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.
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...
Others
What is the optimal environment temperature for dogs?
Dogs often run from inside to outside without giving much sign of cold or heat. But at what temperatures should you start paying attention? And how warm should it be in the house to keep your dog comfortable?. Dogs Have a Slightly Higher Body Temperature Than Humans. Dogs have a body temperature ranging between 38°C and 39°C. If the temperature falls outside of this range, it could indicate health issues such as fever or hypothermia. Optimal Temperature The optimal outdoor temperature for dogs is usually between 15°C and 25°C, while the ideal indoor temperature is between 15°C and 20°C. Good to know: despite their fur, dogs can get cold relatively easily. Dogs with a thin coat, in particular, feel the...
Skin
Facts about coats: what does your dog get out of his hair?
One of the most fascinating things about dogs is the enormous diversity in the appearance of different dog breeds. It is almost unbelievable that all types of dogs share a common ancestor. Take the coat: from lush winter coats with an ‘undercoat’ to very short-haired coats and anti-allergenic curls, the variety is huge. But why is the coat actually important for your dog? And how do you keep your dog's coat healthy?. Dogs Have Different Coat Types Dogs have various types of coats, such as short-haired, long-haired, rough-haired, and smooth coats. A dog's coat serves multiple purposes. First, it provides insulation against cold and heat, keeping the dog comfortable in different weather conditions. Additionally, the coat protects the skin from sharp objects, contaminants, insects, and other external factors. A healthy coat is therefore essential for your dog’s well-being. Role in Immunity A dog’s coat also pla...
Stress
Supplement for calmness: miracle cure or support?
Many owners like to give their dog a supplement against stress on certain occasions. For example, around New Year's Eve, to reduce stress caused by fireworks. An herbal supplement that includes hops, chamomile and valerian is great for this purpose. But what should you expect from such a supplement for calmness? Is it a miracle cure?. You may have guessed it: there are no miracle cures. Even an herbal extract to reduce stress and anxiety won’t eliminate all problems for every dog. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. You should see a calming supplement as a way to support your dog. Thanks to the herbs, your dog is less likely to startle easily and can release tension more quickly—for example, after a loud firework bang from a neighbor. A Holistic Approach A supplement can certainly help, but it’s best to see it as part of a...
Cannabinoids
Behaviour
Clove
Stress
When to start using a herbal supplement for fireworks stress?
As the year ends, the noise from fireworks starts to increase, leading to loud bangs and clouds of smoke in many places during the last days of December. Many dogs experience stress from fireworks, and many owners want to help their dogs with a stress-relieving supplement. But when is the best time to start?. First things first: not all dogs experience stress from fireworks. And for many dogs, anxiety and tension from fireworks can be reduced through training and distraction. However, some dogs do experience a lot of stress, and for these animals, a supplement can be a solution. Calming herbs Herbs such as valerian, ginseng, lemon balm, chamomile, and hops have a calming effect and help reduce the sharpness of stimuli, making it easier for tension to dissipate. A supplement containing these herbs can...
Cannabinoids
Behaviour
Clove
Stress
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Stressed dog: clove or herbal extract for relaxation?
If your dog is suffering from stress or tension, it may be nice to support the animal with a supplement. Cannabinoids from the clove plant help against stress. But an herbal extract including hops and valerian also works against tension. When to choose cloves and when to choose herbs?. When a dog is anxious or stressed, you can notice it through several signs. For example, the dog may start panting, yawning, drooling, or trembling. Hiding, excessive licking, frequent barking or growling, and being extra vigilant are also signs of stress. But it can also be more subtle. Some stressed dogs start destroying things, exhibit repetitive behaviors, eat poorly, or suddenly become unhousebroken. These are all signs of stress. Different Mechanisms In mammals, various biochemical mechani...
Cannabinoids
Behaviour
Clove
Stress
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A Calm Dog with Natural Herbs
Some dogs are naturally a bit more easily stressed. Other dogs may have had a bad experience or are restless or sometimes nervous for other reasons. Herbs can help support and calm a stressed dog. But which herbs help a dog stay calmer without making them drowsy? And what should you, as the owner, know before giving a supplement?. First of all, it’s helpful to understand how a dog might develop stress. Stress, or tension, can be short-term, for example due to a loud noise. But if the cause of tension persists or if the dog can’t effectively release the stress, it can become chronic. Causes of Stress Stress in dogs can be caused by: Loud noises or overstimulation from a busy environment Pain Fear A stressed owner, moving house, or separation Boredom or lack of attention Separation anxiety Lack of a clear routine A traumati...
Digestion
Feeding
BARF, kibble, meat or wet food? What are the differences?
As a dog owner, you have many different options for feeding your dog. Some swear by kibble, others prefer wet food or fresh meat and others put together a full BARF diet for their dog. So what exactly is the difference between all these options?. Most types of dog food you can buy in shops are so-called complete foods. Such a ‘complete’ food is tailored exactly to the needs of a healthy animal. That means you don't need to give any extras if your dog gets the recommended amount for its weight per day. All the required nutrients are in the right amount in this kind of food. This applies to both kibble and wet food that you can buy in shops. But raw fresh food is also available ready-to-eat and complete. The raw materials in these complete...
Feeding
Dog Food: A Comparison of Dry Food, Wet Food, and Fresh Meat
Choosing the right dog food can be overwhelming, especially with the many types of food available today. Whether you're considering dry food, wet food, or fresh meat, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog, we'll discuss these three popular options so that you can make an informed choice that suits your dog's needs.. Kibble: The Classic Choice Kibble is perhaps the most common type of dog food. These dried pellets contain a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Advantages: Convenience: Kibble has a long shelf life, is easy to store, and quick to serve. It doesn't require refrigeration or special storage. Dental Health: Chewing on the hard kibble can help reduce plaque and keep your dog's teeth clean. Cost: In general, kibble is the most affordable option, especially for lar...
Feeding
Why you should avoid feeding your dogs too many grains
Grains like rice, oats, and barley can be a useful source of carbohydrates and fiber for dogs. They provide energy and support healthy digestion. However, not all dogs can tolerate grains well. Some dogs are allergic to grains or gluten, which can lead to a dull coat, skin problems, itching, and digestive issues like diarrhea.. It's important to limit the amount of grains in your dog's diet and monitor whether your dog is allergic to certain ingredients in its food. There is no fixed amount of grains that every dog can eat. This entirely depends on the individual dog. Some dog breeds handle grains less well than others. If your dog is sensitive to grains, it’s better to give grain-free dog food. When your dog is not allergic to grains, they usually don’t cause any harm, as long as meat or fish is the main ingredient in...