Dog

When both cats and dogs form part of your household, you may ask yourself if it would be harmful for them to eat from the other animal's bowl. There is a clear answer to this: dogs and cats need their own specific food. However, it's no cause for great concern if your canine companion occasionally has a nibble at the contents of your cat's bowl or vice versa. Be aware though that 90% of illnesses that cats and dogs suffer from can be traced back to inappropriate food.

The Golden Retriever is an even-tempered and adaptable dog breed. It was bred to be a hunting companion deployed together with other dogs, which can explain its extraordinary tolerance of fellow dogs, animals and humans too. The Golden Retriever is characterised by its will to please with a high level of attention and easiness to train. This tendency makes the breed a perfect family dog, very affectionate, gentle and happiest participating in all family activities. It easily fits in with its intended role. Along with its even temper, the Golden Retriever is a cheerful and lively dog with a high urge for activity, remaining playful into old age. All Retriever breeds are proven to come from Newfoundland. In the 19^th century, there was lively fish trading between Britain and Newfoundland. When staying in Newfoundland, British sailors were able to observe the island's robust and weather-resistant dogs at work. They were enthused by how these water-loving dogs retrieved mooring ropes from the water and fish that had fallen from fishing nets even in tempestuous weather. The sailors brought a few of these dogs known as little Newfoundlands or St John's dogs with them to Britain, where they were crossed with British hunting dogs, resulting in the Wavy-Coated Retriever. In 1864, Lord Tweedmouth purchased a striking yellow-coloured Wavy-Coated Retriever called Nous. He paired this male with a female Tweed Water Spaniel called Belle. This breed was also famous for good, tenacious retriever dogs. During the next 20 years, the Golden Retriever came into existence following further pairings of the offspring of Nous and Belle with Wavy-Coated Retrievers and Tweed-Water Spaniels, as well as Irish Setters. Golden Retrievers were then deployed for hunting, particularly of ducks, in order to retrieve dead birds from the water too. Their intelligence and adaptability also make them excellent guide, rescue, explosive or sniffer dogs.

Giving a Labrador Retriever the right nutrition wouldn't be an issue at all if the Labrador were left to decide – the most important thing is there being a large quantity of food. This is one of the breeds that isn't exactly choosy regarding its diet. What's more, it's very difficult for us humans to resist its loyal and hungry-looking puppy dog eyes. These circumstances make it even harder not to overfeed a Labrador. The Labrador Retriever was originally deployed as a retrieval dog during hunts. It is now classed as an ideal family dog due to its good-natured, friendly character and how it enjoys being in close proximity to humans. A Labrador's diet should be based on its activity level.

Many dog owners kiss their dogs and cats, so we can only hope that they have brushed their own teeth and their pet's too! But joking aside – cuddling and snuggling with animals isn't just unhygienic in certain cases, but can also be dangerous.

The term “obedience training” is considered the high level of dog training and is offered in dog schools like agility. It originated from the American Kennel Club, a registered association for pedigree lineages in the US. Obedience training originally comes from utility dog sport (police and personal protection).

Many dog breeds were originally bred for hunting, although this innate hunting instinct can soon become a problem in today's society. There can be dangerous consequences if your dog chases after every hare or bird and forgets all commands in the process. But can you stop a dog from hunting or get its hunting instinct be toned down? When is it the right moment to intervene and how does anti-hunt training actually work?

Bladder infections affecting dogs (cystitis) mostly emerge in connection to the urethra being inflamed, so it should not be treated in isolation. The urethra and bladder are known together as the lower urinary tract.

No question about it – vaccinations help protect your dog from deadly infectious diseases. But which vaccinations should your dog have? What does your puppy actually receive in its initial immunisations, and how often should your dog have boosters to ensure life-long protection?

If a dog regularly scratches itself, we initially think parasites are the cause. However, there are further reasons for itchiness, such as allergies. Even dogs are affected by allergies and the number of allergic illnesses is increasing.

Not just fans of ancient Egypt are fascinated by these striking dogs: the Pharaoh Hound stands out thanks to its elegant appearance and friendly nature, though is only suitable for experienced dog owners who can give it plenty of exercise.

The Labradoodle is a pioneer amongst designer dogs. Whilst there are serious endeavours in Australia to establish this Poodle and Labrador Retriever hybrid as a stand-alone breed, most specimens found in Europe aren't bred according to a standard.

This small dog breed has the most famous owners across the globe and one of the highest life expectancies. The Chihuahua is a dog of superlatives that feels at home in the handbags of Madonna, Britney Spears or Paris Hilton. These Mexican pedigree dogs are far more than just luxury lapdogs.

Many dog lovers enjoy doing exercise together with their dog – off the beaten track too. For fit human-animal duos or those aspiring to this status, canicross is an ideal sport that allows them to enjoy nature together. It involves the dog pulling its human companion along the terrain with the help of a flexible lead. This doesn't just keep up fitness levels, but also strengthens basic obedience and the connection between human and animal, provided that it is practised responsibly.

What's better than going on a nice bike ride in the great outdoors on a warm summer day? It's even more fun with your four-legged friend! How do we get a dog used to running alongside as we cycle and what do we have to bear in mind when we going cycling with our dog?

Do you dream of going on a beach holiday but without having to worry about your dog? Travelling abroad is often difficult if you don’t want to leave your pooch at a dog hotel or with a dog sitter.  Do not worry, the UK has a gorgeous and versatile selection of dog-friendly beaches where you can relax and enjoy the scenery with your dog. After all, a beach is the perfect playground for dogs. Where else do they have the opportunity to roll around in soft sand, play in refreshing turquoise waters and have enough space to play fetch? And all that within beautiful and calming nature. We have selected a list of the top 10 dog-friendly beaches on the UK coastline to make sure both owner and dog will have the best time.

Dog lovers like to take their four-legged best friends everywhere with them. As long as it's just ventures within the city, it's self-explanatory that our four-legged family members go everywhere with us. But what's the situation when it comes to holidays? What are the possibilities for animal lovers when moving a long distance? Is there the opportunity to take a dog on a plane? Or is it better for dog owners to tackle long journeys by car?

No question about it – vaccinations help protect your dog from deadly infectious diseases. But which vaccinations should your dog have? What does your puppy actually receive in its initial immunisations, and how often should your dog have boosters to ensure life-long protection?

If a puppy has moved into your home, it might need time to adapt to a new environment. In the beginning, the main thing is giving a sense of security to your puppy. Give it time to explore the house. After a few days, you will recognise that your little housemate is becoming more confident. Now is the time to find ways to entertain your puppy.

After a few days of letting your new dog settle in, it is advisable to introduce your newest little family member to the vet. This allows immediate detection of any possible infections or parasites, and allows you to instantly treat any issues.