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.

Stress

Every dog experiences stress occasionally. Sometimes it is brief, such as a visit to the vet or during fireworks. But stress can also last longer, for example if a dog is in pain or cannot relax in its environment. Long-term or chronic stress is unhealthy.

What Effect Does Stress Have on Your Dog’s Health?

Every dog experiences stress occasionally. Sometimes it is brief, such as a visit to the vet or during fireworks. But stress can also last longer, for example if a dog is in pain or cannot relax in its environment. Long-term or chronic stress is unhealthy.. Stress is a state in which the dog’s body is alert and ready to flee from danger or fight enemies. Stress can be positive or negative – being alert in danger is critical for survival! Hormones Stress hormones are produced by the endocrine glands: hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands (HPA axis). Stress hormones include adrenaline and cortisol. The amygdala plays a key role in processing emotions like fear, the hippocampus is involved in memory and learning, and the prefrontal cortex is res...

Stress

Some dog lovers choose to adopt a dog from abroad. These dogs often had a difficult start and lived on the streets. This means the critical early socialization phase may not have occurred optimally, often resulting in unusual behavior, stress, or aggression. If you choose a dog with such a background, you might wonder: How can I best support my dog?

How to Support a Dog from Abroad (with Trauma)

Some dog lovers choose to adopt a dog from abroad. These dogs often had a difficult start and lived on the streets. This means the critical early socialization phase may not have occurred optimally, often resulting in unusual behavior, stress, or aggression. If you choose a dog with such a background, you might wonder: How can I best support my dog?. A dog from a foreign shelter or rescue has always lost a previous caregiver, whether a parent or owner. Additionally, the dog has likely experienced other traumatic events. Therefore, always approach your dog with empathy and a gentle mindset. Give Your Dog Time and Stability First, give your dog time to adjust to the new situation. They need time to get used to their new home, owner, food, and other animals. Try to maintain as stable a routine as possible to prevent triggering anxiety due to ch...

Stress

Not only humans, but also dogs can experience stress. Prolonged or intense stress is harmful to your dog's well-being and can even cause physical health problems.

How to Reduce Stress in Dogs

Not only humans, but also dogs can experience stress. Prolonged or intense stress is harmful to your dog's well-being and can even cause physical health problems.. Dogs have over 40 different ways to show stress. Unfortunately, these signals are not always recognized, as they may also indicate medical issues. The ten most common stress signals in dogs are: Yawning Looking away/turning away Lip licking Shaking/trembling Tail tucked or low Excessive scratching without obvious reason Panting (without exertion) Avoidance behavior, hiding Showing the whites of the eyes Sudden excessive sniffing Reducing Stress in Dogs There are several ways to reduce stress in...

Fleas & ticks

Many anti-flea products sold in shops are actually chemical pesticides. Many people prefer not to use these substances because their dog might lick them, because they end up in water when the dog swims, or because children may come into contact with them. The products are also harmful to the environment.

Which herbs are effective against fleas?

Many anti-flea products sold in shops are actually chemical pesticides. Many people prefer not to use these substances because their dog might lick them, because they end up in water when the dog swims, or because children may come into contact with them. The products are also harmful to the environment.. Did you know that many ingredients still used in flea collars and spot-ons are banned in agriculture? For example, poultry farmers are no longer allowed to use fipronil to disinfect their barns, yet this pesticide is still found in some spot-ons for dogs and cats. A strange situation! Luckily, there are many alternatives — mechanical flea collars and the use of plants and herbs to repel fleas. Which plants work against fleas? Certain essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosem...

Fleas & ticks

It can happen to anyone: a flea infestation at home! If you’re not careful, fleas can multiply rapidly. A quick playdate with an infected pet, and a few days later your dog might be scratching intensely and have a coat full of eggs. The fleas have probably already spread throughout your house. How can you stop such an infestation quickly and effectively?

Oh no, a flea infestation – what steps should I take?

It can happen to anyone: a flea infestation at home! If you’re not careful, fleas can multiply rapidly. A quick playdate with an infected pet, and a few days later your dog might be scratching intensely and have a coat full of eggs. The fleas have probably already spread throughout your house. How can you stop such an infestation quickly and effectively?. The life cycle of a flea consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult flea. Female fleas can lay hundreds of eggs, usually in the fur of an animal – your dog, for example. The eggs fall off and develop in the environment, such as in cracks, under baseboards, or in dog beds and furniture. Even if you see only a few fleas, the infestation might already be growing fast. The eggs hatch, the larvae feed on organic material and flea dirt, then pupate, and adult fleas emerge. They look for a ho...

Fleas & ticks

Fleas: a headache for every dog owner. Fleas are annoying parasites that can multiply very quickly. They can jump far and spread throughout the house, nesting in sofas, carpets, or cracks and corners. It is therefore very important to keep your dog flea-free. But how do you do this best?

How to keep a dog flea-free

Fleas: a headache for every dog owner. Fleas are annoying parasites that can multiply very quickly. They can jump far and spread throughout the house, nesting in sofas, carpets, or cracks and corners. It is therefore very important to keep your dog flea-free. But how do you do this best?. The main way to keep fleas away is to make sure they cannot or do not want to settle on your dog. Preventive measures! This also includes regular checks of your dog to see if he has fleas. If you act in time, you can prevent fleas from spreading further. Flea control products There are many different flea control products on the market: spot-ons, pipettes, drops, or flea collars. These are applied on or around the dog’s neck. They work for several weeks to months. The disadvantage is that these...

Guest blog

Feeding

Fresh dog food is a new kind of pet nutrition – focused on health, transparency, and convenience. And it’s no coincidence. More and more dogs suffer from sensitive stomachs, allergies, or weight issues. Others simply don’t enjoy their kibble. At the same time, dog parents want the best for their pets – but also convenience and peace of mind. That’s why fresh dog food is on the rise. But what exactly does “fresh” mean? And why should you switch?

Guest Blog Butternut: What Is Fresh Dog Food – and Why Are So Many Owners Fans?

Fresh dog food is a new kind of pet nutrition – focused on health, transparency, and convenience. And it’s no coincidence. More and more dogs suffer from sensitive stomachs, allergies, or weight issues. Others simply don’t enjoy their kibble. At the same time, dog parents want the best for their pets – but also convenience and peace of mind. That’s why fresh dog food is on the rise. But what exactly does “fresh” mean? And why should you switch?. What Is Fresh Dog Food? Think of fresh dog food like home cooking: fresh ingredients, gently cooked at low temperatures, with no unnecessary additives. Fresh meat, vegetables, herbs – tailored to what your dog really needs. No preservatives. No fillers. Just ingredients you recognise. Butternut Box cooks its meals at 90 °C and freezes them right away. This kills harmful bacteria while keeping vitamins and minerals intact – giving your dog the best of both worlds: safety and nutrition. Is It Diff...

Fleas & ticks

Fleas are small parasitic insects that live on the bodies of animals such as dogs. They feed on blood and multiply quickly. Fleas are dark brown to black in color. They have no wings but can jump very well.

What are fleas and why do they make dogs itch?

Fleas are small parasitic insects that live on the bodies of animals such as dogs. They feed on blood and multiply quickly. Fleas are dark brown to black in color. They have no wings but can jump very well.. When your dog has fleas, it’s not necessarily due to poor hygiene – it can happen to anyone. For your dog, fleas are extremely irritating. They cause itching, red skin, and sometimes allergic reactions. Fleas can also transmit diseases. Fleas: an “explosive” problem Fleas feed on your dog’s blood. They reproduce very fast and can quickly become a serious infestation. Adult female fleas can lay hundreds of eggs, usually in the animal’s fur. The eggs fall off and develop in carpets, on sofas, or i...

Organs

Welfare

A strong heart and healthy blood vessels are vital for your dog’s well-being. Like humans, dogs can develop heart and circulatory diseases, especially as they age. While breed can play a role, proper nutrition and regular exercise are the main factors for a healthy cardiovascular system.

How to Keep Your Dog’s Heart and Blood Vessels Healthy

A strong heart and healthy blood vessels are vital for your dog’s well-being. Like humans, dogs can develop heart and circulatory diseases, especially as they age. While breed can play a role, proper nutrition and regular exercise are the main factors for a healthy cardiovascular system.. Heart problems are common in dogs. Certain breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dobermans, and Boxers are more prone to specific heart conditions. But other dogs can develop heart problems as well. Heart and blood vessel problems The most common cardiovascular problems in dogs are: valve diseases, heart muscle diseases (cardiomyopathy), and high blood pressure. Small breeds often suffer from valve problems, while large dogs are more likely to develop heart muscle issues. Overweight, po...

Digestion

The digestive tract runs “from mouth to tail,” and anywhere along the way, dogs can develop digestive issues. The stomach and intestines are most commonly affected. Here’s an overview of digestive problems in dogs.

Digestive Problems in Dogs

The digestive tract runs “from mouth to tail,” and anywhere along the way, dogs can develop digestive issues. The stomach and intestines are most commonly affected. Here’s an overview of digestive problems in dogs.. After chewing, food passes through the esophagus into the stomach, where stomach acid begins the main digestion process. From there, it moves into the small intestine and then the large intestine, where nutrients are absorbed before waste leaves the body. Stomach Problems Typical signs of stomach issues include burping, nausea, and vomiting. When the stomach doesn’t function properly, ulcers are present, or food moves too slowly into the small intestine, a dog may vomit. Vomiting shortly after e...

Organs

Resistance

The spleen is an important but often overlooked organ in dogs. It functions as both a blood filter and a storage organ, and also plays a key role in the immune system. Dogs can develop several types of spleen disorders.

The Function of the Spleen in Dogs

The spleen is an important but often overlooked organ in dogs. It functions as both a blood filter and a storage organ, and also plays a key role in the immune system. Dogs can develop several types of spleen disorders.. The spleen is a dark red, elongated organ located in the abdominal cavity near the stomach. It has several essential functions: Filtering blood: The spleen removes old or damaged red blood cells and other waste products from circulation. Storing blood: It stores blood and iron, which can be quickly released in emergencies such as blood loss. Immune system support: The spleen helps defend against infections by producing white blood cells and antibodies. Blood cell production: In young dogs, the s...

Detox

The liver and kidneys are vital organs for mammals. Both filter the blood and remove waste products. The liver also plays an important role in digestion, storing certain vitamins, and producing essential proteins. Healthy liver and kidney function is therefore crucial.

Supporting Your Dog’s Liver and Kidneys

The liver and kidneys are vital organs for mammals. Both filter the blood and remove waste products. The liver also plays an important role in digestion, storing certain vitamins, and producing essential proteins. Healthy liver and kidney function is therefore crucial.. When your dog develops liver or kidney issues, you’ll often notice increased drinking and urination first. Other signs include poor appetite, weight loss, and blood in the urine. Yellow gums are a clear indicator of liver or bile duct problems. Healthy Nutrition Diet is one of the most important factors for supporting kidney and liver health. Choose high-quality food with easily digestible proteins and avoid excessive salt. For dogs with kidney problems, a special renal diet is recommended. Thes...

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! .