New Posts
More Articles
The lick mat for dogs is more than just enrichment: It promotes slow eating, supports digestion, and helps reduce stress. Find out why it is particularly useful in combination with high-quality fresh food – including tips and recipe ideas.
When the cold winds blow, temperatures drop below freezing, and the world transforms into a sparkling white winter wonderland, many dogs can't contain themselves. They love romping through the fresh snow, catching snowballs, and enjoying the crisp winter air. But as wonderful as the cold season may be, it poses a real challenge for our four-legged friends' paws. Snow, aggressive road salt, sharp-edged grit, and icy cold put enormous strain on the delicate, hairless pads. The skin on the paws can become extremely cracked, brittle, and dry very quickly due to constant exposure and the dry heated air indoors. This is not only uncomfortable for our beloved pets, but also extremely painful with every step. That is why it is absolutely essential to significantly intensify paw care, especially during the winter months. In this comprehensive blog post, we are dedicating ourselves entirely to the important topic of dog paw protection. We have compiled the 8 best tips and tricks to keep your four-legged friend's paws healthy. As a special highlight, you will find a great recipe at the end to make your own natural paw balm! Table of Contents Why is paw protection so important for dogs in winter? Before the walk: Prevention is the best protection Tip 1: Trimming the hair between the paws Tip 2: Applying cream to the paws as a protective shield Tip 3: Dog boots for extremely sensitive paws During the walk: Cleverly avoiding dangers Tip 4: Avoid road salt and sharp grit Tip 5: Removing snowballs (The whisk trick!) Tip 6: Shorter but more frequent walks After the walk: The optimal care routine Tip 7: Washing the paws – salt must be removed immediately! Tip 8: Pad care with valuable oils DIY: Easily make a soothing paw balm yourself Our conclusion: Tapping through the winter healthy and cheerful Why is paw protection so important for dogs in winter? Dog paws are an anatomical marvel. They absorb shocks, insulate against the cold, and adapt to any surface. But in winter, various factors severely attack this natural protective barrier: Road salt: The aggressive salt draws out an enormous amount of moisture from the skin on the paw pads. When the salt penetrates the smallest, finest cracks in the calloused skin, it burns like hell. Sharp grit: If sidewalks are not salted but strewn with fine rolling grit, tiny, razor-sharp stones can bore into the soft pads or between the toes. Ice and snow: Between the toes, the snow forms small, hard ice clumps that press painfully against the sensitive skin with every step and tear small wounds. To avoid these dangers, good preparation, attention during the walk, and consistent care afterwards are required. To additionally strengthen your dog's natural skin barrier from the inside, you should also ensure an optimal supply of nutrients through high-quality fresh food. Before the walk: Prevention is the best protection The perfect dog paw protection doesn't start outside in the snow, but already comfortably at home in the warmth. Tip 1: Trimming the hair between the paws Dogs with long hair (like Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, or Poodles) often have heavily haired spaces between their toes. The soft snow gets caught in this hair, melts slightly from body heat, and immediately refreezes in the cold outdoor air. This creates hard, golf-ball-sized snowballs directly under the paw! These clumps cause enormous pressure and pain when walking and force the dog to limp. The solution: Always keep the hair between the toes and pads nice and short in winter! Be sure to use special, rounded paw scissors so you don't accidentally injure your dog. If you are unsure, visit a professional dog groomer – they will trim it properly in a few minutes. Tip 2: Applying cream to the paws as a protective shield Before you head out into the cold, you should treat your dog's paws with a greasy cream. This cream forms a water-repellent, protective film over the skin surface. It makes it harder for road salt and ice to even reach the sensitive calloused skin and dry it out. Use pure petroleum jelly, simple lanolin, or paw protection creams specially developed for animals from a specialty store.Warning: Slipping hazard: Only apply the cream to the paws immediately before leaving the house! Otherwise, your dog will inevitably slip on smooth tiles, laminate, or parquet flooring. Tip 3: Dog boots for extremely sensitive paws If the streets in your city are extremely heavily salted or your dog's paws are already sore, red, and cracked, a protective cream is often no longer sufficient. In this case, well-fitting dog boots (booties) are the absolute best alternative for dog paw protection. Dog boots provide a mechanical barrier against salt, grit, and ice. When buying, be sure to pay attention to an excellent fit, soft padding, and a non-slip rubber sole. The color of the boots is absolutely secondary – functionality saves the walk! Get your dog used to the unusual feeling of wearing boots at home with many treats in small steps. Bello's Tip: Strengthened by the cold! A strong immune system helps your dog better withstand icy temperatures and cracked paws. With our food configurator, you calculate exactly the nutrients and vitamins your dog really needs in winter in 2 minutes. Calculate a meal plan now & save 30%! During the walk: Cleverly avoiding dangers Even while you are out and about, you can do a lot to keep the strain on your four-legged friend as low as possible. Tip 4: Avoid road salt and sharp grit Try to avoid heavily strewn or salted sidewalks and streets as much as possible. Opt for natural forest paths, unsalted parks, or snowy fields instead. This is a much more pleasant surface for your dog's joints and paws!If you notice that your dog suddenly starts to limp or lifts a paw, they have probably stepped on a sharp stone or the salt is burning in a wound. In this case, wipe the paw carefully with a soft tissue immediately. Tip 5: Removing snowballs (The whisk trick!) Check your dog's paws regularly during the outing. If ice clumps have formed, never pull them out by force! This pulls painfully on the delicate hairs. Instead, gently melt the clumps with the warmth of your bare hands. Bello's Tip: Take a perfectly normal kitchen whisk (made of metal) with you on the walk! Stroke gently but firmly down the legs and paws of your dog from top to bottom with the whisk. The thick snowballs thread through the wires of the whisk and fall off completely painlessly. A real lifehack! Tip 6: Shorter but more frequent walks We all love long, leisurely weekend walks. But in freezing sub-zero temperatures, this is often less suitable for your dog's health and paw protection. Extreme cold can put dogs (especially breeds without an undercoat) at risk of frostbite on the edges of their paws and ears, as well as the general danger of hypothermia. Instead, go for three shorter, brisk 30-minute walks where your dog stays constantly moving. After the walk: The optimal care routine The most important thing for dog paw protection is the aftercare as soon as you are back in the warmth of your home! Tip 7: Wash the paws – salt must be removed immediately! As soon as the front door is locked, it's straight to washing the paws. Prepare a shallow bowl with lukewarm (never hot!) water or use the shower. Wash your dog's paws thoroughly to rinse all traces of road salt, sand, and grit out from between the toes. Then dry the paws extremely thoroughly with a soft towel, as itchy yeast infections (Malassezia) can quickly develop in damp spaces between the toes. Order freshly prepared food for your dog now and save! Tip 8: Pad care with valuable oils After washing and drying, intensive care is needed. While Vaseline and lanolin are excellent as a protective shield before a walk, they do not penetrate the skin. After a walk, cracked calluses need deeply penetrating moisture. Use pure, natural oils and fats that are completely safe even if licked. Excellent choices are unrefined shea butter, organic coconut oil, almond oil, or high-quality evening primrose oil. Gently massage the oil into the pads – this will also help relax your dog! DIY: Easily make a soothing paw balm yourself Would you like to know exactly what goes onto your pet's paws? Then simply make the paw balm yourself! Calendula has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the healing of tiny cracks. You will need for your balm: 100 g pure olive oil 100 g unrefined shea butter 100 g natural beeswax (provides the firm consistency) 100 g high-quality coconut fat A few drops of vitamin E (acts as a natural preservative) 2 to 3 tablespoons of dried calendula flowers A clean screw-top jar or ointment tin Here is how easy it is: Chop the calendula as finely as possible so that the plant's valuable, healing ingredients can be fully released. Gently heat the olive oil and coconut fat in a saucepan and add the chopped calendula. Keep the oil mixture warm on the lowest heat for about 2 hours and let the flowers steep in it. Then strain the flowers through a fine kitchen sieve or a cotton cloth so that only the pure oil remains. Now gently melt the beeswax and shea butter in a water bath and slowly stir in the calendula oil and vitamin E drops. Pour the still-liquid mixture into your screw-top jar, let it harden at room temperature – and your 100% natural dog paw protection is ready! (Tip: Instead of calendula, you can also use chamomile or lavender). Try HelloBello and save on your first delivery! Our conclusion: Trot through the winter healthy and happy Winter brings some challenges for our dogs, but with the right routine, the cold season becomes an carefree pleasure. Good dog paw protection does not require much effort: trim the fur on the paws, cream them with fat before going out, avoid road salt, and wash the paws thoroughly after the walk. If you then pamper your dog after an exciting winter walk with an extra dose of care and a nutritious, warm meal, absolutely nothing will stand in the way of your winter adventures in the snow! Anita Lorber
How long do dogs actually live, and what can I feed my dog? Almost every dog owner or dog lover asks these and many other questions. The aim of this blog is to provide well-founded answers to the most pressing and frequently asked questions. Whether you have just adopted your first dog or are already an experienced pro, there is always something new to learn. In this guide, you will find answers to a wide range of topics, from dog nutrition to training and health. Table of Contents 1. How long can dogs live? 2. How do dogs actually see? 3. How long do dogs really sleep? 4. What should dogs never eat? 5. What can or should dogs eat? 6. Which dogs don't shed or shed very little? 7. Why do dogs lick people? 8. How long do dogs grow? 9. What makes the best dog food? 10. How much does good dog nutrition cost? 11. What do you need to consider when cooking for your dog? 12. What is grain-free dog food? 1. How long can dogs live? Most dogs live for about 10 to 13 years. Small breeds tend to have a longer life expectancy than large dogs, as the latter age faster and are more susceptible to problems such as joint diseases. A balanced diet, for example with freshly prepared dog food from HelloBello, as well as regular check-ups, can have a positive effect on their lifespan. 2. How do dogs actually see? Dogs perceive the world completely differently from us humans. While we see a huge color spectrum, dogs mainly recognize blue and yellow tones; red appears more like gray to them. In return, they orient themselves much better than we do in poor lighting conditions, as their eyes have more light-sensitive cells and a special reflective layer. 3. How long do dogs really sleep? On average, dogs sleep about 12 to 14 hours a day. Puppies need up to 20 hours for their development, while seniors with declining activity often get 16 to 18 hours of sleep. It is important to allow the dog enough rest periods so that he stays healthy and balanced. 4. What should dogs never eat? There are some foods that dogs should absolutely avoid, as they can be toxic or harmful to them. At the top of the list is chocolate, which contains theobromine, a substance that can cause severe poisoning symptoms in dogs such as vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and even death. Raisins and grapes can cause acute kidney problems even in small quantities and should also not be fed to dogs. Dogs should also not eat onions or garlic. Both can cause severe anemia in dogs, and even small doses over a long period can be harmful. The persin contained in avocados is dangerous for dogs and can cause gastrointestinal problems. Alcohol in any form is extremely dangerous and can lead to poisoning symptoms such as coordination problems, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Also coffee, tea and caffeinated foods can lead to severe poisoning in dogs. The artificial sweetener xylitol, which is used in sugar-free products, can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels and liver damage. Macadamia nuts should not be fed to dogs, as they can cause tremors and weakness. Cooked bones can break in dogs and cause internal injuries. Dairy products such as milk and cheese should be avoided in some dogs with lactose intolerance, as they can cause gastrointestinal problems. To maintain your dog's health, it is advisable to only give him dog food and snacks and to ensure that he has no access to potentially dangerous foods. If you suspect that your dog has eaten something toxic, you should see a veterinarian immediately. Order freshly prepared food for your dog now and save! 5. What can or should dogs eat? There is a wide variety of foods that dogs can eat healthily and safely, and the selection is large. The basis for the dog's nutrition is a high-quality dog food, which contains all the important nutrients in sufficient quantities. In addition to dog food, the following foods are also suitable for dogs: meat such as beef, chicken, cooked pork, turkey, and lamb are good sources of protein. Cooked or grilled fish such as salmon or mackerel is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be fed in moderate quantities. Many dogs love eating vegetables such as carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes, as they contain fiber and vitamins.Dogs can eat some fruits such as apples and bananas as a snack, but always remove the seeds and pits. Oats and rice are grains that are easy to digest and can be used in small quantities as a side dish with meat or vegetables.Your dog can receive many probiotics and improve his digestion with unsweetened natural yogurt. Occasionally you can give your dog cooked eggs, as they are rich in protein. Some dogs tolerate cheese well and can get small portions as a reward. 6. Which dogs don't shed or shed very little? Dog breeds such as Poodles, Bichon Frisés, and Maltese are known for their low shedding. Poodles have curly, hairless coats and are available in various sizes such as Standard, Mini, and Toy. Maltese and Bichon Frisés are small dog breeds with silky, low-shedding coats. The Portuguese Water Dog has a curly or wavy coat and is often considered hypoallergenic. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Havanese also tend to shed. There are also hypoallergenic mixed-breed dogs, especially if they come from hypoallergenic parents. Although they are less prone to shedding, regular coat care and brushing are important to reduce allergens and hair in the home. Before you adopt a dog, it is advisable to spend time with potentially hypoallergenic dogs to ensure that you react well to the dog. 7. Why do dogs lick people? Dogs lick people for a variety of reasons. It can be a sign of love, cleanliness, interaction, or curiosity. It often serves to communicate and express bonds. There are situations in which excessive licking can be a sign of health or behavioral problems that require further investigation. Read also: Food allergies in dogs: These 5 symptoms you need to pay attention to 8. How long do dogs grow? Dogs grow fastest during the puppy phase, with small breeds being fully grown in about 9-12 months, while larger breeds take longer, often up to 18-24 months or longer. Most dogs grow more slowly in their youth and develop muscle and bone mass before they are fully grown. Nutrition plays an important role, and a balanced diet is especially important during growth. Freshly cooked meals like those from HelloBello are particularly recommended here. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dog's growth. You can give your dog specific information about its breed and its needs and ensure that it receives the best possible nutrition during growth to become healthy and strong. 9. What makes the best dog food? The best dog food consists of a balanced composition that meets the specific needs of your dog. To meet your dog's protein requirements, it should contain high-quality animal proteins such as beef, fish, or chicken. Healthy carbohydrates such as whole grain rice or sweet potatoes, as well as important vitamins and minerals, are also important. Avoid dog food with artificial colors and preservatives as well as low-quality fillers such as soy or corn. Please note that dog breeds, sizes, and styles can vary. HelloBello is a company that specializes in freshly cooked dog food. They offer menus tailored to the individual needs of the dog. These fresh meals are prepared without artificial ingredients so that the nutrients are preserved. HelloBello is a good choice to ensure that your dog receives a balanced and healthy diet that meets its individual needs. Hundreds of dog owners are firmly convinced that HelloBello fresh food offers the best dog nutrition on the food market. 10. How much does good dog food cost? Dog food prices can vary depending on the brand, quality, and type of food. Cheap dog food is affordable, but often uses low-quality ingredients. High-quality food is more expensive, but offers natural ingredients and special adjustments. There is an increase in prices per kilogram. A good way to save money and still give your four-legged friend high-quality, healthy food is to feed high-quality food in smaller portions, which can reduce costs. HelloBello offers the "half pension" option here, for example. Here you can affordably order high-quality food for your dog and also feed other varieties at the same time. Costs may vary depending on location. To find the best food for your dog, taking your budget into account, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian or nutrition expert. 11. What do you need to consider when cooking yourself? If you want to make dog food yourself, consider the following points: Consult a veterinarian to understand your dog's needs. Make sure of a balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Use high-quality, unprocessed ingredients. Add supplements to ensure all necessary vitamins and minerals. Consider your dog's allergies and intolerances. Pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene during preparation and storage. Control portion sizes to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Observe your dog for changes in behavior and health after introducing homemade food Of course, there are also ways to feed your dog freshly cooked dog food without having to do much yourself. HelloBello is a good solution here. Simply configure food for your dog online and have it delivered frozen to your home. Test HelloBello and save on your first delivery! 12. What is grain-free dog food? If dogs suffer from grain allergies or intolerances, it is advisable to choose grain-free dog food. Omitting grain can be a good way in such cases to avoid digestive problems and allergies. Some dog owners also prefer grain-free dog food because it often contains a higher proportion of animal protein and fewer carbohydrates, which better meets the needs of their dogs. However, it is important to emphasize that grain is not harmful to most dogs when fed alone. Many dog foods available in stores contain high-quality grains such as oats or rice, which are a good source of carbohydrates and nutrients. Talk to your veterinarian before buying grain-free dog food to ensure that it is really necessary and meets the individual needs of your dog. Anita Lorber
Gastrointestinal problems in dogs are a common challenge that our beloved four-legged friends can experience again and again. These digestive problems often resemble the symptoms we humans experience. From nausea and diarrhea to a complete loss of appetite – the signs can vary and require a quick response as a caring dog owner. In this comprehensive blog post, we want to shed more light on this topic to create a better understanding of gastrointestinal problems in dogs. We answer your 10 most common questions so that you know exactly how you can help your beloved pet in case of emergency. Table of Contents 1. What are the causes of gastrointestinal problems in dogs? Common everyday triggers Infections and other diseases 2. What symptoms should I look out for in my dog? 3. What should I feed my dog when their stomach is too acidic? 4. Gastrointestinal problems in dogs: Are they contagious? 5. How long does a gastrointestinal infection last in dogs? 6. Which medications help with gastrointestinal problems? 7. What to do? Proven home remedies for quick relief 8. What helps firm up a dog's stool? 9. Can dogs fast when they have gastrointestinal problems? 10. How can I build up my dog's gut flora in the long term? 1. What are the causes of gastrointestinal problems in dogs? Digestive problems can have many different causes in our furry friends. Sometimes it's just a minor issue, sometimes a serious illness is behind it. Common everyday triggers A very common cause is feed intolerances and allergies, in which certain ingredients in industrial feed lead to digestive problems. The classic "vacuum cleaner behavior" on walks – that is, secretly eating trash, food scraps, or even poison baits – also quickly leads to an acute stomach upset. Stress and anxiety (e.g. due to moving, separation anxiety, or New Year's Eve) can also take a heavy toll on the stomach, as the gut in dogs is closely connected to the nervous system. Infections and other diseases Infections with viruses, bacteria, or annoying parasites such as Giardia or worms are widespread and often lead to acute diarrhea or vomiting. Taking certain medications (such as antibiotics) can also severely impair the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is important to know the possible triggers so that targeted measures can be taken. Good to know: How long does food stay in a dog's stomach? As a rule, it takes about 6-8 hours for food to leave the stomach. However, this varies greatly depending on size, breed, and type of food. Dry food often takes significantly longer than easily digestible food. 2. What symptoms should I look out for in my dog? A gastrointestinal infection in dogs can cause a variety of symptoms. You should pay particular attention to the following signs so that you can act early: Vomiting: Dogs with gastrointestinal problems vomit frequently, sometimes several times in a row. This clearly shows that the body wants to get rid of something. Diarrhea: Another noticeable symptom is mushy to watery stool. If the stool is bloody, this is a warning sign that must be checked by a veterinarian immediately. Loss of appetite: If your usually ravenous four-legged friend leaves their bowl, this strongly indicates stomach pain or nausea. Dehydration: If your dog loses a lot of fluid, they will become dehydrated. Look for dry mucous membranes and check if a skin fold on the neck flattens out immediately. Lethargy: The animals feel tired, weak, and withdrawn. When is a visit to the veterinarian unavoidable? If your dog's condition is severe, they appear apathetic, have a fever, the vomiting does not stop, or puppies and seniors are affected, you should definitely see a veterinarian. Order fresh-cooked food for your dog now and save! 3. What should I feed my dog when their stomach is too acidic? For dogs with an overly acidic stomach, a lightly digestible and low-fat diet is of the utmost importance, as it helps not to put additional strain on the digestive tract. Cooked chicken breast or turkey meat in combination with mushy cooked rice or potatoes is recommended as a bland diet for dogs. These meals offer good nutrient supply and soothe the stomach. It is important to completely avoid fatty foods and treats. HelloBello Fresh Food contains high-quality, fresh ingredients that are gently prepared at low temperatures. This makes it particularly gentle on the stomach and ideal for dogs with sensitive diets. 4. Gastrointestinal problems in dogs: Are they contagious? It depends entirely on the cause. If the discomfort was triggered by spoiled food or stress, there is no danger to other dogs. However, if it is a viral or bacterial infection (e.g. parvovirus, Giardia, or salmonella), the utmost caution is required! In general, dogs with infectious gastrointestinal problems are considered contagious as long as they have vomiting or diarrhea. During this time, you should definitely keep your sick dog away from other dogs and collect the stool meticulously during walks. 5. How long does a gastrointestinal infection last in dogs? The duration can vary greatly depending on the cause and the dog's immune defense. A simple stomach upset caused by eating the wrong thing often subsides after 24 to 48 hours. However, if it is persistent parasites or a severe infection, the symptoms can drag on for one to two weeks. It is important that sick dogs need a lot of rest during this time to recover. 6. Which medications help with gastrointestinal problems? The use of medications should always be tailored individually to your dog and after consultation with a professional. Please never give your dog medications from your own home medicine cabinet, as many active ingredients that are safe for humans are toxic to dogs! The veterinarian can prescribe the following: Antibiotics: For proven bacterial infections. Antiemetics: Medications to suppress severe vomiting. Adsorbents: To bind toxins in the gut and relieve diarrhea. Prokinetics: To stimulate healthy bowel movements. Try HelloBello and save on your first delivery! 7. What to do? Proven home remedies for quick relief If your dog has mild symptoms, there are gentle measures you can take. First and foremost is fluid intake. Always offer your dog fresh water, or add a dash of unsalted chicken broth to encourage them to drink. You can also try mild home remedies: Lukewarm chamomile tea, fennel, or caraway often work wonders and soothe the irritated stomach lining naturally. 8. What helps firm up a dog's stool? If your dog is suffering from persistent diarrhea, you'll want to help firm up their stool as quickly as possible. A real insider tip among dog owners is Moroccan carrot soup. Cooking carrots for hours creates special sugar molecules that attach to the intestinal wall and prevent bacteria from latching on. Additionally, psyllium husks (psyllium seeds) can serve as a source of fiber, as they absorb excess fluid in the intestines and thus firm up the stool. Bentonite clay or a special paste from the vet can also be very useful. 9. Can dogs fast when they have gastrointestinal problems? Yes, short-term fasting is often recommended. If your dog is vomiting or has acute diarrhea, a 12- to 24-hour fast can give the gastrointestinal tract the rest it needs to settle down (puppies and chronically ill dogs are exceptions—consult the vet immediately in these cases!). It is important to note: The fast applies only to solid food. Water must be freely available at all times to prevent life-threatening dehydration! 10. How can I support my dog's gut flora in the long term? After recovering from gastrointestinal problems in dogs, the gut flora is often out of balance, especially if antibiotics were administered. However, a healthy gut is the center of the immune system. Bello's Tip: To support your dog's gastrointestinal health permanently and in the long term, we recommend the HelloBello Gastrointestinal Drops. These contain probiotics and prebiotics, which promote natural intestinal regulation while also strengthening the immune system Anita Lorber
