Playful Pixiebobs!Intelligent, affectionate, loving and playful…a Pixiebob can give you hours of entertainment…playing, loving and cuddling with you. Watch out for fever!It is very important to monitor your kitty’s body temperature to ensure she is healthy. Let’s see why. Ask the Expert..Dr KG Umesh (MVSc, MSc (UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He is working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for South Asia. What’s normal? What's not?Smarten up!Your kitty is very conscious of her looks…let us also help him maintain his sparkling look! When’s the time to seek a vet?As a pet parent, we should learn to observe in detail and know when to take the cat to the vet. How do you decide? Just say ‘no’ aversive training your catAs much as you love him, it can be hard to maintain warm, fuzzy feelings when your cat scratches the furniture, jumps on the counters, or gnaws on plants. Of course, he’s just doing what comes naturally. Yelling or hitting won’t deter the bad behaviour, but it will make your cat fearful of you, which is certainly not your goal. So what can you do? |
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Cats & Kittens July August 2011 Issue
Just say ‘no’ aversive training your cat
As much as you love him, it can be hard to maintain warm, fuzzy feelings when your cat scratches the furniture, jumps on the counters, or gnaws on plants. Of course, he’s just doing what comes naturally. Yelling or hitting won’t deter the bad behaviour, but it will make your cat fearful of you, which is certainly not your goal. So what can you do?
Remote control
Aversive training uses textures, odours, tastes, sounds, and other methods to correct your cat’s behaviour in a way that’s unpleasant for him, but has nothing to do with you. Let’s say your cat tends to chew on electrical cords, a very dangerous habit. Smear hot sauce on the cords. He’ll quickly learn that chewing on them is no fun at all, and you’re still the good guy. In addition to deterring him from undesired behaviour, you’ll need to provide an acceptable alternative for him to express his needs. Tools of the trade A basic aversive training toolbox contains: Unpleasant textures: Nubby plastic carpet runner, duct tape, rough rocks, anything that won’t feel good to your cat’s paws. Bad tastes: Hot sauce or a non-toxic spray or ointment available at pet supply stores Bad smells: Cologne and citrus scents. Loud sounds: Whistle, can of pennies or pebbles, pot lids, book dropped on floor, hand clapping. Surprises: A squirt from a water bottle, a blast of canned air.
Using your tools
The advantages of having so many training tools are flexibility and creativity. You can pick, choose, and adapt your tools to any situation. If duct tape doesn’t work, try carpet runner. If your cat likes Bitter Apple, use hot sauce. If he ignores a squirt of water, blow a whistle. You can even combine your tools to send a really strong message.
Element of surprise
Aversives such as noises and surprises are effective training tools when you’re home to watch your cat’s movements. If you catch him considering whether or not to jump on the coffee table, kitchen counter, etc, don’t shout at him; instead, interrupt him by squirting him with water, blowing a whistle, or throwing a pillow in his direction (don’t hit him). These actions are intended to startle and distract him from his intended mission. Try to take action from outside his line of sight so he won’t associate it with you. He’ll think the coffee table did it. You can also use noises and surprises if your cat starts scratching or chewing something, tries to run out the front door, or engages in any other type of naughtiness. (Note: Don’t use surprise methods if you have a particularly timid or fearful cat. It’s not good for his nerves.)
Timing is everything
The right timing is crucial to the success of these methods. You have to catch your cat in the act in order for them to be effective. If you squirt him or blow the whistle after he’s finished, he won’t connect the consequence with his behaviour, and your effort will be wasted. But you can’t follow your cat around the house or be home 24x7 to supervise; that’s when your other tools come in handy.
Passive aversive
Passive aversives are training methods that don’t require you to be directly involved—a disagreeable odour, a bad taste, or an uncomfortable texture can make your cat think twice about doing what he’s doing. Here are some of the most common cat habits and ways to reduce or stop them:
Scratching carpet or furniture
- Cover favoured areas with plastic carpet runner, nubby side up, until the cat stops scratching.
- Spray areas with cologne or citrus scents, which cats don’t like and usually avoid. Test surfaces for staining by spraying on a hidden area first.
Jumping on tables, counters, etc.
- Cover with plastic carpet runner, nubby side up.
- Cover large pieces of cardboard with double-sided tape or loops of duct tape, then place cardboard on surfaces. Your cat won’t like his feet sticking to the tape.
- Set a few upside-down mousetraps that will snap when he touches them, but won’t hurt him.
- Tie some soda cans together and set them up on the surface. He’ll knock them over when he jumps up.
Chewing plants, cords, wood, etc.
- Spray plants with Bitter Apple, cologne or citrus scents
- Apply hot sauce, Bitter Apple ointment, or aloe gel to cords, wood, other solid surfaces
Digging in plants
- Cover soil with aluminium foil or small, rough rocks
Feline fun
Your cat’s habits may be incompatible with your lifestyle, but they’re perfectly normal for him. Give him approved outlets for his natural behaviour so he’ll be less tempted to use your stuff. Place scratching posts near his favourite hang-outs so he won’t go for the couch or carpet. Give him a tall cat tree to satisfy his instinct to watch the world from on high. Make sure he has toys of all shapes and materials to keep him from destroying your belongings. And shower him with time and attention as often as time allows.
(This article is contributed by Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Established in 1954, HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals; www.hsus.org)
When’s the time to seek a vet?
As a pet parent, we should learn to observe in detail and know when to take the cat to the vet. How do you decide?
- Know how much your cat eats. If this amount changes significantly (except in a growing kitten), know what the reason is. See the veterinarian in the absence of a good reason.
- Cats should have good habits, including keeping their fur and anus clean. If you still find your cat does not look as clean as she should be or if she stops grooming herself, seek a vet as chances are that she might not be physically fit to groom herself.
- New problems deserve an answer. Fleas could signal their presence by black flecks and scabs. Excessive matting may indicate a need for better quality fatty acid balance in the diet. If you notice any such abnormalities, seek your vet immediately.
- Lift the cat’s tail and look at the anus. If there are rice like objects, light tan in colour hanging on the anus, they are probably tapeworm eggs. Take your kitty to the vet who will set a proper deworming schedule for your cat. Beginning four months of age, your cat should be dewormed every three months. But, if you have a kitten, she would need to be dewormed every three weeks.
- If the cat (particularly a long haired cat) has faeces clinging to the perianal area, ask your vet to trim the fur in that area. This can prevent infection from having the faeces trapped next to the skin.
- Although you provide an excellent diet, and the cat appears to be in the best health, a yearly veterinary visit is recommended much like a yearly doctor’s visit for humans.
(Kit Humphrey, featured columnist of Cats & Kittens, is a retired physician from Siberian Gatos Cattery in the US)
Smarten up!
Your kitty is very conscious of her looks…let us also help him maintain his sparkling look!
Coat care: Combing and brushing your cat once a week is an excellent habit as it helps reduce the incidence of hairballs. Place your cat on any comfortable surface. Use a fine-toothed comb on short-haired cats and a wide-toothed comb on cats with long hair. Stroke gently and evenly from the head towards the tail. Finish with brushing – always working in the direction the cat’s coat grows.
Dental care: Dental disease can cause sore, swollen gums and loss of teeth. But even more serious, it can allow the bacteria in your cat’s mouth to gain access to the body, which may lead to infections of major organs. Your veterinarian will show you the proper way to brush your cat’s teeth.
Proper dental care should begin when your cat is a kitten. Maintain your cat’s oral hygiene with a weekly tooth brushing with a cat toothpaste. Finger brushes are also available. They fit over your forefinger to make it easy work with your cat – and this is probably the best way to clean a cat’s teeth. Any time you put your fingers in a cat’s mouth, be careful not to get bitten. Always work with your cat from above and behind, to maintain control over your restless patient. Remember, you are going to begin regular tooth-brushing, it is best and very wise to start when your cat is kitten. You can also use dental chews to keep his teeth clean.
Time to call a vet: Cats tend to be fastidiously neat and your cat will clean and groom himself. But, if he begins to neglect his appearance, chances are that there is something physically wrong. Consult your vet immediately.
(Joan Henderson is based in Australia and she has judged furry felines in many other countries including USA, Bermuda, Malaysia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Philippines and New Zealand)
What’s normal? What's not?
Find out about your cat’s behaviour.
- Sleepyheads: Cats love to sleep and will keep sleeping even if it is noisy.
- Scratching: It is a normal behaviour for a cat to scratch. In order to prevent this unwanted behaviour, train him right when he is a kitten.
- Cats eat frequently: Cats eat frequently, sometimes even a nibble. Frequent eating keeps their digestive condition in an optimal condition.
- Fasting for a day or two: Sometimes, a cat does not eat for a day or two – this is normal as long as they do not appear sick. If you have doubts, do consult your vet.
- Hiding litter: Cats are clean creatures and they do not like to show their litter. They cover and hide up their business. So, keep their litterboxes in a secluded place and change litter frequently.
- Not using litterbox: If your cat has suddenly stopped using his litterbox, it could be a sign of illness. Contact your vet immediately.
Ask the Expert..July-Aug 11
Dr KG Umesh (MVSc, MSc (UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He is working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for South Asia.
Q: My cat Rani, who is seven years old, seems to have swollen gums with little bleeding. She also has bad breath. Please help.
-- R Muthy, Bangalore
Dr KG Umesh: There are many oral and respiratory diseases that contribute to bad breath in cats. Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion, periodontal diseases and feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) are some of the common dental diseases seen in senior cats. Bacteria associated with dental tartar and dental pain due to diseased teeth and gums contribute to the bad breath and bleeding. Control of gingivitis (gums inflammation) should involve regular dental home care, including tooth brushing, use of oral antiseptics, special diets and chews. Professional periodontal therapy including tooth scaling and polishing may be required. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis which involves the irreversible destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth. Treatment of periodontitis requires professional periodontal therapy, including supra- and subgingival scaling and polishing, root surface debridement and teeth extraction in cases of advanced disease. Older cats should continue to receive regular dental cleanings and extractions to make sure good dental health is maintained. Take your cat to your vet ASAP.
Watch out for fever!
It is very important to monitor your kitty’s body temperature to ensure she is healthy. Let’s see why.
Case file…
Tiger, my tripod feline pal, is usually active, naughty and playful. One day I noticed that he seemed to be in a lot of pain and was finding it difficult to walk or run. I took him immediately to the veterinarian. Tiger’s body temperature was taken and it was 104oF and rising fast. Normal body temperatures in cats range between 100-102.5°F. Immediately, the fever was brought down and Tiger was prescribed some antibiotics. I was also advised to take Tiger’s temperature at different times during the next day. The next day, Tiger’s temperature was 104.5oF and was once again rising. By the time I reached the pet clinic with Tiger, the temperature was above 105oF. Blood tests were done but the results were normal. Over the next three weeks, Tiger was treated with antibiotics to which he responded well and his temperature returned to normal. Tiger continues to be in good health. It is very important to monitor your feline’s body temperature.
What is fever…
A fever (also known as pyrexia) is defined as an abnormally high body temperature which is generated by the body to fight disease. Its purpose is to raise the internal body temperature to levels which will kill bacteria.
Symptoms of fever…
Loss of appetite, lethargy, listlessness, dehydration, shivering, rapid breathing are some of the symptoms of fever.
First aid for fever…
First aid for a cat having high temperature includes using fans and offering cool fresh water to cool the cat. You can also wrap some wet cloth around your cat to temporarily bring down the temperature, but never bathe your cat. You should then take your cat immediately to the veterinarian. If your cat has temperature over 105oF for more than a day or two, it can lead to dehydration, loss of appetite, listlessness, and even brain damage.
Measuring temperature…
Feeling the ears, body or nose is not the accurate way of telling if your cat has fever. The only reliable way to determine if your cat has fever is by taking her temperature. This is done rectally using a thermometer, either digital or mercury. If you are using a mercury thermometer, shake down the mercury to a level below 96ºF (35.6ºC). Lubricate the bulb with a small amount of petroleum or K-Y jelly. Lift your cat’s tail and insert the tip of the thermometer, about one inch, into the rectum. Normal thermometers should be left in there for two minutes. Digital thermometers should be left in until they beep.
You should exercise caution while taking the temperature of your cat. If your cat is not cooperative, seek the help of another person. Your helper can hold the cat while you take the temperature. Also rush your cat to the vet.
When to call a vet…
If the temperature of your cat is above 104°F, you should be concerned and a visit to the veterinarian would be called for. But if the temperature crosses 105oF, it requires immediate attention of the veterinarian.
Besides, very low body temperatures for cats are usually a serious sign and require immediate medical attention.
(Sudhersena is volunteer at the Blue Cross since 1998 and an avid animal lover, owns nine cats and three dogs. She is associated with a number of animal welfare campaigns and programmes)
Playful Pixiebobs!
Intelligent, affectionate, loving and playful…a Pixiebob can give you hours of entertainment…playing, loving and cuddling with you.
Muscular and solid, Pixiebobs are medium to large cats. Their eyes are triangular in shape and their brows are
heavy. They usually have a short tail of almost nothing to about six inches. They may have kinks and knots and curly cues. They are polydactyl, that is, they have extra toes. They can have upto seven toes in each paw.They usually come in various shades of brown spotted tabby. Occasionally they may be found with the classic pattern, and/or the different colours of orange, grey or black.
Loyal and playful…
They are loyal, confident, assertive and even obedient. What’s more? They like to ride in the car! They are very quiet and intelligent. They can be trained to walk on a leash and have been known to play ‘fetch’ and ‘hide & seek’. They are active, but not hyperactive. They get along well with dogs and children, given proper introductions. They also bond deeply with their family.
Make life beautiful…
Life will never be the same after having been adopted by a Pixiebob. They would love to snuggle with you and give you company.
Grooming…
Their coat is weather-resistant and required little grooming.
Healthy breed…
As a breed, the Pixiebob has a very wide gene pool, therefore there are no ‘breed specific’ diseases.
In all, a Pixiebob is a loving and playful cat…who can bring life and energy to any household.
(Shari Fedewa has been breeding Living Legend Pixiebobs for over 11 years near Orlando, Florida.)
Monday, 11 July 2011
I would like to know what food..
Q: I have a one-year-old GSD male. I would like to know what food should be given to him in summer and if any special care needs to be taken in the hot months. He sometimes is not very keen on eating food though otherwise his appetite is not much of a problem. I would also like to know certain tips on the overall health of this particular breed. How many times should we bathe him in summer?
- Snigdha, Pune
Dr KG Umesh: Heat and heat stress affects skin health and digestive health and in addition to heat stroke, the susceptible pets (puppies, young dogs, aged pets) are prone to develop a number of heat related diseases due to hyperthermia and reduced immune function. Dogs tend to eat less in summer but they spend more energy in an effort to lower the body temperature (e.g., panting). Therefore, a well-balanced nutritionally complete diet like Pedigree (which also contains some natural antioxidants) confers some protection against the effects of heat stress. Feed during cooler part of the day, if possible, or increase frequency of feeding. Make sure that you feed total recommended quantity of food for your pet in 2-3 meals. Remember to give them plenty of water so they don’t become dehydrated in the warm weather. Avoid exercising your pet in the midday heat. It’s extremely dangerous to leave a pet alone in a vehicle/room/outdoors in the sun – even with a window open – as an overheated car/room can have fatal consequences. Your pets can only cool down by panting, so make sure they have access to shade, proper shelter and water when outside. Dogs only need bathing when they are dirty or on the advice of your veterinarian.
Q: I have a five-month-old Labrador. His ears remain half erect most of times. It was alright till three months. Do I need to worry and is there something I need to do?
- Kunwar Partap Singh
Dr KG Umesh: If there are no signs of ear infection, this can be considered “normal” and many a time they become erect as ear cartilage becomes tough. Wait and watch is simple answer until he grows to an adult.
Q: My female Labrador has conceived for second time. The first time there were five puppies but were not healthy. Do advice how do I take care of her. Also in the life span of the dog, how many times is it okay for her to become pregnant? What should be the time difference between each pregnancy- so that the mother keeps healthy? If we do not want more puppies- when is it a good time to spay her?
- Rohit Medade
Dr KG Umesh: Lactation represents the most nutritionally demanding life stage for the female dog. During the first four weeks post whelping, she must eat enough to support both herself and her rapidly growing puppies. She may need to eat up to four times. Failure to meet these demands means that she will nurse her young at the expense for her own body reserves, with a resultant loss of weight and condition. The reproductive efficiency is generally greatest between three and five years of age. A female dog spayed before her first heat will have a near zero chance of developing mammary cancer but spaying can be done anytime now for your dog (avoid when she is in heat). Spaying removes both the uterus and both ovaries and is crucial in the prevention of many medical problems like mammary cancer and uterus infection etc.
Q: I want a house pet and am confused between a GSD and a Rottweiler. Can you advice what points should I consider before adopting either of them.
- Dr Vishal Shah, Ahmedabad
Dr KG Umesh: Why do you need a dog? Most people choose to keep a dog for companionship, but your 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. You must consider your own environment (space, time for exercise etc) and the characteristics of your chosen breeds and try to match up the two and select the one who match your environment and preferences. For example, GSD is acclaimed for his versatility, renowned for his intelligence, and beloved for his devotion and loyalty to his owner. The Rottweiler is a large intimidating-looking dog with muscular and powerful body. They must be thoroughly socialized at an early age as most Rottweilers are inclined towards dominance/aggression and will test for position in the family pecking order.
Q: My Lhasa Apso puppy is 45 days old. We are feeding him four times with four hours gap: 6 am (milk), 11 am (Pedigree weaning or cerelac), 3pm (curd rice), 7 pm (cerelac), but the pup is still hungry and is asking for more. He urinates more than 20 - 30 times, sometimes white in colour and sometimes yellow. He does poop four times. Should we feed him more?
- Dinesh Koti
Dr KG Umesh: 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. Proper nutrition allows for the puppy to reach his full genetic potential. It is difficult even for an experienced breeder to get the nutritional balance just right by preparing home made food. Overfeeding or too much of cereals may cause frequent and loose stools. Remember that puppies grow approximately 12 times faster than baby and baby foods/home prepared diets do not meet nutrient requirements of puppy. Mixing Pedigree with home food make his diet unbalanced. The best idea is to get your puppy used to eating only commercially prepared foods like Pedigree from the very start as they are designed to meet all their nutritional requirements.
Q: I have a Labrador who is four months old. My puppy’s front legs are becoming lean and chest/abdomen is growing and his weight is 18 kg now. He is currently having dog food four times a day with a four-hour gap. Is his growth normal?
- Manjith, Trivandrum
Dr KG Umesh: A nutritionally balanced diet is crucial for the healthy growth and development of a puppy in order to prepare him for an active, long and healthy life. Growing large breed puppies like yours are prone to develop skeletal problems by either overfeeding or underfeeding energy or/and calcium. It is therefore important to monitor his general condition and record his weight regularly on the puppy growth. The best idea is to get your puppy used to eating commercially prepared foods from the very start. The advantages of reputed commercially prepared foods are that they meet all a dog’s nutritional requirements and they don’t require any food supplements including calcium.
- Snigdha, Pune
Dr KG Umesh: Heat and heat stress affects skin health and digestive health and in addition to heat stroke, the susceptible pets (puppies, young dogs, aged pets) are prone to develop a number of heat related diseases due to hyperthermia and reduced immune function. Dogs tend to eat less in summer but they spend more energy in an effort to lower the body temperature (e.g., panting). Therefore, a well-balanced nutritionally complete diet like Pedigree (which also contains some natural antioxidants) confers some protection against the effects of heat stress. Feed during cooler part of the day, if possible, or increase frequency of feeding. Make sure that you feed total recommended quantity of food for your pet in 2-3 meals. Remember to give them plenty of water so they don’t become dehydrated in the warm weather. Avoid exercising your pet in the midday heat. It’s extremely dangerous to leave a pet alone in a vehicle/room/outdoors in the sun – even with a window open – as an overheated car/room can have fatal consequences. Your pets can only cool down by panting, so make sure they have access to shade, proper shelter and water when outside. Dogs only need bathing when they are dirty or on the advice of your veterinarian.
Q: I have a five-month-old Labrador. His ears remain half erect most of times. It was alright till three months. Do I need to worry and is there something I need to do?
- Kunwar Partap Singh
Dr KG Umesh: If there are no signs of ear infection, this can be considered “normal” and many a time they become erect as ear cartilage becomes tough. Wait and watch is simple answer until he grows to an adult.
Q: My female Labrador has conceived for second time. The first time there were five puppies but were not healthy. Do advice how do I take care of her. Also in the life span of the dog, how many times is it okay for her to become pregnant? What should be the time difference between each pregnancy- so that the mother keeps healthy? If we do not want more puppies- when is it a good time to spay her?
- Rohit Medade
Dr KG Umesh: Lactation represents the most nutritionally demanding life stage for the female dog. During the first four weeks post whelping, she must eat enough to support both herself and her rapidly growing puppies. She may need to eat up to four times. Failure to meet these demands means that she will nurse her young at the expense for her own body reserves, with a resultant loss of weight and condition. The reproductive efficiency is generally greatest between three and five years of age. A female dog spayed before her first heat will have a near zero chance of developing mammary cancer but spaying can be done anytime now for your dog (avoid when she is in heat). Spaying removes both the uterus and both ovaries and is crucial in the prevention of many medical problems like mammary cancer and uterus infection etc.
Q: I want a house pet and am confused between a GSD and a Rottweiler. Can you advice what points should I consider before adopting either of them.
- Dr Vishal Shah, Ahmedabad
Dr KG Umesh: Why do you need a dog? Most people choose to keep a dog for companionship, but your 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. You must consider your own environment (space, time for exercise etc) and the characteristics of your chosen breeds and try to match up the two and select the one who match your environment and preferences. For example, GSD is acclaimed for his versatility, renowned for his intelligence, and beloved for his devotion and loyalty to his owner. The Rottweiler is a large intimidating-looking dog with muscular and powerful body. They must be thoroughly socialized at an early age as most Rottweilers are inclined towards dominance/aggression and will test for position in the family pecking order.
Q: My Lhasa Apso puppy is 45 days old. We are feeding him four times with four hours gap: 6 am (milk), 11 am (Pedigree weaning or cerelac), 3pm (curd rice), 7 pm (cerelac), but the pup is still hungry and is asking for more. He urinates more than 20 - 30 times, sometimes white in colour and sometimes yellow. He does poop four times. Should we feed him more?
- Dinesh Koti
Dr KG Umesh: 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. Proper nutrition allows for the puppy to reach his full genetic potential. It is difficult even for an experienced breeder to get the nutritional balance just right by preparing home made food. Overfeeding or too much of cereals may cause frequent and loose stools. Remember that puppies grow approximately 12 times faster than baby and baby foods/home prepared diets do not meet nutrient requirements of puppy. Mixing Pedigree with home food make his diet unbalanced. The best idea is to get your puppy used to eating only commercially prepared foods like Pedigree from the very start as they are designed to meet all their nutritional requirements.
Q: I have a Labrador who is four months old. My puppy’s front legs are becoming lean and chest/abdomen is growing and his weight is 18 kg now. He is currently having dog food four times a day with a four-hour gap. Is his growth normal?
- Manjith, Trivandrum
Dr KG Umesh: A nutritionally balanced diet is crucial for the healthy growth and development of a puppy in order to prepare him for an active, long and healthy life. Growing large breed puppies like yours are prone to develop skeletal problems by either overfeeding or underfeeding energy or/and calcium. It is therefore important to monitor his general condition and record his weight regularly on the puppy growth. The best idea is to get your puppy used to eating commercially prepared foods from the very start. The advantages of reputed commercially prepared foods are that they meet all a dog’s nutritional requirements and they don’t require any food supplements including calcium.
My four months old English Mastiff puppy
Q: My four months old English Mastiff puppy is on dog food. Her weight is 29 kg. What quantity should I feed her per feeding – I feed her three meals a day. My puppy is not ready to walk long distances. At what age will she be ready to walk long distances? Do advice her exercise needs according to her age.
-Prabhakar R Patil, Kolhapur
Dr KG Umesh: Feed the required quantity as mentioned on the pet food label, three to four times a day. All dogs need exercise but the amount depends greatly on the individual dog. 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. Large breed generally becomes adult by 24 months of age. The rule is to exercise them a little, and often, probably not lasting for longer than 20-30 minutes for each exercise. Exercise to your dog’s abilities, not yours.
Q: I have a three years old female German Shepherds, who is facing skin problem at chest and thigh. My vet prescribed medicines. After using the medicines on a regular basis, my observation is that the problem reduces in a slow manner but also spreads in the other areas rapidly. I am facing this disease with my dog since last 5-6 months. Please advice.
– Suman Kar, Chittaranjan
Dr KG Umesh: German Shepherds are highly susceptible to certain chronic skin diseases. All chronic or recurring skin problems require some lab tests to find underlying cause. Your vet can do simple skin and blood tests that will help to identify causes like parasites, allergies, fungal or yeast infection, etc. Therefore, my approach would be to find underlying cause and then your vet will be able to recommend suitable shampoos and medications that will eliminate the cause and therefore recurring problem.
Q: Buddy- my four and a half years old Golden Retriever’s platelets count is very less (76000) and is undergoing treatment since Dec’10 for the same. It increased from 55000 to 76000. Moreover he’s got a ringworm problem too. Lately the test showed a reduced thyroid too. Please advice.
- Anupam Sharma, Mumbai
Dr KG Umesh: It is difficult for me to suggest specific treatment or diagnostic plan with the available information. Considering his multiple medical problems, I would suggest a complete medical examination and lab tests to arrive at a confirmatory diagnosis. These medical problems may be complications from an underlying disease or may be unrelated also.
Q: My two and a half months old Lab male puppy is frequently urinating and defecating inside the house. How do I house train him?
– Amrutha Sanish, Mysore
Dr KG Umesh: House training rarely presents a problem with puppies who have been reared under normal conditions. A young puppy needs to urinate and defecate frequently as he has a very small bladder and bowel. This gives you as a puppy owner plenty of opportunity to praise your puppy for performing in the right area, allowing him to learn quickly. Do not punish your puppy for doing wrong. It is your responsibility to ensure that you take your puppy to the chosen toilet area as frequently as he needs to go, generally as soon as he wakes up, after every meal and at hourly intervals. Take your puppy outside, wait with him until he performs and then praise him by giving him a snack or playing with him. Whilst he is learning, it is essential that you wait with him, so that you can praise him at the correct time. 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 not scold your dog for mistakes, but rather reward him when he is correct and he will soon want to go outside. It is also possible to train your dog to urinate and defecate on command.
Q: How can I take care of a Rottweiler during summer?
– Kannan Ramakrishnan, Bangalore
Dr KG Umesh: Generally dogs eat less in summer because of heat or heat stress. But energy requirement increases with increase in ambient temperature. This means he may need to eat more during hot summer. A well-balanced nutritionally complete diet like Pedigree confers some protection against the effects of heat stress. Feed during cooler part of the day, if possible or increase frequency of feeding. Remember to give them plenty of water so he doesn’t become dehydrated in the warm weather. It’s extremely dangerous to leave a pet alone in a vehicle/room/outdoors in the sun – even with a window open – as an overheated car/room can have fatal consequences. Avoid exercising your pet in the midday heat and stick to early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. It’s important your pets get their annual vaccinations and regular worm/parasitic treatment during summer.
-Prabhakar R Patil, Kolhapur
Dr KG Umesh: Feed the required quantity as mentioned on the pet food label, three to four times a day. All dogs need exercise but the amount depends greatly on the individual dog. 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. Large breed generally becomes adult by 24 months of age. The rule is to exercise them a little, and often, probably not lasting for longer than 20-30 minutes for each exercise. Exercise to your dog’s abilities, not yours.
Q: I have a three years old female German Shepherds, who is facing skin problem at chest and thigh. My vet prescribed medicines. After using the medicines on a regular basis, my observation is that the problem reduces in a slow manner but also spreads in the other areas rapidly. I am facing this disease with my dog since last 5-6 months. Please advice.
– Suman Kar, Chittaranjan
Dr KG Umesh: German Shepherds are highly susceptible to certain chronic skin diseases. All chronic or recurring skin problems require some lab tests to find underlying cause. Your vet can do simple skin and blood tests that will help to identify causes like parasites, allergies, fungal or yeast infection, etc. Therefore, my approach would be to find underlying cause and then your vet will be able to recommend suitable shampoos and medications that will eliminate the cause and therefore recurring problem.
Q: Buddy- my four and a half years old Golden Retriever’s platelets count is very less (76000) and is undergoing treatment since Dec’10 for the same. It increased from 55000 to 76000. Moreover he’s got a ringworm problem too. Lately the test showed a reduced thyroid too. Please advice.
- Anupam Sharma, Mumbai
Dr KG Umesh: It is difficult for me to suggest specific treatment or diagnostic plan with the available information. Considering his multiple medical problems, I would suggest a complete medical examination and lab tests to arrive at a confirmatory diagnosis. These medical problems may be complications from an underlying disease or may be unrelated also.
Q: My two and a half months old Lab male puppy is frequently urinating and defecating inside the house. How do I house train him?
– Amrutha Sanish, Mysore
Dr KG Umesh: House training rarely presents a problem with puppies who have been reared under normal conditions. A young puppy needs to urinate and defecate frequently as he has a very small bladder and bowel. This gives you as a puppy owner plenty of opportunity to praise your puppy for performing in the right area, allowing him to learn quickly. Do not punish your puppy for doing wrong. It is your responsibility to ensure that you take your puppy to the chosen toilet area as frequently as he needs to go, generally as soon as he wakes up, after every meal and at hourly intervals. Take your puppy outside, wait with him until he performs and then praise him by giving him a snack or playing with him. Whilst he is learning, it is essential that you wait with him, so that you can praise him at the correct time. 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 not scold your dog for mistakes, but rather reward him when he is correct and he will soon want to go outside. It is also possible to train your dog to urinate and defecate on command.
Q: How can I take care of a Rottweiler during summer?
– Kannan Ramakrishnan, Bangalore
Dr KG Umesh: Generally dogs eat less in summer because of heat or heat stress. But energy requirement increases with increase in ambient temperature. This means he may need to eat more during hot summer. A well-balanced nutritionally complete diet like Pedigree confers some protection against the effects of heat stress. Feed during cooler part of the day, if possible or increase frequency of feeding. Remember to give them plenty of water so he doesn’t become dehydrated in the warm weather. It’s extremely dangerous to leave a pet alone in a vehicle/room/outdoors in the sun – even with a window open – as an overheated car/room can have fatal consequences. Avoid exercising your pet in the midday heat and stick to early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. It’s important your pets get their annual vaccinations and regular worm/parasitic treatment during summer.
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