Category: Dogs

5 Reasons why dogs do not like certain people
You think that getting a dog to like you is easy peasy? Just drop them their favourite treats and you have a friend for life. Well, its not that easy! Our canine buddies judge a person’s character instantly. So, with just a look and a quick sniff they decide whether to befriend you or attack you!

It could be a good friend, your next-door watchman or anyone they see on the street. They will bark and growl at the person if they come close or they might just turn their tail and disappear. To understand this better here are a few reasons why your pet does not like certain people.
- Tone of voice – Dogs might not be as fluent as you when it comes to language but they can pick up the tenor of the voice. A study published in 2016 found that a dog’s brain reacts according to the tone of voice of the person speaking to them.
The results of the findings pointed to the fact that dogs joyously greeted a happy sounding person but reacted negatively towards people who spoke in deep angry sounding voices.
- Body language – While your pet assesses a person’s tenor of voice they simultaneously evaluate their body language. Since they cannot communicate through language they tend to depend on body language. The problem occurs when there is a mismatch between how we humans perceive body movements and how dogs interpret those signs.
For example, when it comes to eye contact, a human who does not look at you in the eye and speak is known to be untrustworthy or even suspicious. In a dog, however, direct eye contact is perceived as being rude and poses a threat. Making soft eyes or looking gently to the side shows a mark of respect. Bending over a dog, forcing them to hug you or making wide gestures with your arms will only invite more trouble from a dog.
- How someone interacts with others – A psychologist from Kyoto University conducted a study to find out if certain animals can make social evaluations the way that humans do. He wanted to know if dogs could tell when a person was being rude to someone.
During the test a dog watched its owner struggle to open a container. The owner then asked another person to help him get it open. Sometimes people would help and other times they would refuse. After each interaction with the person who opened or did not open the container, the dog was given the choice whether to accept attention or not from the person or just ignore them. It was found that the people who refused to help the dog owner were the ones who were disliked by the dog for being rude to their owner. The study came to the conclusion that if a person is rude to you regularly then chances are that they will come way down in the list of your dog’s favourite people! After all, dogs are ferociously loyal to their owners.
- Smell – Undoubtedly, a dog has an incredible sense of smell. One of the first thing they do when they greet a person is to sniff them. If they like what they smell then you have gained a friend, if not watch out!
Dogs usually do not like people from whom they get the smell of unknown dogs. They also do not like people who smell of anything citrusy, vinegar, mothballs and alcohol.
- Past trauma – Dogs with a history of abuse or abandonment never forget their dark past. Even when they get passed on to loving families their tainted past will stick to them like a shadow. In a few cases, they will develop fear and mistrust towards certain people who remind them of their painful past.
So, now you know how a dog perceives a person it is a good idea to start behaving nice towards people and spruce yourself up. A dog will definitely appreciate it!
August 29, 2018
8 Natural ways to treat Glaucoma in dogs
Glaucoma is an eye disease that is very common in dogs. If they are not given prompt care they can lose their eyesight. Yes, it is that serious! Though they are treated through medications and surgery, you can save and improve your dog’s eyesight naturally. There is no harm in trying is there?

Firstly, what is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition of increased pressure within your pet’s eyes that will gradually result in loss of sight. Inside their eyes and situated between the lens and the cornea is a thick substance called aqueous humour. It nourishes the eye tissues and helps the eye to maintain its round shape.

The eye pressure will be normal where there is a proper balance of the production and drainage of this substance. Your dog’s eyes will function efficiently. If there is an imbalance of the aqueous humour, in terms of over production or not sufficient drainage, then the pressure within the eyes will build up. When the pressure gets high, the eye will stretch in order to accommodate the fluid build-up.

There are two types of Glaucoma; primary and secondary. Primary glaucoma is a result of genetics and secondary glaucoma occurs when something effects the eye which blocks the drainage. It could be due to an eye injury, trauma, an eye infection or a general inflammation in the eye.

Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Blinking constantly
- Redness in the blood vessels
- Cloudiness in the front of your dog’s eyes
- A diluted pupil
- Rubbing the eyes with their paw
- Squinting
- Swollen eye
- Loss of vision
Glaucoma is a serious problem and if left untreated will cause blindness. So, a quick medical intervention is required to save their eyesight. The treatment involves oral medication that will lower the pressure by blocking the fluid production.

But their eyes require the nutrients in the fluid. So, it is not really a bright idea to stop them from producing it, isn’t it?

However, there are natural remedies that will help to reduce the pressure and will protect your dog’s eyes from further harm.

Natural treatment for glaucoma in dogs
- Spinach – This has carotenoids that will strengthen the ocular tissue and stop further eye damage. You must add 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of bodyweight.
- Fennel – Is very important for eye health. It also reduces the pressure of the damaged eye. Add 1 teaspoon of it for 10 lbs of your pet’s body weight to their food. You can also use its juice extract on a clean cloth and gently wipe their eyes.
- Carrots – They are a good source of beta carotene, which helps to repair damaged eye cells. You must add 1 teaspoon of grated carrot per 10 lbs of your dog’s body weight daily to their food.
- Magnesium – This relaxes the blood vessel walls. It also improves and regulates blood flow. Good sources of magnesium are spinach, beans, meat and fish.
Reducing the risk of glaucoma

If your dog has not developed glaucoma then you must protect their eyes. Once you slow down the degenerative changes in their eye, you will help them to reduce the risk of developing glaucoma.

Here is how you can do this.
- Introduce antioxidants to their diet – Make sure they get their daily dose of beta carotene, all the vitamins and minerals.
- Reduce stress – Stress is bad for everyone, even your furry buddy. Help them to manage stress by recognising the signs and by eliminating the stressors from their environment.
- Regular eye checks – Glaucoma can be hard to spot. So, its best that you take your pet for regular check ups so that your vet can spot the signs and treat it at an early stage.
- Reduce the pressure on their neck – Lot of pressure on the neck can cause inter cerebral pressure that can increase the risk of glaucoma. You can switch to a harness that will fit their chest or loosen up their collar if its too tight.
Since prevention is always better than cure, ensure that you follow these tips to protect your canine buddy’s eyes.
August 16, 2018
Why human food must be added to your dog’s daily diet?

It is a universal truth that about 96 percent of pet owners across the globe feed their pet readily available dried commercial food. Most of them do not want to make the extra effort of cooking something fresh and healthy for their pet or do not have the time or patience to look for the right kind of food for their pet.

The benefits of feeding fresh human food is something that majority of people would not would not even consider. Thanks to the popular rumour that has been floating since forever, that is to not feed your pet table scraps.

This rumour goes way back in time to the 1960s, since the invention of processed pet food. The public were since then warned about the supposed dangers of feeding their pet human food and painted a glowing picture about the positive impact of processed pet food.

The rumour seems to be working even now as people still firmly believe that processed pet food is the key to good health.

Is it good to offer your pet only dried kibble?

With the rise of obesity, diabetes and cancer cases in dogs, the leading cause of it seems to be the food they eat. Which is mostly dried kibble. A 2005 study done at Purdue University, USA, on Scottish Terriers showed that including fresh vegetables to a dry commercial food slowed down or prevented the development of bladder cancer.

In this study, the dogs consumed a diet of dry commercial food along with a mix of different vegetables, three times a week.

The result of the study was quite astounding:

Dogs that ate green vegetables like spinach or beans had reduced risk of developing bladder cancer and dogs that ate yellow or orange vegetables like carrots or pumpkin further lowered the risk of succumbing to cancer.

Therefore, consuming fresh vegetables are the best weapons that your pet can ever use to combat the big C.

Balance is very important factor in food. An ideal dog food must contain the right mix of meat protein, vegetables and grains.

A good quality dog food must be human grade or have ingredients that is edible for humans. After all, you are what you eat. So, you might as well ensure your pet eats healthy to stay healthy!

If you are looking for a ready-made brand of human grade dog food then you must try Furresh. Click on the following link for more details, www.furresh.com.

August 15, 2018
Which is better: the regular dog leash or the retractable leash?

Our canine friends have been unfailingly standing right by our side with the aide of a leash, since time immemorial. With the changing times the humble leash now comes in different styles and format. If you are wondering which kind of leash to choose for your pet then here is all that you need to know.

There are two types of leashes; the classic leash and the retractable one. The idea of the two kinds of leash are the same, they allow your dog to get around places and have similar form of control mechanism. But how far can you go with each of them is the one you need to decide upon.

Classic leash

The traditional leash is a rope that is made of nylon or leather. It comes with a looped handle at one end and the collar clip at the other. It has a determined length and does not allow your dog to run free within its bounds.

Retractable leash

The retractable leash is a leash which has a spooled line that is stored in a handle. They extend anywhere from 10 to 25 feet. It usually has an in-built locking button to stop your pet from wandering further than you want them to. You will not be able to pull your dog closer to you but the line remains taut enough for them while they explore their surrounding areas.

Retractable leashes work well only if you like to give your pet freedom to explore their environment without you needing to control their every step while they do so. It must ideally be used in open spaced environment with minimal exposure to city traffic or other dangers.

Through classic leash you can have some control over your dog’s movements. It allows you to pull your dog away from dangerous situations. It can also be used for training purposes. On the other hand, the retractable leash or the long leash has only one major role that is to provide freedom of movement to your pet.

Retractable leashes are convenient and dangerous

Retractable leashes allow your dog to explore their environment without your constant supervision. Instead of staying only 6 feet away from you in a traditional leash, in the retractable one they can easily explore the park at their pace while you can walk behind sedately and leisurely. You can also choose the desired length by pressing the control button and use it as a normal leash as well when you are within the city.

Retractable leashes can also be dangerous as it can allow accidents to happen. Children can come near your unprepared dog or other dogs may run into your pet which can trigger aggressive response in your pet and you may not be able to control their leash at that moment, thereby leading to accidents.

Apart from this you can even drop the retractable leash by mistake and your dog can cut loose and run wild. Appropriate leash training cannot be achieved with the retractable leash which can lead to other behavioural issues.

What’s the verdict? Classic leash or retractable leash?

The classic leash has a tremendous advantage over the retractable leash. It’s definitely the ideal choice for walking your pet. It does not pose any danger to your pet and allows you to have full control over your pet’s movement.

Retractable leashes must be used only in open spaces like parks, estates or fields where there is very little chance for your pet to run into unwanted dangers in the form of other dogs, children or cars. It is strictly not for city use nor should it be used when other dogs are around. If you still prefer the retractable leash then you must be fully aware of where you are taking your dog and must carefully monitor them.

August 13, 2018
How to tell if your dog is feeling hot?
Its summertime again! While you chill out wearing shorts and sipping on a cooling drink under the AC, spare a thought for your pet. Summer can be quite harsh for those breeds who are sensitive to heat like Pug and Boxer. They are highly prone to heat exhaustion.

Dogs do not have a sweating mechanism that humans have in order to cool their bodies. They need external help from us to help them cool down. While panting is their way of cooling themselves it is not enough.

To give special care to your pet this summer, you must be aware of the signs that tell that your dog is overheated. So, here is what you need to look out for:
- Heavy panting
- Pale or dry gums
- Continuous drooling
- Rapid breathing
How to protect your dog from getting overheated?

The scorching heat of summer can be quite exhausting especially for your pet. Ensure that you do not make them do any strenuous exercise during a hot summer’s day. They must have a shady spot outside your house where they can rest. Their water bowl must be always filled with clean and fresh water. It is also a good idea to keep water bowls in areas where your pet always frequents.

If your dog is showing signs to heat exhaustion then you must get them to drink sufficient water. A dog can also get overheated in a swimming pool. So, make sure they do not stay a long time in water and are present to avoid any mishaps during their swim.

One thing that a concerned pet parent must never do is to leave their dog unattended in a car. Even with open windows a car can get heated up. So, never leave your dog alone in the car as they can easily succumb to heat stroke leading to fatal consequences.

If you do notice signs of lethargy or exhaustion in your pet then you must take them to the vet for a swift medical intervention.

Though summer can be quite tiring for you and your pet, with the right kind of preparation and precaution you and your pet can enjoy the best of the season!
August 12, 2018
Can dogs recognise their puppies after they are separated?

Xena, my 1-year old Chihuahua Pinscher, was only a month old when she was separated from her mother and was adopted by us. My daughter has this grand plan of reuniting her with mother and siblings when we make a trip to Xena’s hometown. A reunion party with a separated mom and siblings sounds quite exciting for us humans but what about our canine buddies?

Will they instantly recognise their own blood? If so, will they be genuinely affectionate or turn hostile? To help us understand this, a 2013 study in Animal Cognition suggests that dogs do have a long-term memory and it might be possible that they can recognise their pups. But the recognition depends on a couple of factors like for how long they have been separated.

In humans it is something like meeting an acquaintance on the street and not reckoning the fact that they are your old friend whom you have lost touch with. Once you realise how close they were to you as a friend you will greet them more warmly and affectionately than if they were just a casual acquaintance you have met and are just getting to know.

Animal behaviourists are of the opinion that dogs treat all puppies the same way they would treat their own after being separated. A few female dogs behave like they do not want their puppy anywhere near them. Other female dogs are usually excited to see their pups when they return to visit.

You know how hard it is to recognise people once you meet them after many years. It is the same with our canine pals.

A mom – pup recognition is dependent on various factors like the environmental conditions during the time of separation and the level of bonding that they shared before getting separated. Puppies also undergo a lot of changes as they grow older. The recognition factor depends on how changed they appear or not since they left their mother.

It is not very often that dog moms are pleasantly surprised with a happy reunion with her puppies. It all depends on how well adjusted and social your pet is or not. It’s a chance that you got to take. I do have a strong feeling that Xena will be affectionately welcomed home by her doggy mom. Fingers crossed!

August 10, 2018
Do dogs sweat?
Exercising outdoors on a hot day is likely to make you feel all sweaty and thirsty. While you sip on chilled water and wipe the sweat off your brow, spare a thought for your canine buddy. How do they take on heat? While you see them panting wildly you do not notice a single trace of sweat on them. A thought does come into mind, do dogs sweat?

Well, dogs do sweat but is only a small part of the process they use in cooling themselves when they feel hot. As compared with humans, dogs do not cope well in taking care of themselves during extreme temperatures. Why is why they need our help in cooling them down or keeping them warm.

Where do dogs sweat?

Dogs produce sweat only in certain areas of their bodies. They basically have two types of sweat glands:
- Merocrine glands – These glands are found in their paw pads. It activates when your dog feels hot to help them cool down. This is why you will notice their paw prints on the ground during hot days.
- Apocrine glands – The function of this gland is to help your pet release pheromones and not to cool them down. These glands are situated all over their body and helps to recognise other dogs by scent.
Why do dogs pant?

As you can see sweat plays a minute role in cooling down your furry buddy. Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature. When they pant, they evaporate the moisture from their tongues and the linings of their lungs which cools them as air passes over the moist tissue. They also rely on vasodilation to help them cool off by expansion of blood vessels in their ears and face. As the blood vessels expand, the bring the blood closer to the surface thereby regulating their internal body temperature.

Does fur make dogs hot?

Wearing a warm sweater during the peak of summer will undoubtedly make you feel like you are baking in an oven. On the other hand, your pet’s fur actually acts as an insulator. Which keeps them hot or cool depending on the room temperature.

Sometimes the insulating layer during extremely hot conditions will not help to cool the dog’s body. If a dog gets very hot it means that it will take them a long time to cool down as compared to furless humans. Dogs that have thick coats like the German Shepherd and Saint Bernard are well insulated than dogs with thinner coats like the Greyhound or Shih Tzu. This is why short haired and single coated dogs can tolerate heat and not cold.

Keeping your dog cold or warm

As dogs are unable to help themselves cool down effectively during extreme temperatures we can help them do so by controlling their environment. During summer, make sure your pet has access to clean water and the house is cool enough for them. If they love resting outdoors then find them a cool shady area and remember to never leave them unattended in your car during summer as they can easily succumb to heat stroke.

During winter make sure your pet stays warm indoors and limit their exposure to cold temperatures. Exercising your dog is very important as it helps them to build a strong body.
August 6, 2018
Does a warm and dry nose mean my dog is sick?
“Your dog’s nose is dry. Maybe she is sick!” This is the popular opinion of most dog owners. A wet nose is a sign of good health and a dry nose is a sign of illness. Is this true or just a myth that needs to be debunked?

Before we reveal the answer, you need to understand why dogs have wet noses. A wet nose helps your dog to have a heightened sense of smell to know the world around them and scent particles stick easily on moist surfaces. The wet nose also helps your pet cool down on hot days.

A special mucus producing glands are found in the lining of a dog’s nose that keeps their nasal passage moist apart from producing a watery fluid which help to keep themselves cool. Dogs also lick their noses to keep it clean.

What does it really mean when your dog’s nose is dry?

There are perfectly normal reasons why a dog’s nose can be dry. As easy as it is to say that a dry nose means a dog is sick you must also note the fact that a sick dog can have a wet nose too.

The following are some probable reasons why your pet’s nose is dry:
- Your dog was napping – A sleeping dog does not lick its nose during nap time so they will wake up with a dry nose.
- Dehydration from exercise – Heavy exercise can cause dehydration that leads to a dry nose. So, keep your pet well hydrated during exercise time.
- Exposure to elements – Too much exposure to sun, wind or cold will dry your dog’s nose and in a few cases will result in chapped or sunburned snouts. Lying too close to a source of heat can cause dry skin on your pet’s nose.
- Age – Some dogs have dry nose as they age.
So, now you know that a dry nose does not necessarily mean a health trouble to your pet. But it can be a sign of fever, dehydration or even a dry eye. If a dry nose is accompanied with other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or changes in appetite that you must consult your vet for their professional advice.

Another interesting fact to note is that your pet’s gums can tell you more accurate details about their health rather than their nose. A moist gum is a sign of good hydration. If it is dry then it is a sign of dehydration. Gums that are pink in colour is a sign of good health. Pale looking gums can be a sign of anaemia or low blood pressure. If your pet has bright red – purple or pale blueish gums then they must be checked by the vet immediately.
August 5, 2018
Can dogs eat ice cream?

Is the sweltering heat of summer getting to you? To beat the heat am sure you will be downing cool sodas apart from indulging on ice cream and other frozen treats and who better to give you company than your furry buddy!

They will enthusiastically lick the ice cream expecting more from you. If you are wondering if ice creams are a safe treat for your pet, then the answer is no. Apart form it being loaded with sugar, they also contain milk and flavours that do not suit dogs.

Why dogs cannot eat ice cream?

Dogs cannot digest milk after they are weaned off during the puppy stage. Ice cream is made out of milk so feeding it to your pet will cause gas, bloating, constipation, vomiting or diarrhea.

Ice cream contains sugar in high quantities so feeding your pet sugary food will lead to weight gain and obesity. It will also set off other health complications.

Ice creams come in various flavours that is dangerous for dogs. For instance, chocolate is toxic for dogs as their bodies cannot process theobromine, a component found in chocolates.

Ice cream is definitely not dangerous when they are given small portions of it as an occasional treat. But for dogs that are obese, have diabetes, allergies or dairy intolerances it can pose a serious problem.

Now that you know that ice creams are not a good dessert for your pet, its time you looked at other healthier options that will not cause digestive upsets to your pet.

Healthy alternatives to ice cream

If you want to give your furry buddy a frozen treat to beat the heat this summer, then yogurt is a good option. As yogurt is fermented, it has probiotics and contains less lactose that will go easy on your pet’s stomach. Do not give your pet yogurt that contains sugar. Instead, get them a plain one with no added sugar. You can try making it at home. Some dogs may not be able to digest yogurt. So, give it to your pet only when you know of certain that it suits them.

Apart from this there are other frozen treats and ice creams that are made particularly for our canine buddies which is commercially available. Choose they type that best suits your pet.

August 3, 2018
What to feed a dog with diarrhea or stomach upset?
‘Help! My dog has an upset tummy. What do I feed him?’ This is one of the most common questions anxious pet parents ask the vet. Now we understand how unpleasant a stomach upset is and know what works best for us. You can do the same for your pet as well. All you have to do is to find out what caused the problem and if their condition is serious enough to seek medical help or is easily treatable at home by using simple home remedies.

If the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea still persist after 24 hours, along with other symptoms like lethargy and poor appetite then you must take them to the vet. But if the stomach upset is due to changes in their diet or due to stress colitis, it can be easily treated at home.

Foods have properties which either warm the body, cool them or are neutral. When either of the balance goes haywire, diseases creep in. Most often gastrointestinal upsets are a result of too much heat in the body so you need to eat foods that cool you down.

Here are a few foods that you can feed your sick dog:
- Fasting – By not feeding your pet for 12 to 24 hours and giving them only water can help ease the situation. Once you allow their gastrointestinal tract to rest they will be able to efficiently receive and digest nutrients that are then given to them. But you need to ensure that your pet stays well hydrated by giving them water or ice chips frequently.
- Cooling proteins – Feeding you dog chicken when they have a tummy upset is not a good idea. Chicken is a protein that causes heat in body. Giving them lamb or goat is also not a good idea. Instead, introduce them to cooling proteins like turkey, eggs, cottage cheese, pork or tofu.
- Millet – Millet is a cooling food which is high in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals that will help to recuperate your pet’s ailing stomach.
- Potato – Potatoes are another cooling food that are bland, easy to digest and source of carbs that help to soothe upset stomachs and provide energy. You can boil, steam or bake the potatoes. Mash them well but remember to peel away the skin before serving it to your pet.
- Banana – Bananas are a cooling food that provide energy as well as strengthen the dehydrated digestive system. Bananas have pectin, a soluble fibre that binds water in the colon and coats the gastrointestinal tract. They are also rich in potassium that will help to quickly energise a dehydrated body.
- Peppermint or pudina – Pudina is a very valuable medicinal plant that soothes an upset stomach, relieves gas and eases indigestion. Pudina also has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Feeding them its fresh form in the form of chopped leaves will ensure their stomach recovers soon. You can feed ¼ teaspoon of pudina to small breeds, ½ teaspoon to medium size breeds and 1 teaspoon to large breeds.
You can try any of the above remedies. But if the symptoms still persist then you must take them to the vet for quicker medical intervention.
June 10, 2018