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What spices are safe for dogs?
Indian cooking is a fusion of various spices. The aromatic spices and herbs like coriander, dill and turmeric not only adds pleasure to our taste buds but is known for its medicinal value as well. While we indulge in spices that are high on medicinal value what about our canine buddies? Can they have spices like garlic, turmeric or basil?

Here is all you need to know about safe spices for our canine pals!
- Basil or Tulsi is antibacterial and anticancer. It protects the liver and help to fight diabetes. It also helps to reduce pain and inflammation. So, it is especially useful for dogs suffering from arthritis.
- Coriander helps to alleviate nausea, soothes intestinal gas is antiparasitic and antidiarrheal. It also helps to detoxify the body.
- Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory. It regulates the blood sugar levels and helps to fight cancer. It protects the heart against diseases and also lowers the risk of your dog contracting Alzheimer’s and Parkinson disease.
- Dill is antibacterial and antifungal. It improves digestion and lowers blood sugar levels. It also regulates menstruation and relieves diarrhea.
- Fennel or saunf detoxifies the body. It aids digestion and has anti-cancer properties. It relieves constipation and soothes diarrhea and intestinal gas.
- Ginger is anti-inflammatory. It alleviates nausea and upset stomach. It boosts cognitive function and regulates blood sugar levels. It can stop the growth of cancerous cells and reduces pain of osteoarthritis. Feeding ginger to a senior dog helps to boost their cognitive function and reduces joint pain that usually comes with old age.
- Peppermint or pudina eases spasms in colon. It relieves indigestion and intestinal gas and soothes an upset stomach. It also helps to treat diarrhea.
- Turmeric has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts brain function and reduces the symptoms of arthritis. Just add a small pinch of it to your dog’s meal as too much of it can turn them off their food.
While serving the above ingredients it is advisable to serve them in moderation as anything served in excess will always cause problems. Make sure your pet is not allergic to any of the above ingredient before serving it to them on regular basis. It is always advisable to contact your vet for further advice.

Once you understand what spices are safe for dogs, its time you also learnt what is unsafe for them:
- Garlic when served in small amounts is safe and good for health but too much of it can lead to toxicity.
- Onions can cause haemolytic anaemia in dogs. So, it is best to avoid this particular ingredient.
- Black pepper is considered toxic to dogs as the piperine in black pepper enhances the absorption of the prescription medicines thereby increasing the chances of an accidental overdose.
- Nutmeg has myristicin that is toxic to dogs and will cause symptoms of disorientation and seizures.
Now that you know what spices are safe and unsafe for your pet you can go ahead and prepare a healthy and flavour filled meal for them!
August 19, 2018
Cats care more about people than food, new study finds

If you think that cats are aloof creatures who only show affection to fill their hungry tummies then do we have news for you! A new study done by Oregon State University has found that our feline friends prefer human social interaction over food. This makes them not very different from our canine buddies.

This study examined what would happen when both domestic cats and sheltered ones were given a choice of stimuli. They were given a choice between food, toys, scent and a social interaction with humans to check which they would prefer.

The result was quite surprising. It was found that social interactions with humans was preferred by most cats both domestic and sheltered, followed by food. The study also states that continuous research on cat cognition is proving evidence of their complex socio-cognitive and problem-solving abilities. But, it is still a fact that cats are not very sociable or trainable, unlike dogs.

So, for all those naysayers who believe that cats only care about food, dig this! Cats love their human more than their precious food!

August 18, 2018
4 Ways your cat butt can tell you about their health
Poop discussions are always a big turn off. Yet, it is very important as it helps us to stay vigilant about a cat’s state of health. So, as important as poop is to determine the state of your pet’s health the place where it exits, that is the cat butt, is also equally important.

Here are a few things that you must be aware of while caring for your pet.
- Cat butt dingleberries – It is very common to see pieces of faeces stuck to a cat’s butt, especially with a long-haired cat. To see the matter smeared onto your pillow or the sofa is definitely not a pleasant sight.
Dingleberries form when your pet’s poop is very soft and is more often seen in cats suffering from diarrhea. So, you might want to get them checked professionally by the vet.

To avoid the formation of the abhorred berries it is a good idea to have their excess fur trimmed. You can either do it yourself or take them to the vet for a quick ‘sanitary trim’.
- Should you wipe your cat’s butt?
Cats are independent creatures who groom themselves on a regular basis. But should you give them a helping hand in cleaning their butt? Well, cats usually groom themselves without any help but there are certain cases where they will require your assistance:
- Soft poop – If your pet’s poop is softer than normal it will stick to their bottom. Usually they will clean it themselves but thy might not be able to do a clean job, so a little help will be appreciated.
- Overweight cats – It your cat is overweight it will not be easy for them to reach their butt to clean themselves. So, they will need your help. It might also be the right time for you to put them on a diet to lose those extra kilos.
- Arthritic cats – Older cats that suffer from arthritis will not be able to bend to clean their butt. So, you might want to help them out.
Wiping the area with warm water on a soft cloth is the best way to clean your pet. Apart from this baby wipes or pet cleansing wipes can also be used.
- Cat scooting – Does your cat wake up from their nap only to sit up and rub their butt on the floor? This is known as cat scooting which is a clear indicator that something is wrong with your pet. It can be anything from diarrhea to worms. If they continuously drag their butt on the floor then it’s time you took them to the vet and have them thoroughly checked.
- Common health conditions associated with your cat’s butt – One common problem that you can observe with a cat’s butt is swollen anal glands. The anal glands are situated on both sides of the anal opening. They secrete a scent which coats the poop and is used for marking purpose. Normal faeces that comes from the rectum puts enough pressure on the anal glands to release the scent. But if the poop is too hard or soft then it will not be able to release the scent from the anal gland. Once they stop doing so, the glands get swollen and get uncomfortable posing more problems for your pet. If you notice your pet licking their butt or appearing uncomfortable then it might be a good idea to consult your vet.
You can also see wriggling things in your cat’s poop. If you do notice it then you must take your pet to the vet and have the issue resolved. They are most likely worms that hang out in the exit area, more so if the problem is in an advanced stage. Anything odd that you might find hanging out of your cat’s butt or their poop must be shown to your vet and quick action must be taken.

Who knew that a cat’s butt says so much about their state of health? Now that you know, you might as well keep a close watch on them and stay informed about their health.
August 17, 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
Is it good to let your dog sleep in your bedroom?

It’s quite a dilemma ain’t it? To allow or not allow your dog to sleep next to you on your bed. While some love to cuddle their furry buddies during their sleep time, others out of force are made to bring their pet to their bed just to avoid losing their sleep when their pet decides to throw any nightly tantrums.

A new research done by Mayo clinic helps us to better understand if letting a dog sleep in the bedroom helps or affects a person’s quality of sleep. According to Lois Krahn, M.D, the author of the study from Mayo clinic, states that most people believe that having a pet sleep with them disrupts the sleep. But in the study, it has been found that many people derive security and comfort with the knowledge that their pet is sleeping close to them and helped them get a good night’s rest.

The Mayo clinic sleep study included 40 adults with their dogs, who either slept on the bed with them or elsewhere in the house. Their sleep pattern was observed close to five months. For a week, both the owners and their dogs wore activity trackers to monitor their sleep habits.

It was observed that sleeping with the pets helped most of the people get a good night’s sleep. It was therefore noted that allowing a single dog to sleep in their owner’s bedroom does not affect the quality of human sleep. People who slept with their dogs in their bedroom were able to get sufficient amount of sleep.

The changing relationship between pets and their caregivers over a period of time is responsible for this. A lot of people spend less amount of time with their pets during the daytime. In order to spend quality time with their pet, most pet owners allow their pets to their bed during bedtime.

On the other hand, there are some exceptions that make sleeping with one’s pet not so easy. People suffering from asthma, pet allergies and those that have low immunity must not be encouraged to sleep with their pet.

As it has now been found that having your pet close to you at night allows you to get quality sleep, you can go to sleep with the knowledge that sleeping with your pet is good for your well-being!

August 14, 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
How cats are good for children?
“Mom, can I have a cat as a pet, please?” Mostly a child’s plaintive cry for an animal companionship goes unheeded by parents who feel that they cannot take on the extra responsibility and not to mention the mess their house can become if they bring home a pet.

But do you know that having a cat at home can have a positive and stabilising influence on children? After all, a pet can be your child’s first and most cherished friend. Here are a few ways that having a cat at home can actually help your child.
- Children learn to be more responsible once they are given the task of taking care of a pet. They learn to be more empathetic and compassionate. They will learn to look at a cat not as a soft toy to play with but as an animal that can feel emotions. So, they will learn to be empathetic towards other people and will take into account their feelings.
- Children can share things with their pet that they cannot with their parents or siblings. Once they confide things to their pet it works like catharsis and that helps them to come out of stress and trauma.
- Children who have cats have higher self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Once you teach your child to take care of a kitten they will learn to be more cooperative and will be open to sharing their things with other children.
- Children who grow up with cats are less prone to develop allergies.
- Kids who have cats as pets have been known to have lesser sick days leave.
Cats, undoubtedly have a calming effect on us. When we are around them, we automatically feel more happy, communicative, calm and expressive. So, having a cat in your home definitely comes with more added benefits than you know!
August 11, 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