Back to nature – it is often misunderstood, but the nutrients from medicinal plants support our dogs holistically and effectively. Very interesting, because nature has the ingredients in abundance – for humans and animals – we only have to use them. (more…)
Most dogs are prepared for the cold sub-zero temperatures in winter. Many of our furry friends love to romp in the snow, but the cold season still poses challenges for our four-legged friends.
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Cool nights, sometimes sunny days – autumn is the most beautiful time of year for many dogs. The air is fresh, the leaves are falling, and everywhere you can smell the earth and nature. Dogs especially love romping through piles of leaves and discovering new things on long walks. Autumn offers ideal conditions for shared activities: It’s no longer too hot, but not yet too cold either. Exercise in the fresh air is good for both humans and dogs and can support the immune system – every ray of sunshine counts, even on cloudy days!
Despite all the joy of the colorful season, there are a few things to keep in mind. Especially in autumn, chestnuts, acorns, and other fruits are everywhere on the ground, which can be dangerous for dogs. Acorns, for example, contain tannins, which can damage the dog’s intestinal flora and lead to diarrhea or vomiting. If your dog accidentally eats acorns or chestnuts, keep a close eye on him and don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice if you notice any abnormalities. Prevention is always better than cure – it’s best not to allow your dog to pick up such things in the first place.
The closer winter approaches, the more important protection from cold and wet weather becomes. Dogs without an undercoat, older animals, or those with health problems are particularly prone to getting cold more quickly. A lined rain jacket or a warm coat can be useful for them. This protects against colds, bladder or kidney infections and helps maintain a stable body temperature. Even small dogs with short fur benefit from additional protection against the cold in winter.
At the same time, many dogs begin to shed their fur. Regular brushing is now recommended to remove loose hair and maintain good blood circulation to the skin. Dogs with a thick undercoat often appear fluffier in the fall – this is normal and nothing to worry about.
With autumn, the days become shorter, and twilight or darkness accompany many walks. Reflective vests, leashes, and harnesses help ensure that you and your dog remain clearly visible in traffic. On poorly lit paths, headlamps or LED collars are helpful for safe movement. Be careful with wet leaves too: It can be slippery and braking distances for cars will be longer.
Autumn forests are a paradise for curious dogs – ideal for varied exercise and games together. Search games with treats in the leaves, balancing on tree trunks, or small obstacle courses keep your dog mentally and physically fit. It’s important to be considerate of wild animals and other walkers. Find out about the rules in the respective forest area: Off-leash running is usually permitted as long as the dog remains responsive and doesn’t poach.
The change in temperature in autumn places particular demands on the immune system. Older dogs or those with pre-existing conditions are more sensitive to cold and damp weather. A balanced diet with important nutrients plays a major role here. Natural ingredients such as colostrum are particularly rich in vital substances, immunoglobulins, and probiotic cultures. They support the normal function of the immune system and contribute to the stability of the intestinal flora. Incorporate such natural nutrient sources into your dog’s diet to provide holistic support for his or her body – especially during the colder seasons.
A strong immune system is equally important for dogs and humans. It protects against disease.It strengthens and stabilizes the body – not just during the colder seasons. However, especially in older dogs, the immune system weakens due to the natural aging process. You should give your dog a helping hand here; nature has everything you need.
You and your dog: Spending time together in the fall, exercising in the fresh air, and a balanced diet all contribute to keeping both dog and owner fit and healthy during the cold season. Enjoy the golden days and take good care of each other – for a beautiful and vibrant relationship.
What were those times when at Granny or on the farm gave what was left of the food for the dogs. Whether that was good for the dogs is another matter, but compared to many industrially produced dog foods today, it was definitely better. What? Eating off the table was better than many of today’s dog foods? Yes, you’ve read that correctly! Unfortunately, over 90% of all feed is industrial feed, filled with cheap fillers, flavor enhancers, slaughterhouse waste, sugar, artificial preservatives and additives. Well, grandma at least knew exactly what was in the cooking pot and also in the dog bowl. Do you know exactly what’s in dog food? Do you understand the declarations on the label 100%? Do you even know what an industrial feed is? (more…)
Healthy skin with a shiny coat is not a given for dogs, as both short-haired and long-haired dogs require regular care. Unfortunately, some dog owners still make the mistake of washing their dogs’ fur with shampoos that are actually intended for humans. This can have a negative impact on the health of the dog’s coat and skin, as such products are usually too aggressive for the dog and generally don’t smell the way your four-legged friend likes. Below you’ll find tips for successfully grooming your dog.
Not every dog food automatically contains all the nutrients necessary for a beautiful coat and healthy skin. Especially with cheap discount foods, the quality often leaves much to be desired – but even expensive complete foods are no guarantee of optimal nutrition. A look at the label helps: High-quality food should be free of added flavors, artificial vitamins (nutritional additives), grains, sugar, or acrylamide and should offer an appropriate proportion of protein, fruit, vegetables, oil, etc. Unfortunately, the labeling isn’t understandable for everyone, and not everything needs to be declared, such as many additives that are already included when purchasing raw materials.
Age also plays a role – seniors in particular benefit from adapted, easily digestible food that protects the metabolism and the gastrointestinal tract.
Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for skin and coat, but are provided only in small amounts by many types of food. These essential fatty acids support the skin’s barrier function, prevent inflammation, and promote a natural shine. Changes in coat appearance such as dull, greasy hair, dandruff, or an unpleasant odor are often signs that nutrition and care should be optimized.
Regular grooming not only contributes to the health of the coat but also promotes the bond between dog and owner. Brushing—at least once a week for short-haired breeds, more often for long-haired breeds—helps remove loose hair and dirt and stimulate blood circulation in the skin. Natural bristle or rubber-tipped brushes are particularly suitable. Special tools such as the Furminator can also help to remove undercoat in a targeted manner.
Especially for dogs with a lot of undercoat or older animals whose coats tend to mat or develop unpleasant odors, a combination of brushing, washing, and, if necessary, dietary adjustments is recommended.
Thick fur and a lot of undercoat often dry slowly after bathing. Humidity and temperature buildup promote infections caused by bacteria or yeast, which can manifest as odor, redness, or scratching. The dog should be thoroughly dried after every bath, even after trips into the water. Overbathing is not necessary, and a special dog shampoo should always be used, as dog skin has a different pH than human skin. Washing too often or using the wrong shampoo can dry out the skin and damage the coat.
If, despite good care, bald patches, excessive dandruff, or itching appear on the coat, the dog should be examined for parasites and a veterinarian consulted if necessary.
Even with the best care, ticks, lice, mites, and fleas thrive in dog fur. Ticks should be removed as quickly as possible with tick tweezers; deworming is recommended in the case of flea infestation, as fleas serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms. There are various remedies for parasite defense, but many contain chemical additives. Natural alternatives such as coconut oil can be supportive.
Especially in older dogs, metabolic changes often first become apparent in the coat: The undercoat becomes greasy, and the hair becomes dull and brittle. Micronutrients such as zinc, biotin, and omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids play a central role in the health of the skin and hair.Essential fatty acids contribute to the elasticity and resilience of cells, support the skin’s protective barrier, and can have a positive impact on metabolism and the immune system.
Important to know: The dog’s body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids itself – supplementing with high-quality food sources is advisable if the dog’s needs are not met through normal feeding.
You and your dog: In everyday life, we all benefit from well-thought-out routines and small changes that can lead to greater well-being in the long term. Sometimes it’s worth adopting new perspectives or questioning tried-and-tested processes. Openness to information and exchange with others enrich our experiences. There are suitable solutions for every situation – the most important thing is to find and implement them individually.
It won’t be long before you’ll be back, the dog days. These are the hottest days in Europe. They usually last from 23.7. – 23.8.. Sometimes earlier, sometimes later. It is important for dogs not to let them out in the heat. Especially not if you take them with you in the car. An outside temperature of just 20 degrees is enough to overheat the car and possibly turn it into a deadly oven. The Dog Day is named after the constellation of the Great Dog ( canis major). It takes 30 to 31 days from the beginning of the constellation to visibility as a whole, hence the term “Days of the Big Dog”.
There are always discussions between dog owners as to whether a leash is necessary or not . But what is the dog leash actually for? For example, we take our children by the hand when there is danger or when they are restless. So you can see the leash as an extended hand for our dog to create a connection between human and dog. But you shouldn’t use them to discipline the dog or tug at it like crazy. On the other hand, of course, she’s not there to hold on to and let her dog pull her around. (more…)
Tick protection is very useful for four-legged friends. Before sucking, ticks are only a few millimeters long, but their bite can have a big impact. Now the blood-hungry parasites are particularly active. Of course, caution also applies to people, but of course also to dogs. As we know, ticks are not only annoying, but also dangerous as carriers of diseases.
Is there a difference? A dog that has spent its time in the kennel without experiencing anything, for example, comes into experienced hands. Now he “scans” everything that happens around him. He sees Mum open the door and realizes that the treats are in the basement. It looks like intelligence when he manages to open the doors with his paw to get into the basement. Like grabbing a pack, ripping it open and eating the treats. (more…)
Since travel is permitted again with certain conditions, you can go on vacation with your dog again if you want to. There are many options, especially here in Germany, hotels that allow dogs, holiday homes and resorts and many more. You can also become self-employed and go on a trip with your own or rented motorhome to start an adventure camping holiday!
