Sometimes a violent coughing fit comes on completely unexpectedly and frightens us as much as it does our dog. Whether it's a dry "barking" cough, a mucus-filled retching or a wheezing sound, coughing can manifest itself in many different ways. It's important to investigate the cause so that we can help our dog quickly.
Basically, coughing is a symptom, not a disease. It is a reflex that is triggered when irritants, foreign bodies, or mucus are present in the respiratory tract. There can be serious causes behind coughing fits, such as respiratory or heart disease, kennel cough (see articles on bronchitis, pneumonia, heart failure, canine herpesvirus) or even tumors. In some small dog breeds, the cartilage in the windpipe can weaken (see article on tracheal collapse), which then leads to chronic coughing.
However, it is often harmless: perhaps your dog swallowed its treat too quickly or swallowed air while playing excitedly, which triggers the urge to cough. If your dog simply choked while eating, its cough is likely to be a one-off occurrence. However, if it coughs repeatedly in certain situations – for example, when exercising or always in the evening after eating – this may indicate an underlying condition. If you notice this and your dog also seems listless or somehow different, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. The sooner you know where the cough is coming from, the faster your dog can be helped.
It is also important to check the fit of the collar regularly. Is it loose enough so that the windpipe is not constricted? For some dogs, a harness is more suitable than a collar, as it relieves pressure on the sensitive throat.
Especially during the cold and wet season, dogs can also suffer from painful inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) and the entire lower urinary tract. The causes and symptoms are similar to those of bladder infections in humans. Is your dog urinating more frequently than usual and in pain when doing so, or has it even accidentally urinated in the house even though it has been house-trained for a long time? Then your dog may be suffering from a bladder infection, which should be treated by a veterinarian.
It can occur suddenly or develop slowly and almost unnoticed. The horse seems to be stiff, and riding together is no longer enjoyable. What is going on?
With age, signs of wear and tear become noticeable in the body, even in our horses. Good care, adequate nutrition, and appropriate training are the best prerequisites for a long, healthy horse life. It is always important to remain attentive in order to quickly notice small changes and take action.
You drive to the stable in high spirits and lead your horse out of the pasture full of enthusiasm. But as soon as you start walking it to the grooming area, you notice that something is wrong. The familiar sound of hooves on the ground sounds somehow different. When you lunge your horse, it becomes clear: your horse is lame!
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.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease of the central nervous system that is transmitted by ticks. It occurs widely in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as in single areas further north. Not only humans are infected, but also dogs, horses, sheep, goats, and cattle. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.
These growths, which occur relatively frequently in cats, are not cancerous, as is often mistakenly assumed. They are benign, pedunculated mucosal protrusions that are often also inflamed. Young cats up to two years of age are particularly affected.
Bringing a little kitten into your home is exciting, emotional, and comes with a lot of responsibility. Especially in the first few weeks, everything revolves around settling in, getting to know each other, and the needs of the new family member. But at some point, the question almost automatically arises: When can your kitten actually stay home alone, and how can you gently prepare them for this challenge? In this article, you will learn how to help your kitten get used to short periods of separation step by step and what you should pay attention to.
Time and time again, people find injured, supposedly sick or orphaned wild animals in their gardens, in towns or in the countryside. This is particularly common in spring and summer. But does the animal really need help? Traffic accidents involving wild animals are also a frequent occurrence in rural areas. So what is the right thing to do? Here you will find the most important information.
Small dog breeds are often underestimated when it comes to their diet. Dogs weighing between four and ten kilograms have their own specific requirements, which differ significantly from those of larger breeds. With the right food, you can support their health in a targeted manner – from puppyhood to old age.
Let the adventure begin – it's time to buy a horse! The excitement is palpable. But before rushing headlong into buying the first shiny pony you see, every new horse owner should ask themselves a few important questions.
