ConsultVet, Author at ConsultVet

Author: ConsultVet

A Threat To The Dairy Industry

India ranks first in milk production with 184 MMT annual milk production. Still, there is scope for increasing milk production. Our milk has less demand in the international market due to poor milk quality and hence there is scope to increase export of milk and milk products by enhancing milk quality as per the demands of the international market. Mastitis is an economically important disease of high-yielding dairy cattle and buffaloes prevalent around the world which is responsible for the deterioration of milk quality, decrease in milk production, loss of affected quarters and even culling of chronically affected cattle. Response to antibiotic treatment is not much promising in the case of bovine mastitis. Mastitis is of two types viz., clinical mastitis (visible abnormality in milk and swelling of teat and udder) and subclinical mastitis (no gross abnormality in milk and udder). Subclinical mastitis is more devastating contributing to around 56% of all mastitis cases. In dairy animals, it is difficult to diagnose subclinical mastitis by gross examination of milk as there is no swelling of the udder and teats, but only there is the qualitative and quantitative deterioration of milk causing heavy economic losses to farmers. Subclinical mastitis can be diagnosed by cow side California Mastitis Test (CMT) and followed by necessary treatment and control measure implementation. So, in order to reduce economic losses, management practices in dairy farming need to be upgraded based on scientific evidence. The dairy farmers should strive for maintaining sound udder health, should use the right (full hand) method of hand milking, machine milking and maintaining the hygiene of machines, dry cow therapy, pre, and post milking teat dipping, hygiene, and cleanliness of the shed and cow environment and enhancing non-specific udder immunity by providing micro-nutrients in the diet of dairy animals.

Abandoning Pet: A grave Cruelty

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Fears that the companion pets might transmit COVID-19 infection have increased the cases of pet abandonment by panicked owners. The animals are thrown out on the streets and they suffer beating, kicking, over-riding, torturing, thirst, hunger, and even death. Cruelty to animals is an offense under Section 11(1)(i) and Section 11(1)(j), PCA Act, 1960’ which
comes with a prison term of up to three months. Hence, it is important to understand what is cruelty to animals. Causing unnecessary pain or suffering to pet animals, animals left outside without proper shelter, neglecting an animal by denying sufficient food, water, shelter, and
exercise, or by keeping them chained/confined for long, comes under cruelty to animals.

If someone is COVID-19 infected, or suspected, he/she should practice strict quarantine and one must restrict their contact with others including pets. Ask another member of your family to take care of your pets. Based on scientific papers published so far on the matter, it is clear that pet animals do not transmit the COVID-19 infection to humans. Although it is advisable
to avoid close contact with your pets, including sharing food, snuggling/petting, and kissing your pets to avoid the spread of disease. Currently, there are no vaccines for COVID-19 for people or animals. The World Health Organization has advised all pet owners that instead of
abandoning pets, owners should focus on good hygiene.
Happy Pet Parenting.

Pet Insurance in India

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Pet Insurance

Yes, now you can get an insurance policy for your companion pets and show that you care. Companies like New India Insurance, United India Insurance, and Oriental Insurance offer pet insurance policies and cover against diseases, accidents, disability, loss or theft, or even death while the policy is in effect. The pet insurance plans are approved by IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority) and the rate of premium is between 3 – 5% of the sum assured. Sum assured depends on the species, breed, and other factors. These plans can be customized for dogs, cats, birds, and other animal species. Some companies offer third-party liability cover, if a pet attacks, bites, or damages third-party property. It is important to note that companies often demand detailed identification records, pedigree records, and a Veterinary Health Certificate by a qualified Veterinary Doctor at the time of proposing the insurance. Happy Pet Parenting.

Protect your Pets from Ectoparasites

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Ectoparasites are the organisms staying on the outside (skin and hairs) of the animals. These ectoparasites include fleas, lice, mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and mites. Ectoparasites are responsible for producing harmful effects to pet animals in the form of biting, blood-sucking, the transmission of various parasitic, bacterial, viral, and haemoprotozoan diseases. Apart from that ectoparasites are responsible for causing various types of dermatological disorders in pet animals leading to alopecia, chronic localized or generalized dermatitis marring the external presentation or look of pets. Among various harms caused by these ectoparasites, the transmission of deadly Haemoprotozoan infections is an important one. Various haemoprotozoa like Babesia, Hepatozoan, and other blood pathogens like Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Mycoplasma, etc. are mainly transmitted by ticks. All these blood pathogens are responsible for causing diseases characterized by fever and anemia due to blood loss which may if ignored becomes deadly to the pet animal. Strike of flies on even small wound/ scratch during the humid season may produce maggot wounds on the skin and even transmit some bacterial infections. Mosquitoes are biting insects that feed on blood and may cause discomfort to animals, dermatitis, and secondary bacterial infections of the skin. Moreover, they are vectors for transmission of dog heartworm Dirofilaria immitis.

Guidelines

Observe your pet for any ectoparasite
Do regular bathing, combing/ brushing to hairs of your pet
Use soaps, shampoos exclusively formulated for pets
Never use human skincare products for your pets
Keep proper hygiene in pet homes to avoid breeding of some ectoparasites

What Dog Owners Need to Know

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Susceptibility:

Puppies less than 2 months of age.
Puppies born to mothers who were not given vaccination.
Young dogs who have not been vaccinated yet.

Your pet is suffering! How can you know?

Initial Symptoms:

Watery to pus-like ocular discharge.
Fever (Biphasic Fever = Intermittent Fever)
Nasal Secretions
Coughing
Lethargy
Inappetance
Vomition and Diarrhoea.

Later Symptoms: (Nervous system)

Tilting of Head
Circling Movement
Muscle Twitching(Chorea)
Chewing Gum Fits (Convulsions with champing of jaws and salivation)
Seizures
Partial or Complete Paralysis

Prevention: (Vaccination)

Series of vaccinations to immunize when the immune system has not yet fully developed.
Do not break immunization schedule.
Avoid contact with infected animals
Avoid socializing puppies or unvaccinated pets

Treatment:

Consult to veterinarian.

Pet Parenting: Checklist

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Identification and registration
Regular health checkups and consultation
Scheduled vaccination & deworming (parasite control)
Balanced diet (as per requirement) and freshwater (round the clock)
Dental, eye, ear, and skincare
Regular bathing, grooming, exercise
Educating, Socialisation and Training
Monitoring behaviour change
Companionship
Insurance

Happy Pet Parenting.

Bathing Routine For Your Pet

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Do you know, unlike you, your pets (dogs and cats) don’t need regular baths? You wish it was the same for you too, but I am sorry lazy bud, go get up and take a bath.

Your pet’s skin is different from the skin you’re in so eventually, it needs to be taken care of in a different manner.

On average, your pet needs water play every 10 – 15 days in summers and 20 – 30 days in winters. If you feel that he is stinky or dirty in between, you can use dry shampoos or wet wipes specially manufactured for your pet.

Pets don’t need daily baths because unlike us, they don’t have sweat glands on their body (except paws), so it takes 3 – 4 days for them to make a layer of oil on the skin which protects them from the invisible microbe army in the external environment ready to infect them, and by frequent bathing, you are not allowing their body to make that layer and inviting the skin problems which include dry and flaky skin, dull hair coat and hair fall with open arms.

Make the experience as pleasant as possible, otherwise, you will not be able to find your pet around you whenever he hears “bathing time.”

Dancing under a shower works well for you, but not for your little friend. It takes 5 equally important steps for a pet to enjoy this bathing ritual.

Brushing – the beginning

The bathing process doesn’t start with splashes of water, rather with a gentle cuddle and brushing your pet. Always Comb your pet’s coat with a brush suitable for his hair length. Here, the direction of brushing is the key. Use the brush in the direction of the hair and remove all the tangled hair. You don’t need to be rough, gentle brushing and cuddles will do it for your little munchkin.

Plug the ears

Before pouring any water, it is better to plug the ears with cotton. It provides great help by absorbing moisture in case of any accidental water spillage in the ears. Otherwise, this water will provide a cozy comfy home for Bacteria to grow in the ear, ultimately leading to an ear infection which will result to head shaking, head tilting, and in severe cases scratching.

Water game is on!

Here comes the step we waited for. Always use lukewarm water to make your pet comfortable. Now wet the body from tail to neck. Take pet shampoo, apply it to the body, and lather it. Enjoying? Be gentle, and your pet will enjoy it too. The quantity of the shampoo to be used vary from shampoo to shampoo. Generally, medicated shampoos have less lather than normal shampoos. So take care, do not overuse a shampoo just to enjoy the froth. Do your dishes, the dishwashing liquid too will lather. Enjoy it there.

The Head should be cleansed after the body and with light hands. No hustle on the head, you will never want your pet to hate baths. Right? Wait for 10 – 15 minutes for the shampoo to get absorbed by the skin. After 15 minutes, rinse the head first and then the body. You can use a conditioner after shampoo or nowadays shampoo and conditioner combinations are also available in the market.

Drying – a crucial step

Generally, this is the step where most people go wrong. Either they will just dry their pet with a swipe of a towel or will leave him to the universe for natural drying. Why this step is crucial because if not dried properly then he might get sick, and then you will complain “My pet is not active after bathing.” You need to take care of him to stay all active.

So, always use a hairdryer for this purpose. It is possible that your pet will get afraid of the noise generated by the drier initially. But he will get used to it if done in the right way and is introduced at an early age.

Brushing – the conclusion

You thought it’s over? No buddy, here is the closure. After drying use a brush suitable for your pet’s breed and brush again in the direction of the hair. This will remove any tangled hair left on the body. The coat will appear silky smooth now and your pet is ready for a shampoo advertisement. Now it’s time for your pet to flaunt his silky, smooth, and shiny hair to the world. Go take your pet for a walk and show the world what cuteness combined with happiness looks like.

Winter Precautions for Dogs: Tips Take Care Of Your Dog In Winters

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The winter period is said to be a healthy period for your pet. Your pet will not get sick easily if you take care of a few points.

1. Warm and cozy Bedding

Just like us he also feels cold. Never leave him outside the house on the balcony or parking area especially at night. Provide him warm and cozy bedding. Some dogs will tear the bed into pieces, you recently bought for him. So, always observe him keenly while introducing a new bed to him. Try to keep both the beds(old and new) together initially, this will give him time to accept the new bed and after few days when he will be comfortable with the new bed, you can remove the old one.

2. Car accidents

Every year some cases can be heard where stray dogs get under the car hood over the warm motor during the night to get the warmth of the motor and sleep there. In the morning when you are in a hurry, you just start and drive the car, which leads to an accident. These kinds of incidents can occur with our pets also. Next time in winters while starting the car in the morning make sure to have a look under the car hood.

3. Clothing

Decreased body temperature (normal is 101.5’F to 102.5’F) is very common in winters and is a matter of concern. Always provide your pet appropriate clothing in winters. With this simple precaution, you can prevent him from getting sick.

4. Bathing

Your dog doesn’t need daily bathing due to the absence of sweat glands on the skin. Bathing is required after 10 – 15 days in summer and 20 days to even a month in winter. Make sure to bathe him at noon on a bright sunny day to make sure he doesn’t get sick.

5. Heaters

If you frequently use heaters in your house then your pet is more prone to accidents due to heaters. Your pet has a tendency to find a warmer place and sit on it. When they do the same with heaters they can burn themselves. You need to keep an eye on his activities around the room heaters.

6. Over feeding

This is a very common issue with dogs. Physical activities generally decrease in the winters as compared to the summers. If you don’t take care of his feeding habits he might get obese. So, never overfeed him especially in winters.

7. Hydration

In winter water of your pet is reduced deliberately. It is very important to hydrate your pet and provide him regular drinking water. Moreover, water kept in the feeding bowl of your pet should be regularly changed.

8. Care of adult Dogs

Adult dogs (above 6-7 years of age) develop problems related to joints eg. arthritis. These get noticed when the problem like lameness and inability to bear weight on legs occurs. In such cases, it is important to lubricate joints along with additional supplementation and exercise. In extreme cases never delay your visit to the vet.

Protect Your Lovely Pets from Rat Poison

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Our pets are not necessarily at risk of being attacked by rats, but rather from the poison people set out to rid our dwellings of rats. Poison is the most commonly used way to eliminate rats, but there are chances of our pets also getting either directly ingesting the poison or indirectly from eating a dead poisoned rat.

My Pet Eats Rat Poison: How can I know?

Garlic or Fish like Smells from Breath.
Nose Bleeds.
Blood in Stool, Urine or Vomit.
In coordination, Depression or Lethargy.
Seizures.

My Pet Eats Rat Poison: What can I do?

Treat it as an Emergency.
Rush to the Vets sooner.

How to Avoid Our Pet to Get Poisoned

TIP 1- Avoid Trapping- Repel Rats Instead.
TIP 2- Keep Trap Bait Poison-Free.
TIP 3- Bait Traps According to a Rat’s Diet.
TIP 4- Place Rat Traps in the Right Places.

Things To Keep In Mind When Giving A Bath To Your Pet

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Have you ever wondered what makes your pet so uncomfortable when he hears you saying bathing time?

The very first bath of your little pooch is very important, as it will decide whether he is going to love or hate the bathing time for the rest of his life.

You need to care about few things and make the experience for him as pleasant as possible.

Gentle handling

Never be too tough with him, otherwise, be ready to play Tom & Jerry with him. And your pet is inherited to be good at it.

Select the time when it’s neither too hot nor too cold.

If he is already uncomfortable with the environment, then how can we expect him to Cooperate during the bathing routine. So make sure the environmental temperature suits him the best…

Water temperature is the key

Next time before bathing, put few drops on the backside of your hand. It shouldn’t feel too cold or hot. Lukewarm water should always be used for the bathing routine.

Keep the candies handy

This is another way to make him like the routine. Give some of his favorite candies while giving him a bath. This will make him feel rewarded and he will eventually like the process.

Drying – the final step

After bathing, never leave your pet as such to get dried by himself. This will make him feel cold and eventually make him sick. So every time you give him a bath, make sure to dry him well