More and more dogs are overweight. Even if a “chubby” dog sometimes looks cute, excess weight is often a serious health problem for the affected dog. That’s why it’s important to recognize the causes, resolve problems and ensure that the dog gets the healthy and active life it deserves.
The Shar Pei or wrinkled dog is a truly unique sight: an impressive body covered in bulging folds. For a long time, the old Chinese dog breed was a true rarity on our streets, but the wrinkled Asian dog is now gaining more and more friends in the Western world. The reason for this is probably not just the Shar Pei’s exotic appearance, but also its calm nature, which makes it the absolute dream dog for many lovers. But of course the gentle folded dog also has its rough edges, which must be taken into account before purchasing.
Fascinating beauty with special requirements. Probably no other breed has more potential to become a fashion dog: just the sight of a Weimaraner with its shiny silver coat, supple movements, proud posture and noble, distant facial expression makes many a heart melt. It’s no surprise that more and more people want one of these graceful animals at their side. Unfortunately, the beautiful Weimaraner is only very suitable as a family dog to a limited extent.
Especially when it’s cold outside, you see them more and more often: dogs in little coats. Various cuts and uses, from a functional raincoat to a complete dog outfit with matching accessories, the market has almost everything to dress dogs of all sizes. “This is animal cruelty!” some complain. “But that looks cute!” argue the others. Discussions about dog clothing are controversial and often very passionate and emotional. And as always, the truth probably lies somewhere between the extremes.
It sounds like a scene from a horror film: tiny little parasites that literally eat their host from the inside out, without the host being able to stop the little monsters from doing so. But here we are not talking about a creepy fantasy creature but rather about a very real parasite infestation: leishmaniasis.
Lion hunters in the living room? It’s actually no wonder that the Rodesian Ridgeback is becoming increasingly popular: the large, reddish-brown dogs with the typical crest of fur on their backs look incredibly majestic, making it difficult to resist their fascination. Accordingly, the number of owners who want a Rhodesian Ridgeback is increasing from year to year. Unfortunately, it is often forgotten that this breed with its impressive appearance was bred for a very specific purpose – and is therefore only very partially suitable for keeping as an easy-care family dog.
Fascinating mountains of muscle or potential danger? While on the one hand small dogs are in great demand, there are also more and more people who are warming to the complete opposite: the massive, well-muscled Molosser dog breeds have their very own circle of friends. A breed that is relatively new in this country is becoming increasingly popular: the Cane Corso italiano. Breeders and lovers in particular praise the Cane Corso as a friendly, calm family dog, but it is still considered a listed dog in several federal states. And the truth, as is usually the case, lies somewhere in between.
If you look for a dog, sooner or later they inevitably appear: foreign dogs who look at you loyally and pitifully from some dirty, barred shelter. And the animal protection associations that bring the dogs from abroad also speak with softening words about the terrible conditions on site and the urgency with which the poor creatures are looking for a better home in the promised land of animal protection. In fact, the question does not arise as to whether animal protection abroad is justified: just a look at the sometimes catastrophic situation for animals in some countries makes it clear that help is urgently needed. Whether the pragmatic transfer of animals in need of help to Germany is the right way is, however, a matter of great debate.
Whether in the classifieds or in animal welfare: If you want to get a dog, you will inevitably come across dogs from abroad, some of which have been rescued from catastrophic circumstances, and are now waiting for a warm basket in a new home. When you see the terrible, inhumane conditions in many Eastern and Mediterranean countries, the desire to help the poor dogs is great. The sight of the loyal dog eyes does the rest and many a dog is allowed to move into a new, better home and is saved. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it sounds – neither for the dog nor for the new owner.
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If dog owners come up with parasites in conversation, It’s usually about fleas and lice, sometimes also about ticks. And even if these bloodsuckers are admittedly annoying, there are also other parasites that are just as common and can sometimes have very unpleasant effects for dogs and owners: Giardia.
