Other animal health problems

You may have heard the acronym FLUTD in reference to feline health, but may not be aware of what it means for your cat. It is an acronym which refers to a set of varying problems which affect the lower urinary tract of cats. FLUTD is characterized by various symptoms, but we most often first notice if...

Dogs can often develop small lumps, some temporary, others permanent. Since they are active animals, they may sustain injuries when they are too boisterous. Insect bites and parasites are attracted to their fur which can result in lumps and swelling. These can all affect the ear, but many might resolve...

When we take our dog out for a walk, we are not only allowing them to relieve themselves and exercise. We are also given the opportunity for a health status update. There are many canine diseases which are either asymptomatic (have no visible symptoms) or have hard-to-distinguish signs. Looking at our...

Dogs are very curious and playful animals. They're willing to put their nose just about anywhere in order to discover something new. This may lead them to some dangerous scenarios. One of them being getting stung by a wasp. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explain what you should do if your...

Cats have a well-known and accurate reputation of being hygienic animals. Not only do their grooming habits keep their coat clean, but they can help prevent disease and parasitical infestation. The amount of time they devote to grooming can appear to be excessive, but a healthy cat can spend large portions...

A dog's tail is an important indicator of their mood. When the tail is in different positions, it will let us know if they are fearful, happy or a wide range of emotions. When we notice that the dog is not moving their tail for any reason and it hangs limp, we should know that is not normal. Some may...

It's common to find dogs chewing or licking their paws. They usually do so to clean themselves and maintain proper hygiene. However, sometimes a dog may begin to do it excessively. This can become a problem as they can chew their paws raw until one can see their skin or even their flesh. In this AnimalWised...

Kidney failure in cats is common in older cats. When untreated, this could bring more serious health issues. When chronic, there is no cure. However, by detecting kidney failure early on we can find the right treatment for our cat and improve their quality of life. In this AnimalWised article we're...

Puppies start to grow their temporary teeth around the age of 3 weeks. This is when they'll start weaning and playing with chew toys. But, why are their teeth so sharp? In this AnimalWised article we're going to tell you why puppy teeth are so sharp. We'll also go through the difference between puppy...

There are dogs of many shapes and sizes, all with particular characteristics. These characteristics may be related to their body shape, coat type or even their ears. Some have short ears which stand erect. Some have long ears which droop down past the face. However, it is not common to have a dog breed...

Since we take our dogs out for walks and witness them urinate, we might notice there is something different about their urine. While we need to ensure it is not something that was already on the ground, crystals in the dog's urine are a worrying. This is because they may indicate the presence of bladder...

Eating the correct food is vital for cats. Although we enjoy playing hunting games with our feline, hunting in the wild is not for fun. It is a necessity for survival. Mothers teach their young how to do it as soon as they can walk and they have an innate ability to stalk and pounce. Domestic cats don't...

All cats do not have a uniform color of nose, similar to their fur and eyes. The important thing we need to consider if we notice the coloration of a cat's nose is whether it is natural. Similar to a cat's fur and eyes, if there is a change in tonality in an adult cat, then it is a sign something may have...

In may be unpleasant to check our cat's litter tray, but finding crystals in their urine is just one reason why it is important. Crystals which are passed on their own may not cause a severe problem, but the likelihood is that they indicate the formation of struvite crystals, commonly known as bladder stones...

Can dogs have autism? Although autism in dogs has been studied since 1966, there isn't a lot of evidence in this subject. Nevertheless, studies have shown that dogs can experience autism. If your dog has been diagnosed with autism or “canine dysfunctional behaviour”, this is the article for you. In this...

Collecting and disposing of our dog's poop is not the best part of being their guardian, but it is a necessary responsibility. It also provides us the opportunity to monitor their well-being since a dog's stool is an indicator of their general health. When the dog's stool is of a different consistency or...

Have you noticed your cat's skin turning yellow? This may be a clear sign that your cat has jaundice, also known as icterus. This discoloration of a cat's gums and tissues will be easier to detect in lighter skinned cats. Most care givers notice their cat's ears or gums turning yellow. If this is the case...

Ear infections, also known as otitis, are the most common form of ear disease in rabbits. These infections can affect the external, middle or internal part of a rabbit's ears. If you've noticed your rabbit tilting or shaking their head, they may have an ear infection. In this AnimalWised article we're...

Cats are relatively prone to ear infections, especially long-eared cat breeds. Mites, otitis and other ear problems can be bothersome, but they are usually easily treatable. As long as we are observant of their symptoms and treat them in time, prognosis is generally very good. However, treating a cat's...

Have you noticed your dog vomits after eating? Gastrointestinal issues are one of the most common health problems affecting dogs. Vomiting is one of their most common symptoms. It is a sign we need to take care of their digestive health, but it may also be a signifier of something more serious. This is...

Digestive problems are some of the most frequent health issues in domestic rabbits. This is because there are so many factors which can compromise their gastrointestinal health. As sensitive animals, changes to their environment, diet or any aspect of their care can lead to various symptoms. Even psychological...

Although often misclassified as rodents, rabbits are actually lagomorphs. These beautiful little mammals have been farmed for millennia, but it is only relatively recently they have been enjoyed as companion animals. Even so, it is only more recently that their popularity has grown as it has. For this...

When we adopt a dog, seeing them stretch is often adorable. They may stretch out on their bed, your bed, the grass or on the kitchen floor. It's a normal behavior which often shows they are tired or are emerging from a deep sleep. However, as with any behavior, if a dog is stretching a lot and seems...

Anyone fortunate enough to raise their dog from being a puppy will know they can't stand still. When they aren't sleeping, they are exploring everywhere and trying to eat everything. There are many adolescent behaviors which happen more when they are young. Most are benign and are usually ways of trying...

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...

The Chihuahua is one of the most beloved dog breeds, known for cramming a lot of personality into such a small body. For guardians who want to spend as much time as possible with their dog, tending to their needs is essential. They require a proper diet, sufficient physical exercise and have their health...

Rabbits are always chewing on hay or leafy vegetables. One thing they love more than anything is eating sugary fruit and rabbit treats that give them a boost in energy. However, a lack of exercise and an excess of these treats can allow them to retain excess weight and become overweight. This can be...

While we may not think of dandruff as being a serious condition, this will depend on the severity of the problem. For people with dandruff, social stigma is a worry. Although, this is not the case for dogs, we still need to take the condition seriously for the health of the dog and for general hygiene...

Just like with any other animal, it's normal for our dogs to fart. However, when they begin farting excessively and releasing a stinky smell, we begin to worry. Excessive flatulence in dogs is usually caused by a change of diet. Nevertheless, in this AnimalWised article we are going to go through the...

The anal glands of a dog are something we ignore at the animal's peril. Sacculitis, also known as anal sac disease, is something which often gets ignored in its initial stages. Part of the problem is that it can be difficult to tell the difference between normal and abnormal discharge from the glands. If...

Although they often go unnoticed due to their relatively small size, male dogs also have nipples. Female dogs use their breasts once they give birth to puppies. Although males do not perform this reproductive function, they also have mammary gland tissue which can be very sensitive. As with any tissue...

Those of us fortunate enough to share our lives with a rabbit will know they are sensitive animals. They may also know there are different breeds which have varying morphologies, i.e. their physical form differs. Some have naturally droopy ears, others have ears which stand alert. If we see our rabbit has...

There are many aspects to maintaining your dog's health, but it is too often we overlook their paws. Especially if they don't need their fur clipped, we may give them a cursory wash every once in a while and that's it. However, dog paws are the part of their body which most often come in contact with...

Too many people thinking caring for fish is simple and doesn't involve much from us on our part. However, there are many factors we need to consider if we take on the responsibility of fish as pets. While terrestrial animals kept as pets have their own care needs, the aquatic environment of fish needs...

Cats with gastrointestinal issues are some of the most common patients in veterinary clinics. This makes them a consistent concern for cat guardians. Digestive diseases have very characteristic signs and symptoms, but being able to discern between them is not always easy. This is because similar symptoms can...

The first months of a kittens life are characterized by rapid growth. For this kitten this is a time of discovery and awakenings. For their human guardian it is a time for both joy at this new life and concern that they get the best start they can. In cases where we think the kitten is not growing as...

On hot days or if they have just completed exercise, it is normal for a dog to breathe short and fast. They are breathing in to balance their body temperature and ensure they have enough oxygen to recover. This is a normal physiological process. However, accelerated breathing can have a pathological origin,...

There are many things cats do which we consider weird. They are part of normal feline behavior to which cat guardians eventually adjust. Some of these are characteristic of cats as a species, others are particular to an individual cat. It doesn't mean they are necessarily unhealthy or signal a problem...

Not all symptoms of disease in cats are as obvious as each other. A cat may be seriously ill without showing any signs for a long time. Unfortunately, it is often the medical conditions which don't have obvious symptoms which can be the most-life threatening. A high lymphocyte count is something which can only...

Oral health and dental hygiene is an extremely important part of a pet's daily life. Many oral diseases can worsen over time or, in some cases, lead to other pathologies. Vigilance and proper physical examination are essential for the owner to detect a problem and begin prompt treatment. The moment we realize...