Why Should You Should Adopt An Indie Dog?

Indie dog

India has been a host to many unique things – cultures, religions, artifacts, and many more. We are also popularly known for being the most populous country in the world. So, the fact that we are a house to multiple dog breeds – both foreign and native comes as no surprise. However, did you know that India is a shelter to almost 21 fascinating native breeds we’re hardly aware of?

 

One of those fascinating breeds is the Indie dog, also known as the Indian Pariah dog. This breed of dog has evolved naturally in the Indian subcontinent over thousands of years. They are well adapted to the local climate and are generally healthy, resilient, and easy to maintain.

 

We know you are curious to know more about them, aren’t you? This is exactly why we have listed down a number of reasons why Indie dogs make for great pets. Beware, once you finish reading this, you won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with them and might even consider adoption. Let’s begin:

 

They are Low Maintenance: First and foremost, Indie dogs are self-sufficient and can adapt to a variety of living conditions. Being born in the subcontinent, they are best suited to live and grow in the Indian climate. They are also generally healthy and don’t require a lot of special care. Minimal time, effort, and money are required to keep them well-groomed and healthy. Their maintenance and grooming, hence, fall easy on the pockets as compared to other foreign breeds.

 

They are Intelligent: Indie dogs are known for their intelligence and resourcefulness. They do, however, like other breeds require some training to help them easily adjust to a homely lifestyle. But they can be trained easily given their street-smartness, friendly nature and ability to adapt well. They make for excellent companions once properly socialized. 

 

They are Loyal: Indie dogs are fiercely protective and loyal to their owners. Their fierce protective instincts mixed with their ability to sense danger make them excellent watchdogs. However, If you plan to adopt these adorable dogs you may want to avoid taking them out of their areas forcefully. Indie dogs are very protective of their territory and may feel threatened.

 

They are Social and Amicable: Indie dogs are used to living in groups and are generally friendly with other dogs and people. They are very social and amicable and make for a great companion with kids and adults alike. Indie dogs are one of the most versatile dog breeds. 

 

They are Highly Communicative: In addition to being intelligent, our indie dogs are also highly communicative. They are naturally expressive and very easy to get along with. This expressive nature ensures an easy flow of communication that further helps in their training process. Their training progress can be tracked by the changes in the way they express themselves. With proper care and training, they can be your best buddy for a lifetime.  

 

Overall, adopting an indie dog or a street dog is a great way to get a wonderful companion who is easy to love, care for, intelligent, loyal, and socially adaptable. By adopting an indie dog, you are also helping support the animal welfare efforts in India, where many of these dogs are homeless and in need of loving homes.

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Busting Myths Around Blood Donation In Dogs

blood donation in dogs

Blood donation saves lives. 

Just like humans, dogs also need blood transfusion in certain conditions and fellow dogs can donate blood to help save their lives. While blood donation in dogs is not unheard of, there is a lack of information and knowledge concerning the subject.

Blood transfusions in dogs are typically required in cases of trauma, surgery, or diseases that cause severe blood loss, anemia, or clotting disorders.

To be eligible for blood donation, dogs must meet certain criteria, such as being healthy (clinical assessment via tests and examination is recommended), over a certain weight (not less than 25 kgs), and up to date on their vaccinations. The blood is usually collected from the jugular vein, and the process is generally safe and painless for the dog, with few side effects.

Do you know your dog’s blood type?

Yes, similar to you, your dog too has a blood type. Presence of certain antigens (proteins and sugar) is what helps in determining the blood group of the dog. There are over 12 classified blood groups out of which (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) DEA 1.1 negative is generally considered the universal blood type.

There are two main types of blood donations for dogs (just like in humans): whole blood donation and blood component donation. Whole blood donation involves collecting a unit of blood that contains red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Blood component donation involves collecting specific components of the blood, such as plasma or platelets.

Dogs can donate blood multiple times a year, but it is important to ensure that they receive proper care and nutrition to maintain their health after each donation. Some veterinary clinics and animal blood banks offer incentives or compensation for dogs who donate blood, such as free or discounted veterinary services.

 

Myths VS Facts

Blood Donation in dogs

Where a lot of us are still unaware about the blood donations in dogs, the few who do know about it are usually accustomed to a lot of myths surrounding it. Well, let’s tackle a few of them today and see if it makes any difference in your perspective. 

  • Myth: Dogs can’t donate blood if they are on medication.

Fact: Many dogs can donate blood even if they are on medication, depending on the type and dosage of the medication. It is important to discuss any medications your dog is taking with the veterinarian or blood bank before donating.

  • Myth: Dogs must be of a certain breed to donate blood.

Fact: Any breed of dog can potentially donate blood, as long as they meet the necessary criteria such as being healthy, over a certain weight, and up to date on vaccinations.

  • Myth: Dogs can only donate blood once.

Fact: Dogs can donate blood multiple times per year, as long as they meet the necessary criteria and are deemed healthy by the veterinarian or blood bank. However, this also does not mean that dogs can donate blood several times in a matter of days.

  • Myth: Dogs can get sick from donating blood.

Fact: When dogs donate blood in a controlled environment with proper protocols, it is generally a safe procedure with minimal risk of complications. However, like any other medical procedure, there is always a certain level of risk involved. Dogs who donate blood should be monitored closely and administered proper care after the donation.

  • Myth: Blood donations in dogs are not necessary.

Fact: Blood transfusions are often necessary in cases of trauma, surgery, or diseases (especially caused by tick fever) that cause severe blood loss, anemia, or clotting disorders. Blood donations in dogs can help save lives and improve the overall health and well-being of the animal community.

  • Myth: Donating blood results in weak immunity.

Fact: Blood donation leads to better immunity. This is so because post-donation your pet’s body works two times harder to replace the donated blood. The dog may feel a little weakness right after the process, similar to humans after donating blood. This is nothing to worry about. You can always give your pooch Plate Pet , a Platelet booster blessed with the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda and safety of modern science. It is formulated by combining two potent herbs – Carica papaya and Tinospora Cordifolia which are popularly known for improving platelet count and enhancing immunity.

When to avoid volunteering your pooch for blood donation?

It is important for dog owners to understand the facts about blood donations in dogs and to discuss any questions or concerns with their veterinarian or a reputable blood bank before going ahead with the process. By considering their own dogs as potential donors, dog owners can help ensure that other dogs in need have access to life-saving blood transfusions.

However, there are certain conditions under which the pet-parents should avoid volunteering their dogs for blood donation. These conditions include:

  1. Age: Dogs who are too young or too old may not be able to donate blood. Most blood banks require that dogs be at least 1-2 years old and not older than 8 years.
  2. Weight: Dogs who are under or over a certain weight may not be able to donate blood. Most blood banks require that dogs weigh at least 50 pounds.
  3. Health issues: Dogs with certain health conditions, such as anemia, heart disease, or infectious diseases, may not be able to donate blood. Additionally, dogs who are currently taking certain medications, such as steroids or chemotherapy drugs, may not be able to donate.
  4. Recent surgery: Dogs who have undergone surgery within the past month may not be able to donate blood, as their bodies need time to recover.
  5. Pregnancy: Pregnant or nursing dogs cannot donate blood.
  6. Behavioral issues: Dogs who are aggressive or have a history of biting may not be suitable donors.

It is important for dog owners to discuss their dog’s medical history and any medications they may be taking with the veterinarian or blood bank prior to blood donation. This will help ensure that the dog is healthy and eligible to donate blood. If your dog is a healthy citizen of the dog world, please volunteer for it. P.S. don’t forget to treat your furry buddy for the good work. Don’t know where to buy them treats from? Head over to Fur Ball Story where you can find so much more for your buddy.

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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

As a pet parent who owns a dog, you may have seen it munching on grass at least a few times while out on walks. Puzzled, why do dogs eat grass? Don’t be! Grass eating is a commonly noted behavior among dogs. However, their reasons for eating grass may vary from dog to dog. If this behavior of your dog eating grass has left you wondering more often than not, then continue reading because we might have some answers for you.

 

Listed below are a few reasons that could be responsible for your dog’s behavior:

 

  1. Natural Instincts: Dogs by nature are omnivores, hence a good mix of plant and meat is what gets their palette going. Not to mention, a few theories lead us to believe that dogs may have an instinctive drive to eat grass as their wild ancestors may have survived on plants as part of their diet. Hence, snacking on grass comes naturally to most dogs.
  2. Lack Of Fiber: A dog’s meal is incomplete without consuming roughage found in fiber because it aids in an efficiently functioning digestive system. So, if you find your dog snacking on a lot of grass, you may want to take a look at his diet which might be lacking some fibers.

  3. Hints Of Anxiety: Usually dogs eating grass is not something to be worried about. However, if you notice your dog being less active and more lethargic, it could be a sign of anxiety. Separation and other forms of anxiety is nothing new in dogs. If reading this is getting you anxious, take a deep breath and relax. Calm Pet – Anti Anxiety Tablets can help. Calm Pet is an anti-anxiety tablet formulated with natural ingredients that help your dogs stay calm and relaxed. But remember – it directly impacts the pet’s central nervous system, which takes at least 3 weeks. 

  4. Boredom: If you find your dog running around munching on smaller chunks of grass, fret not. This is likely their way of trying to escape boredom or an attempt at getting you to pay attention to them. Either case, you have nothing to worry about.
  5. Signs Of Sickness: In certain cases, dogs eating excessive grass could be a sign of distress or sickness. Eating grass may help dogs with sickness or other issues, such as upset stomachs, by inducing vomiting or providing fiber to help move things along in their digestive system. If you are sensing any such distress from your pooch, we recommend you use Pacho Pet – Digestive Stimulant and Bowel Regulator. Enriched with nature’s healing powers, Pacho Pet is highly effective in boosting the digestive system by improving the secretion of digestive enzymes .
  6. Low In Nutrient Diet: Another circulating theory states how this grass-eating behavior could also be due to the low nutrients in the diet of your pup. Dogs may eat grass if they are lacking certain plant based nutrients or fibers in their diet. In this case, the dogs tend to wander around snacking on the grass to make up for the lacking nutrients.
  7. For Fun’s Sake: Dogs may also eat grass simply because they enjoy the taste or texture of it, or because they are bored or curious.

 

It is important to note that while eating small amounts of grass is generally not harmful for dogs, eating large quantities or eating grass that has been treated with pesticides or fertilizers can be dangerous. If you suspect the reason behind the behavior is digestive issues, anxiety, or lacking vitamins and nutrients we recommend you take a peep at the medicine and supplement range of Fur Ball Story. 

 

However, if you notice your dog eating large chunks of grass or exhibiting other signs of distress, it is best to consult a veterinarian and rule out any underlying health issues.

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Is Neutering Your Dog Safe?

Is Neutering your dog safe?

Having a pet isn’t just about showering all your love on them with cuddles and kisses. There’s so much MORE that you need to do!

Being a pet parent comes with the responsibility of taking care of your pet’s life and well-being. It’s about nurturing them like a baby, from their vaccinations to teaching them basic good behavior – everything is your responsibility. 

Table of Content

  • What is neutering? 
  • What is the right age for neutering?
  • How is neutering done? 
  • What are the advantages of neutering?
  • What are the associated risks? 
  • What are the post-operative precautions?

One major and most difficult decision you have to make is whether to opt for neutering or not. 

There have been debates about whether the process of neutering is safe or not. So, here we will cover everything about this topic that you need to know. 

is neutering safe for dogs?

What is Neutering? 

Castration, commonly known as neutering or “the big snip”, is a surgical procedure that removes your male dog’s testicles, preventing him from having an offspring. Although it is a medical treatment, neutering is quite simple and less time-consuming than spaying a female dog. 

 

What is the Right Age for Neutering?

This is one of the most common queries pet parents may have while thinking about neutering. Biologically, the right age for neutering a dog is minimum 6 months. But, animal behaviorists advise that it should be done once the dog attains full mental maturity, i.e, minimum of 16 months. This is because the lowered level of testosterone may result in unwanted behavior in dogs who are not fully mentally mature. 

 

How is Neutering Done? 

A veterinarian will check your pet and run some pre-anesthetic blood tests. When everything is in order, your pet will be administered anesthesia. To administer anesthesia and give hydration therapy during the procedure, a majority of dogs will have an intravenous catheter implanted. Once the dog is unconscious, a breathing tube will be put into his trachea (windpipe) to allow oxygen and a gas anesthetic to be delivered right into his lungs. The procedure involves removing the testicles through a tiny incision made in front of the scrotum. Absorbable internal sutures are frequently used by vets so you won’t need to take your dog back to the hospital to have them taken out.

is neutering safe for dogs?

What are the Advantages of Neutering?

There are several advantages of neutering your dog. Many vets may advise you to go for it, especially if you intend to keep your dog as a pet and not breed him. The resultant change in your dog’s behavior may be the most obvious advantage. 

 

  • Calmer behavior:  A male dog’s testosterone levels fall after neutering. Post the surgery, canines are calmer and less inclined to fight with other dogs. He’ll leave fewer territorial marks, both inside and outside, since he won’t feel the need to alert everyone in the area that he’s nearby.

 

  • Protection from diseases: Spaying and neutering protect the pet from several illnesses including breast cancer and prostatitis. Additionally, it lowers the chance of testicular cancer, the second most prevalent malignancy in unneutered dogs, and removes the danger of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition of enlarged prostate that develops with aging. To top it, neutered dogs typically live longer.

 

What are the Associated Risks? 

Neutering may also have a few unintended consequences like:

  • Decreased energy: A neutered dog will have less energy as neutering will reduce your dog’s metabolism. 

 

  • Obesity: Dog obesity is caused by overeating and inactivity, both of which are factors that you, as the pet owner, can control. For instance, irrespective of the age of surgery, neutered golden retrievers are quite prone to obesity. 

 

  • Knee Damage: The danger of knee damage increases in neutered dogs. This is observed more when large breed dogs are neutered before the full development of their bones. 

 

What are the Post-Operative Precautions?

 

Plenty of rest and activity limitation are two important precautions you have to take as a pet parent. After surgery, most dogs may resume their regular activities within five to ten days. Until then, you should avoid activities like swimming, running, and climbing stairs, including leash walks. Doctors also advise putting the dogs on e-collars to prevent them from licking post surgery. 

 

Still have some unanswered queries? Get in touch with our team to resolve them and make an informed decision.

 

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Is Winter A Difficult Time For Your Dogs?

Fur Ball Story

The months of December through February are agonizingly cold for both humans and dogs. The chilled breezes and dipping temperature leads to many health problems. Our pooches are prone to many diseases that are common during winter. Some of the common winter diseases in dogs are:

Fur Ball Story

 

Sniffles: This upper respiratory infection causes a runny nose, coughing, tiredness, sneezing, and watery eyes, among other symptoms. The majority of pets often have this ailment. Therefore, try to wrap a blanket over the dog, make your dog drink lots of water to keep them hydrated, and use a humidifier at home. In case you spot any of these symptoms, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

 

Flu: Flu frequently impacts the pooches in winters. The dogs may develop a fever, a dry cough, a runny nose, or even ear infections. If you spot any of these symptoms visit the vet immediately to prevent the condition from worsening.

 

Cold: Just like humans, cold can make our dogs feel uneasy. Therefore, when it’s freezing outdoors, make sure your pet is in a warm spot at home, covered with a blanket and jacket.

 

Taking care of our pets is not a difficult task. They show a series of symptoms that can help you understand that something isn’t right and that he might be suffering silently. Here are some symptoms you need to keep an eye on:

 

  • Shivering
  • Sneezing
  • Dry cough
  • Staying alone in a corner
  • Not eating properly

 

These signs indicate that your dog isn’t feeling well and needs immediate care and attention. Here are a few things that you must do for your cuddle buddy throughout winters, especially, from December to February, when it’s windy and the air is extremely cold.

 

  1. Stay In and Keep Them In

Fur Ball Story

 

Our pooches love to play outside but when the temperature is dropping day by day, we need to keep them in against their will. Try taking them for walks and outdoor activities while the sun is shining. This will keep them safe from cold and winter chills.

 

  1. Wrap Them In Warm Woolen Jackets

Fur Ball Story

Can you picture going outside in the chilly weather without a sweater or a high-collared jacket? Your pet is subject to the same rules. Get your pet jackets that fit them right. Don’t get them oversized jackets as they will let the air in which can make them sick. But when the sun is out, the jackets should be off as well. Your pooches’ fur needs some Vitamin D so let them soak it on without any clothing on.

 

  1. Don’t Cut The Furrrrrr

Fur Ball Story

 

Fur is their natural warmer. Their coat keeps them warm naturally. During winters, avoid cutting or shaving their fur and on their bath day, wait till their fur is completely dry. This is necessary because they can fall sick easily if you take them out while they are wet. Keep them inside and use a humidifier but also ensure they are not too close to it (they may end up burning themselves!).

 

Apart from these, you can also make changes in their diets. Give them highly nutritious food while keeping them hydrated. If you identify starting symptoms of flu-like fever, cough, and cold,  immediately turn to ayurvedic medicines such as Fev Pet from Fur Ball Story is a good idea. This will help nip these symptoms in the bud. If your dog belongs to small breeds, give them 0.5 ml twice a day and if they belong to large breeds, give them 2-3 ml twice a day. Fev Pet will help you deal with the fever. After giving the medicine, check your doggo’s temperature after every 2 hrs. Do this for a day. Monitoring their fever is very important because if the temperature rises to 106 degrees, it can be life-threatening.

 

Keep your pooches healthy and cozy this winter to ensure they don’t compromise on the fun this season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Anxiety in Dogs

Anxiety in Dogs

Humans and dogs have something in common and it’s not loyalty. Well, to your surprise, it’s ANXIETY & STRESS.

Just like humans, our lovely pooches also undergo stress and anxiety. You must be thinking that they don’t have deadlines and dementor bosses (who would take the life out of you). If they have the most relaxing life, then what could cause them stress and anxiety?

Before we dive into the causes, it’s important to understand that if anxiety in  is not treated in time, it can lead to severe behavioral issues.

Anxiety in dogs

Don’t worry! In this blog, we will turn every stone for you. We will talk about anxiety in pets, its causes and symptoms. Post this, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions.

 

Anxiety, to define it in simple language, is the uncanny feeling of fear and uneasiness. Are you curious to know what could lead your poochie to the dark place of anxiety?

    Content

  • Why Is My Dog Anxious? What Are The Causes Of Anxiety In Dogs?
  • How do I know if my dog is suffering from anxiety?
  • How can I treat anxiety in my dog?

Why Is My Dog Anxious? What Are The Causes Of Anxiety In Dogs?

Anxiety in dogs

There can be various causes of anxiety in our dogs. We have listed down the six most common ones.

  • Fear-Related Anxiety: Loud noise, unexpected persons or animals, elements like hats or umbrellas, unfamiliar or strange locations, particular circumstances, such as a vet visit or automobile rides, as well as surfaces like grass or wood floors, can all trigger anxiety. Even though some dogs may just react to these triggers for a moment or two, an anxious dog may respond more severely.

 

  •  Separation-Related Anxiety: Around 14% of dogs are known to have separation anxiety. When a dog has separation anxiety, he will struggle to feel at ease when left alone or taken away from his family. Unwanted behaviors including urinating in the home, damaging furniture and other items, and barking are common behavioral symptoms of separation anxiety.

 

  • Age-Related Anxiety: Older dogs are more susceptible to age-related anxiety, which is linked to cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Memory, learning, perception, and consciousness begin to deteriorate in CDS-affected dogs, much like they do in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. You must’ve noticed that senior dogs are relatively more confused and anxious.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Suffering From Anxiety?

Your little adorable poochie will display a set of symptoms. Here is a list of symptoms that will help you know that your dog is suffering from anxiety.

Anxiety in dogs

  • Aggression: Aggression can be directed either directly or indirectly. This can be related to fear-based anxiety. In some cases when a dog displays angry behavior, it means that they are afraid of the unpleasant outcome that may arise from the condition.

 

  • Urinating or pooping inside the home: Separation anxiety frequently manifests as urinating and defecating indoors. Even if they are in the house, anxious dogs frequently build themselves up to the point where they must go pee or poop in the house.

 

  • A destructive attitude: Separation anxiety frequently manifests as destructive actions. The damage is typically found near the entry and exit points, such as doorways and windows, but anxious dogs also run the danger of hurting themselves. Painful injuries can happen when a dog is attempting to escape from dog crates, windows, or even doors.

Apart from these behavioral signs and actions, there are some other signs too which can indicate anxiety in dogs.

  • Drooling or Panting
  • Excessive unnecessary barking
  • Pacing
  • Restlessness
  • Compulsive or repetitive habits (repetitive barking, growling, shivering, self-harming)

How Can I Treat Anxiety In My Dog?

There are home remedies as well as ayurvedic medications for dogs that can help you calm them down. One such ayurvedic solution is CALM PET by Fur Ball Story.

Is it safe? Will it work? What if my dog faces side effects? Well, before you go bonkers with questions, calm your mind. We will not keep you in suspense!

Anxiety in dogs

Calm Pet is an ayurvedic solution for calming your dogs. It is made from natural herbs like Ashwagandha, Giloy, Jatamansi, and Tagara along with many others. These tablets are safe and side-effect free so you don’t need to worry! If you have a small breed dog, give 1 tablet twice a day and if they belong to a large breed, give 2 tablets twice a day.

You need to administer the dog’s temperature after giving the medicine. In Ayurvedic medicine, results are not instantaneous, but rather long-term. These tablets work on the central nervous system of the dog which is why it may take up to 3-4 weeks for results to show. Stop giving the medicine if there is no improvement by the third week.

But before you begin the medication, you need to be sure that the anxiety isn’t in the genes. Certain dog breeds are anxious by nature due to their genes. In this case, Calm Pet won’t be a helpful solution. Visit a Vet or take help from an animal behaviorist to know more about the basic nature of your pet.

Dogs can’t speak about their worries like us so when we shelter a pet it becomes our responsibility to take care of their well-being. Understanding their problems in-depth will help you give them better treatment at home and improve their quality of life. Let’s not forget that in times of stress and anxiety, they made us better by just being there. This is our time to give it back.

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FBS TALKIES SEASON 1 EPISODE 4

FBS TALKIES SEASON 1 EPISODE 4

Welcome Back to FBS Talkies, an interactive show where experts have very insightful conversations about various pet-related issues with the Co-founder of Fur Ball Story and Animal Behaviourist, Animesh Katiyar. This week we had Dr. Shelly Mattoo Jalali, the founder of SJS Pet Care & Clinic, and an expert Vet. She holds 15 years of experience and an ocean of knowledge in this field. The episode was filled with amusing facts and incidents that made us think twice about our actions.

Finding the cause of your dog’s sluggish behavior may be difficult for you as a pet parent. Dr. Shelly made the observation that a typical sign of fever in animals is lethargy. The expert expressed concern, stating that many pet parents don’t realize their little ball of joy is unwell, which is why they have been so worn out. They mistakenly think of it as “me time.” This widespread perception is particularly prevalent with new pet owners. In addition to being sluggish, other signs of fever in animals include:

● Unusual behavior
● Reduced intake of food or loss of appetite
● Body ache
● Tail is downward
● High body temperature
● Sitting alone in a corner

Fever is also indicated by a dry nose and hot ears, but these symptoms may also simply be brought on by a warm atmosphere. Therefore, as soon as you observe one of these two symptoms, check your dog’s temperature. With that in mind, Dr. Shelly and our host discussed how some pet owners are hesitant about the method of checking. Unfortunately, there is no alternative; you must lubricate the thermometer’s tip and place it in your dog’s butt. But don’t worry; they probably won’t even notice.

Knowing whether the fever is deadly or not is important after diagnosis. Dogs’ typical body temperatures range from 101 to 102.5 degrees; 103 is the trigger point, but if the temperature is 106 degrees or higher, you must administer first aid and rush straight to the vet clinic. If a fever of 106 or higher is not treated right away, it might be fatal. You can apply a wet cloth (dipped in regular water) to the paws or rub alcohol behind the ears or to the foot pads to reduce body temperature.

What is the most frequent mistake that pet owners make? It is self-treatment.
Animesh Katiyar, our host of FBS Talkies, revealed an instance in which he witnessed a pet owner giving human medications to their pet. Dr. Shelly then revealed a fact that left the audience in disbelief. Did you know that feeding your pet human medications might kill them or harm their liver and kidneys? Giving human medicines without consulting a vet might have serious side effects and possibly result in their death. However, you can opt for alternative medications such as herbal ayurvedic medicines like Fev Pet. It is made with Papaya, Giloy, Turmeric, and Kalmegh. These herbs help in relieving the pain and bringing the temperature down. As the episode moved ahead, Dr. Shelly shared how pet parents are scared of allopathic treatment and pressurizes for the herbal treatment. But it is important to understand that there is no remedy that fits all. You have to switch to alternatives according to the need and situation.

At the end of the episode, Dr. Shelly talked about her journey as a female vet. She shared that in her experience, she had interacted with a lot of women who were taking care of the animals and she encouraged the future generation to opt for this noble career option.

That’s it for this episode! We hope you liked it and it was fruitful for you. Stay tuned to our channel and social media handles to get more information on pet-related topics.

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FBS Talkies Episode 1

FBS Talkies Episode 1

FBS Talkies Episode 1


 

FBS Talkies is a talk show presented by Fur Ball Story. It’s a series of episodes where various pet related issues are discussed with some highly reputed animal welfare workers, veterinary doctors & trainers.

For the first episode of FBS Talkies, we had Ms. Aavritee Naithani as our guest speaker. She runs a welfare center dedicated to animals called Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Center (SGACC), New Delhi. The chat between Aavritee and our Co-Founder, Animesh Katiyar, was very productive and insightful. Multiple issues related to the life of a rescuer, how to rescue any animal, doctors at the welfare center, were discussed. Moreover, some general behavioural issues that any pet faces and the steps to rectify them were talked about.

About Our Guest

 

Ms. Aavritee is a lawyer by profession and started working for animal welfare during 4th year of her college. Her shelter (SGACC) is the only animal care shelter in Delhi-NCR which is dedicated to all animals. As of now it’s home to over 2500 animals ranging from dogs, cats, equines, cattle, other injured wildlife and many more. The role of an animal shelter consultant and manager is a highly taxing one. SGACC, without any discrimination, is a haven for every animal who needs a home and especially those who’re in need of medical care and treatment.

Aavritee further explained her shelter’s daily routine. They rescue about 5-10 animals daily with the help of their self-owned, private, and government-run ambulances. They’re fully equipped to provide thorough care and treatment through their team of experienced vets and parameds.

Rights & Laws for Animal Welfare Workers

The agenda of this video is to spread awareness among pet parents and welfare workers about their rights and laws, and to be self-sufficient to tackle any situation. Upon asking about the same, Aavritee said that even before she became a lawyer, she educated herself about the basics of lodging an FIR and approaching police authorities to report cruelty acts. Further, she asserted that every animal lover must be aware of “Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act” and have a copy of it with them.

In the interview she quoted, “One must be mentally prepared as there will be situations where you may have to sit in the police stations for hours to claim your rights and simultaneously educate the police personnel too, as not everyone is aware of these laws”. She continued to explain that one can report any gruesome act against an animal under Indian Penal Code (IPC) 428 & 429.

Carrer Opportunities for Animal Welfare Workers

The discussion then moved to a very important question that many seek an answer for: “Is there a good and stable future in the career of a Shelter Manager/Animal Welfare Worker?”. To which our guest responded in affirmative saying that, if people like her, who have pursued professional courses and are well educated, refuse to do anything for a social cause, then the whole point of education is a waste. Further she informed that there are many organizations even of international recognition that provide steady career as well as income for working towards such social causes. 

We got to know that there’s also a skill development program for ‘Animal Health Worker’ provided by the Indian Institute of Skill Development Training. It is a 6-month course related to development of livestock and small animals. Anyone with a basic level of education can pursue this course.

 

Life of Shelter Managers

 

We then proceeded to learn more about the life of a shelter manager and what it entails. Aavritee revealed that being a shelter manager means facing continuous criticism, at every step. She stated that it’s a continuous and thankless job. One must be mentally prepared for it”.

There are two things to which she, as a shelter manager, gives the highest priority.  First – ‘Hygiene’, as half of the medical treatments go to waste if there’s no proper maintenance of hygiene and sanitation. Second – ‘Training’ of new people who want to join the movement as a shelter worker or as medical staff.  She iterated that the job of a shelter manager involves a lot of multi-tasking, therefore, one must be resourceful as well as a problem solver.

Throughout the conversation, Aavritee was extremely concerned about the brutality against dogs and stated that “Dogs, without being a reason for any financial or economic loss for anyone, are being unnecessarily tortured and tormented. There are multiple incidents of such unprovoked brutality happening all over our country. Their main concern is food, and that is what forces them to travel to different areas. If you cannot feed them, then at least don’t hate the ones who are”. She again informed us that the constitution has described a fundamental duty on citizens under article 51 AG, that they must be compassionate towards their environment and living beings.

Understanding The Uncanny Behavior of Street Dogs

 

The last question for the episode was indeed a very common one- “Why is that whenever we take our pet dogs out for walks, the community dogs tend to follow and even if we want to rescue them sometimes, they avoid us with aggression?”

Our Co-Founder, Mr. Animesh, gave a quite insightful answer to this. He said, stray dogs are very territorial in nature. Thus, at least for the initial days, the local dogs are unable to understand the reason behind the pet dog’s presence. So, they fear their resources being at risk. Animesh also added that pet parents should try to carry some food with them while heading out for a walk with their pets and feed them. This will eventually make the local dogs accept the pet and understand that it is not an enemy but a friend.

He also added, when it comes to rescuing an anxious/aggressive dog, there are two approaches: First is emergency, in which we must, unfortunately, also use force just to save the life of the dog. Not everything in animal rescue/welfare is sunshine! The second approach is a rather evolving one. If it’s not an urgent case, we can also use herbal supplements to calm down the dog.

To relax an anxious/stressed dog, a rescuer can give Ashwagandha-based tablets rather than melatonin, which can be dangerous if over dosed. Ashwagandha is a safer alternative and is scientifically proven to pacify an anxious/stressed dog.

Social Media Bullying of Animal Welfare Workers

 

The bonus question for this episode for our guest was related to social media bullying. To this, Aavritee answered that, “Be it an animal welfare worker or a pet parent, who owns a pedigree dog, people tend to bully or comment on their social media posts without knowing the facts. Social media platforms are available to everyone and people sitting in one corner of the country comment on anything happening anywhere else, without verifying any facts. This culture should be alerted and eventually put an end to. Many people and NGO’s that are genuinely trying to do good work, suffer because of all this.”

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more such interesting episodes where we have discussed various issues related to pets with highly reputable veterinary doctors, trainers and welfare workers.

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Puppy Parenting Done Right

 

Puppies – the word itself brings joy and happiness to us. Everyone just loves puppies, but pet                      parents often don’t realise that just loving puppies is not enough. It’s important that we understand          them so that we are able enough to care for them properly. We must be able to make the most of              this holy human and dog relationship. 

This article will give you an insight about the right way of raising a puppy and its benefits that you              will reap in the future.   

 

Table of Contents 

  • The right age for getting a puppy 
  • Bite inhibition & its importance 
  • Teething & how to avoid it 
  • How puppies learn 
  • Socialization is crucial 

 

The Right Age for Getting a Puppy Home

We all love pups – they are cute little bundles of joy. But do you know what is the right age of separating a pup from the mother and getting him home? The most common opinion in India about this is 30 to 45 days. This is not just a common opinion but a common practice too. Most of the breeders try to get rid of the puppies ASAP. However, the right age of separating a pup from the mother is minimum 8 weeks, i.e., 2 months. The perfect age, as per us, is between 10 – 12 weeks. It is important for the puppy to spend this time with the siblings and the mother as it teaches them a lot of social skills. To top it, the mother’s milk helps in boosting immunity. During the said period, the first round of vaccination must also be completed.   

 

Bite Inhibition & Its Importance 

Bite Inhibition – sounds a bit too technical, but it’s not. Bite inhibition is the ability of a dog/puppy to understand different kinds of bites, i.e., play, love, and aggression. This ability is passed on to the puppy by the parents. The mother plays with them, scolds them and loves them as well – all of it using her mouth. This teaches the puppy the power of biting. Bite inhibition is one of the most important skills that a puppy needs to learn to become a good dogizen. Unfortunately, this skill can’t be taught at a later stage by a human. Hence, coming back to our first point: puppies should not be separated from the mothers before the completion of this learning. 

  

Teething & How to Avoid It 

Dog Teething

Puppies love to BITE, at least that’s what all of us think. But that’s not the case. Puppy biting is called teething. It’s a phase that every puppy passes through. You must’ve observed that puppies love playing with everything they can find, and it becomes even better if it moves and is soft to chew. Naturally, your body becomes the first target, followed by sofa, slippers, and the like, because they have your odour. In simple terms, teething is an unavoidable natural process. As a matter of fact, one can make the most of it by teaching the pup some techniques that involves adequate usage of his teething drive. Use just one soft and small toy, possibly a rope, to play with the pup. As soon as he seems tired, take the toy out of his sight. Don’t let the puppy get hold of it easily, else it wouldn’t be a fun activity. The trick is to tease the pup with the toy and make it interesting. They usually find our hands interesting during this stage because we react when they bite us. This reaction is what drives them more towards biting us again and again. So, we must learn to not react in such situations. As a result, it will become uninteresting for the dog thereby making the toy more interesting. Remember, don’t tease him with the toy more than 3 – 4 times. Let him win in the process. This sense of achievement will make the pup more inclined towards teething on the toy instead of you.  

 

How Puppies Learn  

Puppy Training

All dogs learn through muscle memory and conditioning. The result of any stimulus that is inflicted upon a dog can either be rewarding or painful. The consequence decides whether a pup will repeat the behaviour or not. 2 most common techniques to know here are Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning. These 2 methods combined will teach you the skill to master any kind of animal training. Remember, we often keep scolding our pups for things they do that we don’t like, but we hardly reward them for the things they do right. Such small rewards at the end of correct behaviour will enable the dog to only learn the right kind of behaviours. 

 

 

Socialization Is Crucial 

When we talk about puppy socialization, the first thought that comes to our mind is that of puppies and dogs playing with each-other. This is only partly true. Puppy socialization involves environmental socialization as well as socialization with humans of different age groups. A puppy can grasp the most till 8 months of age. If we positively attach maximum number of stimuli to a dog in this duration, we will succeed in conditioning him to a majority of things in his surroundings, such as different kinds of noise and odours.  

Puppy Socialisation 

The adorable eyes of a puppy will plead in front of you for absolutely anything. They will look uber-cute running around and will melt your heart in seconds. But, don’t give in to the pupper-pressure. Take matters in your hands. Make them socialize with other puppies and humans, feed them well and learn their gestures. If you are training them to learn the way you want them to behave, it’s imperative for you to learn what they are trying to communicate as well. Be a good pet parent and make them an even better dogizen.   

 

   FAQ’s

 

     1.  How can I raise my puppy in the best possible way? 

 

  • Start housetraining as soon as possible. 
  • Keep things calm. 
  • Establish a routine. 
  • Establish general guidelines & train your puppy to follow them. 
  • Create a private area for the puppy to relax in. 
  • At least for the first few nights, stay in the same room to sleep. 
  • Give them a nutritious, well-balanced dietog food. 

 

      2.  At what age are puppies the naughtiest? 

            The reality is that raising a sociable, well-behaved, and trouble-free adult dog requires patience,                  hard work, and active engagement from every member of the household. Unwanted behaviours                  including unnecessary barking, chewing on things, surfing the counter, house-soiling, and leaping              up frequently, start to happen at roughly 3 to 6 months of age. 

 

     3.  Which stage of a puppy is the hardest? 

 

            Adolescence (6 – 18 months) might be the most challenging stage in a puppy’s development. Your              adorable puppy is growing up and starting to produce hormones, which could cause behavioural                changes. 

 

      4.  What is the duration of puppy blues? 

 

             Puppy blues refer to the emotional stage where you start feeling sad, depressed, anxious and                       pressured after getting a puppy home. Generally, this happens because puppy parents tend to feel               overwhelmed as they feel the pressure from within, wanting to give the best life to the puppy and               raise him well.  

 

             According to anecdotal data, the three weeks immediately following the onset of puppy blues are                 typically when they are most severe. After then, symptoms could still be present but feel easier to               control. Usually, this happens within three months. ergergwergwergsregwerg

 

      5.   How long does it take for a puppy and owner to become close? 

 

             Puppies typically bond with their owners more quickly than adult dogs because they have fewer                   attachments to their histories with the previous owners. If you have purchased a puppy from a                     breeder, it typically takes 3–3 months to form a bond with your dog.            

 

       6.   What indicates that your dog has your trust? 

 

  • In your presence, they exhibit comfortable and tranquil body language. 
  • A relaxed, lolling tongue and a slightly open mouth. 
  • Turning over to rub one’s stomach (this shows that they trust you and feel safe in your presence) 
  • Face with a calm, relaxed look. 
  • Eye blinking 
  • Tail wagging in both directions. 
  • A “bow” to welcome and promote play. 

 

      7.   What does nervousness in a dog look like? 

 

             Anxious actions while you’re away or as you get ready to depart, such as pacing, whining, or                         shivering, howling or barking too much. They may also display loving behaviour to attract your                   attention. You might also get to see dDestructive behaviours, especially near doors or windows,                   including chewing or digging. accidents involving urinating or defecating inside the home.  

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Monsoon Care Guide for Pet Parents

Dogs in monsoon

Monsoon Care Guide for Pet Parents

Monsoon is a season to enjoy and a reason to celebrate, as it brings the much-needed relief from scorching heat. However, with the pleasant weather, it brings along a new set of challenges for our pooches that are a result of high humidity, such as skin infections and ticks in dogs.  It then becomes our utmost responsibility to make sure that our furry friends are healthy and ensure they don’t fall ill.

Taking care of our pooches in this rainy season depends majorly on a dog’s lifestyle, general preferences and especially their age. Naturally, a dog’s care routine could be different for different family setups. Below are some general tips and tricks that will help you keep a tab on your dog’s health this monsoon.

Dogs in raincoat.

Table of Contents

  • Rain – Checks
  • Maintaining hygiene is crucial
  • A nutritious diet for your fur buddies
  • Extra fries? No, we meant ‘Exercise’
  • Groom well – to add that bounce to their fur
  • Keep them ticks & fleas at bay
  • Add regular vaccination & health check-ups to the schedule

Rain – Checks

First and foremost, it’s important to use the appropriate rain gear. A proper rain gear includes a raincoat and a pair of waterproof shoes. Before and after daily walks & outdoor playtime, it’s important to pat dry your pooch’s fur with a towel. The high moisture in the weather could be harmful for your dog’s fur and skin. To avoid skin allergies, it becomes essential to keep your dog’s fur as dry as possible to avoid any fungal or bacterial skin problems. There are multiple anti-fungal creams in the market that may help your dog fight bacterial and fungal skin allergies. Herbal formulations like FBS’s Eczo Pet is one of the few anti-fungal and anti-bacterial creams which can help eliminate all kinds of fungal and bacterial infections that your dog may catch in this season. It is an ointment and can be directly applied to the affected areas. Enriched with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of Somavalka, Indradaru and Neem, Eczo Pet is safe for dogs of all age groups and does not have any side effect, even if a dog licks it.

Maintaining Hygiene Is Crucial

It’s important to make sure that your pet’s utensils are cleaned regularly. Also, their water bowls must be replenished with fresh water frequently. Give them only purified or boiled and cooled water to drink. This will help avoid any water borne infections or stomach issues. Monsoon season is accompanied by a whole lot of bugs, bacteria, and worms. So, it’s super important to maintain proper hygiene to keep all these at bay.

Nutritious meals for dogs.

A Nutritious Diet for Your Fur Buddies

A diet including fiber rich fruits and vegetables, protein and carbohydrates is essential for good digestion and proper bowel moments. Keep a check on any food allergies that your pet may have. It’s always suggested to add supplements like Omega 3, 6 and Minerals to your pooch’s diet to ensure an all-around development. You can also consult with your vet regarding the supplements that must be added to your pooch’s diet.

 Extra Fries? No, We Meant ‘Exercise’

If your pooch is not able to go out for walks and other outdoor activities due to rain and water logging, increase their indoor activities to ensure regular exercise. You can exercise your dog indoors by running up and down the stairs or playing fetch with them. To prevent problems like ‘Obesity’, the daily food intake of your dog must align with the level of activity that they indulge in throughout the day. When a dog goes for a walk outside, he also gets mental stimulation as his smell buds are always at work. But when confined to the home setup, this mental stimulation is absent. To make up for this indoors, you can hide his treats, toys and food in multiple areas of the house so that his sense of smell is activated. This mental activity is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being.

Groom Well – To Add That Bounce to Their Fur

During this season, regular grooming sessions hold equal importance. The humid weather can mean a damp coat and moist ears for your furry friend and that is not a good idea. To prevent infections, it’s important to keep their ears dry and get rid of any wax build-up, regularly. After every outdoor activity session or bath, devote some time towards drying their ears, especially for dogs who have long and flappy ones.

Keep Them Ticks & Fleas at Bay

Parasites like ticks and fleas become more prevalent in warm and humid weather, and these pests can cause different life-threatening infections. So, it’s essential to keep your dog’s sleeping area tidy. Change your dog’s bedding frequently to avoid any chances of pest infestations. Additionally, tick sprays and powders are ideal for killing and deterring these pests.

One such formula has been perfected in the form of FBS’s Tick Free, which works both as a preventive as well as curative medicine, against ticks in dogs. It’s an all-herbal formula with no side effects and can be used on puppies as well. One may apply it on the tick-site to kill the ticks or may spray it on paws, belly, and pits to prevent ticks in dogs from climbing up the body in the first place.

Add Regular Vaccination & Health Check-Ups to the Schedule

Importance of vaccination in dogs. Fur Ball Story.

 

The risk of respiratory infections or worm-related illnesses increases during the monsoon season. Always follow up with your vet to ensure that your pooch receives appropriate vaccinations and deworming tablets, based on their vaccination schedules.

 

The monsoon brings a much-needed respite from the soaring heat and eliminates majority pollutants from the environment. This makes it the perfect time for pet parents all over the country to spend more time outdoors with their fur balls. However, despite all these merits, there’s a flip side. Hence, we must take extra precautions to keep our pooch clean and healthy throughout this season.

FAQ’s

  1. How do you take care of pets during monsoon?

 Keep your pet’s fur dry. Fungal infections on the paws and other locations can be avoided with the aid of powders with anti-fungal characteristics. Additionally, you’ll need to temporarily convert to a waterless dog shampoo. A doggo raincoat is a fantastic method to keep them safe and allow them to enjoy the rain.

  1. What should a dog eat during the rainy season?dog in park

Give your pet a healthy, balanced diet that includes chicken or lamb (chicken breast, thigh, and leg are all acceptable cuts of chicken), rice, sweet potatoes (cooked & in moderation), carrots, peas, eggs, fat, and fish oil. Wet food should be provided to dogs because it is healthier and should be devoid of soy, maize, and wheat.

  1. Can dogs get wet in the rain without becoming sick?

Many veterinarians advise against taking your pets for walks during periods of intense rain. Sometimes, thunder and lightning might frighten them, causing them to flee in fear. Instead, take only brief restroom breaks. Allowing your dogs to get wet in the rain is safe because some dogs enjoy taking showers in the water and would undoubtedly appreciate the rain. Instead of leaving them in your building’s compound or terrace, please stick to your balcony.

  1. What are the measures to take care for a dog during monsoon?
  • Ensure that your dog lives in a clean and safe environment
  • Always keep freshwater available
  • Feed a quality diet to avoid obesity
  • Get a vet checkup for your pet on a regular basis
  • Give plenty of opportunities to exercise
  • Develop a relationship with your dog by interacting with him or her
  • Ensure that your dog knows how to obey simple commands
  • Dental hygiene is crucial
  • Grooming and nail trimming is very important
  1. Is rainy season good for dogs?

Being furry animals, dogs and cats may experience wet or damp fur during the rainy season. On rainy days, it’s crucial to keep their fur dry and keep them warm to protect them from cold and bacterial or fungal illnesses.

  1. Do dogs shed hair in monsoon?

Although, it’s more likely that the shedding is seasonal, it could be an indication of something more serious. It’s crucial to make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian if there is excessive hair found throughout the house.

  1. How often should I bathe my dog during rainy season?

In general, a healthy dog with short, smooth hair and no skin issues doesn’t require frequent bathing. Nevertheless, giving your dog a wash at least once every month is an excellent idea.

 

 

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