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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.

The best dog bed for my dog

The best dog bed for my dog

by | Feb 17, 2024 |

Was macht ein Hundebett zum besten Hundebett für meinen Hund? Die Qualität der Liegefläche ist bei einem Hundebett das wichtigste Auswahlkriterium. Da Hunde fast 80% des Tages mit schlafen, dösen und ruhen verbringen, ist die Schlafunterlage des Hundebettes extrem...

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

Restful sleep for my dog

Feb 23, 2024 | Dogs, General

Why a quiet, restful sleep is so important for dogs.

For most dogs, the daily routine is similar. After the last round of walks, the dog and his owner go to bed. Peace returns, the dog can switch off and get a restful sleep. With a bit of luck next to your master and mistress in the bedroom. These sleeping sounds calm the pack animal dog the most.
It starts with the first alarm ringing. People become active and from this point on, the four-legged friend can no longer properly assess everyday life. He finds it difficult to switch off and usually just dozes in our presence.
If the dog sleeps deeply and soundly, the dog usually lies stretched out for a long time and there is hardly any body tension. If the four-legged friend is just resting, his eyes are closed, but he is always ready to react immediately to any deviations.

Healthy, sufficient and restful sleep is essential for dogs.

Rest periods throughout the day are extremely important to gather strength and process experiences. In addition, the immune system is strengthened and our four-legged friend is less susceptible to illness. Dogs get restful sleep, are much more relaxed in their behavior, more receptive, learn faster and have better motor skills.

Restful sleep is important for the dog.

Dogs need a restful sleep.

How do I recognise if my dog is sleeping deeply?

If the dog is just resting, he has his eyes open and is looking around. He lies quietly in his place in the dog bed and doesn’t let himself be disturbed immediately.

When the dog is dozing, its nose and ears scan the surroundings. He has his eyes closed, is breathing normally and is not dreaming.

Dogs’ deep sleep phases are quite similar to those of humans. When you fall asleep, your heart rate and breathing slow down and your blood pressure drops. The REM phase comes in which the dogs process their experiences of the day. If the four-legged friend twitches and whines with his eyes closed, he is dreaming and is in the deep sleep phase. In contrast to humans, who dream for about a quarter of the deep sleep phase, the REM phase in adult dogs only lasts about 10% of their sleeping time, although young dogs need a little more.

Scientists have found that humans and dogs show identical patterns of sleep deprivation. They are initially more overexcited, then unfocused and have poor motor skills. Then comes the phase in which they are very irritable. The first symptoms of illness then appear, which can become chronic.
That’s why you should provide your dog with a place to sleep that offers maximum regeneration, because restful sleep is so important.

Restful sleep can be learned again.

Our dogs are no longer used to natural periods of rest. They are just as active as their master. Many dog owners also think they have to keep the dog busy. But the animal actually has to learn again to fall into a deep sleep during the day. In order for the dog to fall into a deep sleep during the day, a few things must be considered.
The perfect sleeping place is the be-all and end-all for the optimal regeneration of your four-legged friend.

Nature has shaped dogs’ natural sleep experience. In order to have a feeling of security and protection, wolves dig a hole for themselves. Dogs get this security when their backs are protected, for example with our BOOX, CUBE, BLOOM dog bed or our ARENA dog basket.

Do not place the dog basket in the middle of the room. It is better to place it on a quiet side or corner of the room, without direct sunlight and free from drafts. Also not directly in front of the heater, as the dog can quickly become too warm. Please do not place the sleeping area in a passage or hallway. There is too much “traffic” and unrest at this point. So that your furry friend can switch off and find peace, a somewhat hidden, protected place is the right place for the dog bed.

To prevent joint problems, please do not let your dog sleep directly on the cold, hard floor. Provide him with a place to sleep that is well insulated from cold and heat (underfloor heating). Our dog cushions are thick enough to meet these requirements. The orthopedic latex filling also ensures a healthy, deep sleep. It supports the dog’s body with its excellent point elasticity and optimally reflects the body shape so that there is no pressure on the intervertebral discs and spine. This ensures optimal muscle relaxation.
If the dog already has problems with its joints, we recommend a viscoelastic (memory foam) dog mat like our PAUL or MARY.
Make sure the dog bed is the right size. The dog should also be able to stretch out properly.

Which also ensures a good night’s sleep.

Exercise and exposure to fresh air are essential for a good night’s sleep. Mental demands such as nose work and tracking require not only the muscles but also the head. A restful sleep also depends on a good sleeping environment, but we have already discussed that. At night it is also important that the room is dark. The animal should also not be disturbed by loud ambient noises. To ensure that the bladder doesn’t strain during the night and prevent the dog from sleeping through the night, a final walk should take place before going to bed. Feed him early in the evening so that he has enough time to digest his evening meal.

Serious causes of too much sleep.

There is a big difference between sleeping and lying lethargic. Watch your dog closely. If he seems rather sluggish and lethargic, you should first check his feeding habits. Is it possible that your four-legged friend is not drinking enough or does he hardly have an appetite? This can be a serious red flag. When we humans have the flu, we don’t want to get out of bed and suffer from loss of appetite and lack of motivation. Watch your dog closely and see if he might
– receives too little employment and is under-challenged
– suffers from an underactive thyroid
– Is diabetic
– suffers from depression
– was infected with Lyme disease from a tick bite

Basically: 16 to 20 hours of sleep is normal for dogs and usually not a cause for concern. However, if your animal’s behavior suddenly changes, he is much less active, lies lethargic in his bed, or his drinking habits or eating behavior change, you should always consult a veterinarian.

Simply bake healthy dog biscuits with oatmeal yourself

Feb 17, 2024 | Dogs, General, Recipes

Homemade dog biscuits are a healthy treat for your dog.

If you enjoy baking for yourself and your loved ones, it makes sense to make some healthy dog biscuits for your dog. Just bake these oatmeal dog treats for your four-legged friend. You can be sure that your homemade dog biscuits do not contain any harmful colors or preservatives. They are also ideal for dogs that cannot tolerate wheat. The recipe for these treats is simple and doesn’t require many ingredients. The combination of oat curls, egg and butter is sure to hit your dog’s taste buds.
Ingredients for the dog biscuits:

300 g fine oat flakes
2 eggs
125g butter or margarine
Water, as needed

oatmeal

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparation of the treats:

Knead all the ingredients into a dough and add a little water if necessary so that a roll can be formed. Let the roll rest in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Then cut into thalers and bake them at 150°C. The thalers keep well if they are dried and stored in a paper bag.

You can also customize the dog biscuits according to your four-legged friend’s preferences. For example, you can refine the cookies with cheese, meat or vegetables. Whatever your four-legged friend’s taste is. He will be thrilled.