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.
Skin
Fleas & ticks
Negative Side Effects of Chemical Flea Control in Dogs
Medication can cause side effects. This also applies to the chemical products we often use to combat fleas in dogs. While these flea control products are often effective against fleas and sometimes also lice and ticks, various negative effects can occur in dogs due to these chemical agents.. A spot-on treatment or a flea collar works based on chemicals. Some of these are known for their toxic effects, such as fipronil. Side effects that can occur with chemical flea control include: Vomiting and nausea Diarrhea Excessive salivation (after licking the product) Itching, bald spots, skin ulcers, and color changes in the coat Lethargy Nervousness Neurological symptoms such as ataxia (loss of muscle control) or trembling, and in severe cases, even seizures. It appears that smaller dogs ar...
First Aid
Skin
How dangerous are fleas and ticks for dogs?
Fleas and ticks can be both irritating and risky for dogs. These parasites cause itching and can transmit diseases. Therefore, it is wise to protect your dog as much as possible against fleas and ticks. If your dog has already been bitten, there are various things you can do to minimize the consequences of a bite.. For both fleas and ticks, prevention is better than cure. In addition to prevention in the form of a flea collar or flea drops, you can also think about checking your dog thoroughly for ticks after a walk. Additionally, it is important that your dog has healthy skin and coat. You can support your dog's skin and coat from the inside with a dietary supplement of salmon oil and from the outside with a spray of good bacteria. Fleas - risks and consequences A dog can pick up fleas from another infect...
Tendons
Silicon
How to keep your dog's tendons healthy
Our dogs bring a lot of joy into our lives, and it's our responsibility as owners to ensure they are healthy and happy. One aspect of our dogs' health that is sometimes overlooked is the condition of their tendons. Strong and supple tendons are essential for an active lifestyle for a dog. In this blog, we'll discuss why tendon health is important and how you can support it.. Why tendon health is important: Tendon injuries are not only reserved for athletes; dogs can also suffer from tendon problems. Tendons are connective tissue structures that connect muscles to bones and allow movement. They are vital for a dog's overall mobility. Tendon injuries can lead to pain, limited movement, and even prolonged disability. Tips for supporting your dog's tendons: Support with supplements Ensure a balanced diet rich in nutrients essential for tendon health, such as omega-3 fat...
Silicon
Silicon and dog tendons: the benefits of this mineral
Owners are constantly looking for ways to promote the well-being and health of dogs. A mineral that is receiving more and more attention due to its benefits for the tendons of dogs is silicon. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the benefits of silicon for the tendons of dogs and why it is worth considering.. What is silicon? Silicon is an essential mineral that naturally occurs in the earth's crust. It is a building block of various minerals and plays a crucial role in the formation of connective tissues, including tendons. While often overlooked, silicon is increasingly recognized for its positive impact on the overall health of both humans and animals. The benefits of silicon for dog tendons: Connective tissue strength and elasticity Silicon is involved in the synthesis of collagen, the main prote...
Joints
Loose knee in dogs: What is it and what can you do about it?
A loose patella, also known as patellar luxation, unfortunately occurs regularly in dogs. What is it, how can you recognize this condition on time, and how can you support your dog if he is prone to it?. Patellar luxation, also known as a 'loose kneecap', is a condition in which the dog's kneecap displaces from its normal position. The kneecap is usually located in a cartilage groove at the bottom of the femur. In patellar luxation, the kneecap can shift inward or outward. A loose knee affects the bending of the knee, causing the dog to not be able to properly support itself on that leg. Symptoms of a loose knee When your dog has patellar luxation, it can be clearly visible or only occasionally...
Magnesium
Which type of magnesium is suitable for dogs?
Magnesium is an important mineral and dog food does not always contain enough of it. Especially if your dog is very active or can be a bit stressed or nervous. But which type - or form - of magnesium is actually the most suitable for dogs? To find the answer, we take a little dive into biology and chemistry.. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for the proper functioning of the body of mammals. This mineral plays a role in no less than 600 enzymatic reactions. For example, in processing nutrients, producing proteins and DNA, controlling muscles, and producing hormones. Magnesium also affects blood vessels and blood pressure. Abnormalities in magnesium levels in the body can lead to problems such as higher stress sensitivity or heart rhythm disorders. The amount of magnesium present in the...
Magnesium
What is the function of magnesium on the muscles of your dog?
Magnesium is an essential mineral for dogs. It plays a crucial role in maintaining supple muscles, strong bones, and managing stress. Additionally, magnesium ensures that other minerals function properly in the canine body and keep the organs healthy.. The primary role of the mineral magnesium is to keep your dog's muscles supple and support the nervous system. Function on the muscles Muscles use the mineral calcium to contract and magnesium to relax. Muscle cells literally need these minerals to carry out their function. Magnesium plays a role in signal transmission and thus in control. Therefore, if there is a magnesium deficiency, the muscle relaxation does not work properly. This means: hard and stiff muscles, high muscle tension, and some...
Joints
Silicon
Why does silicon work well for joint problems in dogs?
You have probably heard of the mineral silicon. Silicon is an important mineral for dogs. But why does it work so well when your dog has a joint problem? Like osteoarthritis or arthritis? We explain it in this article.. The main reason why silicon is so valuable for dogs with joint problems: it supports all parts of the skeleton and helps to strengthen the entire movement chain. Silicon does this in a natural way, namely by getting the body to work on its own. Essential mineral Silicon is an essential mineral. It helps the body in the production of synovium (joint fluid), collagen, cartilage, and bone. Not only the bones and cartilage, but also the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and ligaments need silicon. Silico...
Feeding
Can you feed a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet?
You see it more and more often, vegetarian and even vegan food for dogs. So a complete feed in which no animal products are processed. But is that suitable for dogs? Can dogs function well on a fully vegetarian/vegan diet? In this blog, we are happy to give you our opinion.. Dogs are omnivores Dogs are basically omnivores, so they eat everything. The digestive system of a dog can digest both plant material, but also animal material completely. Dogs can therefore also digest herbs well and will pick and eat them themselves when given the opportunity. But they are also hunters, their teeth are truly the teeth of a carnivore. So if you purely look at the body of the dog, you should always offer a combined diet of meat and plants. This way, the dog will get all the nutr...
Joints
The effects of devil's claw in dogs
Devil's claw is a powerful natural remedy for joint problems in dogs. This is due to the anti-inflammatory and supportive effects of a natural extract from the root of the devil's claw plant.. Devil's claw (Harpagophytum spp) is one of the most well-documented and researched medicinal plants. Devil's claw naturally grows in southern Africa. It is a traditional medicine of the San people from Namibia and is used as a supplement by humans, as well as in animals such as dogs and horses. Researchers have established its effectiveness and it is a safe herb to give long-term. Studies have found that devil's claw has anti-inflammatory properties and also has antibacterial effects, supports t...
Joints
Silicon
Silicon stimulates the production of glucosamine in dogs
For dogs with (early) joint problems, there are various supplements available on the market. These products often contain glucosamine, a substance naturally present in the body that is involved in the production of cartilage, joint fluid, and bone, among other things. But did you know that only 8 percent of the glucosamine you add to the food is actually absorbed and reaches the right place?. Even for the supplement chondroitin, often given in combination with glucosamine, the absorption by the intestines into the blood and eventually into the joints and joint capsules is less than 10 percent. That's very little! Isn't there a better solution for this? Why glucosamine? Bones are surrounded by mucous membranes and synovial fluid. When dogs suffer from joint problems such as hip dysplasia or arthritis, there is often a reduced production of joint fluid, thinner cartilage, and sometimes...
Joints
Joint Problems in Dogs
Unfortunately, dogs can develop joint problems throughout their lives. This applies to not only certain breeds or large dogs, but it can happen to any dog. What are the most common joint problems in dogs? And how can you support your dog with stiffness and joint pain?. Known joint problems in dogs are: Hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, spondylosis, and arthritis. The causes of these conditions are often complex, involving a combination of factors. Hip dysplasia One of the most well-known joint problems in dogs is hip dysplasia. This is particularly common in larger and heavier dog breeds. It is, like elbow dysplasia, essentially a hereditary condition. The likelihood that your dog will suffer from it increases with insufficient or improper exercise, likely also d...