Medical causes behind your pet’s weight gain

Is your pet gaining undesirable weight? If you wish to keep your furry companion from piling on, it is a wakeup call to do something before your pet become overweight. Over Eating and lack of physical activity may be the chief causes in a scenario of obesity. In fact, the difference in calorie intake and the calories lost due to exercise equals to weight gain in pets just like humans. However, there are other reasons for weight gain as well. So, here are some of the most common offenders that are likely to make your pet obese.

Lack of Play and physical activity:

Is your pet not doing enough exercise? Do you take your dog or cat for walks every day? Do you play with your pet cat often? Yes, as the master you must oversee your pet’s welfare and physical health. Ensure your pet is involved in suitable physical activity regularly.

Check their calories:

Intake of calories may stay constant but your pet’s ability to burn it decreases with age. A pet owner must be aware that calorie burn ability and age is inversely proportional. When a dog is younger and more active he will burn more calories, but with age he may not be so agile so continuing the same quantity of diet might cause weight gain.

Fluid retention:

Ascites is a condition that refers to excess fluid in the abdomen is a common side-effect of heart disease. The evident symptom is of an enlarged belly which is not related to overeating or lack of exercise. Other conditions that may cause body to react in a similar fashion are tumors or diseases of the internal organs.

Prescription drugs:

Pet owners must be mindful that some prescription medications can also lead to weight gain, especially if taken for a long period of time. For pets facing weight problem due to medication that can’t be controlled through diet and moderate exercise, you can consult with your veterinarian. Check if the medication is causing weight gain or if a different medication or lower dose can help prevent your pet’s obesity.

Medical conditions resulting in Obesity:

Sometimes, your pet may continue to gain extra weight despite a balanced diet and adequate physical activity. This may occur due to certain illnesses or hormonal imbalances. Hence, it is important to take your feline or canine companion on regular visits to the vet before you put it on a diet.

VETLAB is a division of ALL VET DIAGNOSTIC SOLUTIONS PVT LTD and providing services of veterinary diagnostic and imaging. The Company is managed by a team of techno professionals. VETLAB venture is now five years old with three labs/ center in Delhi/NCR. VETLAB had captured most of the market in Delhi /NCR and also associated with many Govt / Semi Govt / NGO / Security forces / Private Organizations and meeting the diagnostic requirements of their animal. VETLAB had tied up with three international companies like Spectrum Lab USA / Biobest UK / Biogal Israel through which we provide specialised / advance tests. visit: www.vetlab.in

Monsoon Do’s and Don’ts for your Pet Care

Monsoon brings the much-needed relief from the scorching heat of summer, making us relax in the pleasant phase. While the monsoon showers are welcome to, they might not be so favorable for your pet’s health. Due to rain, the moisture content in the air increases which leads to a lot of health issues for your pet. Infections or diseases such as pneumonia, cold and fever (Flu), infections, cough, and loose motions are common during the rainy season. Therefore, you must take special care of your pets at the advent of the monsoon. To help you ensure that your pet stays fit as fiddle even when it pours in the city, here are a few do’s and don’ts that you can follow.

Don’ts

Don’t expose your pets to the sudden change in the season as it may impact their basic immunity and your pet may develop pneumonia.
Do not store food and water in the open air as it may get contaminated and lead to digestive disorders and gastroenteritis. Clean drinking water and cooked food is recommended for your pet during monsoons.
Do not wash your pet frequently as that would make it vulnerable to fever and cold.
If you notice the sign of an infection or itch due to fleas or ticks, do not medicate them yourself. Take them to a vet immediately.

Do’s

Take your pooch on regular walks as it would make it happier and ensure proper blood circulation in the body.
Regular immunity shots and vaccines are important to maintain good health of your pet and prevent infections and diseases.
Ensure great protection against the downpour by using muzzle or pet raincoats when your pet goes out for walk during the monsoon.
Try keeping them dry always to prevent any chances of fungal infection.

Walk-in to VETLAB and get the Preventive Health Check up and diagnosis done.

Tips to prevent Gastro intestinal infections in pets during monsoon

Monsoons are pleasurable but it takes its toll on the physical well-being of your pets. With the high moisture content in the air, your pets become more prone to infections, cold, cough, loose motions, dysentery, flu, and other gastro intestinal infections. Therefore, besides rejoicing the onset of monsoons, it is important for pet owners to ensure effective pet care as well. You must focus on preventing gastro intestinal infections to avoid your pet’s discomfiture and here’s how you can do it.

Cleanliness: You should take care of the general cleanliness or your pet’s living area and not store food and water in open to prevent contamination as consumption of contaminated food can lead to digestive disorders and gastroenteritis in your pet. The ideal diet for your pet during rains is clean drinking water and mix food.

Sanitization: Apart from maintaining your pet’s daily cleansing routine, take special care of its food habits. Incorporate a few dietary changes in your dog and ensure it eats clean food. Wash the water and food bowl of your pet after every meal, and sanitize its chews. Offer your pet plenty of fresh water to maintain its hydration levels.

Check for signs: Gastro Intestinal disorders can lead to dehydration, electrolyte and acid-base imbalances and malnutrition so check if your pet is vomiting, having constipation/diarrhea, weakness etc. and consult with your veterinarian.

Vaccination schedule: Have a vaccination plan which can keep your pet safe and healthy during the change of season. Vaccination acts as the building blocks in the foundation of your pet’s immune system. Stay up-to-date with their vaccination schedule and discuss your pet’s health with the veterinarian regularly.

No to Outside food: Do not feed your pet with meat or chicken bought from outside store as they may be contaminated during the rainy season. Besides, overfeeding your pet is also not recommended as it may lead to problems in the digestive tract.

Fleas: Everything You Need to Know

Fleas and ticks are external parasites that can lead to discomfort to pets. You can easily prevent fleas from bothering your pet by taking some safe, easy to administer, and effective steps. Attempting to control fleas on pets is a multi-step process. However, to control fleas effectively, you must treat your environment as well as your pet. However, you can follow these essential steps for successfully controlling flea:

Remove fleas from the indoor environment: Indoor flea control requires mechanically eliminating all stages of the flea’s development, killing any remaining adults, and keeping the immature forms from growing.

Start by vacuuming thoroughly, especially in places where your pet sleeps or spends indoor time.
Use a flea control products that will kill any remaining adult fleas to stop the development of eggs and larvae.
Keep your pet’s bedding clean by washing it every week and treating the surrounding area with insect growth regulator and adulticide product.

Remove fleas from the outdoor environment: Flea control in the outdoor environment mostly involves eliminating fleas from places where they are most likely to occur such as kennel areas. Fleas tend to thrive in areas where it is moist, warm, shady, or have organic debris. Remove any organic debris like leaves, straw, grass clippings, etc., to remove flea habitat

Remove fleas from pets: There are a number of flea control products that you can use to disinfect your pet. You can try once-a-month topical products, shampoos, collars, powders sprays, dips, oral, and injectable products to remove fleas from pets. When applying any product directly to pet, keep in mind that you would see some live fleas on it for a short time after spraying, shampooing, dipping, etc. as the fleas must come in contact with the insecticide, and absorb it to be killed.

Keep immature forms of fleas from developing: The best flea control is always flea prevention. Adulticides are important for flea prevention. Using products that contain insecticides will keep fleas away and prevent development of a flea problem. Periodic usage of insect growth regulators/development inhibitors will surely minimize risk of fleas from infesting your indoor and outdoor environment.

Walk-in to VETLAB and get the Preventive Health Check up and diagnosis done.

How to keep your furry friends safe and happy during festive season

Pet owners are aware that fireworks and thunder storms can cause great distress for some animals like dogs. Noise phobias which is the fear of loud sounds such as fireworks, thunder, gunshot is common in pets. Your pet might be affected by loud noises and cannot control his reaction to it. The commonly seen signs of noise phobias are as follows:

Excessive drooling
Lose control over bladder or bowel control or face temporary diarrhea due to prolonged stress
Barking, howling
Shaking, trembling
Trying to hide or get under the bed, fence, or other closed areas
Refusing to eat food

Keep pets indoors:

It is advisable to minimize the source of sound by closing the curtains, turning on the TV or radio to distract your pet. Calming or classical music will be a great option in keeping your dog calm by providing an audio distraction.

Provide a safe “escape” place:

Pets may seek an enclosure, if they are fearful or stressed. So, you can create a crate, bed or similar place where your pet can feel safe. It is recommended that you familiarize your pet with this safe place in advance to reduce their stress during fireworks and thunderstorms.

Unlock the treat jar

In times of distress, dogs could use a distraction when the surroundings are too load. You can load up on your pet’s favorite food when fireworks reach the fevered pitch.

Practice fire safety:

Keep your pet away from inflammable objects such as lighter fuel, open fires, matches, and fireworks – like the ones lighted on the ground as they may try to sniff or eat them.

Try the “thunder shirt”

Thunder shirt is a simple trick that can help your pet from going into a full-fledged panic attack. This do-it-yourself technique aims to wrap up your dog to make him feel protected and snug and help to suppress his urge to run like hell.

Keep current pet Id:

Ensure that your pet ID is latest to see that your pet has proper identification tags. Having current information is necessary in case s/he gets away due to stress or panic. This will assist the local authorities to track the poor frightened runaways.

How to protect your pet from Smog?

During this time each year, we find ourselves in the middle of dense, dangerous and discomforting layers of smog. The air we breathe deteriorates with each passing day affecting our pets, children and elderly the most.

For the uninitiated, bursting of crackers during Diwali and crop burning in farming estates near metro cities of India pollutes the air with heavy smoke. This mixes with fog to produce the dreadful ‘smog’. This thick layer of smog affects humans and their lovely pets alike. Dogs, cats and other pets experience health issues that can be fatal sometimes.

If you’re living in any affected areas, we suggest you read further and know how to best take care of your precious dog. In case, your pet is already one of those affected deeply by the smog, visit VETLAB centers in Delhi, Meerut, and Kolkata for a thorough round of health tests.

Be Air Aware

When the city turns into a gas chamber, stay air aware. Given the advancements in technology, you can download apps like Tapzo that determine the AQI (Air Quality Index) levels of your area making it easier for you to decide when to step out.

Afternoons are preferable to go for a walk as the sun rays improve visibility and improve air quality. Soon enough, we’ll have pet masks too but until then, do not forget to wear yours.

Try indoor exercise

As much as your pet likes outdoor activities, the airpocalypse prohibits them from stepping out. Try exercises and games at home. Keep your pet active and busy. It’s better to get them toys like a fuzzy ball or two. Also, it’s better to turn on air purifiers and conditioners to ensure safe breathing indoors. Get plants like Areca Palm, Anthuriums, Money plant, Spider plant, golden pothos, bamboo plant, ‘Song of India’ and Boston ferns act as natural air purifiers.

Make sure your little fur ball doesn’t miss being in the open air.

Proper diet

For days when the city is choking on polluted air, ensure that you stay safe and indoors. You might hibernate and binge on carbs while Netflix-ing, watch your dog’s diet. Do not feed them as much because remember there’s barely any physical activity hence no use of energy.

Do not overfeed your pet!

If your pet is senior or ailing, visit a vet for a health check-up and get precautionary diagnostic test done at VETLAB. Remember, the air quality is as bad for your pet as it is for you.

Here’s hoping that your little furry friend stays safe and healthy in the unfortunate times.

What to do about your dog’s sensitive skin?

The joy of running your fingers through the luscious strands of your adorable fur ball cannot be compared to absolutely any other pleasure in life. Seeing your dog with a healthy skin and happy heart is what happy dreams of dog owners are made of. But not all dogs are blessed with healthy skin which can be a bit concerning for the dog owners. Just like humans, certain dogs have sensitive skin which makes their grooming a bit of a task.

A healthy dog fur coat can be obtained only if the cause of itchy, irritated, dry skin can be identified. While dogs can develop a sensitive skin for a variety of reasons, you can try to identify the cause by using elimination techniques and picking out the most probable irritant.

Out of many, a few reasons for sensitive dog skin are the ones listed below.

The fuss with fleas

The foremost reason for your dog’s sensitive skin could be cropping up of lice, parasites or fleas. Check your dog’s fur coat for dirty black clumps or powder on your pooch’s skin. This is flea dirt which is an initial sign of flea infestation. At the sight of any such thing, an experienced veterinarian should be contacted.

Check for allergies

If your dog clearly passed through flea test, the cause of sensitivity could be a skin allergy to absolutely anything in the world. Most dogs are prone to environmental allergies like hay fever. This could result in dry and itchy skin, goopy eyes and licking of paws. In such case, it’s advisable to visit a vet and seek right medication for your fur ball. You can visit any of our centers in Delhi, Meerut, and Kolkata.

Seeking expert vet help

As much as we like our home remedies, there is no two way about a veterinarian’s expert diagnoses. Skin sensitivity could be caused by hormonal imbalances, diet issues or simply allergies. It’s advisable to check with the vets for sensitive skin issues.

It’s about the food

Most dog owners blame the diet of their dogs for their poor health but it isn’t true. But switching over to a diet that is high in proteins, rich in fatty acids and loaded with antioxidants can prove to be life-changing for ailing dogs.

Groom everyday

Grooming your dog every day can stimulate its skin, remove pollens and prevent breeding of fleas in the first place. Brush through their mane with a soft-tooth comb.

Don’t rob yourself of the pleasure of owning a furry friend, visit/consult VetLab experts to deal with sensitive skin issues troubling your dog.

Winter is coming but is your dog ready?

Some of us enjoy temperature drops more than others. Chilly winds and snow blankets covering the town may fill your senses with joy but what about your furry friend? Is it ready to face the biting cold winters? Well, it’s about time we talked about all the necessary action points to keep your dog safe and smiling during the cold season.

Dogs are prone to two medical conditions when winters thoroughly set in – Frostbite (Body warms up in the center, other parts left to cool) and Hypothermia (Shivering, depression and fatal conditions are seen). Thus, it’s important to keep your dog cuddled up in winters.

While prepping up for the season, you must keep the following points in mind:

Dressing for dropped temperature

Thickly furred dogs can easily bear cold temperatures while playing outside but dogs with light skin and fur need warm clothing. The sweater should cover the dog from neck to belly and private parts. Paw care is also a must in winters. Consider dog booties if your dog walks uncomfortably.

The right bedding

A cozy bed is what will ensure a calm night’s sleep for you and the four-legged friend. Cozy beds rose above uncarpeted floor and tiles can create a blissful environment for the dog to sleep the night away.

Correct eating habits

Like humans, dogs can incline towards high-calorie food. We sure do enjoy our carbs and fats in winters but your dog needs an extra layer of fur coat not fat to keep warm.

Skin care regime

Winters can be pretty harsh on dog skin and even worse if your dog likes playing outside. Follow a proper bathing, drying, and moisturising procedure to keep your dog skin from itching and flaking. Coconut and fish oils are good for your dog.

Indoors is your happy place

Cuddle up with your fur friend in the confines of your well-heated home. Ensure pet-safe heating place at your home. Occasionally, take walks to the park to freshen up but only when the sun shines because nobody likes freezing to death.

Harsh winter weather can take a toll on your dog’s health if proper care isn’t ensured. In case of any emergency or health-related issue, you must consult your pet’s veterinarian. For further health check-ups and advanced tests, contact our experts at VetLab.

Find us : www.vetlab.in

How to manage skin infections in pets during monsoon

The advent of monsoons may offer us and our pets the much-needed relief from the hot summers. But the rain and humidity may also make our furry friends prone to diseases and that’s why extra care must be taken for pet care during monsoons.Here are a few tips that you can follow to ensure your pets stay healthy during monsoon.

Do not expose them to rain

Although your pets may relish the joy of refreshing rain, they may fall prey to flea infections, flu, fungal infections, rabies, gastro enteritis, due to the high moisture content in the air. The rain can cause a host of digestive disorders and skin infections. So, try to keep your pets away from direct rain so that our furry friends can enjoy the rains without any troubles.

Keep them Groomed

Keep your pets’ coat dry at all times as the excessive humidity in the air may cause foul body odour. Besides, rainwater can damage your dog’s coat so use dry bath sprays and wipes to ensure they smell fresh.

De-worm regularly

The feet and the spaces in between the fingers of your pet may get fungal infections or ticks, so clean them regularly and apply talc and deodorants to keep fungus away. Use pet worm medication, and tick and flea treatments to ensure your pet’s health and hygiene.

Regular bath is a good idea

Bathing your pets regularly will help them to stay clean and hygienic but make sure you dry them perfectly after their bathing session. If your pet is comfortable then using hair dryers to dry them after bath or exposure to rains will be helpful. Regular nail clipping, ear cleaning, grooming and dental check-ups will help them stay germ-free.

Walk-in to VETLAB and get the Preventive Health Check up and diagnosis done

Are Fats and Oils Good for Your Dog’s Health?

Fats are usually associated with heart diseases which is why there is a consensus that it is unhealthy. However, certain types of fat can be beneficial to your pets’ diets. There are several benefits of good fats which makes them a favorable nutrient to be added to your dog’s diet. When eaten moderately and appropriately for the body’s metabolic needs, fats are essential to good health and survival. Without fat in your pet’s diet, its fur, immune system, brain, skin, eyes, and blood cells may get affected.

Why are fats important?

Dogs require good-quality fat especially if they are in cold climates or do strenuous physical work such as lots of energy running or hiking, racing long distances, or herding cows and sheep.
Higher fat diets during winters will keep your pets warmer and improve their stamina to adapt to the cold and wind.
Omega-3 oils like fish oils can reduce inflammation in your pet’s body and protect against conditions like arthritis, heart disease or even cancer by producing hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Similarly, Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and it also offers protection against antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal infections.
Fats serve as an important building block in canine body.
They provide energy and are essential for normal growth and function of body cells, muscles nerves, and body tissues.

So, if you wish to maintain a healthy skin, coat and digestive system of your pet, it would be a great idea to introduce healthy fats to his diet.

How to balance fat in your pet’s diet?

Fats make the food of your pets more flavorful and smell good. So, when fat is added to a dog food formula in the right amount, it not just keeps your dog healthy, it also makes the food tastier for your dog. Pet owners must, however, know that not every fat or oil is good for our pets. The source, quality, type, and quantity of fat needs to be carefully examined before feeding your pet. Like all ingredients in healthy, balanced dog food diets, fats and oils must be added in suitable proportions. A high-quality dog food with about 10-15% fat is appropriate for a normal adult dog with moderate activity. So, start adding small amounts of fat to your dog’s diet slowly and increase it gradually to notice changes in your dog’s health and coat.

Author: Vetlabadmin