It’s that time of year again: December, with all the festivities—and the fireworks and loud bangs that come with it (here in The Netherlands at least). For many dogs, this is unfortunately not a time of celebration but a period filled with fear and anxiety. A question...

The Christmas season is a time of warmth, joy, and togetherness—or at least, that’s how it should be. For many of us, this festive time comes with changes to our routines: we cook and eat differently, welcome visitors, or visit others. These changes, though exciting,...

We all know that enrichment is important for dogs. Games, puzzles, scent work -- they keep the brain active, give structure to the day, and create that wonderful, satisfied feeling in your dog. This is especially important for senior dogs. It helps keep their minds...

Sometimes you know it suddenly and with certainty: we want another dog. Or maybe the feeling is more subtle, slowly creeping in. You notice that your older dog is getting less active and sleeping more, and you're afraid that the end is getting closer. And you know:...

Summer is just around the corner and everywhere around you, people are busy making holiday plans. Perhaps you've been looking forward to those long-awaited weeks away from home for months already. A chance to completely disconnect from the daily routine, recharge your...

As soon as spring arrives, you suddenly see it everywhere: dogs rooting around fields with their noses and selecting grass blades with careful precision. Not just casual nibbling in passing, but really searching for the right bit of green. And perhaps you've wondered...

Behavioral changes in senior dogs: recognition, explanation, and tips It often seems to happen suddenly. Your older dog no longer wants to walk the usual route. Or he keeps standing when you ask him to sit. Maybe he responds more slowly to your voice, or seems to have...

When our dogs reach "senior" status, we're often advised to switch to special senior dog food. At first glance, this seems perfectly logical: older dog, senior food. But is this actually the best advice for every older dog? In this blog, I want to challenge this...

In this blog I would like to talk about a problem that nobody really likes to discuss: dogs carrying extra pounds. Many people don't realize that a few extra kilos on their dog can cause more damage than they think. Obesity in older dogs isn't just a matter of a...

Here in The Netherlands, February marks the "Month of the Mouth" - a time when veterinarians across the country put extra focus on raising awareness about pet dental health. This annual initiative reminds us that our pets' oral care deserves year-round attention,...

When my client Paula tried to get her 12-year-old Golden Retriever Max into the car for a vet appointment, she thought the new ramp would make things easier. Instead, Max took one look at the unfamiliar object, walked around it, and attempted his usual jump – which...

We are seeing an explosion in the use of artificial intelligence, and people are finding new and innovative ways to incorporate it into their daily lives. AI helps us navigate traffic, organize schedules, and even chat with virtual assistants. Recently, however, I...

It’s that time of year again: December, with all the festivities—and the fireworks and loud bangs that come with it (here in The Netherlands at least). For many dogs, this is unfortunately not a time of celebration but a period filled with fear and anxiety. A question...

The Christmas season is a time of warmth, joy, and togetherness—or at least, that’s how it should be. For many of us, this festive time comes with changes to our routines: we cook and eat differently, welcome visitors, or visit others. These changes, though exciting,...

In my blog about adjusting exercise for older dogs, I mentioned that older dogs suffer from dehydration more quickly than younger dogs. In this blog I would like to dig into that concept a little further. Hydration is something many owners never really think about,...

A couple of weeks ago, I had to say goodbye to a dear canine friend. Not one of my own dogs, but of a dear friend, so it did feel very personal. I’ve met many wonderful and loving dogs, but this one was undoubtedly one of the sweetest, gentlest, and most caring dogs...

As dogs get older, they may experience several physical changes. Many of these changes are often seen as ‘just getting older,’ while in reality, they could be signs of pain. Recognizing these signs early can not only improve your dog’s quality of life but also help...

Caring for a senior dog is immensely rewarding, yet it can also be quite challenging. On good days, you feel joyous, but on difficult days, fear strikes, and the thought, “Is this the beginning of the end?” often arises. This can be quite the emotional roller coaster....

Arthritis is a common condition in older dogs that can significantly impact their quality of life. This joint disorder can severely hinder your dog's daily activities and cause a lot of pain. In this blog post, I want to discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnostics, and...

In the world of dog enthusiasts, there are a few topics that can cause considerable division. One such topic is nutrition. Recently, I've unfortunately witnessed some harsh examples of food shaming. What do I mean by that? This phenomenon occurs when some dog owners...

Today I'm feeling incredibly grateful. I have those moments fairly often, but today there's an extra special moment with a golden touch, and it's all about Jimmy's walk. Jimmy is a bit of an unlucky fellow who's also had his share of luck. He's a medium-sized dog, a...