You have made the decision to take a dog into your home. Perhaps you are a little unsure about what it will be like to have an animal in your own space. You may still have a few questions that need to be answered. For example, what does a dog need and what important conditions need to be in place?
Before bringing the animal home, please consider carefully whether all family members are in favor of getting a dog. Is this decision not based on a moment of weakness or out of necessity, and are you aware of all the consequences? And above all: Are the conditions in your home suitable for a dog? If you haven't thought this through carefully, getting a dog can quickly become problematic. For example, if you work and your dog has to be left alone for eight or more hours a day. Dogs are pack animals by nature, so this will not make them particularly happy, and they will also lack balance and appropriate activity. If a dog is bored, it can get up to all sorts of mischief at home.
So, once again, the question is: does a dog really fit into your life? Here are a few more helpful questions you should ask yourself in advance:
Once all questions have been answered, it is time to consider which dog to choose. Please do not just look at their appearance, but think carefully about which animal you can provide for given your current living situation. Do you live in a house with a garden or in a rented apartment without any green space? Are you a city person or a nature lover who enjoys spending time outdoors?
Different dog breeds differ not only in size and appearance. They also have typical character traits. Consider which type of dog suits your personality. Are you more of a laid-back person or are you athletically ambitious? Do you have the nerves for a cheeky creature, or would you prefer an animal that is calm and cuddly? It would be disastrous to bring a family member into your home for many years whose nature is completely opposite to your own. That would constantly test and challenge you.
Also ask yourself whether you want a puppy or whether an older animal from a shelter would be more suitable. Choosing your new companion requires thorough research to ensure you make the best decision for you.
It is important that everyone who will be involved with the dog is included in the decision and all considerations.
Before the dog moves in, you can go shopping. After all, you want your new roommate to feel comfortable. The following list shows what you should buy:
Of course, there is so much more that you may need at some point, but this shopping list will get you started.
In Germany, dogs must be registered with the city or municipality, and a dog tax must be paid. In many cities and municipalities, dogs must wear a dog license tag in public. Most federal states also require dogs to be clearly identified with a microchip.
Depending on the federal state and city/municipality, there are various other regulations governing dog ownership. These include, for example, leash and muzzle requirements and areas where dogs are not allowed. Find out more about this in your local area.
The so-called dog license (=certificate of competence) certifies dog owners' knowledge of how to handle and keep dogs. In many federal states, it is mandatory for owners of certain dog breeds, listed dogs, or “dangerous dogs.” In Lower Saxony, a certificate of competence has been mandatory for every dog since 2013, and in North Rhine-Westphalia for all dogs weighing more than 20 kilograms or measuring more than 40 centimeters at the shoulder. The content, examination, and validity period of the certificate of competence vary depending on the federal state. (as of March 2026)
Then the time has come: your new family member has moved in! The joy is immense. Now it's time to build trust and bond. To ensure that this goes well, devote as much time as possible to your dog, especially at the beginning. Puppies in particular should not be left alone for long periods during the first few weeks. Only gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends alone.
A dog training class can help you build a good relationship with your dog. Your dog can also learn a lot about social behavior there. Be loving with your dog, but be sure to set clear boundaries. Establish rules from the outset that your dog must follow—and you must follow too. Otherwise, your dog will feel insecure and will repeatedly test its boundaries. Be the "leader of the pack": act calmly, but with a strong presence.
Keep all important rules written down if you are training the dog with several family members, so that there are no misunderstandings. Once your dog has settled in, it will thank you for always knowing where it stands. Here are a few ideas for possible rules:
You can add to and change this list according to your needs.
And don't forget, the more consistent and confident you are in your actions and decisions, the more confidently your dog will find its place in the family.
A horse stands in its stall with its head hanging down and a high fever. Other horses in the stable show similar symptoms. The veterinarians treating them suspect a viral infection and send blood samples to the laboratory. If a herpes virus infection is detected, this usually spells disaster for many horse owners and breeders. To contain the spread of this highly contagious infection, entire stables must be closed and competitions canceled, which can quickly lead to immense economic losses. But how do the animals become infected so suddenly?
Horse owners are probably more familiar with phlegmon under the colloquial term "shooter." It is a purulent inflammation of the connective tissue and lymph vessels of the subcutaneous tissue, which occurs primarily on the limbs and can lead to massive swelling and pain.
Did you dream of galloping along the beach on horseback when you were a child? Day trips through the heath, maybe even a challenging week-long course with a renowned trainer – what a wonderful vacation with our four-legged friend. Especially since it's not always easy to find a suitable holiday replacement for your horse who will take care of your beloved animal in your absence the way you want them to. So why not take your faithful partner with you on vacation and make your dream of a horse vacation come true? To ensure that the adventure goes as smoothly as possible, you should make the necessary preparations.
A very special friendship can develop between children and dogs. However, it is important for parents and dog owners to observe a few basic rules. And it is also important to remember that some dog-child pairs are simply not meant for each other, and this must be recognized responsibly. The basis for a partnership with a dog is always respectful and loving interaction—and training with clear rules for human-dog communication.
An interesting question: Where is it better for a dog to live? In the city or in the country? There are good arguments for both.
This adrenal gland disorder, also known as Addison's disease, was first described in humans in 1855 by Thomas Addison (chief physician at a London hospital), after whom it was named. It causes adrenal insufficiency (also known as hypoadrenocorticism), which is the partial or total failure of hormone production in the adrenal cortex. It is much less common in dogs than adrenal hyperfunction (Cushing's disease), but can lead to life-threatening symptoms. It primarily affects middle-aged female dogs of large breeds.
Hyperlipemia or hyperlipidemia syndrome is not a separate disease, but rather a disorder of fat metabolism that mainly occurs in ponies and donkeys. It primarily affects overweight ponies that suddenly start eating significantly less food.
Every rider has probably heard of this disease. It has been known for decades and is one of the most common causes of lameness in horses. Spavin is actually an umbrella term for all inflammatory and chronic changes in the hock joints. The disease is classified as lameness caused by wear and tear and affects older horses in particular. Contrary to popular belief, however, a diagnosis of spavin does not mean that your horse is no longer rideable. With a carefully tailored treatment plan and an appropriate exercise program, this condition cannot be cured, but it can be managed well.
Cataracts describe the clouding of the lens in a dog's eye, which, similar to humans, is one of the most common causes of blindness. The condition therefore requires veterinary treatment, as modern surgical techniques can now preserve vision in dogs.
Mites are small pests that belong to the arachnid family. Cats can be affected by various types of mites, which live either in the fur, on or in the skin, and in the ear area, causing severe itching. In addition, a mite infestation always carries the risk of transmission to humans, meaning that it is a zoonosis.
Obstetrics deals with monitoring pregnancy, preparing for and assisting with childbirth, providing postnatal care, and performing any necessary surgical procedures, such as caesarean sections. It is a branch of gynecology.
Cats are among the most popular pets worldwide. Around 15.7 million domestic cats live in Germany. However, living with cats has changed significantly in recent decades. From farm cats that caught mice, they have increasingly become domestic cats that have had to adapt to their owners' daily routines. Restricted in their desire for freedom, the majority of these cats now live exclusively indoors. This can result in varying degrees of behavioral changes in cats.
