Category: Ask Our Experts

When selecting the most suitable diet for your dog, the debate between raw and freeze-dried food options frequently comes up. Each option offers distinct benefits and fulfils different roles, so understanding their features can help you make the best decision for your pet’s well-being and joy.

The raw dog food diet, referred to as BARF (biologically appropriate raw food), consists of uncooked meats, bones, organs, and occasionally unprocessed fruits and vegetables. People of raw feeding argue that it mimics the diet of dogs’, enhancing their natural health and vitality. One of the key benefits of consuming raw food is that it is filled with vital nutrients. Rich in proteins, fats, and essential vitamins, this diet can enhance your pet’s coat, skin, and overall energy. Additionally, many pet owners have observed improvements in digestion and more consistent stool quality when providing their pets with raw diets. A raw diet can be advantageous for dogs suffering from food allergies since it usually includes single-source proteins and fewer ingredients, which simplifies the process of recognizing and steering clear of allergens.

However, feeding dogs raw food presents its own challenges. Safety is a major concern since raw meat may contain dangerous bacteria such as salmonella (bacteria). Salmonella poses risks for both dogs and their owners. Maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness is essential in minimizing these risks. Additionally, formulating a well-balanced raw diet for dogs requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of canine nutrition. Dogs may encounter health issues stemming from inadequate diets if they do not receive the appropriate nutrition. Adhering to a raw diet may incur additional expenses and require more time, as it necessitates carefully finding and preserving high-quality ingredients.

Freeze-dried dog food offers a convenient alternative to raw diets for feeding dogs. This technique involves removing moisture from raw materials through freeze-drying, which preserves the food’s nutrients and extends its shelf life. Freeze-dried pet food offers a practical solution for pet owners with busy lifestyles. It is lightweight, compact, and doesn’t require refrigeration, making it an ideal option for people with busy lifestyles. It retains many of the essential nutrients present in raw food and simplifies meal preparation by only needing rehydration prior to serving. This convenience is a significant advantage, particularly for those who find it challenging to handle and prepare raw food. Despite the benefits of freeze-dried food, it has its drawbacks as well. It is usually more expensive than traditional dry dog food and may not provide as much benefit as other varieties. Certain dogs may be particular about the texture or taste, and adding the step of rehydrating their food can make mealtime more complicated. Freeze-dried food is calorie-dense, so it may be necessary to modify portion sizes to avoid consuming too much.

Peaches come with enormous health benefits as they are rich in dietary fiber which supports gut health.

With the arrival of summer season, comes the peak of juicy and refreshing peach season. The fiber rich fruit shows up at grocery stores and roadside stands. While you are picking the fruits, you might stop to wonder if your pet can eat peaches too. The answer is yes, however, there are some important caveats. Dogs can enjoy peaches as long as you avoid giving them the pit, stem and leaves. Moderation is the key as too many peaches can cause problems for your furry companion.

Peaches come with enormous health benefits as they are a rich source of dietary fiber which supports gut health. They also offer natural antioxidants that help in fighting oxidative damage which has a link to aging. However, too much fiber from fruits can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to diarrhea. Moreover, dogs with diabetes need to watch their sugar intake. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to the dog’s diet. It is advisable to start with small portions of peach to judge how your dog reacts.

How to Share Peaches with Your Dog?

Raw Peaches

Be sure to wash peaches before sharing them with your dog in order to remove any pesticide residues. Peaches contain cyanide but the risk is minimal. Peach pits can pose a risk of intestinal obstruction, hence, in order to keep your dog safe, always remove the pit, cut the peach into small pieces.

Canned Peaches

Canned peaches can be a problem due to their extra calories and added sugar. In order to prevent canine obesity, peaches should make up to about 5-10 percent of your dog’s total daily calorie count. It is best to stick to fresh peaches to keep your pet’s diet balanced and healthy.

Grilled Peaches

Try grilling the peaches with some honey to add a twist to the flavor. They are safe for your dog’s once they have cooled down. However, if you have added more flavors like butter, offer just a small portion rather than a full serving.

Peach Yogurt or Sorbet

The only problem with processed peach products is the presence of xylitol, a sweetener that is dangerously toxic to the dogs. Just a little bit of xylitol can lead to a sudden drop in your dog’s blood sugar and even lead to severe liver damage. To create a peach treat, freeze small peach pieces and offer those to your furry dogs.

Other fruits which your dogs can enjoy are apple, banana, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, mango, orange, pineapple, strawberries, watermelon and tangerine.

Exploring the connection between arthritis and obesity, say Dr. Rutuja Sawant and Dr. Harshal Patil.

Obesity is a growing problem in the canines, leading to number of serious health issues, including arthritis. In this article we’ll discuss the dangers of obesity in dogs and how it contributes to arthritis. Also will explore the ways to prevent and manage these conditions to ensure happy, healthy, and pain-free life for your furry friends.

How is obesity and arthritis related?

Carrying extra weight, puts a significant amount of stress on the joints, especially in areas like the hips, knees, and spine.

This stress can cause damage to the joint structures, leading to inflammation and pain over a period of time. The inflammation can cause the body to produce enzymes that break down cartilage, which is the soft tissue that lines the joints and helps them move smoothly. The deteriorating cartilage leads, the bones in the joint to rub against each other, causing even more pain and discomfort.

Obesity can also cause hormonal changes in a dog’s body that can contribute to joint inflammation. Adipose tissue, or fat, secretes hormones called adipokines that can trigger inflammation throughout the body. This chronic inflammation can lead to joint damage and contribute to the development of arthritis.

In addition to joint issues, obesity can also lead to other health problems for dogs, including diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues. It’s important to keep your dog at a healthy weight to prevent these issues and ensure they live a long, happy life.

Understanding Canine Osteoarthritis: Symptoms

Symptoms of arthritis in dogs include limping, stiffness, difficulty standing or climbing stairs, reluctance to move or play, and a decreased range of motion in the affected joint. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

The role of diet/food: Managing a healthy weight for your dog

Obesity is a preventable and manageable condition. Providing your dog with a healthy, well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs without overfeeding is the best way to prevent obesity.

Your veterinarian can help you to determine the appropriate amount of food for your dog based on their size, weight, and activity level, as well as finding any underlying health issues.

Exercise and Activity: Key components of a healthy lifestyle for dogs

Regular exercise and physical activities are also essential for keeping their joints healthy and their muscles strong maintaining health and preventing obesity. You should provide your dog at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day, such as brisk walks, games of fetch, or swimming.

It’s also important to vary your dog’s exercise routine to prevent boredom and ensure they are getting a full-body workout. Try incorporating activities like agility training, hiking, or bike rides into your routine to keep things interesting.

Supplements and medications for managing canine arthritis

There are several supplements and medications that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life, if your dog has already been diagnosed with arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two supplements that are commonly used to promote joint health and reduce inflammation in dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E can also help reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility.

If your dog is in severe pain, your veterinarian may recommend pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. However, it’s important to use these medications with caution and  only under the guidance of a veterinarian, as they can have potentially dangerous side effects if not used properly.

When surgery is necessary: Procedures for treating advanced arthritis in dogs? Can dog arthritis be fixed with surgery?

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat advanced arthritis in dogs. Procedures such as joint replacement or stem cell therapy can help repair damaged joint structures and reduce inflammation to provide long-term relief from pain and discomfort.

These procedures can be expensive and may not be suitable for all dogs, so it’s important to discuss all of your options with your veterinarian before pursuing surgery.

Some tips for weight control in dogs include:

1. Feed your dog a high-quality, nutritious diet in appropriate portions.
2. Provide your dog with regular exercise and physical activity.
3. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or unhealthy treats.
4. Use portion-controlled feeding dishes or treat dispensers.
5. Monitor your dog’s weight and body condition regularly.
6. Work with your veterinarian to create a customized weight loss plan if necessary.

Kennel Cough is a highly contagious illness affecting dogs’ respiratory tracts, says Yung-Tsun Lo D.V.M., Ph.D, Bioguard Corporation.

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD), is a highly contagious illness that affects the respiratory tracts of dogs. This condition can impact dogs of all breeds and ages. It is caused by multiple bacteria and viruses, often infecting dogs with more than one organism at a time. Some of the more commonly involved pathogens include Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine influenza, and less commonly, canine distemper virus.

How is kennel cough spread?

Kennel cough spreads quickly through the air and via contaminated objects such as toys or food bowls, making it highly contagious and prone to rapid transmission, especially within kennels. Controlling kennel cough is challenging because most dogs are contagious before displaying symptoms, resulting in rapid outbreaks, particularly in multi-dog settings. Some kennel cough causing organisms are robust and can survive in the environment for weeks, which adds complexity to containment strategies.

What are the symptoms of kennel cough?

The main symptom of kennel cough is a sudden onset of frequent, honking coughing that resembles gagging or retching. Sometimes, it’s accompanied by frothy discharge that resembles vomit. It’s important to differentiate this cough from a reverse sneeze, which can be normal in certain dogs and breeds, and often indicates post-nasal drip or throat irritation. This cough typically gets worse with activity or exercise, which can worsen airway irritation.

Kennel cough usually appears as a mild illness, and most dogs recover completely within 7 to 10 days. However, the symptoms can vary depending on the infecting organism/organisms and the dog’s immune response. Some dogs may show more severe signs such as lethargy, reduced appetite, fever, productive cough, and rapid or laboured breathing, indicating potential bacterial pneumonia that needs immediate veterinary care.

How is kennel cough diagnosed?

Kennel cough should be suspected if the characteristic cough develops suddenly within 5–10 days after exposure to other susceptible or affected dogs. Veterinarians typically rely on a “presumptive” diagnosis, which involves a thorough physical examination, ruling out other potential causes of cough, and evaluating exposure to other dogs or multi-dog environments. Additionally, knowledge of other cases of kennel cough in the vicinity can support the diagnosis.

However, testing is advisable in cases of multiple affected dogs, such as outbreaks, or if your dog’s condition worsens despite supportive treatment. In these situations, your veterinarian may collect swab samples from the throat, nose, and/or eye margins for PCR testing to confirm the infection and identify the specific bacteria or viruses involved.

How is kennel cough treated?

There is no special drug for dogs with kennel cough. Typically, mild cases of kennel cough will quickly make a full recovery with basic supportive care aimed at avoiding situations that promote coughing and irritate airways. Dogs with more severe illness may benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and fluids to treat dehydration. Your dog’s veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent a secondary bacterial infection. Antibiotics are not usually necessary or recommended unless there are signs of bacterial pneumonia, including illness that lasts more than 10 days. In rare instances, dogs with severe disease may also need intensive supportive care, such as oxygen supplementation.

How can I prevent kennel cough in my dog?

Preventing kennel cough in your dog primarily involves vaccination, particularly for puppies, as the vaccines are safe for them. While vaccination doesn’t completely prevent infection, it can mitigate the severity of symptoms and lessen the need for intensive care. For optimal protection against common respiratory infections, administering the vaccine targeting B. bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine parainfluenza, particularly for dogs in at-risk groups exposed to multi-dog environments. Furthermore, in areas where canine influenza is prevalent, obtaining the canine influenza vaccine is advised. Your veterinarian will assist you in determining the necessary vaccines to maintain your dog’s optimal health.

Learn the effective methods to cure skin infections and give your pet a healthy life, says Mradul Goel.

Don’t let itchy and scratchy become your pet’s new name! Constant itching and scratching could be symptomatic of dog and cat skin infection. In the extreme climate fluctuations in India, skin issues have become recurring in every pet. Fortunately, there are effective methods developed to treat the same. Let’s learn more about them.

Discover the signs of dog and cat skin infections:

1. Excessive scratching, licking or chewing

The most common signs of skin infection. Various factors like allergies and parasites could be the underlying cause.

2. Redness, Inflammation or scabbing

Watch out for inflamed or irritated skin specifically around the paws, ears, face and rump.

3. Sudden hair loss

Patchy baldness or thinning fur could be a symptom of a skin condition.

4. Visible signs

You might see pimples filled with pus and crusting and oozing sores. These could also signify a skin problem. If your dog seems to persistently lick the paws, a visit to the vet is recommended to identify the cause. Signs of ear mites prevalent in cats are excessive head shaking, scratching the ears, a dark, waxy discharge from the ear canal.

What are the common causes of Dog and Cat skin infections?

1. Bacteria

Bacterial skin infections usually caused by Malassezia can lead to red and itchy skin. Sometimes even pimples!

2. Yeast

Fungal infections like yeast dermatitis can cause itching, redness and a greasy coat.

3. Parasites

Fleas, mites and ticks can lead to intense itching and irritation, causing skin infections from persistent itching.

4. Allergies

Food allergies and environmental allergies can cause itchiness, redness and inflammation. Pet dermatitis is a commonly used term for skin inflammation

caused by allergies.

5. Hormonal imbalances

Hypothyroidism and other hormone related issues can also affect skin health making pets more vulnerable to infections.

6. Hypoallergenic Pet Shampoo

It can be helpful in managing allergies in pets who have sensitive skin as they are beneficial in minimizing irritation and promoting a healthy coat.

Diagnosing Dog and Cat Skin Infections

The vet will physically examine your pet’s skin and coat, identifying signs of irritation amongst other abnormalities. Under a microscope, scrapping from the affected area can be examined for mites or fungal spores. Samples of skin cells can be scrutinized to differentiate between bacterial and allergic dermatitis. The vet can even take a pus sample to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.

Treatment of the Infection

1. Antibiotics- Dog and Cat skin infection medication often given us pills or ointments can curb the bacterial infection.

2. Antifungal medications- They can treat fungal infections like year dermatitis.

3. Antiparasitic medications- According to the type of parasite behind the infection, your vet will recommend flea and tick prevention medication and ear mite treatments.

4. Allergy management- if allergies are the culprit, your vet might suggest dietary changes, allergy medications or other allergy-management methods.

5. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid supplements they can promote healthy skin and coat, curb the inflammation and boost the overall skin health.

Preventing the infection

Maintaining a regular grooming routine and using a high-quality pet shampoo helps in maintaining hygiene and good health. Regular flea and tick prevention is imperative especially during peak season for the pests. Ensure a nutritional diet, ask your vet about dietary changes and keep an eye for hormonal imbalances as they can contribute to skin problems.

When to see the vet?

If you notice any signs of skin infection in your pet, it is better to act upon it and prevent it at an early stage. Excessive scratching, redness, inflammation, oozing sores are all indications of a potential infection. After having tried home remedies like hypoallergenic shampoo, there are no positive results, you must not wait for consultation. If your pet experiences recurring skin problems, it means there is an underlying cause. With proactive care, you can make your furry Friend’s life better and itch-free. Follow the tips above and be the best parent that you are!

Our animals are exposed to over 85,000 chemicals present in our environment by Jotvinder Singh (Jojo).

It is estimated that there are 85,000 chemicals in our environment out of which ninety percent have never been tested for safety. According to studies, our animals are exposed to hundreds more toxins and at higher rates than humans. The list of chemical toxins are never-ending; hence, the need is now more than ever to learn how to detox your pet. Also, if you have a dog who is overweight and has hypothyroid, giving a dose of thyroid supplement alone may not help in improving the health, detoxing can substantially help. The four systems of body that actively help in detoxing are:

Support your pet’s liver

Although a healthy liver is known to detoxify many toxins, it may require support considering the volume and variety of toxins in the current times. Adding a ‘liver formula’ to your pet’s diet comprising nutrients like silymarin, garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables can aid in facilitating liver function. The liver detoxifies toxins in two phases and without sufficient nutrients, the detox can be blocked, leading to toxic buildup. Hence, it is imperative to maintain a balance of Phase 1 and 2 nutrients for efficient detoxification. Vitamin C is the most important antioxidant for the liver. Whole food vitamin C from plant sources like camucamu and acerola berries can be very absorbable. Glutathione is important for both phases of liver detox. The B-complex vitamins are essential to produce energy for the detox process.

The Gastrointestinal System

Like the liver, the gastrointestinal system (GI) is involved in a multitude of critical functions such as: the storage and breakdown of foods, the production of hormones and bile for digestion and the absorption of nutrients and vitamins. The GI system provides immune protection against bacteria with antibodies and against parasite invasion with cid production. In addition, it’s the primary producer of serotonin, helping to maintain psycho/emotional well-being.

The Skin

The environment is full of toxins like weed killers that are generally present in neighbor’s yards or public parks. By washing your pets or just wiping down their paws and fur with a wet washcloth can reduce the number of toxins that stay on their fur. You can also do stimulating detox baths by making an apple cider vinegar rinse. Always remember that pets only perspire through the soles of their feet and they can detox through their pores even without sweat. While too frequent bathing can destroy the natural oils, too infrequent can put stress on the skin and body.

The Kidneys

The Kidneys filter out toxins in the pet’s body around 70 times a day. The organ is very efficient at keeping everything that needs to stay in the body like red blood cells, platelets, amino acids, glucose, minerals and some water. If your animal has kidney dysfunction, a detox bath is a requirement, not an option. When the kidneys cannot filter out protein waste products, but filter out too much water, dehydration combined with toxic waste build up make for a very ill animal. Hence, make sure your pet is drinking plenty of water but don’t go overboard adding a lot of water to the raw food diet. Adding small amounts of water to the food during the driest time of the year and detox will ensure kidneys are flushing out toxins.

Add Organic Green Lentils

Dogs are mostly allergic to wheat and don’t really require all grains to be healthy. A great and rich source of protein is green lentils. Lentils are one of the most nutritious and valuable leguminous plants and are also rich in fibre, and minerals, especially iron and magnesium. They’re rich in lysine, an essential amino acid that can help boost the immune system.        

Add raw coconut oil as a source of fat

Raw coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat that contains medium-chain fatty acids that the body doesn’t store. Coconut oil can help you manage your dog’s weight.

Raw coconut oil goes straight to the liver where it gets converted into energy. Energy is important to keep your pets physically active and curb the chances of obesity-related diseases. You will still need to add a source of Omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet. Consider sources like chia seed, flaxseed or hemp seed.

To best safeguard your dog against hepatozoonosis, the key strategy is to minimize their exposure to ticks, says Yung-Tsun Lo (D.V.M., Ph.D) from Bioguard Corporation

Hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease caused by two types of protozoan parasites: Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum. H. canis is widespread in many regions of the world, while H. americanum is mainly found in the southern and southeastern regions of the United States.

Dogs get infected with Hepatozoon when they eat infected ticks, which release the parasites into the dog’s body and spread to various organs. H. canis causes mild symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes, pale gums, and fatigue, or no symptoms at all. H. americanum causes severe symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, muscle pain, eye discharge, and muscle loss. The dog may also become very sensitive to touch and scratch or hurt itself.

Hepatozoonosis can be diagnosed by blood tests, X-rays, and muscle biopsy. Blood tests may show anemia, high white blood cell count, elevated liver enzymes, low blood protein levels, and increased muscle enzymes. X-rays may show bony changes. Muscle biopsy may reveal H. americanum. Microscopic examination of blood can detect H. canis within white blood cells. PCR testing can distinguish between H. americanum and H. canis.

Hepatozoonosis can be treated differently depending on the type of parasite. H. americanum infections cannot be cured, but can be controlled with a combination of three medications: trimethoprim-sulfa, clindamycin, and pyrimethamine. These medications are given until the symptoms disappear, and then a maintenance medication, deco quinate, is given for at least two years. The treatment may be longer or repeated if the symptoms come back.

H. canis infections can be treated more easily with an anti-protozoal drug, imidocarb, given twice monthly for several months. This treatment may be combined with an antibiotic, doxycycline, to improve the results. This treatment usually resolves the symptoms and reduces the risk of relapse.

Beyond species-specific treatments, supportive care is crucial for all dogs with hepatozoonosis. This may include anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pain or reduce fever, as well as intravenous fluids for dogs struggling with appetite or hydration. Treatment for any concurrent tick-borne diseases may also be necessary. Crucially, starting an effective tick prevention regimen is essential to avoid reinfection with hepatozoonosis.

How can I prevent hepatozoonosis in my dog?

To best safeguard your dog against hepatozoonosis, the key strategy is to minimize their exposure to ticks. This can be achieved by using a tick prevention product recommended by your veterinarian. Additionally, since hepatozoonosis can also spread through the consumption of infected prey, restricting your dog’s opportunity to hunt or scavenge can further reduce the likelihood of contracting this infection.

Pet food is transforming from using traditional proteins from animals to using different sources, such as plants, fermented products and bugs.

Pet food is a growing business that provides what pet owners and their pets want and need. As more people see their pets as part of their family, they want products that are good for their pets’ health and the environment. Let us look at some of the trends in pet food that demonstrate how people and the market, are changing.

some pet food brands are doing things like reducing carbon, saving water, and making less waste to be more eco-friendly.

Pet food is transforming from using traditional proteins from animals to using different sources, such as plants, cultured cells, fermented products, and bugs. These sources have many advantages, such as being better for the environment, easier to digest, less likely to cause allergies, and having new tastes. Many pet food brands are using protein from yeast and bugs in their products. For example, a company makes dog food from cricket (a close cousin of the grasshopper and locust) protein, which has a lot of iron, Omega-3 fats, and vitamin B12. An average of 10 locust attacks or swarms are seen in India in a normal year. As per National Geographic, a swarm could have as many as 40 to 80 million locusts that cause extensive damage to crops. If these were processed to produce pet food, we’d be killing two birds with a single stone.

Pet food is also changing because of the growing need for sustainability, in the ingredients, the packaging, and the operations. Pet owners care more about how their buying affects the environment and society, and they want pet food brands to share their values. For example, more and more of pet owners like to use sustainable packages to reduce harm to the environment. Some of the new things in pet food packaging are materials that can be recycled, broken down, or reused, as well as labels that show ethical and sustainability standards. Also, some pet food brands are doing things like reducing carbon, saving water, and making less waste to be more eco-friendly.

Another change that Pet food is going through is, because of the increasing need for personalization, which shows that pet owners want to give their pets what they need and like.

Personalization can be different things, such as nutrition that befits the pet, online interaction with vets, regular deliveries, and packaging that interacts with the pet. For example, many food preparations for dogs and cats are being seen now, that are based on their age, weight, activity, and health goals. Apps have made their way to our smart phones that links pet owners with vets and gives personalized tips, reminders, and rewards.

Pet food is also changing because of the growth of online shopping, which gives pet owners more choices, lower prices, and easier access. Online shopping has become the main way to buy pet food, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many shops were shut down or limited. Online shopping also helps pet food brands to find new customers, get data, and give rewards.

In conclusion, pet food is a dynamic and competitive industry that is influenced by various trends in consumer behavior and market conditions. Some of the latest trends in pet food include alternative proteins, sustainability, personalization, and e-commerce. These trends present both opportunities and challenges for pet food brands, as they need to innovate, differentiate, and adapt to meet the evolving needs and expectations of pet owners and their pets.