How to Maintain Your Pets Physical & Mental Health

Mind and body go hand in hand. Or paw in paw, in the case of our pets. We know that pets are our cherished companions, loving us unconditionally. We also know that pets are a part of the modern family unit, as much a member of the family as any of their owners. However, while they are bundles of joy, our pets are also complex beings with mental and physical needs of their own. Since they cannot verbalize their needs, it is up to us as owners to look out for our pets and help maintain their mental and physical health. Here are a few ways you can do this .

Proper Food

Anyone who spends any amount of time in the gym will testify to the importance of a proper diet with high-quality foods. The same goes for your pet – to maintain your pet's physical health, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet comprised of high-quality ingredients. The key term to note here is 'balanced diet' since overfeeding will lead to obesity and only pose further problems. High-quality foods will contain proteins, fats, fibre, calcium, and carbohydrates in the right amounts to encourage a healthy growth rate, while low-quality foods will use fillers instead of quality ingredients. A planned diet will benefit your pet's respiratory, skeletal, cardiovascular, and digestive systems, while unplanned free feeding will be detrimental to them. If you’re unsure about how to draw up a new diet plan, consult your vet for a few tips on the same.

Recognize Distress 

To conclude, provided you feed your pet good quality foods, follow a balanced diet, stimulate them physically & mentally, and socialize them at the right time, you should have no issues maintaining your pet’s health. Do remember to visit your vet regularly, as they can help you spot problems in advance, but other than that, you should be good to go.

Provide Emotional and Mental Stimulation 

A pet will be truly healthy when it is in a good state, both physically and mentally. While we pay attention to a pet’s physical needs, we often forget the mental enrichment. Keeping your pet engaged mentally will prevent boredom, restlessness, and the eventually destructive behaviour a pet may exhibit in the absence of such stimulation. Play dates, puzzle toys, and enrichment toys can all help, especially when supplemented by your daily walks outdoors. Remember, when a pet is bored, that energy will manifest itself as destructive behaviour like chewing, whining, or biting, so try to help them release their energy at such a time instead of scolding them. Affection is a far more powerful motivator than anger, so make sure you show your pet you adore them. shower them with hugs, kisses, cuddles, brushings, and belly rubs (for dogs). Training your pet has numerous benefits, one of which is reduced stress and anxiety levels, which can be beneficial if you embark on pet travel frequently.

Routine & Regular Exercise 

Mind and body go hand in hand, so your pet’s enriched mind requires an equally capable body to truly flourish. Hiking, walking, running, and swimming are all brilliant ways to exercise your dog, while cats will benefit from cat toys that stimulate them indoors like puzzles. Alternatively, you could set up an obstacle course, teach your pet tricks, or hide treats instead of handing them out to make things more interesting for your pet. A quick ten-to-fifteen-minute game of fetch can work wonders for your pet’s physical and mental health. Since different species and breeds of pets require different levels of daily exercise, consult your vet before making any changes in routine.

Socialization 

Much like a human child, the early years of a pet play a crucial role in their socialization and their understanding of what’s right & wrong.  Pets should be socialized from a young age around humans and other animals to prevent any behavioural issues down the road. You can do so by visiting family with your pet or organizing playdates. Most behavioural issues pose a problem for your pet’s health and well-being, and since they stem from a lack of socialization, you should do so while they're young. Exploring the world is a great way to socialize your pet, so if your pet is old enough, you could consider pet travel to do so. Doing so will require you to crate train your pet, which will teach them to be relaxed in your absence and when travelling.

Vet Visits

As pet parents, our pets are the world to us. However, while nobody could ever love them more than us, some are better equipped to identify, diagnose, and treat potential issues our pets may have. You and I know these people as veterinarians. A vet specializes in pet healthcare and can spot issues that even the most loving pet parents would miss due to a lack of medical experience. Not just for times of crisis, a vet can help you with diet plans, routine check-ups, and further health exams to ensure your pet is fit and fine all the time.

To conclude, provided you feed your pet good quality foods, follow a balanced diet, stimulate them physically & mentally, and socialize them at the right time, you should have no issues maintaining your pet’s health. Do remember tovisit your vet regularly, as they can help you spot problems in advance, but other than that, you should be good to go.

 

Choosing the Right Mode of Pet Transport

While tough to count exactly, it is estimated that there are over a billion pets in houses around the world. Given how pets are central to the modern family unit, it is no surprise to see a large number of people moving about and travelling with their pets. There are also different methods or modes of travelling with a pet since each family has different needs and requirements for transportation. Choosing between modes can be difficult and often depends on your travel requirements.

Here are the different pet travel options available to pet parents:

Air Travel

Air travel is the most preferred means of pet travel, especially over longer distances. You’ll need to either make a booking and fulfil the requirements mandated by airlines or hire a pet relocation service to do it on your behalf. As mentioned, pet transportation by air is preferred for its quick travel times across a country or continent. The longer the travel time, the longer a pet must stay inside its crate, so a shorter journey is beneficial to a pet and ensures its well-being in transit.

The downsides of air travel are the cost and the preparation process; you cannot travel unless you comply with the regulations of the airlines. These regulations range from check-in and booking instructions to breed and size limitations for animals who are allowed to travel on board. Some airlines will only allow pets to travel in-cabin, while others will only permit pet travel through cargo. Make sure to check the rules of the airline you’re flying on and fulfil them to have a smooth journey.

Land Travel

Land travel is used for shorter and more local journeys, or for travelling on routes that would be otherwise inaccessible by air travel. Land travel is also significantly less expensive compared to air travel, which is an important factor if your destination is close enough to not warrant a flight. Once again, you can either transport your pet yourself or charter a pet relocation service to do it for you.

Land travel can be done via two modes: by road and by rail. Road travel will offer you more flexibility concerning when and where to stop, the number of hours of continuous travel, and so on. However, it will also require a lot of effort on your part as you'll be the one driving and planning for stops. Rail travel can be done through remote corridors of a country where airlines cannot operate, but like with the airlines, you must comply with any booking formalities and travel rules they have in place. 

Both of these modes are extremely useful, especially when you consider the nature of your journey. Moving to a neighbouring city? Road travel should suffice. Travelling across the country with a large pet or an elderly one? Train travel should give you the time and space to relax comfortably on your lengthy journey. Remember, your pet’s health and comfort matter, and your choice should be made keeping them in mind.

     Pet Transport Providers

If you're planning your move to a new city, state, or country, and are overwhelmed by the process and planning required, you can hire a professional or “private” relocation service to ease your burden. Such a service provider will plan the entire excursion for you, from the initial planning to the documentation and subsequent pick-up of your pet and will also account for your every need along the way.

Think of it as the opposite of an airline; a relocation service provider will accommodate every request you may have regarding your pet’s care and transportation and will make sure you’re updated on your pet’s progress regularly. Such a service does cost a little more than traditional transportation methods, but the trade-off is that you have peace of mind while planning your travels.

To conclude, while there are different methods of pet travel available, you should choose the method which best suits your journey. If you’re travelling over shorter distances, then road travel will be more suitable than air travel while costing significantly less. If you’re travelling cross-country, you could use an economical train trip for a comfortable trip. When going to international destinations, you’ll seldom have any options other than air travel. Whatever mode you choose, make sure it is the one most suitable for your journey and the one which will keep your pet safe, comfortable, and happy on your journeys. 

 

 

How to Ease Your Pet Grooming Experience

Regardless of the pet you have, it is likely they will require grooming at some point. For more traditional pets like cats and dogs, you have options when it comes to how you go about grooming your pet. If you’re handy with the combs and clippers, chances are you can manage your pet’s groom yourself. However, some pets have multiple coats or difficult-to-manage fur, which can require professional attention. Your pet must behave well during the groom, to make the process easier on themselves and their groomer.

Why Should I Groom My Pet?

You may be wondering, why is grooming so important? Much like you bathe and groom yourself, your pet requires similar care to remain fresh, clean, and healthy. Grooming is not merely for aesthetics since it helps with your pet’s health as well as their general appearance. Here are a few reasons why grooming is important for your pet.

• Grooming helps remove matting. This is especially important if you have a pet with a long coat, as once their fur matts there is little choice but to shave the spot. Frequent grooming will prevent matting and the subsequent bald spots caused by it after it is removed. 
• Grooming helps remove loose fur. This is especially helpful for pets with thick winter coats or heavy undercoats and keeps your pet comfortable. It is also a necessary process if your pet is a heavy shedder.-
•  Grooming removes unwanted pests and parasites. Frequent brushing and grooming will help you clean out fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and other undesirable pests from your pet's fur. These pests can cause diseases if left unchecked, so a groom reduces your pet's chances of catching a tick/flea-related disease.
• Grooming helps curb potential infections. Pets with longer hair or fur can have problems with their eyes, paws, or their backside. Since longer hair means more room for unwelcome parasites, it is better to frequently groom these areas. Any dog owner who has a long-haired breed will vouch for the fact that walks and poop time is easier when their pet’s rear isn’t full of long hair.

Commonly Observed Issues During a Groom 

So, if grooming has so many benefits, why don't all pet parents visit a groomer regularly? There are various factors, but the most cited one is that the pet lashes out or is fearful of the grooming process. A groomer comes across pets of all kinds while on the job, and while some pets are extremely friendly and docile, others may be nervous/anxious/angry at the prospect of a groom which could potentially become an issue.

Here are a few commonly observed problems during a groom: 

• Making Noise: Pets who are nervous or anxious can display that feeling in the form of noise. Barking, howling, or whining are all noises that can disrupt the groom and disturb any other animals who are there for a session.
• Anger: Pets may show their discomfort with the situation by displaying anger. Lashing out, biting, scratching, and other unsociable behaviour may be observed if a pet is distressed.
• Squirming: Thrashing, struggling, trembling, or running away are also behaviours a distressed pet shows at the groomers. While more common than an outright aggressive pet, such behaviours can also complicate a groom and make it a longer process than it is. 

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Groom

Any of these behaviours can disrupt the groom and potentially cause problems for the groomer, since other animals in the vicinity may become agitated when in a relatively closed space with a loud stimulus. Groomers themselves reserve the right to refuse to groom an aggressive or challenging pet. Such behavioural issues are also not limited to a groom and can become a potential issue if not addressed. Fortunately, with the right preparation and a little training, your pet should be as comfortable with the groomers as they are at home. Here are a few steps you can take.

1.           Make Sure Your Pet is Happy Before the Groom - It’s a simple fact that a happy pet is more likely to behave than one who is uncomfortable or anxious. If your pet is in discomfort, hungry, thirsty, or tired before a groom, chances are these feelings will display themselves while they are being tended to by an unfamiliar person.
2.          Acclimate Your Pet to Social Situations - Most sights and smells considered normal by us in day-to-day life are unusual to our pets. if a pet is not used to equipment like a nail cutter, a fan, or a pair of clippers and combs, consider socializing them further so they may become comfortable in such scenarios. Groom your pet yourself as a start, clip their nails and comb their fur so they get a feel for the grooming equipment. If your pet is touchy about you clipping their nails, chances are the groomer won’t have a much better time.
3.          Meet the Groomer Before a Groom - Different groomers operate and specialize in different equipment and animals. When you’ve settled on a groomer, visit them, and discuss your pet. Be open and honest about your pet’s general behaviour, temperament, and any potential problems that may arise. An open dialogue will help the groomer prepare for your pet, especially if you’ve chosen a good groomer who understands a pet parent's concerns. You can also familiarize the groomer with your dog’s training commands for an easier experience.
4.        Sit in on a Grooming Session - If your pet is known to be anxious around strangers, your presence during the groom should soothe them and help prevent any undesirable behaviour. Doing so will also have the added benefit of you being able to spot any stressors, which you can then work on later. Most groomers should allow you to sit in on a groom, after which you can consult your vet or a pet specialist depending on the outcome. 

To conclude, a pet being difficult to groom is a common occurrence. The good thing is that with a little patience and just a little trust, your pet will soon be as comfortable with their groom as they are at home. Grooming is an important part of pet care if you frequently embark on pet travel, as an ungroomed pet is more likely to carry ticks and parasites, none of which a country will permit entry to. Make sure to choose a reputable or recommended groomer and train your pet beforehand to have the best possible pet grooming experience. 

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Travel Conditions Stressful to Flat Faced Cats

While they are adorable to behold and beautiful, animals with flat faces do come with certain issues one must be aware of. Any animal belonging to a flat faced/snub nosed breed come with health concerns pertaining to breathing and the respiratory system, which is why mitigating any stressors is a must. But what is one to do when travel makes your pet anxious? Stressors can exacerbate issues, after all.

Don’t get me wrong, you can travel with your flat-faced friend perfectly safely, regardless of the misconception that such breeds cannot fly. However, it is important to understand why such a journey can be stressful for them, as you’ll then be able to make good decisions regarding your journey. Travelling with your pet can become a memorable experience, provided you carefully consider the various aspects of travel and stressful situations.

Regardless of the breed, cats are cats; they are creatures of routine, and change is not something that they welcome with open paws. If anything, cats enjoy a familiar and predictable environment. Travelling is the farthest thing from familiar and predictable, so the situation will likely put your cat on alert from the get-go. Add to this the fact that their only prior experience with travelling is to and from the vet, and you have the stressful conditions your cat abhors. 

Here Are A Few Aspects for the Same While Travelling with Your Pet.

Airflow and Ventilation 

Brachycephalic or flat faced cats will always have trouble breathing, regardless of the conditions, due to the way their respiratory systems have evolved to fit in the smaller area of a flat face. The first thing to ask before your journey is if your chosen airline allows flat-faced cat to fly at all, as some airlines refuse to fly such breeds citing the risk, and some airlines impose rigorous regulations for a snub nosed/flat faced animal to fly. If your travel is domestic in nature, try looking for airlines which will let you carry your cat in the cabin with you. Internationally, flat faced cats are typically allowed to fly in-cabin if the flight duration isn’t prohibitively long, and if the country you’re entering does not require pets to arrive as cargo.

Regardless of whether your pet is flying in cabin or in cargo, they will need to be inside an IATA-approved fiber crate. While you might think you can take your pet out of the crate and cuddle them in your lap while flying, airline regulations highlight the fact that your pet must be in their crate for the entirety of the journey. For them to travel in cabin with you, their crate will have to fit under the seat in front of yours, so you might need to re-plan if you have a large crate measurement.

If your cat must travel in the cargo bay, make sure you go for a pet friendly airline. This is important, as such an airline will have planes with pressure and temperature-controlled cargo bays, meaning your pet gets the same environment down there as you do in the cabin. For flat-faced and snub-nosed cats, opt for a pet crate/kennel with extra headroom, maybe going a size or two above the normally mandated size in their sizing guides. Bear in mind that your crate can only fly inside an IATA approved crate, as they are designed to be durable and have plenty of airflow throughout it; the latter being especially important for your flat faced friend. 

Temperature and Climate Control 

Both extremes of the weather scale are not ideal for travelling with your pet. Airlines themselves will refuse to fly pets during certain months of the year, as the risks associated with travel during extreme climate are simply not acceptable. If your cat is flat faced, plan your travels to be in cooler climate.  The risk in travel is minimized greatly if done in cooler climate and with the shortest route possible.

Hot and humid climate only worsens their already laboured breathing, and they can suffer from heatstroke if their bodies aren’t cool enough. Unlike a snub-nosed dog like a pug, a flat faced cat cannot pant. Couple this with the fact that their breathing isn’t the easiest during the best of times, and you have every reason to avoid travelling during hot climate. Avoid travelling with your flat faced cat in temperatures exceeding 25^o Celsius. 

Distance to Destination 

Shorter trips are less likely to stress your cat out than longer ones. So, while making a choice of airline and route to your destination, opt for the option with the least travel time; avoid flights which stop-over and go for direct routes, and make sure you always choose a pet friendly airline. If you need help regarding either of these aspects of travel, you can contact us for a complete and comprehensive itinerary with the shortest travel time to guarantee your pet’s safety and comfort.

Health and Fitness 

Its no secret that a healthy pet is a happy pet. For flat faced cats and brachycephalic breeds, them being fit is important, as obesity contributes to health and breathing problems when in transit. Age is another factor to consider while travelling, and senior pets require extra care to avoid any issues. Consult your vet in either case and follow their advice when it comes to your pets health and safety while travelling. Under any circumstance, do not tranquilize or sedate your pet, as this can prove fatal while travelling. 

If you have further queries or require help planning your trip with your pet, call (890) 890-9020 or mail us at enquiry@carrymypet.com. We provide domestic and international pet relocation services, with your pet being picked up from and delivered to your doorstep, and our team of experts ensure your flat faced friend is safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the journey. 

How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Adjust After A Move?

Moving residences is taxing on the whole family. Whether embarking on domestic travel or on international pet relocation, leaving behind a familiar place is disorientating. Dogs are especially likely to feel anxious or nervous in the initial stages of your move. Its natural, considering that they have no familiar scent or sight in a new home. Given time though, your pet will be comfortable as ever in their new home. All it will take is a little patience and effort on your part. Here are a few things you can do to make your pup more comfortable and adjust after a move.

Create a Familiar and Comfortable Environment

The first thing you can do to help your pup settle in is create a familiar space. Use items which they interacted with daily in your previous home; you can make a nice corner with a bed and their toys, as well as blankets or any other items they associate with the comfort of home. Patience is key while they become accustomed to their surroundings, so be patient, and let your dog explore their new home at their own pace.

2.      Make & Maintain Routine

An unfamiliar schedule can contribute to making your dog nervous, especially as they are often creatures of habit. Plan a routine for their mealtime, play time, and walks/exercise. If your dog had a routine in their previous home, try to replicate that. Do not make sudden changes to their diet or exercise routine and minimize loud noises to maintain a calm environment at home. If not, you can always start fresh; a schedule will help them adjust in their new home and help introduce a sense of familiarity quickly.

3.      Attention & Affection

During this adjustment period, it is important to shower your dog with love and affection. You can do this in a few ways. Give them extra attention, play with them more often, and give them extra treats. The more love and affection you show your dog, the quicker they will relax in their new home.

During this acclimation period, there may be times when you have to leave your dog alone. This is something which would not have been a problem in your previous home, but in a new and unfamiliar environment, it becomes an issue. They key to teaching them to be calm is to take one step at a time.

Start by leaving your dog alone in a room and going to another part of the house for a few moments. Slowly extend this period of time, until they don’t mind you being out of the house for five minutes. Continue to gradually increase this time period, until your dog doesn’t mind being alone while you run errands or step outside for work.

To conclude, you must remain patient and loving with your dog while they settle in after your move. Don’t expect them to settle in straight away. Try to fix a routine, give them plenty of love, and let them explore their new home at their own pace. Given time, they will become as comfortable in your new home as they were in your old one. If you need any help or tips on how to alleviate your dog’s nervousness or anxiety, call us on 08908909020. Having conducted over 6000 domestic and international pet relocations, we are well versed in the anxiety preceding a move and the anxiety after it faced by a pet.

Top Tips for Moving with Your Pet

Shifting residences or states can be a cumbersome experience for all involved. It becomes particularly so when you’re attempting a move with your pet. There are many reasons for this; the “baggage” in this situation is your pride and joy as well as a live animal, so the planning process is far more detailed than with any other form of airline cargo. As this is a sensitive transaction, the sensible thing to do is be prepared for any circumstance or contingency. Here is how you can do this. 

Plan in Advance 

If you have a pet and are planning a relocation, it is best to plan early. Any overlooked preparations can present themselves as problems near the date of departure, so plan in advance. Plan your bookings early, plan your visit to the vet before time, and ensure your pet’s vaccinations are in order. If you feel like the process is too cumbersome, you can always hire a pet relocator or service to take your hassle and make it their own. 

Specify the Correct Crate 

No matter what mode of transport you end up choosing for your relocation, you will need a pet crate. As your pet will spend a lot of time inside this crate in transit, it is important to select the appropriate crate. Pets can only fly in IATA fiber crates. Standard crate sizes should be used for a comfortable journey. To make their experience more comfortable, consider crate training your pet before embarking on any journey so they are not stressed by the new sights and scents. 

Visit your Vet

If your pet is injured or unhealthy, then they may face difficulties when travelling. Visiting your vet before any movement with your pet is a must. Aside from a general check-up, make sure their vaccinations are complete and ensure that their vaccination record states the same. If you’re moving by plane, then the vaccination record is crucial, as it acts as your pet’s passport. As the rules pertaining to pet flights are stringent, you may be denied boarding if all the vaccination formalities are not met. 

Choose a Reputed Airline 

All airlines are not pet-friendly, and neither are all airports. To ensure the safety of your pet, it is important to select a pet-friendly airline during the booking process. An aircraft with a temperature and pressure-controlled cargo bay is central to the safe transportation of a pet in the air. A pet-friendly aircraft also makes its flight attendants check on the pets while flying. If you’re anxious about the airline you’re selecting, you could always hire a pet relocator. A relocator takes care of the paperwork formalities and airline background checks, and can also tell you if an airline has a reputed history of transporting pets. 

Pet Microchip 

A pet microchip is a small chip, around the size of a grain of rice, which is painlessly implanted in your pet. A pet microchip is important while travelling, as it is the only ID proof your pet has which can be verified. The standard ISO 11784/11785 microchips are used for pets globally and are necessary for pet export movements. Regardless of whether your country mandates a microchip for pet travel, it is wise to get one nonetheless. A microchip reader can then read this chip; these chips are applicable at pet boardings, the vet, with the transit authorities, and so on. 

5 Things to Know About Moving Your Pets

Traveling with your pet can be a challenge. The health and safety requirements combined with airport customs & regulations can make the experience a hassle. Not every airline is pet friendly, and neither is every airport around the world. The documentation for your pet must be complete and up to date, otherwise, they can be denied boarding. Therefore, it is important to know all requirements before embarking on any journey. To keep your pet comfortable, there are a few tips you can follow: 

1. Plan in Advance: if you want to relocate your pet, it is best to plan ahead. There are a lot of documents which have to be filled, checked and re-checked, so make sure nothing is left to the last minute. Book your flight tickets well in advance, ensure your pet's vaccinations are up to date and make sure they are microchipped. 
2. Get a Health Checkup: Flying with a pet is not a risky process, but it can become so if a health check-up has not been conducted before flying. To ensure your pet is healthy, happy, and injury-free. Schedule an appointment with your vet and get a check-up along with a clean bill of health before travelling anywhere. 
3. Get Your Tags/Identification: Flying without any ID is dangerous; consider getting your pet microchipped. A microchip is the only proof of identity a pet has. India uses the standard, ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 as the rest of the world. Ensure that your pet is microchipped before flying with your pet, if you're flying into a different country, a microchip is likely a mandatory requirement. 
4. Check regulations: Different countries have different requirements for different pets. To avoid pet quarantine in a foreign country, your preparation has to be perfect. Make sure to research country-specific guidelines and adhere to them, fulfilling the documentation procedure and routine checks performed during import. Failing to meet the requirements may result in your pet being quarantined until the formalities are complete. 
5. Pick a Pet-Friendly Airline: Not all airlines are pet-friendly, and neither are all airports. It is essential for the safety of a pet that their aircraft has pressure and temperature-controlled cargo bays, which not every airline can guarantee. If you are unsure or afraid of the process, hire a relocator. They will take the burden and headache of meeting the paperwork formalities upon themselves for a fee.

4 things to Know About Pet Moving

Pet journey can be stressful because of the customs and rules and regulations of the airport. Not to forget the anxiety issues that affect your pet’s health. To avoid all of this, follow the tips given below-

• Proper Planning — Planning in advance for pet relocation can help to avoid the last-minute hassle. Make sure to book the flight a month before the international pet transportation or domestic pet transportation.
• Checkup with Vet — Pet needs to be checked with a vet to avoid problems during the customs clearance. Also, a health certificate acts as proof that your pet is disease-free.
• Pet Tagging — The pet cage needs to have a tag that has your name, contact number, and other important details for avoiding confusion during boarding and de-boarding.
• Be Careful About Rules & Regulations — Pet travel rules of the flight need to be checked for your pet and the city or state to which he/she is going to avoid an inconvenient halt at the airport.