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:

• Easy to groom
• Very less grooming required in brush. 
• This breed is an average shredder.
  

 

 PROS:

 A Pedigree Indian dog Splendid guard dogs Can easily accommodate to Indian conditions

 

CONS: 

Need experienced owners Training requires forbearance instinct compels them to chase and hunt down smaller animals like rabbits. 

 

 

 

 

MUDHOL HOUND - Breed with Versatile names

 MUDHOL HOUND

(Pissouri Hound or Lahori Hound)

 

The Mudhol Hound is one of the most versatile breed when it comes to its nomenclature . You would not have come across any another breed with so many different names.They are also known as Pissouri Hound or Lahori Hound This pure bred Indian breed is a type of sight hound.  

As the other hounds that were bred in India, the Mudhol Hound also has a striking resemblance with the Greyhound. This breed thrives on human companionship and is tolerant of other dogs.  Mudhols are fiercely loyal to their owners and can even attack strangers if they feel that the owner is in danger.  

The Mudhol hound is one of the most healthy dogs to have around and do not have any particular health issues attached to it. Their lineage and breeding has made sure that they can combat the Indian weather conditions. 

Their loyalty towards the family makes them good guard and watch dogs but there fragile temperament will not see make them a good therapy dog.

 

 

 

 

HISTORY:

 The Mudhol Hound is a very ancient breed that was predominant in the Deccan Plateau region. It is believed that this majestic breed is the descended of the Saluki and Tazi that were brought to India by the Pathans, Afghans, Arabs and Persians India through the Kyber Pass. They were mostly with the nomads and followed them in caravans from one place to the other .The mudhol hound gets its name from Bagalkot district of Karnataka region. It is believed that the former ruler of  Mudhol presented two puppies to King George V.

DOG BREED GROUP: HOUND DOG

HEIGHT: 26-28 INCHES

WEIGHT: 22-28 kg

LIFE SPAN: 13-14 Yrs

LITTER SIZE: 6-9 puppies

 

 

MUDHOL HOUND PUPPY

 

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• The Mudhol Hound has well-defined characteristics. 
• The head is long and narrow, broad between the ears with a tapering muzzle.
•  The jaws are long and powerful. 
• The nose is large and may be black, liver, or flesh colored also. 
• The ears are medium sized, very slightly rounded at the tips and hang close to the skull.
•  The eyes are large and oval in shape, and may be dark or light in colour. They always have a piercing gaze. 
•  The neck is long, clean, and muscular, and fits well into the shoulders. 
• The forelegs are long, straight and well-boned. 
• The back is long, broad and well-muscled. 
• The loins are wide and deep. The chest is strong and deep with well sprung ribs. 
• The abdomen is tucked in. 
• The hind quarters appear wide and well-muscled. 
• The tail is strong at the base, not too long, set low and carried in a natural curve. 

 

 

 

COMMON HEALTH ISSUES: 

• The Mudhol Hound is one of the healthiest breeds around and is not prone to any specific ailment. 
• Their long lineage and the ability to face the harsh Indian weather has made them not only versatile but have also helped them to successfully avoid ailments as well.    
• The most common disease in the Mudhol Hound is issues related to the skin, they do not have fat layer in the body, which makes them vulnerable to rain and cold as their can develop chilly bites easily. In addition in harsh sun can give them a sunburn .  
• The other problem that can be seen in a Mudhol is of marasmus, in this the liver malfunctions and the food is not absorbed in the body. In such a case your pet might eat a lot but or she will not gain weight in fact on the contrary it might just look malnourished.

TEMPERAMENT :

• Mudhol Hounds are good family companions and develop a special bond with one person in the family. These Hounds may not be the right breed for younger children but they bond well with the older children and are warm and affectionate towards them. 
• Your Mudhol might do well with other dogs but will not be tolerant towards smaller pets because of their high prey drive. 
• This breed has an abundance of energy and will need regular exercise to ensure agility and give its mind the required stimulation. So, they are not the perfect breed to keep in an apartment.   
• They are intelligent and devoted dogs. 
• They need socialization with a lot of people and sound on regular basis.  

 

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENT:

• Mudhol Hound can adapt to any kind of living environment, whether an apartment or a house. Though, you have to remember one thing when you keep them in apartments; it is necessary to give them exercise on a regular basis. Their preferred living condition includes a large yard with fences to allow them a free run.  
• The best thing about the breed is that it was bred in India so it adaptable to all weather conditions. 
• Along with this you have to remember that they will not be happy to just sit at home and will require regular and long exercise, whether on leash or without leash. 
• The only thing to remember is that they have to be treated with kindness and respect and they can in turn be extremely loyal pets.

 TRAINING AND INTELLIGENCE:

• The Mudhol Hound will need consistent training, they need a firm trainer and remember that this breed has a nervous temperament inherently and will not respond well to harsh treatment.  
• In fact if this nervous temperament if not curbed can escalate when they grow a little older. 
• The Mudhol Hound has to be trained to socialize with other animals especially smaller animals as they were developed to chase and he or she might either scare them away or just thing that they are prey

UNIQUE ASPECTS:

• One of the most unique aspects about Mudhol Hound is the various names by which this breed is known across the country. We have not come across any other dog that has such a vast and varied nomenclature. This sight hound is called Mudhol in the south, it was called Caravan hound by the British as they accompanied people in caravans and Karwaani by the local villagers who owned the dog.  

• The other thing that makes the sight hound different is their amazing sight that helps them to chase away rabbits and other small animals. All this is because of the position of their eyes.  These hounds have a long elongated skull with a tapering muzzle. This helps to have a 270 degree field of vision. This is almost twice of what you and I can see. It would not be wrong to say that this hound can see behind its head also.

 

 

 PROS: 

• One of the healthiest dogs around
• Perfect for Indian weather
• Easy to groom

CONS: 

• It is a one man dog
• Does not take to strangers well
• Can be temperamental

 

 

 

Golden Retriever- Feel like home

 

Golden Retriever

 

 

 Golden retrievers are smart, loyal dogs that are ideal family companions. With their gentle nature, shining coats, and charming smiles, they are considered one of the most popular breeds in America.The golden retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.—for good reason. They are simultaneously wonderful family pets—thanks to their friendly, tolerant attitude—and capable, intelligent working dogs.

HISTORY:

Golden Retrievers originated from SCOTLAND. Golden Retrievers are perennial favorites as companion animal dogs, but their origins were in the hunt fields of the British Isles.The hunt was a popular sport, especially fowling. The genealogy of
the Golden Retriever breed is thought to include Newfoundland dogs, Tweed Water Spaniels (and other spaniels), Flat-coated Retriever, Bloodhound and Irish Setters. These dogs were first brought to North America in the 1890s. First AKC Golden Retriever breed registration occurred in 1925.

WEIGHT:

 Male: 29-34 kg

                                                               Female: 25-29 kg

HEIGHT: 

Male: 56-61 cm

                                                                 Female: 51-56 cm

LIFE EXPECTANCY:

10-12 yr

 

 

 

Golden retriever puppy

 

 

LITTER SIZE:

2-5

BREED APPEARANCE: 

• This dog is a muscular, powerful,balanced dog, possessing a free smooth gait. 
• The skull is broad, and stop is well defined, the square strong muzzle blends with the skull smoothly, and there is no heaviness in the flew. 
• The deep-set eyes are moderately wide set, and are pigmented brown. The eyelids fit closely and have dark margins. 
• Ears are moderately short, triangular and the nose is darkly pigmented. 
• The neck is medium in length, and well muscled. 
• The top line is level, and slopes slightly to the croup. 
• The thorax is deep, and ribs well sprung. 
• The abdomen shows little tuck up, and the thick tail is slightly curved and generally carried horizontally. 
• The tail bones reach to the level of the tarsus. 
• Limbs are straight boned, and the dewclaws are usually left on forelimbs. The feet are round shaped, well knuckled, and compact.

 

 

 

 

 

 UTILITY:

• Guide dogs for blind people, drug or bomb sniffing at airports. 

• They can come in handy during the evacuation of people stranded in places affected by various natural calamities, including earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, etc. 

EXERCISE:

• The Golden Retriever has to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk made to jog or run alongside you when you bicycle, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person leading the way forward (this is essential as loyalty towards humans makes dogs set great store by them).
•  Exercising this dog properly is quite indispensable for shielding it from the adverse effects of hyperactivity 

DISEASE CONDITION: 

This breed can suffer form number of disease condition such as hip dysplasia ,

elbow dysplasia ,Von Willebrand’s Disease ,Allergic Dermatitis ,Otitis Externa ,Sebaceous Cysts, Hypothyroidism , Cataracts ,Hemangiosarcoma, Mast Cell Tumor (MCT) etc. Hence they must be taken to Vet periodically for health examination.

GROOMING: 

• Brushing of the long double coat at regular intervals will keep it in a sound condition, but additional care becomes imperative when the dog begins to shed its dense undercoat. 
• Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, whilst paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. 
• Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.   

FOR:

• These dogs bear a favourable and tolerant attitude towards the children. 
• Hence, they do not mind withstanding the tail pulling, screaming, poking and other similar practices that kids indulge in while fiddling with them. 
• However, one needs to err on the side of caution as this breed can knock a toddler over simply by wagging its tail. 
• It is a genuine pleasure to train these dogs as they conduct themselves towards the trainers in a charming manner 

AGAINST:

• As they moult so much, it is advisable to spin a jumper from the hair twice yearly. 
• Thereafter, hair will be scattered haphazardly over your carpets, clothes, wooden floors and the like.
•  A pretty efficient vacuum cleaner is crucial to restore them to their previous position! For the optimum results, a fine clothes brush or lint remover should be utilized!