TailsLife Blog

Category: General Care

  • Do cats have a sweet tooth?

    Do cats have a sweet tooth?

    Have you ever tried sharing a piece of cake with your cat and noticed that it does not really want to eat it? Most often they will sniff on it and move on. Yes, cats do not crave for sweets and desserts.  

    Most cats show no interest in sweet foods because their taste buds are quite different from our own. While we humans experience various taste sensations like sweet, sour, salty and bitter, the cat’s taste buds are not as versatile.

    Having evolved as carnivores, they lack a major protein that controls their sweet receptors. Since they cannot detect the taste of sweetness, they do not look for sugar-laden foods.

    However, cats are naturally drawn to foods rich in amino acids, which are abundantly found in poultry and seafood, because that is one of the most vital parts of their diet. Also, many dairy products like ice cream or yoghurt contain high fat quantities which is a preference for cats.

  • Parvovirus infection in dogs

    Parvovirus infection in dogs

    Parvovirus infection in dogs is a serious problem which you need  both understand and address well in time.

    Is your pup vomiting and passing bloody diarrhoea? Then it should not be neglected as your pup may be suffering from Canine Parvoviral Infection. It is a viral disease that occurs in all ages of dog but more commonly seen in pups less than 6 weeks of age. Breeds like Doberman and Labrador are more susceptible to this disease.

    The disease may be transmitted through infected animals and their secretions so the chances of the disease spreading is more in the veterinary clinics, pet shops, etc. The infected Puppy may show the following symptoms:

    • Lack of appetite
    • Slight rise in body temperature
    • Dehydration
    • Severe weight loss
    • Foul smelling diarrhoea
    • Blood in feces
    • Yellow coloured frothy vomit

    Parvovirus affects the intestinal tract and White Blood Cells and may affect the heart muscles causing circulation failure in pups of 6-8 weeks of ages. Death would be due to cardiogenic shock.

    Disease can be prevented by Vaccination of dog with inactivated vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age, booster at 12th week of age and annual booster vaccination.

  • Why are cats active at night?

    Why are cats active at night?

    Is your feline pal keeping you awake at 2 am? Well, this definitely poses a problem for you if you are not a night person and especially if your kids have school and you have a heavy schedule in the morning!

    If you are clueless about your cat’s behaviour and are wondering how to stop this night jamming with your pet this is what you need to consider – your feline buddy’s wildcat ancestors are nocturnal as they hunt during the night. Despite the fact that your pet is domesticated they still have this wild instinct to keep awake at nights.

    Once your cat is up at night, he wants you to hang out with him. You would be encouraging this behavior by giving them the attention and cosseting. You need to slowly stop giving them too much attention. But just closing your door and letting them yowl their hearts out is not the answer to your problem. Here is what you need to do:

    • Keep your cat awake and active during the day by getting them plenty of toys to get busy with while you leave to work. You could get your pet some battery operated toys for them to run around with. Install a window perch which will keep them away from napping as they get slowly engrossed by watching the world outside.
    • You could consider getting your pet another feline companion. This will increase their activity level, keep them entertained and they will want to spend their night time with their new companion.
    • Increase your playtime with your pet in the evenings and encourage them by running and jumping which will tire them and they will want an early night. Feed them a big meal before bedtime so that they do not wake up hungry in the middle of the night.
    • Follow a consistent night time routine of eating and sleeping at a particular time so that your cat knows that it is time to hit the bed.
    • Lastly, no matter what your cat does to get your attention you must never give in. Put on your earphones and keep your bedroom closed. Once your pet knows you will not give in they will stop disturbing you at nights.

    You can always contact your Vet or a Behaviourist for their professional guidance.

    Happy Parenting!

  • How to make your cat drink water?

    How to make your cat drink water?

    Drinking adequate amounts of water will ensure your pet is well hydrated and does not suffer from conditions such as dehydration, urinary infection or kidney diseases. Here are some tips on how to increase your pet’s water intake:

    • Feed them wet food.
    • Increase the fluid consistency in their food. Feed your pet meat broths.
    • You can try giving flavoured ice cubes by freezing their broth in the ice tray. This gives a nice meaty flavor to the water.
    • Multiple water bowls must be kept at different locations in home.
    • Cats have preference to particular type of bowls so you need to keep testing by trying different types of bowls to find out their preferred bowl and provide water for them in it.
    • Some cats like running water from taps or fountains. You can buy them cat water fountains or automatic water dispenser that are easily available in market.    
    • They must have privacy to drink water all by themselves without other cats disturbing them.

    You can always consult your vet if you feel your pet does not take enough water.

    Happy parenting!

  • Poisonous Plants and Foods for Dogs

    Poisonous Plants and Foods for Dogs

    One of the most important job for you as a pet parent is to make your home dog friendly by getting rid of elements that could cause pet poisoning. It is necessary to get rid of plants and food items that could cause a case of poisoning in your pet. Even prescription drugs can cause poisoning so keep it out of their reach. Here are a list of items that can cause poisoning:

    Plants that are poisonous:

    • Aloe Vera
    • Caladium
    • Chrysanthemum
    • Dumbcane
    • Elephant’s Ear
    • Emerald Fern
    • Hyacinth
    • Philodendron
    • Weeping Fig
    • Yew
    • Azaleas
    • Daffodils
    • Foxglove
    • Ivy
    • Morning Glory
    • Nightshade
    • Oak
    • Green Potato
    • Rhododendron
    • Wisteria

    Food that can cause pet poisoning:

    • Avocado: Can cause indigestion and stomach upset
    • Chocolate: Contains Theobromine, which is not easily metabolized and increases the toxic level in their body causing internal bleeding, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, muscle tremors or seizures.
    • Fruit Pits and Seeds: As they contain cyanide
    • Garlic: Contains a small amount of Thiosulphate, which when ingested can get slowly toxic as it builds up in the system.
    • Grapes: Not good for the kidneys
    • Macadamia Nuts: Affects the nervous system
    • Mushrooms: Damage the nervous system, kidneys and heart
    • Nutmeg: Often cause seizures and damage the central nervous system
    • Onions: Contains same toxin as garlic, though in much larger amounts
    • Sugar-Free Foods: Contain Xylitol, which can cause liver failure
    • Tomatoes, Potatoes and Rhubarb: Contain oxalates, which can be toxic

    Symptoms of poisoning:

    • Abdominal Pain
    • Coma
    • Convulsions
    • Diarrhea
    • Drooling
    • Irregular Heartbeat
    • Labored Breathing
    • Lethargy
    • Swollen Limbs
    • Vomiting

    Take your pet immediately to the nearest vet if he exhibits the above mentioned symptoms. Prevention is always better than cure.So, it makes good sense to find out from your vet the plants and food items your breed of dog is most likely to be allergic to. Keep your house clean and keep all medicines, chemicals and cleaning agents away from your pet’s reach.   

    Happy parenting!

  • Why is taurine important for cats?

    Why is taurine important for cats?

    Taurine is an amino acid which should be made regular in your cat’s diet as they cannot synthesize it like humans and certain breeds of dogs. It is very important for the functioning of your pet’s heart, platelets and retina. Taurine helps in electrolyte balance and is utilized for better functioning of your cat’s liver, gallbladder, central nervous system, skeletal muscles and bones.

    Taurine deficiency may lead to:

    • Blindness
    • Heart diseases
    • Infertility
    • Impaired fetal development
    • Tooth decay
    • Fur loss
    • Abnormal skeletal growth

    These following foods are rich in Taurine:

    • Fishes like salmon and sardines are good sources of taurine. Shrimps, scallops and clams are also excellent sources of taurine.
    • Meat
    • Eggs
    • Dairy products

    Feeding your pet food that is rich in taurine helps them to maintain their health. Apart from home cooked diet you can also give them taurine supplements that are now easily available in the market. It is always a good idea to consult with your vet and take their advice on supplements.

    Happy parenting!  

  • How to deworm your dog naturally

    How to deworm your dog naturally

    Intestinal parasites are quite common among dogs and cats and even in us humans. The commonly used treatment for worms are the deworming drugs prescribed by the vet. Now, we know that drugs are very effective but they are also quite strong and come with unpleasant side effects. So, why not look for a cure which is so natural that it is found in your own kitchen!

    So, food that is homemade and a raw meat diet is an ideal option to keep your dog healthy and free from worms. You must avoid feeding them kibbles as worms are attracted to sugars and starch found in kibbles. Also, consider giving them foods or treats that have probiotic properties. You can occasionally give them homemade yoghurt or curds if they are not lactose intolerant.  

    Here are foods that deworm your pet naturally:

    • Ground pumpkin seeds ( 1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of weight)
    • Carrots, greens, squash , fennel seeds or saunf can be added to their regular food
    • Cucumber
    • Pineapple
    • Papaya
    • Pomegranate is very useful in treating tapeworms
    • Garlic in moderate amount is not harmful
    • Apple cider vinegar, when a teaspoon of this is added to your dog’s food it creates an alkaline digestive system that is less attractive to intestinal parasites
    • Coconut oil, a teaspoon of this added to your pet’s food everyday helps to get rid of roundworms

    You can try the above mentioned food items. However, it is advisable that you find out from your vet if the above mentioned food items suit your dog’s breed and type.

    Happy parenting!

  • Why should you feed your dog fruits and vegetables?

    Why should you feed your dog fruits and vegetables?

    Adding fruits and vegetables regularly to your dog’s diet go a long way in ensuring they remain healthy and active, have shinier eyes, a lustrous coat and healthier teeth and are away from unwanted diseases.

    Here is why you need to include fruits and vegetables in your dog’s diet:

    • Vegetables help to balance alkaline and acid levels in the body. Organs like liver, pancreas, gall bladder, heart and kidney work better in a more alkalised system. So, giving only meat to your pet will make their body create more acids. To balance this you need to include more fruits and vegetables in their diet.
    • Vegetables are an excellent source of nutrients. They provide protein, fats, carbohydrates, lipids and fibre. But giving your canine buddy only vegetables is not recommendable. You need to balance it with meat that are a good source of protein and amino acids to make it a highly nutritious diet.
    • Fruits and vegetables are a good source of water. So, by giving your pet fruits and vegetables like radish, cauliflower, watermelon and oranges will ensure they stay well hydrated and have well functioning kidneys.
    • Fruits and vegetable are a good source of Vitamin C, A, E and K. But they require Vitamin B, B12 and D that are found mostly in eggs and liver.   
    • Vegetables, especially green leafy ones are an excellent source of minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium. So you can include moderate amounts of mint leaves, coriander leaves, spinach and lettuce in their diet.
    • Fruits like papaya and pineapple contain enzymes that aid in digestion.
    • Fruits like apples, prunes and strawberries and vegetables like broccoli and cabbage are a good source of antioxidants.
    • Fruits and vegetables provide fiber that help to combat constipation, diarrhea, diabetes and help in weight management.

    So, giving a daily diet of fruits and vegetables along with meat go a long way in ensuring your pet stays healthy and happy. But it is always a good idea to ask your vet about the kind of fruits and vegetables that are most suited to your pet.

    Happy parenting!   

  • Rabies in dogs

    Rabies in dogs

    Rabies is one of the most dreadful viral disease that can be transmitted from animals to human. It is caused by Lyssavirus. Dogs and cat are extremely susceptible to this disease. Dogs that are afflicted with rabies secrete large amounts of virus in their saliva and is passed on to other animals and humans when they are bitten by the rabid dog. Once the symptoms appear the result is always death.  

    The virus eventually attacks the nervous system. Rabies is characterized by abnormal behavior, nervous disturbances, paralysis and death. Treating this disease is too difficult so prevention is always better.  

    A rabid dog may show the following symptoms:

    • Excitation
    • Violent anger
    • Indiscriminate biting
    • Barking at imaginary objects
    • Chews inanimate objects like wood sticks, stones
    • Red eyes
    • Vacant look
    • Champing of jaws
    • Dribbling of saliva
    • Change of voice
    • Does not obey orders of master
    • Does not recognize family members
    • Tries to hide in corners or in dark places

    Death occurs within 10 days after onset of symptoms

    Prevention of the disease can be done by vaccination. The first Anti Rabies vaccine should be given between 3 to 4 month of age and booster doses should be administered after 21 to 28 days of primary vaccine followed with regular annual vaccination. You can always contact your vet if your dog has been in contact with a rabid animal for immediate treatment.

  • Health benefits of Coconut Oil for dogs

    Health benefits of Coconut Oil for dogs

    Coconut oil is the latest health fad that is taking the pet world by storm! Pet parents are now aware of the numerous health benefits of this super power oil. Coconut oil not only improves the condition of your furry friend’s skin and coat but also builds them a strong immune system.

    It is mostly used in food and beauty products. Coconut oil is high in saturated fats and medium chain triglycerides. This has tremendous health benefits not only for humans but also our four legged friends.

    • Coconut oil has antifungal, antiviral and antibiotic properties.
    • Using coconut oil to brush your dog’s teeth helps in removing bad breath and dogs usually love the taste of it.
    • It balances the thyroid hormone.
    • It works wonders for their skin and coat, when applied regularly.
    • It reduces allergic reactions.
    • It keeps intestinal parasites at bay.
    • It helps to build a strong immune and digestive system.
    • The fatty acids helps in stronger cognitive function.
    • It also helps in healing minor cuts and sores.

    Coconut oil must be given to your pet 1 to 2 times a day along with the meals. You can initially start with a smaller dose by giving ¼ teaspoon of coconut oil for small dogs and 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon for large dogs. You need to be careful if your dog is obese and must not exceed more than 1 spoon a day and they should be closely watched to ensure they do not gain more weight.

    It is always a good idea to consult with the vet and take their advice before starting your pet on coconut oil as they understand your pet’s body better.

    Happy parenting!