The dog, which is descended from the wolf, has teeth that are designed for hunting, killing, and tearing food apart. However, the search for food has changed for our four-legged friends: today, we open a can or even cook for our beloved furry friends. Breeding different breeds has also changed the length of dogs' noses and the spacing between their teeth. Unfortunately, all of this can lead to dental problems.
A dog's teeth are made for big jobs. They serve as eating tools, weapons, grooming tools, and communication tools. After teething—which occurs between the third and sixth month of life in dogs—a dog has 42 teeth. The upper jaw has twelve molars, two canines, and six incisors. The lower jaw is similar, with the addition of two molars.
Sometimes, for breed-related or genetic reasons, teeth may be stunted or smaller than normal. However, this does not pose a problem for the dog. The situation is quite different in the case of misaligned teeth: in this case, veterinary advice should be sought and meticulous dental care should be considered. Misalignment can impair the abrasion and use of the teeth, which can have health consequences.
Dogs with short snouts can also experience problems because their teeth cannot fit properly in their jaws. This can also result in misaligned teeth. Secondary diseases can cause damage to the jawbone and even tooth loss in dogs.
With an experienced eye, you will quickly notice yellowish or brownish discoloration on your dog's teeth or at the edge of the gums. This dental plaque is caused by food residues and bacteria. If not cleaned properly, it can develop into a painful problem.
Regular teeth cleaning is therefore a must. You can remove softer plaque yourself. Harder plaque, known as tartar, should be removed by a veterinarian. For dental care, you can use a dog toothpaste with a flavor that dogs like and a special dog toothbrush. It is best to start getting your dog used to this hygiene routine when they are still a puppy.
The right food also helps: some foods have a positive effect on dental health due to their consistency, the shape of the kibble, or additives, but not to the same extent as regular brushing. You can give your furry friend's teeth the finishing touch with suitable dog chews: there are dental care products designed to remove plaque and clean the mouth.
Does your dog not eat all of its food? Does it have difficulty biting? Then take a closer look to ensure that your four-legged friend is spared painful dental problems in the long term. You should also be alert if you notice unpleasant mouth odor in your dog. This is always an indication of decay and bacteria formation.
Genetics play a major role in dental health. Certain dogs and dog breeds are unfortunately prone to dental disease and tartar buildup throughout their lives and require intensive preventive care and regular veterinary checkups. Make at least one appointment per year to have your dog's teeth examined by a veterinarian and have a professional teeth cleaning performed. For more susceptible dogs, a six-month interval is recommended. Prevention is key when it comes to dental hygiene – and for good reason.
Heart disease is also relatively common in our four-legged friends, affecting almost one in ten dogs. Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood into the circulatory system, meaning that the body is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen.
Urolithiasis, colloquially referred to as urinary stone disease, refers to the formation and deposition of various concretions in the urinary tract of horses. Although this disease occurs sporadically in horses, it can lead to serious symptoms and significant impairments. The deposits can occur in the form of crystals, grit, sand, or stones and are most commonly found (approx. 60%) in the urinary bladder. Geldings are more severely affected than stallions or mares.
What do these five letters stand for? This abbreviation comes from English and literally means "feline lower urinary tract disease." It describes all diseases of the urinary tract in cats that cause difficulty and pain when urinating. As a rule, almost exclusively indoor cats are affected; outdoor cats almost never develop this condition. Male cats are also more susceptible than female cats.
Vaccinations for horses serve as preventive healthcare and protect against possible diseases and their spread. Depending on what you want to do with your horse, different vaccinations are recommended and even mandatory for competition horses. All vaccinations are correctly documented by your veterinarian in the equine passport.
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Thanks to improved preventive care, senior dogs are no longer a rarity. Similar to humans, they suffer from classic age-related ailments such as osteoarthritis, cataracts, and dementia. Around 20% of nine-year-old dogs and almost 70% of 15-year-old dogs suffer from dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS or "dog Alzheimer's").
Winter affects humans and animals differently than summer. The body has to adjust to the cold, darker season. We can also help our dogs get through the winter very well.
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What is a fun night of dancing for many people is unfortunately a sensitive issue for a lot of dog owners: New Year's Eve fireworks frighten our noise-sensitive four-legged friends and can lead to major problems.
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It can be divided into anterior and posterior inflammation and manifests itself through a narrow pupil and reddened conjunctiva.
