Animal health

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...

Our understand of a cat's well-being is sometimes too closely associated with that of a human's well-being. If we do this, we underestimate the differences people and felines have in terms of both physiology and psychology. This means we may look at certain symptoms in our cats and then make assumptions...

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...

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...

When giving a general medical examination, a doctor will look into our eyes to see signs of health problems. The veterinarian will also do the same for our cats. The reason is that eyes can show signs of brain damage, hemorrhaging or, of course, eye problems, among others. This doesn't mean the doctor...

Some of the wounds we see on a cat's skin might be superficial and not cause much concern. They could be from being scratched on a fence or something else relatively innocuous. However, different wounds have different causes and they may not seem to heal as well as we think they should. The multiple...

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,...

Every animal has characteristics that naturally develop in order to aid it in living comfortably. Along with their great sense of vision, cats also have an acute sense of hearing. These senses help a cat manoeuver through their respective environments and communicate between each other and other beings....

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...

In this AnimalWised article we’re going to discuss something which can strike understandable fear in the heart of any cat lover. If we see blood coming from the nose of our cat, then it is easy to think the worst may have happened. However, there are many possible causes of nasal bleeding in cats, scientifically...

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...

Unlike dogs, most cats do not like having their belly rubbed. This is because their underside feels vulnerable, so only cats which have high levels of trust in their guardians will let this happen. For this reason, it can be difficult to determine the condition of their belly. However, even if it may...

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...

There are different reasons a dog may have black skin, some of which should be concerning. This is because it may be a symptom of an underlying condition, often a hormonal imbalance which is causing changes in their physicality and likely their behavior. However, it is also important to remember than black...

Did you know that there are over 3,400 serpents species in the world? Snakes are commonly feared by many, but equally loved. Many people are incredibly passionate about these reptiles, mostly due to their imposing presence and peculiar beauty. People have even claimed that reptiles such as snakes are...

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,...

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...

At AnimalWised, we understand that there are many sensitive issues when it comes to pet care. However, care is the operative word and we strive to provide the best information to make the world better for both individual animals and the animal community as a whole. Few topics are as sensitive as animal...

Unfortunately, it is quite common that cats can becomeeasily dehydrated, especially if they are not cared for properly. Like humans, a feline's body is made up of mostly water. This is why it is vital that cats have a sufficient amount of water in their bodies to allow for the proper functioning of their...

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...

You may have seen promotional material saying ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ or similar. While this might seem obvious, the unfortunate fact is that too many people act impetuously and don't live up to the responsibility of dog guardianship. According to the ASPCA, 3.3 million dogs a year enter...

Anemia is a liver disease that affects both humans and dogs. There are several types of anemia, each with its particular characteristics and respective treatments. Autoimmune Hemolytic anemia affects dogs and is related to the immune system. This disease attacks and eradicates red blood cells in the...

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...

Rabbits are a beloved pet to many. This is not only due to their cute wee faces, but their amusing and friendly temperament. They can develop special bonds with their human counterparts and they certainly can bring us a lot of happiness. However, as with cats and dogs, rabbits can experience changes in...

Myiasis is a form of parasitism which is carried by dipterous larvae (neoptera insects) such as: flies, mosquitoes and even horseflies. They are laid in living or dead tissues of vertebrate animals, from which they feed. This process ensures their survival, growth and development. Have you noticed any...

The rate of distemper in cats has greatly reduced since the advent of feline vaccinations. Before this time, the mortality rate of cats with distemper was incredibly high. Additionally, with a reduction of the disease in feral cat populations and an all-round better quality of care available, it has...

Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the dirofilaria immitis, otherwise known as the heartworm. This condition is spread through a parasitic roundowrm that is shared through hosts, ie: mosquitoes. Heartworm is incredibly dangerous, this is because the adult form of this parasite install themselves in...

Vomiting and diarrhea are relatively common in dogs and can sometimes worry their owners. This situation can become increasingly worrying if it doesn't desist or if there is an appearance of blood in the vomit or feces. Some symptoms such; anorexia, apathy or fever can even worsen this clinical case. In...

Dogs can sometimes experience skin irritation which can appear as red or itchy areas on the skin. This irritation can cause severe discomfort for our canines. Skin irritation is dogs is known as dermatitis. The causes for skin problems in dogs can vary, therefore, if you notice that your dog is experiencing...

Kidney failure or renal insufficiency in dogs refers to a disease that affects one or both kidneys. This condition causes alterations to the function of these organs. Kidney failure can manifest acutely or chronically. This happens when the failure of a dog’s kidneys progressively degenerates. In this...

Rectal bleeding in dogs, wherever it occurs, is always cause for alarm for pet owners. Anal bleeding in dogs can occur due to many different reasons. The origin of the bleeding, however, can differ. Therefore, it is incredibly important that if your dog is bleeding from its rectum, that you go to a veterinarian...

The body's nervous system is incredibly complex. Carrying signals from the brain to the rest of the body to control function and activity, even the slightest alteration can result in significant impairment. Dogs are no different. They are susceptible to certain neurological disorders and will display certain...

Dehydration is a condition that does not only affect humans, but animals too. Dehydration in our dogs can appear due to many different causes. Dehydration has different degrees of severity. It is incredibly important that dog owners are familiar with the signs and symptoms of dehydration in dogs. Dehydration...

Although ticks in dogs are more common in dogs, cats can also be affected by these ectoparasites. This is specifically prevalent in cats that do not receive adequate preventative medicine. Ticks feed on blood and can cause intense itching for our felines. In addition, ticks can also transmit serious diseases...

Allergies appear when the immune system develops an adverse or exaggerated response to an allergen. An allergic reaction leads to high release of histamine in the body. This hypersensitivity occurs as a consequence of the ingestion of certain foods or compounds. Food allergies in felines can cause several...

The Doberman Pinscher is a remarkably elegant, intelligent and sensitive dog. This dog stands out among the 5 smartest dog breeds. According to Stanley Coren, psychology professor and neuropsychological researcher, Dobermans are able to learn, memorize and reproduce with great excellence and speed. In...