Animal 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...

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...

Cats are resilient creatures. Although not immortal, they are agile, can withstand high falls and will defend themselves if necessary. Such resilience means they are also able to endure a lot of pain without manifesting obvious symptoms. While this is a credit to the cat's strength, it makes it difficult...

Before they become so popular as companion animals, rabbits had been used by humans in various cultures for their fur. The tri-layered fur of a rabbit's coat keeps the rabbit insulated against the often freezing temperatures of their natural habitat. While they will shed when the temperatures rise, they...

Is your dog vomiting yellow foam? Vomiting in dogs is a a common problem which will naturally result in worry for any dog owner. Dog vomiting can be linked to poisoning, indigestion, enteritis and more. Treating this vomiting accordingly requires a professional diagnosis. For more about ‘‘Why is my dog...

Feline hyperthyroidism is a disease which can often go unnoticed. The disease progresses and begins to affect hormone production in the cat incrementally. As our communication with our cat relies on observing their body language and behavior, there may not be much of a change. This is at least until...

Canine folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that usually occurs as a consequence of another skin disease. This dermatological disease directly affects a dog’s hair follicle health. Folliculitis in dogs is an infection that can appear in animals of all ages, but is more common in puppies...

If we discover a lump on our cat's neck, it is understandable we will be worried. While our mind might jump to a worse case scenario, it is important to know there are many reasons for this. Some are relatively benign and others may need specific treatment. Only a veterinary medical professional will...

One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to natural remedies for dogs is, can dogs drink chamomile tea? Chamomile holds both antispasmodic and carminative properties. However, when giving any plant or medication to your dog, you should consult a veterinarian beforehand. Chamomile can be administered...

Asthma in dogs is a common respiratory disease which is often more prominent in smaller dog breeds. Knowing how to recognize symptoms of asthma in dogs is key in treating it correctly. Symptoms of asthma may include wheezing in dogs and constant coughing. Does your dog have asthma? Find out here at AnimalWised,...

Is my dog sick? Is one of the most commonly asked questions among dog tutors. As a dog carer, it is incredibly important that you are able to recognize any signs or symptoms of illness in dogs. In many cases, if these such symptoms are not recognized or treated in time, it could be fatal. Therefore, it...

Can fleas live on rabbits? Rabbits, just like dogs and cats, can get fleas, ticks and/or mites. If you are wondering how to detect fleas on rabbits and how to treat or prevent fleas on rabbits, keep reading here. This parasitic insect can transmit a variety of bacteria into a rabbit’s bloodstream and...

The first thing we need to state in this AnimalWised article on why do dogs eat their puppies? is that it is not common. While it can and does happen for the reasons explained below, it is in the minority of births. Mother dogs have a protective instinct over their newborn puppies. While it may sound counter-intuitive,...

When it comes to your cat’s care, health is of the utmost important! If you notice anything abnormal in relation to your cat’s psychological and or physical behavior, make sure you consult a veterinarian immediately. Is your cat peeing blood but acting normal? Reasons for this can vary drastically. If...

Ivermectin is an common antiparasitic drug for cats, dogs and other animals. Currently, however, the are other products which have been proven safer for cats. If you are wondering, is ivermectin safe for cats? You’ve come to the right place. Here at AnimalWised we aim to discuss everything you need to...

When your cat shows any signs of illness, it's easy to grow worried. Unless there is an underlying illness you are already aware of, you can think the worst. Unfortunately, many symptoms have various causes, some more benign than others. If you see that your cat has a runny nose and is sneezing, you...

Is your dog panting after giving birth? If your dog is extremely restless, uncomfortable or nervous after giving birth, it is normal. However, if these do not remit, veterinary attention is required. Sometimes, after giving birth, bitches can experience complications which need to be attended to. For...

It is not abnormal for our dog to lick many things. Whether they excitedly lick our face when we return from work or licking the ground while out on a walk, these behaviors can have benign explanations. If you wonder why does my dog lick metal?, you may think the same applies. Licking metal objects every...

Conjunctivitis in rabbits, known also as weepy eye, is a common rabbit eye infection. Conjunctivitis in rabbits can occur in one or both eyes and could be a indicative of a dental disorder, hence the importance of early veterinary assistance. If you notice any symptoms of conjunctivitis in your rabbit,...

Your cat’s health is of the utmost important, therefore, we always recommend being informed about all of the potential diseases or infections that cats can catch. Leptospirosis in cats is a bacterial infection caused by a subspecies of the leptospira interrogans. This infection perforates a cat’s skin...

Toxocara canis is one of the most common parasites in dogs. Referred to also as roundworm, this heminth parasite can affect all canidae species and humans alike. Toxocara canis is zooonosis, meaning that it can be transmitted from animals to humans. This is why it is incredibly important to follow your...

When we think of an abscess, it is common for many to first think of a dental problem. If a cat tooth abscess occurs, it might be difficult to tell until the symptoms become acute. But a cat can get an abscess in various places, including their, neck, head, tail or anywhere fluid can accumulate. These...

In this AnimalWised article we will be discussing everything you need to know about pulmonary edema in dogs. Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and can occur from multiple causes, such as cardiomegaly or cancer. Finding out the pulmonary edema cause is key when prescribing the correct...

Are you wondering why does my dog keep getting abscesses? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Dog abscesses result in an accumulation of pus under or on the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body and originate from an infection. Abscesses in dogs require veterinary attention. There are, however,...

As cat caregivers we must know that, sometimes, our feline may manifest some digestive tract problems. Causes of upset stomachs in cats vary. Treatment will always depend on the cause. If your cat is suffering from an upset stomach, diarrhea or vomiting, we recommend consulting a veterinarian as soon...

A Dog’s vital signs include temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate. Dog vital signs are also commonly referred to as dog tpr (temperature, pulse and respiratory rate). These canine vital signs helps us identify whether or not our dog is healthy or suffering from an underlying illness. If you are a...

Malassezia is a genus of fungi, a yeast that is usually found in human and animal skin surfaces. Malassezia pachydermatitis is the most common type of malassezia found on both dogs and cats. Normally, these yeasts do not cause any harm. However, malassezia infections can occur when the number of malassezia...

Feline acne is a dermatological problem which can occur in cats of any age. Feline acne on a cat’s skin is visible through the formation of blackheads. Symptoms of feline acne include inflammation, pain and sores. But, what causes feline acne and how do you treat it? And, most importantly, is feline...

You may be familiar with prednisone as a drug for various human ailments. It has been used for everything from headaches and autoimmune diseases to heart failure and cancer. The dosage and side effects are specific to the individual clinical picture. While not all human-use drugs are appropriate for veterinary...

If you see that your cat has scabs, it means you can see through to their skin. Unless you have a hairless cat, this is not a healthy sign. Any reason for hair loss in cats is worrying, but if you see wounds or scabs, there is particular cause for concern. Hopefully, you will have noticed at an early...