TIPS OF WALKING WITH YOUR DOG

TIPS OF WALKING WITH YOUR DOG

Have multiple dogs in your household? Looking to teaching dog to walk on leash? We are sure walks for you must be tricky and a big mess especially when you are outnumbered by the dogs. And, no one likes beautiful walks getting ruined by tangling leashes and constant tugging! Also, don’t get us started on the constant worry of dropping a lead or the leashes getting entangled. And the possibility of causing an injury or, at the very least, discomfort is enough to distract you from a good walk.

So, how do you walk multiple dogs at once effectively? How do you take charge of these walks?

We have an answer. Ever heard of double dog leash?

The dual dog leash is made of two leashes linked together on a single handle. Dual leash for dogs is a leash designed to walk multiple dogs at once or even one dog which is very strong and hard to control. They allow you to control two dogs with just one leash. Sounds convenient right? There is more, dual leash for dogs also helps you prevent tangling and even help enforce leash manners on your dogs. It is difficult or impossible for the two leashes to become tangled.

How to walk 2 dogs with Dual Leash:

As effective and useful the dual leash is, it is equally important to get your dogs used to the leashes. Training your dogs for the walks with the dual leash is equally important.

Once your dogs trust the leash and understand how it works, they will be all set for walks with the dual dog leashes.

Here are a few tricks you can use to train your dogs with the dual leash:

Shortening the leash when necessary:

If your dog does not listen to instructions when on a walk, you can shorten the leash to assert more control, giving lesser lead for you to control and for your dog to roam.

A short leash leaves your dog no option but to walk tightly, staying close to you thus leading them not misbehaving.

This will require quite a bit of training for your dog to understand and consistent walks with the dual leash will train your dog just right.

Start with one dog at a time:

Start with one dog at a time and then a few weeks down the line, your dogs will be comfortable enough to enjoy their walks on the dual leash. Practising individually will allow you to get a better idea of how each dog needs to be controlled and guided.

Once you have a clear idea of the walking patterns of both the dogs, you are all set for a beautiful walk to remember.

Keep the dogs close to you:

Making your dogs walk right by your side and as close as possible, will help them understand that you are going to be by their side at all times. This will allow them to get used to the walks and also set a course for what to expect.

Tightening the grip when they get distracted will help them stay on the course and isolate them from any distractions on the path.

Provide Lots of Feedback

When teaching two dogs to walk nicely with a leash splitter, you train your dogs a bit like a musher does with a team of sled dogs. Because it can be difficult to deliver treats since your dogs will be mostly in the front, you'll need to provide lots of feedback.

When you catch your dogs walking nicely, you should give them praise. Let them know you are happy.

When you catch your dogs speeding up and about to pull, start making loud steps that they can hear, signaling that you are slowing down and possibly come to an abrupt halt if the leash becomes tense to the point of pulling.

With time, they should learn that speeding up makes you slow down, and pulling makes you stop.

Let them sniff and roam after the walks:

After a disciplined walk, you should allow them to roam around a little and sniff for being disciplined throughout. After all, they earned it. This will allow them to explore a little and feel satisfied.

This will also show them that you appreciate them for being good during the walk, which will show in the walks to come.

Practice Makes Perfect

It goes without saying that practice makes perfect. Those who practice walking their two dogs together daily, and in a variety of settings, always being consistent will be ultimately rewarded with a polite walking duo.

Follow these tips on how to walk 2 dogs together. Make sure you invest in a good leash and walk your dogs consistently. Share these tips with your friends so they can walk their dogs better.

Food Allergies in Dogs - Common Symptoms and Allergens

Did you know that food allergies in dogs are not a sudden reaction but an immune system condition that has developed over time?

An allergy occurs when there is a misguided reaction to a foreign substance by the body’s immune system

And just like humans, dogs have allergies too!

A true food allergy in dogs, causes them to create defensive antibodies to fight ingredients that their immune system finds to be “harmful”. This leads to their body rejecting the food and showing signs of an allergic reaction.

Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction in Dogs

If your dog consumes food that he is allergic to, his immune system stands alert creating various symptoms.

The signs of an allergic reaction in dogs can vary from an upset stomach to teary eyes. Though many dog parents confuse these symptoms to be a skin allergy or environmental allergy, there are high chances of it being caused by your dog’s diet.

Few common symptoms that point to a true food allergy in dogs are:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Itchy skin
Chronic ear infection
Pigmented skin
Eye discharge
Leathery skin texture &
Anaphylaxis (in rare cases)

"Other subtle signs of an allergic reaction can range from weight loss or inactiveness to even aggression"

10 Foods that Cause Allergies in Dogs

Though almost any food can be an allergen to your dog, protein has been the most common dog food allergen (especially those found in dairy products).

Other than protein, few other common allergens to look out for are:

Dairy
Wheat
Soy
Beef
Egg
Chicken
Lamb
Pork
Rabbit
Fish

What to do if your Dog has a Food Allergy

It is natural to be worried when you find your bud at home with one or more of these symptoms.

The best way to get you and your bud back to your usual selves is by figuring out the cause of the allergy and eliminating it from their diet or introducing a new allergy-conscious dog diet (after consulting your vet!)

Other than commercial allergy tests, there are other ways you can figure out your dog’s allergy.

These steps can be taken at home, but always make sure to consult your vet before you introduce any of these steps as each dog has a unique requirement.

How to Figure Out your Dog’s Allergy

Elimination Diet

A home-cooked or prescribed dog diet by the Vet, that carries a source of protein and carb, that your dog has never been fed before. Usually, this diet lasts for 12 weeks, till which the allergen can be detected.

Find the Allergen

Once the allergen is found, your veterinarian will help you rule it out of your dog’s diet and lifestyle.

Switch to a New Diet

A major step to your dog’s new “allergy conscious life” is switching to a new diet. You could either opt for a home-cooked or commercial diet for your dog.

If you feel overwhelmed about home cooking your dog’s new diet, there are multiple hypoallergenic dog diets available in the market that are made specially keeping in mind allergens like soy, wheat, and poultry.

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

More often than not, pet parents come across days when they find their cat eating grass only to throw it up later.

So, if you are one of those cat parents who has looked at your cat and wondered “why did my cat just eat grass?” then read along to find out.

4 Common Reasons Cats Eat Grass

A general behaviour among cats, the speculations and theories around why they do it is never-ending.

But the most common reason as to why your cat would nibble on grass are :

Folic Acid in Grass

The Folic Acid found in the grass is an essential vitamin for your feline buddy. In fact, Kittens during their nursing stage receive this major vitamin from their mother's milk.

From digestion to haemoglobin production, Folic acid has various benefits to your cat’s health.

"It could also be a sign of displacement behaviour in your pet"

Relieves Cats of Digestion Issues

Yes, the grass is your cat's laxative.

On days, when your pet feels constipated, eating grass helps them with digestion. They may also eat it to regurgitate any indigestible material like fur or feathers.
It induces them to vomit and helps their tummy settle.

Stress and Anxiety in Cats

Just like humans, your feline buddy goes through a varying range of emotions, and one of them is stress.

From boredom to overstimulation the reason behind your cat or kitten feeling stressed or anxious are numerous.

But exhibiting a displacement behaviour is quite natural in such cases, and constant nibbling on grass is one of them..

Cats Like the Taste and Texture

Apart from the various reasons mentioned above for your cat's love towards grass, a simple explanation would be the “taste”.

Some cats just like the unique taste and texture of grass and cannot stop themselves from nibbling on it!

Is Eating Grass Bad for Cats?

Plants-munching is a common behaviour among the feline community. If you don’t find them hiding your socks, you will surely find them nibbling on grass.

But is grass bad for cats? Yes and No.

Eating grass isn't dangerous or poisonous to your cats if they do it rarely.

But if this is a frequent habit of your pet which ends with them vomiting, it may be a serious issue. Sometimes, grass can also end up in their nasal chambers causing them to sneeze excessively.

And in such situations, it is best to consult the Vet.

How Can I Get My Cat to Stop Eating Grass?

Since it is a natural behaviour, you don't need to reprimand them for eating grass.

As a cat parent, to ensure they don’t fall sick or end up at the Vet's - Remove any toxic or pesticide-treated plants in and around the areas your pet lives.

Instead, you can grow cat grass indoors at home for your pet to nibble on.

Fresh catnip or wheatgrass is easy to get your hands on and perfect for your feline buddy to keep munching on (without causing any health scares!)

TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PETS DURING MONSOON

TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PETS DURING MONSOON

Your furry friends might need extra love during monsoon.

While monsoon can be a big relief to us, but for our pets, it can be a nightmare. From birds to dogs, showers affect them all. So, allowing your pets to run freely around in this weather might not be a good idea. There are so many diseases under the umbrella that might lead up to health complications for them. The high moisture content in the air can lead to health troubles like infections, cough, pneumonia, cold and fever (Flu), and loose motions for your pet. Therefore, there is a need to take special care of your furry friends with the onset of the monsoon.

Keep their paws dry:

During monsoons, your canine companions are exposed to moisture, which makes them susceptible to pododermatitis. Moisture in parks and wet streets weaken the follicles, which leads to skin inflammation in the paws. Do not leave your dog's paws wet for long. Use blotting paper to wipe them clean time and again. Rinse with clean water and if possible, blow-dry the paws after every walk. If you have a long-coat pet, keep the fur between the paw-pads trimmed. This will keep the stubborn mud, that can cling, off their paws. Also, ensure their nails are not clipped too close to the skin to prevent bleeding and infection.

Keep them away from dirty, stagnant water:

Like you, your pets can fall prey to waterborne diseases from contaminated and stagnant water. Common symptoms of a gut problem include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and appetite loss.Make sure they are drinking clean water. Feed them bland food (rice and curd) in case of a gut infection and the symptoms should subside within a few days. If the infection seems aggressive, visit your vet for further treatment.

Clean their ears once a day:

Wet weather makes them vulnerable to ear infections too. During the monsoons you need to clean their ears with a cotton bud every day. At other times during the year it is okay to clean them once a month. Pet grooming centres also do a thorough ear-cleaning job.

Keep them away from frogs and lizards:

Keep a close eye on your dog during the rains as frogs and lizards, which can be extremely toxic, crawl about randomly. If you catch your pet with one in his mouth, induce vomiting by using vinegar or by placing salt on the back of their tongue to flush out the toxins.

Keep their coat dry:

To avoid damp coats, and the accompanying odour, you will need to wipe them dry every time they get wet.Brush your pet religiously at least twice a day. To control pet odour you can also use dog powders and deodorants that are readily available at pet shops.

Save them from ticks:

Monsoon is the breeding season for ticks. As a result, the chances of your pet becoming infested with ticks or fleas are high. To prevent this, use tick collars and consult your vet about oral medication.However, avoid medicating your pet yourself. Always consult an expert. If your pet is already infected with ticks, give them a bath with an anti-tick shampoo and rubbing an anti-tick ointment. This may not be enough, though. You may need to physically remove ticks from your pet's coat. While at it, make sure you kill the insects by dunking them in a jar of kerosene or water (plain or mixed with detergent).

Create a secure resting space for the pooch to tackle fear caused by loud thunder:

Your pet must be allotted its very own private and safe resting spot in the house. It can run to this space to feel secure whenever the sound of thunder frightens it. A pup may feel safe hiding under its human’s bed. If this is the case with your furry pal, leave your bedroom door open for it to sneak in when feeling scared and anxious.

De-worm and vaccinate the pet before the onset of rains to prevent certain diseases:

With monsoons comes the risk of worm related ailments and respiratory infections. Your dog’s trusted vet will administer suitable de-worming tablets and vaccine/s as per the immunization schedule.

RAJAPALYAM - POLIGAR HOUND

RAJAPALYAM

This is one of the few pedigree dogs that the country of India is known for. However, this dog breed is gradually dwindling and almost heading towards the stage of extinction, with Tamil Nadu being the sole Indian state to be the home to a small number of dogs of this breed. Of late, multiple efforts and initiatives have been undertaken to promote the breed and enhance their popularity in the nation.

Rajapalayam dog is mainly distributed in Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts of Tamil Nadu. These dogs are medium in size with compact body. Coat color is white. Skin, nostrils and eyelids are pink. Eyes are golden.

WEIGHT:

Male: 25 kg

Female: 20 kg

HEIGHT:

Male: 60-65 cm

Female: 55-60 cm

LIFE EXPECTANCY:

9- 10 yr

LITTER SIZE:

7-8

ORIGIN:

Originally bred to hunt boar and used as guard dogs and in wars in India. The Rajapalayam were dogs of royalty.
The Rajapalayam dogs got their name because they were derived from Southern India, specifically in Rajapalayam.
The Rajapalayam is also called the Poligar Hound and was given this name because of the Poligar clans. Poligar clans were said to have owned this breed back in ancient Southern India. They received a reputation of being fierce, aggressive, and harmful due to how they were trained. Poligar clans were known for robbing people while on the road and often used their dogs as attack dogs.
There is not much known about the history of the Rajapalayam. Some say the Rajapalayam originated in the Nayak dynasty of Tamil Nadu while others say that the Rajapalayam was brought to this region by the Nayakars in the time of the Vijayanagara king’s reign. In the last theory, no one knows exactly where they originated from before the Nayakars.
These dogs were traditionally used as guard dogs, hunting dogs, and war dogs although some had them simply as a companion dog.
As guard dogs, they were known to protect rice fields, houses, and farms in India. They also were known to guard the border of Kashmir along with the Indian army.
The Rajapalayam was able to hunt large game and was most known to hunt wild boar. In one story, it is said that they were able to kill a tiger in order to protect their owner.
A well known legend suggests that when these puppies were born, they were thrown in a dark pit in order for them to grow up on their own and were only taken out once fully grown, making them temperamental towards humans. According to this ancient method, only the strongest would have survived.
Because of their already aggressive reputation, they were picked up by the army and used in war. As war dogs, they were known to fight in the Polygar and Carnatic wars against the British from around 1799–1805. They were fast, aggressive, and dedicated to their task which made them a great fit for the war.
This breed still lives today in rural or small villages in Tamil Nadu, India although they are slightly different from the original Rajapalayams. Some say the Rajapalayam was used to breed the modern day Dalmation although it has not been proven. There are current efforts to revive this breed and save it from complete extinction.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Most Rajapalyam owners favor a milk white-colored dog, with a pink nose and golden eyes. However, the Rajapalyam breed is also discernible in various other colors, including spotted or solid, black, and brown. The spots will start appearing nearly 80 days after their birth. In the previous times, colored puppies were usually culled from the litters since the owners preferred the pure white dogs. The coat of these dogs is short and fine in nature. An incredibly eye-catching and graceful dog, the Rajapalayam consists of a gait similar to the trotting of a thoroughbred horse. Most of the entirely white dogs are beset by deafness, and this breed is not an exception to this norm either.

CURRENT USE:

Hunting dogs , Guard dogs

TRAINING :

It is not an uphill task to train the Rajapalayam since this breed is quite wise. It is very important to remember that the task of training this breed has to be assigned to only a single person, i.e. the training program has to be begun and concluded by the same person. The dog does not react positively if the original trainer is changed.

BEHAVIOUR:

As they are independent, loyal and courageous, Rajapalayam also makes excellent guards for families.
They are distrustful of strangers and may attack any intruder entering the house.
They are single pet parent dogs, who are very protective and possessive of their pet parents.
They do not like to be touched or handled by others.
Rajapalayam pups should be trained for socialisation.
Sadly, Rajapalayams don’t have a good compatibility with other dog breeds.

HEALTH MANAGEMENT:

Rajapalayams are, in general, a salubrious breed. But, it is worth mentioning that caution has to be exercised after bringing a puppy home, as each and every breed can reel under genetic disorders, and other common diseases, like deafness, melanocytes, etc.

EXERCISE:

Rajapalayam dogs require large open spaces for movement and exercises. This is a must because of their inherent hound characteristics and fitness. They must indulge in a substantial amount of daily exercise along with running sessions. Short 10 to 15 minute walks may not be sufficient for them.

GROOMING: