Category: General Care

7 Diseases spread by fleas and ticks
Flea and tick bites on your dog must not be treated lightly as it causes a host of diseases if left unattended. The diseases following the bites are transmitted when these parasites feed on the blood of your pet.

Different species of fleas and ticks are propagators of certain viruses, bacteria or protozoal parasites. These particular infections are mostly host or carrier specific.

The following are the diseases that are caused by fleas and ticks:
- Parasitic Dermatitis – Parasitic dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused as a result of hypersensitivity to certain substances in the flea’s saliva. You will notice the presence of itchy and inflamed skin on the areas that are afflicted with fleas. Over a period of time the constant irritation will cause hair loss and infection in your pet.
- Lyme Disease – Bacteria that is transmitted following a tick bite leads to Lyme disease. It is a very common tick related disease. Signs of the disease include sudden lameness along with fever, anorexia and lethargy. To prevent the onset of this disease vets recommend Lyme vaccinations for all dogs.
- Bartonella – They are bacterial parasites that are transmitted through flea and tick bites. Bartonella can affect dogs, cats, rodents and humans. It invades the red blood cells and protects itself using the cell membrane while multiplying. It can cause a multitude of ailments depending on the type of strain seen in the host. It is detected through blood tests and is treated by giving a course of antibiotics.
- Erlichiosis – Erlichiosis is a bacterial infection that is caused following tick bites. This bacteria infects and destroys the white blood cells in the body of its host. Its symptoms often lead to lethargy, weight loss, anaemia and enlarged lymph nodes and spleen. It is detected through blood tests and is treated by giving a course of antibiotics.
- Rickettsiae – Rickettsiae is a bacteria that is transmitted through flea and tick bites. The ailments caused by rickettsiae are typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, flea-borne spotted fever and tick fever. Its diagnosis and treatment depends on the strain of rickettsiae and its associated illness.
- Meningoencephalitis – Meningoencephalitis is an inflammatory disease caused by tick-borne viruses. This disease affects the brain and spinal cord and the surrounding membranes. The onset of this disease leads to poor nervous system function. The symptoms of the disease include fever, pain, convulsions and paralysis. Diagnosis is usually done through cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Its treatment is usually done successfully with antibiotics and anticonvulsants provided that the meningoencephalitis is a result of a tick-borne virus.
- Tapeworms – Tapeworms are parasites that are transmitted when fleas are ingested while grooming. Tapeworms survive in the digestive tract of the host and produce reproductive segments of the body known as proglottids. These are passed in the host’s faeces and is easily noticeable. This serves as the only indicator of a tapeworm infestation.
Prevention of any disease is always cheaper and better than cure. So, better get your pet vaccinated against such illnesses. There are however very few vaccinations that protect your pet from these diseases. So, the only way to cure any flea or tick related illness is to get rid of the main parasite itself. Your vet will be able to help you figure out the solution.
November 16, 2017
How to change your dog’s food brand
It is always a challenging task to get your pet used to a new brand of dog food. There are innumerable reasons for you to change their food. It could be the onset of digestive illness, a switch from puppy to adult food or just the fact that you were not too keen that the present choice of food supplied your pet with adequate nourishment.

Whatever maybe the reason, the fact is that your pet is going to take some time to adapt and like the new food. It takes roughly about a week for your pet to adjust to the new diet. You need to mix small portions of new food to the old one and each day the portion of the new food should increase and the old one must decrease gradually until your pet has started to relish the new food.

But if you need to quickly change your dog’s diet due to a dietary illness then follow these steps!
- Find a similar dog food – Choose a new dog food that resembles the older one. For instance, if you were previously giving your pet a chicken and rice meal and if your pet is recalling it then choose another brand that offers the same formulation of chicken and rice meal. You must look carefully at the label and ensure that there are no major changes in the percentages of protein, fat and fiber.
- Offer small meals slowly – Once you bring home the new product, give a smaller portion of it to your pet. If they eat it and there are no digestive problems then offer them another smaller portion after few hours. Gradually increase the portion and decrease the number of servings until you are back to their normal feeding schedule. If your dog is not too keen on the new food then pick it up and do not feed them for another 8 hours, It is alright if they go a little hungry. Continue offering them new food every 8 hours and do so for the next 48 hours. If they show no interest in eating it then you may need to change the brand and consult your vet for their recommendation. Try not to change the flavor of the meal too much or you will be raising a finicky eater!
- Go for easily digestible food – If your pet has a sensitive stomach and are compelled to change their diet then you need to feed them an easily digestible formula and then gradually mix the new food later after a couple of days. It is also a good idea to feed them probiotics supplements that will lessen the chances of them developing diarrhea that usually occurs when there is a change in their diet.
- Consult your vet – If you are still clueless and rather helpless in finding an appropriate brand for your pet and if they are still suffering from gastrointestinal upsets then it is best you contact your vet for their professional advice and recommendation in choosing a new food brand for your pet.
November 12, 2017
WHEN TO SPAY / NEUTER A PUPPY
Benefits of neutering or spaying your dog

Getting your pup neutered or spayed is one of the wisest decision that you will be making as concerned pet parents. Spaying or neutering promotes better health and longevity of your pet. It is a positive step towards controlling the pet population and homeless animals.

Neutering is basically the surgically removal of the reproductive organs in both female and male dogs. Female dogs should be spayed and male dogs should be neutered by six to nine months of age. Here are a few advantages of neutering or spaying your dog:
- It promotes longevity: Getting your female dog spayed can prevent her from succumbing to serious health issues like breast cancer and uterine infections. Neutering your male dog protects him from falling prey to testicular cancer and prostate problems.
- It promotes good behaviour: Female dogs go into heat after six months of age for four to five days every three weeks during the breeding season.They entice the unneutered males by howling and urinating more frequently. If she has been spayed then she will not go into heat. Male dogs, on the other dog, will find ways of getting out of home to find himself a mate which includes frequent roaming and will mark his territory by spraying strong smelling urine all over the house. Neutered males do not display aggressive behaviour and are least likely to roam away from home and try to mount on other people and objects, therefore turning out well behaved.
- It is cost effective: Getting your dog spayed or neutered works out to be cheaper than having and caring for its litter.
So, what are you waiting for? Fix an appointment with your vet and get your dog neutered or spayed.

Happy parenting!
May 31, 2017
Mongrels of India: Guardian angels or stray dogs

We lately stumbled upon a Facebook community that has taken upon itself to pooh-pooh myths about stray dogs / mongrels and the human inclination towards their pedigreed counterparts.

The aptly-named Mongrels of India (https://www.facebook.com/mongrelsofindia/) takes somewhat after the viral Humans of New York (https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork/), a photoblog, book and FB page covering street portraits and interviews of commoners. The difference here being the focus completely shifted towards stray dogs found on our streets.

The Facebook and Instagram group claims to better the reputation and build the image of Indian stray dogs. It has been around eight months since the community was founded by Hyderabad-based Arpita Rao. “My aim is to educate and inspire people, and show them the million ways in which mongrels can be their source of happiness and protection. I hope it inspires other people to pick up one street dog and take them home or at least feed them,” is the mission undertaken by Arpita.

“People think that (stray) dogs are aggressive, but that’s just defending themselves. Not all of them mean to bite you,” she adds.

Apparently, she has been taking care of and feeding mongrels near her office in Hyderabad for a long time now. Mongrels of India initially used to portray images of strays that she had captured during her journeys. It now features pet user-generated stories and narratives of real-life incidents involving adopted stray dogs. It motivates Indians to adopt local breeds and extend proper care to them. The page also has tied up with rescue centres to help adoption efforts and find homes for stray dogs.

“Stray / Indian breed dogs have little to no health problems, do not require specialised training / trainers and are much lower maintenance than any purebred dog,” recommends a pet lover on the page, which has garnered 3,300 followers.

This might be the spot to be, if you are looking to adopt a mongrel.

May 25, 2017
A definitive to-do list for the first-time dog owner

So, you are kicked about welcoming a new dog home for the first time ever in your life. You must already have thought about its everyday needs. Food, bowls, crate, puppy pads, waste bags, collar, leash, harness, and what not! Well, there is bit more to it if you are a first-time dog owner.

First things first. Be very clear as to why you need a dog in the first place and whether you can take care of all it needs, come what may. Patience and empathy play a huge role when it comes to pet care. Do ensure that you have oodles of both before bringing a pet home.

Once you make up your mind and understand the responsibilities that accompany raising a dog, source all requisite supplies, such as identification tags, toys and beds, apart from the ones mentioned in the first paragraph. It’s ideal to feed her / him mostly with fresh food, either prepared at home or bought outside, as packaged foods don’t always guarantee good health.

The new arrival needs time to get accustomed to your home and surroundings. Crate training helps you create a safe environment for your pups to be by themselves, demarcate an exclusive zone to its comfort, and enables potty training.

As for grooming, slow and steady is the key. Not every dog enjoys its bath or other such exercises. Be extra cautious when you apply soap or shampoo on the dog’s coat to avoid any injuries or dry skin. The same applies when you dry them using soft towels.

Dogs like to go for a walk and play. Both activities are good work-outs not only for your dog, but also for you. Walks are just as important as food and bath are to a dog. It also helps with obedience training even as it keeps them refreshed outdoors.

Get the right kind of toys that your pet will like to play with. Stuffed and chew toys may work with some breeds, while most others will be ecstatic about treat-dispensing toys, especially when you are not around. These toys also act as rewards for their good behaviour in your absence.

May 25, 2017
Revealed: Global companies with a ‘paw’some pet policy!

When Amazon’s former editor-in-chief and principal engineer took his pet along to work, little did he realise that the dog would soon become a trendsetter at the e-tailer office. The legend of the Corgi, named Rufus, grew eventually, and spread well beyond the office precincts to Amazon consumers’ hearts.

‘Barking’ lot

Ultimately, Rufus paved the way for a pet-friendly culture at Amazon. The e-commerce major recently threw open its second dog park at Seattle’s Denny Triangle area. This park is developed to, hold your breath, entertain 2,000 registered office dogs, and has a 1,000-square-foot off-leash are with play zone, doggie drinking fountain and a treat truck.

Gaming company, Zynga, was named after its founder Mark Pincus’s American Bulldog, Zinga. Like Amazon, it has a dog park on the roof and a ‘barking lot’ adjacent to its main lobby. It even offers pet insurance benefits.

‘Paw’licy statement

Tech giant Google is quite unique when it comes to pet policy. The company allows supervised dogs to visit its campus, allots frequent visitors exclusive badges and even has in-house caretakers. Dog lovers at Google can join a group, Dooglers, and visit a dog-themed cafe inspired by the company’s first dog Yoshka, a Leonburger owned by an early employee, Urs Hölzle.

There are also other companies with their own, improvised pet policies. Salesforce calls its official pet policy, Puppyforce. The code allows up to six employees reserve desks for pets in a specially designed communal room. At VMWare, employees are asked to sign an agreement on dog etiquette, and it provides their dogs with a tag and bandana.

‘Paw’ternity leave

Would you believe if we say that some companies offer ‘pawternity’ leave for pet owners? Pet nutrition service provider, Mars Petcare, was a pioneer in this aspect. It grants its employees ten hours of paid leave when they get a new pet, and let them subsequently bring their pets to the office. Apparently, Scottish brewery company, BrewDog, has just started offering a week of paid leave. Manchester-headquartered tech company, BitSol Solutions, also offers its employees a full week of paid leave.

May 25, 2017
Why that abandoned dog needs your attention

A disconcerting news report last week raised an alarm about dogs going missing in Delhi, that too from a densely populated industry suburb. The distraught owner of one of those canines, Brownie, has promptly launched a collective online campaign – #justiceforBrownie – which alludes to the very dogs being slaughtered for meat. Ghastly!

The campaign is aimed at banning the practice of dog meat being used for an assortment of delicacies, including momos, biryani and kebabs. It is also to bring about awareness on the issue and make the culprits accountable. If this is the case with domesticated dogs, one can’t imagine the plight of stray dogs and their abandoned cousins.

Animal rescuers and shelters, naturally, are a concerned lot. Abodh Aras, CEO of The Welfare of Stray Dogs, was quoted telling ScoopWhoop, “You name a breed and we have found it on the streets.” This includes pedigree ones as well.

Apparently, Labradors are the most commonly abandoned dogs found at animal shelters in India. The primary reasons cited for their abandonment are health concerns and behavioural issues. It ultimately boils down to the attitude of people. They just don’t want to commit to offering shelter to a pet for life nor do they care much for strays or abandoned dogs.

Recent estimates suggest that around 600,000 pets are getting adopted in India annually. But the figure might fade in comparison with the humongous number of dogs being abandoned on the streets or those that end up on our plates. This makes a strong case for you to adopt an abandoned pet rather than going for an expensive option of buying them.

Here is some inspiration for you: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli recently (passive) adopted 15 destitute dogs, most of them crippled and blind, from a rescue and rehabilitation centre in Bangalore. Who knows? He might have inadvertently saved a few reaching eateries.

Are you up for it?

May 25, 2017
Early signs of illness in puppies
So, you brought home a four legged bundle of joy. The whole family is no doubt entranced with the newest family member! Yes, puppies are a treat to the eyes and bring joy to the heart. But they are also vulnerable to sickness, and since they are so little and cannot communicate well it is your duty as pet parents to watch out for these signs of illness in your furry buddy:
- Lethargic: Puppies need a lot of rest which plays a vital role in their all round development. When the are awake they should be playful and energetic. If your puppy appears to be sluggish and lethargic even during playtime it maybe a sign of an underlying sickness such as parvovirus or bacterial diseases.
- Loss of appetite: Your pup maybe averse to eating for a number of reasons; it could be anxiety about moving to a new place, missing a family member or maybe they have been fed tidbits from the dining table. So you need to gently coax them to eat and if they still do not eat you need to get them checked by the vet.
- Diarrhea: Your pup could have diarrhea for a couple of reasons; it could be due to the anxiety of coming to a new home, by a virus or a parasite. You need to take your pet to the vet immediately and especially if you notice blood in the motion.
- Vomiting: Vomiting could be caused due to a number of reasons; moving into a new home, gulping their food very fast or overfeeding. You need to keep a close watch on what they eat and try giving them smaller portions of meals at regular intervals. If you notice blood in their vomit you need to get them checked by the vet immediately.
- Whimpering: Your pup would definitely cry out of your attention. If their whimpering does not stop even after giving them a cuddle it could be a sign of an underlying pain or illness. So you need to take them to the vet.
- Licking or itching: If you notice your pup constantly licking or itching at one particular spot then you need to examine it. It could be a rash or an allergy. So put an soothing ointment on the spot only after consulting with your vet.
- Dizziness: If you feel that your pup is walking sluggishly or drunkenly it could be a sign of low blood sugar or dehydration. So it is better to get them checked by the vet.
Pet parents are always anxious about their new pet. No doubt you can use your intuitive judgement to figure out the problem with your pet. But it is always a sound idea to contact your vet when in doubt for their expert advice.

Happy parenting!
May 24, 2017
Five THINGS YOUR PET TEACHES YOU
The key to a happier life is very simple – appreciate the little things around you, and who better to teach it to you than your four legged buddy! A little cuddle, a run around the park, a tasty bite of a juicy piece of meat, it is bound to bring joy to both man and his animal.

Let’s have a look at 5 things you can learn from your pet:
- Learn to celebrate – The first person to greet you when you come home is your pet. Despite the bummer of a day that you had it will definitely lift your spirits up by the gentle licks and cuddles from your loving hound. The simple joys of life are what you must appreciate and hold onto and who better to teach you the ways and means to find it other than your adoring pet!
- Just being present – In times of grief and mourning no one else can help you heal faster than your faithful pet. A lot of people do not know what to say or do to make the person feel better yet what is important is not what you say but what you do not. Just quietly being there for you is what loyal pets do.
- Express your love – Pets have nothing to hide, if they love you they express it. This approach is essential for the survival of any relationship. Expressing your love in a thoughtful and meaningful way will strengthen the bond you share with your partner.
- Be independent – We can learn a lot from cats. They are self sufficient and love to do things their way. A person can be a lot happier when he is not worried about what other people think or say. Do what you have to do for yourself and not to please others, it may seem selfish but yet your happiness is what is most important!
- Learn to co-exist – Live and let live is the easiest mantra for happy living. If dogs and cats can co-exist in a warm and loving environment so can two different individuals. All it takes is a little patience, tolerance and perseverance!
May 23, 2017
4 ways to keep your cat’s coat shiny and healthy
Cats are obsessive self groomers. They spend hours together grooming themselves. Still like dogs their coats can get dull, flaky and sparse. This could be for a couple of reasons.

Poor nutrition, presence of parasites or underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes or skin diseases. This problem is commonly seen in older and obese cats due to the fact that they find it difficult to groom themselves. So, a visit to the vet is a must along with making changes in their diet by including more more protein, vitamin, minerals, healthy fats and carbohydrates.

Once your vet gives your pet a clean bill of health you need to make changes in their diet and grooming them yourself.

Here is what you need to do:
- Include Omega 3 fatty acids supplements in their diet. Tuna, sardines and salmon are a rich source of Omega. So, include this in their diet. You can also add fish oil to their food and ask your vet about other supplements that your pet can take.
- Once your pet gets older they may need your help in grooming them. Brushing your cat regularly stimulates their hair follicles and release essential oils that are needed for a shiny coat.
- Cats rarely need bath as they are essentially clean creatures. They do not require bath unless they are very dirty, greasy, smelly or are unable to clean themselves. If so you need to use a mild cat shampoo and a gentle conditioner, the type recommended by your vet to suit your cat’s skin.
- You can include coconut oil in your cat’s food. It contains healthy fat that is essential for their skin and hair. A teaspoon of it can be added to their food. You can also massage your cat’s hair and skin with coconut oil.
You can always contact your vet for their professional advice and guidance.

Happy parenting!
May 20, 2017