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Dog shampoo for sensitive skin

Jun 8, 2026 | Dogs, General, Recipes

If you don’t feel comfortable washing your dog with a shampoo whose list of ingredients you can’t even pronounce, here’s a great recipe for a homemade dog shampoo. All the ingredients are easy to get hold of, or you may have them at home anyway. The quantity is sufficient for a medium-sized dog, e.g. a Labrador.

 

Ingredients for dog shampoo:

  • 100 g rolled oats
  • 100 g baking powder
  • 400 ml cups of warm water
  • 1 teaspoon mild washing-up liquid from the health food shop
  • 5 drops of lavender or peppermint oil

Firstly, blend the oats in a food processor until they have the consistency of flour. Add the remaining ingredients and finish mixing.

Massage the shampoo into your dog’s wet coat for a few minutes before rinsing it out. The baking soda absorbs the dog’s odours, while the oat flakes soothe and cleanse the skin.

You will be amazed at how great your dog smells and how soft his coat has become.

After a soothing wash, the Golden Retriever puppy can relax on the cosy leather cushion

Cats and the heat – cooling down your furry friend

May 31, 2026 | Cats, General

getigerte Hauskatze mit weißer Brust liegt im schattigen Gras

In the heat of summer, a cool shady spot under trees is ideal for your house cat.

Cats and heat. How do I cool down my cat?

As descendants of steppe dwellers, our cats love warmth and summer. Unlike their ancestors, heat is not all that good for your cat. Hot summer days are a big challenge for your house cat. You can read here how you can make life bearable for your house cat in summer and cool down your cat.

How do cats cope with high temperatures?

As a rule, cats react to heat with lethargy. They move much less in hot weather and look for a cool, shady place to retreat to. This only helps to a limited extent when it is too hot. Cats have far fewer sweat glands than humans and therefore cannot regulate their heat balance by sweating. Like dogs, cats try to cool down by panting. They also groom themselves more often because saliva moistens their fur and provides evaporative cooling.

Our tips will help you to make your house cat as comfortable as possible in hot temperatures.

Keep your fur moist to keep cool.

As already mentioned, cats use the evaporative coolness of their saliva to cool down. Help your house cat by moistening a washcloth and stroking your cat’s fur. It also helps to stroke the cat with wet hands every now and then. The positive side effect is that the cat grooms itself less and loses less fluid through saliva.

Make sure there is a shady and cool place.

Outdoor cats will independently find suitable, shady places to retreat to in the garden. It is a little more difficult for house cats in the house. A cool place in the basement or on the tiles in the bathroom is a good option. There are also special cooling mats for animals. These are self-cooling and dissipate heat very well. Airing out in the early morning and late evening also helps to cool down the living room. Shade the apartment during the day with roller shutters and blinds. Ideally, your house cat has a balcony secured with a net, where it can find a shady spot under plants. Please pay attention to the plants, as many of the widely used ornamental plants are poisonous to our cats. Here you will find an article on the subject of poisonous plants and a list to download. Setting up fans is not suitable. Cats can quickly catch conjunctivitis from the constant draft.

Adjust the outdoor time to the outside temperature.

If possible, cats should stay indoors during the worst of the midday heat. The risk of suffering heat stroke or sunburn is greatest in the strong summer heat at midday. If possible, make sure that your cat only stays outside in the early morning and late evening. Most house cats sort this out on their own, just make sure that the cat has access to a cool place in the house at all times.

How do I recognize heat stroke in my cat?

If the body temperature rises above 39°C and the animal shows restless behavior, this indicates heat stroke. Dark red gums, heavy panting and apathetic lying on the stomach are further signs. If you see these signs, you should see a vet immediately.

The right food is also important so that the cat can tolerate heat better.

As is well known, cats don’t like to drink much. That’s why it’s advisable to offer wet food on hot days. This will help with fluid intake. During particularly hot days, your house cat needs less food than usual, as calorie consumption drops due to reduced physical activity. Give your pet food in small portions spread out over the day. Clear away any leftovers straight away. The food spoils quickly on hot days and you will otherwise attract flies.

How do I encourage my cat to drink?

Drinking on hot days is much more important than the right food. To ensure that the cat drinks enough fluids, place lots of water bowls in and around the house and apartment. If your cat doesn’t like drinking, you can put some tuna infusion in the water bowl to add flavor. Unseasoned chicken broth also flavors the water and encourages drinking. Some house cats love to drink from indoor fountains or the faucet. A water fountain in the living room also ensures a good indoor climate.

Are insects and parasites more dangerous in summer?

Check your outdoor cat daily and remove ticks, fleas or mites immediately. Other insects are also unpleasant in summer. But don’t use insecticides because cats are very sensitive to insecticides. It’s better to equip your home with fly screens to keep the stinging pests outside.

Heatstroke in Dogs

Apr 23, 2026 | 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

Designer cat beds: Stylish oases of peace for your cat and your home

Apr 18, 2025 | Cats, General

Why design and comfort go hand in hand.

A cat bed is more than just a place for your pet to sleep – it is a retreat that provides a sense of security. Many cat owners know the dilemma: how do you find a designer cat bed that not only looks good but also suits your cat’s sleeping habits? We show cat beds that combine functionality and the best lying comfort with exclusive aesthetics. These cat beds ensure that your four-legged friend accepts the cat bed and feels completely comfortable without compromising on style.

 

designer cat bed Rondo Stand Leather by pet-interiors

Design cat bed Rondo from pet-interiors in Bauhaus style with LeCorbusier lounger

 

What you should look out for when buying a designer cat bed:

Materials with style and function: High-quality materials such as felt, leather or latex not only ensure longevity and healthy lying comfort, they also fit harmoniously into a modern living concept.

Ergonomic design: Cats prefer raised sleeping areas and/or enclosed beds that give them security and peace. Look for shapes that support your cat’s natural sleeping habits. To ensure that the cat accepts the bed, the lying surface must meet ergonomic criteria, with an orthopaedic latex filling acting as a cat magnet.

Harmonious choice of colors: Natural shades such as gray, beige or soft brown look elegant and can be easily combined with different furnishing styles. Trendy colors such as red, turquoise or eggplant set stylish accents.

Sustainability and easy care: The products manufactured in Bavaria ensure a long service life. The environmentally friendly, natural materials and the removable and washable covers guarantee a hygienic environment that cats really appreciate. Covers and individual components can be reordered even years later.

 

 

 

The most beautiful designer cat beds for your home

Whether minimalist or luxurious – there is a suitable cat bed for every style. Here are some inspiring models:

 

3D printed designer cat bed Cocoon from pet-interiors

The contemporary COCOON cat bed: perfect for modern living concepts with clean lines.

Round cat bed, Bloom with high rim

The low-noise BLOOM cuddly nest: ideal for cats who like it quiet and warm.

Designer cat bed Rondo Stand felt by pet-interiors

The raised relaxation area RONDO: minimalist shapes and natural materials for a timeless look.

 

Conclusion: style and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive

A designer cat bed is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to combine their love of stylish living with the well-being of their pet. With the right choice, you can create the perfect oasis of calm for your cat that also enriches your home. Be inspired by the stylish models on pet-interiors.com and find the perfect cat bed for your pet!

 

 

The Right Litter Box

Mar 13, 2025 | Cats, General

Poopoopeedo in black

With today’s large and diverse selection, the question arises: which is the right litter box for my house cat? Even the most beautiful and expensive litter box can cause problems. Cats are sensitive creatures, and even the smallest things can irritate them and cause them to become unclean. I hope my tips can help.

The right place

We know this from our own experience: the litter box should be a pleasant and quiet place. Cats want to feel safe and be able to do their business undisturbed. The litter box must be easily accessible to your cat at all times and protected from unpleasant surprises. No cat likes it when the washing machine spins right next door. A carelessly opened bedroom door that rattles against the litter box is also not conducive to a relaxing toilet break.

Of course, it’s been said that the litter box should be placed far away from the feeding area, preferably in different rooms.

The right shape

Cats need plenty of room to move when using the toilet; after all, their waste needs to be buried thoroughly. This means the litter box should be a good size and definitely not too small. Some cats absolutely hate having to relieve themselves in a cave or an enclosed, narrow space. For these animals, litter boxes without lids and flaps are the right choice. With a closed litter box, it is essential to ensure good air circulation. Cats are sensitive to odors and will refuse litter boxes where the “steam” cannot escape properly.

Equally important as ventilation is freedom of movement. Cats do not want to use litter boxes that are too small. They need to be able to turn around in the litter box to bury their waste properly and thoroughly. Some cats also want to avoid their waste or want to place their bowel movements in different corners. Some male cats are “stand-up urinators” who require a special height for this type of toileting.

We’ve provided our Gisela with two litter boxes: an open one and a closed one. Strangely enough, she uses them differently: the open one for urinating, the closed one for doing her business. If you have the opportunity, try it out and let the animal decide.

Proper cleaning

Cats are very clean animals, so the litter box should be cleaned daily. Some cats won’t use the litter box again until their last bowel movement has been eliminated. Here, too, it’s important to observe the cat to find the right cleaning routine.

The optimal number

In nature, cats don’t always go to the same place to do their business. Given this, the rule of thumb is to install one more litter box than the number of cats living in the household.

The cat refuses to use the toilet

If you follow all the tips and your cat still refuses to use the litter box, you should first consult your veterinarian to determine if there’s a physical cause, such as a bladder infection. Then you’ll need to consider other possibilities. One reason for not using the right litter box could be the wrong type of cat litter. More on this in my next post.

Make your own dog cookies

Mar 13, 2025 | General, Recipes

Baking cakes and tarts isn’t exactly my passion. But making dog cookies yourself is a joy. Even if the result doesn’t exactly win any beauty prizes, dogs are loyal and grateful customers. Today’s recipe uses bananas (preferably ripe), carrots, oatmeal, spelt flour, and peanut oil. Pumpkin or olive oil can also be used. Sunflower oil is generally not recommended. To do something good for your dog, you should definitely pay attention to the quality of the oil. The complete recipe is available for free download as a PDF at the bottom of the page.

Ingredients - Dog biscuits with banana and carrot

Dog biscuits with banana and carrot

Ingredients:

 

  • 2 Carrots
    Carrots aren’t just incredibly healthy for dogs; they’re loved by almost every four-legged friend. They have a positive effect on the dog’s digestive tract, and even sensitive animals tolerate them well. The pectins contained in carrots act as a protective layer in the stomach and intestines. They have an antibacterial effect and can even help with diarrhea. 
  • 1 Banana
    Bananas are very healthy for dogs. Their nutrients are particularly well absorbed by your four-legged friend when the fruit is pureed for dog cookies. Bananas have anti-inflammatory properties and are therefore good for the stomach lining. They provide plenty of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. The B vitamins, phosphorus, selenium, potassium, and magnesium are particularly noteworthy, as are their pantothenic and folic acid content. The fruit provides quick energy but is best fed overripe. 
  • 200 g Wholemeal spelt flour
    Spelt is highly recommended for dogs and other animals because of its digestibility. Due to its resistance to pesticides, it can be grown almost entirely without insecticides and pesticides, thus containing far fewer environmental toxins. It is rich in vegetable protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins B and E.

  • 100 g Oatmeal
    Oats contain more easily digestible protein than any other grain. With approximately 80% unsaturated fatty acids, oat flakes contain a high fat content.

  • 50 ml Sesame oil
    Sesame oil is a real insider tip for dog cookies. It’s plant-based, making it particularly well-tolerated and having a positive effect on blood lipid levels. However, its omega-6 content is quite high, so use it sparingly, as with dog treats. As with all oils, always make sure they are cold-pressed and unrefined. Of course, an organic product is much better suited to supplementing food. Proper storage of oils is also important. To protect all ingredients, the oil should be kept in a dark bottle and refrigerated.

Preparation:

  1. Mash the banana with a fork.
  2. Finely grate the two carrots.
  3. Mix all ingredients until smooth.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm.
  5. Either cut out small shapes using cookie cutters or cut the dough into 1 cm squares.
  6. Place the dough pieces on the baking sheet and bake at 180°C for about 25 minutes.

Important:  Be sure to let it dry for a long time and store it in an air-permeable container.

Dog cookies ready baked | Banana and carrot

The dog cookies are finished baking.

Download recipe
Bake your own dog biscuits

Bake your own dog biscuits

by | Mar 12, 2025 | ,

Your four-legged friend will love these healthy dog ​​biscuits. Since you prepare all the ingredients yourself, you know exactly what’s in the biscuits and what your dog is consuming. …