28 Sep 2023

Why dogs gobble their food: The story behind this behaviour

Der Wolf, wie der Hund ein Schlingfresser

Why dogs gobble their food: The story behind this behaviour

Dogs have been our faithful companions for thousands of years and have a long evolutionary history behind them. But while many aspects of their behaviour have changed over time, one thing has remained constant: their reputation for gobbling up food. In this article, we take a closer look at the background to this behaviour, the reasons why dogs tend to gobble their food and why dry food is nonsense as a miracle cure for cleaning teeth.

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25 Sep 2023

DOG FIT by PreThis® Partner: KEEP ON MOVING

keep-on-moving

DOG FIT by PreThis® Partner: KEEP ON MOVING

Keep on MovingWhat started as a hobby became a vocation …
KEEP ON MOVING – Pet Massage | Movement Coaching | Pet Food

Dogs have accompanied me for almost 20 years. From the beginning, it was important to me to pay attention to proper exercise / balance and healthy nutrition – the basic prerequisites for a long, healthy dog life.

“Already commonplace for us humans, animal massage is also becoming increasingly important, because a healthy musculoskeletal system is not only important for sports dogs, but also for our family dogs. Only a healthy dog can make us happy with a balanced mind.”(Excerpt from founding interview June 2020)

After my training as an animal masseuse, I founded the massage practice Keep on Moving in June 2020.

My offer:

  • Classic massage
  • Wellness massage
  • Fascia massage
  • Sound wave massage
  • Magnetic field application
  • Movement coaching
  • Fitness training

Movement training for all!

  • Puppies & Young dogs:
    Promote body perception and coordination according to age.
  • Family and sporting dogs:
    Strengthen fitness and musculature, injury-free in everyday life and dog sports.
  • Dog seniors:
    Gymnastics for grey muzzles, mobility training for lifelong joy of movement.

NEW! “It’s best at home”: mobile dog massage!

I come to you where your darling feels most comfortable and can relax in the best possible way. Whether massage, fitness training or movement coaching. We arrange your appointment individually and flexibly, tailored to your dog’s needs.

In the course of time, many training and further education seminars and workshops as well as events with cooperation partners have been added. It is worth visiting our homepage from time to time!

I also regularly attend seminars myself in order to keep up to date with the latest application possibilities and to constantly expand my range.

Overall concept HEALTHY DOG

Keep on Moving HofladenAlmost exactly one year later, in May 2021, I opened Keep On Moving – Pet Food, the first Hofladen for dogs. Because healthy nutrition is just as indispensable for a healthy dog’s life.
Quality, regionality and animal welfare are important criteria in the selection of products. In addition to regional raw food, natural feed supplements and premium food, there are also high-quality health products. I am very happy to have DOG FIT by PreThis® as a strong partner at my side.

It is my concern to support you and your four-legged friend in the best possible way. I wish for all of us healthy and balanced dogs until old age.

You can find more information on my homepage: www.tiermassage-keeponmoving.at

KEEP ON MOVING – Pet Massage | Movement Coaching | Pet Food
Nicole Sazecek
Dipl. Dog Masseur & Movement Trainer

24 Sep 2023

Teeth brushing for dogs – sensible or torture?

Hunde Zähne - Ist Zähneputzen sinnvoll oder eine Qual?

Teeth brushing for dogs – sensible or torture?

Dog Teeth - Is Brushing Useful or Torment?

Is brushing dogs’ teeth a sensible measure or more of a torment? This question concerns many dog ​​owners, and the answer is far from clear. In the following text, we would like to explain why brushing dogs’ teeth is in most cases not species-appropriate, often causes unnecessary stress, and usually has less effect than one might think.

The Dog and Its Teeth

To truly understand the topic, it’s worth taking a quick look at anatomy: The dog’s teeth are designed as predators’ teeth – for tearing, crushing, and devouring entire prey. In comparison, our human teeth and eating habits are quite different: We chew slowly, often eat softer food, and rely on daily brushing. Dogs, on the other hand, have naturally more robust teeth, specifically adapted to their original, natural diet.

Brushing Dogs’ Teeth Is Fundamentally Inappropriate

A major problem with brushing dogs’ teeth is that dogs find it unpleasant when a human uses a brush or even an ultrasonic toothbrush in their mouths. For many dogs, this causes real stress, coupled with defensiveness, fear, or insecurity – even if they tolerate it. It’s a behavior that’s been trained into them and is by no means in keeping with their nature. Just because a dog stays still doesn’t mean they actually like having their teeth brushed.

Misconception: Tartar & Brushing

It’s often assumed that brushing teeth can remove tartar in dogs. This is a misconception. The main causes of tartar formation lie in the diet: ready-made food with unsuitable ingredients, an altered pH level in the mouth, a lack of chewing material, and – especially in small breeds – genetically determined narrow teeth. Existing tartar cannot be removed with a brush and paste, either in dogs or humans – this is proven by experience.

The Role of Micronutrients in Dental Health in Dogs

Micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and trace elements make an important contribution to maintaining general health – including dental health. They are involved, among other things, in the development and maintenance of teeth, gums, and the oral mucosa. Not only calcium and vitamin D play a role in strong teeth, but also numerous other nutrients that promote healthy oral hygiene and your dog’s well-being. Therefore, a needs-based diet is an important component of any holistic health care program.

Natural Tartar Prevention: Diet and Chewable Materials

The best tartar prevention for dogs consists of a species-appropriate, fresh diet and natural chewable materials. Chewing on bones, tendons, pieces of fur, or chewing roots helps clean teeth naturally – just as wolves do in the wild. In the wild, eating whole prey ensures thorough cleaning of the teeth and interdental spaces. However, according to many independent sources, processed food – especially dry food – does not contribute to dental health. On the contrary, it often triggers tartar because it is quickly devoured and often contains low-quality ingredients and artificial additives. The myth that dry food cleans teeth is primarily an advertising claim of the pet food industry.

Everyday Tips for Healthy Dog Teeth

Instead of daily brushing, it is recommended to regularly include chews such as dried rabbit ears with fur, roots, ox tendons, or natural raw meat bones in the diet. Including natural meat or avoiding processed food can also help maintain long-term dental health. Monitor your dog’s teeth regularly and have them checked by a veterinarian if you have any concerns – this way, major problems can be identified early.

Dogs enrich our everyday lives in many ways – whether during walks, during play, or through their loyal companionship. It’s worth savoring these special moments and continually giving your four-legged friend attention.

Product information: DOG FIT by PreThis® WHITE dental plus 🛒 – Natural supplementary feed developed according to the principles of veterinary medicine. Vegan, free from genetic engineering and artificial additives. You can find further information here:

WHITE dental plus in the shop

DOG FIT by PreThis WHITE dental plus
19 Sep 2023

Weight loss tricks for the dog

Golden Retriever

Weight loss tricks for the dog

Golden Retriever

The dog’s weight is an individual matter from the owner’s perspective. Sometimes, and with some breeds, it is difficult to see whether the dog is still at a normal weight. But action must be taken at the latest when you do the rib test. If the ribs can no longer be felt because the layer of fat is too thick, the four-legged friend has to lose weight. You can use the bathroom scales to determine how much needs to go down. Weigh the dog and compare the weight with the recommended guidelines for the respective breed.

Slowly but surely reaching your destination

You can lose a few kilos over time without much effort by taking your dog for a walk every day. You should slowly get the dog used to more exercise, i.e. extend the walks over time in order to build up its stamina. When you feel like your dog is fit now, you can let him jump over tree trunks or jog with him.

Motivation plays a big role

Balancing on park benches or wall ledges can also be incorporated as an exercise. You also have to motivate your dog to exercise and make it fun for him. For example, by throwing balls and retrieving sticks, or using a food bag if he needs to be motivated by food. If retrieving doesn’t work right away, you could keep him on a dragline to make sure he doesn’t run off with the prey. This way you can relax a bit yourself, because the dog is the one who is running.

The yo-yo effect also exists in dogs

Once your four-legged friend has lost weight, it’s like with humans, you have to stick with it. But if the dog is older or has previous illnesses, it doesn’t have to be dog sports. That would even be counterproductive. But one or two things can be incorporated into the walk. If it’s regular, that’s a lot and brings fun and something good to the dog’s health and also to your own.

Pay attention to calorie intake

Every dog has a certain number of calories they need every day. If he gets too many calories and doesn’t exercise enough, he will gain weight. It’s that simple. The right amount of calories combined with exercise makes the pounds fall away. However, you should not put your dog on a drastic diet, but rather pay attention to high-quality, fresh food and dry food is not one of them! As with us humans, a balanced and species-appropriate diet as well as sufficient exercise is the basic requirement for losing weight – your health will thank you!

Tip: Black cumin is good for dogs

It belongs to the buttercup family. He originally comes from West Asia, Iraq and Türkiye. Today it is also found in southern Europe, India and North Africa. Black cumin has been known in the Orient for centuries both as a spice and as a natural medicine for many diseases. In recent years it has been known to us primarily as a nutritional supplement for dogs (also for horses and also for people). The whole seeds or the native oil can be taken.

What’s in black cumin?

Black cumin contains many healthy substances, such as a high proportion of essential fatty acids, which the body cannot produce itself and therefore have to be supplied from outside. There are gamma-linolenic acid, which inhibits inflammation and increases blood circulation. Vitamin E protects the body’s cells from attacks by free radicals. Secondary plant substances strengthen the immune system and stimulate metabolism. Then there are many secondary plant substances that are good for use against all kinds of diseases. For example, allergies, respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract infections and skin diseases.

Black cumin and its effects

Black cumin also works on joint diseases and detoxifies the liver and kidneys. The effect is similar on animals and humans. However, since dogs have a faster metabolism, the dosage must be adjusted and is higher for dogs. Black cumin is not suitable for cats because of its essential oil content. They lack a certain enzyme in their liver, so unlike dogs they cannot break down essential oils.

 

 

14 Sep 2023

Pulling dog sports, dog scooters – dog sports trends at a glance

Zughundesport Husky

Pulling dog sports, dog scooters – dog sports trends at a glance

Zughundesport HuskyMore and more dog owners are now becoming aware that for many dog breeds it is not enough just to lie on the sofa as a family dog or even to lounge around in the garden as a farm dog. That’s why many dog lovers use dog sports to exercise their four-legged friend appropriately. In addition to the more well-known sports, such as protection dog training, agility, disc dogging and the like, a relatively new dog sports trend is increasingly coming to the fore in this country: pulling dog sports. Whether jogging, cycling, a Sacco Cart or a special dog scooter – it’s not just huskies who enjoy pulling work. Reason enough to give you a brief overview of the pulling dog sport!

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09 Sep 2023

Castration – panacea or unnecessary surgical procedure ?

Hund

Castration – panacea or unnecessary surgical procedure ?

DogDogs are offered in large quantities in classified ads under the animal market: mixed breeds, pedigree dogs, designer dogs and much more are found here looking for a human family. Rarely serious and unfortunately, the reality often looks like this: ill-advised purchases, a lack of dog-friendly apartments, separation and divorce, career changes and the like often lead to the sweet puppy being back on the market after just a few months ends up in the animal shelter. But now about castration.

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25 Aug 2023

How clicker training works for dogs

hund klickertraining

How clicker training works for dogs

hund klickertrainingFor many people, a dog is a faithful companion in all situations of life. However, in order for your dog to really accompany you all the time, it first needs solid training. In order to ensure obedience in all situations, there are many different training methods, so that everyone can find the right method for themselves and their dog. Among experts, clicker training is particularly popular as a gentle and versatile reward-based method. We explain what clicker training is, how it works and how you can use it!

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24 Aug 2023

Fashion dogs – problems pre-programmed?

Chihuahua

Fashion dogs – problems pre-programmed?

ChihuahuaThe term “fashionable dog” alone pisses off many dog owners. Yet it is quite normal that, depending on certain fashion trends, some dog breeds are kept much more often than others. The term “fashion dog” by no means refers only to handbag dogs that have been degraded to accessories, but rather to all dog breeds that are temporarily represented more often. But first things first.

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21 Aug 2023

Animal protection dog / Fear dog: Tips for getting used to the harness

Tierschutzhund Angsthund Geschirr anlegen

Animal protection dog / Fear dog: Tips for getting used to the harness

Animal Protection Dog Fear Dog Harness Put OnA harness for the animal protection dog – step by step to acceptance. For many shelter dogs or dogs with anxiety, putting on a harness can be a stressful process. But with patience and a sensitive approach, this challenge can be overcome.

In this article you will learn how to get your animal protection dog or fear dog to put on the harness in a relaxed way. Step by step, with a lot of patience.
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