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 probably know your horse best. You know its eating habits. You know when and how often it takes breaks to lie down in its stall or paddock, or whether it prefers to stand in a sheltered corner and take a nap. You know how your horse behaves when working. Does it need some time to get going or is it rather boisterous? What situations make it nervous?
This allows you to notice changes quickly. Is it suddenly leaving food in its trough? Is your horse now standing apart from the group, even though it was always in the middle of it before? Can you touch your horse everywhere, or has it recently become skittish when being groomed? With the right eye for your horse and the right questions, you can perform a small health check yourself on a regular basis.
Vaccinations, deworming, dental checkups, and age-appropriate blood tests provide information about developing problems. In addition to regular health checks that you can perform yourself, there are age-appropriate veterinary care plans—from birth to senior age (see corresponding article). Always remember: prevention is better than cure!
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.
The term "cat flu" or "cat flu complex" refers to all infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes of cats, with the nose, mouth, and eyes being affected in most cases. Since the interaction of various factors leads to the onset of symptoms, this is referred to as a multifactorial disease. Cats that live in shelters, breeding facilities, multi-cat households, or under very poor hygienic conditions are particularly susceptible to cat flu.
For many people, vacation time is the best time of the year. Spending time with family, friends, or simply relaxing on your own. Getting away from everyday life, unwinding, or experiencing something completely different. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect vacation. For dog owners, there is an additional question to consider: Should you travel with your dog, or have a plan B ready? For most people, their best friend is part of the trip—after all, they are a loyal companion in everyday life.
Every dog owner is very alarmed when their previously fit dog suddenly starts limping for no apparent reason. It can happen to anyone, whether your dog is athletic or laid-back. It is important to take a closer look: fortunately, the causes are often harmless and can be treated quickly.
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.
Seizures also occur in dogs. How at risk your dog is depends largely on its breed: some breeds are more prone to seizures than others.
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.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopy, is an allergic skin inflammation that causes severe itching—similar to neurodermatitis in humans. It is triggered by environmental allergens to which genetically predisposed animals react with an overactive immune system.
