Animal health

Perineal hernias in dogs are not very common, however, if noticed, they do require immediate attention. If not treated in time, perineal hernias in dogs can lead to further complications which can put a dog’s life at risk. For more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, home remedies and treatment of perineal...

Fungi are very resistant organisms that can access an animal and/or human’s body through skin wounds, the respiratory tract or by ingestion. Sporothrix schenckii, for example, is a fungus which can cause sporotrichosis in cats. If not treated in time, it can be fatal. Itraconazole is one of the most...

The importance of deworming dogs both internally and externally is not only emphasized for hygienic and/or aesthetic reasons. Deworming our animals also plays an incredibly important role in avoiding parasites in dogs, such as ticks. Tick-borne disease in dogs can be incredibly dangerous and should...

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....

External otitis in dogs is a relatively common canine disorder. External otitis in dogs is defined as an inflammation of the external auditory canal and may or may not affect the tympanic membrane and be accompanied by a dog ear infection. Common symptoms of otitis externa includes pain and itching. If...

Inguinal hernia in dogs is a protrusion which can be observed in the groin area. This condition is more common in female dogs and can be caused by various factors including trauma, pregnancy and/or obesity. If you notice any inguinal hernia in dogs symptoms, make sure to consult your veterinarian as soon...

Being on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, it is no surprise aspirin is commonly found in many households. While it is used to treat pain and other maladies, aspirin is not known as a strong drug. It can be used over the counter and is not known for having strong side effects....

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...

One of the most important aspects of a dog's life is going for walks. They are naturally inclined to run outside and play, so anything which makes this difficult for a dog can be painful in more ways than one. If you are out on a walk and you see that your dog's joints are stiff, it is understandable...

Brucellosis in cattle, also referred to as bovine brucellosis, is one of the most common diseases among cattle. This serious pathology is zoonosis, meaning it can be transmitted to humans and other animals. This disease of bacterial origin produces alterations within cattle reproduction, such as infallibility...

Knowing the physical well-being of your dog is a responsibility of dog guardianship. When we adopt them into our care, we take up this responsibility. As we invite them into our world, we have to keep them protected within it. By answering ‘what is the normal temperature for a dog?’, we are able to know a key...

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...

Hydrocephalus in dogs is not a common canine pathology, however, some dogs are more susceptible to it. Small breeds or brachycephalic dog breeds have a greater predisposition to suffering from this disease. If you notice any of these below mentioned symptoms of hydrocephalus in dogs, rapid and intensive...

Cats can suffer from various diseases which are similar to human illnesses. As with human illnesses, the severity of the symptoms and threat to the cat's general health are varied. We need to look at these symptoms to help us determine what is the problem. It is fairly common for a guardian to notice...

Rectal prolapse is not a common problem in dogs. However, if it does occur, its symptoms need to be recognized. Rectal prolapse in dogs occurs more commonly when a dog is giving birth or straining to defecate and is visible to the naked eye. If your dog is suffering from a rectal prolapse, it’s very important...

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...

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in dogs, also known as avascular necrosis of the proximal femoral head of the femur, is a rapid degeneration of the part of the femur bone which is lodged in the hip joint. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease usually affects younger dogs between 4-12 months. In addition, some dog breeds...

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...

All dog breeds will have some susceptibility to certain diseases or health problems. Unfortunately, some dog breeds are more susceptible than others. The French Bulldog is one such breed. This is not to say that a French Bulldog cannot live a long, happy and healthy life. It simply means we need to be...

Is your Labrador shedding a lot of hair? The first thing you should know is that all labs shed, specifically during spring, otherwise referred to as labrador molting season. But, it’s also important to know that sometimes your lab may be shedding excessively due to stress, anxiety and/or additional causes. Keep...

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...

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...

One of the World Health Organization's ‘essential medicines’[1], omeprazole is an antacid drug commonly used in human medicine. The various diseases and conditions which omeprazole is used to treat can manifest themselves in our dogs. Gastrointestinal issues are quite common in canines, especially as...

Platelets coagulate blood, helping it to bind together in cases of leaking blood vessels or broken clots. If a dog has a low platelet count, it hinders its body’s ability to control bleeding. In addition, low platelets in dogs can lead to hemorrhages of both greater or lesser severity. A dog’s platelet...

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...

When it comes to disease, rats do not have the best reputation. 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...

Keeping our cat safe from certain dangers can be difficult when these dangers are invisible to the human eye. Feline immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as FIV, is one such danger. It is an infectious disease which weakens the cat's immune response system and causes the cat to be susceptible to various...

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....

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...

There is nothing abnormal about a dog licking his penis or genital area. For a species without opposable thumbs, hygiene needs to be taking care of in the most efficient way possible. As with any canine behavior, if your dog does this too often, it could be a sign of a health issue. Unfortunately, diseases...

When asking ‘can cats get salmonella?’, we need to make a distinction. Salmonella is in itself a bacteria which causes the infection salmonellosis. The bacteria infects the host causing serious illness. The correct question should be ‘can cats get salmonellosis?’, with the unfortunate answer being ‘yes’. Fortunately,...

Diarrhea in puppies is a common health problem that naturally causes worry. Puppies are incredibly vulnerable as they have do not yet have a fully developed immune system. In addition, puppies are more easily dehydrated and are more prone to suffering from diseases and infections. This is why, if your...

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....

Many people choose a parrot as a pet because of a popular yet unfounded belief that they require little care or maintenance. This is false and dangerous information as parrots need continuous contact and stimulation, especially if they live alone. Some aspects of a parrot's care needs include letting them...

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...