08 Aug
Bonding

How to be a responsible pet parent and get the best out of the Monsoons

The monsoons are here and they not only bring cooler temperatures but the romance between man and nature. However, the monsoons bring a whole host of problems for our furry friends. Here’s a lowdown on how to keep pets healthy and prevent them from getting sick during monsoons.

Image Credits : Google Images

Make sure they’re dry

After every wet walk, making your pet feel dry and warm is of the upmost importance during the rains. Moisture, as most of the pet owners know, is going to affect their health. The monsoon season is heaven for germs.  It is essential to keep your dog’s fur dry all the time. A good idea during the monsoons would be to trim your dog’s fur. Investing in a raincoat is advised and it’s a great way to avoid dripping dog coats. When buying a coat for your dog, always measure your pet correctly to ensure you get a good fit. You don’t want the coat to be too snug as this could affect your pet’s mobility.

Image Credits : Google Images

Look after the paws

Once back from your walk, check and clean your dog’s paws. It will be full of dirt from the ground. You can protect the paws with shoes/boots. In case your dog rejects the idea of doggie foot wear, clean its paws thoroughly using warm water and a towel after its strolls.

Image Credits : Google Images

Be wary of the ticks and flea

Check regularly for ticks and fleas on your dog after each walk. Common places to check would be paws, ears, neck, arm pits and underbelly.

Now just because everything is damp, that does not mean that you do not have to bathe your dog. Regular bathing sessions using an antiseptic shampoo are a must during monsoons. Papa Pawsome’s varied range of shampoos should do the trick. It’s also important to keep your dog’s sleeping spot clean and free of ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and other bugs. Your pet’s sleeping spot must be dry and should be regularly changed.

Image Credits : Google Images

A comfortable resting space is a must

It’s essential to make your pet feel safe and comfortable at home, especially during monsoons. Many pets feel fear and anxiety in such weather, especially during thunderstorms. Pets can run to this space to feel secure whenever the sound of thunder frightens them.

Image Credits : Google Images

A slight change in diet

Offer a diet rich in fiber, Fibrous vegetables and fruits will aid in proper digestion and regular bowel movements in the absence of long walks and outdoor activities due to constant rains. Ensure your dog’s food is not kept in an area where even the slightest dampness can penetrate. There is a possibility that you may forget about it and your pet will consume bad food, leading to a severe stomach infection. An easy way to avert your pet’s tummy troubles is to boil water before you give it to your pet dog for drinking.

Image Credits : Google Images

Enjoy the monsoons to the fullest. Don’t let it hamper your dog’s activities. Rain or sunshine, nothing can stand in the way of you and your pet. Get a few things organized and make the best of monsoons. Go for monsoon camps. Meet other pet parents and most importantly let your pet play to its heart’s content.

06 Jun
Bonding

Socialization – The key to your loyal companion’s overall wellness

When pet parents are asked the question; what things are essential to provide a healthy life for their companion? Only a few would answer with the term socialization. In the broad scheme of things socialization in your pet’s life is the key to its overall well-being.

Credits: Google Images

Dogs socialize by sniffing each other’s butt, it’s their natural way of saying “hello”, dogs often do that when the meet each other for the first time. Once your pet has made new friends they can exhibit a certain pack like behaviour. This belonging to a pack can make your pet feel that he is in a safe environment, which gives your pet a massive confidence boost as he will feel he can handle anything that comes his way.

Credits: Google Images

Socializing your pet regularly can also correct some innate behavioural problems your pet might have. You can bring along some treats on your walks and reward your pet for interacting with new pet friends. This will make your furry companion associate interacting with other dogs as a good experience because of the treats and will eventually change his perception about meeting new people and furry friends.    

Credits: Google Images

Exposing your puppy or your dog to as many new furry friends, people, environments and other stimuli as possible without overwhelming them. This constant exposure to different and new environment helps your pup develop a comfort level to various stimuli and helps immensely in controlling their aggression.

Credits: Google Images

Pets that are not socialized risk their own health, pose an injury threat to others, poorly socialized pets are frequently engaged in stressful situations. Your puppy, just like your child if you have one, can’t grow into a healthy adult without proper help and leadership. Good puppies aren’t born, they have to be made.

13 May
Bonding

4 WAYS YOUR DOGS CAN BOOST YOUR MOOD (and your overall well-being)

4 WAYS YOUR DOGS CAN BOOST YOUR MOOD (and your overall well-being).

We don’t have to be scientists to know that dog are the funniest beings in the world who with their behavior crack us up more often than not. Had a bad day? Your dog is most likely going to sense that and want to help.

What makes them the best companions is the fact that they are great listeners. They may sit glued to your side, look at you adoringly or drop a toy into your lap. Then voila!! Things just don’t seem so sad anymore.

Researchers at the Harvard University, state that dog owners have a lower risk of heart disease. When we interact with dogs, our oxytocin levels shoots up, oxytocin is more commonly known as the feel good hormone. Since this is the hormone largely responsible for social bonding, this hormonal ‘LOVE INJECTION’ from dogs boosts our psychological well-being.

Dogs are completely devoted, energetic, fun and loyal to the core all at the same time.

So for the average dog parent, what other positive benefits can we expect from a furry baby? There are four great ways that our dogs boost our moods for us every day whether we ask for them to do it or not.

  1. They make you more active
Credits: Google Images

Let’s face it, if you have a dog, exercise is going to be a part of your life. Your dog is going to make you go outside into the fresh air for morning/evening walks. These walks will deepen the connection between you and your pet, eradicate most behavior problems in dogs, and keep your pet fit and healthy.

  • Provide companionship
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Dogs are consistent and stable. You rarely have to come home and soothe your angry or upset dog instead it’s the other way round. Caring for a living animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems, especially if you live alone. And nothing beats loneliness like coming to a wagging tail and wet kisses.

  • Increase socialization
Credits: Google Images

Dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks, hikes or in a dog park. It’s a great way to socialize and meet more like minded people.  Dog owners are also bound to meet new people at pet stores, clubs and training classes.

  • Reduce anxiety
Credits: Google Images

 Dogs live in the moment and never stress out about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow. They can help people be more mindful and appreciate the joy of living in the present.