A Vet’s Guide: 8 Things You Should Never Do to A Dog

Dogs are intelligent, compassionate, loyal, and loving companions. To us humans, dogs have rightfully earned the moniker of ‘man’s best friend'. However, it isn’t always the easiest thing to take care of a dog, as even people with the purest intentions can make a few mistakes in their care. To help dog owners avoid mistakes and mishaps, we’ve compiled a short list with tips from pet vets to help you steer clear of unwanted or dangerous situations, whether you are at home or embarking on international pet transportation.

Here Are 8 Things You Should Never Due to Your Dog, According to Vets

1. Do Not Let Them Run with Sticks - Most dogs love a game of fetch and watching them trot about with a stick in their mouth can be adorable to witness. However, in doing so, you run the risk of injury, as such sticks can often get stuck in the ground and lead to injuries for an excited dog who cannot notice the stick is stuck. Such a stick can impale your dog, with such injuries being distressing, painful, and in some cases even fatal. To get around this, never throw a wooden stick in a game of fetch; opt for a soft toy or a rubber ball instead. 
    
2. Do Not Use a Retractable Leash - As an owner, you should never use a retractable leash when walking your dog outdoors. Such leashes can get twisted around your hand and cause friction burns like a measuring tape, and they are also hard to retract during an actual emergency where they can injure both your dog and a member of the public. Such leashes typically extend to 10 feet or so, and grabbing such a leash while your dog is trying to dart about can lead to serious injuries. Avoid these products and stick to traditional leashes and collars. 
   
   
3. Do Not Use a Choke Collar  - Pulling on your dog’s leash occasionally is normal, as it is necessary to stop their curiosity from causing them harm in public. However, routinely jerking on your dog’s leash can lead to neck injuries and should never be done for disciplinary reasons. Frequently yanking on your dog’s leash can fracture the hyoid bone near the base of the tongue and cause plenty of problems. Additionally, such a collar chokes the dog if the dog is running away, which is also dangerous as a constriction and suffocation hazard. 
   
   
4. Do Not Use Sunscreen - While it may seem like a natural thing to do, your dog already has natural sun protection thanks to their thick fur coats. Sunscreen can be toxic to dogs due to certain ingredients, and these can be dangerous if ingested. Therefore, avoid putting any sunscreen on your dog; they have a natural layer of protection as it is. 
   
   
5. Antibiotic Ointment - Dogs will get themselves minor cuts and scrapes. This is a natural part of daily life and exploration, and it is also natural to want to tend to such wounds as they happen. However, humans and animals have fundamentally differing physiologies, and therefore antibiotic ointments and crams meant for human use should never be used on dogs. Many ingredients used in such ointments may be safe for humans but are dangerous to dogs, so keep them away from your pet and consult your vet on how to treat a cut or scrape instead. 
   
   
6. Do Not Let Them In Your Bathroom - Pets should be kept out of the bathroom as a rule. Toilet water is not fit for consumption, so keep the lid lowered and make sure your dog cannot access the toilet bowl. Toilets also contain plenty of chemicals and cleaning agents which can be toxic to dogs, so consider pet-proofing your bathroom if your dog is someone who likes to explore. 
   
   
7. Do Not Give Your Dog Ice - With summers around the corner, you're likely considering a few ice cubes in your dog's water bowl to beat the heat. However, ice can easily chip your dog's teeth, even breaking them in a few cases, with the larger teeth located in the back of their mouth being particularly susceptible to breakage. Broken teeth can easily catch an infection, which will then have to be remedied via a root canal or tooth extraction. Given that these conditions are both painful for your dog and expensive to fix, it is best to avoid serving ice to your dog. 
   
   
8. Do Not Serve Table Scraps - It may seem harmless, but as a habit, you should avoid serving your dog table scraps, no matter how adorable those puppy-dog eyes may be. Human foods can oftentimes be harmful to your dog, especially when considering the nutritional content of certain foods. Foods with too much fat or sugar will lead to various problems for your pet, such as pancreatitis or obesity. 

To conclude, there are several things that pet owners may be doing to their dogs unknowingly. Regardless of whether you are at home or travelling on an international pet relocation, these tips should help keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy. Remember to consult your vet before implementing any changes to your dog's life. 

How to Cater to the Dietary Needs of a Senior Dog

Much like any other biological organism, dogs grow older and experience the inevitable process of ageing. Age brings with it a certain poise, grace, and wisdom, as well as an inevitable change in diet and lifestyle. Catering to the lifestyle requirements of a senior or elderly dog may seem like a daunting task; however, with a little preparation and a few visits to your vet, you should have no problems keeping your old friend comfortable.

What is an ‘Older’ Dog?

While there is no fixed age at which a dog starts to be considered a ‘senior’ or ‘older’, an educated guess can be made based on the dog’s health, weight, and size. Larger dog breeds usually have shorter lifespans, so they are generally considered to be seniors at 6 years of age. Smaller breeds tend to have slightly longer lifespans, meaning they are considered seniors at around 9 years of age.

There are other factors besides size as well. A dog’s weight and general health are also to be considered, as ageing may not be visible until symptoms like a decline in vision show up. The weight of your dog matters because obese dogs age more quickly; there’s a reason maintaining a balanced diet and exercise regime is important after all.

Older Dogs Require Less Food 

For elderly dogs, the type of food does not require a change, but the quantity or serving size does. Senior dogs will not have a metabolism like puppies, meaning they burn fewer calories throughout the day and require fewer calories to function as a result. Your elderly dog needs to be at a healthy weight since the combination of slower metabolism, lower energy levels, and higher calorie intake is the one which leads to senior dogs being overweight or obese. Therefore, you must adjust their meals accordingly to ensure that their daily portion size isn't too much for them.

If you're unsure about how to do so, you can visit your vet to plan out a diet chart. Your vet will consider different factors and help you plan a diet for your dog based on its age, weight, and health. Remember, the goal is to make sure that meal portions are adequate, not to starve your dog. Too few calories will also be harmful, and the goal is to maintain a healthy balance of proper nutrition in proper amounts. Frequent exercise (within reason) will also help improve your dog's health along with a new diet.

Make Sure to Include Plenty of Protein 

Maintaining muscle strength is essential as your dog ages. Since an elderly dog may not be able to process protein as well as it used to, it will require plenty of protein in its meals. Meat and fish are high-quality sources of protein which your pooch will be able to digest easily. However, too much protein will be detrimental, putting unnecessary strain on their kidneys, which can be a problem if your dog already has kidney problems. Therefore, you should consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet and the sources of protein in it.

Older Dogs May be Picky Eaters

While it is normal for an older dog to eat less than a younger dog, they should still have a healthy appetite and a desire to eat. It is well-known that dogs are often passionate about food, and a sudden disappearance of their appetite can be a cause for concern. Cancer, kidney disease, dental problems, and diabetes, can all affect your dog's appetite, meaning you should visit your vet immediately if your dog’s appetite has suddenly vanished or if they refuse to eat.

If your dog is not seriously ill and simply finds their food unappealing, there are a few steps you can take: 

• Older dogs are likely to be picky eaters, so try giving them things they enjoy eating. Just make sure you don’t overfeed them while doing so. 
• Mixed feeding can help make food more palatable. If you’re using dry food, you can try mixing some water or pet-safe broth with it to make it more appealing and easier to eat. 
• If your dog struggles with large meals, try breaking them down into multiple smaller meals throughout the day. 
• Older dogs are prone to joint stiffness and pain. If your dog cannot bend comfortably to eat from their bowl, they will likely skip their meal, so try to keep their dish or bowl on an elevated surface. You can consult your vet for joint pain relief medication if this issue is chronic. 

To conclude, while it may seem like a daunting task to plan your elder dog’s diet, the general rules are fairly simple. Older dogs don’t require as many calories as younger dogs and a high-quality source of protein in their meals. Mainly, their diet will have to factor in for any medication they are on, and the serving sizes will need to be adjusted. Each dog is different, especially each senior dog, which means you should consult your vet and discuss your dog’s diet before making any changes.

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. 

 

 

Tips to Protect Your Pet Against Illness

Biology is hardly unbreakable. Regardless of what type of pet you have, at the end of the day, a pet is a biological organism and is susceptible to sickness. Since sicknesses can hamper your pet’s daily life and cause a host of issues for both you and them, it is necessary to protect them against potential sickness and disease.

Here Are A Few Tips on How to Protect Your Pet Against Potential Illness:

Stay up to date on Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a reliable and efficient way of protecting your pet from potential illnesses. Provided you get your pet booster doses at the right times to maintain protection, vaccinations are an easy way to safeguard their health in the long term. A rabies vaccination is commonly cited as one of the necessary basic vaccinations for pets, but there are a few more immunizations you can provide your pet to prevent disease and serious illnesses. Such vaccinations are also mandatory if you ever plan on an international pet relocation. 

Vaccinations can help prevent the following diseases in pets: 

• Distemper 
• Bordetella 
• Leptospirosis 
• Lyme Disease
• Parvovirus 
• Rabies 

Depending on where you live, some vaccines will be mandatory due to government regulations, while others won’t be state mandated. If you’re confused or unsure about the protection to give your pet, visit your vet so they may clear up your doubts. Your vet can draw out a vaccination routine chart, complete with booster doses and vaccination effectiveness to help you gauge the current level of protection your pet has and how long it will be in place. As a general rule, aside from rabies, you should get your pet the basic group of vaccinations when you visit your vet with them for the first time. 

1.   Practice Preventive Treatment

There are plenty of ways your pet can pick up a disease, and the more exposed your pet is to the elements, the more likely it is to pick up an affliction. Invasive parasites can also cause illnesses, as they pass along pathogens when they feed on a pet’s blood. Fleas and ticks are the most commonly found parasites in household pets, and are responsible for spreading diseases like Bartonella, Lyme Disease, and Anaplasmosis. 

 Due to this, internal and external parasite treatment is prescribed for pets to prevent such parasites from making home in your pet’s body. Worry not though; there are anti flea collars, anti-tick/flea shampoos, and medications available to curb the spread of blood-sucking parasites. As always, consult your vet before selecting any course of action or product.

1.   Brush Your Pet Down When Returning Indoors

If you have a pet that spends time outdoors, whether for walks or refreshment, you should give them a basic brush when they return indoors. Pets that spend time outdoors have a far greater chance of picking up ticks or fleas, so brushing them immediately is a good idea and helps prevent a potential infection. If you observe more than a tick or two, schedule a vet visit for a thorough cleaning. 

1.     You may have heard this point twice or thrice already, but that doesn’t make it any less crucial. Pets can sometimes show signs of illness that a pet parent can’t pick up on since they aren’t an animal specialist. Frequent vet visits are necessary for this reason, as a vet can judge your pet’s health across different visits to establish a baseline, against which your pet’s health is compared to check whether it is heathy or requires treatment. Your vet will conduct physical exams, blood tests, and waste tests to gauge your pet’s health. Any issues that they find can then be diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion, making sure your pet remains healthy in the long run. 

Ensure Pets and Wildlife Remain Separated

If you have an outdoor pet or one that must be taken outdoors frequently, steer clear of any wildlife in or around your area. Wild animals like stray dogs, cats, rabbits, racoons, and monkeys carry pathogens and parasites which can spread to your pet if they are scratched or bitten. Make sure to keep your pet on a leash or harness when walking outdoors and avoid wild animals. If you do run into a wild animal or have a scrap with one, visit your vet immediately and make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Call the local animal control authority to see if you’re having an issue with wild animals in your locality. during pet travel by road, avoid spaces with lots of wildlife. 

1.   Diet

While a healthy diet may seem like a massive change with loads to plan for, the reality is you’ll have smooth sailing once you plan the diet itself. Remember to visit your vet with your pet, and once you have a portion size you can measure out for each meal, stick to it. Make sure your pet only eats healthy and drinks clean water and steer them clear of any foreign food or water
sources like puddles or trashcans.

1.  Cleanliness is Key 

Your pet isn’t the only one who needs to stay clean. Diseases can pass from animals to humans as well as humans to animals, meaning you should keep yourself clean to avoid introducing any diseases into your household. Make sure to wash your hands when returning indoors, as well as after interacting with any animal.

No pet parent wishes for an illness to befall their furry baby. The good news is that it is relatively easy to avoid any serious illnesses with a few preventive measures. Provided you keep your pet clean, avoid items of unknown origin on walks, schedule annual vet visits, and feed them a healthy diet, you should have no trouble making sure your pet stays healthy and happy.

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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Common Dog Illnesses & How to Spot Them

No living organism is immune to diseases. Our pets are no different, and while most people assume that dogs have inherently strong immune systems, they are still susceptible to certain illnesses. Most commonly occurring conditions are not particularly serious. However, if left untreated, these conditions can become a cause for concern and pose a threat to your dog’s health and well-being.

As expert pet relocators, we understand how important your pet’s health is, even more so when embarking on pet travel. Illness means your pet cannot safely travel, especially if it is suffering from a communicable condition, and since an international pet relocation involves numerous health checks, it is necessary for your pet to be healthy if you intend on travelling together.

Common Dog Illnesses & Ailments

Dental Disease

Dogs require dental care just like people. Oral and dental issues are amongst the most prominent and common issues faced by dogs, which can increase in severity with time. Plaque, tartar, and gingivitis are the early signs of dental disease in dogs, with more severe symptoms of periodontal (gums & bone) disease like abscesses developing if no treatment is administered.

The primary symptom of dental disease is frequent bad breath, even after cleaning or brushing. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, drooling, red or bleeding gums, discolouration of teeth/gums, and loose teeth. Treatments for such conditions are administered by a vet, with cleaning, tooth extraction, or root canals prescribed depending on the disease. Frequent brushing and regular vet visits are the best and easiest ways of preventing dental diseases. Invest in a dog toothbrush and dental wipes to help you maintain your dog’s dental health, which can then be supplemented by a bi-annual vet visit for complete care.

Ear Infections

Ear infections can have a few causes. Repetitive ear infections are typically caused by allergens, especially ones present in your dog’s food like wheat or soy. Common indicators that your dog is suffering from an ear infection are scratching, pawing, or rubbing their ears on different surfaces. More advanced symptoms of an ear infection include pain, loss of balance, loss of hair around the ear, and a reddened ear canal.

Treatment of an ear infection can be done at home, provided you have it diagnosed by your vet and have the appropriate medication for it. Remember to clean and dry the infected ear and consult your vet before administering any medication, be it an anti-fungal or an antibiotic.

Itchy skin/Skin Infections 

A dog scratching themselves is a common sight, so you’ll be forgiven for not picking up on a skin infection instantly.  However, if you notice your dog scratching continuously and restlessly, the chances are the culprit is a skin infection. Such a condition has numerous causes; an allergen in your pet's diet, bacterial infections or a yeast infection are all probable causes of a skin infection, and you should visit your vet if the incessant itching hasn’t ceased after a diet change.

After diagnosing the nature of your dog’s skin condition, your vet can prescribe a shampoo or ointment that is suitable for your pet’s skin condition and fur type. Do not try to diagnose and medicate your dog’s condition by yourself, as even your good intentions can have negative results.

Vomiting and/or Diarrhea 

Upset digestive systems can happen. Dogs spend a lot of time around their owners and inevitably have a nibble of something they cannot digest, which manifests itself as an upset stomach for a day or two. However, if more chronic or persistent vomiting and diarrhoea follow, you should visit your vet immediately as these may be symptoms of a more serious underlying condition.

There are various potential causes for your dog's upset digestive system. Although your dog may have eaten something they should not have, it can be caused by an illness, intestinal worms, or parasites. Head to your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis if your dog's condition does not improve after an initial bout of vomiting/diarrhoea.

Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs are marked by symptoms like frequent peeing, indoor peeing (despite training), crying or yelping while peeing, or blood in the urine. Head to your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, as the vet can diagnose the severity of the issue and the required treatment for it. If an infection is found, an antibiotic course will likely follow.

Stiffness and Pain

Stiffness and joint pain accompanied by difficulty in moving about are things dogs experience at roughly six years of age, depending on their breed and size. If you notice your dog is more lethargic, struggles to get up from a resting position, is slow to climb a flight of stairs, or appears less mobile than before, then it may have stiff joints and the pain that comes with it. Keep your dog’s bones and joints healthy with frequent exercise and keep their weight in check to alleviate stiffness. Some larger dog breeds are known to suffer from joint issues; consult your vet if you own such a breed for a more long-term solution.

Timely Intervention is Key

As you may have noticed, most of these diseases and ailments are easier to prevent than to cure, since you can prevent them by daily maintenance but only a professional can truly cure a serious condition. It is why it is important to know the symptoms of these common illnesses, as recognizing them and acting quickly can prevent any further issues. If you are ever in doubt about your pet’s health, make sure to contact your vet immediately, and maintain vigilance when your dog falls sick to differentiate between a general condition and a serious one. 

Fruits for Dogs: What to Serve & Avoid

Fruits are universally acclaimed, no matter the country or culture. And for good reason; fruits are chock full of vitamins and minerals, with the benefit of being as delicious as they are healthy. Including a selection of fruits in a diet helps avoid deficiencies, strengthens the immune system, and aids digestion. They also serve as brilliant alternatives to the typically fried and nutritionally deficient snacks.

Can my Dog Eat Fruits?

The benefits of fruits aren't just limited to humans either, since nature's goodness can be enjoyed by our four-legged friends as well. However, dogs cannot eat everything we can, and every dog owner is well aware of the list of human foods that can be detrimental to a dog's health. Dogs have different dietary requirements to humans, and since they like to sample everything while not knowing what is/isn't harmful to them, the onus is on us to make sure they only eat foods which are safe for them. 

You may be wondering then, is it even healthy for my dog to eat fruits? The answer is yes, provided you feed them the correct fruits. Dogs are omnivores, and a balanced diet for them includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, and grains. So, yes, your dog can eat fruits. The next thought you may have is, how do I know what fruits are good for my dog? What fruits are going to boost their health, and which ones are detrimental to it? What precautions should you take before serving certain fruits, and which ones to avoid altogether?

What Fruits Can I Serve to My Dog? 

Fortunately, there are a host of fruits your dog can enjoy safely. Here are a few of them you can serve.

1. Apples: Apples are great snacks, as they are an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Do remember to remove the core and seeds before, as those aren’t good for them like they aren’t for us.
2. Oranges: These colourful fruits have Vitamin C and fibre in abundance, just remember to remove the flesh and seeds before you serve it.
3. Cucumbers: These fruits are high in water content and serve as a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Bonus: it’s a fruit with a low sugar and calorie count, meaning it can be safely served as a snack.
4. Peaches: They make for a juicy treat, provided you remove the pits before serving.
5. Watermelon: This water-rich fruit is great for beating the heat and staying hydrated on a scorching summer day. As with all fruits, remove the seeds if any.
6. Mangoes: Affectionately known as the king of fruits, mangoes are a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, but also high in sugar. You can serve mangoes as a treat on special occasions.
7. Bananas: Packed with potassium and vitamins, bananas are a great treat, provided you do so occasionally. Its high sugar content makes it a less-than-ideal daily treat. 

What Fruits Are Harmful to My Dog? 

There are plenty of fruits to choose from to supplement your dog's diet. That being said, there are also some fruits and vegetables which you should avoid at all costs, as they can cause serious harm to your dog if ingested. Since dogs like to eat first and think later when confronted with any sort of food (unless you’ve trained them not to), there are some things you should keep well out of your dog’s reach. Here are a few of them. 

1. Grapes: Grapes, and by extension raisins, are toxic to dogs, to the point where even a small amount can prove fatal. Keep these well out of reach of your dog if they're a staple in your fruit basket, and pay attention to its dry-fruit cousin during the holiday season.
2. Cherries: The cherry plant and its seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Avoid them and dispose of the seeds and stems if they are around your house.
3. Tomatoes: The tomato fruit itself is not harmful to dogs. But, the green stem that's often left attached to it can upset a dog's stomach, so it’s probably best to avoid them altogether.
4. Potatoes: Raw potatoes contain solanine, which can upset your dog’s stomach. Keep out of your dog’s reach.
5. Avocados: The seed, leaves, and skin of the avocado fruit all contain the toxin persin, which can cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Keep these healthy breakfast staples well away from your dog. 

What if my Dog Eats Such a Fruit? 

If you think your dog has ingested something that can be harmful to them, there are a few symptoms you can look out for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Twitching
• Low energy levels
• Fatigue
• Constipation and change in normal posture

If you observe one or more of these symptoms immediately or shortly after you suspect your dog of ingesting something they shouldn’t have, get in touch with your vet ASAP. Timely action can make a huge difference and save your pet’s health in such a scenario. Keep these foods off the shelves or tables where your dog might reach them, and make sure you follow precautions when serving your dog fruits. While some fruits are good for your dog and bring health benefits, others are detrimental to their health, and it is upon you as an owner to make sure your dog is eating well and eating healthy.

 

Separation Anxiety and How to Train Your Pet to Cope

Animals are very in-tune with nature and their emotions. Pets, in particular, mirror their owners’ emotions, and can pick up on changes in a person's mood in a heartbeat. Consequently, they need a little time to re-adjust to a new environment after moving states or changing residences. 

This period of adjustment becomes an intense affair when coupled with the sudden departure of their well-known environment. It is in such circumstances that separation anxiety comes to the fore, and as an owner it is important you understand how to deal with it. 

Pets are like babies. It's critical to take things slowly when trying to teach and comfort them, so they can become accustomed to a new environment at their own pace and on their own terms. Here are some ways you can make your pet comfortable in a new setting. 

Make Them Used to Their Surroundings 

When you move into a new space, whether it is through pet travel export or pet transportation import, or a domestic pet relocation, your pet is likely to feel alienated. Their regular sights and smells are gone, replaced with a new area with a completely new feel to it. This is where you come in. look at it this way, when we as humans move or relocate to an unfamiliar setting, we tend to explore and map the area so as to become more acclimated with it. A sense of recognition is important to develop in order to be comfortable in any setting. 

It's a similar story with animals and pets. Once you move, encourage your pet to explore their new environment; make sure to be with them as they search their way through the rooms, backyards and lawns. Do not rush this process. Remember that your pet is a baby, and is as new to this setting as you are. Developing a sense of familiarity is not an overnight process. 

The First Time Apart 

The first time you have to leave your pet to go do anything is heartbreaking. Getting used to a new setting is bad enough, but the situation is worsened by the fact that the only familiar face they know disappears for long stretches of time. Had they been in their old home, the fact that you were gone for the majority of the day didn’t really matter. But, in new surroundings, your pet may develop separation anxiety. 

The key to resolving this situation is to take baby steps. For instance, start by leaving your pet alone in a room for a few short minutes. Move on to doing the grocery run while they’re home, and subsequently, work and socialize. Starting with shorter durations and consistently coming back will help develop a sense of security and an understanding that you’ll be gone for a while and back at the same time every day. Trust is key, so make sure to develop trust and instill a sense of safety 

Affection and Attention 

The settling period is when your pet is at their most vulnerable. As pet parents, it is our responsibility to give them all the love they need while coping. Take them out on a walk, or maybe just relax, play, and cuddle with them. Do whatever it may be that your pet loves, especially things they loved doing at their previous familiar space. 

All They Want is Love 

Our pets love us unconditionally, and it is only fair we reciprocate the same. Pets don’t see things with logic or reason like humans can; they’re animals after all. Be patient with them, even if they are not in the most cooperative of moods. All they need is your understanding, and they will be snoozing in their new home in no time.