"Purr-fect Pet Parenting: Tips, Advice"

Anxiety in Dogs
Humans and dogs have something in common and it’s not loyalty. Well, to your surprise, it’s ANXIETY & STRESS. Just like humans, our lovely pooches also undergo stress and anxiety. You...
Anxiety in Dogs
Humans and dogs have something in common and it’s not loyalty. Well, to your surprise, it’s ANXIETY & STRESS. Just like humans, our lovely pooches also undergo stress and anxiety. You must be thinking that they don’t have deadlines and dementor bosses (who would take the life out of you). If they have the most relaxing life, then what could cause them stress and anxiety? Before we dive into the causes, it’s important to understand that if anxiety in is not treated in time, it can lead to severe behavioral issues. Don’t worry! In this blog, we will turn every stone for you. We will talk about anxiety in pets, its causes and symptoms. Post this, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions. Anxiety, to define it in simple language, is the uncanny feeling of fear and uneasiness. Are you curious to know what could lead your poochie to the dark place of anxiety? Anxiety And Its Causes In Dogs There can be various causes of anxiety in our dogs. We have listed down the six most common ones. Fear-Related AnxietyLoud noise, unexpected persons or animals, elements like hats or umbrellas, unfamiliar or strange locations, particular circumstances, such as a vet visit or automobile rides, as well as surfaces like grass or wood floors, can all trigger anxiety. Even though some dogs may just react to these triggers for a moment or two, an anxious dog may respond more severely. Separation-Related Anxiety Around 14% of dogs are known to have separation anxiety. When a dog has separation anxiety, he will struggle to feel at ease when left alone or taken away from his family. Unwanted behaviors including urinating in the home, damaging furniture and other items, and barking are common behavioral symptoms of separation anxiety. Age-Related AnxietyOlder dogs are more susceptible to age-related anxiety, which is linked to cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Memory, learning, perception, and consciousness begin to deteriorate in CDS-affected dogs, much like they do in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. You must’ve noticed that senior dogs are relatively more confused and anxious. How Do I Know If My Dog Is Suffering From Anxiety? Your little adorable poochie will display a set of symptoms. Here is a list of symptoms that will help you know that your dog is suffering from anxiety. AggressionAggression can be directed either directly or indirectly. This can be related to fear-based anxiety. In some cases when a dog displays angry behavior, it means that they are afraid of the unpleasant outcome that may arise from the condition. Urinating or pooping inside the homeSeparation anxiety frequently manifests as urinating and defecating indoors. Even if they are in the house, anxious dogs frequently build themselves up to the point where they must go pee or poop in the house. A destructive attitudeSeparation anxiety frequently manifests as destructive actions. The damage is typically found near the entry and exit points, such as doorways and windows, but anxious dogs also run the danger of hurting themselves. Painful injuries can happen when a dog is attempting to escape from dog crates, windows, or even doors. Apart from these behavioral signs and actions, there are some other signs too which can indicate anxiety in dogs. Drooling or Panting Excessive unnecessary barking Pacing Restlessness Compulsive or repetitive habits (repetitive barking, growling, shivering, self-harming) How Can I Treat Anxiety In My Dog? There are home remedies as well as ayurvedic medications for dogs that can help you calm them down. One such ayurvedic solution is CALM PET by Fur Ball Story. It is an ayurvedic solution for calming your dogs. It is made from natural herbs like Ashwagandha, Giloy, Jatamansi, and Tagara along with many others. These tablets are safe and side-effect free so you don’t need to worry! If you have a small breed dog, give 1 tablet twice a day and if they belong to a large breed, give 2 tablets twice a day. You need to administer the dog’s temperature after giving the medicine. In Ayurvedic medicine, results are not instantaneous, but rather long-term. These tablets work on the central nervous system of the dog which is why it may take up to 3-4 weeks for results to show. Stop giving the medicine if there is no improvement by the third week. But before you begin the medication, you need to be sure that the anxiety isn’t in the genes. Certain dog breeds are anxious by nature due to their genes. In this case, Calm Pet won’t be a helpful solution. Visit a Vet or take help from an animal behaviorist to know more about the basic nature of your pet. Conclusion Dogs can’t speak about their worries like us so when we shelter a pet it becomes our responsibility to take care of their well-being. Understanding their problems in-depth will help you give them better treatment at home and improve their quality of life. Let’s not forget that in times of stress and anxiety, they made us better by just being there. This is our time to give it back.

FBS TALKIES SEASON 1 EPISODE 4 | Tackling Fever...
Welcome Back to FBS Talkies, an interactive show where experts have very insightful conversations about various pet-related issues with the Co-founder of Fur Ball Story and Animal Behaviourist, Animesh Katiyar. This...
FBS TALKIES SEASON 1 EPISODE 4 | Tackling Fever...
Welcome Back to FBS Talkies, an interactive show where experts have very insightful conversations about various pet-related issues with the Co-founder of Fur Ball Story and Animal Behaviourist, Animesh Katiyar. This week we had Dr. Shelly Mattoo Jalali, the founder of SJS Pet Care & Clinic, and an expert Vet. She holds 15 years of experience and an ocean of knowledge in this field. The episode was filled with amusing facts and incidents that made us think twice about our actions. What are the symptoms of fever? Finding the cause of your dog’s sluggish behavior may be difficult for you as a pet parent. Dr. Shelly made the observation that a typical sign of fever in animals is lethargy. The expert expressed concern, stating that many pet parents don’t realize their little ball of joy is unwell, which is why they have been so worn out. They mistakenly think of it as “me time.” This widespread perception is particularly prevalent with new pet owners. In addition to being sluggish, other signs of fever in animals include: ● Unusual behavior● Reduced intake of food or loss of appetite● Body ache● Tail is downward● High body temperature● Sitting alone in a corner Fever is also indicated by a dry nose and hot ears, but these symptoms may also simply be brought on by a warm atmosphere. Therefore, as soon as you observe one of these two symptoms, check your dog’s temperature. How to check fever in pets? With that in mind, Dr. Shelly and our host discussed how some pet owners are hesitant about the method of checking. Unfortunately, there is no alternative; you must lubricate the thermometer’s tip and place it in your dog’s butt. But don’t worry; they probably won’t even notice. Which temperature is dangerous for dogs? Knowing whether the fever is deadly or not is important after diagnosis. Dogs’ typical body temperatures range from 101 to 102.5 degrees; 103 is the trigger point, but if the temperature is 106 degrees or higher, you must administer first aid and rush straight to the vet clinic. If a fever of 106 or higher is not treated right away, it might be fatal. You can apply a wet cloth (dipped in regular water) to the paws or rub alcohol behind the ears or to the foot pads to reduce body temperature. What is the mistake that pet owners make? It is self-treatment. Animesh Katiyar, our host of FBS Talkies, revealed an instance in which he witnessed a pet owner giving human medications to their pet. Dr. Shelly then revealed a fact that left the audience in disbelief. Did you know that feeding your pet human medications might kill them or harm their liver and kidneys? How to cure fever in pets? Giving human medicines without consulting a vet might have serious side effects and possibly result in their death. However, you can opt for alternative medications such as herbal ayurvedic medicines like Fev Pet. It is made with Papaya, Giloy, Turmeric, and Kalmegh. These herbs help in relieving the pain and bringing the temperature down. As the episode moved ahead, Dr. Shelly shared how pet parents are scared of allopathic treatment and pressurizes for the herbal treatment. But it is important to understand that there is no remedy that fits all. You have to switch to alternatives according to the need and situation. Concluding Note At the end of the episode, Dr. Shelly talked about her journey as a female vet. She shared that in her experience, she had interacted with a lot of women who were taking care of the animals and she encouraged the future generation to opt for this noble career option. That’s it for this episode! We hope you liked it and it was fruitful for you. Stay tuned to our channel and social media handles to get more information on pet-related topics.

FBS Talkies Season 1 Episode 1: About Animal We...
FBS Talkies is a talk show presented by Fur Ball Story. It’s a series of episodes where various pet-related issues are discussed with some highly reputed animal welfare workers, veterinary doctors...
FBS Talkies Season 1 Episode 1: About Animal We...
FBS Talkies is a talk show presented by Fur Ball Story. It’s a series of episodes where various pet-related issues are discussed with some highly reputed animal welfare workers, veterinary doctors & trainers. For the first episode of FBS Talkies, we had Ms. Aavritee Naithani as our guest speaker. She runs a welfare center dedicated to animals called Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Center (SGACC), New Delhi. The chat between Aavritee and our Co-Founder, Animesh Katiyar, was very productive and insightful. Multiple issues related to the life of a rescuer, how to rescue any animal, and doctors at the welfare center, were discussed. Moreover, some general behavioral issues that any pet faces and the steps to rectify them were talked about. About Our Guest Ms. Aavritee is a lawyer by profession and started working for animal welfare during 4th year of her college. Her shelter (SGACC) is the only animal care shelter in Delhi-NCR which is dedicated to all animals. As of now, it’s home to over 2500 animals ranging from dogs, cats, equines, cattle, other injured wildlife, and many more. The role of an animal shelter consultant and manager is a highly taxing one. SGACC, without any discrimination, is a haven for every animal who needs a home and especially those who require medical care and treatment. Aavritee further explained her shelter’s daily routine. They rescue about 5-10 animals daily with the help of their self-owned, private, and government-run ambulances. They’re fully equipped to provide thorough care and treatment through their team of experienced vets and paramedics. Rights & Laws for Animal Welfare Workers The agenda of this video is to spread awareness among pet parents and welfare workers about their rights and laws and to be self-sufficient to tackle any situation. Upon asking about the same, Aavritee said that even before she became a lawyer, she educated herself about the basics of lodging an FIR and approaching police authorities to report cruelty acts. Further, she asserted that every animal lover must be aware of the “Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act” and have a copy of the interview she quoted, “One must be mentally prepared as there will be situations where you may have to sit in the police stations for hours to claim your rights and simultaneously educate the police personnel too, as not everyone is aware of these laws”. She continued to explain that one can report any gruesome act against an animal under Indian Penal Code (IPC) 428 & 429. Career Opportunities for Animal Welfare Workers The discussion then moved to a vea crucialstion that many seek an answer: “Is there a good and stable future in the career of a Shelter Manager/Animal Welfare Worker?”. Our guest responded in the affirmative saying that, if people like her, who have pursued professional courses and are well-educated, refuse to do anything for a social cause, then the whole point of education is a waste. Further, she informed that there are many organizations even of international recognition that provide steady careers as well as income for working towards such social causes. We got to know that there’s also a skill development program for ‘Animal Health Workers’ provided by the Indian Institute of Skill Development Training. It is a 6-month course related to the development of livestock and small animals. Anyone with a basic level of education can pursue this course. Life of Shelter Managers We then proceeded to learn more about the life of a shelter manager and what it entails. Aavritee revealed that being a shelter manager means facing continuous criticism, at every step. She stated that it was a continuous and thankless job. One must be mentally prepared for it”. There are two things to which she, as a shelter manager, gives the highest priority. First – is hygiene’, as half of the medical treatments go to waste if there’s no proper maintenance of hygiene and sanitation. Second – ‘Training’ of new people who want to join the movement as shelter workers or medical staff. She iterated that the job of a shelter manager involves a lot of multi-tasking, therefore, one must be resourceful as well as a problem solver. Throughout the conversation, Aavritee was extremely concerned about the brutality against dogs and stated that “Dogs, without being a reason for any financial or economic loss for anyone, are being unnecessarily tortured and tormented. There are multiple incidents of such unprovoked brutality happening all over our country. Their main concern is food, and that is what forces them to travel to different areas. If you cannot feed them, then at least don’t hate the ones who are”. She again informed us that the constitution has described a fundamental duty on citizens under article 51 AG, that they must be compassionate towards their environment and living beings. Understanding The Uncanny Behavior of Street Dogs The last question for the episode was indeed a very common one- “Why is it that whenever we take our pet dogs out for walks, the community dogs tend to follow and even if we want to rescue them sometimes, they avoid us with aggression?” Our Co-Founder, Mr. Animesh, gave quite insightful answer to this. He said, stray dogs are very territorial. Thus, at least for the initial days, the local dogs are unable to understand the reason behind the pet dog’s presence. So, they fear their resources being at risk. Animesh also added that pet parents should try to carry some food with them while heading out for a walk with their pets and feed them. This will eventually make the local dogs accept the pet and understand that it is not an enemy but a friend. He also added, when it comes to rescuing an anxious/aggressive dog, there are two approaches: First is emergency, in which we must, unfortunately, also use force just to save the life of the dog. Not everything in animal rescue/welfare is sunshine! The second approach is a rather evolving one. If it’s not an urgent case, we can also use herbal supplements to calm down the dog. To relax an anxious/stressed dog, a rescuer can give Ashwagandha-based tablets rather than melatonin, which can be dangerous if overdosed. Ashwagandha is a safer alternative and is scientifically proven to pacify an anxious/stressed dog. Social Media Bullying of Animal Welfare Workers The bonus question for this episode for our guest was related to social media bullying. To this, Aavritee answered that “Be it an animal welfare worker or a pet parent, who owns a pedigree dog, people tend to bully or comment on their social media posts without knowing the facts. Social media platforms are available to everyone and people sitting in one corner of the country comment on anything happening anywhere else, without verifying any facts. This culture should be alerted and eventually put an end to it. Many people and NGOs that are genuinely trying to do good work, suffer because of all this.” Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more such interesting episodes where we have discussed various issues related to pets with highly reputable veterinary doctors, trainers, and welfare workers.

Puppy Parenting Done Right: Learn About Puppies...
Puppies – the word itself brings joy and happiness to us. Everyone loves puppies, but pet parents often don’t realize that just loving puppies is not enough. We must understand...
Puppy Parenting Done Right: Learn About Puppies...
Puppies – the word itself brings joy and happiness to us. Everyone loves puppies, but pet parents often don’t realize that just loving puppies is not enough. We must understand them so that we are able enough to care for them properly. We must be able to make the most of this holy human and dog relationship. This article will give you an insight into the right way of raising a puppy and the benefits that you will reap in the future. What is the Right Age to Get a Puppy Home We all love pups – they are cute little bundles of joy. But do you know what is the right age for separating a pup from the mother and getting him home? The most common opinion in India about this is 30 to 45 days. This is not just a common opinion but a common practice too. Most of the breeders try to get rid of the puppies ASAP. However, the right age for separating a pup from the mother is a minimum of 8 weeks, i.e., 2 months. The perfect age, as per us, is between 10 – 12 weeks. The puppy needs to spend this time with the siblings and the mother as it teaches them a lot of social skills. To top it, the mother’s milk helps in boosting immunity. During the said period, the first round of vaccination must also be completed. Importance of Biting Instinct Bite instinct – sounds a bit too technical, but it’s not. Bite inhibition is the ability of a dog/puppy to understand different kinds of bites, i.e., play, love, and aggression. This ability is passed on to the puppy by the parents. The mother plays with them, scolds them, and loves them as well – all of it using her mouth. This teaches the puppy the power of biting. Bite inhibition is one of the most important skills that a puppy needs to learn to become a good dogizen. Unfortunately, this skill can’t be taught at a later stage by a human. Hence, coming back to our first point: puppies should not be separated from their mothers before the completion of this learning. Teething Related Issues Puppies love to BITE, at least that’s what all of us think. But that’s not the case. Puppy biting is called teething. It’s a phase that every puppy passes through. You must’ve observed that puppies love playing with everything they can find, and it becomes even better if it moves and is soft to chew. Naturally, your body becomes the first target, followed by the sofa, slippers, and the like, because they have your odor. In simple terms, teething is an unavoidable natural process. One can make the most of it by teaching the pup some techniques that involve adequate usage of his teething drive. Use just one soft and small toy, possibly a rope, to play with the pup. As soon as he seems tired, take the toy out of his sight. Don’t let the puppy get hold of it easily, else it wouldn’t be a fun activity. The trick is to tease the pup with the toy and make it interesting. They usually find our hands interesting during this stage because we react when they bite us. This reaction is what drives them more towards biting us again and again. So, we must learn to not react in such situations. As a result, it will become uninteresting for the dog thereby making the toy more interesting. Remember, don’t tease him with the toy more than 3 – 4 times. Let him win in the process. This sense of achievement will make the pup more inclined towards teething on the toy instead of you. How Puppies Learn All dogs learn through muscle memory and conditioning. The result of any stimulus that is inflicted upon a dog can either be rewarding or painful. The consequence decides whether a pup will repeat the behavior or not. 2 most common techniques to know here are Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning. These 2 methods combined will teach you the skill to master any kind of animal training. Remember, we often keep scolding our pups for things they do that we don’t like, but we hardly reward them for the things they do right. Such small rewards at the end of correct behavior will enable the dog to only learn the right kind of behaviors. Socialization Is Crucial When we talk about puppy socialization, the first thought that comes to our mind is that of puppies and dogs playing with each other. This is only partly true. Puppy socialization involves environmental socialization as well as socialization with humans of different age groups. A puppy can grasp the most till 8 months of age. If we positively attach the maximum number of stimuli to a dog in this duration, we will succeed in conditioning him to a majority of things in his surroundings, such as different kinds of noise and odors. Key Takeaway The adorable eyes of a puppy will plead in front of you for absolutely anything. They will look uber-cute running around and will melt your heart in seconds. But, don’t give in to the pressure. Take matters into your hands. Make them socialize with other puppies and humans, feed them well, and learn their gestures. If you are training them to learn the way you want them to behave, you must learn what they are trying to communicate as well. Be a good pet parent and make them an even better dogizen. Puppy Parenting FAQs 1. How can I raise my puppy in the best possible way? Start housetraining as soon as possible. Keep things calm. Establish a routine. Establish general guidelines & train your puppy to follow them. Create a private area for the puppy to relax in. At least for the first few nights, stay in the same room to sleep. Give them a nutritious, well-balanced diet food. 2. At what age are puppies the naughtiest? The reality is that raising a sociable, well-behaved, and trouble-free adult dog requires patience, hard work, and active engagement from every member of the household. Unwanted behaviors including unnecessary barking, chewing on things, surfing the counter, house-soiling, and leaping up frequently, start to happen at roughly 3 to 6 months of age. 3. Which stage of a puppy is the hardest? Adolescence (6 – 18 months) might be the most challenging stage in a puppy’s development. Your adorable puppy is growing up and starting to produce hormones, which could cause behavioral changes. 4. What is the duration of puppy blues? Puppy blues refer to the emotional stage where you start feeling sad, depressed, anxious, and pressured after getting a puppy home. Generally, this happens because puppy parents tend to feel overwhelmed as they feel the pressure from within, wanting to give the best life to the puppy and raise him well. According to anecdotal data, the three weeks immediately following the onset of puppy blues are typically when they are most severe. After then, symptoms could still be present but feel easier to control. Usually, this happens within three months. 5. How long does it take for a puppy and owner to become close? Puppies typically bond with their owners more quickly than adult dogs because they have fewer attachments to their histories with their previous owners. If you have purchased a puppy from a breeder, it typically takes 3 months to form a bond with your dog. 6. What indicates that your dog has your trust? In your presence, they exhibit comfortable and tranquil body language. A relaxed, lolling tongue and a slightly open mouth. Turning over to rub one’s stomach to make them feel safe. Face with a calm, relaxed look. Eye blinking Tail wagging in both directions. A “bow” to welcome and promote the play. 7. What does nervousness in a dog look like? Anxious actions while you’re away or as you get ready to depart, such as pacing, whining, shivering, howling, or barking too much. They may also display loving behavior to attract your attention. You might also get to see destructive behaviors, especially near doors or windows, including chewing or digging. accidents involving urinating or defecating inside the home.

Monsoon Care Guide for Pet Parents
Explore tips and tricks on Monsoon care guide for pet parents that will help you keep a tab on your dog’s health this monsoon.
Monsoon Care Guide for Pet Parents
Monsoon is a season to enjoy and a reason to celebrate, as it brings the much-needed relief from scorching heat. However, with the pleasant weather, it brings along a new set of challenges for our pooches that are a result of high humidity, such as skin infections and ticks in dogs. It then becomes our utmost responsibility to make sure that our furry friends are healthy and ensure they don’t fall ill. Below are some general tips and tricks that will help you keep a tab on your dog’s health this monsoon. Rain Checks First and foremost, it’s important to use the appropriate rain gear. A proper rain gear includes a raincoat and a pair of waterproof shoes. Before and after daily walks & outdoor playtime, it’s important to pat dry your pooch’s fur with a towel. The high moisture in the weather could be harmful for your dog’s fur and skin. To avoid skin allergies, it becomes essential to keep your dog’s fur as dry as possible to avoid any fungal or bacterial skin problems. There are multiple anti-fungal creams in the market that may help your dog fight bacterial and fungal skin allergies. Eczo Pet is one of the few anti-fungal and anti-bacterial creams which can help eliminate all kinds of microbial infections that your dog may catch in this season. Enriched with Ayurvedic properties, it is safe for dogs of all age groups and does not have any side effect on ingestion. Maintain Hygiene It’s important to make sure that your pet’s utensils are cleaned regularly. Also, their water bowls must be replenished with fresh water frequently. Give them only purified or boiled and cooled water to drink. This will help avoid any water borne infections or stomach issues. Monsoon season is accompanied by a whole lot of bugs, bacteria, and worms. So, it’s super important to maintain proper hygiene to keep all these at bay. Nutritious Diet A diet including fiber rich fruits and vegetables, protein and carbohydrates is essential for good digestion and proper bowel moments. Keep a check on any food allergies that your pet may have. It’s always suggested to add supplements like Omega 3, 6 and Minerals to your pooch’s diet to ensure an all-around development. You can also consult with your vet regarding the supplements that must be added to your pooch’s diet. Exercise at Home If your pooch is not able to go out for walks and other outdoor activities due to rain and water logging, increase their indoor activities to ensure regular exercise. You can exercise your dog indoors by running up and down the stairs or playing fetch with them. To prevent problems like ‘Obesity’, the daily food intake of your dog must align with the level of activity that they indulge in throughout the day. When a dog goes for a walk outside, he also gets mental stimulation as his smell buds are always at work. But when confined to the home setup, this mental stimulation is absent. To make up for this indoors, you can hide his treats, toys and food in multiple areas of the house so that his sense of smell is activated. This mental activity is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being. Regular Grooming During this season, regular grooming sessions hold equal importance. The humid weather can mean a damp coat and moist ears for your furry friend and that is not a good idea. To prevent infections, it’s important to keep their ears dry and get rid of any wax build-up, regularly. After every outdoor activity session or bath, devote some time towards drying their ears, especially for dogs who have long and flappy ones. Eliminate Ticks and Fleas Parasites like ticks and fleas become more prevalent in warm and humid weather, and these pests can cause different life-threatening infections. So, it’s essential to keep your dog’s sleeping area tidy. Change your dog’s bedding frequently to avoid any chances of pest infestations. Additionally, tick sprays and powders are ideal for killing and deterring these pests. One such formula has been perfected in the form of FBS’s Tick Free, which works both as a preventive as well as curative medicine, against ticks in dogs. Simply apply on the tick-site or may spray it on paws, belly, and pits to prevent ticks in dogs from spreading. Vaccination & checkups The risk of respiratory infections or worm-related illnesses increases during the monsoon season. Get a vaccination schedule planned with your veterinarian. Make sure that you follow up with your vet and do not skip any vaccine shot to ensure that your pooch receives appropriate vaccinations and deworming tablets, based on their vaccination schedules. Key Takeaway The monsoon brings a much-needed respite from the soaring heat and eliminates majority pollutants from the environment. This makes it the perfect time for pet parents all over the country to spend more time outdoors with their fur balls. However, we must take extra precautions to keep our pooch clean and healthy throughout this season. Taking care of our pooches in this rainy season depends majorly on a dog’s lifestyle, general preferences and especially their age. Moreover, check out Rainy Remedies – Monsoon Care Kit for Dogs is the ultimate solution to all the monsoon problems in dogs. Order now! FAQs: Monsoon Care Guide for Pet Parents How do you take care of pets during monsoon? Keep your pet’s fur dry. Fungal infections on the paws and other locations can be avoided with the aid of powders with anti-fungal characteristics. Additionally, you’ll need to temporarily convert to a waterless dog shampoo. A doggo raincoat is a fantastic method to keep them safe and allow them to enjoy the rain. What should a dog eat during the rainy season? Give your pet a healthy, balanced diet that includes chicken or lamb (chicken breast, thigh, and leg are all acceptable cuts of chicken), rice, sweet potatoes (cooked & in moderation), carrots, peas, eggs, fat, and fish oil. Wet food should be provided to dogs because it is healthier and should be devoid of soy, maize, and wheat. Can dogs get wet in the rain without becoming sick? Many veterinarians advise against taking your pets for walks during periods of intense rain. Sometimes, thunder and lightning might frighten them, causing them to flee in fear. Instead, take only brief restroom breaks. Allowing your dogs to get wet in the rain is safe because some dogs enjoy taking showers in the water and would undoubtedly appreciate the rain. Instead of leaving them in your building’s compound or terrace, please stick to your balcony. What are the measures to take care for a dog during monsoon? Ensure that your dog lives in a clean and safe environment Always keep freshwater available Feed a quality diet to avoid obesity Get a vet checkup for your pet on a regular basis Give plenty of opportunities to exercise Develop a relationship with your dog by interacting with him or her Ensure that your dog knows how to obey simple commands Dental hygiene is crucial Grooming and nail trimming is very important Is rainy season good for dogs? Being furry animals, dogs and cats may experience wet or damp fur during the rainy season. On rainy days, it’s crucial to keep their fur dry and keep them warm to protect them from cold and bacterial or fungal illnesses. Do dogs shed hair in monsoon? Although, it’s more likely that the shedding is seasonal, it could be an indication of something more serious. It’s crucial to make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian if there is excessive hair found throughout the house. How often should I bathe my dog during rainy season? In general, a healthy dog with short, smooth hair and no skin issues doesn’t require frequent bathing. Nevertheless, giving your dog a wash at least once every month is an excellent idea.
Grooming Your Pet at Home
Hi, I am Joyita Sethi! Some of you might have met me at Fur Ball Story, Gurugram since I manage the place and take care of all the dogs present...
Grooming Your Pet at Home
Hi, I am Joyita Sethi! Some of you might have met me at Fur Ball Story, Gurugram since I manage the place and take care of all the dogs present there. What you don’t know is that I am also a professional groomer by education and practice. I have done a Grooming Course from California academy of animal aesthetics in association with Dog Care Singapore. Before joining the organisation, I also ran a grooming parlour of my own for over 3 years! I believe that important knowledge must always be parted to others so here I am giving you some tips on dog grooming at home. Grooming tips for pets at home Covid-19 came as a surprise for us, especially the part where we were told that due to lockdown, the possibility of going out is next to impossible. The month was March, the time when most of us get our dogs groomed and prepared for the coming summers but unfortunately the groomers were also now shut due to lockdown. Today it has been more than 50 days since lockdown, and most of the groomers are still shut. So here I am, trying to help you find the best ways to get your dog well-groomed at home! Regular grooming keeps your dog clean, healthy, and comfortable. Many people prefer professional groomers; they can make dogs look great while using their professional expertise to keep them safe. However, during this lockdown when you can’t go anywhere, here are some tips to keep your dog feeling and looking great. COMBING For Long coat dogs (such as Shih-tzu, Lhasa Apso, Golden Retrievers)Combing your dog’s coat daily or every other day will keep most mats at bay. Simply brushing, as most literature instructs, is not enough for dogs that can mat up: the brush will easily pass over at angles that a comb will get stuck on. A thorough combing should always be the first step of the grooming process.Comb gently, be it with a brush or with a comb, as rough combing may result into unnecessary hair pulling which might hurt the dog. Begin on the head and move down the body. Be careful under the belly, as it is a sensitive area, and don’t forget to comb the tail. While you are combing, if you find a tangle, use a brush, and try to work out the tangle. Be mindful not to brush burn your dog from brushing for too long in the same spot. You can check by looking under the fur to see if the skin becomes red with irritation. Avoid combing all together in case the dog has skin infection or allergy. Short Coat Dogs You can brush short-haired dogs with a brush or gloves.Comb and brush medium- to long-coated dogs with more specialized tools like a steel comb, slicker, a pin brush.Whatever you use, it must remove loose hair and distribute oils from the skin throughout the coat. CLEANING THE EYES Breeds like (Pekingese, Pugs, Pomeranians, Shihtzus, Lhasa Apso, etc.) those with large eyes that water a lot may need more maintenance in this area than others.Depending on your dog, this step may be a simple matter of wiping or pulling eye debris away from the corners of the eyes.Long-haired dogs may need special attention to make sure that all gunk is out of the coat, as they may get tear stains.Use a cotton wool damped in warm water, to first moisten the gunk and then it can be gently pulled out using your fingers or even a steel comb with small teeth. You can also buy products made for removing “tear stains” from a pet supply storeA healthy eye should be clear and should not show any signs of irritation or unusual discharge.Don’t try to trim hair away from the eyes yourself, as you might injure your pet. Ask your vet or groomer to do it for you. CLEANING THE EARS It’s normal for a clean ear to have some wax in it, but there shouldn’t be any smell to it, or any kind of itching If there is, a vet visit is recommended.To clean your dog’s ears, apply some ear cleaning solution like Clear Ear to a cotton round. Wipe dirt and wax away from the inner ear, but don’t rub vigorously, as this might cause sores. Don’t push too far into the ear, either.If your dog has drop ears like a cocker spaniel, wipe the inside of the ear flag as dirt collects there as well. The groomers rule of thumb is to clean only what you can see. TRIMMING NAILS Trimming a dog’s nails is something that shouldn’t be done at home because there are very high chances of cutting the blood vessels and this can lead to excessive bleeding which cannot be stopped easily. Please do visit your vet or groomer if you feel that your dog’s nails need clipping. However, if you feel they have sharpened, you can certainly file them using a normal filer. BATHING YOUR DOG Bathing is a must for your dog in this season since the temperature is rising by the days, but there are certain things to be followed while doing it. You can bathe your dog at home once in 10-12 days in the summers.In tick season, you can use an anti-tick shampoo like Shampooch Tick Free otherwise you can use a good quality shampoo available at your nearest pet store. Frequent use of tick shampoo can make your dog’s fur dull and coarse, so it’s best to alternate it with a normal shampoo. Make sure to clean the abdomen part of your dog as well as pits of the front and hind legs. These areas are where the ticks hide the most. Also, cleaning the paws is a must while giving a bath since this is the part where the ticks climb from. But be careful while doing it as it may hurt the dog if not done gently with a soft brush or cloth. In some cases, dogs just don’t like their paws to be touched, so what you can do is use a water hose and apply fast running water under the paws. When temperatures cross 40 degrees, you can keep your dog cool by sponging them with a wet towel once a day. Make sure the dog is fully dry post bath or else it can develop skin allergies if the skin is left moist. It is advisable that the dog doesn’t enter an air-conditioned room immediately after sponging or till still damp. Keep your dog well hydrated in the summers. Lots of water and curd once a day is a must and keeps the stomach cool. Important Note: If you follow these tips, you may need not go out to a professional groomer unless the matting is too much to be sorted at home, or if you wish to have a proper hair cut for your dog. Please do not attempt to trim your dog’s hair at home as it might hurt the dog. Please don’t use scissors or human trimmers as well! You can use the above tips for basic care, but things such as hair cutting, matters should be left for the experts.