Looking for more knowledge about your dog's health? On this page, you'll find various articles about the health and well-being of your dog. We discuss various herbs and minerals, but also delve deeper into conditions, diseases, and everything else related to dogs.

Fleas & ticks

You’ve no doubt heard of ticks. These are tiny bloodsuckers that like to attach to your loyal companion’s coat. Ticks are insects, spider-like creatures that wait in tall grass, bushes, and forests for a warm, hairy meal to pass by. Tick bites itch, but these parasites can also transmit dangerous diseases. Which diseases are these, and what can you do yourself?

Diseases from ticks: What should I watch for in my dog?

You’ve no doubt heard of ticks. These are tiny bloodsuckers that like to attach to your loyal companion’s coat. Ticks are insects, spider-like creatures that wait in tall grass, bushes, and forests for a warm, hairy meal to pass by. Tick bites itch, but these parasites can also transmit dangerous diseases. Which diseases are these, and what can you do yourself?. There are several diseases that ticks can transmit. Not all diseases occur equally often in the Netherlands, but due to global warming, there are now more ticks in the Netherlands that did not appear here before. You also need to be alert if you take your dog on vacation. Diseases that can be transmitted by ticks Here’s an overview of diseases your dog can contract from a tick bite. Lyme disease: The best-known and most common tick-borne disease. Your dog may develop fever, lameness, lethargy, a...

Skin

You maintain your dog’s coat by combing and brushing it. Some dogs also benefit from regular visits to a grooming salon. However, true health and beauty come from within. What does your dog need to keep its skin and coat beautiful and healthy?

Which Vitamins and Minerals for Your Dog’s Skin and Coat?

You maintain your dog’s coat by combing and brushing it. Some dogs also benefit from regular visits to a grooming salon. However, true health and beauty come from within. What does your dog need to keep its skin and coat beautiful and healthy?. The skin and coat protect your dog from external influences. Think of cold, heat, insects, injuries, fungi, and parasites. The skin continuously renews itself, and the coat is regularly replaced as well. For these processes, your dog needs nutrients, which it obtains from its diet. Omega-3 Fatty Acids The essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are indispensable building blocks for a shiny coat and supple, healthy skin. These fatty acids are mainly found in fish products, such as salmon oil. O...

Skin

Many dogs need to be brushed, and some regularly visit a grooming salon. But how exactly does it work? Do you need to brush every dog? And what is the difference between long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired dogs?

How Do I Care for My Dog’s Coat?

Many dogs need to be brushed, and some regularly visit a grooming salon. But how exactly does it work? Do you need to brush every dog? And what is the difference between long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired dogs?. Dog groomers distinguish no fewer than thirteen coat types. Dogs can have a double or single coat and long, short, rough, or curly topcoat hair. Each coat type has specific characteristics and requires different care. Undercoat or Not? If you want to know what kind of care your dog’s coat needs, it is first important to determine whether your dog has an undercoat. This applies to many breeds, but not all. The fluffy and fine hair of the undercoat should be brushed regularly to prevent it from cl...

Skin

Hair on your couch, in your car, and on the dog blanket: it’s shedding season again. But how often does a dog actually shed? And when is excessive hair loss too much? You can read more about it in this article.

How Often Do Dogs Shed and When?

Hair on your couch, in your car, and on the dog blanket: it’s shedding season again. But how often does a dog actually shed? And when is excessive hair loss too much? You can read more about it in this article.. Dog groomers distinguish no fewer than thirteen coat types. Proper care and shedding patterns depend on your dog’s exact coat type. However, there are some general guidelines. Shedding Twice a Year Most dogs shed twice a year, in spring and autumn. The amount of hair released varies depending on the coat type. Dogs with an undercoat lose more hair than dogs without one. The thin, fine hair of the undercoat often comes out in what seems like a “coat explosion”: this is referred to as “blowing the...

Skin

Many dogs have an undercoat, but certainly not all of them. This varies by breed. An undercoat has specific characteristics and also requires extra care. But why do dogs actually have an undercoat?

What Is the Function of an Undercoat in Dogs?

Many dogs have an undercoat, but certainly not all of them. This varies by breed. An undercoat has specific characteristics and also requires extra care. But why do dogs actually have an undercoat?. Does your dog have an undercoat? You can find out by taking a close look at the coat. If your dog has an undercoat, you can clearly distinguish two different types of hair. The topcoat hairs are somewhat longer and coarser, while the undercoat hairs are softer and shorter. The undercoat is dense and thick and is more visible in winter. In some dogs, the undercoat is easier to see in certain areas of the body, for example around the neck. Why an Undercoat? The undercoat helps your dog regulate it...

Others

Welfare

If you want to buy a dog, there’s a lot to consider. You want an animal that suits you and that you can enjoy for many years. Will you choose a puppy or an adult dog? Are you considering a rescue dog? Or would you prefer a pedigree puppy from a reputable and trustworthy breeder? With all these choices, the health of your future pet also comes into play. What should you pay attention to?

Health problems in dogs: What should you look for when choosing a dog?

If you want to buy a dog, there’s a lot to consider. You want an animal that suits you and that you can enjoy for many years. Will you choose a puppy or an adult dog? Are you considering a rescue dog? Or would you prefer a pedigree puppy from a reputable and trustworthy breeder? With all these choices, the health of your future pet also comes into play. What should you pay attention to?. Many health problems in dogs are related to the breed. Certain breeds have far more health issues than others. That’s why choosing the right breed and the right breeder is important. Dog breed If you choose a purebred dog, it’s important to take into account health problems that commonly occur in that specific breed. In some cases, tests can be carried out before purchase. So make sure you are well informed! Examples of breed-specific health problems include: Large breeds such as German Shepherd...

Others

Welfare

When you are looking for a dog, you often hear that you should be careful about “overbreeding.” But what does that actually mean, and why is it dangerous? In this article, we explain what it is and what to look out for.

Overbreeding in dogs: what is it, why is it dangerous, and how can you recognize it?

When you are looking for a dog, you often hear that you should be careful about “overbreeding.” But what does that actually mean, and why is it dangerous? In this article, we explain what it is and what to look out for.. Overbreeding means that dogs are repeatedly bred within a small group, such as within the same family line or breed. This is often done to preserve or enhance certain physical traits (such as a specific coat color or head shape) or characteristics (such as hunting instinct). However, when this happens too often, the dogs become increasingly closely related. As a result, the risk of health problems increases, because harmful genes occur more frequently and are passed on more easily. What is inbre...

Others

Welfare

You’ve made the decision: you want a puppy. But what should you look out for? All puppies are adorable, and you can fall in love in an instant. How do you avoid making the wrong choice?

What should you look out for when getting a puppy?

You’ve made the decision: you want a puppy. But what should you look out for? All puppies are adorable, and you can fall in love in an instant. How do you avoid making the wrong choice?. Many people choose a puppy because they want to get the dog used to its future life from the very beginning and have it with them for as long as possible. Others choose a puppy because they want a specific breed. Before getting a puppy, however, it is important to realize that raising a puppy requires a lot of time and attention—often including sleepless nights. Make sure you know what you are getting into. Would you rather adopt an older dog? In the Netherlands, many dogs are waiting in shelter...

Others

If you are looking for a dog, you naturally want to choose an animal that is as healthy as possible. Many dog lovers are aware that a number of dog breeds suffer from health problems. Some breeds have been overbred to such an extent that they almost always have one or more hereditary health issues. But is it still possible to find a truly healthy dog breed?

Which dog breeds are still truly healthy?

If you are looking for a dog, you naturally want to choose an animal that is as healthy as possible. Many dog lovers are aware that a number of dog breeds suffer from health problems. Some breeds have been overbred to such an extent that they almost always have one or more hereditary health issues. But is it still possible to find a truly healthy dog breed?. The Raad van Beheer, the umbrella organization for, among others, Dutch pedigree dog clubs, advocates buying a pedigree dog with an official pedigree certificate. Dutch pedigree dogs are subject to strict European breeding regulations. This means, for example, that female dogs may only have one litter per year and that there are rules in place to prevent inbreeding. According to the Raad van Beheer, Dutch pedigree dogs are therefore healthier than other pedigree dogs, such as those from large-sc...

Joints

Welfare

All dogs need exercise, even as they grow older. A daily walk is essential for every dog. But what can you do if your dog has difficulty getting started and feels a bit stiff? We share five tips to help keep your senior dog moving in a healthy way.

Five tips to support your ageing dog’s mobility

All dogs need exercise, even as they grow older. A daily walk is essential for every dog. But what can you do if your dog has difficulty getting started and feels a bit stiff? We share five tips to help keep your senior dog moving in a healthy way.. Exercise is essential for your dog. It contributes to relaxation, mental well-being, good stamina, flexibility and healthy digestion. Tip 1: Use it or lose it Many older dogs develop joint wear and tear and/or osteoarthritis. This often comes with age. Exercise is important to keep the joints active and to prevent further deterioration. Take your senior dog for regular walks, but don’t overdo it. Several shorter walks a day are better than one long one. You may also need to slightly reduce heavy...

Joints

Others

Welfare

Many people enjoy exercising with their dog – and it’s a lot of fun! However, you must consider what your dog can handle, which depends on breed, age, and fitness. Proper nutrition and training are essential to exercise safely with your dog and maintain healthy joints.

Exercising with Your Dog: Key Considerations and Joint Health

Many people enjoy exercising with their dog – and it’s a lot of fun! However, you must consider what your dog can handle, which depends on breed, age, and fitness. Proper nutrition and training are essential to exercise safely with your dog and maintain healthy joints.. No intense exercise for puppies Puppies need exercise but are not yet ready for athletic performance. Their joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are still developing. Movement is important, but overloading or unusual movements can be harmful. Most dog sports require the dog to be at least six months old, often even a year. Basic obedience training is also needed, e.g., puppy classes. Some dog sports also require a “traffic-safe dog” certificate. Build-up, activity, and recovery Dogs need to b...

Questions? AskHELTIE!

Are you looking for advice about your dog or horse? Or do you want to know more about conditions or ingredients? Feel free to contact AskHELTIE, and we will be happy to assist you! .