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Dog driving licence – The licence to go for a walk?

Feb 27, 2024 | Dogs, General

The owner shows that he has his dog under control at all times.

Dogs are rarely naturally aggressive. If cases of aggression occur, it is usually due to incorrect posture, violent upbringing or a misinterpretation of behavior.

Whenever a biting accident is reported in the press, calls for a dog license become louder. What is forgotten is that dogs are very rarely naturally aggressive. In many cases the reason is due to incorrect attitude and violent, aggressive upbringing. A misinterpretation of the four-legged friend’s behavior can also be the cause. What does a dog license do and what should you pay attention to?

 

What exactly is the dog license?

With a dog license, the dog owner acquires a certificate. An exam with a theoretical and practical part must be taken. The theoretical part consists of questions about species-appropriate husbandry, legal regulations and the appropriate handling of a dog. In the practical test, the dog and owner must pass typical everyday situations. For example, lying quietly under the table in the cafe even though the waiter or other guests come to the table. The dog should also be able to tolerate unusual movement patterns (e.g. children on scooters) when walking without a leash.

 

 

Where can the test be taken?

Associations such as the International Professional Association of Dog Trainers (IBH), the Association for the German Dog Industry (VDH) or the BHV (Professional Association of Dog Trainers and Behavior Consultants) take the dog driving license test. The costs are around €100.

 

Proof of expertise is mandatory in Lower Saxony.

Since July 2013, proof of expertise has been mandatory in Lower Saxony for anyone who buys a new dog. This proof is colloquially known as a dog license. However, not all authorities recognize all certificates of expertise. It is therefore advisable to seek advice from the relevant authorities.

 

 

What regulations apply in the other federal states?

There are no uniform rules across Germany, only requirements for binding proof for all dog owners. In Bavaria you only need a permit to keep so-called fighting dogs. Which dogs fall under this term can be found in the fighting dog regulations. In Berlin, stricter rules apply to all dogs if you want to let them off the leash.

 

What are the advantages of a dog license?

On the one hand, you gain an understanding of how well you have your dog under control. On the other hand, having a driving license offers financial incentives: There are municipalities that offer an exemption from dog tax after receiving a dog driving license. In other communities, the dog tax is at least reduced upon presentation of the dog license.

 

 

What does the dog owner have to master during the test?

The requirements vary slightly from state to state. The examinations of the various associations are also different. Approximately 35 – 40 questions must be answered on the topics of training, fear, aggression, upbringing, reproduction, health, attitude, communication, care, race and relevant law. To pass, the owner must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly.

 

What does the owner have to be able to do practically?

The dog driving license test is about the animal’s suitability for everyday use. Numerous situations are played out. The owner of the animal must have the dog under control so that it does not jump up on passers-by. He must also have his dog under control so that he can let him walk in public without a leash.

 

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback

by | Aug 14, 2024 | ,

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a medium-sized, very dignified and intelligent dog that quickly commands respect with its calm demeanor. It is native to southern Africa and shows no signs of shyness.

Beauceron dog breed

Beauceron dog breed

by | May 8, 2024 | ,

The Beauceron is a very original, powerful, robust and muscular dog, but without any sluggishness. It impresses with its stamina and incorruptibility.

Stress in cats – recognising and avoiding

Feb 27, 2024 | Cats, General

Katze faucht stressbedingt

Stressed cats are not happy animals. How can stress be recognized and avoided?

Stress in cats: How can it be recognized and avoided?

Cats are sensitive souls and creatures of habit. Changes in their environment, strange people and animals are just three triggers that can cause stress in cats. Every animal reacts differently to stress, including your pet. One seeks silence and withdraws. The other rebels and shows his stress through uncleanliness. Watch your cat closely. Only if you know your animal well can you immediately analyze the stress symptoms and provide the necessary relaxation.

 

 

How do I recognize stress in cats?

Like us humans, every cat reacts differently to stress. However, there are signs that occur quite frequently.

 

  • Increased cleaning
  • conspicuous withdrawal
  • loss of appetite
  • unusual aggressiveness
  • constant restlessness
  • sudden uncleanliness
  • pronounced meowing

 

What can cause stress in cats?

Unfortunately, hunger, thirst and lack of attention are not the only worries a cat has. Anyone who knows anything about cats knows that the main trigger for stress in cats is change. Cats are creatures of habit and love a regular daily routine. A change in the type of food, a new roommate with two or even four legs, even the food bowl in a different place stresses our cats. The loss of a loved one often leaves its mark. Moving and/or renovation work can be particularly stressful. Loud music or television with cinematic sound can stress cats that are sensitive to noise.

 

 

What helps to reduce stress in cats.

  • Once you have identified the cause of stress, it is important to eliminate it. If this is not possible, e.g. because a newborn has moved in, the following will help:
    Always give your cat access to its usual feeding place. Do not change any food during this time.
  • Nothing should change in the litter tray either, neither the location nor the cat litter. Make sure that the litter tray is always clean so that the animal continues to feel comfortable.
  • If a move is planned, it helps if familiar objects such as the cat’s sleeping area or scratching post are already in their new place. Move the old things first. Only when the cat has acclimatised should you think about buying a new cat bed. It also helps if your velvet paw can slowly get used to its new home.
  • Are frequent visits from strangers a stress trigger for your cat? Then give your cat the opportunity to withdraw. Your cat also needs time to get to know the “intruder”. The animal should never be pressurised, but should always decide for itself whether it wants to make contact or not.

 

This is how you can help your cat relax.

Our velvet paws live and love three-dimensional spaces. Cats love to be in higher altitudes. A cat tree, shelves and cupboards are often used. From there you can observe their habitat from a safe distance.

Give your cat enough space so that she can retreat. A quiet place that cannot be seen or a quiet cave where she can hide are very suitable for this.

Engage with your loved one at least twice a day. Cats that move around a lot and have enough to do are more relaxed. Give your cat lots of attention and play with her extensively so that he feels safe during this stressful time.

 

Protect the dog from ticks

Feb 27, 2024 | Dogs, General

Spring is coming, the sun is warming us. We look forward to long walks and long walks with our dogs. And so the tick plague begins again. If you want to protect yourself and your four-legged friend from ticks, you can use relatively safe and environmentally friendly methods. There are wonderful herbal products that can help. You don’t always have to shoot sparrows with cannons. However, if you live in an area with a heavy tick infestation, you may have to resort to a spot-on. The best place to discuss this is with your veterinarian.

Schwarz-weiße Katze betreibt gründliche Fellpflege

We introduce you to healthy alternatives to fend off ticks.

Why many products that protect against ticks are so dangerous for your animal.

There are a variety of spot-ons and tablets on the market that use chemical ingredients to protect against ticks. It contains chemicals such as permethrin, pyroproxifen, methoprene, fipronil or imidacloprid. Tablets contain, among other things, flurolaner. These active ingredients have caused serious health problems in the animals in the experimental laboratories. The inactive ingredients it contains can also harm your dog. Some of these toxins are fatal to cats. If your family includes a dog and a cat, you should think about less toxic options and do your research.

Many package inserts warn not to let the substances come into contact with your own skin when applying them. It is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly after use and to keep the products away from children. But in order to protect the dog from ticks, the product must be applied to the animal’s skin. An overdose of pesticides can cause dogs to experience vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, convulsions and breathing problems. If any of these symptoms occur, wash the product thoroughly and seek veterinary attention immediately.

 

A strong immune system is a good start.

Well-fed, healthy dogs with a strong immune system attract fewer parasites. This is what experience shows. And just like with us humans, the key to good health is diet. Find out more about the ingredients in the food. Dog food usually consists of leftovers from the meat industry that are no longer suitable for human consumption. In Germany, only hygienically perfect by-products may be used to produce the feed. But since the rotten meat scandals, we know what can get into our food and that of our pets.

It’s best to think intensively about the topic of nutrition for your dog. This is the only way you can be sure that you are doing everything you can to ensure the health of your four-legged friend.

 

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Protect against ticks with the power of nature.

B vitamin tablets are a good prevention against tick infestation. Adding coconut oil (please organic quality) to the feed also helps. This is not necessarily scientifically proven, but it has been tested in practice. Coconut oil is rich in oleic and linoleic acid, vitamins E and K, iron and organic sulfur. The lauric, capric and caprylic acids contained strengthen the immune system and have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects.

There are also spot-ons with purely herbal extracts that protect against ticks. These botanicals are not liked by ticks and are applied to the animal’s neck. You can also apply herbal lotions based on coconut and neem oil. These care for the fur and last for 2-3 hours.

You can also make your own effective repellent against parasites. You can fill the mixture into a spray bottle and spray your dog with it before every walk.

Mix 5 drops each of tea tree, citronella, rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus oils with a cup of water. Shake the mixture well and pour it into a spray bottle. You can spray your dog with this tincture daily. It will protect him from ticks.

 

Download – Recipe for a natural tick repellent for dogs.

Caution:

Under no circumstances should you use the spray on cats. Essential oils can be fatal to cats. Cats cannot metabolize essential oils and only excrete them slowly. They accumulate in the body and have a toxic effect. Just a few drops can cause a cat to become ill.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback

by | Aug 14, 2024 | ,

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a medium-sized, very dignified and intelligent dog that quickly commands respect with its calm demeanor. It is native to southern Africa and shows no signs of shyness.

Beauceron dog breed

Beauceron dog breed

by | May 8, 2024 | ,

The Beauceron is a very original, powerful, robust and muscular dog, but without any sluggishness. It impresses with its stamina and incorruptibility.

Fur care for Cats

Feb 26, 2024 | Cats, General

Regular brushing and grooming is part of the well-being program for both long-haired and short-haired cats. It goes without saying that there will be plenty of cuddles at the same time. You can and should control changes in the skin when brushing. A long-haired cat doesn’t necessarily shed more than a short-haired cat, the long hair is just easier to see and grooming is a little more complex.

Schwarz-weiße Katze betreibt gründliche Fellpflege

Grooming is a feel-good program for long-haired and short-haired cats.

Regular grooming reduces gagging and vomiting.

Nothing gets you off the couch as quickly as the sound of a cat vomiting. She unerringly gags on the newest carpet, the most expensive sweater or the bed that has just been made. Normally it’s only bad for us, the cat doesn’t suffer from it. However, if too many tufts of hair are swallowed, this can lead to an intestinal blockage. In this case, a veterinarian must be consulted immediately. Regular grooming ensures that not as much hair is swallowed. It makes sense to always choose the same time and a quiet place for the care program. Above all, it is important that the cat and you are completely relaxed.

 

 

Fur care for short-haired cats

Short-haired cats generally cope well with grooming well into old age. If the cat has a dense undercoat, grooming by the cat is usually not enough. When we brush our pet, we stimulate blood circulation and digestion. The short-haired cat is happy to receive support when changing fur in spring and autumn. If the fine hairs come off while stroking, it’s time to brush the cat. This removes loose hair and makes changing fur easier.

 

 

The right tool for grooming short-haired cats

For cats with a lot of undercoat, such as the British Shorthair or the classic domestic cat, we recommend a comb with medium-length or medium-spaced, rounded teeth of different lengths. A natural hair brush is popular for massages and a soft wire brush with curved teeth is used for semi-annual coat changes.

For cats with short, tight-fitting fur, a comb with short teeth and round tips is recommended. Additionally, a rubber studded brush or glove is great for massaging the fur.

Rex cats with soft, curly fur enjoy a narrow-toothed comb with short teeth and thick, round tips. A soft brush for the subsequent massage is ideal.

 

 

Coat care for long-haired cats

Long-haired cats such as the Ragdoll, Persian, Maine Coon or Balinese do not automatically shed more than cats with short hair. Anyone who has long hair knows that caring for it requires more effort. That’s why long-haired kitties need support with grooming throughout their lives. If the cat’s fur becomes too matted, this can lead to pain and even immobility of the animal. So it makes sense to brush your cat every day right from the start.

Depending on what your cat prefers, place it in front of you or hold it in your arms and comb it with your free hand. The tail is only brushed, never combed. Otherwise there is a risk of tearing out the beautiful tail hairs. Reward your cat with a treat after combing. She will remember that staying still is worth it. A great, well-groomed coat and a close bond with your cat are the reward for your daily efforts.

 

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The right tool and care product for grooming long-haired cats

For long-haired cats, a slicker brush is suitable for removing the old dead undercoat and loose hair. As with us humans, brushes made from natural bristles are particularly suitable for giving hair a natural shine.
Metal combs with wide, rounded teeth are also recommended. Plastic brushes with nubs for massage are well accepted by long-haired cats for grooming. Good pet shops will also give you great advice on which grooming tools (detangling comb, furminator, glove) are suitable for each coat length.

The particularly sensitive areas such as behind the ears, under the armpits and around the buttocks can be pre-treated with a powder or care foam so that combing does not drag. There are detangling sprays for particularly stubborn areas. Oils can also support the care of long fur.
For all care utensils, preference should be given to high-quality and natural products. Cats are very sensitive to smells, so pay attention to nature here too.

If knots have already formed in the fur, something needs to be trimmed. Use scissors with round corners, slide the comb between the skin and the knot and then carefully cut. No cat can really stay still and the risk of injury is high.

You should always trim the fur around the bottom. Feces tend to get stuck in this area. This is very unpleasant for humans and animals.

 

Grooming old cats

If senior cats are no longer as flexible as they were when they were young, it is nice if the fur care of older cats is supported by humans. If they are used to being brushed regularly from an early age, this makes grooming easier in old age.

 

This is how you comb your pet properly

Always comb your cat with the brush. Moving the comb or brush in the opposite direction can cause unpleasant pain as it literally tears out even healthy, loose hair.

 

 

Cat grooming from the inside

A healthy diet is the key to a shiny, healthy coat. A balanced diet and high-quality feed with a sufficient amount of unsaturated fatty acids are particularly important. For example, you can also mix salmon oil into your cat’s food, which will give it a great shine. In addition to sufficient vitamins, zinc and copper (e.g. in beef liver) also make the fur shine beautifully.

 

What to avoid when grooming

Do not use plastic combs.

These become electrically charged and the small jolts of electricity scare your cat away.

Never nurse when there is a lack of time.

Your cats will feel it immediately and will react uneasily.

Noise and hectic pace also irritate the house cat.

Concentrate exclusively on your animal and care will become a daily, beloved ritual.

 

well-groomed Abyssinian tomcat in Crown Cat Bed from pet-interiors

well groomed adyssinian tomcat

Heatstroke in Dogs

Feb 23, 2024 | Dogs, General

Temperatures that are comfortable for us can, under certain circumstances, lead to heat stroke for the dog.

Heat stroke in dogs

If temperatures rise to over 25°C in summer, dogs are more likely to suffer from heatstroke. Since there are no sweat glands on large parts of the skin in dogs and cats, the animals are very sensitive to heat. Sweat glands are only located on the nose and the ball of the nose. This is too small a surface area to regulate body temperature sufficiently. And unlike humans, the warm fur can be exchanged for an airy summer dress.

 

How does heatstroke occur in dogs?

If the dog is exposed to heat for a long time and has no opportunity to retreat to a cool place, the dog can very quickly develop heat stroke. If you park your car in the sun at a pleasant 24°C, it can become a fatal trap for your dog inside within an hour. Never leave your dog alone in the car, even if it is in the shade. The sun moves and the car turns into an oven within a very short time.

In warm weather, high humidity, and strenuous physical activity, well-trained dogs can suffer heat stroke. Rescue dogs may only be used for 15 minutes at temperatures above 30°C. Then a sufficiently long break must be taken and the animal must have unrestricted access to water. To ensure that the rescue dog is adequately protected, the body temperature is checked regularly.

If your dog is a flat-nosed dog (e.g. French Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pekingese…) you should be particularly careful. Even a quiet walk in the midday heat can cause heat stroke in a dog with restricted breathing.

What happens when you have heat stroke?

Dogs dissipate heat by panting. Due to the resulting loss of fluid, the animals become dehydrated and their body temperature continues to rise. From a body temperature of 40°C, the organs are no longer adequately supplied with blood, significant circulatory problems occur and shock can occur. If the body temperature continues to rise, the body’s own protein clots, the animal collapses and, after a painful struggle, dies of heart failure.

 

These are the signs of heat stroke:

  • heavy panting and shallow breathing
  • great restlessness, the dog is looking for a place in the shade
  • rapid pulse and heart palpitations
  • Body temperature over 40°C
  • deep red tongue and glassy gaze
  • Inside of ears are hot and red
  • the animal is exhausted, restless and convulsing
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Balance disorders and staggering
  • Apathy and, in the worst case, unconsciousness

First aid measures for heat stroke:

  • move the animal to a cool, well-ventilated place
  • offer the animal measured water (never force it)
  • place the dog on a damp towel and cool his head and neck
  • slowly moisten the legs
  • shower the animal slowly and carefully, starting with the legs
  • Do not under any circumstances pour water on the animal, risk of shock!
  • under no circumstances use ice-cold water, danger to life!
  • If the dog is unconscious, place him on his right side, stretching his head and neck to prevent suffocation

take the animal to the vet immediately
If you have a heat-damaged dog, you should always and under all circumstances consult a veterinarian! Only a veterinarian has the chance to prevent irreparable damage and initiate emergency measures.

Here are some useful tips on how to get your dog through the summer heat!

 

 

Hitzschlag beim Hund

Recognize symptoms · First aid measures to download
Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback

by | Aug 14, 2024 | ,

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a medium-sized, very dignified and intelligent dog that quickly commands respect with its calm demeanor. It is native to southern Africa and shows no signs of shyness.