Cauda equina syndrome in dogs is a serious neurological disorder affecting the lower sections of the spinal cord. The name of the syndrome is Latin and means “horse’s tail”, referring to the structure of the nerve fibres located in this area. Learn the signs, causes and treatment options now to ensure the best quality of life for your four-legged friend.

Causes of cauda equina syndrome

What triggers the inflammation of the nerve root in dogs?

The causes can be many: congenital, due to ageing or the result of an injury. It often results from a combination of factors such as degenerative myelopathy, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis. Genetic predisposition and unfavourable spinal anatomy are other possible causes.

Identifying symptoms

Recognising the signs of cauda equina syndrome

Common symptoms include difficulty standing up, pain in the back, muscle atrophy and even paralysis in the hind legs. Some dogs show an altered gait or difficulty defecating and urinating. Symptoms can be gradual or acute, depending on the underlying cause.

Treatment of cauda equina syndrome

Therapeutic approaches and options

Treatment depends on the severity and cause of cauda equina syndrome. Conservative treatments, including pain management and physiotherapy, are used for mild cases. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to reduce pressure on the nerves and stop the progression of the condition.

B vitamins to support nerve regeneration

The importance of B vitamins for dogs with neurological conditions

B vitamins play a crucial role in nervous system health and can support regeneration in the case of neurological conditions such as cauda equina syndrome. They are involved in nerve cell signalling and promote the health and function of nerve tissue. An adequate supply can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life and support progress in the management of the condition.

DOG FIT by PreThis^® VITAMIN B: Support for Cauda Equina

Our supplement, DOG FIT by PreThis^® VITAMIN B, is an as-needed, vegan B-complex that has been shown to support many dogs with Cauda Equina. This supplement not only contributes to nerve health, but also supports the dog’s entire organism and promotes well-being.

Act now and provide support

Actively support your dog in managing the inflammation of the nerve root. A strong nervous system is key to a better quality of life and mobility. Ensure your four-legged friend receives a high-quality supply of DOG FIT by PreThis® VITAMIN B.

Buy now in our shop!

—

Note: This article is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If cauda equina syndrome is suspected, please consult a veterinarian.

.

Dental and oral health is not only crucial for us humans, but also for our four-legged friends. Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, is a common problem in dogs and can have serious effects on their health. Unfortunately, gingivitis is still underestimated by many dog owners.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the causes, symptoms and natural treatments for gingivitis in dogs.

What causes gingivitis in dogs?

Gingivitis in dogs is often caused by bacteria. Excessive build-up of plaque and tartar provide the ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria. If these bacteria are not removed, they lead to inflammation of the gums. However, there are other factors that can contribute to the development of gingivitis:

• Poor diet: An unbalanced diet can weaken the dog’s immune system and increase its susceptibility to gingivitis. Dry food is not part of a healthy diet.
• Injuries or foreign objects: Gum inflammation can also be triggered by injuries or foreign objects getting between the teeth.
• Genetics: Some breeds are more prone to gum problems than others. Small breeds are more prone to developing gingivitis because they have too close a tooth space due to breeding. This is not what nature intended.

Symptoms of gingivitis in dogs

It is important to recognise the symptoms of gingivitis in dogs, as untreated inflammation can lead to more serious problems. Common signs include:

• Redness and swelling of the gums
• Bad breath
• Tartar formation
• Tooth loss
• Salivation
• Irritability or pain when touching the mouth

The dangers of untreated gingivitis

If gingivitis is not treated, the harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the dog’s body. This can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Heart problems: Bacteria that travel through the body can infect the heart and lead to life-threatening conditions.
• Kidney and liver problems: The spread of bacteria can also damage the kidneys and liver, leading to organ failure.
• Worsening of other conditions: If the dog is already suffering from other health problems, untreated gingivitis can make them worse.

Natural treatment for gingivitis in dogs

The good news is that gingivitis in dogs can often be treated naturally without resorting to chemical remedies. Antibacterial herbs can be an effective solution to fight harmful bacteria and relieve inflammation.

An easy way to support your dog’s dental health is to add DOG FIT by PreThis^® FRESH to their diet. This natural supplement contains 16 antibacterial herbs that help reduce gingivitis and promote oral health in dogs. As it is ingested with food, it also tackles bacterial foci in the body. A welcome added benefit: The herbs harmonise digestion, especially in cases of flatulence.

Conclusion

In combination with a balanced diet and regular dental hygiene with species-appropriate chewing material (so-called Dentasticks are not chewing material – pay attention to the declaration!), DOG FIT by PreThis^® FRESH can help to fight the dog’s gingivitis and support its general health. If the dog also suffers from tartar, then the combination with DOG FIT by PreThis^®WHITE dental plus is recommended. Both preparations can also be found in the shop in an affordable Dental Care Set for Dogs. After all, healthy oral health is crucial for the well-being and quality of life of our beloved four-legged friends.

Dogs have been our faithful companions for thousands of years and have a long evolutionary history behind them. But while many aspects of their behaviour have changed over time, one thing has remained constant: their reputation for gobbling up food. In this article, we take a closer look at the background to this behaviour, the reasons why dogs tend to gobble their food and why dry food is nonsense as a miracle cure for cleaning teeth.

(more…)

Wedge vertebrae in dogs are a serious orthopaedic problem. This article looks at what wedge vertebrae are, how they develop, which breeds are particularly affected, the possible consequences of spinal cord compression and when surgery is required. In addition, we explain how and with what dogs can be helped.

(more…)

What started as a hobby became a vocation …
KEEP ON MOVING – Pet Massage | Movement Coaching | Pet Food

Dogs have accompanied me for almost 20 years. From the beginning, it was important to me to pay attention to proper exercise / balance and healthy nutrition – the basic prerequisites for a long, healthy dog life.

“Already commonplace for us humans, animal massage is also becoming increasingly important, because a healthy musculoskeletal system is not only important for sports dogs, but also for our family dogs. Only a healthy dog can make us happy with a balanced mind.”(Excerpt from founding interview June 2020)

After my training as an animal masseuse, I founded the massage practice Keep on Moving in June 2020.

My offer:

• Classic massage
• Wellness massage
• Fascia massage
• Sound wave massage
• Magnetic field application
• Movement coaching
• Fitness training

Movement training for all!

• Puppies & Young dogs:
  Promote body perception and coordination according to age.
• Family and sporting dogs:
  Strengthen fitness and musculature, injury-free in everyday life and dog sports.
• Dog seniors:
  Gymnastics for grey muzzles, mobility training for lifelong joy of movement.

NEW! “It’s best at home”: mobile dog massage!

I come to you where your darling feels most comfortable and can relax in the best possible way. Whether massage, fitness training or movement coaching. We arrange your appointment individually and flexibly, tailored to your dog’s needs.

In the course of time, many training and further education seminars and workshops as well as events with cooperation partners have been added. It is worth visiting our homepage from time to time!

I also regularly attend seminars myself in order to keep up to date with the latest application possibilities and to constantly expand my range.

Overall concept HEALTHY DOG

Almost exactly one year later, in May 2021, I opened Keep On Moving – Pet Food, the first Hofladen for dogs. Because healthy nutrition is just as indispensable for a healthy dog’s life.
Quality, regionality and animal welfare are important criteria in the selection of products. In addition to regional raw food, natural feed supplements and premium food, there are also high-quality health products. I am very happy to have DOG FIT by PreThis^® as a strong partner at my side.

It is my concern to support you and your four-legged friend in the best possible way. I wish for all of us healthy and balanced dogs until old age.

You can find more information on my homepage: www.tiermassage-keeponmoving.at

KEEP ON MOVING – Pet Massage | Movement Coaching | Pet Food
Nicole Sazecek
Dipl. Dog Masseur & Movement Trainer

Teeth brushing for dogs – a sensible measure or rather a pain? This question occupies many dog owners, and the answer is often not clear. In this article we would like to show why brushing dogs’ teeth is not only nonsensical, stressful and anything but species-appropriate.

(more…)

The dog’s weight is an individual matter from the owner’s perspective. Sometimes, and with some breeds, it is difficult to see whether the dog is still at a normal weight. But action must be taken at the latest when you do the rib test. If the ribs can no longer be felt because the layer of fat is too thick, the four-legged friend has to lose weight. You can use the bathroom scales to determine how much needs to go down. Weigh the dog and compare the weight with the recommended guidelines for the respective breed.

Slowly but surely reaching your destination

You can lose a few kilos over time without much effort by taking your dog for a walk every day. You should slowly get the dog used to more exercise, i.e. extend the walks over time in order to build up its stamina. When you feel like your dog is fit now, you can let him jump over tree trunks or jog with him.

Motivation plays a big role

Balancing on park benches or wall ledges can also be incorporated as an exercise. You also have to motivate your dog to exercise and make it fun for him. For example, by throwing balls and retrieving sticks, or using a food bag if he needs to be motivated by food. If retrieving doesn’t work right away, you could keep him on a dragline to make sure he doesn’t run off with the prey. This way you can relax a bit yourself, because the dog is the one who is running.

The yo-yo effect also exists in dogs

Once your four-legged friend has lost weight, it’s like with humans, you have to stick with it. But if the dog is older or has previous illnesses, it doesn’t have to be dog sports. That would even be counterproductive. But one or two things can be incorporated into the walk. If it’s regular, that’s a lot and brings fun and something good to the dog’s health and also to your own.

Pay attention to calorie intake

Every dog has a certain number of calories they need every day. If he gets too many calories and doesn’t exercise enough, he will gain weight. It’s that simple. The right amount of calories combined with exercise makes the pounds fall away. However, you should not put your dog on a drastic diet, but rather pay attention to high-quality, fresh food and dry food is not one of them! As with us humans, a balanced and species-appropriate diet as well as sufficient exercise is the basic requirement for losing weight – your health will thank you!

Tip: Black cumin is good for dogs

It belongs to the buttercup family. He originally comes from West Asia, Iraq and Türkiye. Today it is also found in southern Europe, India and North Africa. Black cumin has been known in the Orient for centuries both as a spice and as a natural medicine for many diseases. In recent years it has been known to us primarily as a nutritional supplement for dogs (also for horses and also for people). The whole seeds or the native oil can be taken.

What’s in black cumin?

Black cumin contains many healthy substances, such as a high proportion of essential fatty acids, which the body cannot produce itself and therefore have to be supplied from outside. There are gamma-linolenic acid, which inhibits inflammation and increases blood circulation. Vitamin E protects the body’s cells from attacks by free radicals. Secondary plant substances strengthen the immune system and stimulate metabolism. Then there are many secondary plant substances that are good for use against all kinds of diseases. For example, allergies, respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract infections and skin diseases.

Black cumin and its effects

Black cumin also works on joint diseases and detoxifies the liver and kidneys. The effect is similar on animals and humans. However, since dogs have a faster metabolism, the dosage must be adjusted and is higher for dogs. Black cumin is not suitable for cats because of its essential oil content. They lack a certain enzyme in their liver, so unlike dogs they cannot break down essential oils.

Our product tip for dogs

If the dog suffers from overweight and perhaps also from bad breath or gum inflammation, we recommend our purely natural product DOG FIT by PreThis® FRESH. It contains16 purely natural herbs that help against bad breath and bacterial infestation in the mouth and throat. Black cumin is also used, which contains many healthy substances that will help your dog lose weight.

More and more dog owners are now becoming aware that for many dog breeds it is not enough just to lie on the sofa as a family dog or even to lounge around in the garden as a farm dog. That’s why many dog lovers use dog sports to exercise their four-legged friend appropriately. In addition to the more well-known sports, such as protection dog training, agility, disc dogging and the like, a relatively new dog sports trend is increasingly coming to the fore in this country: pulling dog sports. Whether jogging, cycling, a Sacco Cart or a special dog scooter – it’s not just huskies who enjoy pulling work. Reason enough to give you a brief overview of the pulling dog sport!

(more…)

If your good friend is ill, a visit to the vet is necessary. But how do you recognize a vet who is well qualified to entrust your sick pet to? The Federal Association of Practicing Veterinarians gives some good advice: (more…)

In this day and age of increasing health awareness and self-care, vitamin supplements are a popular topic. Many people, including dog owners, turn to high-dose vitamins in the hope of improving their pets’ health. But caution is advised. High-dose vitamins are not only often nonsensical, but can even be harmful to health.

In this article we look at the reasons and the risks. Let us say in advance: We reject high-dose vitamin preparations for good reasons.

(more…)