Diseases and parasites
Illnesses, parasites and how to prevent them 103 articles
Contents
Infectious diseases 15 articles
- Canine Distemper: Signs, Treatment and PreventionCanine distemper is a serious viral disease that vaccines prevent well. Learn the signs, how vets treat it and what adopters should know.
- Chlamydia in Cats: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionChlamydia causes stubborn eye infections in young cats, often in shelters and multi-cat homes. Learn the signs, treatment, and how to protect other cats.
- Ehrlichiosis in Dogs: A Tick-Borne Disease and How to Prevent ItA tick-borne infection common in Balkan and Mediterranean dogs. Learn the signs, what a positive test means after adoption, and how to prevent it.
- Feline Calicivirus: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionFeline calicivirus causes mouth ulcers, drooling, and sneezing in cats. Learn the signs, when to call the vet, and how the vaccine helps.
- Feline Herpesvirus (Cat Flu): Signs, Treatment, and PreventionFeline herpesvirus causes sneezing, runny eyes and eye ulcers in cats. Learn the signs, when to see a vet, how it is treated, and how vaccines help.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Signs, Testing, and CareFIV slowly weakens a cat's immune system, yet many infected cats live for years. Learn how it spreads, how testing works, and how to care for these cats.
- Feline Infectious Anemia (Hemotropic Mycoplasma): Signs and TreatmentFeline infectious anemia is a blood infection often linked to cat fights. Learn the signs, when pale gums are an emergency, and how vets treat it.
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): Signs, Diagnosis, and TreatmentFIP comes from a changed form of a common cat virus. Learn the signs, how vets diagnose it, and how antiviral treatment now helps most cats recover.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Signs, Testing, and PreventionWhat FeLV is, how cats catch it, what a positive test means, how long infected cats can live, and how testing and the vaccine protect other cats.
- Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper): Signs, Treatment and PreventionFeline panleukopenia is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of cats. Learn the signs, when to see a vet, and how vaccines protect.
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionInfectious canine hepatitis is the H in the DHPP vaccine. Learn the signs, when to see a vet, and how vaccines protect puppies and rescued dogs.
- Kennel Cough in Dogs: Signs, Care, and PreventionKennel cough causes a honking cough and is common in newly adopted dogs. Learn the signs, when to call the vet, and how to help at home.
- Leptospirosis in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionLeptospirosis spreads through water and soil contaminated by rat urine and can infect people. Learn the signs, treatment, and how vaccination helps.
- Parvovirus in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionParvo is a severe, fast-moving virus in puppies and unvaccinated dogs. Learn the signs, when to call the vet, how it is treated, and how vaccines protect.
- Rabies in Dogs and Cats: Vaccination, Travel, and SafetyRabies is almost always fatal once signs appear, and a vaccine prevents it. Learn the signs, what to do after a bite, and the EU travel rules.
Parasites 15 articles
- Babesiosis in Dogs: The Tick-Borne Blood ParasiteBabesiosis is a tick-borne infection that destroys a dog's red blood cells. Learn the signs, when to act fast, and how vets treat and prevent it.
- Coccidia in Puppies and Kittens: Signs and TreatmentCoccidia are tiny gut parasites that often cause diarrhea in young puppies and kittens. Learn the signs, how vets treat it, and how to clean up at home.
- Ear Mites in Cats and Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionEar mites cause itchy ears and dark, crumbly debris in cats and dogs. Here is how to spot them, how vets treat them, and how to keep them away.
- Echinococcosis in Dogs: The Tapeworm That Can Also Harm PeopleThe hydatid tapeworm rarely makes dogs sick, yet its eggs can cause serious cysts in people. Learn how dogs catch it and how deworming helps.
- Fleas in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment and PreventionHow to spot fleas on a dog or cat, when they become an emergency, how vets treat them, and how to keep a new pet and your home flea-free.
- Giardia in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment and PreventionGiardia is a common gut parasite in puppies, kittens and rescued animals. Learn the signs, how vets test and treat it, and how to prevent reinfection.
- Heartworm Disease in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionHeartworm spreads through mosquito bites and is common in southeastern Europe. Learn the signs, how vets test and treat it, and how to prevent it.
- Hookworms in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionHookworms are small blood-feeding worms that can cause serious anemia in puppies and kittens. Learn the signs, treatment, and prevention.
- Leishmaniasis in Dogs: Signs, Treatment and PreventionHow sand flies spread leishmaniasis to dogs, the signs to watch for, how vets treat it, and what adopters of rescued dogs should know.
- Lungworm in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionLungworm spreads through slugs, snails, and small prey. Learn the signs in dogs and cats, how vets test for it, and how to lower the risk.
- Maggots in Wounds (Myiasis) in Dogs: What to DoMaggots in a dog's wound are urgent. Learn the signs of myiasis, what to do on the way to the vet, how it is treated, and how to prevent it.
- Roundworms in Puppies and Kittens: Signs, Risks and PreventionHow puppies and kittens get roundworms, the signs to watch for, when to call the vet, and how deworming and hygiene protect pets and people.
- Tapeworms in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionRice-like white segments near your pet's tail usually mean tapeworms. Learn how fleas spread them, how vets treat them, and how to prevent them.
- Ticks on Dogs and Cats: Removal and PreventionHow to find and safely remove a tick from your dog or cat, which signs need a vet, and how to plan tick prevention for your pet and your area.
- Toxoplasmosis in Cats: Risks for Cats and PeopleMost cats with toxoplasmosis never look sick, and the risk to people is small. Learn how it spreads and how to handle the litter box safely.
Skin, coat and ears 10 articles
- Abscesses in Cats: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionMost cat abscesses start with a bite from another cat. Learn the signs, when to call the vet, how vets treat them, and how to lower the risk.
- Allergies in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Causes, and ReliefHow to spot allergies in dogs and cats, what usually causes them, when a reaction is an emergency, and how vets diagnose and relieve the itch.
- Bacterial Skin Infections (Pyoderma) in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and TreatmentRed bumps, pimples and crusts on a dog's skin are often pyoderma, a bacterial infection. Learn the signs, causes, treatment and prevention.
- Demodectic Mange in Dogs: Signs, Treatment and RecoveryMost dogs carry a few Demodex mites without harm. Learn the signs of demodectic mange, when to worry, how vets treat it, and what adopters should know.
- Ear Hematoma in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and TreatmentA soft, puffy swelling on a dog's ear flap is often an ear hematoma. Learn why it forms, how vets treat it, and why the cause matters.
- Ear Infections in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionHead shaking, a bad smell and discharge can mean an ear infection. Learn the causes, the urgent signs, how vets treat it and how to clean ears safely.
- Hair Loss in Cats: Causes, Signs, and TreatmentBald patches or thin fur in cats often come from fleas, allergies, ringworm, mites or stress. Learn the signs, when to see a vet, and how it is treated.
- Hot Spots in Dogs: Causes, Treatment, and PreventionHot spots are red, wet, painful patches of skin that can appear within hours. Learn the signs, common triggers, vet treatment, and prevention.
- Ringworm in Cats: Signs, Treatment, and Cleaning the HomeRingworm is a common fungal skin infection in kittens and rescued cats, and it can spread to people. Learn the signs, treatment, and home cleaning.
- Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionSarcoptic mange causes intense itching, crusty ears, and hair loss in dogs. Learn the signs, the treatment, and whether it spreads to people.
Eyes 8 articles
- Cataracts in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and TreatmentCloudy eyes in a dog can mean a cataract or normal aging. Learn the signs, causes, urgent warning signs, and how vets treat cataracts.
- Cherry Eye in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and TreatmentCherry eye is a tear gland that slips out of place in a dog's eye. Learn the signs, which dogs get it, and how vets repair it.
- Conjunctivitis in Cats: Signs, Causes, and TreatmentRed, weepy or crusted eyes are common in cats, especially kittens and rescues. Learn the signs, causes, treatment and when to call the vet.
- Corneal Ulcers and Keratitis in Dogs: Signs and TreatmentSquinting, tearing, or a cloudy spot on the eye can mean a corneal ulcer. Learn the signs, the emergencies, and how vets treat it.
- Entropion and Ectropion in Dogs: Eyelid Problems ExplainedEntropion rolls a dog's eyelid inward so hair rubs the eye. Ectropion lets the lower lid sag out. Learn the signs, prone breeds, and treatment.
- Glaucoma in Dogs: Signs, Emergency Care, and TreatmentA red, painful eye with a cloudy or bluish surface can mean glaucoma. Learn the signs, why it needs a vet the same day, and how it is treated.
- Tear Stains and Blocked Tear Ducts in Dogs: Causes, Care, and TreatmentWhy light-colored dogs get reddish-brown tear stains, what a blocked tear duct means, and when watery eyes need a vet.
- Uveitis in Cats: Signs, Causes, and TreatmentA red, cloudy or squinting eye in a cat can mean uveitis. Learn the signs, common causes, when to see a vet urgently, and how vets treat it.
Teeth and mouth 1 article
- Stomatitis in Cats: Signs, Causes, and TreatmentStomatitis makes a cat's mouth red, raw and painful. Learn the signs, the links with calicivirus and FIV, and how vets treat it.
Digestive system 9 articles
- Anal Gland Problems in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and CareScooting, licking under the tail, or a fishy smell can signal anal gland trouble. Learn the causes, the treatment, and when to call the vet.
- Blood in Dog Stool: What Red or Black Poop MeansRed streaks and black, tarry stool point to different problems. Learn the common causes of blood in dog poop and the signs that mean a same-day vet visit.
- Cat Not Eating: Causes, Dangers, and When to See a VetA cat that stops eating can become seriously ill within days. Learn why, the common causes, how to tempt your cat safely and when to call the vet.
- Constipation in Cats: Causes, Treatment, and PreventionSigns of constipation in cats, why straining can be an emergency, how vets treat it, and how water, diet, and the litter box help prevent it.
- Diarrhea in Dogs: Common Causes and When to See a VetDiarrhea in dogs is often mild, and sometimes it needs a vet the same day. Learn the common causes, the warning signs and safe care at home.
- Dog Vomiting: Causes, What to Do at Home, and When to See a VetMost dogs vomit now and then, and many cases settle within a day. Learn the common causes, what the vomit can tell you and when to see a vet.
- Liver Disease in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and TreatmentSigns of liver disease in dogs, what yellow gums and raised liver values can mean, when to see a vet the same day, and how it is treated.
- Pancreatitis in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionPancreatitis can follow a fatty meal. Learn the signs, when vomiting and belly pain are an emergency, how vets treat it, and how to lower the risk.
- Vomiting in Cats: Common Causes and When to WorryHow to tell a hairball or a gulped meal from vomiting that needs a vet, the warning signs of an emergency, and how vets find the cause.
Urinary system and kidneys 7 articles
- Bladder Infections in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionFrequent peeing, accidents, or blood in the urine can mean a bladder infection. Learn the signs, emergencies, treatment, and prevention.
- Bladder Stones and Urinary Blockage in Cats: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionA cat that strains and passes little or no urine needs a vet right away. Learn the signs of stones and blockage, the treatment, and how to lower the risk.
- Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats: Signs, Diet, and CareChronic kidney disease is common in older cats. Learn the early signs, the emergencies, how the kidney diet works, and how to care for your cat at home.
- Cystitis in Cats: Signs, Causes, and TreatmentStraining, frequent litter box trips and bloody urine can mean cystitis. Learn the causes, treatment, and when a blocked cat is an emergency.
- Kidney Disease in Dogs: Signs, Stages, and CareKidney disease in dogs can strike suddenly or creep up over years. Learn the early signs, how vets stage it, and how diet and fluids help your dog.
- Urinary Incontinence in Dogs: Causes and TreatmentWhy some dogs leak urine while they rest or sleep, the most common causes, how vets find them, and how treatment and home care help.
- Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?A cat peeing outside the box is not being spiteful. Learn the medical causes to rule out first, the litter box problems behind it and how to fix it.
Heart, blood and breathing 6 articles
- Asthma in Cats: Signs, Triggers, and TreatmentCoughing, wheezing or fast breathing in a cat can mean asthma. Learn the signs, when it is an emergency, and how vets treat and manage it.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs: Signs, Diagnosis, and CareDilated cardiomyopathy weakens the heart muscle, mostly in large dogs. Learn the signs, how vets diagnose and treat it, and what diet research shows.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats: Signs and CareHCM is the most common heart disease in cats and is often silent. Learn the warning signs, how to count sleeping breaths, and how vets treat it.
- Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs: Signs, Diagnosis, and CareMitral valve disease is the most common heart disease in dogs. Learn the signs, how vets stage it, and how to count your dog's sleeping breaths.
- Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Is It Dangerous?A reverse sneeze sounds frightening, but it is usually harmless. Learn what sets it off, how to help your dog, and the signs that need a vet.
- Saddle Thrombus in Cats: Signs and Emergency CareSudden pain and weakness in a cat's back legs can mean a blood clot from heart disease. Learn the signs and what to do on the way to the vet.
Bones, joints and nerves 7 articles
- Arthritis in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Daily ComfortStiffness and limping are common in older dogs. Learn the signs of arthritis, when a limp is urgent, how vets treat it, and ways to help at home.
- Broken Bones in Dogs: First Aid and RecoveryHow to spot a broken bone in a dog, get your dog to the vet safely, what treatment involves, and how to help the bone heal at home.
- Dog Limping: Causes and When It Is an EmergencyA limp can be a split nail or a torn ligament. Learn how to read your dog's limp, what to check at home and when it needs a vet today.
- Epilepsy and Seizures in Dogs: Signs and What to DoWhat a dog seizure looks like, how to keep your dog safe during one, when it is an emergency, and how vets treat epilepsy.
- Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Daily CareHip dysplasia causes stiff back legs and limping in many large dogs. Learn the signs, how vets treat it, and how to help at home.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs: Signs and TreatmentIVDD can cause sudden back pain or weak hind legs, most often in Dachshunds and other short-legged dogs. Learn the signs and how vets treat it.
- Luxating Patella in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and RecoveryA luxating patella is a kneecap that slips out of place, most often in small dogs. Learn the signs, the grades, the treatment options, and recovery.
Hormones and metabolism 5 articles
- Cushing's Disease in Dogs: Signs, Diagnosis, and TreatmentA common hormone disorder in older dogs. Learn the signs of Cushing's disease, how vets test for it, and what long-term treatment involves.
- Diabetes in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment, and Daily CareExtra thirst, a big appetite and weight loss can point to diabetes in dogs and cats. Learn the signs, emergencies, treatment and daily care.
- Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Signs, Diagnosis, and TreatmentHyperthyroidism is common in older cats and often causes weight loss despite a big appetite. Learn the signs, tests, and treatment options.
- Hypothyroidism in Dogs: Signs, Diagnosis, and TreatmentHypothyroidism is one of the most common hormone disorders in dogs. Learn the signs, how vets test for it, and what lifelong treatment involves.
- Thiamine Deficiency in Cats: Signs, Causes, and PreventionLow vitamin B1 can make a cat wobble, drop its head or have seizures. Learn the causes, from raw fish to faulty food, and how to prevent it.
Cancer and lumps 5 articles
- Bone Cancer in Dogs: Signs, Diagnosis, and CareBone cancer (osteosarcoma) in dogs often starts as a limp in a large breed. Learn the signs, emergencies, diagnosis, treatment, and home care.
- Lumps and Bumps on Dogs: When to WorryMany lumps on dogs are harmless, but some are cancer and look the same. Learn the common types, the warning signs, and how a needle test tells them apart.
- Lymphoma in Cats: Signs, Diagnosis, and TreatmentLymphoma is the most common cancer in cats. Learn the signs, the link with FeLV, how vets diagnose and treat it, and what outlook to expect.
- Mammary Tumors in Cats: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionMost mammary lumps in cats are cancer. Learn the signs, how vets diagnose and treat them, and how early spaying lowers the risk.
- Transmissible Venereal Tumor in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionTVT is a cancer dogs can pass to each other, mostly during mating. Learn the signs, how vets treat it, and why most dogs recover fully.
Reproduction and newborns 8 articles
- Eclampsia in Nursing Dogs: Signs and Emergency CareEclampsia is a sudden drop in blood calcium in a nursing dog. Learn the early signs, what to do on the way to the vet, and how to lower the risk.
- Fading Puppy Syndrome: Signs, Causes, and What to DoNewborn puppies can weaken within hours. Learn the signs of fading puppy syndrome, its main causes, when to call the vet, and how to prevent it.
- False Pregnancy in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and CareAn unspayed dog that nests, guards toys, or makes milk weeks after heat may have a false pregnancy. Learn the signs, home care, and when to call the vet.
- The Heat Cycle in Female Dogs: What Is Normal and When to See a VetHow long heat lasts in female dogs, how often it comes, which irregular cycles are still normal, and the signs of a long or abnormal heat that need a vet.
- Hernias in Puppies and Kittens: Types and TreatmentA soft bump at a puppy's or kitten's belly button or groin is often a hernia. Learn the main types, emergency signs, and how vets treat them.
- Mastitis in Nursing Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and CareMastitis makes a nursing dog's glands hot, swollen and sore. Learn the signs, when to call the vet, how it is treated, and how to protect the puppies.
- Pyometra in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and PreventionPyometra is a serious uterine infection in unspayed female dogs. Learn the signs after a heat, when to act fast, and how spaying prevents it.
- Whelping Problems in Dogs: When a Birth Needs a VetHow normal labor in dogs unfolds, the timings to watch, and the signs that a stalled birth needs a vet. For fosters caring for pregnant strays.
Emergencies, injuries and poisoning 7 articles
- Bloat (GDV) in Dogs: Signs and Emergency CareBloat (GDV) is when a dog's stomach fills with gas and may twist. Learn the early signs, why it needs a vet right away, and how to lower the risk.
- Common Household Poisons for Dogs and Cats: Signs and What to DoChocolate, grapes, xylitol, lilies, onions, painkillers and rat bait poison many pets at home. Learn the signs and what to do right away.
- Heatstroke in Dogs: Signs, First Aid, and PreventionHeatstroke is an emergency in dogs. Learn the warning signs, how to cool your dog before you reach the vet, and how to prevent it.
- Holiday Dangers for Dogs and Cats: Food, Decorations, and FireworksRich leftovers, tinsel, lilies, and fireworks are common holiday risks for dogs and cats. Learn the warning signs and when to call the vet.
- Isoniazid Poisoning in Dogs: Signs and Emergency CareIsoniazid, a human tuberculosis drug, is highly toxic to dogs and has been used in poison baits. Learn the signs and what to do right away.
- Swallowed Objects in Dogs: Signs and What to DoSocks, toys, bones and corn cobs can block a dog's gut. Learn the warning signs, when it is an emergency, and how vets find and remove the object.
- Wounds and Bite Injuries in Dogs and Cats: First Aid and CareFirst aid for cuts and bite wounds in dogs and cats, which injuries need a vet, how vets treat them, and how to care for a wound at home.