Puppy owners, in particular, are aware of the heavy nutritional demands of the puppy as he grows and may be tempted to feed as much as he will eat. However, many dogs tend to overeat and this could have damaging consequences for your puppy. The extra food received is converted into fat and stored in the body. While a dog is still young and growing, his body will produce extra fat cells to store the excess fat and, once formed, these cells stay with him for life. This may make him prone to obesity as an adult. Overfeeding of rapidly growing puppies can also cause a number of skeletal deformities in large breeds as well as other health problems. It is therefore important to monitor his general condition and record his weight regularly on the ‘Puppy Growth Chart’ to check that he is growing at a rate appropriate to the breed. If he has more than a moderate covering of fat over his ribs he may be getting too fat. When you use a prepared pet food, the label on the packaging will provide a guideline as to how much to feed your dog and it is not necessary to add any calcium or protein supplements.

Feeding your dog a well-balanced diet is clearly necessary to keep him fit and healthy, but other activities such as exercise, training, grooming and regular visits to the veterinarian are equally important. If you start training your puppy early, housetraining shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Patience and praise at the right time is the secret. It is essential particularly during this socialisation period that the puppy encounters all the things (people, other animals, objects) that he may encounter in adult life. A well-socialised puppy should be able to cope with any new things that he may experience in later life.

Your best ally in the prevention of health problems is your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on vaccinations (starting from 6 to 20 weeks of age), worming (every 2-3 weeks until 6 months of age), feeding and the general health care of your dog. In addition to the training that occurs throughout the day during exercise and interaction with people, more formal training begins approximately 7-8 weeks of age.

It is not surprising to know your pet showing this feeding behaviour. There are a number of reasons for your pet to behave like this. For e.g., he may have fear for new food, previous bad experience with the food, poor palatability or simply, he may be a fussy eater. Small breeds are generally considered as fussy eaters. Some dogs may refuse food/skip meals, when they have consumed more energy then they would require (which is common in our experience). Please make sure that you are not overfeeding him and monitor his body weight at least every two weeks.
Home made diets depending on the sources, vary with respect to quality, digestibility, nutrient content and therefore is not balanced and complete. Prepared pet foods from reputable pet food manufacturers come with a guarantee of nutritional adequacy, quality and safety. Therefore, we suggest to feed him pet food which is developed and formulated specifically to meet all the requirements of dogs in different lifestages. You can also choose to prepare balanced home made food after consulting your vet nutritionist. Feeding sweets occasionally as a snack should not be a problem as long as it does not add significant calories.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. Signs include bad breath, inflamed gums, yellowed teeth and bleeding from the gums. Disease occurs in your dog’s mouth just as it would in yours. Plaque (made up of food particles, saliva minerals and bacteria) forms on the teeth. And as it builds up, the plaque grows brown and hard, turning into tartar. It is tartar that causes the gums to become inflamed and tender. Next, the gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria, which attack the roots of the teeth.

Besides causing bad breath, these bacteria may loosen the teeth, cause bleeding at the gum line and make it painful for your dog to eat. In severe cases, the bacteria may enter the dog’s bloodstream and trigger infections in vital organs such as heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. Such infections can prove fatal. A vet can tell you how advanced the disease is, and provide the appropriate treatment. The starting point is often a thorough dental cleaning under general anaesthetic, when the vet will remove tartar and extract any teeth that are past saving. After this, it is you who will have to take responsibility for your dog’s dental health, which involves regular brushing and feeding dog chews like Pedigree Denta Rask.

Puppy owners, in particular, are aware of the heavy nutritional demands of the puppy as he grows and may be tempted to feed as much as he will eat. However, many dogs tend to overeat and this could have damaging consequences for your puppy. The extra food received is converted into fat and stored in the body. While a dog is still young and growing, his body will produce extra fat cells to store the excess fat and, once formed, these cells stay with him for life. This may make him prone to obesity as an adult. Overfeeding of rapidly growing puppies can also cause a number of skeletal deformities in large breeds as well as other health problems. It is therefore important to monitor his general condition and record his weight regularly on the ‘Puppy Growth Chart’ to check that he is growing at a rate appropriate to the breed. If he has more than a moderate covering of fat over his ribs he may be getting too fat. When you use a prepared pet food, the label on the packaging will provide a guideline as to how much to feed your dog and it is not necessary to add any calcium or protein supplements.

Question by –

Feeding your dog a well-balanced diet is clearly necessary to keep him fit and healthy, but other activities such as exercise, training, grooming and regular visits to the veterinarian are equally important. If you start training your puppy early, housetraining shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Patience and praise at the right time is the secret. It is essential particularly during this socialisation period that the puppy encounters all the things (people, other animals, objects) that he may encounter in adult life. A well-socialised puppy should be able to cope with any new things that he may experience in later life.

Your best ally in the prevention of health problems is your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on vaccinations (starting from 6 to 20 weeks of age), worming (every 2-3 weeks until 6 months of age), feeding and the general health care of your dog. In addition to the training that occurs throughout the day during exercise and interaction with people, more formal training begins approximately 7-8 weeks of age.

Question by –

It is not surprising to know your pet showing this feeding behaviour. There are a number of reasons for your pet to behave like this. For e.g., he may have fear for new food, previous bad experience with the food, poor palatability or simply, he may be a fussy eater. Small breeds are generally considered as fussy eaters. Some dogs may refuse food/skip meals, when they have consumed more energy then they would require (which is common in our experience). Please make sure that you are not overfeeding him and monitor his body weight at least every two weeks.
Home made diets depending on the sources, vary with respect to quality, digestibility, nutrient content and therefore is not balanced and complete. Prepared pet foods from reputable pet food manufacturers come with a guarantee of nutritional adequacy, quality and safety. Therefore, we suggest to feed him pet food which is developed and formulated specifically to meet all the requirements of dogs in different lifestages. You can also choose to prepare balanced home made food after consulting your vet nutritionist. Feeding sweets occasionally as a snack should not be a problem as long as it does not add significant calories.

Question by –

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. Signs include bad breath, inflamed gums, yellowed teeth and bleeding from the gums. Disease occurs in your dog’s mouth just as it would in yours. Plaque (made up of food particles, saliva minerals and bacteria) forms on the teeth. And as it builds up, the plaque grows brown and hard, turning into tartar. It is tartar that causes the gums to become inflamed and tender. Next, the gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria, which attack the roots of the teeth.

Besides causing bad breath, these bacteria may loosen the teeth, cause bleeding at the gum line and make it painful for your dog to eat. In severe cases, the bacteria may enter the dog’s bloodstream and trigger infections in vital organs such as heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. Such infections can prove fatal. A vet can tell you how advanced the disease is, and provide the appropriate treatment. The starting point is often a thorough dental cleaning under general anaesthetic, when the vet will remove tartar and extract any teeth that are past saving. After this, it is you who will have to take responsibility for your dog’s dental health, which involves regular brushing and feeding dog chews like Pedigree Denta Rask.

Question by – Girish Patel, Ahmedabad

The training can be started at this age, pup can learn a number of basic words and syllables like sit or stop. These words will only be understood when strung together in a sentence. If the word has a hard consonant sound, such as sit or stay, puppies have an easier time learning it. However, they rely more on non-verbal communication. The more you understand your puppy the better your relationship with him will be. Your puppy will get all the exercise he needs from his naturally energetic play at home. Puppy doesn’t need to be encouraged to exercise. However, you have to be careful not to over-exercise him because his bones aren’t very strong. The rule is to exercise him a little, and often.

Question by – Sachin Agarwal, Haridwar

A generalised tick/flea life cycle consists of egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Ticks for example lay their eggs (as many as 18,000 in some species) in sheltered areas on or near the ground. Successful control of ticks/fleas depends on eliminating these pests from the dog and the environment. To control these pests on a dog, all animals in the household must be part of the flea/ticks control programme. There are two basic categories of ticks/flea control products: Adulticidesand Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)/Insect Development Inhibitors (IDIs). It is always best to treat the dog and the environment on the same day. The use of these insecticides must be preceded by a thorough vacuuming; special attention should be paid to the areas under furniture, carpets, near pet bedding, and along mouldings. Make sure that other pets/dogs he frequently contacts/visits are free from fleas and ticks. The veterinarian will choose a product or products that combine safety, efficacy, and ease of use for the client. Often a combination of adulticide and an IGR or IDI is used.

Question by – Aheli Sarkar, Kolkata

A healthy skin and coat is less likely to shed excessive hair. Unlike human beings, dog’s hair growth cycle is different. For example, hair does not grow continuously in dogs. Skin and hair growth is influenced by genetics, breed, hormonal influence, stresses, nutrition, illness and numerous environmental factors. Daily brushing works best because it helps to get rid of all of your dog’s loose hair. If you can’t brush her every day, aim for at least two good brushings per week. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fatty acids, minerals like zinc and digestible proteins will keep your dog’s coat strong and healthy, and will help decrease excessive shedding.

Question by – Ajay Ingawale, Baramati, Pune

Generally puppies must be separated from their mom after 6-8 weeks of age. One of the most important aspects is to ensure a happy relationship between the adopting family and the puppy – the puppy requirement is matched by their lifestyle and environment. Find out why they to have a dog as pet and their prior experience with pets. Most people choose to keep a dog for companionship, but their choice may be influenced by whether you expect your dog to have a protective or working role, or if you intend to show or breed from your dog. Dogs are social animals. Do they devote enough time and space to accommodate puppy as a family member? They need a lot of attention, especially when young, and sufficient time must be set aside for their training, exercise, grooming and regular visits to the veterinarian.

Question by – Ajay, Mehsana, Gujarat

Moist eczema, fungal or bacterial infections, allergies, acral lick or parasites may cause itching confined to some spots or body areas. It is better to find underlying cause rather than managing with symptomatic treatment. Please take him to your vet for examination or investigation. Skin and hair coat alone take away approximately 30 percent of protein from the diet for his health. Omega fatty acids and zinc capsules everyday in the food may also help him to improve his hair coat in the short term when no underlying cause identified.

Question by – Akansha, Bhopal

A generalised tick life cycle consists of egg,larva, nymph, and adult. The tick feeds once in each stage before maturing to the next stage. Ticks can be difficult to eradicate,so tick prevention should be year-round. Ticks lay their eggs (as many as 18,000 in some species) in sheltered areas on or near the ground. Generally, two classes of medicines are used for successful control of ticks–one to kill adults and another one to prevent ticks from hatching or maturing. Successful control of ticks and fleas depends on eliminating these pests from the dog and environment. It is always best to treat the dog and the environment on the same day.Tick control products for adult dogs are available as collars, shampoos, sprays, dips, powders, long lasting topical (spot on), and oral tablets. The use of these insecticides must be preceded by a thorough vacuuming. Places where dogs spend most of their time will have the greatest number of deposited eggs and newly emerged ticks, which include areas such as under furniture,carpets, near pet bedding, etc. Make sure that other pets/dogs he frequently contacts/visits are free from ticks. Consult your vet for right product

Question by – Akhil Chandran, Ernakulam, Kochi

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive and debilitating disease in cats and dogs with no known cure. The medical management may be effective initially in stabilising a patient and improving his quality of life. Management goals are to reduce the workload of the kidneys, treat secondary problems, and improve the quality. Therapy is tailored to the individual patient and some may need hemodialysis or Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT). Most vets now use IRIS staging that helps to plan appropriate and logical treatment for each CKD stage. Periodical monitoring of kidney function (blood tests) during therapy helps vet to provide likely prognosis and quality of his life.

Question by – Akshay Chothani, Wardha, Maharashtra

Sudden development of bumps and lumps with pain could be sting bite, hematoma (bleeding under skin) or infection causing pus accumulation. Bumps without any pain could be common problems like lipoma (fat lump), while bump growing in size could be sign of tumour in a senior dog. Get him examined by your vet ASAP.

Question by – Alok Mehra, Jaipur

As the owner of a new puppy, you’ll want him to grow up fit and healthy, and reach his full genetic potential; all you have to do is provide your puppy with the correct diet right from the start. Homemade diets depending on the sources,

Question by – Aman, Delhi

Reproduction efficiency including fertility decreases as age advances (generally after 5 to 6 years of age). Likewise, puppy mortality also increases as age of female dog increases. There is no evidence whatsoever that allowing a dog to have mated or a litter of puppies makes it a better pet. There are several health benefits to neutering/spaying than undesirable effects.

Question by – Anantha, Chennai

Successful control of intestinal parasites includes specific treatment and avoiding source of infections. For example, fleas are capable of transmitting tapeworms. Dogs can be infected with round worms, tape worms, whip worms or giardiasis, etc. Some require treatment every 2-3 weeks until negative faecal test to break lifecycle and completely control intestinal parasites. Some of the parasites need 5-7 days course of medications. Therefore it is suggested to get faecal test to identify the parasite for specific therapy and control.

Question by – Anjali Sharma, Gurgaon

Wound or rash at the base of tail may be caused by fleas, allergies, skin-fold pyoderma or tail gland hyperplasia in male dogs. Your vet may help to find out the underlying cause and the appropriate treatment will be given.

Question by – Ankur, Gurgaon, Delhi-NCR

Your pet may have developed the so-called submissive urination. Some helpful tips to reduce these problems include exercising your dog before guests arrive—more relaxed or ready to take a nap. Avoid excited greetings when you come home and try to come in quietly. If the arrival of guests makes your dog excitable, give him a break in his crate/kennel or in a quiet room with a familiar doggie bed or blanket. Allow your pooch to join the guests after the initial commotion has subsided. Teach your dog to sit, even when excited. You may also try keeping your pet under your control (leash or harness) for few minutes until all your guests are settled and gradually try without leash. Find out what kind of play he likes most while interacting with your friends that hep to build his confidence and relationship. It takes time and practice. Good luck!

Question by – Anmol Gosh, Kolkata

Vomiting is merely a sign and it may result from many disorders. Most acute cases are related to diet and usually recover fast with symptomatic treatment. In contrast to acute problems, chronic ones are rarely self-limiting and it is usually essential to establish specific diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Make sure she always gets plenty of fresh clean water. Please take her to your vet if vomiting does not stop or if your pet shows any signs of dehydration or fever.

Question by – Anushka Pillai, Coimbatore

It is not surprising to know your pet showing this feeding behaviour. There are a number of reasons for your pet to behave like this. For e.g., he may have fear for new food, previous bad experience with the food, poor palatability or simply, he may be a fussy eater. Small breeds are generally considered as fussy eaters. Some dogs may refuse food/skip meals, when they have consumed more energy then they would require (which is common in our experience). Please make sure that you are not overfeeding him and monitor his body weight at least every two weeks.

Question by – Aparna Thakre, Nasik

It is not surprising to know your pet showing this feeding behaviour. There are a number of reasons for your pet to behave like this. For e.g., he may have fear for new food, previous bad experience with the food, poor palatability or simply, he may be a fussy eater. Small breeds are generally considered as fussy eaters. Some dogs may refuse food/skip meals, when they have consumed more energy then they would require (which is common in our experience). Please make sure that you are not overfeeding him and monitor his body weight at least every two weeks.

Question by – Aparna Thakre, Nasik

Feeding this puppy a well-balanced diet is clearly necessary to keep her fit and healthy. You may choose puppy food based on your vet’s recommendations. You may collect medicated spray for maggots treatment and prevention from your vet that is convenient to apply on her. Your vet may also recommend preventive health care kit including de-worming tabs. Over a period of time she may be well socialised to handle and take her to vet.

Question by – Apoorva Srivastava, Ajmer

Your pet is appeared to have developed possessive or protective aggression. So, first step is avoiding all aggressive triggers and then setting up a behaviour modification plan with qualified behaviour specialist. A combination of controlled exercise, increased pet parent’s control, pet obedience to commands, and behaviour modification usually resolves the problem. For example, you may use two toys to fetch so that when the dog returns with one item, you can show the dog the other toy. This usually results in the dog dropping the first item and becoming ready to chase the second one, allowing the game to continue under your control. You may try taking away his toys and that makes him nothing to guard. You may be able to start

Question by – Apurva Nair, Thane

The skin is a large, metabolically active organ with a high demand for protein and other nutrients. Consequently, alterations in the animal’s internal environment, particularly his own nutrient supply, are reflected in the condition of skin and coat. A healthy coat is less likely to have a lot of loose hair to shed. Unlike human beings, hair growth cycle is different in dogs. Their hair does not grow continuously. Hair growth cycles vary depending on genetic and growth factors, age, breed, sex, location (region of the body), hormonal influence, stresses, nutrition, blood loss, high fever, acute onset of diseases, numerous environmental factors (day length or photoperiod, grooming, harsh climate, friction and trauma), clipping, grooming and drug therapy. A daily brushing works best because it helps to get rid of all of your dog’s loose hair. If you can’t brush him every day, aim for at least two good brushings per week. A balanced diet that is rich in fatty acids, minerals like zinc and digestible proteins will keep your dog’s coat strong and healthy, and will help decrease excessive shedding.

Question by – Arjun Pillai, Palghar

A young puppy needs to urinate and defecate frequently as he has a very small bladder and bowel. It is your

Question by – Aroonita Ghosh, Delhi

Young puppies will inevitably have ‘accidents’. It is important to ignore these, and to clean up well so that the smell does not linger, as this may encourage him to repeat the performance on the same spot. Do clean soiled inside areas with enzymatic cleaners. Here are some basic tips to stop him soiling your house. When inside, closely supervise your dog. If can’t be with him, confine him to a small area or exercise pen during house training. Continue this until he has gone at least 4-8 weeks without any accidents. Always accompany him outside to eliminate. Take him out frequently, especially after eating, sleeping and play activities. Immediately reward outdoor elimination with praise and treats. Do it as soon as he has finished. (If you wait until back inside, he will think the reward is for coming back inside). Consider keeping a jar of treats near the door as a reminder to take a few on your way outside. If you catch him eliminating inside, startle him with a loud noise and immediately take him outside to finish eliminating. Then, once again, reward your dog immediately. Don’t punish when he slips up. This is rarely effective. Instead, reward good behaviour. Seriously consider puppy and obedience classes.

Question by – Aroonita Kapur, Siliguri

Current estimates suggest osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the main causes of joint pain in dogs, particularly in senior dogs. Firstly, please get confirmed by your vet that your pet has developed OA by thorough work-up and then your vet will be able to score and assess the dog’s pain state. The management of OA (and pain) is generally multimodal but also patient specific as OA is a non-curable, long-term and progressive condition. OA is most commonly managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), intra-articular injections and formal rehabilitation therapy. The complementary medicine is great to start with nutraceuticals including omega fatty acids in addition to weight control, daily exercise and lifestyle changes. Newer approaches under validation include depositing using platelet-rich plasma and stem cell medication into joints. Acupuncture has been attempted but scientifically not well validated at the moment. However, it may be tried with a qualified vet as a very low risk therapeutic approach.

Question by – Arshieya, New Delhi

Atopic dermatitis (also commonly called atopy) is an allergy to substances (allergens) from the environment and often is a diagnosis of exclusion. Atopic dermatitis cannot be cured, so efforts should be directed at managing your pet’s symptoms. Several approaches can be taken for treatment. The best option is to minimize or eliminate exposure to allergens identified (pollens, dust mite, food proteins, etc). Some vets do perform desensitisation (immunotherapy) to identify allergens by giving series of allergy shots but has success rate of 50-70 percent, that too after several months.

Question by – Aryaman Agarwal, Bhopal

Weakness in hind legs of large breeds like German Shepherds develops from variety of skeletal problems including hip dysplasia. This can also be the result of infection or trauma, metabolic, neuromuscular or degenerative diseases. The causes of hip dysplasia are complex and involve heredity and environmental factors such as overeating and rapid weight gain. Most often, overweight due to excess energy/overfeeding or excess calcium supplementations predispose growing puppies to develop hip and joint problems. Treatment for hip dysplasia is based on the age and size of the patient, the degree of pain, physical examination, x-ray findings and your expectations for how active your pet should be. The conservative treatment includes enforced rest, physical & physiotherapy and medications. Once the clinical signs are controlled, the therapy includes weight reduction if needed and an exercise programme designed to improve the strength of your pet’s rear legs.

Question by – Ashwini, Indore

Hair loss or shedding results from a number of causes. Unlike human beings, hair growth cycle is different in dogs. Photoperiod (light intensity) is main factor besides nutrition, genetics, health that can cause dog to shed hair excessively during some seasons and therefore, can be physiological. Dogs may also shed excessive hair because of stress, worms, harsh climate and general illness. Almost 30 percent of dietary protein as well nutrients like zinc and omega fatty acids are required for maintenance of skin and hair coat. Therefore feed your pet complete and balanced pet food.

Question by – Aum Shant Patel, Bangalore

Inflammation in ear canal may occur as a simple reaction due to parasites, overgrowth of microbes or growths. It may also arise from allergic disease like atopy or endocrine diseases or ear canal anatomical problems. Affected animals are often very irritated by the inflammation and exhibit signs such as scratching at the ear, shaking the head, holding the head tilted to one side. If inflammation or pain is severe at first that the ear cannot be handled painlessly, your vet may prescribe pills/administer injections to control pain/infection or clean ears under sedation. Failure to address the underlying cause in a pet with ear problem dooms one to treatment failure. Your vet may advise series of tests including cytology to find out the underlying cause. Your vet can show you how to properly clean and instill ear drops at home. Keeping your pet’s ears clean is important because it helps prevent an environment in the ears that promotes inflammation.

Question by – Chaitrali, Bengaluru

There are number of reasons for your pet to behave like this. For example, it may be because of her fear for new food, previous bad experience with the food, poor palatability or simply she may be a fussy eater. Some dogs may refuse food/skip meals, when they have consumed more energy than they would require (which is common in our experience). Please make sure that you are not over-feeding her and monitor her body weight at least every two weeks. Dogs tend to eat less in hot and humid climates as well. Try feeding small frequent meals and use wet food (pouch) as topping on the current meal. If she continues to refuse food, contact your vet and discuss whether there may be medical cause(s) for this and in some instances, blood work may be required to find out any underlying cause.

Question by – Debashis Sengupta, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh

Female dogs normally come on heat (or in season) around 6-9 months of age and then every 6 months or so depending on breed or size. At this time, they are very attractive to male dogs. Not only will male dogs try very hard to gain access to female dogs (often travelling considerable distances), but female dogs will behave quite differently when in season. This can cause a lot of inconvenience for you and your neighbours and may result in an unwanted pregnancy. To prevent this from happening when your female dog comes into season (or even before), you may want to consider getting your pet neutered, especially if you know you are not going to breed from your dog.

Question by – Deepak Kakar, Mumbai

Yes, there are advantages of keeping female dogs. Males can be more dominant, territorial and easily distracted than female dogs. On the other hand, males can also be more playful, active and independent. Female dogs tend to be easier to housebreak, easier to train and more connected with their pet parents but in certain circumstances they can be more demanding of attention. Aggression can be a problem in any dog of any breed; however, it is usually more apparent in males and in intact males in particular. Male dogs tend to

Question by – Deepak Kumar, Delhi

In dogs, as in humans, chest diseases (airways, lungs, heart) are common cause for breathing problems. Some cases are caused by an infection or inflammation or allergies in the respiratory tract. Growths or foreign bodies or obstructive diseases, anatomical issues may also cause breathing problems in dogs. If your pet’s breathing problem is confirmed to be caused by allergies, keeping your pet away from such offending allergens will generally help (in addition to anti-allergic medications for managing breathing problem). Please contact your vet.

Question by – Deeti Chaterjee, Kolkata

A generalised tick life cycle consists of egg, larva, nymph and adult. Ticks lay their eggs (as many as 18,000 in some species) in sheltered areas on or near the ground. Generally two class of medicines are used for successful control of ticks—one to kill adults and another one to prevent ticks from hatching or maturing. Successful control of ticks and fleas depends on eliminating these pests from the dog and the environment. It is always best to treat the dog and the environment on the same day. Nowadays, long lasting topical (spot on) and oral tablets are available for controlling ticks. The use of these insecticides must be preceded by a thorough vacuuming. Places where dogs spend most of their time will have the greatest numbers of deposited eggs and newly emerged ticks—the areas under furniture, carpets, near pet bedding, etc. Make sure that other pets/dogs he frequently contacts/visits are free from ticks. Consult your vet for right product.

Question by – Dev Kumar, New Delhi

Most chewing behaviour is seen in young puppies due to their strong desire to explore. Therefore, it is necessary that acceptable outlets for this behaviour be provided. If the puppy does try to pick stones, rubbish, etc, command ‘No’ and distract his attention with a toy or sound. Act early before bad habits become established. Reward your dog with praise for chewing on appropriate items. Ignore your puppy when he behaves inappropriately, rather than giving him attention. Many of these habits can be modified quite easily if done correctly and persistently. Acceptable chew items include toys stuffed with food, rope toys and other chew toys that have been made attractive using food. To fit into the family circle, your puppy must be taught to recognise his name and such commands as ‘Come’, ‘Heel’ ‘Lie Down’ and ‘Sit’. Exercise and play with your dog regularly to alleviate excess energy and provide positive interaction.

Question by – Devansh Mishra, Lucknow

Whether or not the dog is predictable about when and how aggressive it will be in response to certain triggers must be considered. The dogs whose aggressive behaviours are unpredictable carry high risk to people. We tend to forget that dogs do not communicate in the same way as humans. For example, humans make eye contact when communicating and make contact through an open handshake. Both of these behaviours may be seen as a threat to dogs. Frightened and poorly socialised dogs are more likely to bite. Don’t pat, touch, nudge while he is resting, sleeping or eating. Don’t leave

Question by – Dimple, Delhi

Going for a walk, playing, chasing a ball or doing any exercise your dog is used to should be safe during pregnancy. Try to avoid situations for excessive jumping or physical activities. Choose a safe and secluded area that is safe and away from household traffic patterns. Provide a box or clean place approximately one and half times length of your pet to stretch and deliver her puppies. Provide railings or ledge/bumper about three inches from floor to prevent dam suffocating a puppy when caught between her and side of the box. Line the box/area with soft and warm washable clothes to give puppies good footing for nursing and crawling. Avoid hay, straw or shavings as well as large blankets that may allow puppy to crawl underneath. Introduce your dog to the box/place about one week before the expected delivery date to allow your dog to become acclimated.

Question by – Dinakaran, Chennai

A generalised tick cycle consists of egg, larva, nymph and adult. The different life stage of ticks may be found on dogs before they engorge with blood. Ticks lay their eggs (as many as 18,000 in some species) in sheltered areas on or near the ground. Successful control of ticks depends on eliminating these pests from the dog and the environment. The use of the tick control medications must be preceded by a thorough vacuuming; special attention should be paid to the areas under furniture, carpets, near pet bedding and along moldings. Make sure that other pets/dogs your dogs frequently contact/visit are free from fleas and ticks. Tick control should be done year-round, as different tick species are active at different times of the year although they tend to increase in number during warm weather. Tick control products for adult dogs include a variety of drugs and chemicals available as collars, shampoos, sprays, dips, powders, long-lasting topical spot on. Once-a-month or three-month tablets are becoming popular for successful control of ticks. Ask your vet.

Question by – Divyani Ghosh, Bhopal

The most common surgical method involves performing a curvilinear (S-shaped) incision in the concave surface of the pinna and placing full-thickness staggered longitudinal sutures throughout the pinna. Some have used several suture lines intradermally parallel to and on either side of the incision to avoid any external sutures. Other surgical techniques described involve the creation of circular fenestrations using either a 4 to 6 mm dermal biopsy punch or a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Some have used drainage with infusion of anti-inflammatory drugs. The likelihood of recurrence of aural haematoma is low as long as underlying ear disease is appropriately managed.

Question by – Dr V Chinnappa, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu

Puppy owners, in particular, are aware of the heavy nutritional demands of the puppy as he grows and may be tempted to feed as much as he will eat. However, many dogs tend to overeat and this could have damaging consequences for your puppy. The extra food received is converted into fat and stored in the body. While a dog is still young and growing, his body will produce extra fat cells to store the excess fat and, once formed, these cells stay with him for life. This may make him prone to obesity as an adult. Overfeeding of rapidly growing puppies can also cause a number of skeletal deformities in large breeds as well as other health problems. It is therefore important to monitor his general condition and record his weight regularly on the ‘Puppy Growth Chart’ to check that he is growing at a rate appropriate to the breed. If he has more than a moderate covering of fat over his ribs he may be getting too fat. When you use a prepared pet food, the label on the packaging will provide a guideline as to how much to feed your dog and it is not necessary to add any calcium or protein supplements.

Question by – Dr. Mansi S Chauhan, Bhavnagar

Puppy owners, in particular, are aware of the heavy nutritional demands of the puppy as he grows and may be tempted to feed as much as he will eat. However, many dogs tend to overeat and this could have damaging consequences for your puppy. The extra food received is converted into fat and stored in the body. While a dog is still young and growing, his body will produce extra fat cells to store the excess fat and, once formed, these cells stay with him for life. This may make him prone to obesity as an adult. Overfeeding of rapidly growing puppies can also cause a number of skeletal deformities in large breeds as well as other health problems. It is therefore important to monitor his general condition and record his weight regularly on the ‘Puppy Growth Chart’ to check that he is growing at a rate appropriate to the breed. If he has more than a moderate covering of fat over his ribs he may be getting too fat. When you use a prepared pet food, the label on the packaging will provide a guideline as to how much to feed your dog and it is not necessary to add any calcium or protein supplements.

Question by – Dr. Mansi S Chauhan, Bhavnagar

Ticks lay their eggs (as many as 18,000 in some species) in sheltered areas on or near the ground. Successful control of ticks depends on eliminating these pests from the dog and the environment. To control ticks on a dog, all animals in the household must be part of the flea/ticks control programme. There are two basic categories of ticks control products: Adulticides and Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)/Insect Development Inhibitors (IDIs). They are available as once a month spot on, sprays or pills. Some pills work for three months. It is always best to treat the dog and the environment on the same day. The insecticides in the environment (as sprays) must be preceded by a thorough vacuuming; special attention should be paid to the areas under furniture, carpets, near the pet’s bedding, and along mouldings. Make sure that other pets/dogs he frequently contacts/visits are free from fleas and ticks. Your vet will choose a product or products that combine safety, efficacy, and ease of use for you.

Question by – Florence, Margao, Goa

Parvovirus infection in dogs is preventable disease with regular vaccinations. Parvoviral enteritis is a potentially severe and occasionally life-threatening intestinal condition of dogs that is spread via fecal-oral transmission. Dogs succumbing to this virus require aggressive medications and supplements intravenously to correct fluid loss and secondary infections.

Question by – G Mahesh Raju, Hyderabad

Red eye may indicate inflammation in any internal parts of eye ball. Injuries, corneal ulcers/opacity, uveitis, infections and glaucoma are few examples of red eye. The underlying cause of the problem can only be confirmed by your veterinarian when he/she examines your pet’s eyes.

Question by – Gauhar Singh, Jaipur

Parvoviral gastroenteritis is a potentially severe and occasionally life-threatening viral disease of dogs and it is transmitted via fecal-oral transmission. It is important to clean any cages, blankets, food and water bowls and other objects used by the dog with diluted bleach in water that destroys this virus. Although your pet’s recovery from infection provides immunity it is important for your dog to get booster vaccinations regularly according to your vet’s recommendation.

Question by – Gaurav Sharma, Bhopal

Itching and hair loss can be result of many disorders causing inflammation, including parasites, allergies like atopy and contact allergy or dry skin. Recheck and change his bedding material which may cause itching in few cases. Skin and hair coat alone takes away approximately 30 percent of protein from the diet for his health. Hence a balanced and complete nutrition is most important for healthy skin and hair coat. Keep hair coat clean by regular grooming and bathe with moisturizing shampoo. Please contact your vet before it spreads to other areas.

Question by – Gaurav Sharma, Indore

Just like you, dogs need a balanced diet which contains the right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates and many different vitamins and minerals to ensure that they stay in peak condition. Our research indicated that most home-made diets/baby food fed to dogs in our country are inadequate and do not meet recommended nutritional requirements. There are many commercial pet food for puppy as well as specifically for ‘large breed puppy’ available from the reputed manufacturers. Large breeds have longer growth period than small breeds and therefore continue feeding puppy food until 18-24 months of age. Most of the reputed puppy food contains nutrients required for fur health that includes high quality proteins, Omega fatty acids, zinc as well as vitamins. You may have to contact your vet for preparing the balanced home-made food considering his size and activity.

Question by – Harshal Bhaturkar, Nagpur

Non-confident canines require very gentle training and lots of patience from their pet parents. One of the most common causes of such problems is a lack of socialisation at young age. However, with the help of a qualified obedience instructor or dog behaviourist, it’s possible to correct this problem. This process will also require you and your family to make changes in the way you interact with your dog as well. Identify situations and environments that your pet will need to be comfortable with, meeting the people on road, having contact with the children/pets next door, walking along the street, to name just a few.

Question by – Jarmanjeet Kaur, Patiala

Labradors are greedy eaters and they take every opportunity to eat or steal food if not well trained. They may do it for variety of reasons such as boredom, lack of attention or separation anxiety, to name a few. Make sure you follow discipline in feeding number of meals/treats and timings. Engage him with plenty of exercise, toys and play. Take him out for regular walks and train him using commands like ‘leave it’ that may work in some cases. Make sure that you reward immediately for his good behaviour following the command. Take all preventive measures by keeping away any food accessible to him. Some pet parents use lemon or pineapple juice to make food distasteful—give it a try!

Question by – Jarmanjeet Kaur, Patiala

French Bulldogs are very intelligent breeds, highly affectionate and friendly. They are full of courage, but can also have the qualities of a clown. They love to be around people at all times, especially their pet parents. They are excellent companion dog. Being smooth-coated breed they require very little grooming. They will take just about all the exercises you can give them whether it be walking around the block or simply playing ball in the yard. They don’t like being left out. As with any short-nosed dogs there is the possibility of breathing problems for them and during hot summer days they can suffer from heat stress. Male French Bulldogs tend to be larger and may be a little more extrovert. Likewise, females are more affectionate and home-loving and may be better with children, but remember they come into season twice a year and unless you are prepared to have

Question by – Karishma Nohwar, Noida

Cervical Spondylomyelopathy or Wobblers Syndrome is the most common disease of vertebral column in neck in large and giant-breed dogs. Young Great Danes to middle age Dobermans are commonly affected. It is believed to be mostly genetic but the body conformation and nutritional factors may also contribute development of the problem. Compression of spinal cord in the neck region causes weakness and wobbly gait affecting both front and hind legs. Imaging studies including X-ray and MRI are required to confirm the diagnosis. Approximately 50 percent of dogs may improve with medical management starting at the right time using anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. Surgical treatment offers a success rate of approximately 70-80 percent. Consult your vet for further information.

Question by – Karthik, Bengaluru

Generally, puppies don’t need bath unless soiled or for medical reasons. You may use wet towel or sponge bath or dry shampoos. You may continue grooming regularly and consider bath after six months of age or as per your vet’s advice.

Question by – Krishna, Delhi

The length of exercise will depend on the dog’s energy level. If he is displaying unwanted active behaviour, his exercise amounts may need to be increased, until a suitable level is reached. You can also change the type of exercise that the dog receives, by using playing games, letting the dog off the leash (in appropriate areas), swimming, agility classes, etc. It is generally better to take the dog out at least twice a day or follow a routine. Puppies don’t need to be encouraged to exercise. However, you have to be careful not to over-exercise them because their bones aren’t very strong. The rule is to exercise them a little and often. Middle-aged dogs may need more encouragement. It’s up to you to make sure he gets regular exercise through his middle years, which will help keep him to his proper weight.

Question by – Krishnan Ravi, Nellore

Red eye may indicate inflammation in any internal parts of eye ball. Injuries, corneal ulcers/opacity, uveitis, infections and glaucoma are few examples of red eye. The underlying cause of the problem can only be confirmed by your veterinarian when he or she examines your pet’s eyes.

Question by – Kunwar Singh, Rajkot, Gujarat

Significant malodour in dog is not normal and it may indicate a more serious disease process. Most often, bad smell usually originates from gum diseases, anal sacs diseases, yeast infection of skin particularly between digits and ears. Digestive disorders and systemic diseases, such as kidney failure and respiratory infections, may also account for some forms of oral malodour. The most common source of bad breath, however, is the mouth itself. Oral care for pets is not realised as a big problem but the reality remains that more than 80 percent of pets develop dental/gum issues (periodontal disease) by three years of age. Oral hygiene is one of the important parts of not only of healthy mouth but healthy body as well—regular brushing or dental chew sticks like Dentastix help to prevent such problems. Contact your vet to rule out any gum or skin disease. Feed him balanced pet food and use moisturising shampoo to reduce dryness of skin, if any.

Question by – Meeta Rana, Dwarka, New Delhi

Dog’s skin is thinner than human skin and is highly susceptible to diseases. Itching and hair loss can be result of many disorders causing inflammation including parasites, allergies or

Question by – Miti Joshi, Thane, Maharashtra

Dogs come in different shapes and sizes, all with different characters and temperaments. Therefore choosing a right breed is an important step as he will soon become an integral part of your family. The size of your house and more importantly, the availability of open space nearby for exercise will influence the type of dog you should choose. Spaniels, Pug, Beagles, Dachshunds, Maltese to Pekingese are few examples who provide great company as well as live happily in a smaller space with kids. You may choose Labradors or Golden Retrievers (provided you have adequate space) who are affectionate and friendly.

Question by – Mohit Agrawal, Mumbai

Weakness in hind limbs in a senior dog could be due to age-related changes including joint problems or backbone/spine problems. Anaemia or other hidden systemic illness can also cause weakness in hind legs. Please take her to your vet for complete examination. If all is fine, your vet may suggest proven supplements to strengthen joints.

Question by – Mohita Jain, New Delhi

Dachshund is a unique breed who comes in different coats—Long, Wire and Smooth, and two sizes—Standard and Miniature. The Dachshund is one of the smallest of hounds. This dog has short legs, but a long and low muscular body. The breed’s temperament and acute intelligence makes him an ideal companion. Dachshunds are strong, hardy and easy to care. All three varieties require marginal attention, with the smooth variety in particular requiring very little grooming. Dachshunds are quite happy to spend their life on your favourite chair, but for their wellbeing, regular exercise is recommended. Because of their long body in relation to their height, and the fact that most Dachshunds love food, it is important not to overfeed. A dog who is too fat is the most likely candidate for a prolapsed disc, which is the most common problem in Dachshunds.

Question by – MRM Nair, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Frequent urination is caused by many physiological conditions like anxiety, stress (submissive), drinking too much of water as well as diseases of urinary tract, liver or endocrine diseases. Pain, straining or frequent voiding of small volume of urine may be associated with lower urinary tract diseases including stones. You are suggested to visit your vet if you notice your dog having any urgency or discomfort while urinating.

Question by – MRM Nair, Trivandrum

Generally, it is recommended to bath pets when the coat is soiled or for medical reasons. You may bathe once in two weeks using vet recommended shampoos. Consider using dry shampoos in winter or cold seasons.

Question by – MRM Nair, Trivandrum

Sudden development of hives with pain could be sting bite, allergies or inflammation from several causes. Hives without any pain could be common problems like Lipoma or other non-inflammatory lumps. Get him examined by your vet ASAP. Use moistening shampoo and feed balanced pet food to keep skin and hair

Question by – Namita Shekhar, Rajkot

Limping can result from a number of causes, such as simple muscle pull, sprain, bone & joint problems, etc. If your pet has not responded well to routinely used pain killers, your vet may consider complete neurological and orthopaedic exam including radiography to find out the underlying cause. Please get your pet examined ASAP.

Question by – Neelu Sharma, Ahemdabad

Dogs are social animals and need mental as well as physical stimulation to keep them active and healthy. Keep an eye on his weight as overweight or obesity may make pets predispose to variety of medical problems including joint problems. Endocrine diseases like Hypothyroidism also make pet lethargic and lazy. Most dogs love toys and find them really fun. You’ll be happy to see that they can hold your dog’s attention for hours. Playing usually requires two participants, but with some toys, your dog can play on his own. Regular exercise will allow them to use up this excess energy, to toilet, mentally stimulate him and overall wellness to be better socialised with animals and people. Keep a routine for your pet. Please contact your vet who may run some investigations to find out any underlying medical problem for his inactivity.

Question by – Neeraj K Gautam, Kanpur

Duke appears to be suffering from an ear condition called Otitis Externa and he needs to be taken care of seriously before it gets chronic and make him very uncomfortable. Otitis Externa may be caused by organisms, foreign substances, or neoplasia entering the external ear canal, the middle ear and the eustachian tube. Water in the ear canal during bathing or swimming may be an important cause. Proliferation of bacterial organisms in the external ear canal can cause the animal great discomfort and predispose to Otitis media and Otitis Externa. Please consult your vet who will examine the ear and probably do a culture of the ear swab so as to find the causative organism. Daily or periodic cleaning of ear canals with normal saline or ceruminolytics in my opinion would be quiet helpful in the longer run.

Question by – Nidhi Malhotra, Delhi

Vomiting is merely a sign and may result from many disorders (digestive and non-digestive like kidney, liver, etc). Most vomiting cases are acute and reversible requiring only supportive and symptomatic therapy. Generally, it is advised to withhold food and water for at least 24 hours and introduce highly digestible food like rice, avoiding high fat diets. In contrast to acute problems, chronic ones are rarely self-limiting and it is usually essential to establish specific diagnosis (with help from lab tests/investigations) and appropriate therapy.

Question by – Om Prakash, Indore

Dogs are highly susceptible to skin diseases due to poor skin barrier function or poor nutrition. Fleas, mange or allergy or hormonal imbalance with poorly controlled secondary bacterial or yeast infection can lead to recurrent skin problem. Allergies like atopy are some of the most common causes of chronic problem in dogs. It is essential to find the underlying cause of chronic skin problem as many diseases can cause the same symptoms. Therefore correct diagnosis is essential to determine the correct treatment.

Question by – Parag Goyal, Muzaffarnagar

Over the time pet parents have learnt that homemade food albeit fresh is not a complete and balanced meal for pet primarily because the nutrition requirements of a pet differ from humans. Homemade diets (for example, curd and rice) contain more water (60- 80 percent) and carbohydrates, but not adequate levels of proteins and fats, vitamins and minerals your pet should need. Consult your vet who can help to formulate or recommend balanced pet food that makes your pet happy and healthy.

Question by – Pawan, Vijayawada

Early socialisation during his puppy period would have prevented such issues. Identify situations and environments that your dog will need to be comfortable. You are basically aiming at preparing your dog for all eventualities, so that whenever he encounters anyone or anything new, he will greet it with inquisitiveness rather than fear or aggression. Expose your dog to all sights and sounds gradually and allow him to explore and learn for himself—for example, switch on the food processer in another room to avoid startling him by a sudden loud noise and let him go to find it. Ensure that when he finds it, it is rewarding rather than threatening. You can simply do this by placing a piece of food next to the food processer. If your dog is quite shy and frightened, you can start off by having a snack next to the switched off food processer and then work your way towards your dog tolerating it when it is switched on. Seeking professional trainer would also help.

Question by – Purnima Sharma, Gurgaon

Dogs, too, can become complacen­­t and lazy when it comes to fitness. Before you start your dog on any new exercise routine, make sure you get the ‘all clear’ from your veterinarian first (joint, lungs, heart etc). Not all dogs are built for speed or endurance. Also note that dogs with short snouts like Pugs and Bulldogs aren’t able to breathe as efficiently as dogs with longer snouts, so you’ll have to count them out of too vigorous activities. Since your dog is only too eager to please you, he’ll try and keep up with you even if he’s too tired or in pain. You’ll need to keep a close watch for any signs of fatigue or discomfort like heavy panting or limping. If you see that your dog is struggling, stop and take a break. If you think he’s okay to continue, proceed at a slower pace. Otherwise, head back home and give your dog a break for a couple of days before you work out again. Exercising your dog in extreme heat puts your dog at risk for dehydration or heat exhaustion. In the summer time, opt for an early morning or evening workout when the sun and heat are less intense.

Question by – – R Subramanian, Chennai

Dogs shed hair due to their unique hair growth cycle and seasonal hair shedding. For example, photoperiod (light intensity) is a main factor besides nutrition, genetics, health that can cause dogs to shed hair excessively during some seasons and is physiological or normal. Dogs also may shed excessive hair because of stress, harsh climate and general illness. If the degree of shedding appears abnormal, or if she has signs of serious skin problems or fleas, consult your veterinarian. Medical conditions such as thyroid disease or skin allergies can cause excessive shedding. Itching of paws and genital area are common signs of allergic diseases. Some tips to prevent or reduce hair shedding includes keeping skin and hair coat healthy by regular brushing, bath and feeding balanced diet which is rich with nutrients like zinc, fatty acids and high-quality proteins.

Question by – Rahul, Faridabad

There are number of reasons for your pet to behave like this. For example, she may have fear for new food, previous bad experience with the food, poor palatability or simply she may be a fussy eater. Some dogs may refuse food/skip meals when they have consumed more energy than they would require (which is common in our experience). Please make sure that you are not over-feeding her and monitor her body weight at least every two weeks. If she continues to refuse food, I suggest to contact your vet and discuss whether there may be medical cause(s) for this and in some instances, blood work may be required to find out the underlying cause.

Question by – Rakesh Kumar, Delhi

Labradors have insatiable appetite. Follow disciple in feeding quantity and timings. Firstly, prevent the access to those areas as much as possible. You may consider splitting his two meals to 3-4 meals. Toys and treats in between mealtimes may help to distract the behaviour. Exercise and play with your dog regularly and provide positive interaction.

Question by – Rakesh, Sagar, MP

A healthy skin and coat is less likely to have a lot of dandruff and loose hair to shed. Unlike human beings,

Question by – Ramdev R, Trivandrum

Deep skin scrapings, blood work or even biopsy may be required in dogs with any chronic dermatologic conditions to ensure the timely diagnosis of the disease. For example,parasitic diseases like demodicosis with secondary bacterial infections are common in growing young dogs. Many safer drugs are now available to cure demodicosis (bath or spot-on or pills). Because juvenile-onset demodicosis is a familial disease, any dog who develops the generalised form of demodicosis at a young age should not be used for breeding. Dogs who develop demodicosis may require additional diagnostic tests to help identify any underlying health problems

Question by – Ramesh Pendse, Pune

Allergies are common in dogs and some common allergies included atopy, food allergy, contact allergy and flea allergy which cause skin rashes, itching, etc. Flea control, identifying and avoiding food ingredients/contacts, helps your pet to free from respective allergies. However, atopy, which is most common allergy in pets, has genetic basis and pets show allergy to environmental pollens, molds, dander (shed skin cells), house dust, tobacco smoke and a variety of other substances. Such cases cannot be cured but required multimodal approach to manage. So, efforts should be directed at managing your pet’s symptoms and secondary infections using approved topical and oral medications.

Question by – Ranjeet, Indore

Rickets can be prevented, but unfortunately bowing cannot be reversed with medications or diet. Both the amount and balance of nutrients provided in the diet are critical for the growing puppy and dietary errors at this stage can have damaging effects, particularly on skeletal/bone development, which may be long lasting and potentially irreversible. Over supplementation with calcium or cod liver oil etc also results in skeletal and other abnormalities. A properly balanced diet which is formulated for growth does not need any form of supplementation.Therefore continue the current balanced puppy pet food and all she needs is only water. Consult veterinary orthopaedic surgeon who may offer some help to correct or prevent further bowing of limbs.

Question by – Rashmi Jain, Bhopal

Both breeds can make good family pets as long as you take care of their needs and wants. Rampur Hound is powerfully built with strong jaws. This dog is more obedient but less resistant to the varying climatic conditions. Mudhol Hound is a dog who needs plenty of exercise and movement. They cannot be managed in confined areas. They are ideally used for racing and hunting, though they make good companion and guard dogs.

Question by – Ravindra Sathe, Godda, Jharkhand

Just like humans, they need to have their teeth brushed and cleaned. But the fact is, probably the number one health problem for dogs, apart from being overweight, is periodontal disease. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. The accumulation of tartar and plaque and the resulting gingivitis can lead to more serious disease. Tartar accumulates and eventually the healthy pink gum starts to look red and swell. At this point, without medical intervention, gingivitis or inflammation of the gum takes over. This process leads to bad breath. And worse, it often leads to damage to the jawbones and loss of teeth. Pet parents can lightly brush their dog’s teeth at least twice a week to remove plaque deposits. A child’s nylon toothbrush dipped in toothpaste made for dogs should be used. Do not use tooth pastes made for humans that can cause nausea in dogs if swallowed. An alternative to brushing is using a dental chew. Studies by Waltham have shown that certain specifically designed dental health chews (Dentastix) result in a significant reduction of plaque and calculus accumulation, gingivitis and malodour. Dry dog food like pet food also helps prevent dental plaque accumulation. Many people choose ‘bones’ made from rawhide. Rawhide tastes similar to beef which is why dogs find it so irresistible. The downside is these tasty treats can also be hazardous for dogs.

Question by – Sakshi Gopal, Coimbatore

The lump or tumour that is not causing any pain or discomfort to your pet could be simple lipomas to benign tumours. If you notice this lump growing in size or inflamed with pain or discoloured skin, etc requires immediate attention. Problems like lipoma may not cause any harm while abscess or cyst, panniculitis or cancer require medical attention. It is best to seek your vet’s advice ASAP.

Question by – Samrat Dey, Darrang, Assam

Feeding your dog a well-balanced diet is clearly necessary to keep him fit and healthy, but other activities such as exercise, training, grooming and regular visits to the veterinarian are equally important. If you start training your puppy early, housetraining shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Patience and praise at the right time is the secret. It is essential particularly during this socialisation period that the puppy encounters all the things (people, other animals, objects) that he may encounter in adult life. A well-socialised puppy should be able to cope with any new things that he may experience in later life.

Question by – Sanjay Gupta

Feeding your dog a well-balanced diet is clearly necessary to keep him fit and healthy, but other activities such as exercise, training, grooming and regular visits to the veterinarian are equally important. If you start training your puppy early, housetraining shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Patience and praise at the right time is the secret. It is essential particularly during this socialisation period that the puppy encounters all the things (people, other animals, objects) that he may encounter in adult life. A well-socialised puppy should be able to cope with any new things that he may experience in later life.

Question by – Sanjay Gupta

Considering the location and signs, your pet could be having callus pyoderma or deep pyoderma, which is simply bacterial infection of skin most often secondary to underlying causes. Certain factors that can predispose to this condition include pressure sore, parasites or allergies, etc. Some German Shepherds also develop unique skin diseases termed as German Shepherd pyoderma whose underlying cause is not yet established. I suggest you to consult vet who can run skins crape,ytology, culture and biopsy if required to find the cause.

Question by – Sankriti, Lucknow

Feeding your puppy a well-balanced diet is clearly necessary to keep him fit and healthy, and there is a whole variety of different types of products to choose from, including diets designed for Lab puppy and also food which delivers additional health benefits. Other activities such as exercise, training, grooming and regular visits to the veterinarian for preventive health care (vaccination and deworming) are equally important to keep your dog happy and healthy. Maybe one of the most important aspects to ensure a happy relationship between you, your family and your dog is to ensure that your dog’s requirements can be matched by your lifestyle and environment.

Question by – Saurabh Shrivastava, Ghaziabad (UP)

Signs of illness in dogs vary depending on age of the dog, system affected, type and duration of illness, etc. For example, some dogs with simple fever continue to eat and play while some become lethargic and loose appetite. Therefore regular visit to your vet for monitoring his health is essential for preventing and controlling serious ailments. Here’s a partial list of signs worth reporting to your vet as soon as possible–loss of appetite, weakness or lethargy for longer than 24 hours, loosing body weight, collapse or convulsions, increased thirst and water intake, discharge from nostrils, eyes, ears change in urination or defecation pattern, red eyes, lumps and bumps on skin, lameness or reluctant to walk, itching or shaking his head,

Question by – Shajeeha Mallick, Hyderabad

The amount of sleep that an animal needs depends upon its age, size, activity level and breed of dog. Some very large breeds of dogs, like Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, often spend a great deal of their lives sleeping,perhaps up to sixteen or even eighteen hours a day. For this reason, they were often referred to as “mat dogs”. Great Danes probably only dream about sleeping! Comparatively smaller breeds like Apsos, Dachshunds , Jack Russel Terriers etc need less sleep .

Question by – Sheetal Desai, Mumbai

Ear or auricular hematomas are fluctuant swellings filled with (bleeding) fluid accumulates under the skin of the inner pinna following trauma to blood vessels and separation from the underlying cartilage. This condition most commonly occurs as a result of violent head shaking or ear scratching secondary to ear infection or parasites/foreign body in ear canals. Some affected animals have no evidence of underlying ear disease. Your vet may use different drainage methods to aspirate fluid with or without medications, but recurrence is likely. The most common method to stop recurrence is surgery that involves performing a S-shaped incision in the concave surface of pinna. However, your vet can advise appropriate surgical method. There can be minor changes in the cosmetic appearance of the ear following the surgery.

Question by – Sheetal, Mumbai

Here are some basic tips to stop him soiling your house. When inside, closely supervise your dog. If can’t be with him, confine him to a small area or exercise pen during house training. Continue this until he has gone at least 4-8 weeks without any accidents. Always accompany him outside to eliminate. Take him out frequently, especially after eating, sleeping and play activities. Immediately reward outdoor elimination with praise and treats. Do it as soon as he has finished. (If you wait until he is back inside, he will think the reward is for coming back inside). Consider keeping a jar of treats near the door as a reminder to take a few on your way outside. If you catch him eliminating inside, startle him with a loud noise and immediately take him outside to finish eliminating. Then, once again, reward your dog immediately. Clean the soiled areas inside with enzymatic cleaners. You need to eliminate the smell so that he doesn’t associate indoors with elimination. Don’t punish when he slips up. This is rarely effective. Instead reward him for good behaviour. Seriously consider puppy and obedience classes. Leash is for training/walk and not age related. It’s suggested to start with a leash & suitable collar and you may consider buying harness when he is fully grown.

Question by – Shekhar Rai, Patna

Most chewing behaviour is seen in young puppies due to their strong desire to explore. As dogs mature, this desire decreases and they are less likely to be destructive. This type of behaviour may start after a change in the dog’s routine or as a result of boredom. It is important that the whole family does not encourage the puppy to chew or bite. If the puppy does try to bite, command ‘No’ and distract her attention with a toy. Many of these habits can be modified quite easily if done correctly and persistently. Act early before bad habits become established. Ignore your puppy when she behaves inappropriately, rather than giving her attention. Provide chew toys that do not resemble in appearance/texture of unacceptable chew items or put an aversive substance (bitter apple, etc.) on unacceptable chew items. Exercise and play with your dog regularly to alleviate excess energy and provide positive interaction. Reward your dog with praise for chewing on appropriate items.

Question by – Shiva Dutta, Kolkata

Currently, most veterinarians in the US recommend that neutering be performed in dogs and cats at 6 to 9 months of age. The evidence is also mixed regarding the risks and benefits of neutering dogs before 5–6 months of age, and so no strong recommendation for or against the practice can be made. However, it is clear that neutering is justified for all dogs not intended for breeding. Neutering male dog is more likely to prevent or reduce behavioural problems like aggression, roaming or diseases like testicular cancer. Most vets follow conventional surgery to remove testicles.

Question by – Shivaprakash Gowda, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Dogs are social animals and need mental as well as physical stimulation to keep them active and healthy. Playing with your dog is a fun part of your relationship with him.In fact, play helps build the relationship. Most dogs love dog toys and find them really fun. You’ll be happy to see that they can hold your dog’s attention for hours. Playing usually requires two participants, but with some toys, your dog can play on his own.Your dog should play with toys made from firm, elastic materials that aren’t dangerous to him. Regularly exercising your dog will allow him to use up this excess energy, to toilet, mentally stimulate him and overall he will probably be better socialised with other animals and people. It is generally better to take the dog out at least twice a day. Dogs can also become lethargic and sleepy from medical illness like hypothyroidism, etc. If persists, consult your vet.

Question by – Sirishree, Bangalore

The two most common manifestations of aggressive behaviour of dog towards humans are fear biting and dominance-related aggression. Fear biting is most commonly seen in a dog raised without appropriate human contact during the socialisation period of growth (6 to 12 weeks of age). Such an animal fears people who are unfamiliar to him and he may attempt to bite when feeling threatened. When a dog shows aggression toward the members of his pet parent’s family rather than strangers, the animal is probably attempting to establish dominance over those family members. The more he gets outside and encounters lots of other people and unfamiliar things, the less likely he will be aggressive around people. So, provide your dog with a chance to socialise with people and other dogs. Take him out and about, and spend lots of time with him. If your dog is properly trained to sit, stay, and come, he’ll be less likely to be aggressive with people because his first concern will be to obey your commands. A dog who’s under control and knows you are the leader of his ‘pack’ will behave and won’t bite anyone. Non-confident canines require very gentle training and lots of patience from their pet parents. With the help of a qualified trainer or dog behaviourist, it’s possible to correct this problem. This process will also require you and your family to make changes in the way you interact with your dog as well.

Question by – Sowmya, Kochi

There are many diseases and conditions which can cause peeling of skin in puppies. Poor nutrition, dry skin, inherited skin diseases, parasites like fleas and mites, simple infections like impetigo or pustules can cause crusts and scaling skin in puppies. If there is no improvement with conventional medication, your vet may advise basic investigations to find out the underlying cause.

Question by – SP Venugopalan, Chennai

Allergy to fungus is uncommon in pets, unless she is atopic dog. In addition to treating allergy symptomatically, keeping the environment free from fungal elements is necessary. Generally, bleach or other antifungal sprays are used for environmental control. Consider regular vacuum cleaning of contact surfaces. Visit your vet for the right product.

Question by – Srishti Dev, Sangli

Your pet may require complete physical, neuro and behavioural examination to understand and find the underlying cause of this behaviour. Being a senior pet, this behaviour may be attributed to age-related degenerative changes within the brain, known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or arise from changes in home or environment which she may find difficult to adapt. Such senior pets may show this repetitive pacing, new fears, anxieties, walking in night, disorientation or poor response to stimuli. The list of other causes are many that may include an acutely stressful situation, pain or insecurity to medical causes—partial seizures, brain diseases, sensory neuropathies, toxin exposure, trauma, etc. You may capture this behaviour on your smart phone that may assist your vet to find the underlying cause. Please take her to specialist vet who can recommend

Question by – Sujaya Rao, Bangalore

Allergies like atopy or allergy to flea bite or food proteins are common in dogs. Atopic pet can develop allergy to pollens, moulds, fungus, etc. Certain factors that can predispose to this chronic condition include bacterial, yeast or fungal infections, etc. Avoiding offending allergens is best way to avoid allergy but practically not feasible. However, many safer drugs are validated for management of allergy in pets. Please contact your vet.

Question by – Sumitha, Thrissur, Kerala

Signs of good health in a pet includes bright eyes, shiny skin and coat, strong muscles, better digestion, healthy teeth and bone and better immunity, to name a few. The healthy tongue

Question by – Swapnil Jain, Nagpur

There are many individuals and vets offering such services from human prosthetic manufacturers. I suggest you to contact your nearest vet.

Question by – Swapnil Shelkikar, Pune

Hypothyroidism is usually a very mild condition with which dogs can live comfortably, happily and actively for their entire lives. A dog diagnosed with hypothyroidism generally requires lifelong supplementation with daily oral tablets of thyroid hormone (synthetic thyroxine). Your vet generally recommends regular blood work to monitor thyroid hormones and also to adjust the dose. Your pet does not require special food. Continue feeding a balanced pet food.Dogs with uncontrolled hypothyroidism may become lethargic, show exercise intolerance, may seek heat, put on weight and frequently develop recurrent skin problems. Follow your vet’s instruction on medication dose and regular check-up.

Question by – Vasanthy, Trivandrum

Rickets is a disease of young, growing animals and most common causes are dietary insufficiencies of vitamin D or phosphorus. It is becoming uncommon due to availability of balanced pet foods. Calcium deficiencies can also cause rickets, and while this rarely occurs naturally, poor balanced diets that are deficient in calcium have been said to cause the disease. Feeding high-quality commercial food or a homemade diet is recommended. However, the bowing of legs cannot reverse with food or medications, including supplements. In this, I suggest you to contact a veterinary orthopaedic surgeon who can help to correct the deformity to some extent.

Question by – Vikrant, Bhopal

Gastroenteritis may result from many disorders. Most acute cases are related to diet in vaccinated dogs and usually recover fast with symptomatic treatment. Overfeeding and eating inappropriate things are some of other common causes. We suggest to avoid milk or cereals during this time and feed highly digestible food. In contrast to acute problems, chronic or recurrent ones are rarely self-limiting and it is usually essential to establish specific diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Dietary sensitivity, inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic liver diseases and parasites are few examples. Regular vaccination and de-worming should be part of preventive health care.

Question by – Zia Kulkarni, Sangli

A key step in the prevention of companion animal obesity is owner recognition of the condition and the key to obesity management is prevention of obesity. Waltham has developed a simple S.H.A.P.E guide for cat owners that may be of use in allowing owners to monitor body weight of pets throughout their life to enable them to assess changes and take steps for it. The optimum body weight for cats is generally between 3.5 – 5 kg. It is very important to set realistic and obtainable goals for weight loss in consultation with your vet. The pet’s initial goal should be set at 15% body weight loss. Once this goal has been achieved, a new target body weight can be selected until the pet has reached an ideal body weight. To achieve 15% body weight loss, cats can be fed 30x kcal per day. When fed at this level, cats will achieve 15% body weight loss in 18 weeks. Once the daily caloric requirement to achieve 15% body weight has been calculated, consideration should be given to the type of diet to feed. There are essentially two main dietary options – A reduced amount of regular maintenance diet like Whiskas; or specifically formulated diet for weight reduction. Once the daily caloric intake has been calculated and appropriate weight reduction diet chosen, the method of feeding should be determined. Pets on weight reduction programmes should be re-evaluated every two weeks.

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According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. Signs include bad breath, inflamed gums, yellowed teeth and bleeding from the gums. Disease occurs in your dog’s mouth just as it would in yours. Plaque (made up of food particles, saliva minerals and bacteria) forms on the teeth. And as it builds up, the plaque grows brown and hard, turning into tartar. It is tartar that causes the gums to become inflamed and tender. Next, the gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria, which attack the roots of the teeth. Besides causing bad breath, these bacteria may loosen the teeth, cause bleeding at the gum line and make it painful for your dog to eat. In severe cases, the bacteria may enter the dog’s bloodstream and trigger infections in vital organs such as heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. Such infections can prove fatal. A vet can tell you how advanced the disease is, and provide the appropriate treatment. The starting point is often a thorough dental cleaning under general anaesthetic, when the vet will remove tartar and extract any teeth that are past saving. After this, it is you who will have to take responsibility for your dog’s dental health, which involves regular brushing and feeding dog chews like Pedigree Denta Rask.

Question by – Girish Patel, Ahmedabad

Considering the symptom, he seems to be suffering from anal sac disease. The anal sacs are located on either side of the anus and connected to anus by means of small canals or ducts. These sacs produce and store dark, foul smelling fluid (organs that a skunk has, to scare away its enemies). If the anal sac aren’t emptied properly, the fluid builds up, solidifies, and becomes infected or impacted causing irritation to the dog. Scooting or dragging his bottom on the floor could be a first sign of this problem. Therefore the treatment is to express (squeeze out) the sacs and clean out the solidified material. If anal sacs are infected or has developed abscess, antibiotics or surgical draining may be required. Regular examination or cleaning of anal sacs can prevent recurrence. Please take him to your vet for examination to identify underlying causes (anal sacs or rectal diseases or parasites).

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Cough, like fever, is merely a symptom of a disease. Dogs can cough for a variety of reasons including irritation from allergies, change in climate, inhaled gases and foreign bodies. Coughing can also result from inflammation of the upper or lower airways, which can be acute (e.g., kennel cough) or more chronic (e.g. bronchitis). Likewise, if cough develops with difficulty in breathing during exercise or walk, you should also consider heart problem as one of the causes. The best way to rule out all these diseases and to have specific treatment is to get him examined. Your vet is the right person to decide what test needs to be done immediately. Your vet might prescribe bronchiodilators or anti-tussives to suppress cough symptomatically till all the investigations are complete.

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Dogs are very susceptible to certain infectious diseases, especially canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, and rabies. Combined vaccination (all in one) against all these diseases as well as kennel cough, corona viral gastro-enteritis etc has proved to be a very effective means of reducing the incidence of these diseases. The initial vaccination series consists of one injection of a combined vaccine (multivalent) given at 6 to 8 weeks of age or about 2 weeks after weaning. Boosters are given twice at 3-4-week intervals until 16-20 weeks of age. Thereafter they require annual vaccinations. In most states, the first shot of rabies vaccine is given at 3 months of age. These booster injections not only help maintain his immunity, but they also provide a good opportunity for your veterinarian to carry out a full health check.

Question by – Nanda Anil

It is not true that dogs can only see in black and white. Dogs are thought to have similar colour vision to humans who are red-green colour blind. They are better adapted for low light conditions and sensitive to movement. However, they can’t see the fine details as humans.

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Phantom or false pregnancy are not uncommon in unneutered female dogs and occurs generally about 70-80 days after the start of her season. Symptoms vary from mild to severe and may include, some or all of the following: reluctance to eat, nest making, nursing or guarding inanimate objects (toy, etc), swollen mammary glands, milk production, general distress, nervous signs including panting and breathlessness and change in temperament (some may snap). The good news is that Ruby should be back to normal in 2-3 weeks time, however, there are few things which you can do to help her. To reduce milk production, reduce water intake slightly and feed less carbohydrates and increase exercise. Remove the toys/objects, which she’s nursing, and remove her bed during the day so that she can’t nest. If the symptoms are severe and these actions don’t seem to help, then it may be necessary for your vet to give her some hormone/medical therapy in form of tablets or injections. Your vet might even suggest a mild sedative if she is very distressed. As she has already had one false pregnancy, she may more likely to have others and may experience more severe symptoms. I would suggest that you discuss with your vet the pros and cons of neutering (spaying) if you are not planning to breed from her.

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This type of behaviour may start after a change in the dog’s routine or lack of socialisation/exposure to environment or as result of boredom. If your pet has developed this habit, behavioural modification or training can help to correct this activity. One method is to distract your pet away from these things using toys or showing element of surprise (squirt him with water/make unpleasant distracting noise/throw a toy near him). Giving your dog much more physical and mental stimulation prior to leaving him will quickly reduce the possibility of him looking for such things.

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Dear Aditi, you already know the problem. Your Spitz is love-sick and needs a companion. This is absolutely normal at his age and in this season. He needs a companion, get him one and you will find a difference in his behaviour. Mating is a natural need and it is very safe with a domesticated female. Please go ahead and let him enjoy his life.

Question by – Aditi Shende

BARF, a “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” appear to follow the concept of feeding dogs naturally as they believe that dogs have been evolved to eat a carnivorous diet. The diet is based on feeding dogs as close to the prey model as possible. They believe that dogs are carnivorous (meat eaters) while vets and scientists are convinced that dogs are omnivorous (eat vegetarian and/or meat).

Question by – Bikram Suri, Gurgaon

Ticks lay their eggs, as many as 18,000 in some species, in sheltered areas on or near the ground. Successful control of ticks depends on eliminating these pests from the dog and the environment. To control ticks on a dog, all animals in the household must be part of the flea/ticks control programme. There are two basic categories of ticks control products—Adulticides and Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)/Insect Development Inhibitors (IDIs). They are available once a month spot-on sprays or pills. Some pills work for three months. It’s always best to treat the dog and the environment on the same day. The insecticides in the environment (as sprays) must be preceded by a thorough vacuuming; special attention should be paid to the areas under furniture, carpets, near pet bedding, and along mouldings. Make sure that other pets/dogs he frequently contacts or visits are free from fleas and ticks. Your vet will choose a product or products that combine safety, efficacy, and ease of use by you.

Question by – Birendra Singh, Mumbai

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. Signs include bad breath, inflamed gums, yellowed teeth and bleeding from the gums. Disease occurs in your dog’s mouth just as it would in yours. Plaque (made up of food particles, saliva minerals and bacteria) forms on the teeth. And as it builds up, the plaque grows brown and hard, turning into tartar. It is tartar that causes the gums to become inflamed and tender. Next, the gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria, which attack the roots of the teeth. Besides causing bad breath, these bacteria may loosen the teeth, cause bleeding at the gum line and make it painful for your dog to eat. In severe cases, the bacteria may enter the dog’s bloodstream and trigger infections in vital organs such as heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. Such infections can prove fatal. A vet can tell you how advanced the disease is, and provide the appropriate treatment. The starting point is often a thorough dental cleaning under general anaesthetic, when the vet will remove tartar and extract any teeth that are past saving. After this, it is you who will have to take responsibility for your dog’s dental health, which involves regular brushing and feeding dog chews like Pedigree Denta Rask.

Question by – Girish Patel, Ahmedabad

Though you haven’t mentioned what other liquid diet you are giving to your pet, still less water intake indicates less exercise. Please take him out for a run or a long walk and add other liquids in his diet such as diluted milk or soup. On an average, 60-80 ml/kg body weight water is required to maintain the normal fluid level. If Scooby is healthy and active, don’t bother, just enjoy his company!

Question by – Julie Dhariwal, Kolkata

Lavleen, since you are living in a big farm house and want to keep a dog for protection , I shall advise you to go for German Shepherd, Doberman or Rottweiler. These breeds are known for their guarding instincts. Take any of these breed from a reputed breeder. Check for breeders in dog magazines. Engage an experienced trainer to train them as guard dogs. I hope these breeds will prove to be perfect protection/guard dogs.

Question by – Lavleen Gupta, Saharanpur, UP

Dogs are meat-eating hunters by nature although they show considerable flexibility in their diet and in the wild, they may also eat plant materials, such as grass and berries. Although some dogs appear to be largely indiscriminate in their choice of food, others – especially dogs of the smallest breeds – can be fussy eaters. Dogs prefer meat to a cereal-based diet, although they may prefer one type, such as chicken, over another. They enjoy a wide range of tastes and are often partial to sweet foods, as well as foods with a salty or sharp taste. Most dogs will quite happily eat the same type of food every day. This is perfectly reasonable provided that it is a balanced diet and contains all the essential nutrients.

Question by – Preeti Shinde, Indore

Make sure that your dog’s pregnancy is confirmed by tests available from your vet. Pregnancy ranges from 60-67 days and most deliver between 63 and 65 days.

Question by – Rahul Gandhi, Sirsa, Haryana

Hair loss (alopecia) is a common complaint in pets in our country and results from a number of causes, such as endocrine disorders, bacterial or fungal infection, allergies and parasites. Therefore, my approach would be to find underlying cause and then your vet will be able to recommend suitable medications that will eliminate the cause and therefore hair loss. Your vet may run some test on skin or use lab tests. For e.g., fungal infection is easy to confirm with culture and can be controlled effectively with available medicines. Lastly, hair alone takes away approximately 30% of protein from the diet for its health. Hence, balanced and complete nutrition is most important for healthy skin and hair coat.

Question by – Rupal, Pune

Hair loss (alopecia) is a common complaint in pets in our country and results from a number of causes, such as endocrine disorders, bacterial or fungal infection, allergies and parasites. Therefore, my approach would be to find underlying cause and then your vet will be able to recommend suitable medications that will eliminate the cause and therefore hair loss. Your vet may run some test on skin or use lab tests. For e.g., fungal infection is easy to confirm with culture and can be controlled effectively with available medicines. Lastly, hair alone takes away approximately 30% of protein from the diet for its health. Hence, balanced and complete nutrition is most important for healthy skin and hair coat.

Question by – Rupal, Pune

A female Alsatian (GSD) is more affectionate than a male. Before buying, you must see the parents and check their vaccination status. If you and your vet are satisfied with the health and pedigree of the pup, please go ahead. Best of luck!

Question by – S Dave, Mumbai

Skin affections are very common in dogs. Ectoparasites like fleas, mites (mange), and bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) may account for majority of cases. For e.g., if fleas are present, they should be suspected as cause and aggressive flea control should be instituted to eliminate fleas from environment. You need to follow strict hygiene rules to prevent your dog from getting parasites/germs. Please consult your vet at the earliest to identify underlying cause and therefore, the specific treatment.

Question by – S.P. Venugopalan

“Tick Fever” is a serious disease and lot of care should be taken if the dog gets it. “Tick Fever” leads to various other problems like anemia, kidney failure & even paralysis. The fact that Gucci suffers from “Tick Fever” again and again should be consulted by your vet. The best way to prevent “Tick Fever” is management of ticks by manually removing the ticks or by use of products like tick collars, shampoos, sprays which are available with your vet. So take good care of Gucci.

Question by – Sheetal Desai, Mumbai

Mr. Maitre, it seems that you take the dog in a car only when you visit the vet. Just as you don’t like going to the dentist, the dog does not find going to the vet a pleasant experience. Overcome it by taking your dog for short joy rides in your car.

Question by – Vinod Maitre, New Delhi

Itching is the most common reason for pets visiting a veterinary clinic. There can be many reasons for itching, since itching in itself is not a disease, but only a symptom of an underlying cause. One will have to systematically approach to solve this problem. Check for fleas, ticks and lice. The saliva of a flea is very irritating to your pet’s skin, causing skin infection, superficial and deep bacterial infections. Skin mites too play a major role in giving your pet sleepless nights.imessage on pc download Allergy to perfectly natural environmental components such as grass, plants or even to foods causes itching skin. Let your vet diagnose the cause and then treat the pet accordingly. A piece of advice – be patient for it may take a while for your vet to find the cause.

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Vomiting and dribbling is a sign of motion sickness. This is quiet common in young pups. If you expose your pet to frequent and short car journeys, their balance mechanism evolves to cope with this type of motion. Sometimes, in stubborn car sick cases, you might have to give your pet an anti-vomiting pill.

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The above problem shows that your dog is a dominant nature male and wants to show his superiority by showing aggression to other dogs. Also, at the age of 9 months, the male hormones starts producing, which naturally makes a dog more dominant. You need to establish proper control by training and simultaneously start socialising him with other dogs and animals

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Come is the top command in training. Make your dog understand the command Ôcome’ and make your dog feel great by giving him a treat or a toy to play, every time he obeys it. This would help your dog to understand the meaning of Ôcome’. Only once he will understand the come command, it is then that you can force him to come to you even when he is not willing.

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I’ve had patients coming with wet noses showing 106oF temperature while some, having dry nose showing perfectly normal temperature, so what does it means – NOTHING! The state of the nose depends upon what a dog is doing or has recently been doing as well as the climate. Sleeping dogs generally have dry noses and while exercising, their noses are usually wet. Wet nose is useful because scent molecules are trapped in moisture, enhancing the animals scenting ability. If the pet has fever, you should rather rely on symptoms like lower levels of energy and appetite rather than the nose.

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This is a common problem with all dogs. Being a member of the pack, a dog gets excited with some expectations, seeing the members of the pack returning home. This habit starts when the dog best cheap laptops under 2000 dollars is a pup or 6-10 weeks of age. We encourage this habit by praising/showing affection to a pup. When the same pup grows, this becomes a problem. To solve this, surprise your dog by pushing him away effectively and at the same time giving him a treat with a sit command. In a few days time, your dog will understand to greet you with a Ôsit’ command and expect a treat. Use this from day one when the pup comes home.

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Coprophagia, or eating of faeces, is very common in dogs, and is often seen in puppies. It is not dangerous to the dog’s health, but can be unpleasant habit to live with. Treating the problem can be simple and involves thinking ahead.

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What you have to remember is that the diet you feed your dog should be complete and balanced. This means, the balanced diet will meet all her required nutrients and energy demand, regardless of her life stage or life style. Home made diets, depending on the sources, vary with respect to quality, digestibility, nutrient content and therefore is not balanced and complete.

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Epiphora is the term used to describe the overflow of tears, which is normal in some breeds of dogs but can be due to blocked tear ducts. The tear duct can become blocked for a number of reasons, such as infection, a foreign body or a hereditary defect. Your vet will be able to perform a simple test to determine if there is a tear drainage problem with the eye.

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I am sure you know why a Labrador is such a popular breed worldwide. Being a very friendly, intelligent and energetic breed, they are very anxious to please everyone around and are very gentle and kind to children. They can play for hours without tiring. No wonder Diana wants to meet and play with the other dogs she meets in the park. It’s playtime for her and this behaviour is absolutely normal. But please be careful of what she eats. Yes fertilisers and pesticides can be life threatening!

Question by – K Murthi, Bangalore

Puppies spend most of their time sleeping. There is considerable motor activity during sleep and is characterised by jerking, tremor, crawling, scratching and occasional vocalisation. Scientists are not sure whether puppies can also dream but definitely show some electrical changes in their brain during sleep. Do not worry if this movement happens only during sleep. This type of movements generally disappears as age advances.

Question by – Ritu, Mumbai

Flaky skin can be caused due to a number of reasons like poor diet, stress, shampooing too often, etc and of course dandruff. Dandruff flakes are slightly different since they tend to be more oily and larger than the dry skin flakes. Since you have not mentioned about any foul smell or oily flakes, I gather it could easily be a nutritional cause. Try a commercially available petfood like Pedigree, which addresses nutritional needs.

Question by – Kirti Somiya, Mumbai

Dogs reaching the final “one-third” of their lifespan undergo a variety of physical and metabolic changes that may cause them discomfort and change their behaviour. For example the senses — sight, hearing, taste and smell — are reduced. Metabolism slows and immunocompetence decreases. Muscle and bone mass decline, and arthritis may affect the joints. There is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and endocrine, renal and hepatic disorders. From now on, do take Julie for regular health checkups to your vet, at least once every 3-6 months so that they are able to catch any abnormality and treat it sooner than later.

Question by – Vikas Rao, Hyderabad

Your dog’s feeding behaviour is not surprising. There are number of reasons for your dog to behave like this. For e.g., she may have fear for new food, previous bad experience with the food, poor palatability or simply, she may be a fussy eater. Please make sure that you are feeding recommended quantity of the food, as some dogs can self-regulate their intake when fed excessively. Any dietary change should be made slowly to avoid stomach upsets. Gradually introduce the food over a period of 5-7 days period by mixing very small amounts of the new diet with the old diet.

Question by – Anjali Sharma, Delhi

Diet is extremely important in the growing months of a dog’s life, and there are two important criteria that should be met in selecting food for your puppy. I recommend a branded food, specifically made for puppies. This should be fed until your German Shepherd is about 18 months of age. I also recommend that you only buy food which has the AAFCO certification. Divide the day’s recommended quantity into 4-5 helpings.

Question by – Naveen, Darjeeling

There are no evidence-based scientific reports available on efficacy of garlic (either topical or oral) on fleas. Therefore I cannot predict its efficacy and safety for controlling fleas. It is unlikely to be as effective as currently available approved anti-flea products. However, there are some health benefits to pets reported when fed at recommended level in the food. But, garlic can be toxic and unpalatable to dogs when fed excessively.

Question by – K Suresh, Hyderabad

Broadly, we say that 1 year of dog’s life is equal to 7 years of human life. However, the size of the breed does matter a lot in dictating the life expectancy since we rarely see a Great Dane over 10 years of age but can see lots of Lhasas who are 13-14 years plus. Hence a 5-year-old Apso would be approximately 36 years in human age while a 5-year-old Dane would be about 42 years!!

Question by – Rohit Dewan, Delhi

Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to a variety of diseases and conditions that are caused or exacerbated by poor hygiene. Some diseases found in dogs can be transferred to humans, so it is essential to insist on strict hygiene rules for the entire family. Because young children may not fully understand the importance of personal hygiene, a new puppy that has not yet been toilet trained poses a health risk for children crawling around. They can put their hands in dog faeces, and pick up certain skin infections or round worm eggs from the floor or ground. Young children are likely to have less resistance than adults and can pick up a mild or serious type illness. Likewise, saliva from infected dogs might transmit certain infections to susceptible babies. Discourage kissing or excessive licking.

Question by – D’ Souza, Mumbai

Your 4-year-old Lhasa Apso seems to have gained a lot of weight in the last 1 year and that would worry me as a vet. Is it a case of hypothyroidism or plain obesity? Well, run a test to check his thyroid! A lot would depend on this and the diet/exercise would have to be reviewed too. Regarding his sudden waking up with deep breathing at night is a problem commonly encountered by most of the Brachiocephalic breeds like Apsos, Tibetian Spaniels, Neopolitian Mastiffs etc, wherein there is involvement of enlarged soft palate partially blocking the airway. If the problem is severe, then one would have to surgically reduce the size of the soft palate. But if your pet inhales air really fast through his nose and his whole body gets stiff and the episode is over in less than a minute then it is definitely “reverse sneezing”.

Question by – H K Joshi, Ahmedabad

If your pet is still limping, then contact your vet for further examination since there could be number of causes for his limping like soft tissue injury, dislocation of the hip joint, ligament damage, etc. Treatment would depend on the diagnosis. We know that generally small breeds are aggressive by nature but you can definitely find him a mate and perhaps take the help of an animal handler for mating him. Good luck !

Question by – Adite Shinde, Mumbai

Snoring could be physiological or pathological findings in dogs, therefore, I suggest you to visit your vet to rule out any obstructions, growth or diseases in upper airway.

Question by – Mohit Kapoor, Gurgaon

It would be practically impossible for me to give answer to all your queries due to limited space but I’ll be very brief. Regarding the food of your pet, it is important to understand that dogs nutrition needs are different and they need food which is developed specially for them. There are a number of commercial diets available for different age groups and weight. Vaccines start as early as 6-7 weeks of age and the schedule will depend on the prevailing diseases in your area and your vet would be your best guide in this matter. Training of dogs is best started by the age of 4-5 months and if you do not have any experience in training dogs, then you could take the help of a professional trainer or pick guidelines from a good dog training book. A German Shepherd could suffer from a number of infections like Parvo, Corona virus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, blood protozoan parasites, sarcoptic or demodectic mange, fungal skin infections, etc.

Question by – Clarence Menon, Bangalore

Successful control of ticks depends on eliminating these pests from the dog and the environment. To control ticks or fleas on a dog, all animals in the household must be part of the flea/ticks control programme. Flea and tick control products for adult dogs include a variety of drugs and chemicals available as collars, shampoos, sprays, dips, powders, long lasting topicals, and oral medications. There are two basic categories of flea/ticks control products:

Question by – Rakhi Dev, Mumbai

There are several health benefits to neutering. One of the most important concerns the prostate gland, which under the influence of testosterone will gradually enlarge over the course of the dog’s life. With age, it is likely to become uncomfortable, possibly being large enough to interfere with defecation. The prostate under the influence of testosterone is also predisposed to infection which is almost impossible to clear up without neutering. Neutering causes the prostate to shrink into insignificance thus preventing both prostatitis as well as the uncomfortable benign hyperplasia (enlargement) that occurs with aging. The only behaviour changes that are observed after neutering relate to behaviours influenced by male hormones. Playfulness, friendliness, and socialisation with humans are not changed. The behaviours that change are far less desirable. The interest in roaming is eliminated in 90% of neutered dogs. Aggressive behaviour against other male dogs is eliminated in 60% of neutered dogs. Urine marking is eliminated in 50% of neutered male dogs. Inappropriate mounting is eliminated in 70% of neutered dogs. Activity level and appetite do not change with neutering. However, if your pet tends to put on extra weight, then you can reduce the diet intake and increase the exercise level.

Question by – Mayank Verma, Ahemdabad

Itching (and hair fall) is most common sign associated with many skin affections. Ectoparasites (fleas), allergies (Atopy), and bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) account for majority of cases. Please take your pet to your vet to rule in or rule out common causes based on history, examination, skin scraping, and allergy testing etc. Dogs with severe continuous itching should be evaluated for Scabies, flea allergy, Atopy (pollens allergy) and yeast infections etc. For e.g., if fleas are present, they should be suspected as cause and aggressive flea control should be instituted to eliminate fleas from environment. Please consult your vet at the earliest to identify underlying cause and therefore, the specific treatment. I would also like to point out that your dog is not receiving complete and balanced food. While he is on Pedigree, feeding home diet like meat/chapattis makes his food unbalanced. This could result in imbalance of some essential nutrients required for your dog. Hence, I suggest to feed a balanced and complete diet like Pedigree exclusively so that your dog not only enjoys eating but also show visible signs of health. I suggest to start him on Pedigree “Active” which is energy dense and should help him to put on weight as well as improve skin and coat condition. If your dog is still not putting on weight despite adequate intake of calories (even after 2 weeks of Pedigree Active feeding), I would advise you to get him examined by your vet to rule out medical conditions that cause weight loss/maldigestion.

Question by – Tarun Kumar Goel, Delhi

Moving can be stressful and disruptive for everyone involved – including your dog. There are, however, steps you can take to make the experience less traumatic. You could have made some arrangements before shifting, e.g., you could have taken your dog for a visit beforehand. Well, it is not too late to help your dog get settled in and accustomed to his new surroundings. Introduce him to all new things/ people/animals etc. over a period of time. Wait until your dog is comfortable with one room before introducing him to the next one. Make sure he knows where his things are – point out the location of your dog’s bed, toys, food, etc. so he knows where to find them. Don’t coddle your dog if he is stressed. It may just perpetuate the behaviour. Finally, make sure that throughout the day, you maintain a normal feeding and walking schedule for your dog. This will go a long way in reducing your dog’s and your stress level.

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Some puppies often start regurgitating after solid food is instituted or during nursing. If one among four puppies is affected, congenital defects like cleft palate (improper closure in roof of the mouth) or megaoesophagus (enlarged food pipe) are suspected. Puppies who may regurgitate acutely may have ingested foreign body lodged in food pipe. Likewise inflamed airways due to aspiration of food/milk in windpipe could be a cause. Affected puppies fail to grow normally and become very weak. Please get him examined by your vet immediately before he develops complications.

Question by – Janis

Whatever may be your reason to add another dog to the family, just be aware that it is a huge change for an older dog – and unless you go about it the right way, it could create a lot of stress. Here are a few ways you can help make the process less stressful : With the puppy in your lap and your older dog on a leash held by someone else, let the older dog sniff, lick and explore the puppy. A couple of minutes is more than enough time for this initial introduction. Remove the puppy from the room, then lavish your older dog with attention and praise. On the second or third meeting, if all seems safe, allow the puppy onto the floor, and monitor that situation carefully for a few minutes. Remove the puppy from the room, and again, give your older dog praise and attention. Repeat this exercise at least twice daily until you’re comfortable that the two will get along. It’s not a good idea to leave your puppy alone with your older dog. There should always be someone there to supervise. When you talk to each of the dogs, use a happy, friendly tone of voice. Never talk to them in a way that is threatening. Reward good behaviour with treats and/or compliments of “good dog!”. Monitor their body language! Give your older dog some quiet time away from your puppy every once in a while. And be sure to give him lots of individual attention so he’ll know that he still holds a special place in your heart and hasn’t been ‘replaced’.

Question by – Lila D’Souza, Mumbai

Otitis externa or inflammation of outer ear canal is common in dogs. Many factors can cause or contribute to the development of this ear problem in dogs. Parasites, foreign bodies, allergies, etc can be a cause. Likewise ear structure (for e.g., floppy ears), errors in cleaning ears/medications predispose dog to develop this ear problem. Recognition of underlying cause and treatment of all the factors contributing to the ear infection are the key to successful clinical management. Hydrogen peroxide may not be suitable for cleaning all types of ear infections and sometimes can aggravate the problem. Do not use cotton tipped applicators to clean ears! Depending on severity and duration of ear infection, your vet may perform variety of tests from examination of discharge to radiography. Therefore, I suggest taking him to your vet as early as possible to find underlying cause and appropriate cleaning and medication protocol.

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What he requires immediately is your company to replace Hero, keeping him occupied, may help to overcome this problem. Physical activity like walking or exercise will also help him become more relaxed and comfortable in his surroundings. Identify situations and environments that Jimmy will need to be comfortable with and help him gradually to live without his lost friend. Acquiring another companion puppy/dog is not a bad idea if it is suitable to your home. Jimmy will require visit to the vet if he continues to refuse food and lose body weight.

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Hair do not grow continuously in dogs but rather in cycles (Mosaic pattern). Photo period is main factor besides nutrition, genetics, health that can cause dogs to shed hair excessively during some seasons and can be physiological. Dog hair can be a problem only to those who have developed allergy to it. Some diseases found in dogs can be transferred to humans, so it is essential to insist on strict hygiene rules for the entire family. Because young children/baby may not fully understand the importance of personal hygiene, the pet that has not yet been toilet trained poses a health risk for children crawling around. They can put their hands in dog faeces, and pick up certain skin infections or roundworm eggs from the floor or ground. Young children are likely to have less resistance than adults and can pick up a mild or serious type illness. Likewise, saliva from infected dogs might transmit certain infections to susceptible babies.

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Lameness or limping in senior large breeds like yours is common as a result of variety of skeletal, metabolic or degenerative diseases. It can affect joints, tendons or bones. This can also be the result of infection, malnutrition or trauma or it could simply be minor problem like “muscle pull.” Therefore, get him examined as early as possible. There are many safe medicines and physiotherapy available for management of joint or skeletal diseases in pets.

Question by – Jayalakshmi, Chennai

Firstly, I suggest you to confirm with your vet whether she has developed blindness or some neurological problem. There are number of reasons including cataract (opacity of lens) for developing this clinical problem in a senior dog. Has this problem developed suddenly or over a period of time? Please take her to your vet who can help to find/rule-out underlying cause based on the onset of the problem, physical /neurological and eye examination. Based on the findings, he might also suggest further eye tests to confirm the cause. Sooner the visit, the better the chances of recovery.

Question by – Vikram Chauhan, Gurgaon

Pet parenting a dog is a big responsibility and giving your dog the best care and attention can help to improve the quality and length of your dog’s life. Feeding your dog a well balanced diet is clearly necessary to keep him fit and healthy, and there is a whole variety of different types of products to choose from, including diets designed for specific stages of life and food which deliver additional health benefits. Great Dane becomes an adult by 18-24 months of age and feed the puppy food until this age. Other activities such as exercise, training, grooming and regular visits to vet are equally important to keep your dog happy and healthy. Maybe one of the most important aspects to ensure a happy relationship between you, your family and your dog is to ensure that your dog’s requirements can be matched by your lifestyle and environment. Great Danes are prone to skeletal/joint problems during growth and make sure he gets reputed large breed puppy food.

Question by – Dilip Seth, Rajkot

‘Socialisation’ is the term describing the process by which a dog learns to relate to people, other dogs and his environment. You are basically aiming at preparing your puppy for all eventualities, so that whenever he encounters anyone or anything new, he will greet it with inquisitiveness rather than fear or aggression. Expose your puppy to all sights and sounds gradually and allow him to explore and learn for himself. It is essential that your dog is fully comfortable to be with people and other pets so introduce him to all sorts of different people and pets. When taking your puppy for a walk, take some tasty snacks to rewarding him. One way of getting good socialisation with other dogs and puppies is by attending so-called ‘puppy parties’ at your locality or your local dog training group, where your puppy can meet other dogs (and other people) in a friendly and structured environment. Lastly, through training, your dog will learn to understand what his human companions expect of him and be better equipped to fit into his environment

Question by – Pritisha, Jorhat

Irregular heat cycle in dogs results from many causes which include obesity, inadequate nutrition, infections and metabolic diseases like hypothyroidism or ovarian problems or simply imbalance in sex hormones. Some dogs under two years of age may experience irregular cycles. Although rare, some dogs experience a condition called silent heat in which they do ovulate but the characteristic signs of being in heat, such as vulvar swelling and discharge are not observed.

Question by – Manish Rawat, Rishikesh

Dogs too suffer allergic skin diseases like atopy or flea allergies. Avoiding allergens is best but not always practicable. Some allergies cannot be cured but can be managed very well with available safer medications. Other option is to try inhalation therapy using bronchodilators or steroids with nebulisers made for pets. Balanced and complete food with omega fatty acids may also help.

Question by – Deeti Chatterjee, Kolkata

Licking and itching these areas could be result of allergies including dry skin, frequent bath, contact allergy or atopy, parasites or yeast infections. Itching can also be secondary to many underlying causes. I suggest you to consult your vet to find the underlying cause. Make sure that you are feeding a balanced pet food with adequate zinc, fatty acids and proteins. You may use moisturising shampoos like oat meal, etc.

Question by – Leeza Malhotra, Jalandhar

Aggression happens between two dogs despite similar age and raised together. Some causes include change in relationship when they become mature, anxiety due to change in home settings or improper communications in one of the dogs or simply may be due to fight over access to food or resting territory or family members, etc. Separation anxiety or pet parent’s attentions, treats or high arousal situations can also trigger this behaviour. Dominance or high ranking theory has been debated in social behaviour of dogs.

Question by – Sumitha PV, Thrissur

The causes of hip dysplasia (HD) are complex and involve heredity and environmental factors such as overeating and rapid weight gain. Treatment for this problem is based on finding the underlying cause by physical examination, x-ray findings. Osteoarthritis (OA) can be a progressive problem in which pain and disuse lead to further deterioration of joint movement and function in dogs with HD. The conservative treatment includes enforced rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain medication. Therapeutic exercise and physical modalities (cryotherapy, massage, thermotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation) may be indicated to enhance motion or reduce pain, allowing improved function. A physical therapy involves suitable exercise, avoiding obesity and, least important, medication. Low impact exercise is preferable, such as swimming or leashed walks. Many nutraceuticals and diets are promoted for management of joint problems. Please consult your vet before you make any change in the management.

Question by – Sonam Khanna, Chandigarh

My advice depends on your objective of keeping two dogs. Many pet parents plan to keep second dog hoping to reduce behavioural problems like separation anxiety or loneliness, etc, but the truth is that another dog is not likely to change that behaviour. Whatever your reasons you decided to add another dog to the family, just be aware that bringing in a new dog is a huge change for an older dog, and unless you go about it the right way, it could create a lot of stress. With the new dog and older dog on a leash held by someone else, let the older dog sniff, lick and explore the newly adopted pet. A couple of minutes will be more than enough time for this initial introduction. Remove the new pet from the room and lavish your older dog with attention and praise.

Question by – Mandy, Goa

The relationship can change, or changes within the home can create anxiety between two dogs that may result in aggression even in dogs who are raised together. You must distinguish playful aggressive behaviours from more serious types of aggression, such as possessive aggression, conflict/dominance-related aggression, protective aggression, and predatory behaviour. You must recognise that social hierarchies help decrease the conflict associated with allocation of critical resources (food, shelter, mates, territory, etc).

Question by – Sumitha, Thrissur

Gradually introduce the pet food over a 5-10 day period by mixing very small amounts of the balanced petfood with old diet. Remember that too quickly a change over may upset your pet’s metabolic balance and they may also lose interest in food. Please remember that it is not possible to feed your dog a consistent and adequate home-prepared diet without considerable time, effort, and expertise. It is difficult even for an experienced breeder to prepare balanced diet for dogs. There is no need to feed any supplements like calcium or home diet while he is feeding on balanced food except clean fresh water.

Question by – Aniket Chauhan, Rajkot

Weakness in the hind legs of large breeds like Golden Retriever develops from variety of skeletal problems including hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis. Lameness can also be the result of infection or trauma, metabolic, neuromuscular or degenerative diseases.

Question by – Lakshmi Kant Roy, Bandel, Hooghly

Allergies like atopy or allergy to flea bite or food proteins are common in dogs. Atopic pet can develop allergy to pollens, moulds, fungus, etc. Avoiding offending allergens is best way to avoid allergy but practically not feasible. However, many safer drugs are validated for management of allergy in pets. Please contact your vet.

Question by –

Whatever your reasons you decided to add another dog to the family, just be aware that bringing in a new dog is a huge change for an older dog and unless you go about it the right way, it could create a lot of stress. With the puppy in your lap and your older dog on a leash held by someone else, let the older dog sniff, lick and explore the puppy. A couple of minutes will be more than enough time for this initial introduction. Remove the puppy from the room, then lavish your older dog with attention and praise. On the second or third meeting, if all seems safe, allow the puppy onto the floor, and monitor that situation carefully for a few minutes. Remove the puppy from the room, and again, give your older dog praise and attention. Repeat this exercise at least twice daily until you’re comfortable that the two will get along. It’s not a good idea to leave your puppy alone with your older dog. There should always be someone there to supervise. When you talk to each of the dogs, use a happy, friendly tone of voice. Never talk to them in a way that is threatening. Reward good behaviour with treats and/or compliments of ‘Good dog!’ Monitor their body language! Give your older dog some quiet time away from your new dog or puppy every once in awhile – he’ll appreciate the break. And be sure to give him lots of individual attention so that he’ll know that he still holds a special place in your heart and hasn’t been ‘replaced’.

Question by – Gabriela Martin, Mumbai

Many brands are available in the Indian market and I suggest you to buy reputed brands like Pet-Tabs which are designed scientifically and validated or ask your vet for equivalent brands.

Question by –

In their first few months, puppies will get all the exercise they need from their naturally energetic play at home, so you don’t need to give them any extra exercise. It is important not to over exercise puppies under six months of age. Excess energy that the dog doesn’t use up will be channelled into other behaviour, such as jumping up, attention seeking, barking, etc. It may help to get the dog into a routine of being exercised at certain times of the day, such as morning and evening. Wait for at least two weeks from the final vaccinations before you take your puppy outside. On the other hand, you can allow them to meet other dogs and puppies who are healthy and have been fully vaccinated. For young it is better to offer small walks little and often, probably not lasting for longer than 20-30 minutes for each exercise.

Question by – Shiv Jain, Jaipur

The two most common manifestations of aggressive behaviour toward humans are fear biting and dominance-related aggression. Fear biting is most commonly seen in a dog raised without appropriate human contact during the socialisation period of growth. Such an animal fears people who are unfamiliar to him and he may attempt to bite when feeling threatened. The more he gets outside and encounters lots of other people and unfamiliar things like people with mask, the less likely he will be to act aggressively around people. So, provide your dog with a chance to socialise with people with mask and children. A combination of controlled exercise, increased pet parent control, pet obedience to commands, and behaviour modification usually resolves the problem.

Question by – Ruchi Puri, Ahemdabad

Labradors generally mature by the age of 14 to 16 months. Male dogs become mature earlier than their female counterparts. Anytime after maturity is OK for mating.

Question by – Amit, Vadodara

Weakness or pain in hind legs results from a number of causes and your vet may help to rule out common orthopaedic or neurological problems affecting the hind legs. For example, hip dysplasia and Osteoarthritis (OA) – most common in dogs can be a progressive problem in which pain and disuse lead to further deterioration of joint movement and function. Therapeutic exercise and physical modalities (laser, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation) may be indicated to enhance motion or reduce pain, allowing improved function. Massage may be beneficial in reducing muscle spasms. Lifestyle changes, such as the use of ramps may also be considered. A physical therapy involves suitable exercise, avoiding obesity and, least important, medication. Low impact exercise is preferable, such as swimming or leashed walks. Many nutraceuticals and diets are promoted for management of joint problems. Please consult your vet before you make any change in the management.

Question by – Lakshmi Kant Roy, Hooghly

Hair loss or shedding results from a number of causes. Unlike human, hair growth cycle is different in dogs. Photoperiod (light intensity) is main factor besides nutrition, genetics, health that can cause dog to shed hair excessively during some seasons and therefore, can be physiological. Dogs also may shed excessive hair because of stress, worms, harsh climate and general illness. Almost 30 percent of dietary protein as well nutrients like zinc, omega fatty acids is required for skin and haircoat maintenance. Therefore feed your pet complete and balanced food.

Question by – Kunal, Ranchi

Any chronic skin problem with itching in pets requires appropriate investigations to find out the underlying cause. Allergies like atopy are some of the most common causes of chronic problem in dogs. Certain factors that can predispose to this chronic condition include parasites or infections, etc. Some German Shepherds also develop unique skin diseases termed as German Shepherd Pyoderma whose underlying causes have not been established. You are suggested to consult vet who can run skin scrape, cytology, culture and biopsy if required to find out the cause. Dogs with atopy may not be cured, but can be successfully managed with available medications in India.

Question by – –Naresh Woolvara, Mumbai

Renal dysplasia is a hereditary disease that has been reported in many dog breeds. Such dogs will have abnormal differentiation and development of kidney tissue. They may develop kidney failure and die at a young age, or some may remain asymptomatic for several years. Other patients with mild renal dysplasia can remain normal or live for few years before developing kidney disease. The age of onset of clinical signs ranges from 4 weeks to >5 years. Some investigations to diagnose this condition require blood work, biopsy and imaging (ultrasonography, CT or MRI). Clinical signs vary in severity and age of onset. Possible early kidney damage signs include poor body condition, weight loss, excessive thirst, passing lot of urine, lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, ulcers in mouth, etc. No specific therapy or cure is available for renal dysplasia. Prognosis varies depending on the severity of dysplastic changes and severity of subsequent kidney failure and its management. You may contact some leading veterinary universities or speciality practices.

Question by – –Prabhat Mishra, Gurgaon

‘Socialisation’ is the term describing the process by which a dog learns to relate to people, other dogs and his environment. You are basically aiming at preparing your puppy for all eventualities, so that whenever he encounters anyone or anything new, he will greet it with inquisitiveness rather than fear or aggression. Expose your puppy to all sights and sounds gradually and allow him to explore and learn for himself. It is essential that your dog is fully comfortable to be with people and other pets so introduce him to all sorts of different people and pets. When taking your puppy for a walk, take some tasty snacks for rewarding him. One way of getting good socialisation with other dogs and puppies is by attending so-called ‘puppy parties’ at your locality or your local dog training group, where your puppy can meet other dogs (and other people) in a friendly and structured environment. Lastly, through training, your dog will learn to understand what his human companions expect of him and be better equipped to fit into his environment.

Question by – Karishma Rana, Meerut

There are number of reasons for your pet to behave like this. For example, he may have fear for new food, previous bad experience with the food, poor palatability or simply he may be a fussy eater. Some dogs may refuse food/skip meals when they have consumed more energy than they would require (which is common in our experience). Small breeds are generally fussy eaters. If he continues to refuse, the most effective way to get your dog to eat his food is to offer a small amount of food and leave it down for a maximum of 20 minutes and leave him alone. If the food is not eaten after 20 minutes, pick the food up and let him see you throw it away. Do not talk or fuss him, just ignore him. If you do make a fuss of your dog at this stage, he will start associate not eating with getting attention. Do not offer any snacks or tit bits. Keep repeating this process every couple of hours throughout the day. By the end of second day, he will probably be hungry and when you offer the food he should eat it. If he continues to refuse food, you are suggested to contact your vet and discuss whether there may be medical cause(s) for this and in some instances, blood work may be required to find out the underlying cause.

Question by – Rakesh Kumar, Delhi

Your pet may have developed the so-called submissive urination. Good socialisation and teaching your friends and regular visitors to have friendly approach with right body language are required and let them try sitting near him or encourage him to play by throwing a toy or ball. Find out what kind of play he likes most while interacting with your friends that help to build his confidence and relationship. This may take few weeks of time to achieve this and once he gets comfortable with them, ask them to pat or gently give loving rubdown. Good training with a good handler also builds self-esteem, confidence, and enjoyment in life for the submissive dog and it’s very important not to punish or scold him for this behaviour as it will only make the problem worse.

Question by – Abhimanyu Singh, Jallandhar

The most likely cause of this reclusive and unfriendly behaviour of your dog may be insufficient social contact with people during her puppy life. Non-confident pets require very gentle training and lots of patience from their pet parents. Most shy dogs can become friendly with repeated positive human interactions/experiences. Usually these dogs must learn to trust individuals before accepting a friendship. Just be sure to let your dog set the pace of training. Never force your dog to do anything that makes her nervous. When your dog is frightened, it’s human to want to comfort your dog and say “It’s OK”. However, your dog assumes that you are praising her for being scared – which reinforces skittish behaviour. Only praise your dog when she acts confidently. If you have treats or one of your dog’s toys handy, give it to the family members or even friends. While you are still far away, toss the treat or toy, then just walk away. Repeating this exercise over and over, with you moving in closer and closer each time, will train your dog to associate you with good things, rather than bad experiences. Eventually, your dog will feel more comfortable around family members. You walk your dog and give her to people whom you meet and engage in conversation. Professional training may help to speed up the rate of progress and make the acceptance of family and people. Feed her reputed balanced and complete pet food that will care of all her nutritional requirements.

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There are many safe broad spectrums of de-worming medications available for your pet. Generally the schedule depends on geographical area and lifestyle of your pet. General recommendation is every 2-3 weeks until 6 months of age and then every 2-3 months. Make sure that your pet is free from fleas which will contribute to some tapeworm infestations. Please consult your vet who can advise right schedule.

Question by – Sukriti, Faridabad, DelhiNCR

Most chewing behaviour is seen in young puppies due to their strong desire to explore. As dogs mature, this desire decreases. The dog will find it hard to distinguish between what it can and cannot chew, therefore having their own toys will help define suitable chewing items. If the puppy does try to bite, command ‘NO’ and distract their attention with a toy. Many of these habits can be modified quite easily if done correctly and persistently. When the pup stops the bad behaviour, make sure you reward her with ‘GOOD (puppy’s name)!’ Exercise and play with your dog regularly to alleviate excess energy and provide positive interaction. Make sure that you puppy is well socialised.

Question by – Roland Dey, Kolkata

Tumours or growths are common in senior dogs. A broad group of space-occupying non-cancerous, benign, and malignant cancers may localise to the ear. Your vet may suggest simple FNAC or biopsy or even imaging including MRI to know the nature and location of tumour. Some tumours/cancers can be treated successfully with chemotherapy, while some may require surgery with or without chemo. Please consult your vet ASAP before it spreads deeper in the ear canal or to other organs.

Question by – Amit Saxena, Lucknow

The calories and recommended essential nutrients she receives is more important than quantity she eats. Calories intake depends on body weight/size, activity and ambient temperature. For example, if she weights around 15 kg she may need 850 kcals for 1-3 hour activity or just 680 if she is active for less than one hour. Just like human, dogs need a balanced diet which contains just the right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, many different vitamins and minerals to ensure that they stay in peak condition. Most reputed commercial pet food comes with a guarantee of nutritional adequacy and will have feeding guidelines on the label, based on breed size and activity. If you are feeding homemade food, you need to design recipe to meet his calories and make it balanced and complete. Please remember that it is not possible to feed your dog a consistent and adequate home-prepared diet without considerable time, effort, and expertise. Consult your vet for advice.

Question by – Aum Patel, Bangalore

This breed is powerful, muscular, and heavy build with long and straight legs. These breeds were primarily used for hunting or security. Main advantage being the breed’s adaptability to all weather conditions and relatively diseases resistant. However, the dog needs plenty of freedom and space, and properly trained they make excellent guard or pet dogs.

Question by – Rajagopal Jayaraman, Bangalore

My advice depends on your objective of keeping two dogs. Many pet parents plan to keep second dog hoping to reduce behavioural problems like separation anxiety or loneliness, etc. But the truth is, another dog is not likely to change that behaviour. Some may introduce another pet just to rejuvenate senior pet. While dogs are social creatures and most love to play with other dogs, your dog will still need human company and his daily walk with you. You’ll also need to spend one-on-one time with your new dog to bond with him and train him. If you don’t have enough time to spend with your dog, it’s unrealistic to think a second dog can fill in the gaps. While two dogs can absolutely be twice the fun, it also means double expenses of food, veterinary care, etc. Breed selection depends on your lifestyle, budget and space.

Question by – TGV Prasad, Hyderabad

What you have to remember is that the diet you feed your dog should be complete and balanced. This means that the balanced diet will meet all his required nutrients and energy demand, regardless of his life stage or life style. Home-made diets depending on the sources vary with respect to quality, digestibility and nutrient content, which is why it is difficult to make balanced and complete food at home (without consulting nutritionist). Most reputed commercial pet food items meet the pet’s nutritional requirements. Dogs following surgery may require special diet for faster recovery and healing. Your vet may recommend commercial recovery diets or suggest right homemade diet.

Question by – Kalpana Paul, Chandigarh

Some physiological reasons like light intensity, besides nutrition, genetics, health that can cause dog to shed hair excessively. Dogs may also shed excessive hair because of stress, worms, harsh climate and general illness. Therefore, my approach would be to find underlying cause(s) like parasites or allergy, hormonal imbalance, infection, etc and then your vet will be able to recommend suitable medications that will eliminate the cause and hair fall. Balanced and complete nutrition is most important for healthy skin and hair coat. Feed him balanced pet food that contains nutrients like omega fatty acids, zinc and vitamins required for skin and hair coat. Regular brushing at least 2-3 times a week also helps to remove unwanted hair.

Question by – S Kamath, Mumbai

Ticks lay their eggs (as many as 18,000 in some species) in sheltered areas on or near the ground. Successful control of ticks depends on eliminating these pests from the dog and the environment. To control ticks on a dog, all animals in the household must be part of the ticks control programme. There are two basic categories of ticks control products: Adulticides and Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)/Insect Development Inhibitors (IDIs). It is always best to treat the dog and the environment on the same day. The use of these insecticides must be preceded by a thorough vacuuming; special attention should be paid to the areas under furniture, carpets, near pet bedding, and along mouldings. Make sure that other pets/dogs whom your dog frequently contacts/visits are free from fleas and ticks. The veterinarian will choose a product or products that combine safety, efficacy, and ease of use for the client. Often a combination of adulticide and an IGR or IDI is used.

Question by – Birinder Singh, Mumbai

Dogs only need bathing when they are dirty or on the advice of your veterinarian. Make sure that you only bath your dog in fine weather or indoors to avoid chills. We generally do not advise bath for young puppies, particularly in winter. We suggest to give him sponge bath with plain lukewarm water when required. When he grows up to an adult, you can use shampoo for regular bath, generally twice a month. Never use human shampoo, use only dog shampoo specific to your dog’s skin condition. Ask your vet to recommend a good quality brand shampoo.

Question by – Dilipsinh Jadeja, Rajkot

Most dogs dislike wearing shoes and they really don’t need them unless recommended by your vet for medical reasons. You may try shoes on one paw to start with and encourage him to walk around inside in order to get used to the shoes. He may not walk comfortably and may try to remove it. When he walks a few steps around the room normally, make sure that you praise/reward him with treats. This will positively reinforce the behaviour of wearing the shoes. Do this practice several times on other paws throughout the first few weeks.

Question by – Nakul Bipalliwar

Dogs too suffer allergic skin diseases like atopy or flea allergies. Itching and hair loss can be the result of many disorders causing inflammation including parasites or dry skin. Skin and hair coat alone take away approximately 30 percent of protein from the diet for its health. Hence balanced and complete nutrition is most important for healthy skin and hair coat. Evening primrose oil or sunflower/corn oil along with fish oil and zinc everyday in the balanced food may also help him to improve his hair coat in the short term when no underlying cause identified.

Question by – Dolly Kumari, Patna

Try not to manage your dog’s separation anxiety problem by giving her even more attention—you’ll only create a vicious cycle of neediness. Do you have a set routine each day before you leave the house? Perhaps you jingle your keys, put your bag or briefcase near the door or say ‘bye’ to your spouse and kids. Your dog picks up on these cues, and associates them with your leaving. Try to mix up your normal routine by doing your usual activities in a different order. Plan some short trips that allow your dog to gradually adjust to being lonely. If your dog seems comfortable after half-an-hour of your departures, and exhibits no anxious behaviour, increase your time away. Taking your dog for a long walk before you leave will help make her too tired to misbehave after you leave. Before you leave, bury toys and hide treats where she can find and ‘dig’ them up. Keeping a TV or radio on can also provide ‘company’ for your pooch. Getting another pet is also not a bad idea.

Question by – Adithya, Mysore

Dog bite wounds must require immediate medical attention. The wound must be cleaned immediately with soap water or recommended antimicrobial solution. The bite wound must be assessed by your vet for depth of injury, infection and reviewing anti-rabies vaccination status. Please take him to your vet before the infection spreads to the eyes.

Question by – Rishabh Kumar, Kanpur

Demodicosis, also known as red mange, is a skin condition caused by a microscopic parasitic mite, Demodex (normally present in hair follicles). Most localised rashes of demodicosis heal with minimal treatment. Generalised demodicosis requires more aggressive long-term therapy depending on the underlying cause. Secondary bacterial skin infections are also be treated. Periodic rechecks including followup skin scrapings are usually performed every 2 to 4 weeks to help identify whether the mites are being eradicated. The treatment must be continued until 2-3 consecutive skin scrapings until no mites are showing at all. Good nutrition for strong immunity and minimising stress are important for recovery.

Question by – –Manisha Rai, Mumbai

Inflammation in ear canal may occur as a simple reaction due to parasites, overgrowth of microbes or growths. It may also arise from allergic disease like atopy or endocrine or ear canal anatomical problems. Failure to address the underlying cause in a pet with ear problem dooms one to treatment failure. Your vet may advise series of tests including cytology to find out the underlying cause. Your vet can also show you how to properly clean and use ear drops at home. Keeping your pet’s ears clean is important because it helps prevent an environment in the ears that promotes inflammation.

Question by – Jasmine, Kurukshetra

The two most common manifestations of aggressive behaviour (in growing puppy) towards humans are fear biting and dominance-related aggression. Fear biting is most commonly seen in a dog raised without appropriate human contact during the socialisation period of growth (6 to 12 weeks of age). When a dog shows aggression toward members of the pet parent’s family rather than strangers, the animal is probably attempting to establish dominance over those family members. So, if the pack leader (your dog) decides that a member of the pack (you or a family member) is getting out of line, he may bite that person to show them ‘who’s the boss’. If your dog is properly trained to sit, stay and come, he’ll be less likely to be aggressive with people because his first concern will be to obey your commands. A dog who is under control and knows you are the leader of his ‘pack’ will behave and won’t bite anyone. The more he gets outside and encounters lots of other people and unfamiliar things, the less likely he will be to act aggressively around people. So, provide your dog with a chance to socialise with people and other dogs. Although it is bit late, with the help of a qualified obedience instructor or dog behaviourist, it’s possible to correct this problem. This process will also require you and your family to make changes in the way you interact with your dog as well. Don’t abruptly reach for your dog or his collar or pull his legs. First have the dog sit and stay. Then leash him. Don’t disturb him when he is resting, sleeping, or lying in front of a door or on sofa or bed. Likewise, don’t let your dog sleep on bed, especially if he reacts aggressively when disturbed there. If your dog barks, growls, or ignores you, try to shift his attention to an exercise or a task he knows well. If this doesn’t help, walk away from him, or sequester him in another room. Banishment and withdrawal of attention are the most potent forms of correction. Neutering may help to some extent but not completely.

Question by – Rohit Kapur, Pune

Osteoarthritis (OA) can be a progressive problem in which pain and disuse lead to further deterioration of joint movement and function. Therapeutic exercise and physical modalities (cryotherapy, thermotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation) may be indicated to enhance motion or reduce pain, allowing improved function. Massage may be beneficial in reducing muscle spasms. Lifestyle changes, such as the use of ramps may also be considered. A physical therapy involves suitable exercise, avoiding obesity and, least important, medication. Low impact exercise is preferable, such as swimming or leashed walks. Many nutraceuticals and diets are promoted for management of joint problems, for example, use of Royal Canin ‘Mobility Support’ diet may benefit your pet. Please consult your vet before you make any change in the management.

Question by – Ajita Sharma, Ahemdabad

The cause of perianal fistulas remains unclear, but it is believed to be immune mediated or related to reaction from some food allergens. Some believe that it is related to a form of colitis. Therefore, it is advisable to find underlying cause. If there are no causes determined, the medical management using immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine or prednisone found to be encouraging. Azathioprine, another potent immunosuppressive agent, may be tried if prednisone or cyclosporine is unsuccessful. Surgery is now usually reserved for cases that involve the anal sacs or for selective fistulas that do not respond to medical management. Your vet may advise food trial using novel proteins which your pet has not been exposed. Likewise your vet can conduct neurological examination to assess bladder and bowel control.

Question by – Rama Iyer, Bangalore

Weakness or limping in hind legs in large breed puppies like yours develops from variety of skeletal problems including hip dysplasia. Limping can also be the result of infection or trauma, metabolic, neuromuscular or degenerative diseases. The causes of hip dysplasia are complex and involve heredity and environmental factors, such as overeating and rapid weight gain. Most often, overweight due to excess energy/overfeeding or excess calcium supplementations predispose growing puppies to develop hip and joint problems. Treatment for hip dysplasia is based on the age and size of the patient, degree of pain, physical examination, x-ray findings, and your expectations for how active your pet should be. The conservative treatment includes enforced rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain medication. Once the clinical signs are controlled, the therapy includes weight reduction if needed and an exercise programme designed to improve the strength of your pet’s rear legs.

Question by – Nagesh, Gokak

Any type of wound, smelly or wet, may become the perfect spot for flies to lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch, maggots will begin to feast on any dead or dying tissue. Therefore, it is important to keep the wound clean and the underlying problem is treated. Your vet may remove maggots and use topical medicines on wound to kill any maggots infested. He may also advise creams or spray that may help keep the files away.

Question by – Salahuddin, Calicut

You don’t mention whether you have done obedience training or your pet well socialised to be a good, well-controlled companion. First you may start with a suitable collar, harness, or head halter to use with the leash on your dog or you may try a Gentle Leader or Halti head collar on your dog. This may help the dog experience in walking under control around other dogs or people. Once you develop confidence, take your dog walking separately in a suitable area or pick places to walk where there will not be loose dogs. Training with your dog in a good class will give you the best chance of developing your ability to handle your dog as much as possible.

Question by – Bobby, Bijnor

I may need further information to arrive at a specific diagnosis. However, considering his age, weight loss and no or less urine production could be a sign of kidney failure. Your pet may not pass urine if there is any obstruction in urinary tract (stones, growth, etc). Get him examined ASAP with blood work to find the underlying cause.

Question by – Abhishek Sharma, New Delhi

Some helpful tips to reduce these problems are exercising your dog before the guests arrive – more relaxed or ready to take a nap. Avoid excited greetings when you come home and try to come in quietly. If the arrival of guests makes your dog excitable, give him a break in his crate/kennel or in a quiet room with a familiar doggie bed or blanket. Allow your pooch to join the guests after the initial commotion has subsided. Teach your dog to sit, even when excited. You’ll start this training in unexciting situations and gradually build to more and more exciting situations until the dog is totally steady. Pat him, praise or give treat when the dog takes the sit position. Make sure that guests also pat the dog as a reward for getting it right. You may also try keeping your pet under your control (leash or harness) for few minutes until all your guests settled and gradually try without leash.

Question by – Sudhanshu Dey, Kolkata

Most dogs develop type 1 diabetes which the body fails to make enough insulin to serve it needs. This means Insulin treatment is required for your pet. The goal of treating a diabetic animal is to minimise blood glucose fluctuations, eliminate the symptoms associated with high blood glucose levels (excessive drinking, urination, and appetite), and improve the quality of the pet’s life. As in diabetic people, a good daily routine of eating and exercising for diabetic pets will help prevent irregular fluctuations in blood sugar level. Ideally meals and treatments are given as close to the same time as possible each day. A consistent amount of tolerable/controlled exercise each day is ideal for dogs.

Question by – Reit Malhotra, Bangalore