Pets & KIds

Taking care of pets during festive time

Towards a perfectly safe Diwali!

As pet parents, we want our pooches to be a part of our celebrations. But, Diwali is one festival that our dogs dread. Every Diwali, there are numerous cases of dogs either hurt or burnt. Let’s make Diwali safe for our pooches.

–by Varsha Verma

 Diwali is a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness. It is a pleasure to see beautiful lighting adorning the buildings and houses within. The environment is euphoric – various delicacies, lovely clothes, exchange of gifts and sweets- and of course everything done to welcome Goddess Lakshmi to our homes. We all look forward to this occasion. One thing that spoils the festival is noisy crackers. They are not just a nuisance to us but more for our canine friends, who have an acute sense of hearing.

untitled-17How crackers affect our furry friends?

Animals are terrified of fireworks. They become stressed on hearing loud noises. They tremble, drool, bark, howl and try to hide or get out of the house. They refuse to eat and may even lose bladder or bowel control. Sometimes, while trying to escape from home, they may accidentally get hurt as well. Incidents of dog abuse are still prevalent; just out of mere fun, some children and sadists tie crackers to the strays. This burns them severely and results in various behavioural issues in these poor animals.

 How to make Diwali safe for dogs?

Create awareness: Prevention is always better than cure. Ask your neighbours and friends not to use loud crackers as they are harmful to both humans and dogs.

Desensitise the dog: Start preparing your dog for Diwali. Expose him to low levels of noise and then gradually increase the intensity. Make sure not to expose him to very high levels, as this may harm his hearing ability.

Exercise him before crackers time: Take your dog out for his daily exercise an hour before the fireworks, so that he is tired and less anxious.

Feed him early: A hungry dog will be more anxious. So, feed him well before the fireworks start.

Do not take him out when crackers are on: Keep your dog inside the home, with the doors and windows properly closed so that he cannot run out. Leave a TV or radio on.

Make him comfortable: Give him things he like – treats, toys, his bed, etc.

Do not disturb him: If your pooch hides under the bed or any of his hiding places, let him be there.

Do not cajole him: Do not soothe or comfort your dog, it will only increase the problem. Be in control and be cheerful.

Consult your vet: If you have a senior dog or a nervous dog, talk to your vet before Diwali, who can recommend a light sedative for him.

Put a name tag on his collar: Do not forget to put a name tag on his collar, so that in case he runs out, you can still find him.

Give shelter to strays: If possible, give shelter to strays in your neighbourhood, who would also be very stressed due to loud noises. Give them food and water and in case you see any of them injured, call for an ambulance.

Last but not the least: Be with your pet. Your presence is a great assurance that they are safe.

Jennifer Winget & her life with pooches

Jennifer Winget has stolen many hearts through her mesmerising looks and acting prowess on the small screen. Little do people know that this young lady’s heart is stolen by Breezer, her pet dog.

Beautiful actress Jennifer Winget has appeared in many Indian TV shows like Kkusum, Kahin to Hoga, Saraswatichandra, to name a few. She won the Indian Television Academy Awards for Best Actress Critics for her leading role in the Star Plus romantic series Saraswatichandra. Eastern Eye placed her at 21st position on its list of World’s Sexiest Asian Women for 2012. Much has been written about this young lass but there’s more.

My first pet….

“As a child I remember how I always wanted a pet but mum never let me have one. She was afraid of dogs and still is but now with my Labrador, Breezer that has changed. He is the child she loves the most now and gets along with him excellently,” shares Jennifer.

What makes my day?

Every pet has a unique quality or antic, which just melts our hearts. On asking Jennifer, she replies sweetly, “ He makes the cutest face when he wants a chewy to eat. He looks at me and tilts his head a little bit. It’s the cutest face I have ever seen.”

Life with my pooch…

“I enjoy driving with Breezer and simply hate leaving Breezer behind every time I go to shoot. I guess I am the one with separation anxiety when it comes to him. He is six now and unlike most dogs, thoroughly enjoys a drive, popping his head out, with the wind on his face. Though neither of the two of us are early risers, an occasional Sunday early morning is marked for me to take him on a nice long drive followed by his walk,” she tells.

What I love about my pooch?

“Definitely his eyes. He speaks straight to my heart with them. I believe that there is just so much unconditional love that dogs, or any other animal for that matter, can give you for the little that we give them in return. You get a glimpse of this love through their eyes, like a doorway to their soul and they’ll always let you in,” tells Jennifer with a twinkle in her eyes.

What my pooch loves about me?

“I, no matter how naughty he’s been, I will always melt with one of his characteristic puppy-dog looks and also that I let him snuggle on the bed and sleep with me,” tells Jennifer.

Vacations together…

“The two of us have both been on a sabbatical this past year and have been enjoying a relaxing time away at my new holiday home in Goa. He loves it there and I was surprised how easily he made himself at home. The beach is in close proximity so he enjoys his long runs, chasing the waves. What he couldn’t get enough of, though, was swimming in the pool on the property. Every time we got him out, he couldn’t wait to jump right back in,” shares Jennifer.

Taking care of pet’s needs…

As a responsible pet parent, Jennifer makes it a point to take care of his pet’s exercise, nutrition and other needs. “Though I’m not as disciplined as I should be with myself when it comes to the right nutrition and exercise, but with Breezer, I’m like an over-cautious, nit-picky mom. As he grows older, I’ve grown even more careful and make sure he eats and exercises better than I do. Labs tend to get overweight with age and touchwood with regular vet checks and routine exercise, Breezer’s weight is ideal. He’s been prescribed a certain supplement for his bones and he surprisingly laps it all up along with his regular food, like a good boy. I try to play with him in my garden as much as I can; it’s a stress buster for me too,” replies Jennifer.

Most difficult thing about being a pet parent…

Being a pet parent is not easy…a pet is like a family member, who needs your love, time and care. “I know Breezer loathes it when I leave him for a couple of days during outdoor shoots. He lives with my mum on those days; but misses me. Once I was preparing to leave for a few days, he understood from all the packing that I wasn’t going to be home with him that night. That sad look on his face is now etched in my mind because just as we were loading the luggage in the car and he came down with me to see me off, he ran and sat in the boot of the car and refused to get out. My heart breaks every time I have to leave him,” tells Jennifer.

On a concluding note…

“To me, Breezer is family, my most prized and cherished member. We’ve been through great memories and hard times together and though my emotions have their highs and lows, his love for me is unconditional and consistent. It’s the one thing that comes, rest assured, when anything else isn’t going your way,” concludes Jennifer.

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

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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