TailsLife Blog

Author: TailsLife

  • Maggie, ‘world’s oldest dog,’ dies at 30

    Maggie, ‘world’s oldest dog,’ dies at 30

    Along with the sad demises of bond film director Guy Hamilton and of singing sensation Prince, it is very unfortunate that we have also lost the world’s oldest dog back in Australia.

    Maggie, a black and tan colored kelpie, died peacefully in sleep at her home in a dairy farm in the state of Victoria, Australia. Aged 30, which is equivalent to more than 133 human years, she was a contender for the title of the world’s oldest dog. Sadly, her owner Brian McLaren had lost the original documents and along with it any sound proof that confirmed her as a record breaker.

    McLaren had brought home an eight week old Maggie when his son was four years of age, 30 years ago. The family heavily mourns the loss of their dearest family member. She has been buried in a marked grave under a pine tree.

    Officially, the world’s oldest dog according to the Guinness Book of World Records is Bluey, an Australian cattle dog that died in the year 1939 at the grand old age of 29. 

    Source: Fox News, USA Today, The Guardian

    Story by Harshitha

     

  • BBMP makes dog license mandatory for pet owners

    BBMP makes dog license mandatory for pet owners

    Due to the rising level of dog population in Bengaluru and in order to control the thriving breeding business, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced new bye-laws under the pet dog licensing which is soon to be approved by the Urban Development Department.

    Let us take a quick look at what a dog owner must do according to the new set of bye-laws:

    • BBMP has limited flat residents to have only 1 dog and persons living in independent house have been permitted to have not more than 3 dogs.
    • BBMP’s veterinary officer has been authorized to issue the dog license and the owner has to pay the sum of rupees 250 to obtain it. The license needs to renewed every year.  The pet dog should have a built in microchip, a collar and a badge containing license information.
    • The owner has to clean his/her dog’s poop when they are in public spaces such as roads or parks and must dispose them in assigned places. A penalty sum of rupees 100 has been imposed on pet owners who refuse to clean their pet’s poop the first time. The amount will double and treble each time the owner refuses to clean the poop.
    • If a pet is found in public spaces without its owner by a BBMP officer it will be captured and put in an animal shelter. You will have to pay a sum of rupees 1 to get him back and a sum of rupees 2 if he does not have license.

    For more information kindly approach your nearest BBMP office of your locality or log on the BBMP website – www.bbmp.gov.in

    Happy parenting!    

    Story by Harshitha

     

      

  • 5 reasons why you must have fish as a pet

    5 reasons why you must have fish as a pet

    You see them when you visit your doctor or your dentist. They beckon your gaze with their colourful appearance as you make your way to be seated at the reception. You gaze at them idly and are hooked! If you are an anxious patient you will definitely find yourself gradually getting calmer as you look at the movement of the fishes.

    If you are seriously interested in keeping them as a pet, you have made a wise choice as fishes are low maintenance creatures and come with added health benefits as they are known to reduce blood pressure and stress.

    For starters, you can keep a small to medium fish tank with a few less expensive fishes (goldfish or guppy). You need to feed them regularly and ensure that the fish tank is cleaned on regular intervals.

    Let’s look at a couple of reasons why fishes make good household pets:

    • They have a soothing effect on the mind as you look at them moving tranquilly in water. This is of dire need to people who get back home after a hard day’s work and a much frustrated wait at traffic jams!
    • Fishes are quiet creatures so you do not have to worry about disturbing your neighbors’ or a sleeping infant.    
    • They are low in maintenance as you do not have to personally groom them or take them for walks, in that aspect they are cost effective and do not burn hole in your wallet. Infact, they add more glamour to your home!
    • Fishes do not suffer from separation anxiety. You can leave them at home and go anywhere as they go about their own business swimming inside the tank. All they need is to be fed regularly and kept in clean water.
    • Children can learn to become a responsible caregiver for pets if they are started off by being given fish as their first pet.

    Fishes make a fascinating hobby for both adults and children and they can learn wonderful things by just watching them. 

    Petcare tip by Harshitha
    Inspiration: helthypets.mercola

     

  • How to fix your dogs destructive chewing behaviour

    How to fix your dogs destructive chewing behaviour

    Excess energy, as part of normal play, or as a result of boredom or separation anxiety.

    What not to do :

    Never punish your dog, unless you are able to catch him in the act and redirect him, your dog will not understand why you are angry

    How to fix it :

    • Provide your dog with exercise. They would more likely to rest up once expended their energy
    • Limit their access to valuable items and provide them with toys and Nylabones to chew on
    • Praise your dog when they engage in good behaviour. Also start promoting them to drop the remote for a rope toy, and praising them when they take it. Never grab the remote without giving alternative options.
    • Separate anxiety can manifest in many ways – Practice leaving your pet for short period and then slowly increase the period. Ensure they get a lot of exercise before you leave them. Provide them food stuffed in toys like kongs or any puzzle toys to keep them busy

    Most of the behavioural symptoms can be fixed with patience, consistency and effort. Throwing a ball is a easy thing to do, but investing in necessary time in training him to get the ball is important. You would not repent the time spent doing this.

    Inspired from : moderndogmagazine

  • How to prepare your dog for boarding

    How to prepare your dog for boarding

    Preparing your dog for boarding is a very important step if you want your dog’s stay at the kennel to be comfortable. It’s a good idea to get your dog used to kennel stays when he is a pup itself.

    Getting used to the kennel: It’s a good idea to introduce your dog to the kennel before the boarding commences. Get him along during your preliminary visit to the kennel. Let him sniff around and get familiar with the place. Leave him for a day-night stay at the kennel so that he gets used to the new routine. This also gives an opportunity for the kennel staff to understand your dog and his habits.

    Vaccinations and deworming: Make sure his vaccinations and deworming is up to date.

    Tick/flea treatments: Keep your dog tick free by applying a spot on (like protector) a couple of days before you board your dog. This will also keep ticks and fleas away during his stay at the boarding kennel.

    Things to pack: Pack his medications, toys and anything in particular that he likes. You might have to pack some kibble if necessary. Familiar things like toys from home will make him more comfortable in new surroundings.

    Drop off: Before dropping your dog off, give him a light meal at home. Do not overfeed. Once you reach the kennel, keep the stress and excitement levels low. If you are anxious or emotional, it’s best to say a quick goodbye. Your anxiety will be easily caught by your dog who will in turn become more anxious and stressed.

    There are quite a few Boarding centres across the city to choose from, Do also consider Pawse Boarding next time you are going to board your DOG.

    Pawse is a secluded dog boarding center located amidst suburban greenery of Yelahanka. Their quarter acre facility includes large kennels, huge outdoor and indoor play area, socializing space for dogs and their parents and a grooming unit.

    Phone : 

    9686793005

    9686796005

    You can find a list of Boarding spaces to choose from our app – allows you to call, review and locate the venue.

     

  • Never board your dog without Observing these following points

    Never board your dog without Observing these following points

    1) Safety: High walls to prevent dogs from jumping over, layers of security and double doors in passages to keep a check of escape possibilities, CCTV cameras and not too much access to public.

    2) Requirements: Observe the amount of scrutiny involved during your enquiry and booking. A good boarding kennel will require a lot of information about you and your pet like vaccination, health records dog’s current diet plan, dog’s training etc..

    3) Personal space: Dogs do not like to be forced to socialize with other dogs constantly. This will lead to aggression, stress or depression. Your dog should have enough personal space to rest and sleep, many a time they shouldn’t be let loose with other canines in the absence of a caretaker atleast for the first time.

    4) Design: There should be enough sun light, ventilation for comfort and good health. A quiet place away from human activity and closer to nature is an ideal holiday getaway for your dog.

    5) Play ground: Dogs need to walk, exercise and play but it is risky for your dog to be taken for a walk outside in a new place. Dogs try to run away at the first chance. Make sure your dog is at a place with a safe play ground.

    6) Food: Make sure your dog will be fed right amount of fresh food everyday. Observe if dogs have access to water all the time.

    7) Cleanliness: Observe for odours, dirt in the drains, vermin and ticks, general neatness of the kennels and playgrounds. Are there any dangerous sharp objects, chemicals lying around unattended?

    8) Staff Behaviour : Observe the attitude of management and staff towards animals in general.

    9) Medical attention: Make sure there is a veterinary doctor who can attend to if need be.

    10) Update: Are the management willing to update about your pet every day? preferably via whatsapp/telegram or mail since they would be able to share pictures and videos on daily basis. 

    There are quite a few Boarding centres across the city to choose from, Do also consider Pawse Boarding next time you are going to board your DOG.

    It is a secluded dog boarding center located amidst suburban greenery of Yelahanka. Their quarter acre facility includes large kennels, huge outdoor and indoor play area, socializing space for dogs and their parents and a grooming unit.

    Phone : 

    9686793005

    9686796005

    You can find a list of Boarding spaces to choose from our app – allows you to call, review and locate the venue.

     

  • Basic kitten care tips

    Basic kitten care tips

    It is hard to ignore the sight of a small furry and cuddly kitten. They look at you with soulful eyes and you are lost in their bewitching spell. Well, if not you atleast your children are! You are finally bulldozed into accepting it as the latest addition to the family.

    Cats are good company for both adults and children. They make good playmates and companion. Merryl Streep has claimed that she rehearses all her lines with her pet tabby! If she delivers her line well her pet purrs loudly and if she delivers poorly her furry pal has been known to exit the room!

    Here are some quick tips on how to handle a kitten:

    • Make a room ready: Before bringing your kitten home make sure you allot a room or a little space in your house for your furry buddy. It must be a quiet place with comfortable bedding. Do not forget to keep her water and food containers in this room and ensure that you install a litter box a little away from the food containers. Make sure you clean the litter box regularly to avoid the spreading of infection.
    • Take an appointment with the vet: A vet will ensure that your kitten is thoroughly checked and is administered regular vaccinations. You can ask his advice on how to control parasites both internal and external.  He will also be able to guide you on how to train your pet to use the litter box. You can also ask his recommendation on the type of diet which is best suited to your pet.
    • Socialize: Take your cat out for long car rides. Make sure she is exposed to people by having friends over to play with her thereby ensuring she becomes social. Teach her some tricks. Expose her to toys and do not encourage her to scratch on any surface. Instead, get her a scratching post. As a pet parent you have to be patient and reward good behavior with treats and praise and must learn not to scold but to ignore negative behavior.
    • Preventive measures: As a pet parent you must watch out for early signs of illness and must ensure she gets immediate professional help. Look out for signs such as ; vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, lack of appetite, weight loss or weight gain, difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing, nasal discharge, inability to pass motion or urine or eye discharge.    


    Happy parenting!

    Petcare tip by Harshitha
    Inspiration : petfinder and vetstreet

     

  • When should you board your DOG?

    When should you board your DOG?

    Dogs enjoy outdoors more than indoors naturally. Your home becomes his/her haven over time.  This haven can get disturbed easily with various kinds of human activity. Get your dog accustomed to a good dog boarding kennel where they can be happy, relaxed and safe when your home has unexpected stress for your dog.

    Here are some situations that can stress your dog at home:

    1) Travel: Depending on someone else to take care of your dog in your house is not the best option always. A good boarding kennel will cater to ALL your dog’s needs and provides safety.

    2) Function and guests:  Celebrations at home involving guests, long active hours, more than usual sound and light trigger stress instantly.

    3) Festivals:  Fire crackers during Diwali and New year’s is extremely dangerous for your dog. Apart from causing stress, dogs tend to get lost during such festivals. Find a quiet and safe dog boarding kennel in the outskirts of your city.

    4) Exams: When your children need more attention than anything else at home. Better to board your dog than making them feel ignored.

    5) Renovation: Needless to say painting, carpentry, gardening etc at home will send your dog into a territorial madness or put him/her at risk of consuming something they shouldn’t. Dogs are known to lick poisonous chemicals because of their unusual smell. Leaving your dog in a boarding center is  a responsible decision in such situations.

    6) Car sickness: If your dog is car sick, he might not be able to enjoy the drive as much as you do. Instead of forcing the dog to go on a holiday with you, gift him a holiday instead. Many dogs welcome the change and enjoy their stay at a boarding center that offers space for them to play and good food.

    7) Space constraint at home: Dogs need exercise to stay happy and healthy. If you live in an apartment and you go to work during the day, your dog might not get enough exercise. In such situations, choosing day care for your dog might help where he will get to play leash free supervised.

    There are quite a few Boarding centres across the city to choose from, Do also consider Pawse Boarding next time you are going to board your DOG.

    Pawse is a secluded dog boarding center located amidst suburban greenery of Yelahanka. Their quarter acre facility includes large kennels with runs designed as per international kennel standards, huge outdoor and indoor play area, socializing space for dogs and their parents and a grooming unit.

     

     

  • Avoid Otitis, clean your dogs’ ears now

    Avoid Otitis, clean your dogs’ ears now

    Like human beings ear hygiene is important for dogs as well. Regular cleaning of ears minimizes the risk of ear infections. Dogs often suffer from a common ear disease called “Otitis”, for which uncleaned ears are more prone. Cleaning of ears in every month is recommended. As ears are delicate organs, utmost care should be taken while cleaning the ears to avoid any kind of injuries. Dirt accumulates rather fast and can lead to an infection, especially with floppy-eared canines

    Procedure :

    You can use a cotton ball or a forcep to clean the ears. If using the forcep then wrap the top of forcep with clean cotton. Restrain the dog properly. Adjust the light so the ear canal is clearly visible. Introduce the forcep gently in either of ear and rotate it over the inner surface of ear canal with gentle pressure so the waxy secretion with other dirt can be removed. Repeat the procedure for other ear.

    The rotating should be done in clockwise manner. 3-4 rotations are enough for one ear. The cotton should be changed for every use of forcep. Avoid deep insertion of forcep which may cause injury to the ears and bleeding may occur. Ear cleansers are recommended to clean the ears. 3 to 4 drops of cleanser should be put in the ears first and then the cleaning can be done with the forcep as usual.

    Clean cotton balls without forcep can be used for pups. Ear should be plugged with cotton while bathing the dog. Different ear drops are also available in market if any infection is there. 

    Don’t forget to give your mutt lots of affection and treats when you’re done!      

    Pet Care tips by Pratik Deshpande,
    Veterinary Doctor, Maharashtra

     

  • Make sure your pet’s first aid kit has..

    Make sure your pet’s first aid kit has..

    Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. Good pet parents are always fretting about the safety of their little ones. Being prepared to avoid your pet succumbing to potential danger is the key to safe parenting. Hence, it is necessary to have a first aid kit handy.

    Here’s what is required to fill your pet’s first aid box:

    • Wound spray: A quick solution for your pet’s cuts and bruises.
    • Bandage and scissors: To cover your pet’s injuries.
    • Eye wash and ear wash: If your pet scratches his eyes or ears then it would be a good idea to bring it out the pollutant with an eye or ear wash.
    • Dog cone: If your pet has a head injury or stitches, it would be a good idea to cover his head with a cone so that he would not reach the spot with his paws or even lick the area.
    • Muzzle: this would be helpful to prevent the dog from biting or licking his wound. If your dog is aggressive or unfriendly, putting a muzzle will prevent him from harming other people.
    • Leash: a handy tool to keep your dog under your control, so that he does not run away when you are trying to examine his injury.

    After ensuring that your pet has had his first aid care, take him to your vet for professional care.

    Happy parenting!

    Petcare tip by Harshitha
    Reference : ceaserway