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.
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.
Feb 17, 2024 | Dogs
Was macht ein Hundebett zum besten Hundebett für meinen Hund?
Fest gepolstertes Hundebett BLOOM, das beste Hundebett, auch für Angsthunde.
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 wichtig. Es zahlt sich aus, auch für junge Hunde bereits eine orthopädische Liegefläche (Latexfüllung oder viskoelastischer Schaum) zur Verfügung zu stellen. Denn auch im Wachstum ist es wichtig, dass der Bewegungsapparat wie die Wirbelsäule geschont und die Gelenke entlastet werden. Eine orthopädische Liegefläche im Hundebett führt zu tiefenentspannten Schlaf und optimaler Regeneration. Auch agile, gesunde Hunde wissen eine regenerative Liegefläche sehr zur schätzen. Und für ältere Tiere, oder Hunde die vielleicht schon Gelenkabnutzungen haben, ist eine orthopädische Unterlage fast schon Pflicht. Deshalb werden bei pet-interiors ausschließlich Hundebetten mit einer orthopädischen Liegefläche angeboten.
Für das beste Hundebett ist die perfekte Form mit ausschlaggebend.
Hunde lieben es, im Rücken Halt zu finden. Ein erhöhter Rücken gibt dem schlafenden Tier das Gefühl von Schutz und Sicherheit. Ihr Liebling kann sich wunderbar ankuscheln und fühlt sich sicher und geborgen. Zudem bietet ein hoher Rücken auch Schutz vor Zugluft und Blicken, zum Beispiel beim Hundebett ARENA oder SIRO von pet-interiors.
Auch lieben die Tiere es den Kopf erhöht abzulegen. Das geht gut auf einem erhöhten Rand des Hundebettes oder mit einem speziellen Kopfkissen. Diese Kopfkissen bieten wir bei pet-interiors in vier verschiedenen Größen an. Es sollte also für jedes Hundebett etwas dabei sein.
Ob das Hundebett rund, rechteckig oder quadratisch sein sollte, hängt ziemlich vom Schlafverhalten des Tieres ab. Schläft der Hund bevorzugt eng zusammengerollt, empfiehlt sich ein rundes oder quadratisches Hundebett. Für manche Hunde kann das Bett auch nicht klein genug sein. Sie lieben es, von allen Seiten fest gehalten und so geborgen schlafen zu können. Für diese Tiere empfiehlt sich das BOOX oder BLOOM Hundebett von pet-interiors. Diese Hundebetten sind so gepolstert, dass die Tiere fest gehalten werden, aber dennoch wiederum so weich, dass es nicht unangenehm wird. Diese Art der Betten hat sich vor allem bei Angsthunden sehr gut bewährt.
Ist das Tier ein „Langschläfer“, schläft es also am liebsten lang ausgestreckt und benötigt viel Raum, sollte es ein länglicher oder rechteckiger Schlafplatz sein. Dann empfiehlt sich darauf zu achten, dass Ihr Hund ausreichend Platz hat, um sich richtig lang zu machen und damit die Gelenke der vier Beine noch mit aufliegen und gestützt werden. Für diese Schläfer eignen sich das ARENA und das BLOOM Hundebett.
Welche Größe sollte das beste Hundebett für meinen Hund haben?
Die optimale Größe des Hundebettes ist recht leicht zu bestimmen. Schläft Ihr Liebling eingerollt vor Ihnen auf dem Teppich, können Sie rundherum messen und haben schon einen guten Richtwert. Bei diesem Schlafverhalten kann die Liegefläche durchaus etwas kleiner sein, als die gemessene Fläche, so wird der Hund beim Schlafen leicht von der Bettenumrandung gehalten.
Schläft Ihr Hund aber lieber lang ausgestreckt, dann messen Sie, um die Länge des Hundebettes zu bestimmen, Ihren Hund von der Schnauze bis zum Schwanzansatz und geben noch 20 cm dazu. Für die Breite des Hundebettes messen Sie die Schulterhöhe und geben ebenfalls noch 20 cm dazu. Falls Sie die Möglichkeit haben beide Bettvarianten zur Verfügung zu stellen, machen Sie Ihren Hund wirklich glücklich. So kann er je nach Bedarf und Stimmung den optimalen Platz für erholsamen Schlaf auswählen.
Wie wichtig ist es, dass das Hundebett leicht zu reinigen ist?
Es ist sehr wichtig! Hunde und auch Katzen lieben es sehr, in sauberen Betten zu schlafen. Das merkt man schon alleine daran, wer zuallererst in unseren Betten liegt, sind diese frisch bezogen worden:-)
Wählen Sie ein Hundebett mit abnehmbaren Bezügen, die in der Maschine gewaschen werden können und trocknergeeignet sind. Bei pet-interiors bieten wir für alle unsere Produkte Ersatzbezüge an, das erleichtert die Reinigung zusätzlich. Auch die Latexkissen von pet-interiors können in der Maschine gewaschen werden. Das ist zwar nicht so oft notwendig, da die Latexfüllung milbenresistent ist. Aber sollte mal ein kleines Missgeschick passiert sein, ist es dann leicht wieder behoben. Zusätzlich zu den Ersatzbezügen bieten wir auch Inkontinenzbezüge an. Diese empfehlen sich bei ganz jungen Hunden oder bei Senioren. So halten Sie das beste Hundebett appetitlich sauber und es bleibt für Hunde- und Menschennasen immer angenehm.
Woran erkenne ich, ob es das beste Hundebett für meinen Hund ist?
Qualität hat einfach Ihren Preis und wer billig kauft, kauft zwei mal. Unter unseren Kunden gibt es nicht wenige, die für den Nachfolgehund noch immer das erste Bett in Gebrauch haben. Meist wird nur der Bezug getauscht. Die Latexfüllung ist einfach unverwüstlich, der Liegekomfort auch noch nach Jahren exzellent. Und das Gute daran, schon ab der ersten Stunde schläft Ihr Liebling auf einem hochwertigen Hundebett, das die Wirbelsäule und die Gelenke schont.
Am Besten Sie achten Sie auf die Merkmale die wir hier beschrieben haben, dann können Sie bei der Auswahl des besten Hundebettes nichts falsch machen.
Und wenn Sie sehen, dass Ihr Hund sehr gerne und von alleine sein Hundebett aufsucht, können Sie absolut sicher sein, dass Sie die richtige Wahl getroffen haben.
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
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.
Feb 13, 2024 | Dogs, General
If the animal loses urine uncontrollably, this is known as canine incontinence. After sleeping, the dog leaves wet patches on its dog bed and leaks urine, even though it has long been house-trained. The lives of both dog and owner are severely affected and a veterinary diagnosis and treatment is necessary.
DIVAN Uno dog cushion with incontinence cover
What is incontinence in dogs?
An incontinent dog unconsciously leaks urine or faeces. This can happen while standing, walking or sleeping. Depending on how severe the dog’s incontinence is, it can be a few drops of urine or a whole stream. More rarely, incontinence affects faeces. In the most common form of incontinence, the dog loses a few drops of urine at night while sleeping. If the bladder sphincter is relaxed, the dog can no longer control it. This often happens in older female dogs when they no longer produce female sex hormones. However, incontinence can also occur in neutered dogs, due to illness or trauma.
More female dogs are affected than male dogs, as the ureter is much shorter and straighter in female dogs. Large dogs such as Dobermans, Rottweilers, Boxers and Giant Schnauzers are more frequently affected. Sheepdogs, Bernese mountain dogs, dachshunds and spaniels are less frequently affected.
Why is my dog incontinent?
Several reasons can lead to incontinence in dogs. There is age-related incontinence, which is more common in female dogs than male dogs. Castration in dogs is also associated with incontinence. In around 30% of all large, spayed bitches, incontinence occurs on average after 3 to 5 years. In unfavourable cases, incontinence occurs immediately, in favourable cases only after 8 to 10 years. Only 10% of smaller dog breeds are affected by incontinence.
Various diseases such as cystitis, malformations of the ureters or nerve damage can lead to incontinence. To find out the cause reliably, an appointment with the vet is essential.
Diagnosis and treatment of incontinence in dogs
If there is a disease causing the incontinence, it must be treated without fail. Malformations in the urethra, bladder stones or a tumour in the bladder are serious conditions that may require surgical intervention.
Dogs that become incontinent due to castration can be treated well and successfully with appropriate medication. These drugs increase the muscle tension in the urethra and support urethral closure.
Homeopathic therapy can help and nutritional supplements such as pumpkin seeds or cranberries can have a positive effect.
Can incontinence in dogs be prevented?
Basically not. It is assumed that there is less urinary leakage due to castration if only the ovaries are removed and the uterus remains in the dog.
Tips for living with an incontinent dog.
It is not in a dog’s nature to soil its living area. House-trained animals suffer psychologically from their incontinence. Dogs have fine noses and they hate smelling their urine. It is very important to react with understanding. As the dog is not leaking urine on purpose, it must not be punished for it under any circumstances.
Wearing nappies from time to time can be a way of making everyday life easier. Unfortunately, it is not advisable to wear nappies permanently, as this can irritate the dog’s skin and coat.
To prevent unpleasant odours from forming in the house, it is helpful to clean all floors regularly. Also wash the dog bed at short intervals. The dog beds from pet-interiors are all washable and suitable for tumble drying. We have developed matching incontinence covers for all our dog cushions to make it easier for you to live with your four-legged friend.
The incontinence cover from pet-interiors keeps the dog bed clean
Feb 7, 2024 | Dogs, General
The most important rule is:
Even if there is only the slightest suspicion, do not hesitate and take your dog to the vet immediately.
your dog to the vet immediately. Because if your four-legged friend has really swallowed a poisoned bait, this can cause the first signs of poisoning within a very short time.
The first signs of poisoning can be
– vomiting
– excessive panting
– white salivation
– pale mucous membranes
– altered pupils
– listlessness
Unfortunately, the signs are not always immediately noticeable and much depends on the type of poisonous bait.
Rat poison
The disastrous thing about rat poison is that the first signs may only appear after a few days. Typical signs of poisoning with rat poison are vomiting, tiredness, bloody diarrhoea and a low body temperature. 2-3 days after ingestion of the rat poison, bleeding occurs on mucous membranes and from body orifices and the dog usually dies of organ failure within 3-5 days.
Insecticide slug pellets
Insecticide slug pellets are also often used to poison baits. It works much faster than rat poison and the first symptoms of poisoning can occur after just 30 minutes. Please consult a vet as soon as possible. As soon as the poison has entered the bloodstream, the vet can only provide symptomatic treatment. The perfidious thing about slug pellets is their sweet flavour, which is why dogs and cats like to eat them.
Narcotics
As dog haters will use anything they deem useful for their purposes, baits can also be laced with anaesthetics. If your pet has swallowed one of these baits, signs such as loss of consciousness or staggering will occur within a very short time.
Bait spiked with sharp-edged objects.
If your pet has eaten a bait spiked with nails, razor blades or metal spikes, you will often notice blood in your pet’s mouth. In this case, too, you should make your way to the vet as quickly as possible and, if possible, announce the visit on the way.
Do you suspect poisoning?
1. absolutely refrain from self-medicating.
2. call a vet or veterinary clinic immediately and announce the emergency.
3. take your dog for veterinary treatment immediately and without delay.
Do not self-medicate!
You can find lots of first aid tips for poisoning on the Internet, but most of them are hardly practicable and can even be life-threatening. Please do not make your dog vomit under any circumstances, because if he has swallowed sharp-edged or corrosive substances, his condition could worsen considerably.
The administration of activated charcoal may also cost vital time. Charcoal tablets
bind toxins in the body, but the necessary dosage depends on the dog’s body weight.
body weight of the dog.
In an emergency, every second really counts, so contact a vet immediately
vet immediately and give notice so that you can be treated as quickly as possible. Quick and immediate treatment can save your dog’s life.
Please make a note in your telephone:
Address and telephone numbers of neighbouring vets and veterinary clinics.
Even if you are on holiday, this may save your life.
Poison bait also in your private neighbourhood.
Unfortunately, intentional poisoning of dogs and cats also occurs among neighbours. Neighbours may feel disturbed by the barking of dogs. If dog owners allow their four-legged friend to defecate in the neighbour’s driveway or front garden, trouble is inevitable. Unfortunately, the animal perceived as a nuisance is only a poison bait throw over the garden fence away.
How can I prevent my four-legged friend from ingesting poison bait?
More on this in our next blog post: Can I prevent my dog from eating a poison bait?
Which plants are poisonous for my dog? You can find out more here:
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