Animal health

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,...

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...

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! For...

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,...

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...

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...

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 what is a dog's normal temperature is part of our responsibility of care. When we adopt a dog into our family, we need to ensure we safeguard their physical and emotional well-being. As we invite them into our world, we have to keep them protected. Knowing the normal body temp of dogs means...

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...

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...

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...

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...

One of the World Health Organization's ‘essential medicines’[1], omeprazole is an antacid drug commonly used in human medicine. Various diseases and conditions treated with omeprazole can manifest themselves in our dogs. Gastrointestinal issues are quite common in canines, especially as they are often known...

Known scientifically as thrombocytopenia in dogs, a low platelet count puts the animal at a significant health risk. Platelets have various functions in a dog's circulatory system, not least of which is their ability to coagulate blood. Doing so helps to bind together leaking blood vessels to stop bleeding....

When we see a bunny sneeze, it can be one of the most adorable sights. They give a crinkle of their nose and do a little hop as reaction. When it is a one-off or rare case, there should be nothing to worry about. When a rabbit sneezing becomes frequent or even chronic, then it is a symptom of a health...

Rats do not have the best reputation in relation to disease. One of the worst cases against them was their apparent role in the Black Death which killed potentially hundreds of millions of people in the 14th century. While it is unlikely rats alone were the cause of so much terror, it is important to...

Encephalitis in dogs refers to an inflammation or infection of the brain. The different types of encephalitis in dogs include infectious and/or idiopathic encephalitis. The different types of encephalitis vary depend on the root of the cause. If you notice any of the below mentioned symptoms, we recommend...

Similar to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus which seriously compromises the immune system of cats. This means they are unable to respond appropriately to various pathogens and diseases. Even diseases which would otherwise not cause significant...

Being concerned that your elderly cat has a tumor is understandable. Unfortunately, as our cat's age, their immune response goes down and their chances of developing certain diseases go up. Tumors are one such health issue which increases in likelihood for older cats. Not all tumors will be malign or cancerous....

Understanding what healthy dog poop looks like is key when it comes to understanding a dog’s health status. Is your dog pooping white, yellow or black feces? Have you noticed white chalky dog poop on the ground instead of the normal medium brown not-too-soft poop? Your dog’s poop color and poop consistency...

There is nothing abnormal about a dog licking his penis or genital area. This the best way for the dog to maintain hygiene. As with any canine behavior, if your dog licks their privates too often, it could be a sign of a health issue. Diseases and health problems of the penis are relatively common in dogs....

Fear is as natural an emotion as it is necessary. Wild dogs need it to evade predators and be vigilant against threats. Being vigilant can be more difficult when their environment is in darkness. If our companion animals are well-cared for, they may have less reason to fear, but it won't go away completely....

If you observe that your dog’s anus is reddened or inflamed, one would initially assume that this would be a sign of a dog hemorrhoid. However, other than in exceptional cases, dogs do not actually suffer from hemorrhoids. But then, if my dog’s anus is inflamed and/or swollen and it’s not as a result of...

At AnimalWised we try to bring you everything you need to know about your companion animal's care. Unfortunately, this also entails some subjects readers might find upsetting. When a cat becomes pregnant, it brings up issues of responsibility which can be difficult to consider. Cats become parts of families...

Cats are resilient creatures. Although not immortal, they are agile, can withstand high falls and will defend themselves if necessary. Such resilience means they are also able to endure a lot of pain without manifesting obvious symptoms. While this is a credit to the cat's strength, it makes it difficult...

Before they become so popular as companion animals, rabbits had been used by humans in various cultures for their fur. The tri-layered fur of a rabbit's coat keeps the rabbit insulated against the often freezing temperatures of their natural habitat. While they will shed when the temperatures rise, they...

Is your dog vomiting yellow liquid? Vomiting in dogs is a common problem which will naturally result in worry for any dog guardian. When the vomit is yellow with a foam, mucus or watery consistency, it is particularly concerning. Dog vomiting can be linked to poisoning, indigestion, enteritis and more....

Feline hyperthyroidism is a disease which can often go unnoticed. The disease progresses and begins to affect hormone production in the cat incrementally. As our communication with our cat relies on observing their body language and behavior, there may not be much evidence of a change. This is at least...

Canine folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that usually occurs as a consequence of another skin disease. This dermatological disease directly affects a dog’s hair follicle health. Folliculitis in dogs is an infection that can appear in animals of all ages, but is more common in puppies...

A growth on a cat's neck can be due to a cutaneous of the skin or a subcutaneous issue which affects the tissue underneath. The former can present in a single lump or multiple bumps appearing on the skin. Under the skin, swelling of the lymph nodes are a common type of lump on a cat's neck. This swelling is...

One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to natural remedies for dogs is, can dogs drink chamomile tea? Chamomile holds both antispasmodic and carminative properties. However, when giving any plant or medication to your dog, you should consult a veterinarian beforehand. Chamomile can be administered...

Asthma in dogs is a common respiratory disease which is often more prominent in smaller dog breeds. Knowing how to recognize symptoms of asthma in dogs is key in treating it correctly. Symptoms of asthma may include wheezing in dogs and constant coughing. Does your dog have asthma? Find out here at AnimalWised,...

Is my dog sick? Is one of the most commonly asked questions among dog tutors. As a dog carer, it is incredibly important that you are able to recognize any signs or symptoms of illness in dogs. In many cases, if these such symptoms are not recognized or treated in time, it could be fatal. Therefore, it...

The first thing we need to state in this AnimalWised article on why do dogs eat their puppies? is that it is not common. While it can and does happen for the reasons explained below, it is in the minority of births. Mother dogs have a protective instinct over their newborn puppies. While it may sound counter-intuitive,...

When it comes to your cat’s care, health is of the utmost important! If you notice anything abnormal in relation to your cat’s psychological and or physical behavior, make sure you consult a veterinarian immediately. Is your cat peeing blood but acting normal? Reasons for this can vary drastically. If...

Ivermectin is an common antiparasitic drug for cats, dogs and other animals. Currently, however, the are other products which have been proven safer for cats. If you are wondering, is ivermectin safe for cats? You’ve come to the right place. Here at AnimalWised we aim to discuss everything you need to...