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Canine Health & Everyday Care for Happy Dogs

byAishani MathurBoarding facility in Sector 17, Gurugram; accepts dogs from across Delhi NCRStarts from1,300 Per NightView full gallery

Your dog's behavior is often their only way of telling you something is wrong. From spotting signs of pain to managing seasonal stress and choosing the right diet, here is how we advocate for our dogs.

Applying tick and flea spray can be stressful for some dogs. The key is to go slow, watch their body language for signs of "no," and never chase them. Making it a calm, consensual experience builds trust and makes routine care easier.

Diwali can be a scary time for our pets. I recommend using visual barriers, playing calming music, and using lavender essential oils in a diffuser to create a peaceful environment. Most importantly, be present to comfort them if they get distressed.

I've been experiencing neck pain, and it's made me irritable and helpless. It's a reminder that our dogs feel the same way. If you notice a sudden change in your dog's behavior, please consider that they might be in pain, even if they aren't showing obvious signs.

Let sleeping dogs lie. Undisturbed sleep is vital for a dog's health, helping with memory, learning, and their immune system. Ensure your dog has a safe, comfortable, and quiet place to get the quality rest they need.

Music can have a wonderful calming effect on dogs. I've found that classical music, nature sounds, or even white noise can help anxious dogs settle down and relax. See what your dog prefers and create a soothing soundscape for them.

Pain is a major contributor to behavior issues in more than half the cases I see. Sudden reactivity, irritability, or reluctance to be touched can all be signs of underlying pain. Always rule out a medical cause with your vet first.

This is Pinni. She seemed perfectly fine, but her annual blood test revealed some issues. This is why regular vet check-ups are so important. They can catch problems before they become serious and explain behaviors that seem to come out of nowhere.

When buying treats for your dog, always read the ingredients. I avoid anything with added starch, sugar, salt, preservatives, or artificial coloring. I look for single-ingredient, natural treats that are nutritionally beneficial, not just junk food.

For my fellow vegetarians who want to feed their dogs a raw diet, here's a trick. I handle the meat when it's still slightly frozen. It makes the texture less unappealing and the process much easier to manage.

My senior dog Noddy is almost 15 and can't walk well anymore. To ensure he still gets to experience the world, we got him a pram. Now he can join us on walks, sniffing the air and watching the world go by without being in pain.

About Canine Health & Everyday Care

If your dog suddenly refuses to climb stairs, gets snappy, or starts hiding, don't assume they are being stubborn. In over half the cases I see, subtle behavioral shifts are actually physical pain talking. Before we start any training, we check the basics—blood work, movement, and comfort. A quick vet visit to rule out underlying aches can save you months of frustration and, more importantly, stop your dog from suffering in silence.

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