Author: Brent Bosman

  • What to watch out for during dog walks

    During a walk, it is better to be well informed. A dog is not simple and anything can go wrong. Therefore, you better inform yourself well.

    1.        Leash

    Before you go for a walk, it is better to have the right collar at home. The collar can range from a collar around the dog’s neck to a dog harness. Both the collar and the harness should fit well around the dog’s body. But then again, the harness gives better control over the dog.

    In addition, you also need a good sturdy leash. It is recommended that the leash be 2.5 to 3 meters long so that the dog has enough free space to walk. Even if the leash is too long, you can still pull the leash back so you have more control over your dog.

    2.        Duration

    When walking a dog, it is recommended that you walk 5 times a day. The hours how long you should walk per walk varies from age to age. With puppies up to 8 months old, you should only walk for a maximum of 80 minutes per walk while older puppies up to 1 year old should walk for a maximum of 1 hour per walk. Walking between 30 minutes and 1 hour is recommended with these older dogs. For small adult dogs, the same rules apply as for older puppies. But with large adult puppies, there is an exception. They are allowed to walk up to 1.5 hours.

    3.        Walking on the loose

    When you walk, it is better to walk at a leisurely pace to the dog’s rhythm. During the walk, your dog smells everywhere and wants to explore everything. Also, your dog prefers to walk on the loose. Without limitation, leash or route from one place to another. If you want to let your dog run loose, it is better to do this in a defined place or in a nature area where nobody distracts her. Definitely don’t do this in a crowded area with lots of people and other dogs. And definitely watch out for cars, cyclists and motorcycles.

    4.        Extra tips

    When your dog poops, you better clean it up. Of course it’s not the nicest job, but you do it to respect passers-by and of course avoid a GAS fine. Forcing your dog to walk or run when it is too hot is also strongly discouraged. The dog is your friend so be sure not to make her sad or angry.

    So before going for a walk you better be well prepared so all problems can be avoided. For dogs, walks are golden so better make sure that your dog can walk without any problems.

    Sources

    Horta. (n.d.). 5 tips voor de perfecte hondenwandeling. Horta.

    https://horta.org/b/5-tips-voor-de-perfecte-hondenwandeling#:~:text=Om%20alles%20uit%20jullie%20wandeling,dat%20jij%20de%20baas%20bent.

    Renske. (n.d.). Hoe lang mag je met je hond wandelen? Renske.

    https://www.renske.com/nl/hond/hoe-lang-mag-je-met-je-hond-wandelen#:~:text=Wandelen%20met%20een%20volwassen%20hond,een%20uur%2C%20of%20zelfs%20langer.

    Tom&Co. (2024, November 7). De perfecte wandeling met je hond: Tips van onze expert. Tom&Co.

    https://www.tomandco.com/nl-be/blog/de-perfecte-wandeling-met-je-hond-tips-van-onze-expert.html

  • How to wash a dog?

    Dogs are hyperactive animals that do not like to sit still. They like to go for walks and can already get dirty. Because of this, you better be prepared and wash her properly.  Here are 5 steps to give your dog the best possible wash.

    1.        Preparation

    To wash a dog, it is of course best to wash her in a bathtub or shower. If the dog is too big, it is better to wash her outside in the garden. If you wash her inside then you better put enough towels to prevent your bathroom from getting too dirty. Or choose a safe space that is allowed to get dirty and wet.

    After choosing a quiet place, it is best to put the necessary conveniences ready: nail clippers, ear cleaner, dog shampoo, a soft towel, a brush, possibly a hair dryer and conditioner and a reward if your dog behaves. It is better to have all the conveniences ready in advance. By doing so, you will avoid problems and the wash will be at its best.

    2.        Brushing

    Before bathing your dog, brush her coat to remove most of the loose hairs. In addition, it is also recommended to cut her nails with nail clippers.

    3.        Wash

    Once you have put the dog in the bath, rinse her off on a gentle spray on lukewarm water. This will keep her calm. After the dog is wet, you can soap her up. You do this with dog shampoo. After this you rinse the dog well again with lukewarm water. So that no residue remains and the dog does not suffer from itching or irritation. If the dog has long hair, it is best to soap her again with conditioner. Of course, rinse your hair behind it again.

    4.        Drying

    Once the dog is washed, remove her from the bath and dry her off. For long-haired dogs, you can use a hair dryer. But most dogs are not fans of this so be careful with this. After the dog is dry it is best to clean her ears with an ear cleaner.

    After you have made a good preparation, brushed your dog, waxed but also dried her, your dog will smell fresh again. Don’t forget to reward your dog with a treat.
    Dogs are hyperactive animals that do not like to sit still. They like to go for walks and can already get dirty. Because of this, you better be prepared and wash her properly.  Here are 5 steps to give your dog the best possible wash.


    Source:
    Huisdierenarts. (n.d.). Hond wassen. Huisdierenarts.

    https://www.huisdierenarts.nl/hond-wassen/

    Beeztees. (2014, December 11). Hond wassen. Beeztees

    https://www.beeztees.nl/2014/12/11/hond-wassen/

    Organimal. (n.d.). Hond wassen. Organimal.

    https://www.organimal.nl/hond-wassen/

  • A healthy cat

    Do you know the best way to feed your cat?  Keeping your cat healthy starts with the right food. Here are some tips to make sure your furry pet stays in tip-top shape:

    1. Healthy food

    Because cats only have a small stomach, it’s best to feed your cat several times a day. The recommended number of times is the same for cats as for humans, which is 3 times. In the morning, the afternoon and in the evening. If your cat is still a kitten, it is best to give her a very small meal 5 times a day. This will give the cat enough energy at different times without hurting her stomach.

    In fact, it is best to give a cat the normal cat food from the store. This food is specially made for cats and also contains the necessary vitamins, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fatty acids. This allows the cat to get through the day healthily without suffering from hunger.

    2. Extra nutrition

    If a cat gets outside then it may also hunt for birds and rodents. This prey often serves as an extra meal in addition to the standard meals during the day. This also provides her with nutrients. She supplements this extra source of food with the tasty grass.

    If you want to give your cat an extra treat, you can also give her a tasty cat snack from time to time.  You have to be careful to pick a brand that your cat likes since cats are very picky.

    3. Cat poison

    Unfortunately, there are now some things that cats had better never consume. These evil foods are chocolate, nuts, currants and raisins. Should your cat swallow any of these things, you’d better get to the doctor quickly.

    With a healthy diet and avoiding dangerous products, your cat will stay healthy and happy. In addition to proper nutrition, you should also give your cat plenty of attention. This will allow your cat to stay in top shape for years and she will never forget your care.

    Sources:

    Het Huisdiersuper Team. (2024, December 20). Wat eten katten? De Huisdier Super. 

    https://www.dehuisdiersuper.be/blog/wat-eten-katten#:~:text=Alleen%20droogvoer%20is%20voldoende%2C%20maar,zoals%20Profine%20of%20Amiguitos%20kattensnacks.

    Welkoop. (n.d.). Hoeveel eten per dag voor een kat? Welkoop.

    https://www.welkoop.nl/advies/hoeveel-eten-per-dag-kat#:~:text=Kittens%20hebben%20een%20zeer%20kleine,3%20kleinere%20porties%20per%20dag.

    Kattendons. (2023, November 8). Mijn kat is gezond want ze krijgt de juiste voeding. Kattendons.

    https://kattendons.be/2023/11/08/mijn-kat-is-gezond-want-ze-krijgt-de-juiste-voeding-2/