Animal health

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...

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...

Reverse sneezing in dogs, also known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, is a disorder that can occur in all dogs, which generally causes immediate worry among tutors. This worry stems mainly from the fact that when a dog suffers from backwards sneezing, it seems like they are choking. Does your...

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...

Demodectic mange in dogs is the second most common type of canine mange. It is also known commonly as red mange due to the characteristic redness in the skin of dogs suffering from the disease. It is also sometimes known as hereditary scabies, but this is misleading. If the problem is not a genetic condition,...

Eastern equine encephalitis is an extremely serious viral disease which affects horses. Unfortunately, it is also a zoonotic disease. Zoonoses are diseases which can be spread to humans. Eastern equine encephalitis, often known simply as EEE is a disease which is often first transmitted by other animals...

In this AnimalWised article, we are going to talk about notoedric mange, a type of scabies caused by the Notoedres cati mite. This mite is a parasite and it's effect on its host can lead to intense itching and acute skin problems. When this host is your beloved cat, then you will want to know what you...

The DHLPP vaccine for dogs is gaining more and more popularity over time, but what does it contain and what is it for? The DHLPP vaccination is a dog vaccination made up of five components which fight against; canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, canine parainfluenza virus and parvovirus. It is incredibly...

Metronidazole is a drug that is used frequently in human medicine, so much so that it is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML). Metronidazole for dogs is also gaining in popularity in veterinary medicine as a drug which can have varied uses. The drug can come in various forms including pills,...

Rabies is a disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. Although rabies is not a very common in cats, it is very dangerous, since it has no cure and results in the death of an animal. Does your cat often leave the house and is in contact with other animals? If so, rabies prevention is key!...

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,...

Pasteurella in rabbits, also referred to as snuffles in rabbits, is an infectious and contagious disease. This infection has numerous clinical variants and can affect various organs in a rabbit’s body. Various forms of pasteurellosis can occur, classified as localized and generalized. Generally, snuffles...

It is possible you have not heard of a necropsy. It is a procedure which, unless you are a veterinary student, you only become aware of when it is needed. Unfortunately, you are most likely to become aware of it when a companion animal dies. It may be described to you by a veterinarian just after the...

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...