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.
Joints
Clove
Silicon
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Silicon, Herbs or a Clove Supplement for Joint Problems?
When searching for solutions to joint issues and mobility problems in dogs, you’ll come across a variety of recommendations. On AskHeltie, you can also read about different supplements that may help relieve stiffness, pain, and lameness. But how do they work – and when should you choose which one?. As is often the case, it depends. Do you want to prevent joint problems because you have a young dog or a breed that is more prone to conditions such as osteoarthritis or arthritis? Or do you have an older dog with chronic joint issues that you want to relieve from pain and stiffness? Choosing the right supplement – or a combination – should be tailored to each dog. Building Block Let’s start with silicon: this mineral supports the production of joint fluid, collagen, cartilage, and bone. It sti...
Joints
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Devil’s Claw for Dogs: A Miracle Remedy for Pain?
Devil’s claw is often used for dogs suffering from joint problems such as osteoarthritis and arthritis. It has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, helping dogs feel less stiff and move more easily. But is it really a miracle cure?. The South African plant Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum spp.) has traditionally been used to relieve pain and inflammation – not only in humans but also in animals such as dogs and horses. It can be given long-term and is safe at the right dosage. Scientific research has shown that devil’s claw has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also helps balance the immune system and supports liver function. Most commonly, it is used for joint problems – and its effectiveness for these issues h...
Joints
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How to Keep Your Dog’s Joints in Top Shape
As your dog gets older or if he is very active, various joint problems may arise. This can cause stiffness, slower movement, and difficulty getting up. To keep your dog’s joints in top condition for as long as possible, you need to make sure he gets all the essential building blocks. In addition, waste products must be eliminated properly to prevent damage. Finally, herbs can help fight joint inflammation.. Active dogs are prone to overuse and wear and tear. Overweight dogs also place extra strain on their joints and bones. In older dogs, cartilage – which cushions the joints – becomes thinner, joint fluid decreases, and wear can occur. When cartilage thins, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. This condition is known as osteoarthritis. Not only osteoarthritis but also arthritis can cause mobility problems in older dogs. Arthritis is characterized by swollen, inf...
Magnesium
Feeding
How to Keep Your Dog’s Muscles in Top Shape
A healthy and happy dog – that’s what we all want! Especially if you have an active breed, such as a working dog or a hunting dog, exercise is essential. Maybe you even want to do sports with your dog. But what else is important to get and keep your dog’s muscles in top condition?. When your dog is physically fit, has enough muscle mass, and good stamina, he will be happier, more energetic, and have a stronger immune system. The risk of injuries is also lower when your dog is well-muscled. Dogs that exercise regularly and are challenged by training are usually more obedient and less stressed. So there are plenty of reasons to pay attention to your dog’s muscles and overall fitness. Physical Exercise Regular exercise is essential for keeping your dog’s muscles and joints he...
Feeding
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Which vitamins does your dog produce itself?
Dogs can produce some essential vitamins in their own bodies, while others must be obtained through food. In short: Dogs can (partly) produce vitamin D, vitamin K, and vitamin C themselves. Vitamin A, vitamin E, and B vitamins must be included in their diet. Note: Even the self-produced vitamins often need some dietary supplementation. Don't give too much Dogs can produce vitamin D in their skin through exposure to sunlight, although this process is less efficient than in humans, partly due to t...
Feeding
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What Are Trace Elements and What Is Their Function?
A dog needs vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in its daily diet. Trace elements—also called microminerals—are required in very small amounts. Important trace elements for dogs include copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc. These minerals are needed in minimal quantities for proper bodily function.. Copper Recent years have seen more regulation around copper levels in dog food. In Europe, a legal maximum limit now exists (2.8 mg per 100 g dry matter). Copper is crucial for many physiological processes, including enzymatic reactions, neurotransmitter production, collagen formation, and iron absorption. Both deficiency and excess must be avoided. Regulation in the body depends on absorption in the gut, excretion, and interactions with other nutrients. Certain breeds, like Labrador Retrievers,...
Magnesium
Feeding
The Importance of Vitamin B12 for Dogs
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for both dogs and humans. A deficiency in B12 can lead to various complaints and health issues. In this article, you’ll learn more about B12 and other important B-vitamins.. Vitamin B is not a single vitamin, but a group of water-soluble vitamins that influence energy production, metabolism, and the nervous system. B-vitamins are found in a variety of foods. To ensure your dog gets enough of these vital nutrients, a healthy and varied diet is key. Deficiencies Deficiencies in B-vitamins can arise from a one-sided diet or poor-quality food. However, a deficiency may also result from poor absorption in the intestines or chronic diarrhea. The first signs of a B-vitamin...
Feeding
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What Vitamins and Minerals Do Dogs Need Daily?
Scientific research into what dogs need in their diet is still ongoing. How much of each vitamin or mineral your dog needs depends on factors like whether the dog is still growing and how active it is. Breed and stress levels can also affect your dog’s nutritional needs.. Some vitamins can be produced by the dog’s own body, while others must come from food. You can read more about that in another article. Overview of Vitamins and Minerals To offer a general guideline, here is an overview of the minimum recommended amounts in complete dog food. While these are not the absolute minimum requirements, they do offer a good indication of the current understanding of what a dog needs in its daily diet.Minimaal aanbevolen hoeveelheden van diverse stoffen in compleet hond...
Behaviour
Magnesium
Salmon oil
Welfare
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Six Tips to Support Your Dog with Stress and Anxiety
Every dog gets startled from time to time. That’s not a problem—and if the stress or tension quickly fades, there’s nothing to worry about. But what if the stress doesn’t go away right away? What should you do if your dog is frequently anxious or stressed? We’re giving you six tips to help your dog when he’s dealing with stress.. First, it’s important to know: a dog can show more than 40 different signs to indicate it’s feeling stressed. These signals often go unnoticed by owners, partly because they can have multiple causes. Dogs also use natural behaviors to comfort themselves, known as “displacement behaviors.” These vary from dog to dog and may include excessive sniffing, licking, or shaking off. Other signs of stress and anxiety can include: tail tucked between the legs, eating poorly or too fast, repetitive behavio...
Welfare
How do you keep your dog mentally healthy?
As a dog owner, you naturally want the best for your pet. So you feed your dog good food and take him for a nice walk. But did you know that you can also do all kinds of things to keep your dog's mind healthy? We will give you a few tips.. Exercise and proper nutrition are very important for a dog's health. But in addition to that, dogs also need mental stimulation. By this we mean: mental challenges and activities that engage their thinking abilities. Toys, Puzzles, and Activities To mentally challenge your dog and get them thinking, there are various tools available. Think of interactive toys and special dog puzzles. You can also use a lick mat or other objects with different textures for this purpose. By giving dogs activities...
Welfare
Brushing your dog's teeth: is it a good idea?
Many dogs develop dental problems at a relatively young age. This is partly due to sticky food. Food particles stick to the edge of the gums and plaque can build up there. This can eventually harden into tartar and lead to bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.. Your dog can experience mouth pain and difficulty chewing due to the buildup of plaque and the development of inflammation. Teeth may even fall out. To prevent this, it is essential to keep your dog’s teeth clean. Brushing! To prevent plaque buildup, it's a good idea to brush your dog's teeth regularly. Brushing helps remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral hygiene problems. It also helps your dog maintain fresher breath. The recommended brushing f...
Welfare
Have bad teeth pulled or not?
Dogs can develop various dental problems. It is therefore very important to regularly check your dog's dental health. If any teeth are really bad, your vet may recommend having them extracted. But beware: this requires real surgery and is therefore a heavy procedure. Prevention is definitely better than cure.. Poor dental health can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even more serious health issues such as heart and kidney disease. If a tooth can no longer be saved, it is better to have it removed. Watching for Dental Issues Before a tooth becomes seriously damaged, there are often early signs that something is wrong with your dog's teeth. Warning signs include bad breath, discolored or worn-down teeth, and red or swollen gums. You should also be alert if your dog’s eating habits change — for examp...