blood and teeth,...

If you are in the room with a cat reverse sneezing, it is very hard not to notice. Not only are the sneezes quite loud and repetitive, but they make a unique facial expression which can be worrying if you haven't seen the phenomenon before. The paroxysms of sneezes are different from regular sneezing due...

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....