Animal health

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...

We all know how annoying persistent hiccups can be. We may have heard many old wive's tales about how to cure them, but it might not be as easy to make your cat drink from the other side of their bowl. They can be frustrating, but it's important to know they are not very common in cats. The first thing...

A canary is a bird that has been bred in captivity for more than 500 years. This songbird is sweet, harmonious and greatly appreciated by canary enthusiasts for its pleasant and sweet melodies. Canaries are generally easy to care for. However, most importantly, they must be kept clean. If a canary or its...

Halitosis or bad breath is a relatively common problem in dogs and can be caused by many different things. It is important to know, that this halitosis is not normal, should not be ignored and requires veterinary treatment. The causes of bad or ‘‘fishy’’ breath can range from dental hygiene problems to...

We use the term "mosquito" to name numerous species that make up different families of diptera nematocera. Despite their small size, mosquitoes are responsible for numerous health risks to our families and animals. Although some species are completely harmless, the females of the families Culicidae and...

It is very common for a dog to suffer from diarrhea. This looseness of the bowels can be caused by bacterial infections, ingestion of toxic chemicals, allergic reactions to food, or more. Diarrhea is caused by an alteration of the functionality of the digestive system. Depending on which area is affected,the...

When people have dandruff, you can normally see it resting on the shoulders of their jacket or at the back of their collar. With cats, it isn't as always easy to notice. The most common time to spot it is when you are petting them. You may feel something at the tips of your fingers or even see it shedding...

The appearance of a lump in the neck of our beloved dog is an understandable cause for concern. We may be more likely to detect it as this is an area we pet more than others (e.g. some dogs may not enjoy being petted in their sensitive belly area). Lumps can appear like a ball under the skin or seem to...

In addition to body language, cats use their eyes to communicate with; us, other cats and animals of different species. For many, a feline’s gaze is one of the most mysterious. This is often due an incredibly characteristic form which their pupils take on, but, what does it mean if they are completely...

Although many caregivers think it is normal for cats to vomit frequently, the fact is that acute episodes of recurrent vomiting or vomiting over time calls for veterinary consultation and can be due to many different causes.If your cat is vomiting, it is important to note whether this vomiting is acute...

There are several causes that can result in tremors and mobility problems in dogs. When establishing a diagnosis for this, it is important that to take into account if the tremors are occurring during a resting period or movement. These tremors may be due to cerebellar disorders, such as those that occur...

As caregivers to our dogs, we need to ensure all of their needs are met. Unfortunately, some of our canine's health considerations aren't always apparent. This is why regular checkups at the vet will help us to ensure they are kept away from hidden dangers. Checking their blood glucose levels are a way to...

Pulmonary hypertension in cats (HP / high blood pressure in the lungs in cat) is considered a complex syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by an increase in blood pressure inside the structures that make up the vascular network of the lungs. In clinics, PH includes various clinical manifestations and...

Many owners are concerned when they observe that their cats vomit a green or yellowish liquid or a foam. This concern is completely justified: vomiting in cats can occur now and then, but it should not be considered normal. If your cat vomits yellow, it may be a symptom of illness, as well as an imbalance...

Many dogs are prone to vomiting. They do it when they eat something disagreeable, when they have overindulged or if they exercise too soon after eating. However, there is always a reason for it, whether relatively benign or a symptom of something more serious. Sometimes dogs may make the same retching sounds,...

Nosebleeds in dogs can be very worrying, especially if we are not around to see the cause. Scientifically known as ‘epistaxis’, nosebleeds occur when blood drips from the nostrils. This could be due to blunt trauma or due to some internal issue such as inflammation. Most people will have experienced a nosebleed...

Canine babesiosis or Babesia Canisis a severe parasitic disease transmitted through bites by infected an tick. Babesiosis can affect dogs of all breeds and ages. However, it is more common in dogs that have not received adequate preventive medicine. When not treated quickly, babesiosis in dogs can cause...