Other health problems of Dogs

Lower back pain is a painful condition experienced by dogs in the lumbosacral area. This is the area between the last 3 lumbar vertebrae (L5, L6 and L7) and the sacrum bone (which connects the pelvis with the spine). It may be caused by different conditions or diseases, so accurate diagnosis requires...

A diaphragmatic hernia can occur when a dog has suffered a traumatic event such as being in a road collision or fall. When the trauma is strong enough to cause a defect in the diaphragm, it allows abdominal viscera to pass into the chest cavity. However, there is also a congenital link to diaphragmatic...

Seromas are an accumulation of serous fluid in the subdermal area under the skin, although sometimes they can also develop between the musculature. They are one possible complication of various surgeries, especially after ventral midline surgery. Although many are naturally reabsorbed into the dog's body, in...

When we see our dog has a lump anywhere on their body, we will start to get worried. While there are many different types of lumps and neoplasms on our dog, some of them can be cancerous. In these cases, the life of our dog is threatened. However, we shouldn't jump to conclusions. It is also possible our...

Can dogs have dwarfism? Yes, dogs can experience dwarfism like other animals. This occurs when there is a lack of hormone production in our dog, leading them to experience dwarfism. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what dwarfism in dogs is, how to detect it and its treatment. Keep...

There are many reasons we should sterilize our dog, whether male or female. The average life expectancy of neutered and spayed dogs is greater than those which are unsterilized. Not only does it reduce the possibility of developing certain diseases, but it helps to reduce behavioral problems. However,...

If you have had a dog in the home with fleas, you will know the importance of preventive flea medication. Fleas not only infest the dog, but they can travel and getting rid of them is a major hassle. Flea medicine can come in various forms, but is most effective when used in a pipette and administered...

Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world. Although they can vary in weight and size, they have a small frame. We can often see their skeletal structures through their skin, as is the case with other breeds such as the Greyhound. Also similar to the Greyhound, Chihuahuas often develop a tremor...

Our dog's ears act as an indicator of their well-being. As part of their canine body language, their position can tell us if they are angry, relaxed or in any particular mood. However, our dog's ears can also indicate something about their physical health. If they are warm, they might be telling us something...

Esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus in dogs can caused by many factors, such as hiatal hernias, reflux, parasites, drugs and more. As a dog's caregiver, it's important that we can recognize the symptoms as soon as possible so as to bring our dog to the veterinarian to get properly diagnosed...

If a dog's poop starts solid then turns runny, it indicates they are affected by small intestine diarrhea. This type of diarrhea in dogs can be caused by various pathologies or infections. Such diseases can seriously affect their nutritional status and health by interfering with the proper absorption...

The color of a dog's vomit can tell us a lot about its cause. Whether relatively clear or opaque, the color of their vomit is not only determined by what they have eaten. The contents of the animal's stomach can include bodily fluids which shouldn't be in there, including blood. When a dog is throwing up...

As with human beings, companion animals can suffer from various types of cancer. These can appear on almost any part of the body and present with varying symptoms, often dependent on the location. One of the most common symptoms is the presence of a lump, although it is important to note that lumps can...

Getting your dog to take the pills they need can be very difficult if they're being picky and uncooperative. Thankfully, there are different ways to trick them into taking the pills. In this AnimalWised article we're going to give you 5 effective ways to get your dog to take their pills after surgery,...

Intestinal malabsorption in dogs is one of the most complex clinical conditions to diagnose and treat in this species, and can have fatal consequences. This is why it requires constant monitoring and early treatment. Affected dogs often experience chronic diarrhea and weight loss. The causes of malabsorption in...

Our dog's physical well-being is related to us through various signs and symptoms. A lackluster coat implies their immunity might be low. Open wounds show us they have suffered some physical trauma. What might not be as obvious to us is a problem related to smell. When standing, a dog's paws are far from...

If your dog has suddenly began avoiding you, you're probably wondering why and what you can do about it. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the different causes of avoidance in dogs. We'll also talk about what you can do to help them get back to their normal self and how to prevent them...

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...

We can tell a lot about our dog's healthy by the state of their urine. If a dog's urine is dark yellow and smells, it means there is less water in it and it may contain compounds which can indicate disease. Unfortunately, color and odor alone will not confirm the presence of a specific problem, but they...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

If your dog has black gums, it is important to know when this is normal and when it is a sign of a health problem. Poor dental hygiene is a common issue of the latter. Many oral diseases can worsen over time or, in some cases, lead to other pathologies. The moment we realize something is wrong with...

You may be aware that dogs often go somewhere quiet when they are about to die. For this reason, when you see your dog is hiding and acting strange, you may fear the worst. While it is a possibility we need to consider, there are many different reasons for this weird behavior in dogs. It may be a health...

Dilated pupils in dogs, especially in bright light or if affecting only one eye, can be a cause for concern. If you notice that your dog's pupils become unusually enlarged, it is always best to seek veterinary attention. There are multiple reasons that can explain the pathological dilation of pupils in dogs....

Different dogs have varying capacities for drooling. Much of this has to do with the shape of their mouths. However, the amount and consistency of any dog's saliva can reveal something about their health and well-being. If a dog's mouth is dry, their saliva will be thick and sticky. It is unlikely thick...

The facial shape of our dogs varies greatly. Some have deer-like faces with long snouts and flat heads. Others have big round faces with lots of folds. In the latter category, it can be difficult to tell if a dog's face is swollen. This is why we need to be very observant when caring for our dog's well-being....

A mother dog's breast milk is essential to her puppies' survival in their first weeks of life. It not only provides them with nutrients, but also key antibodies necessary for developing their immunity. Therefore, if a mother dog is not feeding her puppies or abruptly stops nursing them, this can be serious...

If we can see a bump or lumps on our female dog's privates, we may grow concerned. The first thing that likely drew our attention is observing that our dog is licking their genitals more than usual. Unfortunately, this action can aggravate the problem further, even if the dog is only trying to relieve...

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 we see a dog with a purple tongue there is a very important distinction we need to make. Some dogs naturally have a tongue pigmentation which appears purple, blue or even black in color. These are the minority of dogs, but it is a trait which is common in certain breeds. If your animal is such a dog,...

Hyperthyroidism is not necessarily a condition we associate with dogs. Fortunately, this is because it is relatively rare. However, for dogs which are affected by this condition, their lives can be dramatically affected. This is why AnimalWised investigates hyperthyroidism in dogs and provides information...

A tumor refers to an abnormal cell growth which can occur in any part of the body. Tumors can be benign or malignant, and are also known as neoplasms, which are synonymous with cancer. Brain tumors in dogs are not very common, but they can occur for no apparent reason, which is why the signs of brain...

A dog limping can be a heartbreaking sight. Lameness in any of a dog's four limbs can occur for various reasons, some of them temporary, others permanent. Looking at the leg which is affected can help us determine which is affecting our animal if we see our dog limping on their front leg. Due to the varying...

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....

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...

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...