The endocannabinoid system in animals

Not only humans have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) – all mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have CB1 and CB2 receptors. In dogs and cats, the ECS is very similar to the human one, which makes cannabis-based products interesting for veterinary applications. However, there are important differences in THC tolerance that must be taken into account.

THC: Dangerous for dogs and cats

Dogs are hypersensitive to THC. The reason: dogs have significantly more CB1 receptors in the cerebellum than humans and a slower metabolization. Even small amounts of THC can lead to severe intoxication in dogs:

Symptoms of THC intoxication in dogs:
– Ataxia (balance disorders, staggering)
– Mydriasis (dilated pupils)
– Bradycardia, hypothermia
– Urinary incontinence
– Tremor, cramps (at high doses)
– In rare cases coma

Cats metabolize cannabinoids even more slowly than dogs and are even more sensitive. CBD products for cats must be absolutely THC-free (<0.001%). This is especially true as cats, as obligate carnivores, have a reduced CYP450 capacity.

Safety rule: No THC for pets. Never. Not even full spectrum products with trace amounts of THC – the accumulated risk in small bodies is too high.

CBD in animals: What studies show

Areas of application for pets

Osteoarthritis and joint pain: best proven indication. Gamble 2018 shows significant improvement in dogs with osteoarthritis. Relevant in older dogs (>7 years) where joint degeneration is common.

Epilepsy: McGrath 2019 shows promising results, but phosphatase increase must be monitored For epileptic dogs in which antiepileptic drugs (phenobarbital, potassium bromate) fail, CBD can be a supplement.

Separation anxiety and stress: very common indications in practice. CBD has an anxiolytic effect via 5-HT1A – this receptor is also present in dogs. For fireworks, thunderstorms, visits to the vet: CBD 1-2 hours beforehand.

Loss of appetite and nausea: CB1 in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs modulates motility and nausea – analogous to humans. For chemotherapy-induced nausea in cancer dogs: CBD as a supportive measure.

Dosage: recommendations from studies and practice

Important: Always discuss with a vet. CBD can increase alkaline phosphatase in dogs (McGrath 2019) – liver value checks every 3-6 months for long-term use.

Product selection: What to look out for

– Absolutely THC-free: <0.001 % THC – no full spectrum for animals
– Animal-friendly formulation: no xylitol (deadly for dogs), no essential oils
– COA (Certificate of Analysis): THC content independently confirmed
– Lipid carriers: MCT oil or sunflower oil increase bioavailability
– Do not use products for humans: Concentration often wrong for animal weight, flavorings harmful

FAQ: CBD for dogs and cats

Summary

The ECS in mammals is very similar to that in humans – CBD also works in principle in dogs and cats. Gamble 2018 proves significant pain relief in osteoarthritis dogs, McGrath 2019 shows potential in epilepsy. Absolute ban: THC for pets. CBD selection: veterinary products, THC-free, COA-tested. Always discuss interactions with veterinary medication (phenobarbital, NSAIDs) with your vet.

Vanlife with children and dogs

On their Instagram channel @trust.and.breathe and their travel blog, they share their inner and outer travel experiences and want to inspire other people to follow their heart’s path. In the interview, Jasmin and Jonas talk about their decision to spend their lives in a van, the gear they need for their travels, and give insights into traveling with kids and dogs. They also share their favorite travel destinations and offer tips for families looking to start a similar adventure.

You can find everything about Jasmin & Jonas here:

• Jasmin & Jonas Instagram
• Jasmin & Jonas travel blog

Content Creator: Travel and Life Experiences

FIV: Hello Jasmin, hello Jonas! Maybe you can introduce yourselves briefly in advance, so that our readers can get an impression of you.

Jasmin & Jonas: We are Jasmin and Jonas and travel since 2019 as a family with our two boys and now two dogs through Europe. We have taken the leap into independence and started our own business as a yoga teacher and photographer this year.

On our Instagram channel @trust.and.breathe and our travel blog we report about our inner and outer journey, we share our travel – and life experiences and want to inspire people to follow their heart’s path.

Independent living: On the road in your own van

FIV: How did you come up with the idea of spending your life in a van and traveling?

Jasmin & Jonas: We have been traveling a lot since the beginning of our relationship. The idea to build an independent life to be able to travel permanently came when we were in Southeast Asia in 2014 on a long-term backpacking trip. Our first son was born in 2015 and through the children we got the idea to travel with the camper.

Having previously done a lot of backpacking ourselves, we liked the idea of always having our familiar surroundings, our retreat, with us when we vanlife.

Solar system, fresh water tank, etc.: Necessary equipment

FIV: What kind of gear do you have in your van to support you on your travels?

Jasmin & Jonas: Especially important for us is all the equipment that allows us to stand self-sufficiently free. Not being dependent on campsites allows us to travel completely free. For this we use a solar system, which supplies us with electricity via inverter, a large fresh water tank and a dry separation toilet. So we are completely independent.

FIV: How did you design the interior of the van to have enough space for sleeping, cooking and living?

Jasmin & Jonas: This year we have renovated quite a bit. Jonas has built a bunk bed for the two boys. So you have your own retreat and we now sleep upstairs in the alcove.

For us it is an absolute gamechanger. Previously, the kids slept together in the alcove and we had to convert our dining table into our bed every night. That is no longer necessary. The dining area can remain permanently set up. Our kitchen is in the back of the camper and feels like a little room of its own, which is incredibly helpful in so few square feet.

The right van kitchen equipment

FIV: What cooking utensils and equipment do you have with you to prepare meals in the van?

Jasmin & Jonas: We have normal pots and pans with us. Our tableware is made of stainless steel. It’s super sturdy and lightweight. Our kitchen equipment is almost like that of a normal household, just less of everything. We especially love our milk frother, for creamy lattes, and our USB-rechargeable hand blender.

The most beautiful destinations & surfing

FIV: Which destinations were your favorite and which are next on your list?

Jasmin & Jonas: Every country has its own beauty. Slovenia, Sweden and Sardinia have been our favorite so far. Since we surf (surfing), we also love the French and Spanish Atlantic coast very much. In late summer we will go there again. We plan to drive along the coast towards Portugal and the next winter we would like to spend in Morocco.

Child Friendly Travel: Routines & Occupations

FIV: How do you travel with your children in the van? Do you have any special rules or routines?

Jasmin & Jonas: Our kids were on the road with our camper for the first time when our “big one” was 2 years old and the “little one” was 8 months old. Our most important routine, which we also always try to stick to, is the evening routine. It gives our children a certain consistency that is often missing in the varied daily travel routine. Since we organize everything flexibly in everyday life.

FIV: What employment opportunities do you have for your children during the long trips?

Jasmin & Jonas: We try to drive only a few hours at a time. Ideally about 1-2 hours at the most. Since the kids are older, they are allowed to watch their series or a movie during the drive. On longer trips, they listen to a radio play, read, or play card games. When they were smaller, I (Jasmin) often sat in the back with them and played something with them.

Childproof in a confined space

FIV: How did you childproof the van? Are there any particular safety precautions you take?

Jasmin & Jonas: The most important thing for us is that we don’t leave any sharp or pointed objects lying around and that we stow everything safely. In such a small space, it can happen that you quickly bump into something or drop something. If that were a chef’s knife, that would be bad, of course. So everything is always put away right away.

When the kids still slept in the alcove, we had a self-built and absolutely safe fall-out protection installed. The same now applies to the upper bunk bed.

Tips for traveling with the dog

FIV: How did you prepare for traveling with your dog? Are there any special challenges?

Jasmin & Jonas: Traveling in a camper with a dog is actually quite easy. It is especially important to always read through the entry regulations of the respective country in advance. Because even within Europe there are some important exceptions, such as in Norway. But even if you want to travel outside the EU, there are some precautions to take.

Popular destinations for vanlifers are for example Turkey, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro or Morocco. We started 4 years ago with our little mixed breed dog and adopted a little Greek street dog in the fall of 2022. In the summer months, it is also important to think carefully about which destination makes sense with a dog.

Often dogs are not allowed on beaches and that can be problematic at high temperatures. We are then gladly at the Atlantic (wide beaches, dogs usually allowed) or in the mountains (cooler temperatures). Greece also went great in the summer with dogs.

Vanlife: Is this something for me?

FIV: What tips do you have for other families thinking about starting a similar adventure?

Jasmin & Jonas: If you only know this lifestyle from Instagram or other social media platforms, you should definitely test it extensively for a few weeks first. Because vanlife definitely has its “downsides” and is not as beautiful every day as the pictures on social media suggest.

It’s a wonderful way to travel the world as a family, but at the same time it’s also very difficult and not the right way for every family. The small amount of space and the many different needs can offer a lot of potential for conflict. But for those who love to be outside in nature a lot, want to travel as freely as possible and can cope with rather “little comfort and luxury”, we can highly recommend this way of discovering the world.

FIV: We thank you for the exciting interview and wish you all the best on your travels!

Pet supplies: specialized trade in Cologne

Whether small mini dog breeds under 30 centimeters such as dachshund, Jack Russell Terrier, pug or even dwarf spitz or even large dogs such as Doberman, St. Bernard, Bernese mountain dog or boxer. The A&O, as with us humans, good food and enough water. That is half the battle to be happy. If you then have a warm, cuddly place to sleep, life is almost perfect.

Food, leash, treats – specialized trade

Just as you take care of yourself, you must now take care of your puppy! As already described in the guide puppy, the very first way before buying your puppy, leads you to a specialty store for pet supplies for your puppy initial equipment.

First of all you need food (dry and wet food), of course with a bowl (for food and water). In addition, a leash, collar and harness and a blanket for a cozy place to sleep. On top comes a little toy for chewing and distraction, as well as treats for reward. Then the insider tip for beginners: Puppy Pads!

Pet supplies: Tierliebeland

In Tierliebeland you can find everything for dogs and cats. The advantage: The shop is located in the city centre. So you can not only shop for yourself, but also make a little detour to Tierliebeland. The owner-operated shop has everything for dogs and cats, as well as a dog groomer. So you can kill 3 birds with one stone: haircut, food and accessories.

Why Tierliebeland? Be there once! In small talk, you’ll quickly see that there’s more here than just “selling products”. Every puppy is special and the more importantly, food has a huge impact on their well being. Just think about yourself! Frozen pizza or freshly cooked? Even for puppies there are big differences between industrial product and … but go yourself and get inspired for your, little puppy!

On Google, Tierliebeland has a full 5 / 5 stars, with almost 100 reviews, a really good address for your pup!

Google Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Stars

Address and directions:

• Limburger Str. 39 in 50672 Cologne
• Phone: +49 (0) 221 986 509 26

Dog groomer: short and long hair with love

You probably know this topic yourself: How do you find a good groomer you can trust? Hairdressers are a dime a dozen, but as a dog owner you quickly learn that good dog hairdressers are rare. Even in big cities like Cologne and Berlin. Now there is another special feature: You have bought a puppy! Accordingly, you have few hairdressers and even fewer who approach the job with the right love and do not see dogs as a “product”, 4, 5 a day hairdressing. Therefore, we also have a recommendation for you here, which you and your puppy will love!

Taster day for puppies – get to know the dog salon

First of all, your puppy will not be coiffed immediately at a good groomer. The very first day is a little trial day for your puppy.

In this first taster day, your puppy will get to know the dog salon. Starting with the premises, to the hairdresser himself or herself, to a few of the tools: comb, scissors and hair dryer. Hairdressing is not done on a large scale, the baby fur is:

1. Removed from undercoat
2. Easily coiffed

After about 30 minutes and some small talk before and after, your dog has had his first appointment at the groomer! By the second visit, your pup knows the salon, the team, and the tools. This is the perfect way to prepare your pup for regular visits.

How often do you need to go to the groomer?

My little Pomeranian (Miniature Spitz) has to go to the groomer about every 6 weeks. I myself would even be willing to go 1x month, because so her fur is always neat and the hairstyle sits. Once a month wellness is ok or? Here is our recommendation for you in Cologne!

Dog groomer recommendation: Fellgeflüster

Why fur whisper? When I go to the groomer, I always tell him “go for it, you’re the professional!”. Just like I trust my hairdresser, I want to trust the hairdresser for my puppy. First, because little Peppa (that’s my Pomeranian’s name) is doing well and second, because I see the groomer 24/7!

Not only we love this salon, also on Google Fellgeflüster has whole 5 / 5 stars!

Google Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Stars

Address and directions:

• Wichheimer Str. 145 in 51067 Cologne
• Phone: +49 (0) 176 539 055 25

Finding a Vet: Experiences and recommendations

For doctors I don’t want to give you a direct recommendation, after all all doctors are great and do their best.

I will recommend this to you though: If you’re looking for a vet, it’s best to ask dog owners you see in your area. They’ve had a dog for a while and already have a vet that’s good. So instead of just relying on search results, ask people in your area who have experience! If you don’t know anyone directly or need a vet right now, make sure the vet is “not a big chain”.

On our first visit to the vet, we were in a veterinary clinic and had to wait a whole 3 hours. Why? We relied directly on the search results. Two days later, we got a top recommendation from our groomer. Now we are with a lovely vet who works alone and takes care of each animal individually instead of making mass appointments.

Tips for good veterinarians:

1. Ask dog owners in your area for their experience or recommendation.
2. If searching via the internet: make sure it’s not a big clinic. Rather a “small” doctor, with few, but good reviews.

At the vet you do all the standards, from chip (to recognize dogs) to the various vaccinations and also neutering.

Dog Trainer

Our next step with Neppa & Peppa, a good training for some standards. Starting with walking off leash, classics like man up and many, more little things you can train with your puppy.

Currently it’s still a little too cold, but next month it’s on!

Our first training, coming soon here!

Dog food: The big test

I currently feed my puppy three times a day, morning, noon and night. Between the meals there are then of course still small snacks! Especially small dogs are very active in the first months and years! They like to play, they like to bark. We have two puppies at the same time, brother and sister, accordingly they are the whole day at the romp and also hungry, at noon, in the evening and in the morning.

Variety is a must! Nobody wants to eat the same thing every day, not even your dog.

Dog food: regular feeding besides snacks

Before we get to the snacks, here’s a little look at what my little pup likes best!

Dogs love anything from the animal – If you’re going to buy your first puppy, be sure, dogs love pretty much anything with and from animals; no matter what you think. Even if you’re a vegetarian yourself, dogs love dried ears (yes), feet, little wound up skewers, pretty much any scraps left over from the animal.

Wet food or dry food?

I try to feed wet food in the morning and evening and at lunchtime they have a bowl of dry food. But when it comes to wet food they also like small carrots, peas, sbe4 but noodles and of course rice in the meals.

Besides your regular feedings, there are of course little treats.

Snacks and treats: recommendations

I like treats best that my puppy can chew on for a long time, for example chew sticks. Because, now it’s not just about food, it’s also about activity. Trust me:

Dogs love to chew. It calms them down!

On a single chicken foot, my little dog can nibble for up to five, six hours. Sometimes she nibbles for two hours at a stretch without a break.

In general, I make sure that my dog doesn’t get too many snacks, in addition to her regular meals. I don’t want her to get used to having food all the time. Sometimes I give her treats because she did something great or to cheer her up in between meals. But usually I give a maximum of five small snacks (mini-snacks) and maybe two bigger ones (chew sticks) in between. That is easily enough for my little Pomeranian!

How many snacks and treats your dog can tolerate should depend on your dog and his personality. Are you out and about a lot? Is your dog big or small? Have more questions? Read all about it here:

• Buy puppy
• Puppy basic equipment

Now let’s get to my big snack test!

Snack test: These treats give my dog

As you’ve read, I’ve bought the pet supply store down my street before. That’s why I sometimes go on the search for new little snack ideas for my dog during my lunch break. I want to share a few treats that she particularly enjoyed with you here.

Organic dog food?! Yarrah ordered & tested

Summer is starting and by now my dog has had his fill of the supplies from the supermarket and pet supply store. So I need some new treats and snacks in my cupboard. This week I took a look at Yarrah. They’ve been producing Organic-Organic since 1992, what’s the advantage of organic products? The manufacturer produces pure organic certified food. That means no chemical fragrances, colors, flavors, pesticides, or GMOs (genetic engineering).

Everyone loves organic, but does my dog? Food for your dog has effects on the coat, but also on digestion, well-being and energy, whether puppy or older dog. Organic is an important topic for many, it’s about farming methods and animal welfare. But it is also about taste and a better feeling when buying. That’s why, for example, I also like to go for organic products at a fair price.

Now the question: Are there also good organic alternatives for dog food and snacks? With this question, I came to Yarrah. Yarrah is the largest supplier of organic dog food. Summer is starting and by now my dog has had enough of the supplies from the supermarket and pet supply store. So I need some new treats and snacks for my dog, in my pantry. This week I ordered from Yarrah for the first time, and everything arrived today. What can organic from Yarrah do? Our little taste test!

• Organic dog food from Yarrah

Buying your first dog: XXL Guide

Great snacks, a fair price and organic production since 1992. The delivery was fast. All in all: 4.7 / 5.0 from our tester! Plus, the good feeling and purely organic certified, so without chemical fragrances, colors, flavors, pesticides and GMOs (genetic engineering). Read more about Yarrah here and find these and new snacks for your dog online:

• Yarrah organic food

Your first puppy: guidebook

Buying puppies – What accessories do you need for your puppy around leash, bowl, sleeping place and food? Every year millions of little puppies are born and find a new home! Also with us there is now one or two little puppies: Neppa & Peppa. You are thinking about getting a dog? If you have time to spare and love, then a little puppy is something wonderful. But, what do you have to consider?! Learn here about the daily life with a little puppy: My first day with Peppa (Dwarf Spitz, or Pomeranian puppy), my first week and my experiences. If you’re thinking of getting a dog, here are the ultimate tips for the first week with your puppy and a few insider tips, like puppy pads, tips for walking and staying alone – all in the first week!

• Your first puppy: guidebook

Basic equipment for your puppy

Buying Puppies: Basic Supplies for Your Dog – No matter what breed of dog or type of mixed breed, there are exactly 6 things you need when buying your first dog or puppy! So to speak, the basic equipment for your puppy and the first days together in the house or apartment. With this checklist, you have everything important! The right food for puppies, two bowls for food and water, a leash with collar and / or harness (safer), toys and very important, especially if you have no garden or live on the first floor: Puppy Pads! Learn all the essentials here, with tips for times to eat and other interesting checklists for beginners and novices. Simply explained and free! Here’s the nuts and bolts for the first trip, from breeder to home, and the first few days with your puppy, from my experience.

• Puppies basic equipment

Pomeranian! Pomeranians as a pet

You want to buy your first puppy? Maybe even a small Pomeranian for you or your family? Then you surely have many questions! Here you will find the answers, among others to questions like “how much does a Pomeranian cost?”, “what do you have to look out for in a Dwarf Pomeranian?”, “how much does a Pomeranian shed?” and “how do you groom a Pomeranian?”. – First of all: Pomeranians are really cute as a button. Grown up they are only 25-30 inches tall and as a puppy, barely a handful of dog. Walking, peeing, Pomeranian care, our little guide to your first puppies!

• Pomeranian! Pomeranian