EDITORIAL

Only the best will do for you !!

FEATURE...

BREED PROFILE

BEAUTIFUL BIG Red Setters

Red Setters

Feathered silky flowing red hair, dark hazel expressive eyes, muscular legs, proportionate bodyline, athletic with sweet temperament… the Red Setters have it all! His beautiful looks and high energy will bring joy to your family. Here’s some more info about this lovely breed.

HEALTH

LIFE IS PRECIOUS PREVENTING CANCER IN DOG

TIPS

  5 Tips to bring home a friend for life!

9 Tips for the first-time exhibitor

9 Tips on winter care for your pooch

  5 Tips to bring home a friend for life!

Bringing a pup home is a big decision and it involves a lot of responsibility and efforts to pet a pup. So for assistance, here are a few tips that will work wonders for you if you are planning to bring home a PUPPY- your friend for life.

• Ensure your puppy is 8 weeks old when you adopt him, so that he gets adequate mother’s milk and antibodies to fight diseases and be socialised.

• Match the required breed characteristics and your requirement before selecting a friend for life.

• Introduce a puppy at an appropriate time to the family, when all the family members have time for him. Avoid festive seasons or any other demanding occasion.

• Puppy should be bought from a reliable source, ensure that the puppies parents are taken care of.

• Look for an active, lively youngster with bright sparkling eyes, a shining coat and a moist nose, free from mucous.

To all the puppy parents - all the best!

-by Dr. Varinder S Gindra

9 Tips for the first-time exhibitor

• Be sure your dog is current on all inoculations.

• Learn the proper techniques for grooming and for presenting your dog in the ring.

• Join your breed’s parent club, or a local specialty and/or all-breed club in your area.

• Become familiar with the KCI rules and regulations for dog shows.

• Attend some dog shows to observe your breed being judged and how others present your breed.

• Use the knowledge of your breeder.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

• Attend handling classes with your dog.

– by Amit Gowda

9 Tips on winter care for your pooch

• Keep him warm and cosy at all times. A good dog coat will not only make him look stylish but will also protect him from winter woes.

• Clean his paws every time he comes out from a walk and dry them properly.

• Don’t leave him outside in the cold for long periods of time as wind chill can make him sick. Keep him well-sheltered.

• Even though your dog may appear hungry at all times, do not overfeed him. But if he stays outdoors or is engaged in physical activities, only then increase his food intake.

• Keep his coat well groomed for proper insulation.

• In case he gets wet, towel-dry or blow-dry him immediately.

• Do not leave him alone in the car as it will get too cold.

• Provide plenty of fresh water as he can get dehydrated in winters as well.

• Fireplaces and heaters should be kept out of his reach at all times.     

TRAINING... ...

Training your K9 kid

A dog’s personality depends on various factors, like her neonatal experiences, hormones, and her exposure to various stimuli from the day she is born till the time you bring her home. Even though you may or may not have control over these critical periods in your puppy’s life, but you can still mould her into a properly behaved dog by training her at the right age. Here are a few tips on puppy socialisation and winning your puppy’s trust, respect and confidence.

 ­ – by Philip A. Butt

Caesar and Little Ms. Confidence

What happens when the lil’ baby of the house gets a new sibling? Sibling rivalry? This is what happened to Caesar when Raven and Josh brought home Ms. Confidence. But, all is well that ends well and soon she found a secure place in Caesar’s heart.

– by Tricia Orr

Paws and their stars

Camera is his first love and Flash his second and they are together right from morning till late at night. Flash gives an enthusiastic welcome to all models and adds life to the studio. Favourite of all celebrities, he has been shot with the who’s who of Bollywood. Yes, we are talking about the famous fashion photographer Dabboo Ratnani and his Boxer friend ‘Flash,’ who have spend almost six years of togetherness. Happily married to Manisha, their’s a perfect family, with their life revolving around Flash. D&P had a conversation with Dabboo and Manisha to know more about their baby Flash. Excerpts

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Common health concerns

Your dog may live a long and healthy life, and never experience any health problems. However, it’s still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the more common canine health concerns so that if he should develop a problem, you will know what to do. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common complaints your dog may face, and what you can do about them.

Allergies : Dogs can be allergic to a variety of things including grass, flea bites and, less commonly, food. Allergies in dogs usually cause skin problems - although food allergies can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. If you see your dog scratching, licking, and biting himself, take him to your vet to diagnose the problem. Your vet can recommend treatment products and procedures, and you may also need to keep your dog away from allergy-causing substances.

Diarrhoea : There are two types of diarrhoea that dogs experience: acute and chronic. Acute diarrhoea strikes suddenly and doesn’t last long. It is often caused by food allergies, infection, or if your dog eats food from the garbage can. Acute diarrhoea can be managed without too much trouble. However, with diarrhoea, there is always a risk of dehydration, so you will have to ensure that your dog takes in enough water, even if he’s not eating. A day of fasting, followed by a special, bland diet should restore his health. Call your vet if the diarrhoea continues, or if your dog has a fever, abdominal pain, starts vomiting or seems depressed.

Chronic diarrhoea is a longer-term problem that is often caused by an illness such as Colitis or pancreatic problems. Your vet will need to diagnose the problem and direct the treatment.

Ear problems : Ear mites are parasites that live in the ear canals of dogs and they can cause a bacterial infection or inflammation. If your dog has ear mites, he may excessively shake or tilt his head. Your vet can easily diagnose ear mites - they leave behind a distinctive brown discharge - and prescribe anti-mite eardrops. You will have to administer the drops at home for four-to-six weeks. It takes some persistence to get rid of these parasites.

Ear infections are also common in dogs, especially dogs with floppy ears. If your dog has an ear infection, he may scratch his ears or shake his head. Treatment consists of a visit to your vet, who will clean out his ears with a special solution, and may prescribe antibiotics.

Fleas : Fleas can cause a range of health problems in both dogs and humans. They are difficult to spot and are usually diagnosed by the presence of flea dirt - black flakes or specks. Your dog may scratch and bite himself if he has fleas. However, even if he doesn’t scratch, the presence of fleas should still be of concern. To rid your dog of fleas, treatment will consist of a flea control program that includes treating his environment -your vet can recommend the appropriate flea control program.

Obesity : Excess weight creates a high risk for medical problems and can shorten a dog’s life. Obesity is probably the most common nutritional disease among adult dogs. It is estimated that 40% are overweight. A quick way to tell if your dog is overweight is to feel his ribs with the flat of your hand. If you can only feel the ribs with difficulty, your dog probably needs to lose weight.

Occasionally, underlying health problems can make a dog overweight. But overfeeding and under exercising are much more common causes of excess weight. If your dog is overweight, take him to the vet to rule out any medical problems. Your vet will set a target weight for your dog and select a proper diet. You will also need to give your dog regular exercise.

Worms  : They are a common problem for dogs and must be controlled for his safety and yours. The most common worms are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Although they may not seem to cause your dog problems, worms can stress his immune system, cause diarrhoea and vomiting, and, in rare cases, spread to people. A preventive program of regular worming should be a part of your dog’s health routine.

The good news is that there are more ways than ever to eliminate worms and other internal parasites, and your vet is your best resource for treatment. A thorough worming program includes flea control because fleas may carry tapeworm eggs. Some heartworm medications also prevent intestinal parasites.

The road to health

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of this information on common health concerns in dogs. Your dog may never experience any of these conditions - and he certainly won’t experience them all at once. However, if you are prepared, you will be better able to give your dog the care and attention he will need. After all, he deserves your help in achieving the best health possible because of all the warmth and companionship he brings to your life. And if your dog is healthier and happier, both of you will have more time together - and that makes it all worthwhile!

Personality... 

 Friendicoes and geeta friends for life

“Animal shelter should be a last resort; an animal shelter like an old age home or orphanage is the symbol of dysfunctional society. The very fact, that we have to run such shelters, shows that our society is limping. We have to take the community responsibility. If every home takes care of one dog at their door, may be we wouldn’t need any shelters. One can learn the biggest lesson of life from these mute creatures. Like I have learnt patience, loyalty and humility from them. So join hands for animal welfare, help us to help them,” says Geeta. 

– by Smita Mishra

Grooming ... ...

Pet grooming made easy

Grooming provides bonding time along with ensuring that you’ll keep your pet's skin and coat healthy and be aware of any subtle changes in condition.

– by Dr. Gandhi Narendra

PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT

Pawfect Chews

Pawfect Nutrition

Pawfect Puppy Diet

Pawfect Weaning Diet

Pawfect Protection

Pawfect Supplement

Pawfect Nutrition Balance Senior

Dr. K. G. Umesh (MVSc, MSc ( UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He has been a lecturer in clinical medicine at Vet College in Bangalore for 15 years, and has won the 'best teacher' award in the year 2000. He is a member of European Society for Vet Dermatology and is presently working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for south Asia.

CLICK & TRAIN

Clickers can be used to teach our canines new behaviours pleasantly. Last issue, Shaune Ryder gave tips on using clicker to shape your canine’s behaviour. Here, we present the right way to chant commands and reinforce positive behaviour of our canines.

– by Shaune Ryder

Skin care regimen for your K9

Skin is the largest organ of the body representing 15-25% of body weight. Rightly called “first line of defence,” it protects other body parts from weather extremities, ultra violet radiations and injuries, which makes skin care regimen all the more important. Here’s a piece of advice on the same.

 – by Dr. Avinash Srivastava

We are at daddy’s workplace

Pets are like kids, they need care, love and above all companionship. And most of us are forced to leave them alone at home, while leaving for workplace, every morning. But Americans have found a way out as now they allow pets at workplace. Tellme Networks Inc, an internet telecommunications company is amongst the pioneers, which followed the same concept. Recently one survey also revealed that nearly one in five US companies allow pets at work.

According to the survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, pets at work make atmosphere more lively and friendly as co-workers share a good time together, resulting in lower absenteeism.

Pooch fights for movie piracy

The Motion Picture Association of America has recently unveiled its latest tool in the war on movie piracy, a pair of DVD-sniffing Labrador Retrievers named Lucky and Flo, who can detect pirated DVDs. The job for Lucky and Flo will be to sniff out optical discs in luggage or other containers, and stop the discs from getting to manufacturing plants where they can be reproduced.

Bow-VOW...me the best man!

All the pet lovers in UK have got another reason to make their pooches feel special. This time, it’s out-of-the-world moment for them. As the Church of England priests have been adorned with power to include dogs in the wedding service. That means your Best Man can very well be your pet dog.

Well that’s not all, while performing the special task; pets are dressed up well to match the bride’s or groom’s grandeur. They are dressed up in tuxedoes and bow ties, silk dresses, all with sparkling jewelry coupled with a bouquet of fresh flowers. When their masters exchange ‘I dos’, they witness the moment with pride carrying the rings attached by ribbons around their neck.

As the trend increases, the retail outlets are filled with special outfits for the occasions. A dog tuxedo cost £19.99 and includes a white shirt with a black overcoat, bow tie and top hat. For the ladies, a lacy silk dress comes for £ 99.99.

Haute couture...doggies on ramp

Wagging tail, awesome gait and posing perfect...it’s our pooch on the ramp, swelling with pride, while doing the catwalk. Vivienne Westwood, Ben de Lisi and Basso & Brooke, were a few international designers, our doggies loved to flaunt at the recently held Pet a Porter Harrods Fashion Show, London (UK).

In an exclusive fashion event for four-legged ramp scorchers delightfully modeled for everything from dog coats to accessories to hairstyles. And guests went away with an exclusive doggy bag packed with a selection of canine treats and a Harrods latest dog brochure.

I am off ... to God’s own country

‘Are pets allowed?’ are the words that haunt all pet parents, before planning a holiday. But if you have plans for backwaters...breathe easy. The Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation has recently launched a holiday home for pets. The special team of trained professionals is also formed to take extra care of pooches on vacations and pamper them with spa treatment, shampooing and delicacies.

EVENTS REPORT

Coming Events 2006-07

Vetnex unleashes latest product range

At the recently held Lucknow Canine Practitioners Club Meet, Vetnex unveiled its latest range of products. Pankaj Hastwala, area manager and Ajinder Katiyar (VSE) launched Vetnex Canine range of products amongst leading vets of Lucknow through a product presentation and display.

Where’s the party tonight?

To add more frolic to our pooches’ celebrations, this festive season, K9 Klub, Chembur, Mumbai is organizing a social event for pets and their owners on December 3, 2006 at Chembur. In keeping with the spirit of the season, the party will involve X’mas themed fancy dress and several other contests, games and activities for pets. Also, avail an opportunity to adopt a stray pup.

For details and registration contact : Dr Deepa Katyal (9819742557), Rajeev (9821141615), or Malaika (9820854668).

Asian congress on canine practice

The 4th Asian Congress on Canine Practice, organized by the Indian Society for Advancement of Canine Practice and Nagpur Veterinary College , will be held from February 7-9, 2007 at Hotel Centre point, Ramdaspeth, Nagpur , Maharashtra . About 500 delegates from India and abroad will participate in the convention.

For more details, contact: Dr. Hemant Jain, Organizing Secretary (ISACP), Asian Congress-2007, The Indian Society for Advancement of Canine Practice, Murlidhar Apartments, Near Telegraph Office, Dharampeth, Nagpur-10, Mob : 09850488660, 09850489189.

Coming Events 2006-07

The Hyderabad Canine Club

November 18-19, 2006

21st & 22nd Championship Dog Show

Ludhiana Kennel Club

November 19, 2006

Open Show

Bangalore Canine Club

November 25-26, 2006

14 th Championship Dog Show

North Calcutta Kennel Club

November 25-26, 2006

20th & 21st Championship Dog Show

Doon Valley Kennel Club

November 26, 2006

34th & 35th Championship Dog Show

Madras Canine Club

December 9-10, 2006

1st & 2nd FCI International Champion Dog Show

Calcutta Canine Club

December 16-17, 2006

47th & 48th Championship Dog Show

Amritsar Kennel Club

December 17, 2006

16th & 17th Championship Dog Show

Mumbai Cannine Club

December 17, 2006

Obedience Show

Jaipur Kennel Club

December 17, 2006

1st Open Show

Gurgaon Kennel Club

December 24, 2006

3rd & 4th Championship Dog Show

Delhi Kennel Club

December 31, 2006

62nd & 63rd Championship Dog Show

Poona Kennel Club

January 6-7, 2007

81st & 82nd Championship Dog Show

Fun @ Nathuvakhan

A short letrip does wonders in rejuvenating our spiorits and when our loving pets accompany us, the fun and enjoyment get doubled. I was on cloud nine, when I came to know that we are going on a vacation to Nathuvakhan near Nainital,along with my best pals - Whisky and Imli.

Imli, Wand me played in the hills, rolled on the grass and shoed away butterflies. It was a magical moment for all of us. Lost in the lap of nature, we enjoyed tranquility and shared some memorable moments together. Imli and Whisky pampered their adventurous self also and went for trecking with and came back galloping with joy. Fun ,joy, excitement and adventure, we had it all, it was a real great escape.

- Rhea

Me , Myself and Mosky

There are some bonds in life , which are truly eternal, as our bonding ith Mopsy, our pet dog. Before Mopsy, we had a pet, who we loved, and when he passed away, we all were heart broken.Since then we'd decided not to have pets. But like all good things, Mopsy made his way into our home and eventually to our hearts.

Mopsy was lying uncared and unattended on the streets, when my grandchildren found him and started feeding him secretly with a part of their lunch and dinner. When one morning, in the absence of my grandchildrenI saw Mopsy at my doorstep, waiting for his angels to give him food, his eyes were gleaming with anticipation. This lean and weak creature was looking up to me for help. Forgetting all the past incidents, I picked him up and brought him home.My family and neighbourhood were not happy with my decision. Against all odds, with the help of my vet I nursed him back to health. And till date, I ensure he gets periodical preventive care and all his records are maintained.

Surprisingly much to our delight, Mopsy has now become, in a way, the pet of our entire neighbourhood.And we all shower our love and care on him.

– Venkatram Shrinivas

– Vaibhav

His Highness Brandy

– Suranjana Birla

My best friend

We all in our lives need a friend, who can share our moments of joy, sorrow, victory or defeat, without whom fun in our life is put to an end.

Even I needed such a friend, a friend who can my messed life mend.And when I found Snowey and Lalu as my pets,my search for that friend was put to an end.

They to me as angels whom God had sent

With them all my time, which I had spent for them may never end.

In my life both of them have happiness spread they both are my best friends !

– Trupti Vinay Satam

Here come the Pawfect pooches!

Richie Rich, Jugheads and Charlie Brown...what do they all have in common? No points for guessing, it’s their pooch pals. These superheroes have won the hearts of millions with their pet pals. Dollar (Richie Rich), Hot Dog (Jugheads) and Snoopy (Charlie) have proved to be the best four-legged companions, any one can ask for. These cool canines have impressed D&P as well and here they come...Woof! Woof!

Dollar, dollar... everywhere

Dollar, the loving and faithful companion of a little rich boy - Richie Rich has been always remembered with fondness. He is a Dalmatian and looks adorable with dollar marks instead of spots. This cute canine always came running for his master’s help and is extremely faithful to his lil' champ.

Snoopy...and stormy nights

Snoopy, a self-assured writer, fighter pilot and translator for birds is an overfriendly Beagle. He is a perfectionist and best at daydreaming, atop his doghouse. He is fearless though prudently cautious about “the cat next door.” Many of Peanuts’ memorable moments come in Snoopy’s daydream as a writer, the famous start line “It was a dark and stormy night...” is taken from Edward George Bulwer-Lytton’s 1830 novel Paul Clifford.

Hot Dog... or a copycat

Hot Dog, the loyal pooch of Jughead Jones is the most admired and adorable one. He is the exact shadow of his master and loves to imitate him and sometimes mimics to err his master. And like his master, he is lazy, hungry and not very comfortable with beauties.