It's good that our dogs need to go outside regularly! This gives us the opportunity to take a break from our everyday routine of work, household chores, and everything else, to get some fresh air, relax, and do something for our bodies. Your dog can also be your exercise partner! There are various sports that are suitable for this. Make sure that you adapt the activity and level of exertion to your dog's breed, age, and health. It is also important that you do not overtax your dog and adapt the training to the circumstances. For example, a jog in the summer can push him to his physical limits, but you may not even notice because he is faithfully following you. Unfortunately, this can also have fatal consequences for your four-legged friend. So always be mindful—towards yourself and your faithful companion.
First things first: your dog must be old enough – bike rides are only suitable for adult dogs, as otherwise there is a risk of joint damage. Your dog must also be completely obedient. If a dog pulls its owner off their bike because it wants to chase a rabbit or snap at joggers running past, innocent bystanders could also be injured in an instant.
It's best to start training on safe paths and observe how your dog behaves as a running companion before planning longer tours on busy paths.
Incidentally, there are special holders that you can hook the dog's leash into so that you can keep your hands on the handlebars. This way, you can both enjoy your bike ride together safely. If your dog is not suitable for running alongside your bike, it can still accompany you. There are special bike baskets or dog bike trailers that will allow your dog to enjoy the ride too.
It's particularly easy to turn your necessary dog walk into a power walk: put on your running shoes and find routes that are suitable for jogging or walking. If you let your dog run free, it should always follow you closely and stay focused on you. Under no circumstances should it get in the way of other runners. If you prefer to keep your dog on a leash while running, it is best to use a jogging harness that you can hook the leash into. This leaves both your hands free while running and allows your arms to swing freely.
Agility is like circuit training for dogs. A course is set up in the appropriate places, which the dog has to complete. You are at its side as the dog handler. You have to keep pace, but you don't have to crawl through tunnels or balance on seesaws like your dog.
Agility gets the heart pumping and challenges your dog. As the person at its side, you also need enough stamina to keep up with your pet. It is a dynamic sport that is offered at dog training schools and has been growing in popularity for years.
Swimming is a sport that is easy on the joints and promotes endurance. It is particularly suitable if you or your dog have problems with arthritis. It strengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Unfortunately, there are not yet many swimming pools that allow dogs. In summer, this is not a problem, as you can visit a swimming lake regularly. It is best to check online to see if there are any options in your city where you can go swimming with your pet in winter.
Another tip: not all dogs are enthusiastic swimmers. Sometimes it takes a few swimming lessons before your dog enjoys the cool water as much as you do, so be patient.
Doga – yoga for dogs – is a sport that has been growing in popularity for several years. It is a mixture of training, play, and relaxation. Together with other dog-human pairs, you will be guided through the program or the corresponding exercises by a doga instructor. You will learn to relax better, and your dog will also become more relaxed. Doga with your dog creates a close bond and provides intense experiences. You may be smiling about it now, but it's definitely worth a try and a trial lesson.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Beagle is one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds worldwide. With its friendly nature and even temperament, it is suitable for many families. Its active nature, history as a hunting dog, and independence make it an exciting dog breed with special needs.
Equine viral arteritis (EVA) in horses, donkeys, and zebras is also known as horse morse, red fever, or pink eye. The main carriers are infected stallions, which continuously excrete the virus in their semen. Due to the typical inflammation of the blood vessels, it was given the name equine arteritis virus (EAV). The disease is notifiable.
The poodle is one of the oldest and best-known dog breeds in Europe. It was originally used as a retriever for waterfowl hunting. Today, the poodle is primarily popular as a family-friendly and eager-to-learn companion. It is bred in various sizes and impresses with its intelligence, energy, and special elegance. Thanks to their unique appearance, poodles are also regular winners at competitions around the world.
Your dog not only looks good at its ideal weight, it is also healthier. Being overweight in particular promotes the development of many diseases. Your vet can provide professional support in helping your dog achieve and maintain its ideal weight.
Your cat not only looks good at its ideal weight, it is also healthier. Being overweight in particular promotes the development of many diseases. Your vet can provide professional support in helping your cat achieve and maintain its ideal weight.
The Ragdoll impresses with its relaxed, friendly nature and striking appearance. Its bright blue eyes, silky coat, and size are just some of the characteristics that make it one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. In addition to its distinctive appearance, this gentle and people-oriented cat also has a unique personality.
There are also "bleeders" among animals: animals with blood clotting disorders. These are either congenital or caused by another underlying disease. They are rare in animals, but can quickly become life-threatening in the event of major injuries.
Piroplasmosis, also known as babesiosis, is a parasitic infection transmitted by ticks that is particularly prevalent in warm climates. Horses, dogs, and humans are all susceptible to this infection. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infectious disease transmitted by ticks. It was named after its discoverer, the German physician Paul Ehrlich. The disease, also known as tick fever, is endemic in the tropics and subtropics, but also in the Mediterranean region. It is therefore important to be aware of it when traveling to southern destinations. Ehrlichiosis became known during the Vietnam War, when several German shepherd dogs belonging to American soldiers fell ill and died. German shepherds, Dobermans, and huskies are still particularly susceptible to this disease.
The word acupuncture comes from Latin and is composed of the words for "needle" and "prick." Classical acupuncture is one of the oldest therapeutic methods in traditional Chinese medicine and has also been practiced on animals in Europe since the beginning of the 18th century. It belongs to the field of complementary medicine, which means that it supplements the treatment methods of conventional medicine.
Horses and humans speak different languages. While humans primarily communicate through spoken language, horses mainly communicate through body language. It is important that you understand your horse in order to work together harmoniously. Here is a little translation guide to help you.
Danger can lurk anywhere, whether at the side of the road, in forests, or even in your own pasture. Eating poisonous plants can be fatal for horses. But plants are not the only source of danger when it comes to poisoning.
