"Purr-fect Pet Parenting: Tips, Advice"

How to Keep Your Pet Safe This Winter Season – Tips for Winter Pet Care

How to Keep Your Pet Safe This Winter Season?

Winter season is here! Due to changing weather and immensely cold temperatures, a lot of issues arise during this time not just for us, but for our pets too. Keep...

How to Keep Your Pet Safe This Winter Season?

Winter season is here! Due to changing weather and immensely cold temperatures, a lot of issues arise during this time not just for us, but for our pets too. Keep them protected and help them stay fit and active with expert nutrition tips. Check out our vet-recommended guide to keep them winter-ready. Delve into this blog on How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter Season? and know the practical tips to meet your pet’s needs during this season. Because we prioritise providing the best and most trusted care when it comes to furry family!  As the season changes, here’s what you must update:   Bathing schedule Clothing habits  Recurrent illness  Extra supplements  Water requirements  Feeding changes  1. Bathing Schedule   During Winters an interval of one month is recommended, keeping in mind the health status and if the temperature is very low, these intervals can be increased. Avoid bathing your dog on a chilly day, rather choose a sunny day and leave your pet in sunlight to keep them warm. If your home has limited access to sunlight, use lukewarm water and blow dry your pet immediately after bath, as their fur retain water and they can catch fever very easily. 2. Fit Check  You can use your old woollens to prepare jackets, coats and foot wear for your pets, but make sure that you change those jackets every other day, so that there is some air contact to the furcoat of your pet. A very common mistake made by pet parents is that they don't change the clothes throughout the winter season and this leads to an immense number of skin problems and hair matting. So it is very important to have clean and dry clothing.  3. Recurrent Illness   Just like humans, winters are difficult for dogs too. Due to low temperatures, several health issues arise during this time. One of the major reasons behind is that we feed our pets cold food items directly from the fridge like cold curd, milk etc. So provide them warmth at room temperature and avoid milk products if they have a cough. Fever is also quite often during this season, so consult a vet and keep handy some fever medicines like Fev Pet in case of emergencies.   4. Extra Supplementation  Cold climate significantly impacts a dog's metabolism and energy requirements. As temperature drops, a dog's body utilizes more energy to maintain its core temperature. Thus, it is recommended to provide extra supplements to your furry friend. Also, the level of vitamin D decreases during winters because of lack of exposure to sunlight. Joint problems also trigger in winters due to which which require extra care, especially for old age dogs. Start giving joint supplements like Joint Care Therapy to relieve pain and discomfort.  5. Ensure Hydration    Due to the drop in temperature, dogs avoid drinking water. Water requirements are comparatively less but this doesn't mean that dogs don't need water in winters. It’s essential to encourage hydration with a few simple steps. Firstly, fill their water bowls approximately 3 to 4 times a day with lukewarm water. Offer water bowls to them more frequently to deliberately increase the water intake. 6. Feeding Changes  During colder months, dogs may need a higher protein intake to support their increased energy demands. High-quality protein sources like lean meats, poultry and eggs should be included in their diet. Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are essential. These fats help to improve coat health, provide extra layer of protection against the cold and have anti-inflammatory benefits, supporting the overall well-being of your furry friend. 7. Skin Dryness  Winters can be harsh for your dog’s skin, especially his paws and nose. As the air has less moisture content, it dries out the skin. Additionally, cold air outside can sap moisture from your pet's skin. To prevent this, regularly use coconut oil, desi ghee or aloe vera to keep their skin healthy. Opt for a hydrating moisturiser like Cool Pet for their sensitive skin.  To Sum Up Winter care goes beyond skin and coat health- it is about supporting your pet’s overall wellness inside-out. Prioritize their internal wellness this season with our specially curated winter essentials collection, designed to keep your furry friends happy, healthy, and thriving all winter long. Shop from our Winter Care Collection that has all-natural range of products.

5 Lesser-Known Dog Breeds in India

5 Lesser-Known Dog Breeds of India

When we think of Indian dogs, we often think of the lovable Indies. But little do we know that these Indies too have sub divisions. As India is a home...

5 Lesser-Known Dog Breeds of India

When we think of Indian dogs, we often think of the lovable Indies. But little do we know that these Indies too have sub divisions. As India is a home to unique and ancient dog breeds, each with its own legacy, personality, and characteristics. They hold deep cultural and emotional significance in the heart of every Indian. One can find people feeding stray dogs with utmost love and compassion. However, Indian breeds are often overlooked by their widely recognized exotic breeds from the West. Through this blog, explore 5 dog breeds in India you haven’t heard of and learn amazing facts about them.  1. Rajapalayam Imagine a sleek, muscular dog, with a shiny white coat that stands proud. Originating from Tamil Nadu, this breed belongs to the Nayak Dynasty. The Rajapalayam is known for its intelligence, protection and hunting skills. However, this graceful breed is now on the verge of extinction, with barely 1,000 Rajapalayams left. Efforts are being made to preserve the breed, both for its historical value and as a legacy of India’s rich culture. These Indies hold a special place in the hearts of dog lovers and are celebrated as a national treasure. 2. Mudhol Hound  The Mudhol Hound is an ancient breed with a glorious past. Originating from the Deccan Plateau, this breed has commendable hunting powers. With its strong body and long legs, the Mudhol Hound has exceptional speed, tracking and predator skills. They were chosen for Indian royalty by the Marathas and have been celebrated in folklore. With its loyal presence, keen intelligence, and affectionate nature, this breed stands as India’s most respected dog breed. 3. Indian Spitz The Indian Spitz is similar looking to Pomerarian, it is gaining popularity nowadays because of its cheerful and easy-to-train nature. This breed brings joy and companionship to households and is particularly knows for its beauty that is reflected by sharp ears, bright eyes, triangular face and furry coat. Over the years, this breed has been used in Indian films, media, and advertisements, further strengthening its foundation as a beloved pet.       4. Chippiparai Hailing from the south India, the Chippiparai is highly valued for its speed and stamina. This breed is known for its fox-like features, with a heart full of courage. Chippiparais are seen as family members, helping their owners with hunting and protecting their livestock. While the breed may not be much recognized outside south India but is appreciated for its unique history, athletic abilities, and gentle temperament. 5. Gaddi Kutta The Gaddi Kutta is a guardian dog from the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. This breed is capable of taking on wild predators like wolves and leopards. Its stamina and strength accompanied by gentle nature with children is what truly stands out. The Gaddi Kutta was used by shepherds in the Himalayas to protect flocks of sheep and goats from wolves and even leopards. The Unsung Heroes of India These 5 breeds may still not have widespread recognition but they represent the spirit of India in their own way through loyalty, strength, intelligence, and devotion. They hold a special place in the hearts of those who understand their value. As we recognize these hidden gems, we honour the timeless connection between humans and dogs, a bond that continues to shape our lives in valuable ways. By shedding light on these breeds, we tend to appreciate India’s incredible canine community and efforts to protect and preserve these invaluable parts of our heritage. Also, Check out Top 5 Dog Breeds in India 2024 

5 Ways to Prevent Skin Allergies in Pets – Tips for Healthy, Itch-Free Skin

5 Ways to Prevent Skin Allergy in Dogs and Cats

Skin allergies in pets bring along itching, irritation, redness, rashes and several other issues. These allergies can be caused due to environmental factors, food sensitivities, underlying health issues and so...

5 Ways to Prevent Skin Allergy in Dogs and Cats

Skin allergies in pets bring along itching, irritation, redness, rashes and several other issues. These allergies can be caused due to environmental factors, food sensitivities, underlying health issues and so on. However, with proper care and management, these skin allergies can be prevented effectively. Through this blog, learn about 5 Ways to Prevent Skin Allergy in Dogs and Cats. This guide will help you maintain a healthy skin and you can escape the allergies.  1. Feeding habits   It is important to be mindful of what you feed your pet. Processed food like chocolates, bakery items, candies, gums, caffeine, etc generally have very large amounts of sugars, refined wheat flour and many other ingredients that do not contain any kind of nutritional factor and some have toxic compounds in them. They can irritate and cause side effects on the skin of your pet. Also, check out our guide on food items that can be toxic to pets.   2. Internal Health Having a skin problem can be a possible indicator of an underlying health issue. It can be a major sign of hormonal imbalance, gastrointestinal problems, stress, dietary issues, or insulin resistance. Some other causes can be associated with Autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Reach out to a veterinarian to diagnose the underlying problem. Afterwards, you can add a hair supplement like CanniVin to your pet’s routine in order to provide essential nutrients to the skin and keep it healthy. 3. Human shampoo  One of the biggest pet parenting mistakes is using a human shampoo on the sensitive skin of pets. The skin of humans and pets has different requirements. As human skin is more acidic, using shampoo for humans on pets can disrupt the natural balance of their skin and cause dryness, irritation, or other skin problems. Pets often lick their skin, and ingesting these chemicals can severely harm them. To prevent any problems, use a pet shampoo like Shampooch that matches their skin's pH and is free from harmful chemicals.  4. Damp Skin Triggers  Don’t let your pet sit in humid and wet areas for a long time as it will invite tons of skin infections. Humidity and wetness create an ideal place for bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Wet fur can lead to matting and tangling, which can trap moisture and lead to skin irritation and infections. Prolonged exposure can also weaken the skin's natural barrier, losing the capability to protect against harmful bacteria. Thus, make sure to keep them dry, especially after baths. Also, wipe your pet’s chin after they consume water.  5. Allergens  The source of allergy can be food, environment, irritants and more. You must identify the allergen in order to keep your pet protected. Food allergies can include lactose intolerance, gluten, sweets, preservatives and other harmful foods to dogs. Environmental allergies can be seasonal, due to room fresheners or strong perfumes that irritate the skin of pets.   Preventing skin allergies in pets requires a healthy diet, regular grooming, avoiding allergens, keeping the skin dry and prompt addressal of the issue. By understanding the causes of allergies and taking proactive measures, you can keep your pet safe. If your pet is showing signs such as excessive itching, hair loss, or hot spots, reach out to your veterinarian for the diagnosis and treatment.

5 Common Mistakes Every Pet Parent Should Avoid

5 Common Mistakes Every Pet Parent Should Avoid

With the continuously rising trend of pet parenting in India, there are a few notions that are still associated with orthodox thoughts. If you are a pet parent, there might...

5 Common Mistakes Every Pet Parent Should Avoid

With the continuously rising trend of pet parenting in India, there are a few notions tat are still associated with orthodox thoughts. If you are a pet parent, there might be a few things you are thinking about. We are here to prevent you from making these mistakes and ensure that your furry friend stays happy and healthy. Check out this blog on 5 Mistakes Every Pet Parent Should Avoid to get insights into the World of Petcare!   1. Not Giving Supplements   People often consider supplements as medicines and avoid giving supplements to pets to escape these unnecessary medicines. However, this notion is completely wrong. Supplements are highly essential for every pet to save them from developing certain diseases. Pets are often deficient in multivitamins and minerals because it is impossible to fulfill all the body requirements with home-cooked or packaged foods. Thus, it is necessary to give different types of supplements that are necessary at different stages of life. You can also checkout our CanniVin Range of Supplements that are super tasty and healthy for pets! 2. Mating At Least Once a Lifetime  Pet parents have a common notion to mate their dogs at least once in a lifetime to complete their life cycle. However, mating and then taking away babies is no less than cruelty. To avoid this situation, it is always recommended to get your pet neutered. Neutering significantly controls hormonal levels, which suppresses the urge to mate. Moreover, neutering/spaying should be done irrespective of gender as it protects your pet from many physical and mental health issues. 3. Giving Paracetamol To Pets    Paracetamol is one of the most commonly found medicines in Indian households. Pet parents often give paracetamol to their pets if they suspect fever or pain. However, it is not a safe practice because you might unknowingly overdose to the level of toxicity which can even lead to your dog collapsing. Thus, always avoid doing at-home treatment using paracetamol. Instead, you can opt for pet-friendly medicines like Fev Pet which is made specially to relieve fever, body pain, cough and cold in pets.  4. Adult Dogs Don’t Need Vaccinations   It is a false notion that dogs require vaccinations only during the initial phases of life and no vaccinations are required during adulthood. Several diseases can affect adult dogs too which include canine distemper, hepatitis, rabies, parainfluenza, leptospira and many more. So make sure that your pet’s vaccination schedule is up-to-date every year and take them for regular veterinary checkups. Know more about Pet Vaccination.  5. Feeding Whenever They Ask  Being pet parents, we have a habit of feeding our dogs whenever they ask for food, thinking that they might be hungry. However, it is not true as most pets just wish to get rid of their boredom or ask for food out of greed for snack time. Similar to humans, it causes obesity in pets, which further leads to fatal diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cholesterol issues, etc. So it is important to ensure that their feeding schedule is regulated. Moreover, you can give digestive stimulants like Pacho Pet that balances their appetite.  Hope we could clarify your doubts and help you know the truth behind common societal notions. For more such content around pets and pet parenting, stay tuned!  

5 Common Myths Around Pet Parenting

5 Common Myths Around Pet Parenting

Indian society is full of notions about pets and pet parenting. Some can be true but others might be vague and unscientific. Let us differentiate between the myths and facts and know about...

5 Common Myths Around Pet Parenting

Indian society is full of notions about pets and pet parenting. Some can be true but others might be vague and unscientific. Let us differentiate between the myths and facts and know about their crux. Our veterinarians are here to bust such myths and help you know the scientific explanation and reasons behind them. Check out the blog below on 5 Common Myths Around Pet Parenting! 1. Feeding Milk  We Indians have always been fond of feeding milk to the home-kept dogs as well as to stray dogs. However, do you know that most of the dogs are lactose intolerant? This means that dogs are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. As a result, they experience diarrhea, gas and bloating after consuming dairy products. The condition of lactose malabsorption is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable. Remember, milk is not harmful to pets, but it can lead to dietary discomfort. 2. Deworming  It is a common assumption that dogs who remain at home do not need deworming. Having an indoor dog who mostly stays inside the house needs regular deworming too. If his contact with the outer environment is less, then you can extend the intervals between two deworming periods. In any case, deworming is necessary for every dog and skipping it leads to major health issues. Also, the dose of deworming depends upon the current body weight of your pet. Avoid using the same dose of dewormer you used last time and always weigh your dog before deciding the dose of dewormer to prevent under/over dosing. Once your puppy turns 1 year of age, shift from syrup to tablets for deworming like Worm No More.  3. Food Cooked With Spices  Home-cooked food is better than market feeds packed with tons of preservatives. However, this doesn't mean we can feed the same human food we eat because Indian dishes are prepared with dozens of spices and excess oils, which are not good for your dog. If you opt to feed your dog home-cooked food, make sure you are not using species while cooking. Simply boil the food with no oils or spices.  4. Ear and Teeth Cleaning  Cleaning the ears or teeth of dogs is often overlooked. This is one of the biggest mistakes pet parents make as it invites multiple problems and infections. If you are not taking care of oral hygiene of your dog you might notice yellow teeth, weak gums, bad breath or underlying signs of serious issues. Similarly, not cleaning his ears causes bacterial and fungal ear infections which can be extremely painful and uncomfortable as dogs start continuously scratching his ears and in extreme cases, he might keep his head tilted to the side of infection. All these problems can be avoided by using Regular Hygiene Combo that helps in maintaining ear cleanliness and dental hygiene. 5. Improper Bathing  Some pet parents often think that bathing is not required by their dogs or some believe that dogs need bathing every day like humans. However, both notions are wrong. Not bathing them leads to a buildup of debris whereas bathing them every day leads to dry skin by washing all the essential oils, inviting multiple skin problems in both cases. The recommended bathing schedule in summers is every 15 days while in winter bathing once every month. Moreover, using human shampoos is not advised as it disrupts the dog’s skin pH, causes allergic reactions and strips away essential oils. Use a natural dog shampoo like Shampooch that is free of harmful chemicals and promotes a healthy skin and shiny coat.  If you are a pet parent enthusiastic about learning informational tips and tricks, stay tuned with us for regular updates. Together, let's explore the World of Petcare!

Veterinary Guide on Parvovirus

Veterinary Guide on Parvovirus in Dogs

Symptoms of Parvovirus  Symptoms of Parvovirus can vary depending on the severity of the infection. While many dogs may not show every symptom, vomiting and diarrhoea are the most common...

Veterinary Guide on Parvovirus in Dogs

Symptoms of Parvovirus  Symptoms of Parvovirus can vary depending on the severity of the infection. While many dogs may not show every symptom, vomiting and diarrhoea are the most common and consistent signs. Some other signs include:  Lethargy and loss of appetite are the earliest signs of parvo infection The virus starts with consistent vomiting, wherein digestion becomes difficult Diarrhoea is often bloody, mucusy and foul-smelling. Abdominal pain and bloating Fever or low body temperature (Hypothermia) Depression and weakness  Clinical Signs of Parvovirus  It generally takes 3-7 days for Canine Parvovirus to start showing signs in the body of an infected dog. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells of the intestine, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues as explained below:  Intestine: The virus breaks down the intestinal mucosal barrier and causes intestinal crypt necrosis and villus atrophy. This leads to severe diarrhoea, which often contains blood.  Bone marrow: Parvovirus targets bone marrow cells, leading to decreased immunity in the body.   Lymphoid tissues: By targeting the lymphoid tissues, it leads to lymphoid depletion which causes reduced immunity and makes it prone to other infections.  Heart: In very young dogs, the virus can also infect the heart, leading to inflammation, poor function, and arrhythmias.   Do’s and Dont’s During Parvovirus  1. Never Try At-Home Treatment  Parvovirus is a deadly disease that cannot be cured without the intervention of healthcare experts. Veterinarians provide IV fluids through drip to maintain the hydration level of the body as the stomach cannot digest anything by itself. Hence, following your veterinarian’s instructions is highly crucial.  2. Don’t Expect Instant Results Parvovirus is a viral disease that will complete its course in the body of the host no matter what. Do not rely on false claims that your dog will be fine in 2-3 days of treatment. The duration depends on many factors like strain affecting your dog, his immunity, vaccination status, treatment progress and others. 3. Maintain Cleanliness The excretions of infected pets contain a large load of virus in them. Pets have a habit of licking themselves, their anal area or even vomitus. Clean your pet’s hind portion and surrounding area properly. Remember, using a regular floor cleaner cannot kill the virus, so use bleach powder while cleaning the floor. Maintain overall hygiene throughout and after the course of infection. 4. Recovery from Parvovirus   It generally takes 5-10 days for an infected dog to recover. In this disease, the immunity and digestive system are greatly affected. Your dog might not be able to gain weight, vomit or get loose motions very easily, so you need to provide them with supportive supplements for gut and immunity health. Even after dogs start digesting food, they require extra care and love during this time.  Myths About Parvovirus  ❌ My pet just needs one vaccination to be protected from parvovirus ❌ If I get my pet vaccinated, he will never catch a parvovirus infection ❌ Parvo will only transfer to my dog if he comes in contact with a sick dog  ❌ I can treat my dog’s parvovirus at home with oral medicines  ❌ If my pet is getting proper treatment, he will get better within 2-3 days  ❌ Once my dog stops vomiting, there is no need to continue the treatment ❌ If my dog is getting proper treatment then there is no chance of him collapsing ❌ Once my dog is infected with parvo, he will remain weak for his whole life Treatment of Parvovirus  Parvovirus is a viral disease which can only be eased with supportive therapy. As the disease leads to vomiting and diarrhoea, it causes severe dehydration. Therefore, the major goal is to maintain the hydration levels of the body. Besides, antibiotics and medicines are given to control vomiting. The first thing your vet will tell you is to stop oral feeding and not to give even water as your dog won't be able to digest anything. This will provide rest to the stomach and intestines for recovery.