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Home-baked dog biscuit with quark and egg

Feb 29, 2024 | Dogs, General, Recipes

Today I felt like baking some dog treats again. Our 2-legged family members are not always convinced of my baking skills. But the dog is happy about a homemade dog biscuit. Quark, egg, oat flakes, spelled flour and peanut oil are always in the house for today’s recipe. Instead of peanut oil you can also use pumpkin or olive oil. Sunflower oil is not good for dogs. The better the quality of the ingredients, the better for your pet.

This recipe can also be downloaded at the bottom of the page.

 

Every dog loves homemade dog biscuits.

 

Ingredients:

  • 150 g Quark
    Quark is a great addition to the dog’s diet. Quark is rich in proteins that dogs can process well and digest easily. The lactose content is quite low, but it contains lactic acid bacteria but hardly any milk sugar. Most dogs tolerate quark very well. If your four-legged friend tends to be overweight, choose the lean version so that the dog biscuit won’t hit your hips.
  • 1 Egg
    Eggs provide the dog with important nutrients. They are rich in protein and fat and are characterized by a high proportion of essential fat and amino acids. Amino acids can support the dog’s metabolism, promote the regeneration of muscle tissue and stimulate cell formation. The fatty acids it contains give the fur a healthy shine. The cholesterol and lecithin contained in the egg yolk are required for cell formation. Chicken eggs should only be served to the dog boiled or, as in this case, baked in dog biscuits.
  • 200 g Wholemeal spelt flour
    Spelled consists predominantly of carbohydrates in the form of starch. It has a high proportion of protein and a lot of B vitamins. Potassium and magnesium are also included, as are the trace elements iron and phosphorus. Because it has a high level of resistance, it can be grown with almost no pesticides and insecticides and is therefore contaminated with few environmental toxins.
  • 100 g Oat Flakes
    Oats are particularly easy to digest and digestible. The special fiber stimulates intestinal activity with sufficient fluid intake. Compared to other common grains, oats have the highest content of potassium and magnesium, B group vitamins, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and copper. It also contains protein that is easy for your dog to digest.
  • 50 ml Sesame Oil
    With all oils, you should ensure that they are cold pressed and not refined. Of course, organic products are better suited to supplement your diet. Sesame oil is not always on the radar for dog nutrition. It is very well tolerated because it is a vegetable oil. It has a positive effect on blood lipid levels. It has a high Omega 6 content, so it should only be used sparingly. If you don’t have sesame oil in the house, replace it with olive, pumpkin, rapeseed or linseed oil.

 

Preparation:

  1. Work all the ingredients into a smooth dough.
  2. Separate a small part of the dough and shape into a roll.
  3. Cut off small slices and place on a baking tray.
  4. Bake at 180°C for approx. 20 mins.

 

Important: The biscuits must be stored in an airy place so that they don’t go mouldy!

The finished dog biscuits

Recipe

Recipe download

Which plants are poisonous to cats

Feb 29, 2024 | Cats, General

Rote Kurzhaar-Katze in hochgewachsener Kräuterwiese

It is important to know what plants are poisonous to cats in order to provide them with a cosy and safe home. In our article, we have listed in detail which plants in the home can be dangerous for house pets and which are harmless. You can download these lists at the end of the article.

 

There are many plants that are safe for kitties and some that are a real joy for cats. You might think that Mother Nature has arranged it so that animals automatically recognise which plants are poisonous for cats and which are not. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. It is safer not to rely on your pet knowing what is good or bad for them. Only put up cat-safe greenery decorations. Outdoor cats are better at recognising plant dangers, but here too, safety first!

 

These are toxic plants for cats:

There are a large number of poisonous houseplants. To keep our kitten safe, it is worth going through all the plants and sorting out those that are poisonous to our tiger. You can give them to your parents or friends the next time you visit, provided they don’t have any four-legged friends. There are different opinions about orchids. As there is an incredible variety of orchids, they have not yet been reliably analysed. We do not recommend orchids as houseplants in a cat household.

poisonous plants

Download - List of poisonous Plants

Which cut flowers are poisonous for my cat?

In principle, all cut flowers, unless they come from your own garden, are not good for our velvet paws. Cut flowers are usually heavily sprayed with pesticides and, even if they are not dangerous themselves, they are secondarily poisonous for the house cat. The most dangerous cut flower is the lily. Everything about it is poisonous, even the pollen. Tulips can cause stomach and intestinal irritation and trigger stomach cramps. The daffodil (yellow narcissus) is a popular herald of spring. Like the snowdrop, this cut flower also triggers convulsions, cardiac arrhythmia and colic in our cats. Make absolutely sure that your house cat cannot drink water from the vases. This is also poisonous in most cases.

 

How do I recognise whether my cat has been poisoned?

If these typical symptoms occur in your pet, it is very important to react quickly and consult a vet immediately. In the worst case, poisoning with plants can be fatal.

 

The symptoms of plant poisoning are

  • Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
  • Breathing problems
  • Cramps and colic
  • signs of paralysis
  • Difficulties in coordination
  • extreme salivation
  • increasing weakness

 

Which plants are suitable for my pet tiger?

There are a variety of suitable and non-toxic plants for cats for the garden, balcony and indoor areas. Please look out for toxic fertilisers and ask whether the plants have been treated with chemicals when you buy them.

Suitable plants

Download - List of suitable plants for cats

 

Healthy nibbling fun for cats

The easiest way is to buy ready-grown cat grass from a pet shop or DIY store. Please make sure that it has not been fertilised or treated with pesticides. You can also simply buy wheat, barley and/or oat seed from an organic market. In a sheltered, bright and warm place, you can let the seeds sprout with a little soil and water. This way you have grown a healthy snack for your cat yourself.

A great overview of suitable and unsuitable plants can be found at www.botanikus.de

What is a good cat basket?

What is a good cat basket?

by | Mar 10, 2025 | ,

As cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, the cat basket should be an ideal place for your cat to sleep and retreat. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to good features and criteria when buying. …

Which plants are poisonous to dogs

Feb 28, 2024 | Dogs, General

puppy with lily of the valley - pet.interiors

Puppies explore their environment with their mouths and are particularly prone to chewing a plant that is poisonous to them.

Many dog owners are not aware of how many plants in our immediate vicinity are poisonous to dogs. A large number of plants in our living space, in the garden and in the wild pose a medium to high risk of poisoning for our pets. The health risk can be very high, especially for puppies who explore their environment with their mouths and teeth. With our article we will inform you about plants that are poisonous to dogs, the most common symptoms of poisoning and emergency measures in the event of plant poisoning.

 

How can dogs ingest poisonous plants?

  • the dog chews up a poisonous plant (flowers, stem and/or root) and absorbs the poison through the oral mucosa
  • the dog swallows poisonous plant parts
  • the dog has skin contact with the plant poison, e.g. the contact poison of the meadow hogweed, aconite
  • the dog inhales poisonous pollen, which is rare

 

Information for puppy owners

When a puppy moves in, all plants must be scrutinised. Due to their curiosity and tendency to explore new things with their mouths, all houseplants within reach of the young dog must be checked for their safety. Please do not take any risks and remove all plants that are poisonous to dogs from your living area.

You can find out how to stop your puppy from chewing on objects here.

 

Plants poisonous to dogs

We have compiled a list of plants that are poisonous to dogs. The list includes house and garden plants that are poisonous to your four-legged friend. We cannot guarantee that the list is complete. In particular, new varieties are constantly coming onto the market that may be poisonous to your pet. If you are unsure whether a plant is poisonous to dogs or not, it is better to remove it and not take any risks.

Download list of poisonous plants

Download - List of poisonous plants for dogs

 

A note on mushrooms

The effect of mushrooms on dogs has not yet been sufficiently researched and is therefore generally not permitted for dogs. What is considered digestible for humans is not necessarily true for dogs. This is shown by the example of chocolate. The active ingredient theobromine contained in chocolate can cause severe poisoning in dogs. As a precaution, remove all mushrooms from your garden.

 

The dog has poisoned itself

If you see your dog chewing on a poisonous plant, take it away immediately. Offer him a better alternative, a treat, sausage or, if necessary, a steak to swap the “prey”. Telephone your vet immediately to discuss whether you can take emergency measures, such as giving him charcoal tablets. Take the remaining plant parts with you to the vet. They will help you to identify the poison and the countermeasures to be taken immediately.

 

Symptoms of plant poisoning

  • Apathy shortness of breath
  • Severe and/or bloody diarrhoea
  • Blood in the urine
  • vomiting with or without blood
  • profuse salivation
  • cramps
  • tremors
  • coordination problems, staggering, falling down
  • Pale or blue discoloured oral mucosa
  • Palpitations, cardiac arrhythmia, increased heart rate
  • Shock symptoms
  • Fainting

 

Transport to the veterinarian

Contact the vet first. Make sure that the practice is open. If your dog is able to walk itself, you should leave it alone. If the effects of the toxins weaken the dog’s circulation and cause the body temperature to drop, keep the animal warm with a blanket. If your dog has convulsions, you must transport it in such a way that it cannot injure itself. If you have no means of transport to the vet and the dog is in danger of dying, call the fire brigade (emergency number 112) and ask for help.

 

Important information for the vet

The vet needs to know which poisonous plant your dog has ingested. Bring a sample of the poisonous plant with you, if available. It is also important to know when the plant was ingested. What symptoms and behavioural abnormalities does your dog show and how much of the poisonous plant did your dog ingest?

 

Switzerland, Zurich: Tox Info Suiss
Poison control centre: +41 44 25 15 151
Telephone: +41 44 25 16 666
E-mail: Info [AT] toxi [DOT] ch
Web: toxinfo.ch

Dog biscuits with pumpkin

Feb 27, 2024 | Dogs, General, Recipes

There is a smell of autumn in the air, which also makes our dogs crave seasonal treats. This recipe for dog biscuits with pumpkin gets our favorites in the culinary mood for autumn. And let’s look forward to the Christmas baking season.

This recipe can also be downloaded at the bottom of the page.

Recipe-for-dog-biscuits-with-pumpkin

Dogs are always particularly happy about dog biscuits with chia and apple because they are healthy and taste delicious.

Ingredients for the pumpkin dog biscuits:

 

200 g wholemeal spelled flour
I prefer to use spelled flour for my dog biscuits. I always have this in the house and it consists mostly of carbohydrates in the form of starch. In addition to its high protein content, it also contains a lot of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and the trace elements iron and phosphorus. Spelled is also quite robust and is grown with almost no pesticides and insecticides.

200g pumpkin
For my pumpkin dog biscuits I use a Hokaido. It is rich in nutrients and fiber, contains large amounts of vitamins A, C, E, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Pumpkin is a good ingredient for dog biscuits and, raw or steamed, is a healthy snack for in between meals. Under certain circumstances, pumpkin may contain cucurbitacins. These are poisonous to dogs. These bitter substances occur in ornamental gourds and home-grown pumpkins. You can easily test whether pumpkin vegetables contain the bitter substance cucurbitacin: try a small piece of pumpkin. If it is unusually bitter, it is unsuitable for human and animal consumption. Humans react to cucurbitacins with vomiting and diarrhea, as do dogs. It is therefore advisable to decorate decorative pumpkins out of the reach of dogs. If your dog has bitten into an ornamental pumpkin, please consult a veterinarian immediately if the four-legged friend reacts abnormally.

2 organic eggs
Eggs are rich in vitamins, trace elements and unsaturated fatty acids and provide the dog with important nutrients. The high proportion of essential fat and amino acids can support the fur nose’s metabolism, and eggs are also rich in protein and fat. Amino acids stimulate cell formation and can support the animal’s metabolism. The fatty acids ensure a healthy shine in the fur and the cholesterol and lecithin contained in the yolk are required for cell formation. If the eggs are boiled or, as in this case, baked, there is no risk of transmitting salmonella.

1/2 teaspoon turmeric
The oriental spice gives our treats that certain something. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibiotic and pain-relieving effects in humans and animals. Turmeric is a true miracle cure.

 

 

Preparation:

  1. Wash the pumpkin thoroughly, cut it into small pieces, remove the seeds and steam it in a little water until soft.
  2. Knead with the flour, eggs and turmeric to form a malleable dough.
  3. Roll out the dough and cut out small cookies. Or
    Cut off small slices and spread them on a baking tray.
  4. Bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes

Important:
Be sure to store the dog biscuits with pumpkin in an air-permeable container or bag so that they do not get moldy!

 

Dog biscuit recipe

Download recipe

Dog biscuits with apple and chia

Feb 27, 2024 | Dogs, General, Recipes

When you make homemade cookies for your dog, you always know exactly what is in them. You can respond very well to your pet’s needs, for example allergies, and pay attention to organic quality. Today I came up with a fruity, fresh recipe for a treat. The dog biscuits with apple and chia will delight your four-legged friend and with these healthy ingredients, your four-legged friend will also get a good portion of omega 3 fatty acids.

Dogs are always particularly happy about dog biscuits with chia and apple because they are healthy and taste delicious.

Ingredients for the dog biscuits with apple and chia:

  • 50 g fine oat flakes
    The three main food sources for dogs are protein in plant and animal form, fat and carbohydrates. Oat flakes contain vegetable protein, a high number of unsaturated fatty acids and lots of fiber and carbohydrates. Oatmeal is an excellent source for your four-legged friend, especially when energy is needed quickly. In addition to vitamins and minerals, oatmeal also contains mucilage that has a calming effect on the intestinal wall. The fine flakes are easier to digest than the coarse flakes and should also soak for some time before eating.
  • 200 g of cottage cheese
    Cottage cheese is a high-quality source of protein with high levels of vitamin D, magnesium and calcium. It is easy to digest and the muscles are continuously supplied with all essential amino acids. Also with serotonin, which is responsible for well-being. The lactic acid bacteria contained nourish and regenerate the dog’s intestinal flora. It has been scientifically proven that cottage cheese neutralizes tooth decay bacteria.
  • 2 organic eggs
    Like humans, dogs benefit from the healthy nutrients in eggs. It contains enough essential fats and amino acids for a good metabolism. They are also rich in many vitamins and good proteins. The fatty acids ensure a great shine in the fur of your four-legged friend. The cholesterol and lecithin contained in the yolk support cell formation. Since the eggs in our biscuit are sufficiently heated, no salmonella is transmitted.
  • 50g chia
    Chia seeds are not only healthy for humans, but also for our four-legged friends. The dog biscuits with apple and chia contain antioxidants, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals that have a positive effect on the four-legged friend’s immune system and metabolism. It is important that the chia seeds soak for at least two hours before processing.
  • 2 apples
    “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away” also applies to dogs. The apple is a healthy and nutrient-rich addition to the daily food ration. The secondary plant substances, vitamins and pectin it contains have a positive effect on health.

 

Preparation of the dog biscuits with apple and chia:

  1. Remove the core of the apples and then grate them finely. I leave the bowls on, but everyone can do it however they want.
  2. Then knead all the ingredients into a dough.
    Wait at least 2 hours until the chia has swollen properly.
  3. Then use a teaspoon to scoop out small piles and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
  4. Bake at 175°C for approx. 20 minutes

Important: The dog biscuits with chia and apple must dry particularly well. Be sure to store it in an air-permeable container or bag.

Use these few healthy ingredients to bake your dog’s favorite cookies.

Receipt dog biscuit

download receipt

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.

 

 

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.

 

What is a good cat basket?

What is a good cat basket?

by | Mar 10, 2025 | ,

As cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, the cat basket should be an ideal place for your cat to sleep and retreat. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to good features and criteria when buying. …

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.

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

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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