Home alone? 11 Ways to keep your pooch busy

His pleading eyes and ‘Don’t go’ look makes you go weak in the knees and you feel guilty for leaving him alone. But you can make it stimulating for your pooch. Let’s see how.

Your heart really melts when you see-off your pooch while going out for work or otherwise. First of all, desensitise your dog to your absence in home by gradually increasing the time he is left alone. If he shows symptoms of separation anxiety, deal with it, before you leave him alone for long intervals. Once he is accustomed to being left alone, you can look for ways to keep him busy when you are away. Here are 11 ways to keep your pooch busy and mentally-stimulated:

1. Let him watch outside Open the curtains of a window from where your pooch can see outside. He will have fun watching people, dogs or vehicles moving around. Be sure that the window door is secured properly so that he cannot venture out.

2. Turn on the radio/TV When you are alone at home, you probably like to switch on radio/TV to have company. You can do the same for your pooch. The sights and sounds from TV can stimulate his brain and give him the feeling of not being alone.

3. Give him a Kong toy A stuffed Kong toy with your pooch’s favourite treat will keep him occupied for hours. You can also freeze it so that it is much more engrossing for a longer time.

4. Toys to keep him busy You will be amazed to find the dog accessories at the pet shop near you. Buy dog puzzles or dog toys which can keep him mentally stimulated and of course busy.

5. Rotate the toys Do not forget to rotate toys…so that he does not get bored. Just make sure you do not keep his favourite one away as it can add to his stress.

6. Build a dog digging box Dogs love to dig…you can create a digging box in the open area of your home. You can even hide their toys in it. Let them dig and find out the reward.

7. Treasure hunt What’s valuable for your pooch, besides you of course? Well, food and treats. So, hide her kibble at places where your pet can reach. He can sniff around to find his treasure.

8. Chewing delights Dental chews will prevent your pooch from chewing household items as well as keep with teeth clean and freshen his breath. So, leave a few dental chews for him.

9. Bring him a companion Two is company…you can even think of adopting or bringing home another pet, depending upon your dog’s temperament.

10. How about a friend In case you do not wish to bring home another pet, you can ask your friend/neighbour or a petsitter to petsit him. If that friend is also a pet parent, you can call the pet as well. Your pooch will surely love it.

11. Make use of doggy daycares In case you do not wish to leave your pet alone and he is well socialised, you can put him in a doggy day care, where he will be well taken care of and he will have friends for company.

Making Festival Pawfect

Everybody looks forward to festivals… lot of delicacies, decorations at house, spending time with loved ones, and fireworks… time seems perfect. But, it can be the most dreaded time for our pets – loud noises, crackers, too much sweets… it’s simply not a dog’s life. Here’s how to make festival a fun time for our tailwagger as well.

My darling pooch Jimmy and I always look forward to festivals, as this is the time for a family reunion and

Sonakshi, Archana and Jimmy

loads of goodies. Jimmy’s joys know no bounds and he simply jumps up and down the house, pausing for a pat on his back from one and all. Things that he dislikes at this time are the crackers and loud noises. But, the frenzy gets over by some loving petting and cajoling from the family. He’s a part of us and we don’t let him suffer alone…we are there to hold his paw and give him a loving nudge every time he feels afraid. And undoubtedly, our bonding becomes stronger year after year, festival after festival.

This time, while I was making my list for do’s and don’ts this Diwali, I thought it worthwhile to ask Jimmy for his wishlist and here’s what he has to say :

Jimmy’s wishlist :

• I wish people to celebrate festivals without loud noises and crackers. 
• I wish my parents shut down that idiot box (TV) and spend that time with me playing. During festivals, they just forget to watch it and I really like them this way. 
• I wish I also had a wardrobe full of pretty dresses, one for each occasion. I also wish to sport the couture look! 
• I wish I could meet my friends who keep calling me with a soulful look at our gate. 
• I wish all my stray friends also get a loving happy home like me. They are wonderful pooches and they simply deserve the best. 
• I wish people do not hurt or frighten my pariah friends. 
• I wish there were more places where I could go with my parents. 
• I wish there were loads of holiday destinations where we could go together and have a pawfect time. 
• I wish there were more parks where I and my friends were allowed. 
• And not to forget, I wish I got more of my favourite dishes and treats.

As a pet parent, here’s my wishlist for this festive season :

• I wish Jimmy takes care of what he is sniffing around. I don’t understand how he finds the things which I least want him to sniff. 
• I wish I could understand his ‘woof woof’ and actually talk to him for hours on end. After all, he is my best buddy! 
• I wish I could spend more quality time with him – groom him, walk with him, play with him – all that is good for him. 
• I wish all pooches are blessed with a loving home and there are no homeless strays. 
• Last but not the least, I wish Jimmy has a long and healthy life, celebrating festivals together, year after year. Now, that our wishlists are complete, let’s all make this Diwali a memorable time for our cutie-pies.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts at festival time :

• Do not give puppies as gifts as festival is not the right time to bring a new member in the family who can become nervous on seeing lots of activities. 
• If you have guests at home, make a quiet place for your pet where he can retire at his own will. 
• Do not feed sweets and chocolates as treats to your canine friend as it can upset his stomach. 
• Do not leave any burning candles and diyas unattended, as your pooch might get hurt. 
• Keep all electrical wires away from his paws’ reach. 
• Use decorations, which are safe both for you and your dog. For example, use fresh flowers for rangoli instead of colours. 
• Do not let your pooch sniff or eat crackers. 
• Pets are afraid of fireworks, so keep them indoors. 
• Noisy crackers can make your pooch hysteric, so put him in a quiet place and turn on the TV or radio to distract him. 
• Do not leave him unattended if he is frightened. 
• Make sure that he does not run away from fear. As a precautionary measure, put an identification tag on his collar. 
• Amidst all activities, take time out for your loving pooch. Don’t miss his daily walks and playtime. 
• Give lots of love and comfort to your tailwagger to help him overcome his fear and anxiety.

– by Varsha Verma

Established in 2004

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When LOVE is lost…

Posted by: Dogs and pups Magazine in Care 24*7 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Comments Offon When LOVE is lost…

Just the thought of losing your canine, sends shudders to any dog lover. The death of a pet means loss of unconditional source of love and it causes a lot of mental and physical trauma. Grief is natural and nothing can substitute the loss of the bereaved. But, as we say life moves on…and so we also have to move on. Here are a few ways to help speed up the healing process.

1. Accept the feelings of grief : The first response when the pet dies is of shock and various emotions like guilt, denial, anger and depression, surface out. It’s natural and give yourself permission to grieve.
2. Talk about your pet : Only a dog lover knows how one feels after the death of a pet. So, talk about it with like-minded people who can understand your feelings.
3. Keepsakes : Do not throw your pet’s things immediately.
4. Decent goodbye : Give the pet a decent burial or cremation.
5. Memorialize the pet : Make a small place for the pet, sit there and express your feelings and pay tribute to him.
6. Do what you like : There are a lot of ways to express grief – write, sing or draw, do whatever that gives you peace.
7. Take good care of yourself : Take lots of rest, nutritious food and exercise. Try to maintain your daily routine.
8. Getting a new pet : Do not get a new pet right away unless you are ready for it.

There is no specification about the amount of time a person must mourn over a lost pet, for it differs from person to person. Life is mortal but love is immortal and nobody can take away the sweet memories of your canine from your heart…A wag of tail and a sweet bark of another canine will soon fill the void in your life.

– by Varsha Verma