How to Keep Your Senior Dog Happy and Comfortable?

We often ignore the signs of the greying muzzle and scoff at the idea of the dog getting old. But the reality is just like us dogs get old too. Grey hair on the muzzle and stiffness in bouncy gait are some signs that your dog is growing old. If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to make some subtle changes in your dog’s routine to keep them comfortable and happier. Here are some tips that you must follow to keep them happy:

Feed well – As your doing is growing old, keep a check on the quality of their soft. Get in touch with your vet to get complete information about the appropriate foods and supplements that can help your pooch. Your dog may also find it difficult to chew some foods, feed them with softer food. Feed them well, so they don’t put on extra weight. 

Love them – Spend as much as time with your senior dog to make them feel happy. Love, cuddle and repeat. Cherish your time with your dog, as it won’t be enough. 

Regular Exercise – Exercise becomes as necessary as your dog ages. Incorporate moderate level exercises in their routine. It will keep their joints flexible, prevent obesity, and support muscle development, etc. It will also help them with their mood and prevent them from anxiety and depression. 

Better Bedding – Young dogs happily sprawl out on the floors. However, when your dog ages, it may find difficulty in sleeping over the hardwood or marble floors due to stiffness in their body. So it’s time to consider an orthopedic bed for your dog. A thick, warm bed provides a lot of joint support and comfort to an aching body.

Focus on Grip – Aged dogs are not much steady on their feet and can easily slip over the slippery floors. Consider carpeting the areas that your dog mostly uses for its playing purpose and areas like staircase and hallway, etc. 

These are some of the tips you can follow to keep your aged dog comfortable at your home. Want more information on dog health issues, visit the best Indian dog website.

What can you Give Your Dog for Constipation?

If you feel that your dog is straining to defecate, you might be thinking it’s constipation. However, the truth is that your dog might be having diarrhea. Most of the dogs will strain a lot due to intestinal cramping during diarrhea.

How To Find Out Your Dog Is Constipated?

If your dog is constipated you may observe that despite eating a normal amount of food, your dog is defecating less than usual. The consistency of the stool is dry and hard. If constipation goes on a long time, your pooch may lose its appetite and might vomit due to the back up in his colon.

Causes of Constipation in Dogs

Your dog can get constipated due to many reasons including: 

• Medications 

• Dietary indiscretion such as eating garbage, plastic, and bones, etc.

• Tumors in the GI tract 

• Orthopedic pain 

• Matted fecal material in fur blocking the anal opening

• A metabolic disease that causes dehydration or electrolyte problems

• Behavioral issues (anxiety) 

What to Do If Your Dog Is Constipated?

It’s OK to try home remedies for constipated dogs as long as the symptoms are mild and have been going on for less than 24 hours. Here are some of the home remedies for your constipated dog:

• Pumpkin: Feeding pumpkin is great to treat your dog’s constipation. Pumpkin is high in water content and a great source of fiber. You can give one tablespoon to three tablespoons of pumpkin’s puree to your dog. Repeat this for 2-3 times a day. 

• Supplement – You can give supplements to your dog to aid constipation. Give supplements that contain additives such as folic acid, acidophilus, and vegetable enzymes. Don’t forget to consult with your doctor before giving any supplements to your dog. 

• Milk of magnesia – Feeding your dog with milk of magnesia is another home remedy to aid your dog’s constipation. A small dose of milk of magnesia is all that your furry friend might need. However, ensure to consult with your vet first.

• Bran – Bran such as oats and wheat has a high amount of fiber. Add bran to your dog’s meal can prevent constipation. Consult with your vet to find about the right amount you need to add to your dog’s food. 

• Psyllium – It works by absorbing water and bulking feces in the colon. It may take up to 72 hours for laxative action to occur. You can buy psyllium husk powder from your nearest pharmacy. Look for the unflavored, unsweetened version of psyllium. Consult with your doctor to find the right amount for your dog. Ensure to give it with plenty of water or other liquids, otherwise, it won’t be too effective.

• Exercise – Making changes in a sedentary lifestyle can help treat constipation. Adding exercise to your dog’s routine will only stimulate movement in the GI tract, it will also help with obesity. Set a goal of taking your dog for a walk daily for at least 45 minutes. 

When to Seek Veterinary Care?

You might need to take your dog to the vet: 

• You’ve tried one or two home remedies without improvement. 

• Your dog has been constipated for more than 24 hours.

• Your dog is vomiting, seems distressed, or is not eating.

• If your dog is on any medications. 

Want to know more about dog health issues, stay tuned to the best dog website in India!

How to Keep Your Pet Flea and Tick Free?

Ticks and fleas can get attached to your furry friends very easily. They can hide under your pooch’s fur and can pose mild to serious threats to it. As a pet owner especially of Indian dogs, it’s important for you to have a consistent plan to keep your pets free from ticks and fleas. Here are some tips that can help you do that:

1. Clean and Groom your Pet Regularly

Cleaning and grooming your pets is the first step to keep flees away. Brush your dog’s fur and bathe them once/ twice in a month to keep their fur clean. Use antibacterial shampoo to keep ticks/ fleas at bay. Also, ensure to keep their paws clean and trim their nails timely. You can use wet wipes to clean your dog’s paws. 

2. Make sure your Pet visits the Vet Regularly

Regularly visit your vet to ensure that your dog doesn’t have fleas/ticks. Parasites attack weaker bodies so keep a check on your pet’s health to keep it flea free. Moreover, prepare your dog’s schedule so that you don’t forget when it needs to be dewormed, cleaned, and vaccinated. 

3. Get your Pet the right Treatment

If ticks or fleas have made a way to your dog’s fur, visit your vet. Your vet will recommend you some products to maintain your dog’s health as well as to remove ticks. As a precaution measure, you can flea and tick collars. These collars can last for months and prevent the attack of parasites. You can also apply pipettes medication on your pet’s back every month as a preventive measure. 

4. De-worm your Pets Every few Months

Ensure to deworm your dog every three months. This can prevent the growth of internal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. These worms can make your pet sick and endanger their life.

5. Clean your Home Regularly

Clean your house regularly to prevent an infestation, especially if you allow your dogs on furniture and upholstery. Choose safe cleaning products and make sure you store them away from your pet.

Want to know more about dogs’ health issues and preventive measures, visit the best dog news website in India!

Anxiety In Dogs

Just like humans, anxiety can hit your furry friends too. It can affect all dog breeds, resulting in serious behavioral issues if left untreated. If you want to treat them well, you must know the signs and symptoms of anxiety.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

So how can you say that your dog is dealing with anxiety? The important signs to look out for are: 

1. Drooling
2. Destructive behavior
3. Restlessness
4. Depression
5. Aggression
6. Urinating or defecating in the house
7. Panting
8. Excessive barking
9. Pacing
10. Repetitive or compulsive behaviors

Aggression is the most dangerous symptom of your dog’s anxiety. You can visit dog website India to learn tips to deal with your dog’s aggressiveness.

What causes Dog Anxiety? 

Your dog can suffer from anxiety due to several reasons. The most common causes of anxiety are: 

1. Ageing – Age-related anxiety can be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Dogs suffering from CDS tend to have a short memory, less learning power, and least awareness.
2. Fear – Fear-related anxiety can be caused by strange people or animals, loud noises, new or strange environments like the vet’s office or car rides, etc. These situations mean nothing to us but they create a lot of anxiety for dogs.
3. Separation – Approx. 14% of dogs experience separation anxiety. Dogs get separation anxiety when they are left alone or separated from their family members. The anxiety in dogsresults in many undesirable behaviors, such as urinating and defecating in the house, destroying furniture and furnishings, and barking.

How to Treat Anxiety in Dogs? 

The best way to treat your dog’s anxiety is to consult with your vet. Your vet can help you identify the type of anxiety your dog suffers from and the possible causes and triggers.You vet doctor can also help you find out the other medical conditions that might be responsible for your dog’s anxiety. Your vet will help you come up with a treatment plan. There are many causes of anxiety, the best way to treat it is usually through a combination of training, preventative strategies, and in some cases, medications.

Want to stay updated on dogs health, visit largest dog website in India!

3 Most Common Digestive Issues in Dogs

Dogs are the whole family for some people. But what if your dog’s ability to digest food gets compromised. Digestive problems are the most common issues that your dogs can experience. Read this article or visit dog website India to know about the 3 most common digestive issues that your furry friends can experience.

Symptoms of Digestive Issues in Dogs

In one moment your dog is gleefully running around the house and the next moment it’s irritable. The moment you notice any difference in its behavior, it’s important to observe the symptoms to find out why your dog is behaving like this. 

Your dog must be suffering from digestive issues if its symptoms are: 

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Excessive gas (rumbling stomach, burping, etc.)
• Vomiting
• Weight Loss (usually caused by excessive vomiting and diarrhea)
• Constipation
• Disinterest in food

Seek medical attention immediately, if your dog is experiencing any of the following health issues: 

• Excessive shaking or panting
• Severe dehydration
• Dry heaving
• Vomiting liquids

Common Digestive Issues in Dogs
 

1. Digestive System Infections

Ingestion of contaminated food, water, and feces can lead to various infections in the digestive tract of dogs. The three most common infections in dogs are:

• Bacterial infection
• Viral infection
• Parasites

Foreign body intake such as sticks, clothing, or food products like bones can upset the digestive tract of your dog, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. In this case, seek medical attention immediately.

2. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, causing diarrhea and vomiting. It occurs when your dog eats fatty food in a large amount. This condition can be very painful and life-threatening for your dogs. Some of the symptoms of pancreatitis in your dog are:

• Abdominal pain
• Lying in a corner and refusing to move
• Weakness
• Persistent vomiting
• Walking with an arched back

Pay close attention to the onset symptoms of your dog and contact your vet immediately if pancreatitis is a possibility. 

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be characterized as liquid-like, loose stool. It’s always not a cause of concern for many dog owners. To determine the severity of diarrhea in your dog, check the 4 Cs of your dog poop.

• Color – It should have a rich brown hue.
• Contents ¬ The contents in your furry friend’s poop should appear well-digested and processed. White, string-like material in poop can be a sign of worms in the digestive tract.
• Coating ¬ There should be no mucus-like coating in your dog’s poop.
• Consistency – The consistency of your dog’s poop should be firm enough to remain intact, but also slightly soft to the touch.

Consult with your vet immediately if your dog is showing any signs of these digestive issues. Want to know more about dog health issues, visit the largest dog website in India!