Demodicosis, also known as red mange, is a skin condition caused by a microscopic parasitic mite, Demodex (normally present in hair follicles). Most localised rashes of demodicosis heal with minimal treatment. Generalised demodicosis requires more aggressive long-term therapy depending on the underlying cause. Secondary bacterial skin infections are also be treated. Periodic rechecks including…

Dog bite wounds must require immediate medical attention. The wound must be cleaned immediately with soap water or recommended antimicrobial solution. The bite wound must be assessed by your vet for depth of injury, infection and reviewing anti-rabies vaccination status. Please take him to your vet before the infection spreads to the eyes. Question by - Rishabh Kumar, Kanpur

Try not to manage your dog’s separation anxiety problem by giving her even more attention—you’ll only create a vicious cycle of neediness. Do you have a set routine each day before you leave the house? Perhaps you jingle your keys, put your bag or briefcase near the door or say ‘bye’ to your spouse and kids. Your dog picks up on these cues, and associates them with your leaving. Try to mix up your…

Dogs too suffer allergic skin diseases like atopy or flea allergies. Itching and hair loss can be the result of many disorders causing inflammation including parasites or dry skin. Skin and hair coat alone take away approximately 30 percent of protein from the diet for its health. Hence balanced and complete nutrition is most important for healthy skin and hair coat. Evening primrose oil or…

Most dogs dislike wearing shoes and they really don’t need them unless recommended by your vet for medical reasons. You may try shoes on one paw to start with and encourage him to walk around inside in order to get used to the shoes. He may not walk comfortably and may try to remove it. When he walks a few steps around the room normally, make sure that you praise/reward him with treats. This will…

Dogs only need bathing when they are dirty or on the advice of your veterinarian. Make sure that you only bath your dog in fine weather or indoors to avoid chills. We generally do not advise bath for young puppies, particularly in winter. We suggest to give him sponge bath with plain lukewarm water when required. When he grows up to an adult, you can use shampoo for regular bath, generally twice a…

Ticks lay their eggs (as many as 18,000 in some species) in sheltered areas on or near the ground. Successful control of ticks depends on eliminating these pests from the dog and the environment. To control ticks on a dog, all animals in the household must be part of the ticks control programme. There are two basic categories of ticks control products: Adulticides and Insect Growth Regulators…

Some physiological reasons like light intensity, besides nutrition, genetics, health that can cause dog to shed hair excessively. Dogs may also shed excessive hair because of stress, worms, harsh climate and general illness. Therefore, my approach would be to find underlying cause(s) like parasites or allergy, hormonal imbalance, infection, etc and then your vet will be able to recommend suitable…

What you have to remember is that the diet you feed your dog should be complete and balanced. This means that the balanced diet will meet all his required nutrients and energy demand, regardless of his life stage or life style. Home-made diets depending on the sources vary with respect to quality, digestibility and nutrient content, which is why it is difficult to make balanced and complete food…

My advice depends on your objective of keeping two dogs. Many pet parents plan to keep second dog hoping to reduce behavioural problems like separation anxiety or loneliness, etc. But the truth is, another dog is not likely to change that behaviour. Some may introduce another pet just to rejuvenate senior pet. While dogs are social creatures and most love to play with other dogs, your dog will…