The World Opinion

Tag: pet care

  • National Pet Parents Day 2024: 5 Essential Tips To Keep In Mind While Adopting A Dog | Pets News

    Pet Parents Day honors and celebrates pet owners and the love, companionship, and care that they provide. This is a moment to honor animal companions, encourage conscientious pet keeping, and emphasize the benefits of adopting pets from shelters. This day honors the relationship that pets have with their families and highlights the happiness they bring into our lives.

    According to Mars Petcare’s State of Pet Homelessness Report, 69.3 million pets are homeless in India, with 60.5 million (71%) of dogs living on the streets or in shelters. This highlights the importance of adoption and responsible pet ownership. This Pet Parents Day, let’s unite in prioritizing adoption, offering pets in need loving homes and a brighter future.

    Essential Tips for Welcoming Your New Pet

    Here are some facts you need to know while adopting a dog:

    ●Personality qualities: Because of their diverse backgrounds and upbringings, dogs display a variety of personality traits. Traditionally employed as companion and security dogs, Indians exhibit qualities of flexibility and intelligence. Indies for example have an even temperament, which makes them extremely trainable and appropriate for a range of lifestyles, including becoming loving companions, despite their ancestors’ function as guard dogs.

    ●Preparedness: Preparing to adopt a pet involves careful research for a suitable match, setting up a pet-friendly environment, scheduling veterinary check-ups, and mentally preparing for the responsibilities of pet ownership, including nutrition, exercise, grooming, training, and regular care. It requires commitment, patience, and a genuine desire to provide a loving home for a furry companion.

    ●Intelligence: Dogs showcase impressive intelligence, shaped by their survival instincts in various challenging environments. While their intelligence makes training easier, it also means they have a strong will. Without proper training, even Indians can be quite energetic and may need significant guidance. Therefore, potential adopters should prioritize training when considering an Indie dog.

    ●Grooming & care: Indie dogs for instance have a dual-layered coat, a coarse, medium-short top coat and a soft, short undercoat that provides insulation from extreme temperatures. While they do shed, it’s less than breeds like Labradors or Golden Retrievers. Regular brushing is necessary for their skin and coat health, and occasional professional grooming helps prevent skin issues, maintains dental hygiene, and addresses anal gland concerns.

    ●Myths: Dogs may be grateful and obedient simply because they have found a home, but training is still essential for their well-being and safety just like any other breed. Although they have short fur, regular grooming is important for their skin and coat health. Preventive healthcare and regular checkups are crucial for India’s overall health and longevity. While they may not be picky eaters, providing a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their needs is still important for their optimal health.

  • Why Your Pet’s Diet Should Be As Unique As They Are? Expert Shares Dietary Needs, Health Concerns And More | Pets News

    For most of us, especially animal lovers, our social media news feeds are often filled with pictures and videos of people’s pets, as pet owners increasingly share the lives of their beloved companions online. A survey published in the research journal Statistica, revealed that 35% of cat and dog owners worldwide have created social media profiles for their pets, with 34% enjoying the positive reactions shared about their furry friends online. For those of us who have pets at home, the health and well-being of our companions become top priorities.

    Mr Govind Suryawanshi, Royal Canin says, “With more people, particularly younger generations like millennials and Gen Z, embracing pet ownership, the number of households with pet dogs and cats in India reached approximately 21 million and 1.5 million respectively in 2021. However, despite this growing trend, pet owners often find themselves in a dilemma as to what to feed their pets.”

    However, when it comes to pet nutrition, it’s essential to understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’. Each pet is unique, with specific dietary needs based on factors such as age, breed, activity level and health status. Here are some reasons why

    Understanding your Pet’s dietary needs

    One of the first steps to being a responsible pet parent is understanding the specific dietary requirements of your furry friend. Dogs and cats, for instance, have distinct nutritional needs than human beings. Nutritional requirements vary according to age, breed, size, activity level, physiological status and individual sensitivities also play a significant role in determining your pet’s nutritional needs. Consulting with a veterinarian will help you to determine the most appropriate diet for your pet.

    Consider the life stage, breed

    Puppies, kittens, adults and senior pets have different nutritional requirements. It is essential to choose a pet food that is appropriate for your pet’s life stage to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for their growth, development, and overall health.

    Addressing specific health concerns/sensitivities

    Different pets have different health concerns that need to be addressed. Some breeds may be prone to food allergies or sensitivities, while others may require weight management due to their predisposition to obesity.

    Complete & balanced diet is key to good health

    Complete & balanced nutrition is the cornerstone of good health for pets, mirroring the importance of a balanced diet in human health. Essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals are vital for pets to thrive. A well-balanced diet tailored to their specific needs ensures strong immunity, optimal growth and development, shiny coats, and healthy skin, and reduces the risk of various diseases.

    Portion control and track feeding schedules

    Maintaining portion control and a consistent feeding schedule is crucial to prevent obesity and promote healthy digestion in pets. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and associated health issues, while underfeeding can result in nutrient deficiencies, especially in pets that don’t get sufficient exercise. Regular physical activity is also key to ensuring good physical and mental health for your pet.