Winter can be harsh on your pet’s naked paws. The cold weather, ice, snow, and cold floor can crack their paws and even peel the soft skin. Ailing paws can be a trouble for the pets.

Taking your pet outdoor or for the hiking during winter can lead to many troubles too. You should ensure to provide enough protection to their fragile paws to keep them safe.

Here are some tips to keep their paws safe

Keep your dog's nails trimmed

Long nails make your dog's toes spread when they walk. This allows more room for snow and ice to build up between the toes. This can be a painful experience. Untrimmed nails can also affect your dog's weight distribution, pushing their overall weight onto the back of their feet. This creates less traction in the feet and they will be more likely to slip on icy surfaces.

Trim the fur between Toepads

By trimming the fur between their toe pads you’ll level the pad fur with the pads themselves. This helps to reduce the amount of snow, salt, and grit accumulation between the toes. Compacted snow salt on your dog's feet makes walking difficult for them and can also affect their ability to stay on their feet.

Lubricate paws before heading outdoors

Cold weather, ice, and salt can cause your dog's pads to dry out and crack. You can prevent this by wiping his paws with Vaseline or cooking spray before you take him out for a walk. Be sure to keep him off slick surfaces inside the house, such as tile, and outside the house, such as ice.

Consider dog booties

Dog booties are a great way to keep your dog's feet safe and in good condition, particularly when the ground is hot, wet, or snowy. Dog booties provide optimum protection from any outside elements and help your dog retain body heat. It’s common for dogs to not take to wearing boots as it can be uncomfortable for them. Try a gradual approach, and let them sink into it for a while. Let them wear booties inside the house for short periods of time and offer them a prize or treats

Check your De-icer

De-icer can produce salt and other ice-melting granules or chemicals that can irritate your dog's paws. It can also cause stomach ailments if ingested. When choosing a De-icer you should consider buying non-toxic options, such as sand, gravel, and non-clumping cat litters. If you do use salt or chemical deicers, choose to buy "pet safe" brands.

Wash your dog's paws after walks

When coming inside the house from the outdoor, consider washing your dog’s feet with a warm water or rinse them. This helps to warm up their cold paws. It will also wash off any salt or deicing chemicals residue formed between their toes.

Apply Vaseline on Dog’s Paws

The snow, ice, and salt can cause your dog's pads to dry out and crack. You should consider wiping their paws with Vaseline or cooking spray before you take them outdoors. Consider keeping them off slick surfaces inside the house, such as tile, and outside the house, such as ice.

If you notice any trouble with their paws, do consider visiting our veterinarian at the earliest.

Winter is here and so is the most awaited Holiday season. It’s that time of the year when everyone is busy planning holidays and finding ways to have fun with the family.

In all these hullabaloos, pets are more prone to get into accidents. As a pet owner, ensuring a safe environment for your pets is essential.

Food

Dogs and cats tend to scavenge when out of sight. They basically forage on the dustbin, empty plates, and crates. To ensure their well-being you must ensure to keep the harmful food or food items away from them. The most essential thing is to keep the people-food away from them.

• Chocolate is one of the most consumed food items during Holidays, however, it can be very harmful to pets. Chocolate contains caffeine, theobromine, and high-fat contents which are toxic for dogs and cats. Although the toxicity varies based on the type of chocolate, the size of your pet, and the amount they eat, it’s safer to keep chocolate off-limits for pets.
• Keep sweet and baked goods out of their reach. Baked goods contain fats and sugar which is harmful to pets. Artificial sweetener, chocolate, and xylitol contain have been linked to liver failure and death in dogs.
• Turkey and turkey skin are harmful to pets. The fat and garlic content leads to pancreatitis.
• Table scraps such as gravy and meat fat should be kept away from pets. Other items including onions, raisins, and grapes are harmful to pets too. Holiday foods are basically rich in sweetener and flavor. Pets’ digestive system doesn’t allow such food.
• Yeast dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.

Decorating

Another essential aspect of holidays is the decorations. The decorations for the Christmas tree, fireplace, lightings and decorative are common forms of decorations which are basically made of plastic, crystal, glass, and other industrial parts.

• Christmas trees can easily tip over if pets climb on them or try to catch the decorations. Consider tying your tree to the ceiling or a fixed pole to provide extra protection.
• Water additives for Christmas trees can be hazardous to the pets. Do not add aspirin, sugar, and chemicals to the water for your tree if you have pets in the house.
• Decorative and Ornaments can prove hazardous to pets. Broken ornaments can cause injuries, and ingestion of the same can cause intestinal blockage or internal damage. Consuming them sometimes require surgery.
• Electric lights can cause burns or electric shock when a curious pet chews the cords.
• Flowers and festive plants such as Amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly are among the common plants used in Holiday decoration that can prove to be dangerous and even poisonous to pets
• Decorate candles are attractive to pets. Never leave a pet alone in an area with a lit candle; it could result in a fire.

As the holiday season is here, you should consider taking extra precaution if your own a pet. The pets who roam outside the house have higher chances of countering accidents or mishaps during the holidays.

Winter is here, and so is the time for you to get in the bed as soon as you reach home. Winter can be harsher for pets as they indulge in outdoor activities. Animals have a lesser appetite for cold weather.

5 common myths about dogs in winter

• Furry and thickly coated pets such as Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow Chow, Bearded Collie, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, and Bichon Frise can stay outside as they can keep themselves warm. Their thick coat and fur provide enough protection from the cold. This is completely wrong. Thickly coated pets need protection too
• Dogs don’t need boots because their paws can’t freeze. Pets with furry feet tend to collect ice and snow between the toes can also largely benefit for feet protection.
• Small pets can’t play winter sports. It’s actually a misnomer. Small pets can equally indulge in sports.
• It’s ok to leave your pet inside the car because it’s winter. This can actually be dangerous. The car’s interior can get cold than the weather outside.
• Dogs don’t need to exercise in the winter. This isn’t true. Dogs need regular exercise to burn the excess fat from overeating during winter.

Tips for keeping pets warm

• Keep them indoors –You should bring them inside when the weather gets colder. If temperature drops, you should bring them inside for extra warmth. Keeping them outside can prove to be fatal. If you’re not able to bring them into your home you could keep them in a car-free shed or garage.
• Provide protected outdoor shelter –Keep their kennel out of rain and snow. Dog’s shelter lacks enough protection. Make sure you build it in an area with no rain, snow, or wind. If possible, provide insulation.
• Give them extra warmth –Put an extra blanket or tarpaulin over their kennel to help keep them warm.
• Outdoor exercise –Exercising keeps them warm during winter. Even during winter, pets would need natural light and exercise to keep themselves fitter.
• Extra bedding –Provide extra bedding for enough warmth and coziness. Give them plenty of bedding hay to snuggle into. You should change the bedding regularly.
• A heating pad –using a heating pad can be a handy option. Place an animal-safe heat pad under their bedding for extra warmth.
• Wrap up drinkable water –You should provide them with warm water. Drinking cold water during winter can invite many physical ailments.

Pets fill our heart very quickly. They are more than our pets. They’re the part of our family! The best thing to value their contribution in our life is by memorizing them. What better than taking a family photo with them?

American Pet Products Association did an online survey of 1200 pet owners. “90% of pets” are considered the important part of the family. So why not give them the benefit of being a family. Do consider taking a photo of your pets and with your pets.

Most pets tend to be camera-shy. Here are some of the tips to take their photos better.

Use Natural Light

Do care to use natural light when taking a photo of your pet in the picture. Avoid flash as it not only causes red-eye but also frightens your pet. Most pets are unaware of photography or may find the enclosed room claustrophobic. Try to get them outside while taking a photo or use natural light or brightly lit room.

Keep the Eyes Sharp

Eyes speak for themselves. Animals are expressive and often extrovert when they are enjoying. It’s important to keep their eyes sharp when taking a portrait. So make sure to focus on your pet’s eyes and keep them sharp.

Indulge them

It’s practically impossible to get your pet to pose or appear in the photo if they aren’t interested. It’s very important that you make them feel comfortable and at ease. Instead of forcing them you can go to them. Most important is to get down to his level. Try to keep the camera on their eye-level to get the best out of a photo.

Give Value to their Character

It’s always fun to add value to their character. Instead of taking a dull picture, try to take a photo which speaks their character or nuances. If you have a lazy cat show him yawning, if your pet is of a playful type show him in action performing its favorite trick.

Surprise Them

It can be difficult to get your pet to stand still or indulge in an action you want to take the shot in. An easy trick is to let them indulge in whatever they’re doing or prepare everything beforehand to motivate them to indulge in an action you want to take the shot in.

Be Patient

Learn to be patient with your pets. It can be difficult to get them to understand what you’re trying to do. Photographing a pet requires a lot of patience. No matter how excited your furry friend is, if you are patient enough, they will end up by relaxing and you will have the opportunity to get a decent shot.

Experiment

Take your time and enjoy the photography session with your pets. Try different styles, poses, movements, and concepts to add value to the photo and make it livelier. Shoot a lot you will have time to worry about the results later.

Camera Tips

You would want to set your shutter speed on a fairly fast frame in case the pet moves. If you are using a traditional film camera, consider 400-speed films.

Socialization is basically the process of introducing a dog or pup to in the company of other animals, humans, places, and environment. Socialization should begin at a young age which helps them to adapt to social circle and behavior. The ideal age is between 3 and 14 weeks of age for puppies.

Naturally, a dog socializes by interacting with other canines and learning their verbal cues and body language. Domestic dogs may need to learn socialization skills as they lack the natural learning environment at home. The socialization should continue into adulthood.

Adopting Adult Dogs

Most pet owners who adopt adult dogs need to introduce or reintroduce their new pets to socialization. It can be difficult to socialize adult pets as they need extra attention. The major thing to remember when socializing adult dogs is to be positive and encouraging. Correcting your dogs do not work well here and will likely create a more nervous dog

Socialize Dogs with Other Dogs

Take Your Dog Out to Observe Other Dogs

You can take your dog out in the park but do not go in yourself. Let your dog observe other dogs and their behavior. Every time a dog comes near the fence, offer them a treat. This creates a positive association with other dogs. If your dog reacts aggressively towards other dogs or animals, move further away and slowly move up until he is quiet.

Resist Tugging While Walking

When out walking with your dog if another dog comes into view, resist jerking on the lead or yelling at them. The dogs may see it as a negative experience. Instead, distract your dog with a treat or toy. Sway their attention towards you to avoid any negative interaction with other dogs.

Go to Dog Training Classes

To better train, your pet, go to ‘dog obedience classes’ which can be a great way to help socialize an adult dog. Dog training class is also a safe space for your dog to interact with other animals and humans. You can seek professional assistance to correct any wrong behavior in your dogs.

Socialize Dogs with Humans

Ignore Your Dog’s Unwanted Behaviors

It’s better to let go of your dogs’ mischiefs. When they tend to avoid human contact, you can ignore them and do something to persuade them to come out to you like playing with toys or bringing treats.

Act like Everything is Normal When He Acts Out

It’s normal for dogs to act out. They seek attention too like toddlers or young teenagers. The correct thing to do is not to mention it and act as if there’s nothing wrong. By acting as if your dog’s behavior is no big deal, you’re creating a calmer environment and, thus, a calmer dog.

Introduce People Slowly

You should start introducing them to other people slowly, like one new person every week. This encourages them to interact and adjust with humans. When the new person meets your dog, you can have them offer a treat and speak in calming and encouraging voice. Keep your dog on a leash at first but do not force him to go near the person. Let him take his time.

A newborn or juvenile cat is known as a kitten. Alike most juvenile pets, kittens need constant attention and familiarity with the outside world. Most kittens are prone to loneliness and many ailments related to isolation.

After being born, kittens are totally dependent on the mother cat for survival. After two weeks of birth, kittens start exploring the outside world and starting eating after three to four weeks. The time between 2-8 weeks is considered the best time for introducing kittens to socialization skills. Domestic kittens are highly social animals and usually enjoy human companionship.

Why kittens should be socialized?

• Socialization teaches a kitten how to be a cat.
• Proper feline manners and how to communicate with other felines help in bonding with other pets
• It also helps them to ascertain who their enemies are.

Three T's of Kitten Socialization

The most trainers focus on three T’s of socialization for cats. These are; Touching, Talking, and Timing.

Touching

Touching is the most essential part of any grooming or nurturing process. Mothers tend to care their newborn with their touch to provide the warmth and protection. Touching a kitten helps them realize that they shouldn’t fear humans. It offers them a chance to get close to their pet owners.

• Touching kittens help them remember your scent which helps to them to associate the memories spent with you and bring closeness.
• Petting is one of the first sensations newborns feel when they come in contact with mother cats. Petting gives them a wonderful safe experience.
• Comforting touch helps to reduce blood pressure, and improve heart rate and brainwave.
• While handling the kitten, be sure to touch its ears, tail, paws, and mouth so the experience is comforting and pleasing. Keep it as a routine.

Talking

Pets can very well interpret most basic words and gestures.

• Talking to the kitten teaches them to listen and pay attention to your voice. It brings familiarity between you and your pet.
• The often you speak to your cat, the better they will understand and react to you. This enhances and improves your relationship.

Timing

Timing is the third most important chapter on kitten grooming. Training them during the 2 weeks to 8 weeks of their life helps them grasp the skills better. Kittens won't know what's right and what's wrong unless you tell them at the right time.

Catching them during the act or mischief can help them disciplined. Timing also helps to offer rewards to kittens to follow the routine and become more dedicated.

Learn more about pet training and grooming.

Dental problem in pets, both cats and dogs, is quite common than you think. By the age of 3, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some form of gum disease. The dental problem isn’t only persistent in senior pets.

Here are some of the common risks from dental problem.

• If your pet remains uncured from dental disease, they are at a higher risk of heart, kidney, and liver disease
• Bacteria under the gum can travel to different internal organs.
• Dental disease can result in bad breath, painful chewing, and tooth loss.
• Broken teeth is a major concern among pets. Chewing on hard surfaces or materials can render their teeth weak. A broken tooth can expose the nerve of the tooth which can be a painful experience for your pet.

What is Periodontal disease?

Periodontal is a dental disease common in pets. The disease starts when bacteria in the mouth combine with food particles to form plaque on the teeth. Within days, minerals in the saliva bond with the plaque to form tartar (a hard substance). When tartar and plaque begin to start their way under the gum line, they produce toxins which lead to bone and tissue damage.

Periodontal disease includes conditions such as Gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums, and Periodontitis, loss of bone and soft tissue in the mouth. Both these diseases can be very painful and may affect the overall health of your pet.

What is Dental Cleaning?

You can check at home if your pet has any dental issue. Try this at home with your pet.

• Do you see any redness or swelling of the gums? Do you see any brown plaque or tartar?
• Does its breath smell bad sometimes or foul consistently?
• Redness, swelling and bad breath are all signs of periodontal disease due to bacterial infection.

During a veterinary dental cleaning, unless unable due to a medical issue, veterinarians will put your pet under general anesthesia to protect both your pet and the veterinarian. The veterinarian will use dental tools to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth. Then, the veterinarian will use a special polishing paste which smoothen any scratches in the enamel of the teeth. A fluoride treatment or barrier sealant will then be put on the teeth to help strengthen and desensitize the teeth, while also preventing more plaque from developing.

Preventive Measure

Some of the common ways to prevent dental disease in cats and dogs are;

Brush their teeth. You should brush your dog’s teeth at least 3x a week and to brush your cat’s teeth at least 2x a week.

The Halloween is near. And, so are the spooky pumpkin head figures, candles, eerie costumes and accidents. Pets are prone to get into accidents during Halloween. As a pet owner, ensuring a safer environment for your pets during all the hullabaloo can be difficult. However, to ensure the safety of their life, you must consider few facts in check.

Avoid Trick or Treats Candies

Be aware not to feed your pets the Halloween candies, especially if it contains chocolate or sugar (Xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free candies and gum). Pets are prone to several ailments if fed chocolates. If your pet is inside the house, do keep trick or treat candies away from their reach.

Identifying your pets

There are many cases of missing pets around Halloween. Most pets who wander outside the house are easily lured or distracted. To ensure their safety, make sure your pet is properly identified (microchip, collar and ID tag)

Keep lit candles and Jack-o-lanterns away

The Halloween goodies, such as candles, and Jack-o-lanterns look exciting enough for your pets to mess with. The hot candle wax and fire can do severe damage. The damage can range from slight burn to major burns which may require extensive medical attention.

Be careful not to allow your pet to stay around lit candles and Jack-o-lanterns, or keep them away from it.

Halloween costume

If you plan to put a costume on your pet, make sure it fits properly and is comfortable, doesn't have any pieces that can easily be chewed off, and doesn't interfere with your pet's sight, hearing, breathing, opening its mouth, or moving. Take time to get your pet accustomed to the costume before Halloween, and never leave your pet unsupervised while he/she is wearing a costume

Don't leave pets out in the yard

Harmful pranks are common during Halloween. Most pets who are left unattended tend to get involved in the pranks or are the outright victims most of the time. Vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Specific pets, black cats, are more prone to suffer from pranks and accidents during Halloween.

Keep glow sticks away

Keep glow sticks or jewelry which glows away from your pets. Although the liquid filled inside these products isn't likely toxic, it may taste bad and leave your pet salivate excessively or act strangely.

Keep your pet inside

If your pet has a tendency to bite, it’s better to put them on lease or inside the house for preventing them from biting the strangers. It’s better to keep them inside or in another room during trick-or-treating hours or provide them a safe hiding place.

Indoors is certainly better than outdoors on Halloween, but your door will be constantly be used. Seeing eerily costumed strangers can scare your pets which can lead to escape attempts or unexpected aggression. Putting them in a safer environment will reduce stress and prevent them from darting outside into the night.

National Cat Day was created in 2005 by Colleen Paige, a Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert, in effort to raise awareness for the cats that are mistreated, left in the street, abandoned or shelter home. The occasion encourages pet owners to not take their esteemed pets for granted and shower them with much affection and love to sustain their life. It is celebrated on October 29 every year.

As a pet owner, you must ensure;

• Cats remain a part of your household
• Adopt a cat instead of shopping for one
• Regular medical check is performed to ensure their health
• Cats are nourished and entertained

The National Cat Day was first celebrated in 2005 "to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their life for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us."

How to best treat your cat?

Keep them indoors

Cats have a tendency to stray outside the house often. This may lead to many problems for your cat. The best thing to do is to keep your cat safe by keeping them indoors. If you decide to take them outside, you can walk them on a harness or leash. Use a cat carrier when transporting your cat outside the house.

While inside the house, Make certain that all windows are securely screened. Care to keep the washer and dryer closed, and check inside before each use to avoid any accident.

Keeping them safe

Keeping an eye on your pet all the time is difficult. Being an agile animal, they can slip out of home anytime. By adding a breakaway collar and visible ID that includes your name, address, and telephone number can help located your cat in case of emergency. Your cat is more likely to get home safely if they have a collar and ID. Also, be a good citizen by complying with any local cat licensing laws.

Staying healthy

A cat can face several health and medical issues which left untreated can cause severe problem in the future. You must care to take your cat for regular check-up at the Veterinarian’s office. Do provide necessary vaccinations, flu-shots etc. Most of the times, the illness in pets are left untreated due to lack of information. Regular visit to the Vet can help address these issues.

A quick fix

Spaying and neutering your cat will keep them healthier and help decrease the number of cats euthanized every year because of cat overpopulation. If you can't afford the operation, look into low-cost options.

Healthy diet

A healthy diet is important for cat’s overall health. Unlike humans, cats do not find nourishment from vegetarian diet. It’s important that you offer enough protein and mineral rich food to your cat. Fish, low-cat meat can be good for cat’s daily diet. Never feed your pet from your own plate!

Keep litter clean

Cats are naturally clean, and most will instinctively use a litter box; you just have to show yours where it is. Don't place your cat in the box and make little scratching motions with their front paws. This will probably upset your cat and may make their leery of the box. Scoop the box at least once daily and periodically wash it with dish liquid and hot water. Because cats also value privacy, place the litter box in a convenient but quiet spot. We can help you get things off to a good start.

Grooming often

Like all other pets, cats require often grooming to stay clean and healthy. All cats, whether long- or short-haired, should be brushed regularly to keep their coats and skin healthy, prevent matting, and reduce shedding and hairballs. Grooming also includes clipping nails and paws, brushing, trimming hair, cleaning organs etc. This also helps to prevent any diseases or problems arising from matted hair or follicles.

In the year 2016, obesity in pets accounted for more than 1.3 million of nationwide pet insurance claim. It was a sharp 23% rise from the previous years.

October 10 is celebrated as Pet obesity awareness day to bring the issue of rising obesity and diseases in pet into light.

With unhealthy diet and carelessness from pet owners, dogs and cats face large consequences from Obesity related conditions. Your pet’s meal requirements vastly differs from your dietary requirement.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s (APOP) 2016 clinical survey recently reported that nearly 54% of dogs and 59% of cats are clinically overweight or obese.

Obesity may cause severe diseases and condition in pets. Inflammation, diabetes, heart conditions, metabolic and endocrine disorders, are few of the common medical conditions. The strain to bone, joins and internal organs far exceed the consequences.

10 Obesity related conditions

Obesity causes various medical conditions in Dogs. Some of the common conditions are;

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). It refers to the progressive and permanent long-term deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joints. It is more common in older dogs and cats. The bulging weight of the body can affect the joints in legs of pets, which can lead to Osteoarthritis.

Cystitis

Cystitis stands for inflammation of the bladder. It is also used as a general term for any disease that causes inflammation. The most common cause of cystitis in pets is an infection caused by bacteria. Other causes of Cystitis include bladder stones, tumors or polyps in the bladder, and abnormal anatomy (especially in female dogs).

Hypothyroidism

In pets, if their thyroid stops producing the needed amount of hormones, the metabolism slows causing many of the body's normal processes are disrupted. In dogs, thyroid disease is almost always hypothyroidism, whereas, overactive-thyroid hypothyroidism occurs mostly in cats.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is the case of liver inflammation. It can occur suddenly or can also be a long-standing process of liver decline (chronic). As liver is the first organ to come in contact with toxins and harmful products absorbed from food, it can get infected too quickly among pets.

Cruciate ligament injuries

The cruciate ligament is a major part of dog’s knee. Cruciate ligament is a common form of injury seen in dogs. Also called ACL or CCL tear, a ruptured cruciate is often a painful and immobilizing injury. It is more common among Overweight or obese dogs, as they are more prone to this type of injury mainly because of weaker joints or bones.

Diabetes

Diabetes insipidus is sometimes called "drinking diabetes" because it is a rare diabetes which often leads to failure in regulating body’s water content.

Diabetes mellitus or Diabetes in general is a common disease in middle-aged and older dogs. It’s a complex disorder of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism in dogs. It can be the result of a relative or absolute insulin deficiency or of peripheral cell insensitivity to insulin which is characterized by high blood glucose concentrations such that the renal threshold is exceeded.

Other common forms of obesity related conditions include intervertebral disc disease, chronic renal disease, Congestive heart failure and lipomas.