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.
Feeding
Diseases
Welfare
Which herbs have worming effects in dogs?
Dogs can get various parasites in their gastrointestinal system, including several types of worms. The presence of worms often leads to a variety of disease symptoms. To increase dogs' resistance to parasites and support the immune system, you can use herbs.. Common chemical deworming treatments for dogs are facing increasing resistance. This means that these medications are becoming less effective against the parasites they are designed to target. Additionally, chemical dewormers can cause environmental problems (due to excretion in feces) and are often expensive. Therefore, it is best to use deworming treatments only when they are truly necessary. Resistance to Worms Dogs naturally have some level of resistance to most types of parasites. It is imp...
Resistance
Welfare
The benefits of a stool test in dogs
A stool test is a good way to check if your dog is infected with worms or other intestinal parasites, such as giardia or coccidia. Have a stool test done with some regularity, usually three times a year. This way, you can see in time if your dog needs to be wormed.. Parasites such as worms can cause significant harm to your dog's health and well-being. Puppies may experience slower growth as a result. Additionally, some worms and parasites can also pose health risks to humans. What does your vet look for? During a fecal examination, your veterinarian will check for (eggs of): Roundworms Tapeworms Heartworms Hookworms Whipworms Nematodes Giardia Coccidia Fecal testing can also help detect other health issues. In addition to worm eggs, your vet may find trace...
Resistance
Welfare
What worms are there in dogs?
Dogs can have different types of worms in their gastrointestinal system. An infestation of worms (intestinal parasites) is seen regularly. Such a worm infection can cause health problems in dogs. So it is important to be alert to this in your dog.. Dogs can suffer from various types of worms, each with its own symptoms. In general, worms can weaken a dog's condition, causing vague symptoms such as weight loss, a dull coat, and lethargy. Digestive problems, such as diarrhea, are also often a sign of a worm infection. The treatment varies depending on the type of worm. Here is an overview of the most common worms found in dogs. Roundworms (Toxocara canis) Roundworms are among the most common intestinal worms in dogs. They live in the small i...
Feeding
Tips to get your dog started on self-selection
Tips to get your dog started on self-selectionWhat happens to a horse when there are deficiencies? At askheltie, we give free nutritional advice.. In self-selection, we assume that dogs instinctively know what their body needs. Sometimes, dogs can choose foods that help strengthen their immune system or relieve certain ailments. It is also highly individual, a tailor-made approach for each dog. Getting Started with Self-Selection With self-selection, you create a kind of buffet with bowls containing different types of meat, vegetables, herbs, and other natural ingredients. If you want to start with self-selection, here are a few tips: Step...
Feeding
Is sugar in food a problem for dogs too?
We all know that people should not eat and drink too much sugar. It is unhealthy and fattening. Especially when it comes to so-called fast sugars, which are common in sweets and biscuits. But does the same apply to dogs? Are they also allowed only a limited amount of sugar? And is there actually sugar in dog food?. To start with the last point, Yes, dog food contains carbohydrates and sugars. These often come from grains, which are a key ingredient in many types of dog food. Starch is typically the main energy source in dog food. Cheaper dog foods often contain more starch, usually derived from grains, compared to premium dog food. Types of Sugars Not all sugars and carbohydrates are the same. Cooked starch is easily digestible for dogs, while lactose can be problematic for some. Cellulose from plants is p...
Feeding
Fruit and vegetables for your dog?
Dogs are omnivores and can enjoy some fruits and vegetables. So it is best to give them some healthy vegetables or pieces of fruit as snacks sometimes. But beware: not all fruits and vegetables are suitable and some plants are even downright toxic. We list them for you.. Healthy Vegetables and Fruits for Dogs: Apples: Rich in fiber and vitamin C, but be sure to remove the seeds and core! Bananas: A good source of fiber and potassium. Pineapple and mango: Sweet and exotic. Carrots: Crunchy and nutritious, especially as a snack. Spinach: High in iron and vitamin A. Blueberries: Great for digestion and packed with vitamin C. Watermelon: Cut into small pieces and seedless. Cucumber: Refreshing and tasty, and the skin can stay on. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts: High...
Feeding
What should go in the feeder daily?
Of course, as a dog owner, you want the best for your buddy. Healthy and tasty food, but also enough of it. At the same time, it should also be doable for you as an owner to prepare and feed the meals. What should you take into account?. Whatever you feed your dog, make sure the diet contains all the essential nutrients they need. Preferably with minimal grains, well-digestible proteins, and sufficient omega-3 fatty acids. Omnivore, Vegetarian, or Vegan? Dogs are naturally omnivores, meaning they can digest both animal and plant-based nutrients. An omnivorous diet naturally includes all the nutrients your dog needs. However, with some adjustments, a dog can also be fed a vegetarian diet. In that case, you need to ensure they get...
Diseases
What is the difference between Cushing's and diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) and Cushing's syndrome (also known as hyperadrenocorticism) are two different diseases. Dogs can get either disease, or both. There are some similarities between these two diseases, but also differences. We list them for you.. In both diseases, dogs tend to drink and urinate excessively, and special diabetes food can support your dog in both cases. However, the two conditions differ in their cause, treatment, and partly in their symptoms. Cushing Cushing’s syndrome is caused by an excess of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Overproduction can be due to a tumor in the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland or as a result of long-term corticosteroid treatment. Symptoms of Cushing: Increased thirst and f...
Feeding
Diseases
Nutrition and supplements for your dog with Cushing's disease
Dog owners regularly ask us what foods and/or supplements can support a dog with Cushing's disease. We are happy to explain in this article.. Cushing's disease, also known as hypercortisolism, occurs when a dog’s adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. The stress hormone cortisol plays a role in fight-or-flight responses and other short-term bodily reactions, but chronically elevated cortisol levels in the blood can negatively affect many aspects of health. Disrupted Insulin Response Cushing's disease in dogs can contribute to insulin resistance and is even one of the main causes of insulin-related problems in dogs with diabetes. Do...
Diseases
Why it is important to spot Cushing's in dogs early
Identifying Cushing's disease in dogs early is crucial. This gives the best chances of a longer and more comfortable life for your dog. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start, the right food can be given and the development of symptoms can be delayed.. Cushing’s disease in dogs, also known as hypercortisolism, is a hormonal disorder in which the adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of cortisol. Too much cortisol is harmful to health and causes a range of problems. In some cases, surgery is necessary to stop the overproduction of cortisol. In other cases, a dog will be given medication to better regulate cortisol levels. Symptoms What symptoms may indicate Cushing’s disease in your dog? Watch for: excessive thirst and frequent urination swo...
Diseases
What is cushing in dogs?
Cushing's disease in dogs, also known as hypercortisolism, is a hormonal condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Too much cortisol is bad for health. Cushing's disease is mostly seen in middle-aged or older dogs.. English Translation: Cortisol is a corticosteroid, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands from cholesterol. Cortisol plays a crucial role in metabolism and the processing of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. It is a stress hormone, just like adrenaline. Cortisol prepares the body for a fight-or-flight response. However, a (prolonged) excess of cortisol is harmful to health and disrupts various bodily processes. Cushing's disease can occur in all dog breeds but appears to be more common in D...
Respiratory
Resistance
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Can your dog catch a cold?
When we humans run around sniffling or coughing, it is often said that we have ‘caught a cold’. But is that sniffling really due to the cold? And can dogs also catch a cold from cold weather?. People often think that they catch a cold because they were in a draft or because they were cold. However, this is not entirely correct. When you have a cold with a runny nose and coughing, there is always a virus involved—sometimes a bacterium as well. This also applies to dogs. Cold Weather What is true, however, is that viruses and bacteria often survive longer and infect more people and animals when it is cold. High humidity is also often favorable for viruses. In this way, cold and wet weat...