As pet parents, we are learning something new about our fur buddies every day. From dog training, skin infections to managing hip dysplasia, there’s an ocean of information. And this newfound knowledge goes a long way in raising them right. That’s why we have created an online group where pet parents can easily ask their questions to our in-house vets and share their experiences with others. But amongst all the questions, we have scanned for the most commonly asked ones and have compiled all the answers here!
I am COVID positive. How do I take care of my pet? Is the corona vaccine different in humans and pets? Should I get my pet vaccinated against it?
With the onset of the 3rd wave of COVID-19, pet parents are concerned about the safety and well-being of their pets. Here are a few things you can do to take care of your pet if you have tested positive.
When it comes to vaccinations, we urge pet parents to get vaccinated and also opt for the booster dose as soon you become eligible. There’s a common misconception prevailing across the animal healthcare space that the canine coronavirus vaccine is meant to protect dogs from coronavirus. Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is not the same virus as SARS-CoV-2 that causes the novel coronavirus (COVID-19 in humans). CCoV does not affect people. Canine corona causes problems like loose motions, fever, lethargy, runny nose etc in dogs as opposed to respiratory disease in humans.
Therefore, it is only right to get our pets vaccinated against canine coronavirus. Please know that according to the latest research, pets do not carry the virus and cannot infect humans. In fact, it is the opposite. Pets can test positive if the parents have tested positive as well. Hence, the onus is on us to ensure that we follow all hygiene and sanitation protocols when handling pets.
In short, the risk of pet-to-human transmission of COVID-19 is low while the risk of human-to-pet transmission is high.
My dog is shedding too much hair. What changes should I make in the diet and lifestyle to reduce the same?
When you have a dog, you make peace with the fact that your dog will shed. You will see their hair-like sprinkles all over your sofa, bed, clothes, floor and even the food. You can’t run away from it but here’s what you can do.
Hair shedding in dogs is a common problem
- Although hair shedding is normal, if you feel it’s too much, consider brushing your dog’s hair twice a day. If you have breeds like a Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd, know that they shed a lot. Brush their hair and coat from top to bottom and then bottom to top.
Add skin and hair supporting oils to their diet. Coconut oil, fish oil, hemp seed oil and cannabis-infused oil can be used topically (on the skin) as well as orally (by mixing in their food).
- Massage their skin with oils and use a deshedding shampoo and comb to get rid of loose hair during bath time.
Add coat supplements enriched with essential omega fatty acids and vitamins to strengthen their hair.
- A balanced and wholesome diet will also reduce excessive shedding. Include prebiotics and probiotics. Avoid over-processed food and check if your dog has any food allergies.
There are different shedding seasons too. At the peak of it, you will see a lot of shedding which is normal. But if these changes do not help, consult a vet to know the underlying cause.
How to deworm puppies and dogs? What are its common side effects and what can be done to avoid that?
Deworming puppies and dogs is an essential step to keep them healthy. The four main worms found in dog poop are hookworms, whipworms, roundworms and tapeworms. Deworming gets rid of these harmful worm parasites and reduces worm load as well. Deworming will also help solve excessive shedding.
Puppies need to be dewormed every month until they are three months old
For puppies, deworming can be done through syrups under the supervision of a veterinarian.
For dogs above 10 kg of weight, one deworming tablet per 10 kg is the ideal dosage.
Your pet may show side effects like- -
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
But worry not, these symptoms last for 24 to 48 hours only. Once the worms have passed through their stool, your dog or puppy will be back to normal.
My female pet is in heat. What precautions should I take?
Female dogs experience periods or heat for 12 to 15 days. The best way to avoid an unwanted pregnancy is to get them spayed. But if you haven’t, here are a few things you can do -
- Keep them away from any male pet or male community dogs or cats. A female pet on heat can attract the male from far and beyond.
- If you have a female dog, keep her leashed even when they are trained to walk off-leash. Dog instincts become stronger during this time and they easily can run away.
- For female cats, don’t let them astray. Ensure that you have everything they need, at home.
Read more about female dogs in heat here and female cats in heat here.
What are some common types of skin infections in pets? What are the reasons and possible solutions for them?
Skin infections can happen due to various reasons and are of various types like -
- Bacterial
- Allergic dermatitis
- Yeast
- Folliculitis
- Impetigo
- Seborrhea
- Mites
- Ticks and fleas
- Color or texture change
- Acral lick dermatitis
- Hotspots
- Parasitic
Skin infections can be treated with medicines and supportive therapy
The reasons are plenty but it is mostly due to an infection, excessive licking, allergy, bites, unhygienic conditions, season, hormonal disorder etc. The right way to treat skin infections is to consult a veterinarian. They will diagnose the root cause and suggest the right remedy. Along with the medications, you can also use cannabis-infused oil as a support therapy to regenerate their skin and heal it completely.
Is curd beneficial for pets? Under what situation can it be served?
Homemade dahi or curd is the cheapest and healthiest source of probiotics for pets. It’s made by fermenting milk. Freshly made curd has billions of CFUs. It is rich in other nutrients like calcium, protein etc and supports a healthy gut, skin and hair.
You can feed curds to your pet when -
They are experiencing an upset stomach. Just mix some rice with curd and feed them.
Loose stools or loose motions.
- During summertime to cool them down.
How to feed deworming medicines to pets?
We understand that giving deworming medicines to pets is a task in itself and you should be rewarded for it! Our pets have evolved and every trick in the book is now turning old. But here’s what you can try -
- Mix the tablets in their most favorite, lip-smacking food like chicken or meat. Keep the quantity of the food on the higher side to distract them from the medicine’s smell.
- Roll and hide them in paneer and cheese cubes and let them gulp it down.
- Take a veterinarian's help as their expertise helps!
Which floor cleaners should be avoided to reduce skin infections?
One of the most common reasons behind skin infections and rashes is floor cleaners. We often use popular brands to keep our floors germ-free. But while they are safe for humans, they are toxic for our furry mates as they contain chlorine, ammonia, formaldehyde etc.
Instead of your regular floor disinfectants, opt for a floor cleaner that has ‘pet-safe’ or ‘pet-friendly’ written over it. It should be made of 100% biodegradable ingredients which will not cause rashes on your pet’s skin.
Puppies spend the maximum time on floors
What’s the right age to train a puppy?
The right age to train a puppy is the day you bring them home!
Start with toilet training and the sit command. Don’t wait for weeks to start their training as once they acquire bad habits, you will have to help unlearn them. Instead, bring out those training treats and start away.
Once your puppy has received all the vaccinations (at approximately 4 to 5 months of age), you can start taking them out in the open for training. You can also take help from animal behaviorists and trainers to understand your puppy better and build a deeper bond with them.
I have just adopted an Indie. Can you please let dog lovers know why they should be adopted?
To all the pet parents who adopted an Indie, THANK YOU! You are making this world a better place and leading by example. We hope this deed inspires many others to adopt our community dogs. And if anyone’s wondering why one should adopt Indies, here are a few reasons -
- They are loyal, friendly and as cute as any other breed out there
- Grooming needs? Minimal!
- Even veterinary professionals have said this time and again - their immunity is impeccable! That means reduced number of vet visits
- They have spent generations wandering the streets, scavenging for food. When you adopt them, they will forever be your companion because you ended the vicious cycle.
- They are our very own breed. Let’s be #VocalForLocal and adopt one of our own.
Got more questions? Join Wiggles Tribe on Facebook today and ask all your pet-related questions for FREE. Reach out to us at +91 8431620000 and we will help you in your journey of pet parenthood.
Team Wiggles has started an initiative called #BondedByBlood through which we are trying to create an online repository of ready pet donors. Register your pet today & save a life tomorrow.
*Disclaimer: This blog is vet-approved and includes original content which is compiled after thorough research and authenticity by our in-house team of vets and content experts. It is always advisable to consult a veterinarian before you try any products, pet food or any kind of treatment/medicines on your pets, as each pet is unique and will respond differently.
