Animal health

Cats are well-known for their personal hygiene. They spend many hours of the day grooming to ensure a spotless coat which helps maintain overall health. In the wild, this is still very important. Their hygiene routine is not limited to their coat. They will also go to great lengths to ensure they urinate...

Testicles are one of the most sensitive areas on a dog's body. There are many opportunities where they can be injured, especially outside where there are many obstacles and unknown objects. This could be trauma due to contact with shrubbery or something else in their environment. It could also be irritation...

An orchiectomy is a procedure which entails the removal of one or both of a dog's testicles. It is a common procedure when used as a form of castration of the animal, a type of neutering. There are also other less common reasons for an orchiectomy in dogs. At AnimalWised, we look in more detail at the...

Ivermectin is a well-known drug and has been used for years to treat various pathological processes. In this AnimalWised article we will elaborate on what is ivermectin for dogs. We will also provide information on the precautions to be taken into account when administering it and its limitations, as we currently...

Excessive water consumption and frequent urination in dogs may be a sign of polyuria/polydipsia syndrome, which occurs when the normal control mechanisms for water intake and urine production are disrupted. In many cases, it can be an indication of an underlying health condition. If you're wondering why...

Sometimes we are surprised to discover how pets go on to develop the same diseases as humans. This is a sudden reminder of how similar we are in terms of biological issues and genetics. Once you understand this reality, you can pay more attention to possible symptoms of ailments that are actually quite...

Canine dilated cardiomyopathy is a fatal disease in which the muscle fibers contract weakly. Then, the muscles of the heart's walls become thinner and the chambers, that is, the ventricles and atria, get bigger. As a result of this disease, the heart gets bigger and loses its original shape, since its muscles...

Occasional vomiting is a common problem in cats and it is not necessarily serious. However, if your cat vomits more frequently, this could be a symptom of a more serious condition and you should take your cat to a vet immediately to find out the cause. Vomiting is a reflex that causes the active removal...

Diarrhea in dogs is a common occurrence that will happen throughout our dog's lives. This is why it's best to get familiar to its causes and treatment. This way, you'll be able to quickly help your dog recover from an upset stomach as soon as you see them vomit. In this AnimalWised article we're going...

A cat scratching itself is a normal and healthy behavior. If we had the dexterity of most cats, we'd be scratching just as much. As with any behavior, scratching excessively can cause serious harm. If a cat scratches itself raw, then wounds can develop which cause complications. Other reasons for a cat...

Vaginal discharge in your dog is abnormal, depending on the context. For example, a pregnant dog will have some discharge if they are about to give birth. When a female dog is not pregnant or is not even sexually intact, vaginal discharge can be a worrying potential sign of disease such as uterine infection...

We all want to care for our dogs and keep them safe. The biggest threats? Running away or getting sick/injured without anyone noticing. The SATELLAI Collar is merging high-precision GPS tracking, AI-powered health insights, and versatile virtual fencing system to mitigate these threats. Designed for...

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a prevalent condition affecting cats, often characterized by recurrent urinary blockages. These blockages can be painful, distressing, and life-threatening. Perineal urethrostomy is a surgical procedure designed to address this issue by creating a wider opening...

Unless they have eaten something which is yellow in color, the yellow liquid a cat vomits is likely to be bile. This is a yellowish or greenish liquid which is produced in the liver. Bile is important for healthy digestion in cats and its production is essential in breaking down certain lipids. While bile...

An enema is a procedure whereby liquid is inserted into the anus to treat various gastrointestinal problems. It is more common in human medicine, but it is also used by veterinarians. We can administer our own enemas at home, but this should only be done on the advice of a doctor. The same applies to our...

Leaking fluid from a pregnant cat can be a normal symptom of their pregnancy or it can be a sign of a complication. Looking at the context of the discharge is vital to knowing when to take them to a veterinarian. During both the heat period and pregnancy of sexually intact female cats, vaginal discharge...

Levothyroxine is a medication which is used to treat hypothyroidism in dogs. This is because the hormone thyroxine (T4) is used to control metabolism. When insufficient thyroxine is produced by the dog, hypothyroidism occurs and various metabolic processes are affected. This can result in serious health problems...

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), also known as canine dementia, is a common degenerative brain disorder that affects older dogs. Similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, CCD causes a decline in cognitive function, leading to behavioral changes, confusion, and memory loss. CCD can have a significant...

Swelling of your dog's paws is a sign that your pet may be suffering from an underlying condition that requires medical attention. There are many possible causes of swollen paws related to changes in various organs, devices or systems. Analyzing how the swelling occurs and develops will help diagnose...

Avian infectious coryza is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum. The disease affects only chickens, especially laying hens and occasionally broilers. Reports of quail and pheasants probably describe a similar disease caused by a different bacterium. At first glance it appears...

If you have ever spoken to someone who has had kidney stones, they will likely have let you know how painful they can be. Essentially a small stone made from various potential minerals, nephroliths block the passageway of urine in the very sensitive areas of the genitourinary tract. Dogs are known for...

As pet owners, we cherish the playful and energetic moments our dogs bring into our lives. However, there may be times when we notice a change in their usual lively demeanor. This may be due to a variety of factors, but one possible explanation is lethargy. Lethargy is a common condition in dogs, and it...

There are different circumstances in which you may need to dry up a dog's milk supply and stop them from producing more milk. This could be because she begins lactating following a false pregnancy or continues to lactate after her puppies have been weaned. It is even more necessary when the puppies...

If you see your rabbit is still breathing, but lying limp on its side, it is a worrying sign. As sensitive creatures which crave security, any threat can make them move like lightning. Even with the best of intentions, guardians can give their animal a fright, causing them to run from us. All this means...

If your dog has eaten a Tylenol tablet, you will need to take them to a veterinarian immediately. Tylenol is an over-the-counter pain medication which contains the active ingredient acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. This is a very commonly used drug for humans which should not be taken by dogs. This...

Catosal is a vitamin B12 medication for veterinary use that can be prescribed for animals of different species, such as dogs or cats. It is also used for livestock such as cattle and horses, although its use always needs to be at the discretion of a qualified veterinarian. It is an injectable drug that...

In most cases, all you need to expect after deworming your dog is that they won't get parasites. Worms are types of internal parasites which often cause gastrointestinal upset, but some of them can be fatal. This is the case with heartworms, lungworms, and others which infest vital tissues of the body....

You can generally tell if a female dog has been spayed by their spay scars. Since spaying is a surgical intervention, an incision is made on the dog's abdomen. It is these incision scars which indicate a spay. However, there are reasons why this might not provide conclusive confirmation the dog has been...

Rabies in rabbits is a deadly disease which is made all the more terrifying by being zoonotic. This means it is a disease which can spread between different species. While we may associate rabies with other mammals such as dogs, bats or wolves, it is possible for a rabbit to become infected by rabies. While...

Scabs on a cat's skin can be due to various causes, but there are some which are more likely when the scabs appear on a cat's neck. A scab will occur once an open sore has started to heal since the hard crust is part of their immune response. Looking at the larger clinical picture will help us to understand...

Dogs can often eat otherwise inedible objects with relative ease and suffer no obvious ill effects. This does not mean they are incapable of choking. In many ways, dogs are more prone to choking. They use their mouths to interact with their environment and chewing is a common behavior. Whether a ball,...

Seeing your rabbit pull out its fur can be alarming for any pet owner. This behavior may be a sign of an underlying problem affecting your beloved companion. However, it is also possible that a rabbit with patches of fur missing in specific areas is simply engaging in a natural behavior. Nevertheless, it is...

Microphthalmia is an uncommon yet significant condition that affects the development of a dog's eyes. Characterized by abnormally small eyes, microphthalmia can range in severity and impact a dog's vision to varying degrees. While genetic factors often underlie this condition, other causes such as intrauterine...

Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Although bed bugs primarily target humans for their blood meals, cats can also become victims of their bites, especially in the presence of a significant...

Streptokinase is an antithrombotic medication, meaning it works by breaking down blood clots which can be potentially fatal to dogs. It is usually given intravenously in injection form and is sold under various trade names in varying combinations. It is indicated as a human medication, but not for veterinary...

A female dog licking her privates more than usual could be affected by their heat cycle, urinary tract infection, allergies, skin irritation or inflammation, behavioral issues, vaginal discharge, or even infection or injury. It should be noted that licking their genitals is a normal part of a dog's grooming...

Febantel is an antiparasitic drug that is often used in combination with other antiparasitics such as praziquantel or pyrantel. When establishing a deworming schedule for your cat, the veterinarian will need to assess their specific needs. These will be determined by your geographical location, but also by...

A vaccination schedule for dogs should begin when they are a puppy, but there are some cases where this has not occurred. Late is better than never, so an adult dog can start a vaccination schedule after they have developed. The reason for vaccinations is due to the various contagious diseases which can...

Heart failure in dogs is a relatively common disorder that can affect animals of all ages. For this reason, caregivers must be attentive to any symptoms that may suggest that they suffer from heart disease. It is very important to recognize these symptoms early. Taking them to a veterinarian for diagnosis...

The spleen is not a vital organ in dogs, as is the case with humans. This does not mean it lacks importance. It acts as a blood filter and is very useful in a dog's immune response to various pathogens. It is not considered vital because the organism can keep living if it ceases to function. Dogs without...

Cutaneous histiocytoma is a tumor that frequently occurs in young dogs less than 4 years of age. It is a tumor that appears in the form of reddish hairless nodules, generally in the head and neck area. Once they appear, the lesions grow rapidly, often causing great concern for caregivers. Despite their threatening...

Although not formulated specifically for veterinary use, Bepanthen cream can be used on dogs in certain circumstances. This product is an ointment which is mainly used to treat minor skin injuries such as sunburn. For humans, it is also used to help skin repair after various types of damage. It binds to hair...

If your cat is overgrooming, it can be a result of physical, psychological or environmental problems in your cat's life. To understand the causes and treatment of excessive grooming in cats, we need to look at the context of their behavior. If they have started to overgroom all of a sudden, it will likely...

The causes of open wounds on cats are varied, but they are most commonly related to a trauma. These can range from being minor to life threatening, depending on the tissue affected, amount of blood loss and the risk of bacterial infection. If a bacterial infection does occur, the cat's open wound will likely...

Intestinal lymphoma in cats is a malignant tumor originating from lymphocytes, which can affect both the small and large intestines. Its clinical presentation often resembles that of other digestive disorders, underscoring the importance of conducting a thorough differential diagnosis to distinguish it from...

Internal bleeding in dogs can be difficult to diagnose since the problem lies with tissues we cannot observe directly. Often the signs of the internal hemorrhage are systemic since the internal blood loss will affect the functioning of the dog's organism greatly. Although the direct cause of internal...

We should never give human antibiotics to a cat. There are many reasons why this is prohibited behavior for cat guardians. The same applies to all drugs. Often, the specific drug will be toxic to cats. Not only will it not treat the bacterial infection for which antibiotics are used, but it can cause...

When a dog bites a toad, it can lead to a potentially dangerous situation. Certain species of toads, such as the cane toad or toads from the genus Bufo, secrete toxins through their skin as a defense mechanism. These toxins contain chemicals known as bufotoxins, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested....

Canine cystitis is one of the most common conditions faced by dogs. Often, the initial symptoms may lead you to believe that your dog is just misbehaving and you may not pay enough attention to what is really going on. To prevent your dog's discomfort worsening, and to be able to initiate the best course...

Although it is a plant which can be enjoyed all year, the poinsettia is known for its association with Christmas. This is because the beautiful flower of this plant blooms toward the end of the year, often during the holidays. Like Christmas itself, it is a relatively short, but beautiful time which is...