Me and my cat

You only want the best for your cat, and that includes a healthy cat diet. Did you know that many commercially available cat foods contain a high proportion of grain? Grain is anything but ideal for your cat and can even be harmful to its health. Read here to find out why grain in cat food is bad and how you can get your cat used to a grain-free diet.

A holiday with your dog or a trip with your beloved cat can be really enjoyable, as long as you are properly prepared. But what exactly do you need to consider when going on holiday with your pet? How do you find pet-friendly accommodation and which destinations are best suited? Here you will find everything you need to know for a relaxing holiday with your dog or cat.

‘36 degrees and it's getting even hotter?’ Heat like this doesn't just affect you, but also your velvet paw. Our cool tips for hot summer days show what's good for cats in the heat and how you can cool them down with homemade ice cream.

Important note: In the event of serious symptoms of overheating, you should consult a vet immediately. This article does not replace veterinary advice.

Does your dog panic as soon as you leave the house? He's not alone: separation anxiety is not uncommon in dogs and often manifests itself in destructive behavior. But what can you do to help your four-legged friend? Here are 5 proven methods to relieve your dog's anxiety.

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

Separation anxiety is a serious behavioral problem in which a dog shows excessive anxiety and stress as soon as it is separated from its caregiver. It sometimes manifests itself with extreme anxiety as soon as you reach for your jacket or keys.

Typical symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs

• Destructive behavior towards furniture, doors or windows
• Persistent barking, howling or whining
• Urination, even in otherwise reliably house-trained dogs
• Self-injurious behavior such as excessive licking or biting
• Attempts to escape from the home
  
  

• Sudden changes in your daily routine, for example when you go back to work for several hours after a long time at home
• Changes in family life, such as moving house, a new pet, a family member moving out, etc.
• Traumatic experiences or previous experiences of loss
• Lack of acclimatization to being alone during puppyhood
• Excessive attention and lack of independence

Dogs are creatures of habit and any major change can trigger stress. Four-legged friends who have simply never been taught to stay alone are particularly susceptible.

How does separation anxiety differ from other behavioral and health problems?

The destructive behavior, urination, howling and extreme restlessness can of course also have other causes, such as:

• Boredom and lack of exercise
• Age-related cognitive disorders
• Urinary tract infections or bladder weakness
• Digestive disorders
• Parasites or other illnesses
• Incomplete house-training or marking behavior