Knowledge & Tips – For a Healthy Life for Your Pet

1. Core Vaccinations – Essential Protection
These vaccinations are recommended for every cat, regardless of whether they live exclusively indoors or have outdoor access.

• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)
  A highly contagious viral disease that is often fatal, particularly in kittens.
   
• Cat Flu (Feline Herpesvirus FHV-1 and Feline Calicivirus FCV)
  Causes serious respiratory disease and may lead to long-term health problems.
   

Core vaccines are available as either inactivated (killed) or modified live vaccines and form the foundation of every vaccination programme.

2. Non-Core Vaccinations – Based on Individual Risk
These vaccinations are not necessary for every cat but may be recommended depending on lifestyle and exposure risk.

• Rabies
  A serious viral disease that can also be transmitted to humans. Vaccination is mandatory if you wish to travel across international borders with your pet.
   
• FeLV Feline Leukemia Virus)
  Particularly important for outdoor cats or cats that have contact with unfamiliar cats.
   
• Chlamydia (Chlamydophila felis)
  May be recommended when there is an increased risk of infection, such as in catteries, boarding facilities, or multi-cat households.
   

3. Vaccination Schedule – From Kitten to Adult Cat
A structured vaccination schedule helps ensure reliable protection.

• From 8 weeks of age: First core vaccination
• At 12 weeks: Second core vaccination, plus FeLV and rabies if indicated
• At 16 weeks: Third core vaccination and, if required, final rabies vaccination
• After 1 year: First booster vaccination
• Thereafter: Booster vaccinations every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine used and the individual risk profile

Important

The vaccinations recommended for an individual cat will always depend on its lifestyle. Whether your cat lives exclusively indoors, has outdoor access, lives in a multi-cat household, or travels abroad can all influence vaccination requirements.

For this reason, an individual consultation with your veterinarian is always recommended.
 

Vaccinations are an essential part of preventive healthcare for dogs. They protect against serious, often life-threatening infectious diseases. A distinction is made between core vaccinations (recommended for all dogs) and non-core vaccinations (recommended depending on lifestyle and risk factors).

1. Core Vaccinations – Essential Protection for Every Dog
These vaccinations are recommended for all dogs because the diseases are highly contagious or potentially sever

• Canine Distemper
  A viral infection that can cause fever, respiratory disease, and potentially severe neurological damage.
   
• Canine Parvovirus
  A highly contagious disease causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly dangerous for puppies.
   
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus Type 1)
  Primarily affects the liver and eyes and can lead to serious illness.
   
• Leptospirosis (Leptospira spp.)
  A bacterial infection that can also be transmitted to humans (zoonosis) and may cause severe organ damage.
   
• Rabies
  A life-threatening viral disease that poses a risk to both animals and humans. Vaccination is mandatory in many countries.

Core vaccines are typically administered as modified live vaccines (for viral diseases) or inactivated vaccines (such as leptospirosis).

2. Non-Core Vaccinations – Recommended Depending on Risk
These vaccinations may be appropriate depending on the dog’s lifestyle, environment, and individual risk factors.

• Rabies
  A fatal viral disease that can also be transmitted to humans.
   
• Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)
  Particularly important for dogs that have frequent contact with other dogs, such as in training classes, boarding kennels, daycare facilities, or dog shows.
   
• Parainfluenza
  Often included in combination vaccines and also involved in the kennel cough complex.
   
• Lyme Disease (Borrelia)
  May be beneficial for dogs that frequently spend time in tick-endemic areas.
   

3. Vaccination Schedule – From Puppy to Adult Dog
A structured vaccination schedule provides reliable protection:

• From 8 weeks of age: First core vaccination
• At 12 weeks: Second core vaccination, plus leptospirosis and rabies if indicated
• At 16 weeks: Third core vaccination and, if required, final rabies vaccination
• After 1 year: First booster vaccination
• Thereafter: Booster vaccinations annually or every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine used

Important

The vaccinations that are appropriate for an individual dog depend greatly on its lifestyle. Free roaming, contact with other dogs, travel, and stays in boarding kennels all play an important role.

For this reason, an individual consultation with your veterinarian is always recommended.

Pet health insurance can help ensure that your pet receives the medical care it needs, regardless of financial constraints. Whether it is worthwhile depends on the type of pet, age, lifestyle, and your personal financial situation.

1. Benefits of Pet Health Insurance
Insurance primarily provides peace of mind in unexpected situations:

• Coverage for Illness and Accidents
  Treatments, surgery, diagnostics, and medications can quickly become expensive. Pet insurance helps cover these costs.
   
• Predictable Expenses
  Instead of facing large, unexpected bills, you pay manageable monthly premiums.
   
• Access to Advanced Veterinary Care
  Comprehensive diagnostics and specialized treatments can be pursued without financial concerns becoming the primary factor.
   
• Greater Confidence in Medical Decisions
  Treatment decisions can be made based on what is best for your pet, rather than what is most affordable.

2. What Is Commonly Covered?
Depending on the policy, pet health insurance may include:

• Treatment following accidents
• Management of illnesses (such as heart disease, kidney disease, or cancer)
• Surgical procedures
• Medications and, in some cases, prescription diets
• Dental treatments (for example, FORL in cats or dental disease in dogs), depending on the policy

3. Limitations and Costs
Not every service is automatically included, so it is important to review the policy carefully:

• Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded
• Waiting periods after enrollment are common
• Premiums vary depending on age, breed, and level of coverage
• Preventive care such as vaccinations is often not covered or only partially covered

4. Who Benefits Most from Pet Insurance?
Pet health insurance may be particularly worthwhile for:

• Pets with an increased risk of health problems (for example, certain breeds)
• Puppies and kittens with a long life expectancy
• Older pets, which are more likely to require medical treatment
• Owners who want maximum financial security in the event of illness or injury
   

5. Practical Advice
When comparing providers, pay close attention to:

• Scope of coverage
• Deductibles and co-payments
• Waiting periods
• Coverage for dental treatment, anesthesia, and prescription diets

Conclusion: Pet health insurance is not essential for every owner, but it can provide significant financial relief and greater flexibility when unexpected medical costs arise. Whether it is worthwhile is ultimately a personal decision that should be based on your pet’s needs and your individual circumstances.

In puppies, the baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth between approximately 3 and 6 months of age. The canine teeth (canines) in particular are prone to problems that should be identified and treated early.

1. What Can Go Wrong During Teething?
The tooth replacement process does not always proceed smoothly. Common complications include:

• Retained Deciduous Teeth
  A baby tooth fails to fall out even though the permanent tooth has already erupted.
   
• Double Canine Teeth
  The baby tooth and permanent tooth remain side by side, potentially causing pressure, discomfort, and injury.
   
• Misalignment and Crowding
  The new teeth may erupt at an incorrect angle or displace neighboring teeth, leading to long-term dental problems.

2. Common Symptoms
Signs of teething problems are often subtle:

• The puppy chews less or shows signs of pain while eating
• Redness or swelling of the gums
• Visible double canine teeth
• A baby tooth remains directly beside the permanent tooth

Many owners initially notice only that their dog refuses chew treats or chews differently than usual. In many cases, however, affected puppies show no obvious symptoms.

3. Diagnosis by the Veterinarian
Early examination is essential:

• Visual Examination of the Teeth
• Palpation: Is the baby tooth already loose or still firmly attached?
• Dental X-rays
  Used to evaluate tooth alignment, root structure, and the position of the permanent tooth.

Diagnosis is most commonly made between 4 and 6 months of age. Particular attention should be paid to the canine teeth.
 

4. Treatment
If a problem is identified, prompt treatment is recommended:

• Removal of Retained Baby Teeth
  This helps prevent misalignment of the permanent teeth and reduces pain and the risk of injury.
   
• Follow-up Examinations
  Regular check-ups until the tooth replacement process is complete help ensure healthy dental development.
   
• Orthodontic Treatment
  Only necessary in rare and more severe cases.
   

5. Prevention & Advice for Pet Owners

• Schedule regular dental checks from 3–4 months of age onwards
• Watch for signs such as double canine teeth or pain while chewing
• Act early: A baby tooth that blocks the eruption of a permanent tooth should be removed

Conclusion:

Problems during tooth replacement—particularly involving the canine teeth—are not uncommon. When identified early, pain, misalignment, and more extensive treatment later in life can often be avoided.

Giardia are microscopic intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhea in dogs and cats. Puppies, kittens, and animals with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible. Because Giardia infections are highly contagious, early diagnosis and consistent treatment are essential.

1. Symptoms of Giardia Infection
The signs can vary in severity:

• Diarrhea (often watery and sometimes containing mucus)
• Flatulence and a bloated abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss in prolonged cases
• Sometimes no visible symptoms at all – affected animals can still spread the infection

In cats, the disease is often milder or occurs intermittently, but it can also become chronic.

2. Diagnosis by the Veterinarian
Giardia is diagnosed through fecal testing:

• Fecal Examination
  Multiple samples are often required because Giardia is not shed continuously.
   
• Rapid Antigen Tests
  These can often be performed directly in the veterinary practice.
   
• Microscopic Examination
  Detection of Giardia cysts, the resistant form of the parasite.

It is important to have fresh fecal samples examined whenever possible (ideally within 24 hours).

3. Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and usually lasts several days to weeks:

• Medication to eliminate the parasites
• Supportive care with a bland diet and adequate fluid intake

Important:
All pets in the household should be treated at the same time, as Giardia is easily transmitted between animals.

4. Hygiene & Home Care Measures
Consistent hygiene is essential to prevent reinfection:

• Remove feces immediately (preferably while wearing gloves)
• Clean and disinfect food and water bowls regularly
• Thoroughly clean bedding, floors, and litter boxes
• Use hot water whenever possible, as Giardia cysts are highly resistant
• Wash your hands thoroughly after every contact
• Provide fresh water and easily digestible food
   

5. Risk of Transmission to Humans
Giardia is a zoonotic parasite, meaning it can also be transmitted to humans. Children and immunocompromised individuals are particularly at risk.
Good hygiene is therefore the most important protection for both pets and people.

Conclusion:
Giardia infections are common and can be persistent, but they can usually be managed successfully with the right combination of treatment and hygiene measures. Simple home remedies are often not sufficient. We are happy to advise you on the best approach for your pet.

Many expectant mothers worry about toxoplasmosis, an infection that can be transmitted through cats under certain circumstances. The most important message first:

In the vast majority of cases, there is no need to give up your cat.
With a few simple hygiene measures, the risk can be minimized effectively.

1. What Is Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii:

• Cats can shed the parasite in their feces, but only if they are infected themselves
• Shedding usually occurs only for a limited period of time
• Indoor cats are only rarely affected
• Infection is more commonly acquired through raw or undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables than through cats
   

2. Which Cats Pose a Higher Risk?
The risk of infection depends greatly on the cat’s lifestyle:

• Young cats (under one year of age) are more susceptible
• Outdoor cats that hunt prey have a higher risk of infection
• Cats fed raw meat can become infected more easily

Low risk applies to:

• Indoor-only cats
• Cats fed exclusively on commercial pet food
   

3. How Can Pregnant Women Protect Themselves?
A few simple precautions can effectively reduce the risk:

Handling the Litter Box:

• Clean the litter box daily (the parasite typically becomes infectious only after about 24 hours)
• Wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward
• Avoid creating dust whenever possible

Kitchen Hygiene:

• Always cook meat thoroughly
• Wash fruit and vegetables carefully

Daily Life & Prevention:

• Schedule regular veterinary check-ups
• Consider a blood test for toxoplasmosis if recommended
• If possible, ask another person to clean the litter box
   

4. An Important Clarification
Fear of toxoplasmosis often causes unnecessary anxiety.

The fact is:
The risk of becoming infected through a healthy indoor cat is very low—significantly lower than the risk associated with contaminated food.

Conclusion:
Your cat does not need to go. With responsible handling and good hygiene, you can safely keep your pet throughout your pregnancy. In most cases, rehoming a cat is neither necessary nor advisable.

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding) is often promoted as a particularly natural and healthy way to feed pets. However, “raw” does not automatically mean “balanced.” Without professional planning, BARF can pose significant health risks to your pet.

1. Nutritional Deficiencies – Often Overlooked
An unbalanced raw diet can have serious consequences:

• Incorrect Calcium-to-Phosphorus Ratio
  Can lead to bone and joint problems.
   
• Taurine Deficiency in Cats
  May cause heart disease, vision problems, and even blindness.
   
• Vitamin and Trace Element Deficiencies
  Can result in long-term organ damage.

Particularly concerning is the fact that deficiencies often develop gradually and may go unnoticed for a long time, especially in young animals.
 

2. Infections – A Risk for Pets and People
Raw meat may contain harmful pathogens:

• Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria
• Transmission to humans is possible (zoonotic diseases)
• Particularly dangerous for children, elderly people, and immunocompromised individuals

Important: Pets can shed pathogens without showing any signs of illness themselves.
 

3. Risk of Injury from Bones

• Hard or splintering bones can damage teeth
• Injuries to the mouth or digestive tract may occur
• In severe cases, intestinal injuries or life-threatening emergencies can result
   

4. Stress on the Liver and Kidneys

• Diets that are excessively high in protein or fat may place additional strain on internal organs
• Particularly risky for animals with pre-existing health conditions
• Health deterioration can occur quickly and may be severe
   

5. Risks from Improperly Processed Raw Food

• Contamination with thyroid tissue or hormones may occur
• These substances can affect the body and lead to serious metabolic disorders

Conclusion – BARF Requires Expertise
BARF can work well, but only under specific conditions:

• An individually calculated and balanced feeding plan
• Regular veterinary monitoring (for example, blood tests)

Veterinary costs are not determined solely by the treatment itself. Behind every examination are medical expertise, modern technology, qualified staff, ongoing professional training, and high standards of safety and hygiene.

Thorough diagnostics also require time – including examinations, consultations, treatment planning, and follow-up care. All of these factors help detect diseases early, minimize risks, and ensure the best possible care for your pet.

In short, veterinary costs reflect the quality, expertise, and safety of the medical care your pet receives.

The cost of a veterinary visit can vary depending on the examination and treatment required. Factors that influence the cost include:

• The type of examination (e.g. preventive care or treatment of an acute illness)
• Any diagnostic procedures required (e.g. blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasound examinations)
• The extent of the treatment or therapy
• Your pet’s individual health condition

In Germany, veterinary fees are charged according to the Fee Schedule for Veterinarians (GOT), which provides a legally regulated framework.

We are happy to provide transparent advice in advance regarding potential examinations and the associated costs, so that you are always well informed.

Payment can either be made directly at the practice or processed through our billing service provider.

• Payment on site by debit card (EC card) or cash
• Alternatively, you may receive an invoice through our billing service provider, BFS
• Installment payment options are available through BFS upon request

This ensures a simple and transparent billing process.

If your invoice is processed through our billing service provider, BFS, you can conveniently pay the invoice by bank transfer or arrange payment in installments.