This breed is powerful, muscular, and heavy build with long and straight legs. These breeds were primarily used for hunting or security. Main advantage being the breed’s adaptability to all weather conditions and relatively diseases resistant. However, the dog needs plenty of freedom and space, and properly trained they make excellent guard or pet dogs. Question by - Rajagopal Jayaraman,…

The calories and recommended essential nutrients she receives is more important than quantity she eats. Calories intake depends on body weight/size, activity and ambient temperature. For example, if she weights around 15 kg she may need 850 kcals for 1-3 hour activity or just 680 if she is active for less than one hour. Just like human, dogs need a balanced diet which contains just the right…

Tumours or growths are common in senior dogs. A broad group of space-occupying non-cancerous, benign, and malignant cancers may localise to the ear. Your vet may suggest simple FNAC or biopsy or even imaging including MRI to know the nature and location of tumour. Some tumours/cancers can be treated successfully with chemotherapy, while some may require surgery with or without chemo. Please…

Most chewing behaviour is seen in young puppies due to their strong desire to explore. As dogs mature, this desire decreases. The dog will find it hard to distinguish between what it can and cannot chew, therefore having their own toys will help define suitable chewing items. If the puppy does try to bite, command ‘NO’ and distract their attention with a toy. Many of these habits can be modified…

There are many safe broad spectrums of de-worming medications available for your pet. Generally the schedule depends on geographical area and lifestyle of your pet. General recommendation is every 2-3 weeks until 6 months of age and then every 2-3 months. Make sure that your pet is free from fleas which will contribute to some tapeworm infestations. Please consult your vet who can advise right…

The most likely cause of this reclusive and unfriendly behaviour of your dog may be insufficient social contact with people during her puppy life. Non-confident pets require very gentle training and lots of patience from their pet parents. Most shy dogs can become friendly with repeated positive human interactions/experiences. Usually these dogs must learn to trust individuals before accepting a…

Your pet may have developed the so-called submissive urination. Good socialisation and teaching your friends and regular visitors to have friendly approach with right body language are required and let them try sitting near him or encourage him to play by throwing a toy or ball. Find out what kind of play he likes most while interacting with your friends that help to build his confidence and…

There are number of reasons for your pet to behave like this. For example, he may have fear for new food, previous bad experience with the food, poor palatability or simply he may be a fussy eater. Some dogs may refuse food/skip meals when they have consumed more energy than they would require (which is common in our experience). Small breeds are generally fussy eaters. If he continues to refuse,…

‘Socialisation’ is the term describing the process by which a dog learns to relate to people, other dogs and his environment. You are basically aiming at preparing your puppy for all eventualities, so that whenever he encounters anyone or anything new, he will greet it with inquisitiveness rather than fear or aggression. Expose your puppy to all sights and sounds gradually and allow him to explore…

Renal dysplasia is a hereditary disease that has been reported in many dog breeds. Such dogs will have abnormal differentiation and development of kidney tissue. They may develop kidney failure and die at a young age, or some may remain asymptomatic for several years. Other patients with mild renal dysplasia can remain normal or live for few years before developing kidney disease. The age of onset…