PETBOOK magazine offers answers to all things cats, dogs and animals

Helpful Housemates Why You Shouldn't Kill the Next House Spider

Many people are repulsed by spiders. Yet, these creatures are useful hunters. Here's what spiders eat, how they help us, and when caution is advised.

The Craziest Mammal in the World? They Lay Eggs and Produce Milk! 7 Curious Facts About the Platypus

Why Is the Platypus Considered One of the Strangest Animals in the World? Seven Fascinating Facts About Eggs, UV Glow, Venom, and More.

Non-native species Nosferatu Spider Now Found Across Germany–Here's How Venomous It Is

The so-called Nosferatu spider is spreading in Germany. But can this eight-legged creature truly pose a threat to humans and pets?

A dachshund is sleeping on its back on a sofa.

Often Misinterpreted Why Do Dogs Sigh? The Answer Surprises Many Owners

Dog sighs when lying down: is it a sign of well-being or something more? PETBOOK explains the key background.

Myth Uncovered Foam at the Horse's Mouth: Good or Bad Sign?

Foam at a , is often seen as a sign of relaxation. But is that really true? What lies behind this and when caution is advised?

Behavior, Stages of Dying, Saying Goodbye How to Tell if Your Cat Is Nearing the End

Saying goodbye is one of the hardest phases of living with a pet. How to recognize if a cat is dying and how to support it.

Dogs ›

Unusual Requests Dog Trainer Reveals: "I Would Immediately Decline These 5 Jobs"

"Can you train my dog to stop doing that?" Why dog trainer Katharina Marioth doesn't always say "Yes."

Woman Sitting or Kneeling with Dog on Meadow

The Tone Sets the Command Dogs Can Recognize "Yes" and "No" From Tone of Voice

A person's voice reveals more to dogs than previously thought. A study shows how dogs understand nonverbal signals.

Four out of Five Animals Affected Why Bad Teeth Can Be Life-Threatening for Dogs

A dog having bad teeth is not just a cosmetic issue. Periodontitis can strain the heart and organs, often without clear warning signs.

Not Difficult, but Sick Why Your Dog's Thyroid Can Change Its Behavior

The thyroid gland in dogs affects much more than just metabolism. Behavioral changes in dogs can be an early warning sign.

Is It You? Why Your Dog Might Behave Differently on Vacation

Why does your dog seem more relaxed or clingy on vacation? Here's why you might be to blame.

Leash Training Why Dogs Pull on the Leash and What Helps

Leash training for dogs is an important topic that dog trainer Katharina Marioth frequently encounters.

Cats ›

Expert Explains Can Cats Safely Eat Strawberries?

Summer is strawberry season—and even our cats sometimes show interest. But can cats eat strawberries?

Dangerous Summer Heat How to Recognize Heatstroke in Your Cat

As temperatures rise, cats often seek out shady spots. But what if that's not enough and the cat suffers from heatstroke?

Painful Condition How to Recognize Arthritis in Cats

If a cat suddenly avoids jumping up and down and its movements appear stiff, it could be a sign of arthritis.

Wildcat or House Cat? How to Tell the Difference

Remo, the cat belonging to PETBOOK editor Louisa Stoeffler, rolls on the floor

Did You Know? Why Cats Lie on the Ground to Greet You

What does it mean when a cat rolls on the floor to greet you? It's not an invitation to rub its sensitive belly.

Researchers Discover Simple Way! How Cats Can Live Much Longer

A study shows that there is a simple way for cats to live up to three years longer and suffer fewer injuries.

Small pets ›

Suitable Enclosure Keeping Rabbits Outdoors: What Owners Should Know

Rabbits in the garden sound particularly natural. However, those who want to keep their animals outside must take several precautions.

Hamsters, Rabbits, and More Is It Safe to Feed Carrots With Black Spots?

Many animals enjoy eating carrots—but can hamsters, rabbits, and the like eat them if they have black spots?

Creepy Phenomenon How Does a Rat King Form?

The Rat King–a rare natural phenomenon that has fascinated people for centuries. PETBOOK explains how it occurs.

A rabbit sits on the grass in front of the outdoor enclosure.

Sensitive Digestive System Why Stomach Overload in Rabbits Quickly Becomes Dangerous

If a rabbit stops eating and appears unusually tense, it may indicate a stomach overload. PETBOOK explains how this can happen.

How Do I Know if My Rabbit Is Overweight?

Obesity in Small Animals Is Your Rabbit Overweight? Here's How to Tell

How do owners know if their rabbit is too fat or too thin? PETBOOK explains the Body Condition Score and advises what owners should look out for.

Buy or Adopt Where Can You Actually Buy a Hamster?

If you're considering buying a hamster, it's important to think it through carefully. PETBOOK shares what prospective owners should pay attention to.

Horses ›

From the Czech Republic The "Golden" Horse Breed: The Kinsky Horse

FITBOOK reveals why the Kinsky horse is considered a treasure among breeds and gives an overview of its origin, character, uses, and care.

Hand Feeds Horse: Psyllium Husks in Focus

For Digestive Issues Psyllium Husk for Horses–Effects, Dosage, and Application

Sand in the intestines, diarrhea, or digestive issues? Psyllium husk can help horses if owners pay attention to their feeding.

Judith Rakers sits on a couch with a cat, presenting her children's book.

PETBOOK Interview Judith Rakers: "One should never betray a horse's trust"

Judith Rakers offers insights into her farm life in an interview. Discover how horses reflect our behavior and why nature is important for children.

Often Underestimated How Much Hay a Horse Consumes Per Day

How much hay does a horse eat per day, and what is the hay rule? PETBOOK explains why hay is so important for horses.

Common Illness How to Recognize Arthritis in Your Horse

If a horse suddenly moves more stiffly or doesn't walk smoothly, arthritis could be the cause. PETBOOK explains what owners should watch for.

Horse being washed, second image inserted with foam, sweating horse

Shampoo or Sweat? Did You Know? Why Horses Sweat Foam

Is It Sweat or Shampoo? Horse sweat is often foamy—PETBOOK reveals what's behind this and how much sweat is normal.

Birds ›

A collection of feathers rests in a hand.

Fines of up to Several Thousand Euros Whether From a Blackbird or a Pigeon, Taking Bird Feathers is Prohibited

Collecting bird feathers can be costly and even result in fines. Read on to find out why the law is so strict in this regard.

Keeping Budgerigars Alone? That's Animal Cruelty

No Breadcrumbs What Do Pigeons Eat in the Wild?

Did you know? Pigeons are not omnivores and in the wild, they actually eat only very specific foods.

A woman approaches pigeons, causing them to fly away.

Surprising Study Result Birds Flee Sooner From Women Than Men

Do birds flee sooner from women? A study shows how human gender affects animals' flight distance.

Budgerigars display their vitality through lively social behavior, vigorous preening, and vibrant colors—all of which contribute to a long life.

Popular Pet Birds Do You Know How Long Budgerigars Live?

Do you know how long parakeets live? PETBOOK explains what factors influence their lifespan.

A songbird looks into the camera while singing

Singing Talents Decorative Bird Chirping Too Loud? Here's Why

If the birds are chirping too loudly, many owners start to worry if everything is okay with their pets. Possible reasons why.

Aquarium & terrarium ›

Reptile Care How to Properly Clean a Bearded Dragon Terrarium

In the bearded dragon terrarium, hygiene and calm routines are key during cleaning, though some people often make mistakes.

Challenging Amphibian Dart Frog Named Pet of the Year 2026

Colorful and fascinating—the poison dart frog is pet of the year 2026. Here's what to consider for care, equipment, and protection.

Red-bellied short-necked turtle on a rock

Red-bellied Short-necked Turtle This Turtle Can Even Be Kept in Groups

The red-bellied short-necked turtle is an exotic reptile commonly found in home terrariums and can also be kept in groups.

Magnetic cleaner used to remove algae from aquarium

Vegetation on the Basin Aquarium Without Algae? Why It's Nearly Impossible–and How to Still Achieve Clear Water

Algae in aquariums can become troublesome if they multiply excessively. Which types are problematic and which are not.

Expert Explains Feeding Reptiles Properly: These 5 Principles Protect Against Diseases

Properly feeding reptiles means understanding their needs and ensuring their health and well-being through a tailored diet.

A green sea turtle swims through the ocean

Life Expectancy of Reptiles How Old Do Turtles Actually Get?

How long do turtles live? PETBOOK provides a comparison of lifespans from small aquatic turtles to giant land tortoises.

Wildlife ›

Bizarre Toilet Trivia Why Pandas Do Handstands While Peeing

Pandas use urine and scent markings to convey important information. Why do pandas do handstands to place their marks on trees?

The Largest Deer in the World Moose Return to Germany–Where They Are Found

Moose in Germany are rare but increasingly spotted. Sightings are particularly rising in the East. What's behind this trend?

A butterfly rests on the outstretched palms of a person.

Unpleasant Truth Why Butterflies Drink Human Sweat

Why do butterflies land on people? The behavior isn't symbolic. For many, the reason is actually quite off-putting.

Life Expectancy How Long Do Tigers Actually Live?

PETBOOK explains the factors that influence a tiger's lifespan and reveals the age of the world's oldest tiger.

Study Examines Toxins Can You Survive a Black Mamba Bite?

The black mamba is reputed to be the most dangerous snake in the world. However, its relatives also possess potent venom.

Lifespan Do You Know How Old Squirrels Can Get?

Do you know how long squirrels can live? PETBOOK explains their life expectancy and why many of these animals don't survive their first year.

Animal protection ›

Investigated How Bumblebees Suffer for Tomato Cultivation

Bumblebees are bred in large numbers for tomato cultivation. But what happens to the colonies afterward? PETBOOK investigated.

Turned in for hedgehog care Found with 70 Ticks! Rescuers Fight to Save Hedgehog Uschi

Hedgehog Uschi was found with an astonishing 70 ticks. PETBOOK inquired about her current condition and the treatment she received.

Dog Trainer Takes Stock "Adopt, Don't Shop"? Why We Should Critically Examine the Slogan

The slogan "Adopt, don't shop" is almost a fundamental principle in the dog world. However, behind this appealing promise lie contradictions.

Also from the German Animal Welfare Federation "Pigeons Are Losing Their Instincts"–Deutsche Bahn Poster Sparks Intense Criticism

A Deutsche Bahn poster warns: Feeding pigeons could cause them to lose their instincts. Animal rights activists disagree.

"Rats of the sky"? Günther Jauch's comments on pigeons in the April 13, 2026, broadcast spark debate

"Rats of the Sky" Pigeon Hatred on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" Animal Rights Activists Criticize Jauch

Günther Jauch's pigeon comments on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" sparked criticism. Activists accuse him of reinforcing stereotypes.

According to the Animal Welfare Organization Targeted Killing: Stray Dogs Face Severe Challenges in These Countries

In some countries, stray dogs face more challenges than in others. An animal welfare organization has created a ranking.