Category: Ask Our Experts

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Doggo Games 2.0

Team Buddy Life has a few suggestions that would help spice up the playtime with your dog!

Dogs love engaging in various games that keep them mentally and physically active. Here are some of their all-time favourite games, but with added twists of improvisations that are sure to renew and spice up your relation with your doggo. Read on.

1. Fetch: A classic game where you throw a ball or toy, and your dog retrieves it. Great for exercise and bonding.

Improvisations

Playing fetch with your dog is a classic game that’s both fun and a great way to exercise your pet. Add a twist to the traditional fetching game, here are some improvs:

Obstacle Fetch: Set up a mini obstacle course using cushions, chairs, or boxes and throw the toy in a way that your dog has to navigate the obstacles to retrieve it.

Hidden Fetch: Hide the toy somewhere accessible but out of plain sight, and encourage your dog to find and bring it back to you. This not only involves physical activity but also mental stimulation.

Water Fetch: If your dog loves water, try throwing the toy into a shallow pool or safe water body and let them dive in to fetch it. Always ensure your dog is comfortable and safe around water before trying this.

Fetch and Seek: Combine fetch with hide-and-seek by throwing the toy and then hiding yourself while your dog retrieves it. Your dog will get the joy of finding both the toy and you!

Treat Fetch: Attach a small pouch with treats to the toy. When your dog brings the toy back, open the pouch and give them a treat. This can be a great incentive for dogs who are less interested in the game itself.

Remember, the key to a successful game of fetch is to keep it fun and not to overwork your dog. Always supervise playtime and ensure the safety of the environment. Happy fetching!

2. Hide and Seek: Hide treats or toys around the house, and encourage your dog to find them. Stimulates their senses and provides mental stimulation.

Improvisations

Hide and seek is a fantastic game for dogs, providing both mental stimulation and physical exercise. Here are some innovative ways to play hide and seek with your pet dog:

Hide Yourself: Choose various hiding spots around your house, like under the bed, behind curtains, or inside a large box. Call out to your dog occasionally to keep them searching. It’s a fun way to engage their senses and encourage problem-solving.

Toy Hide and Seek: Use a special toy dedicated to the game and hide it in different places each time. This elevates the challenge and makes your dog use their powerful sense of smell to find the toy.

Treat Search: Hide treats around your house and encourage your dog to find them. Start with easy-to-find spots and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog gets better at the game.

Multi-Room Search: Hide in one room and have the toy in another. When your dog finds you, give them the cue to search for the toy. This adds an extra layer of excitement and exercise as they run between rooms.

Remember to keep the game positive and rewarding. If your dog struggles to find you or the toy, give them hints to ensure they stay engaged and enjoy the game. Happy playing!

3. Tug-of-War: Tug of war is a beloved game for many dogs, and it’s a great way to engage their natural instincts and provide exercise. Use a sturdy rope or toy for a friendly tug game. Make sure your dog knows when to release.

Improvisations

This timeless game is a pup’s playground, where a robust rope becomes the centrepiece of a spirited contest of strength. It’s essential for your furry athlete to know the ‘drop it’ cue to keep playtime both fun and safe. Here are some creative twists to the traditional tug of war game:

Command Performance Tug: Weave obedience commands into the heart of the action. Call a ‘freeze’, ask for a ‘sit’ or ‘down’, and once your four-legged friend nails it, dive back into the tugging triumph.

Mystery Tug: Stash the tug toy in a box with a teasingly small opening. Watch the excitement unfold as your dog puzzles out how to liberate their prize.

Tug by the Clock: Introduce a ticking countdown to the mix. Set a stopwatch for bite-sized bursts of tugging, and when the beep sounds, it’s a quick victory lap for the one holding the toy.

Train & Tug: Flip the tug toy into a token of achievement. Post-trick or command, let the tug game be the grand applause for your dog’s performance.

Seek & Tug: Blend the thrill of hide and seek with the tug-of-war by concealing the tug toy. Upon discovery, it’s a grand tug celebration.

Always keep a watchful eye during tug-of-war to ensure it remains a friendly match. Let your dog snag the occasional win to boost their morale. Here’s to a tail-wagging good time!

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Groom to make your pet bloom

Regular grooming keeps the pet healthy, happy and hygienic.

We all know grooming is an important part of a pet’s life. Timely and essential grooming keeps the pet healthy, happy and hygienic. With a well-groomed pet, the house can be odor-free, dander can be controlled and there would be less shedding.

Sometimes there are pooches who have hair tangles and the coat becomes dull. With good grooming, and the use of the right products, one can actually keep the four-legged baby squeaky clean and dirt-free to reduce the chances of any infections and skin disease.

As a pet parent it is essential to know when and how to start grooming your pet. This gets easy when you locate a professional pet groomer near you and have a conversation with them about the breed you own and how to go ahead with it.

For pet parents living in Mumbai suburbs there is The Good Doggie Pet salon and spa founded by Tanmay Juvekar in 2018 in the heart of Kandivali east Mumbai. “It starts with small steps, touching and playing with the paws, rubbing the ears, petting your pet in a manner that would replicate combing”. In Tanmay’s words,”

Grooming needs time and patience. A sort of trust is built between the groomer and the pet.

You as a new parent must do all that a mother would do for her child”. Understanding the breed in hand, grooming can be a longer process or a quick one. The frequency of baths also depends on the breed and lifestyle of the pet. That being said all breeds must visit the groomer at least once a month. Why? Because grooming is an intimate process and can take hours. It needs time and patience. A sort of trust is built between the groomer and the pet.

“For all the years that I have been working, I have come to notice that I spend a more attentive time with the pet in the sense, noticing the changes in the pet, be it mentally, physically or their health”, Tanmay further explains, how groomers are the bridge between the pet parent and the vet. A pet owner visits a groomer more often than he visits a vet, that makes the groomer more closely associated with the pet, than the vet. A good groomer will always notice every little change, right from skin infection, limping limbs, growths or deformation on the body, fluctuation in weight to ear and eye infections as well.

While learning grooming and educating oneself to become a certified professional groomer, young groomers are taught about anatomy of cats and dogs, skin infections and other general health issues. “I have learnt the greatest thing from my grooming teacher, Shams Lakhani, owner of Pet Pamperer. He always said, choose sanity over vanity and this has been my motto ever since.” adds Tanmay.

The biggest myth in the eye of the general public is if you shave a dog, it feels less hot or sheds less! “Shaving dog does nothing but sets the pet on a road of skin and coat damages and more grave issues like exposure to direct sun causing skin damage and in worse case skin cancer.” Tanmay further adds, “All us groomers dread to shave dogs, we have other substitutes to tackle shedding. There is furminating and de-shedding. Rather than going to the root it is essential to understand that shedding is normal during peak months.”

“When do you actually shave? Only when recommended by the vet or in long coated breeds if the dog is matted beyond repair”, says Tanmay. Regular brushing of a pet is a must, it’s the most zen thing to do. It’s equally relaxing for you and your pets. Slicker brush, pin brush, rubber curries there are a universe of brushes available. Proper brushing keeps the fur well-aired and healthy and regulates the flow of blood and keratin to the hair stands, maintaining the coat and keeps your pet knot and matt free.

“There are several options for haircuts and trims, that suit the season, especially for long coated breeds like Shihtzu, Lhasa, Persian cats, etc. Doing puppy cuts and teddy cuts and feathering on Goldens and Cocker Spaniels is the best part, to see a complete transformation of the pet. Investing and sticking to the right groomer, trainer and vet is like your three kings from heaven to pet parent,” chuckles Tanmay.

“Grooming may be my occupation, but it surely does not end when I shut the salon, I get calls from pet parents with concerns on health or anything in general, I am always there and happy to help with the knowledge that falls under my expertise. Our salon completes five years in business in May and the best sign from the universe was one of my clients communicated with her cat through an animal communicator and the cat mentioned he likes being groomed by me and enjoys his grooming session. That coming from a cat! best gift ever,” says Tanmay, beaming with happiness.

Grooming is all about bonding When an animal grooms its offspring in the wild it creates a bond of generational love and knowledge. Tanmay Juvekar and his team at The Good Doggie Pet salon and spa aim to create such a bond with a lot of love, care and pampering through their grooming.

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Rabies in Canines

Vaccination is critical for prevention. Once the symptoms appear, the disease is typically fatal without adequate treatment, emphasizes Yung-Tsun Lo, D.V.M, Ph.D, from Bioguard Corporation in Taiwan.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is caused by the rabies virus and can affect all mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, ferrets, livestock and wildlife. Once the symptoms become noticeable, the disease is almost always fatal. Therefore, vaccination is crucial for prevention, since there is currently no effective treatment for rabies in any species.

How can a dog get rabies?

The primary mode of transmission for rabies is through the saliva of an infected animal. Infection usually occurs through bites, scratches, or contact with an open wound or mucous membrane, such as those in the mouth, nasal cavity and eyes. Dogs are responsible for more than 95% of human cases of rabies. While most cases in dogs develop within 21 to 80 days after exposure, the incubation period may be shorter or longer.

How does the rabies virus spread within the body?

After entering the body, the virus will remain at the entry site for some time before traveling along the nerves to the brain. Once in the brain, the virus multiplies rapidly and may begin to cause symptoms. The virus then spreads along nerves to the salivary glands, where it can be transmitted to another animal or human through saliva.

What are the clinical signs of rabies in dogs?

Most animals infected with rabies exhibit signs of central nervous system disturbance. The disease is characterized by the development of severe and fatal nervous symptoms that lead to paralysis and ultimately death. After being bitten by a rabid animal, the disease progresses in stages.

The first phase is known as the prodromal phase and lasts for about 2-3 days. During this phase, dogs may experience a marked change in temperament. Usually, quiet dogs may become agitated, while active pets may become nervous or shy.

Following the prodromal phase, there are two recognized forms of the clinical disease. In the furious stage of rabies, the infected dog becomes highly aggressive, and excitable, and shows a strong desire to eat anything in sight, even non-food items like stones or trash. As the disease progresses, paralysis sets in, rendering the animal unable to eat or drink.

Eventually, the dog dies in a violent seizure. It’s worth noting that while humans with rabies may experience hydrophobia (fear of water), this is not a typical sign of rabies in dogs.

Dumb or paralytic rabies is a more common form of rabies in dogs. It is characterized by progressive paralysis of the limbs and distortion of the face. The dog may also have difficulty swallowing, leading owners to think that something is stuck in the mouth or throat. Care should be taken during the examination as rabies can be transmitted through saliva.

Eventually, the dog becomes comatose and dies.

How is rabies diagnosed?

The disease can be suspected based on clinical signs, but laboratory tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Unfortunately, there are no approved diagnostic tests for identifying rabies in living animals. Instead, rabies can only be diagnosed by microscopic testing of brain tissue in a deceased animal.

How is rabies treated?

Once a dog shows symptoms of rabies, there is no known cure. Unfortunately, if your vet suspects that your dog has rabies, they may have to be euthanized, as they pose a risk of spreading the fatal virus to both humans and other animals.

Can rabies be prevented?

Preventing rabies is of utmost importance as there is no effective treatment available for it. The most crucial step towards preventing rabies is to vaccinate dogs. Puppies should be vaccinated at around 12 weeks of age, followed by another vaccination at one year old, and then every three years throughout their lifespan.

Additionally, keeping dogs on leashes and supervising them while outdoors can help minimize the chances of them coming into contact with wildlife. It is also recommended to cover outdoor garbage cans to avoid attracting wildlife.

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Deadly virus of Canine Distemper

The disease is transmitted through sneezing, coughing or direct contact with urine, blood, or saliva of sick dogs, says Yung-Tsun Lo, D.V.M, Ph.D of Bioguard Corporation

Canine Distemper (cD), caused by canine distemper virus (cDV), is a highly contagious and fatal disease in young
dogs, particularly those 3 to 6 months of age. cDV can also affects wild animals including ferrets, foxes, wolves, raccoons and skunks.

What are the signs of distemper?

The clinical signs of canine distemper are systemic. Primary signs include tiredness, loss of appetite, fever, etc.
Clinical signs can be classified into the following types:
Respiratory signs: ocular and nasal discharge (purulent appearance if concurrent bacterial infection), cough and breathing difficulty Gastrointestinal signs: vomiting, diarrheaneurological signs: spasticity, paralysis, dystonia, muscle stiffness Other signs:
keratoconjunctivitis, dentine or enamel hypoplasia, hyperkeratosis of the nose or foot pads (hard pad disease).

How does a dog become infected with CDV?

Infection is transmitted mainly via aerosol droplet secretions from infected animals. The virus can be transmitted through sneezing, coughing, or direct contact with urine, blood, or saliva of sick dogs. sharing drinking water or food bowls can also increase the risk of infection. Once a dog is infected, the virus quickly spreads throughout the entire body and significantly weakens the immune system, leaving them susceptible to secondary infections. The skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI) and central nervous systems can all be affected. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months and mother dogs can pass the virus through the placenta to their puppies.

How is CDV diagnosed?

canine distemper infection is often suspected when unvaccinated dogs develop symptoms such as fever, respiratory and neurological symptoms, and thickened foot pads. However, these symptoms should be distinguished between diseases such as canine infectious hepatitis, herpes virus, parainfluenza virus, and leptospirosis. Veterinarians diagnose canine distemper through clinical appearance and laboratory testing, such as ELIsa, rapid test, RT-PcR. Veterinarians may also recommend blood work or chest X-rays for affected dogs to assess their overall health and investigate any contributing or secondary infections.

What are the treatment options for CDV infection?

There is no specific treatment or cure for canine distemper, and antivirals are not recommended. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and prevent secondary infections.

Treatment may include:

  • IV fluids to counteract dehydration and electrolyte loss
  • Antibiotic treatment to prevent potentially fatal
  • Body-wide bacterial infection if intestinal bacteria have
  • Entered the bloodstream
  • Anti-nausea medications for GI symptoms
  • Palatable, easy to digest food for nutritional support
  • Anti-seizure medications in mild neurological cases

Can CDV be prevented?

The best method of protecting dogs against cDV infection is proper vaccination. a series of vaccinations is administered to puppies to increase the likelihood of building immunity when the immune system has not yet fully matured. These shots are given every 3 to 4 weeks from the time a puppy is between 6 to 8 weeks old until he is at least 16 weeks of age. The vaccine is then repeated after 1 year and generally every 3 years after that. This frequency is often modified for dogs living in shelter settings or other high-risk populations.

Until the initial vaccination series is complete, owners should be careful when bringing puppies to high-risk locations where other dogs congregate, such as dog parks. Dogs infected with canine distemper must be identified and separated from other dogs to minimize the risk of further infection. Generally, dogs shed the virus through their bodily secretions for about one month, but the exact timeframe can range from between 2 weeks to 3 months. However, some dogs (especially those with neurological signs) may continue to shed the virus for 6-8 months. These dogs should be kept away from public spaces until cleared by a veterinarian.

Bioguard is an international corporation that researches, develops and manufactures veterinary diagnostic kits for diagnosing diseases in companion animals.

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Food Brass Tacks

What is best for your furry friend? Every pet parent faces the food dilemma. Here are some choices, suggests Dr Jeyapriya. S, Ph.D Scholar, Department of Livestock Products Technology Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana.

Pet foods are specialized diet formulations for domesticated animals, designed to meet their nutritional requirements. The quality of food you feed, directly impacts your pet’s health. Good quality food would improve upon their quality of life and increase their longevity. The notion that dogs eat anything that is given to them, does not necessarily mean that they have to. It is important that the diet be a well balanced one and should help maintain good health, vitality and proper weight management.

What to feed your dog..

It can’t be overemphasized that nutrition is critical for your dog’s health and well being. Plenty of water: Just as with humans, optimal nutrition begins with ensuring that your dog has access to clean and plentiful water. Water makes up more than half of the total body weight of a dog. Dry food to water ratio: Give about two and a half times as much food as water.

Don’t skimp on carbohydrates: carbohydrates should always be a part of your dog’s diet. The majority of dog meals are dryand include 30 to 70 percent carbs. Make sure your dog doesn’tget too much carbs either. Excess carbohydrates are stored asfat in the body and can eventually contribute to obesity. Rice andveggies are high in fibre and provide an excellent supplyof carbohydrates.

Add fat To their diet to boost their energy: Fats have a significantenergy content in comparison to carbs. Fish, chicken, meat, andoils are all good sources of fat. Plants provide some fats, as well.Healthy skin and coats benefit from fats.

Increase Immunity and Disease Prevention: Make sure thatevery meal you offer your dog contains enough vitamins andminerals. Minerals and vitamins maintain a healthy metabolismand immune system in your pet. Minerals like calcium help tokeep their bones strong, while iron is necessary for good bloodcirculation. These can be found in a variety of animal andplant sources. Homemade vs. commercial Foods: apparently most pet ownersprefer to feed their dog the leftovers from their dinner table,which is OK. However one must ensure that the meal containsthe correct nutrients mix and proportions. It is preferable to feedyour dog commercial pet food if you can afford it. This is due tothe fact that they contain the required vitamins, veggies,grains, and meat.

if something is listed as an ingredient, then it is required that it only constitute 3% of the food.

  1. The best way to choose a healthy dog food:

Know what’s in the pet food before you buy it. If a food is labelled as containing a single component, it must constitute at least 95% of that ingredient, excluding water. If a particular combination of ingredients is promoted, it must account for at least 95% of the food. If a food claims to be entirely made of chicken, for example, then chicken should account for 95% of the total weight. If something is listed as an ingredient, then it is required that it only constitute 3% of the food. caveat emptor.

  1. Check against the list of AAFCO recommended ingredients

Dog and puppy nutrition profiles have been developed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This information will give you an overview of the foods available, but keep in mind that labels can be deceiving. choose food with meat based items listed as the first two or three ingredients. avoid foods that contain excess chemical preservatives and high amounts of fillers like wheat, corn and soy.

  1. Keep in mind your dog’s age and activity level

Your dog’s energy and nutrition needs are based on multiple factors including growth, activity, reproductive status and age. Dog food is geared for feeding during certain life stages of the animals. a young growing pet will need more calories than an older pet. a pregnant or lactating dog will also need more calories than its spayed or neutered counterpart.

  1. Take grains and glutens into consideration

Some pet owners prefer to avoid grains in their dog’s diet. For dogs who are allergic to grains, they must be avoided. allergies to other components, such as meats, are, nevertheless, far more frequent than allergies to wheat. People with gluten allergies are widespread and many pet owners pick gluten- free food for their dogs, assuming that the same is true for dogs. Gluten allergies in dogs, are actually quite uncommon.

  1. Ask for vet’s advice

Request a physical condition evaluation for your dog from your veterinarian and make sure you understand the essentials. The most important thing to remember is to be able to only feel your dog’s ribs with your fingers and not be able to see them.

  1. Decide between canned and dry foods

Most pets will do fine on either one, but, on occasion, you may find a pet that is sensitive to a particular form of diet. They may develop symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. This shows that their system cannot process that food correctly. cost too, could be the deciding factor. canned foods are generally more expensive than dry food options but they are about 75% water.

  1. Know what to avoid:

We have all sat down to eat only to find ourselves staring into the most imploring set of eyes hoping for a little tidbit to fall into their mouth. This, of course, begs the question of what pets can’t eat when it comes to people food.

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Winter Care for Furry Friends

Brushing your pet regularly with the right brush during these peak shedding season will help keep shedding at bay

says Tanmay Juvekar, Owner, The Good Doggie pet salon in Mumbai

The season of warm soups and cozy blankets, long slumbers and festivities. as we inch closer to the year end, we get ready to face the season of cold and low temperatures. The snuggle-your- pet and take-a-day-off kind of a season. Winter brings in the cold breeze and a festive mode to end the year with a bang.

So, the question is, how to care for our furry pals through winter? The preparations actually start in the late september and the early weeks of October. How, you ask?

This is where the second annual shedding season starts. For most of our double coated canine and long coated feline, this season prepares them for the winter. During this time your pet will shed all their thinner coat to give way for the heavier winter coat to grow and prepare them for a natural insulation cycle. Double coated breeds have two transitioning layers of coat. Thinner and lighter coat annually changing to a thicker and heavier coat. These two coats shed annually that is once in spring and once in fall that is during February to March and October to november respectively.

Winters are the season of coming together with all festivities to end the year on a merry note, be the santa for your furry pals and shower them with all your love and care.

The light summer coat keeps them cool and aerated which sheds in fall for the thicker winter coat to replace and give your pet much-needed warmth. This is the natural cycle of your pets’ fur along with regular shedding.

How do we minimise the effect of fur flying all over our homes and fur balls just rolling away like straw balls in a desert, we brush of course.

Brushing your pet regularly with the right brush during these peak shedding season will help keep over shedding at bay. Timely brushing your feline friend will also help in reducing excess grooming and fur ball throw ups! You must talk to your groomer to find the suitable brush best suited for your breed. You may need a furminator brush, silicon gloves, pin brushes or a slicker brush. Your local groomeror pet shop will be more than happy to help you out.

Along with brushing at home taking professional help from your groomer is a helping hand. During this season choose de-shedding or furmination options when you book your appointments at the groomer.

You must talk to your groomer to find the suitable brush best suited for your breed. You may need a furminator brush, silicon gloves, pin brushes or a slicker brush.

Opt for moisturising spas that help lock in natural body oils and prevent dryness and dandruff. For pet parents bathing at home shift to a moisturising shampoo or an oatmeal based shampoo. Bathe during noons for quick drying as the air is warmer then. Now for cat parents it will be a little different. along with regular brushing, cats need warmth so avoid over bathing your cats in winters. Cats parents may wish to skip or lengthen out the grooming for cats but should surely keep the basic grooming on.

October is the season of ticks so get in touch with your vet and do the needful tick and flea management in time.

With all the external care, look for internal care as well, shift to omega rich diets, bone broths, golden paste, to build immunity from within.

For older pets winter is the most painful season as this brings cold and stiffness to pets suffering from arthritis, pain in joints and lesser movements will be common, make warm nooks and corners for furry pals to snuggle and stay warm in. Keep an eye on limping and slower body movements.

During this season most pets drink lesser water resulting in dry skin and more shedding due to skin dehydration. Make meat-based soups or stocks to increase water intake and for families who are vegetarian rice kanji or if you buy the gravy packets from the store add water to it to further dilute it and increase water intake.

Tanmay Juvekar
The Good Doggie Pet salon
Mumbai Kandivali East
Mob: +91 9004843335

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Pet Food – A Quest For The Best

The mood was sombre. “Having lost my own dog while he was in the temporary care of a shelter, I could not get this out of my mind that even the so called care-givers, could make mistakes that could cost a pet his life”, recalls Jojo Singh.

The emotional connect with animals, coupled with a passion to do something substantial for the well- being of the voiceless ones, gave rise to this idea that we could prepare the very best of freshly cooked and nutritionally balanced food on a large scale and have it delivered to those who own pets,” says Jojo, the founder of Woof Yums.

“People find it intimidating and tend to think that this requires hard work and investments to be made. But the truth is far from it. Parents of pets need to be made aware of the pros and cons of various products available and why freshly cooked food is better for their pets and totally worth it.

A lot of experimentation and research went into creating more than 30 different meals and natural supplements to suit the Indian climate – all that was required for dogs to be healthy. Our vision was to create a revolution of feeding freshly cooked food to pets,” asserts Jojo.The year was 2015. Woof Yums was founded, which later went on to be recognized as India’s best professionally managed start-up in the sector.

We do not import ingredients, instead use locally sourced alternatives which are healthier, fresher, and help us keep the costs much lower than the imported substitutes.

“We started with an old dog, who had difficulty ingesting food due to hissevered tongue. He was our first beneficiaryand benefactor rolled into one! a lot ofexperimentation and research went intocreating more than 30 different meals andnatural supplements to suit the Indianclimate. all that was required for healthydogs. We pledged to ourselves that we’dprovide him free meals for his lifetime. Overtime, our clients and other like-mindedfriends started joining us, especially in thestray feeding project.

By the end of 2018, we had crossed the 300mark of dispatching meal boxes everyday allacross Delhi ncR.

The demand was so high that we had toincrease our office space and re-schedulethe kitchen time backwards. Now, insteadof 6 a.m., we start work at 3.30 a.m. Allbecause we could not delay our dispatchtime, as the concept of fresh food wouldlose its USP.

Looking at the overwhelming responsewhich resulted in a waiting period of onemonth for new clients, we sat to work out ‘What next?’

There were a lot of queries for franchise outlets all over India but it was noted that what most of them wanted was a piece of the pie without actually making any effort to deserve it. Usually franchise models are based solely on economic and commercial factors, but our vision could not be driven by financial turnover alone. The fire, passion and dedication that was lacking in the prospective partners was always the element that dissuaded us from signing on the dotted lines, that financially, seemed most alluring. so, the question ‘what next’ continued to linger on for us and our like-minded friends who believed in this philosophy. after all we had, by now, gained considerable reputation for being a genuine brand, devoted to what we were doing,” recalls Jojo.

We pledged to ourselves that we’d provide him free meals for his lifetime.

In 2019, Woof Yums again geared for yet another innovation by launching India’s first Dehydrated Range of Home-cooked, natural Food for Pets and strays.

“A lot of experimentation and research went into creating more than 30 different meals and natural supplements to suit the Indian climate – all that was required for healthy dogs,” stated Jojo in a matter of fact way.

“The dehydrated meals, which are prepared under stringent hygienic conditions are vacuum packed, untouched by hands. This increases their shelf life for up to 6 months. The food immediately regains its fresh taste and aroma as soon as it’s put in the hot water”, says Ishan Manocha, Q.c. (Quality control) – Dehydrated Foods, Woof Yums.

“A thorough study of the geographical conditions, economic factors, general customer acceptance and hygiene are required before one can start talking about or venture into the business of natural pet food. so, whether you are living in a remote corner of the country, or in a high-rise, you don’t have to worry neither about your pet food being stale, or about it being chemically processed.

Woof Yums’ packing of pet food conforms to FDa regulations. The dehydrated packs are available at select stores or you can order them online from website – www.woofyums.com

Woof Yums plans to be launching a totally organic range of products and bulk packs for stray feeding in the near future.

A word of caution: in a fast-emerging market, fly-by-night operators are commonplace. small-time entrepreneurs whose sole motive is to profit, find it easy to enter this market since the food laws in India are’nt usually rigorously enforced. For this reason, pet parents need to be aware of the ingredients that make up their fur ball’s food and why a balanced meal is essential.

We cannot call any venture a serious pet food company if the customer base isn’t well informed and aware of what’s best for their pets. Woof Yums has been doing its bit to emerge as a one stop solution for health and balanced nutrition for pets keeping India and regional imperatives in mind. We do not import ingredients, instead use locally sourced alternatives which are healthier, fresher, and help us keep the costs much lower than the imported substitutes”, adds Ishan.

“To complement our endeavor, a documentary was made by Texas University on our unique business model (available on YouTube). One could say that though the market for natural food or freshly cooked food for pets, is still evolving and is in its nascent stage in India, it has tremendous potential,” sums up Jojo.

Footnote:

Jojo has been bestowed with The Most Promising Entrepreneur ‘19 award at Gurugram’s achievers Award 2019. He also featured on Dilli Ka Dhakkad’19 (Big FM, Delhi), Skill India Business Award 2023, Haryana Garima Award 2023,The Better India and on several talk shows including all India Radio and Federation of Indian animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO). During the deadly first wave of Corona virus, Jojo arranged 50 kgs of dog food daily to feed 400+ stray dogs and his efforts have been mentioned in PM’s Mann Ki Baat (Dec’20) too. Buddy Life salutes his passion and dedication and wishes Woof Yums all the very best.

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The Tails of Emotion: Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails?

Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years, and their communication with humans is a fascinating aspect of this enduring relationship. One of the most recognizable forms of canine communication is the tail wag. However, many dog owners might not fully understand the nuanced meanings behind this seemingly simple gesture. In this article, we will delve into the world of dog tail wagging and explore the reasons behind it.

Communication

A dog’s tail is a vital tool for communication. When a dog wags its tail, it’s attempting to convey a message to those around it. The key to understanding this message lies in the speed, direction, and body language accompanying the wag.

Happiness and Excitement

The most common reason for tail wagging is happiness and excitement. A dog will often wag its tail vigorously when it’s thrilled to see you or play. This is a positive and friendly gesture, signifying that your furry friend is in a good mood.

Nervousness or Anxiety

Contrary to popular belief, not all tail wagging is a sign of joy. Dogs may also wag their tails when they are anxious or nervous. In these cases, the wag is usually slower and accompanied by other signs of discomfort, such as a lowered head or flattened ears. It’s essential to recognize these signals to provide comfort and support to your pet.

Playfulness

When dogs are in a playful mood, their tails tend to wag in a relaxed and wide arc. This is a clear invitation for interactive fun and games. If you see your dog with such a wag, grab their favourite toy, and join in on the excitement!

Fear or Submission

Dogs will sometimes wag their tails in situations where they feel threatened or submissive. A low, slow wag typically indicates fear, while a submissive wag is often seen in puppies trying to appease older dogs or in unfamiliar social situations.

Aggression

Although less common, dogs may also wag their tails when they are feeling aggressive. This type of wag is generally stiff and fast, often accompanied by other aggressive body language, such as raised hackles and growling. It’s crucial to recognize these signs to avoid potential conflicts.

Tail Position

The position of a dog’s tail can also offer insight into their emotional state. A high, erect tail typically signifies alertness or confidence, while a tail held low or tucked between the legs suggests fear or submission.

Tail Direction

The direction in which a dog wags its tail can carry additional meaning. Studies have shown that a wag to the right indicates positive emotions, while a wag to the left is associated with negative emotions. This lateralization of tail-wagging provides an interesting window into a dog’s emotional world.

Individual Variation

It’s important to note that tail-wagging behaviours can vary among individual dogs. What’s a sign of excitement in one dog may be a sign of anxiety in another. Understanding your specific dog’s body language and tail-wagging patterns is crucial for effective communication and a healthy relationship.

The tail wag is a versatile and essential tool in a dog’s communication repertoire. While it can convey happiness and excitement, it can also express fear, submission, or even aggression. To truly understand what your canine companion is trying to communicate, pay attention to the speed, direction, and accompanying body language. Every dog is unique, so getting to know your pet’s individual tail-wagging language will help strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. By understanding the subtle cues your dog provides, you can ensure a harmonious and happy relationship filled with tail-wagging moments of joy.

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Joints Pain and Mobility Impairment

A major reason for mobility impairment is osteoarthritis which is a chronic joint disease with a high prevalence in dogs. Almost 20% of canine pets develop Osteoarthritis.

Dr. Jyotika Sangale, Deputy Manager & Dr. Dibyajyoti Kalita, Head of Department Technical and Regulatory Affairs
Zenex Animal Health, Ahmedabad

Companion animals commonly suffer from mobility impairment, especially canines. The major reason behind the mobility impairment is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease with a high prevalence in dogs, almost 20% of canine pets spontaneously develop osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage of the bone joints gets damaged. As cartilage provides cushions to the bones of the joint, its damage causes friction between bones, leading to pain and decreased mobility in affected joints. Taking preventive action for joint health is, therefore, very important to protect the joints and give them quality years of active life.

Risk Factors: Factors for Osteoarthritis includes genetics, obesity, large or giant breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherd, Age (particularly middle age to geriatric dogs), injuries such as fractures or ligament tears, prior diagnosis of hip or elbow dysplasia, improper nutrition, poor conformation and repetitive stress from athletic activities such as flyball, agility or diving etc.

Signs of Osteoarthritis: Stiffness, lameness, limping, or difficulty getting up, lethargy, reluctance to run, jump, or play, pain when petted or touched, difficulty posturing, Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine, Swollen joints, Licking joints.

Therapeutic management of Osteoarthritis: In veterinary medicine, joint support and pain management are important areas to provide diverse options for canine patients without any adverse effects. The management of OA in animals involves various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to control clinical symptoms by protecting the joints, reducing pain, and increasing mobility. In recent years, Collagen supplements are gaining widespread acceptance in therapeutic management of osteoarthritis in human and companion animals. Addition of collagen supplements to dog’s diet found to be helpful to enhance flexibility and strength of their connective joint tissues. Collagen can even regenerate joints that have started to deteriorate.

Undenatured Collagen Type II: Undenatured type-II collagen (UC-II®), a patented and natural form of collagen extracted from the cartilage of the chicken’s sternum and used as dietary supplement. Many experiments and clinical studies demonstrated the effectiveness of Undenatured Collagen Type II in reducing joint pain and swelling and improvement of overall joint health.

Mechanism of Action: Undenatured Collagen Type- II (UC II) is used to reduce the inflammation of joints by interfering with the local immunity in animals. Undenatured Type II Collagen reduces the immune system’s responsiveness to antigens, limiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and preventing T-cells from attacking the body’s Type II joint collagen. This action helps to reduce joint inflammation and promotes cartilage repair.

Usage of Undenatured Collagen Type II as Supplement in Dogs and Cats: Many studies have demonstrated that administration of UC -II improves joint mobility, flexibility and comfort by preventing the immune system from attacking and damaging the articular system. It is also observed that it reduces pain and lameness. Serum parameters are also normal after use of UC-II for 90 days. Moreover, dogs receiving UC-II for 90 days showed an increase in physical activity levels.

Cats are more sensitive to NSAIDs as compared to dog, so the treatment choice for the cat with OA is restricted to the use of a few drugs. Administration of UC-II is one of the safest dietary supplements to minimize the joint pain. The joint supplement with UC-II, tested in cat found to be well tolerated and effective in reducing pain and swelling. Multiple studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of UC-II supplemented alone and along with glucosamine and chondroitin, it is observed that administration of UC-II alone shows a significant reduction in overall pain compared to supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin. It is also observed that 10 mg active UC-II supplementation alone is safe and well tolerated, does not cause any side effects and can be used for longer duration in canines. Considering its innovative mechanism of action, it can be used as an alternative to conventional therapy depending on the clinical severity of the OA.

(Disclaimer: UC-II®- Trademark belongs to Lonza)

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Vomiting in dogs

Frequent or persistent vomiting in dogs can be a sign of an underlying health issue

Vomiting in dogs is a common symptom that can occur due to various underlying causes. It is important for dog owners to understand the potential reasons for vomiting, as well as when it is necessary to seek veterinary care. In this article, we will explore vomiting in dogs, its possible causes, and some general guidelines for managing the condition.

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It is a natural defence mechanism that allows the body to rid itself of potentially harmful substances. However, frequent or persistent vomiting in dogs can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Here are some common causes of vomiting in dogs:

Dietary indiscretion: Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t. Ingesting spoiled food, garbage, foreign objects, or toxic substances can lead to vomiting.

Gastrointestinal infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections can cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in vomiting.

Dietary intolerance or allergies: Some dogs may have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients in their food, leading to vomiting as a response.

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause vomiting, along with other symptoms like abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and diarrhea.

Gastric obstruction: If a dog ingests a large object or a foreign body that cannot pass through the digestive system, it can cause persistent vomiting.

Kidney or liver disease: Dysfunction in the kidneys or liver can lead to vomiting as the body tries to eliminate toxins.

Medication or toxin ingestion: Certain medications, household toxins, or plants can be toxic to dogs and cause vomiting.

Gastrointestinal tumours: Tumours in the stomach or intestines can lead to vomiting, especially if they obstruct the digestive tract.

If your dog vomits occasionally and appears otherwise healthy, you may try some home care measures to help alleviate the symptoms. These include:

Withholding food for 12-24 hours to allow the stomach to settle. Provide small amounts of water or ice cubes to prevent dehydration.

Introducing a bland diet afterward, such as boiled chicken and rice, to give the gastrointestinal system a chance to recover.

Gradually reintroducing the regular diet over a few days, mixing it with the bland diet.

Ensuring your dog has access to fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration.

However, if your dog experiences any of the following, it is important to consult a veterinarian:

Frequent or persistent vomiting episodes.

Vomiting accompanied by other concerning symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, or blood in the vomit.

Vomiting in puppies, elderly dogs, or those with underlying health conditions.

Inability to keep water down, leading to dehydration.

Vomiting after a known ingestion of a toxic substance or foreign object.

Sudden and severe vomiting.

The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as blood work, X-rays, ultrasound, or endoscopy, depending on the suspected cause. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may involve medications to address inflammation, infections, or underlying conditions.

In conclusion, vomiting in dogs can be caused by various factors, ranging from dietary indiscretion to serious health conditions. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek veterinary care is crucial for ensuring the well-being of your furry friend. If in doubt, always consult a veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog’s specific situation.