Changing your dog’s diet to make digestion easier is a great way to start. But how can you know if your pet has a sensitive stomach? Watch out for these symptoms and talk to your vet if the need arises.

• Periodic vomiting- Seeing your dog puke is upsetting, but you need to monitor what the dog has expelled. As a pet parent, you need to keep in mind that vomiting is one of the body’s protective mechanisms against consuming anything unsuitable or hazardous. If you’re not sure of how to identify the expelled matter, take your dog to the vet. With a sensitive stomach, dogs tend to vomit from time to time. 
• Loose or soft stools – This may sound gross, but you need to know what your dog’s stool looks like. Details such as the quality, volume, colour, regularity, and even scent can give hints about what’s going on in its digestive tract. You may also see foreign material such as toy pieces, plastic, intestinal parasites, mucous, or blood. 
• Lack of appetite and decreased mobility- your pupper might not show the usual excitement when it’s De Dot treat time or may even have limited movements around the house. Lethargy is a sign of a sensitive stomach. 
• Nasty flatulence! – Oh, we hate to say this, but a dog’s sensitive tummy can make it release a lot of pungent gas, powerful to make anyone clear a room! Make an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog appears to be more gassy than normal.
• Excessive stomach growl- You may hear occasional growls from your doggo’s tummy. No, not the usual hunger growls, but loud ones that make you wonder if it’s okay. Well, it may be indicative of a sensitive stomach. 

As a responsible dog parent, you must know what foods irritate your pet’s stomach and pay great attention to each ingredient that goes into its food. If you suspect a case of a sensitive stomach, avoid foods such as chocolate, salty foods, fried snacks, fatty meat, and dairy products at all costs. Treats are fine as long as your dog isn’t allergic to certain ingredients. De Dot is a great choice for healthy dog food that maintains an absolute chemical-free, no-nasties policy!  

Consult your veterinarian about the ideal diet for older dogs with sensitive stomachs to help them regain control of their digestive system.  The treatment method will be determined by your dog’s symptoms and lab test results. If you are concerned about the health of your furry companion, contact your veterinarian immediately. Timely help can save your dog from the worst! 

The post Is Your Dog’s Stomach Sensitive?  first appeared on De Dot.

In all honesty, getting a gift for your canine buddy needs no special occasion. The love and warmth that dogs give humans are priceless. But when it comes to selecting a gift for your pet, never go for the ones that are just ‘meh’. Instead, choose gifts that are worth spending on. 

Whereas for hoomans who love dogs like crazy- finding a gift for them sounds tricky too. That’s why this blog is for you to read! Check out some of De Dot’s suggestions for cool gifts that are paw-fect for your fur baby and dog enthusiasts. 

Starting with some uber-cool gifts for your dog, here are some stuff that you can gift for some warm sloppy licks!

1. A personalised soft blanket for your fur baby. Keep them warm and cuddled up with a good quality blanket in playful colours that will make your pupper feel extra cosy. 
2. A dog toy with squeakers or a cotton rope that your dog can chew on. To make it extra special, put your dog’s name on the toy. 
3. An all-natural treat box or a treat subscription from a healthy dog food brand like De Dot. Oh boy, that sounds interesting, isn’t it? Wait till you see your doggo’s excitement! 
4. A good quality grooming tool that will save you so much money from visiting dog salons. Invest in high-quality products that will keep your dog polished. 
5. A nice little raincoat for the weather! Well, your dog should walk out in style too! 
6. A wobbly ball that keeps your dog entertained, be it a super active small breed or a lazy Labrador, this ball should keep it active. 
7. A plush bedding kit to use indoors. Nothing fancier than having a royal bed for the dog to relax in! 
8. A puzzle game toy to keep your doggo’s mind stimulated. It is even better to watch them play with it. 

Now that you know what to gift your four-legged buddy, think of what you can gift to your two-legged Hooman dog lover. Spare that time and take a look at these suggestions instead! 

1. A customised phone case with a dog theme or their pet’s picture that will make them go ‘pawwwwww’! 
2. Pet hair remover. Even though it doesn’t sound all that fancy, your friend will find it extremely useful if they have a fur baby at home. 
3. Paw-printed ornaments that will charm your dog-lover friend. 
4. Dog-themed accessories – think magnets, paper clips, desk lamps, ashtrays, and even tea infusers. There’s so much out there for dog lovers!
5.  A large lounge wall clock with dogs. Make that home look dapper! 
6. A fun dog colouring book to bring out the Picasso in you. 

While these options may not all be unique, these are so much better than just another chew toy or frisbee. Gifting your pet and a fellow dog lover is not that hard. We promise, there’s something out there for everyone. 

The post The Ultimate Gift Guide For Dogs and Dog Lovers first appeared on De Dot.

With the right care and proper diagnosis, your pooch should be up and about in no time! But how would you know if your canine bestie has an infection? Take a look at some of the symptoms, so you can decide if you need to take your fur baby to the vet. 

• Red or warm skin with spots or pustules may indicate a skin infection. This may also be accompanied by a thick yellow or green discharge and an unpleasant odour.
• If you see your pooch shaking its head or scratching constantly, detecting a foul odour, redness, swelling along the ear canal, or scabs in the ears, it may be a possible ear infection.
• If you notice a pink or red tinge in your puppy’s eyes, watery discharge, crying, squinting and blinking, constant pawing, or touching the eye, your fur baby might be showing signs of an eye infection like conjunctivitis. 
• Does your dog need to pee often? Or does it show strain during peeing? It may be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Sometimes, your dog might even pass blood in the urine. 
• Like us hoomans, dogs can have dental issues too. A tooth infection may be caused by an abscess that occurs due to gum disease or a broken tooth. 
• Weight loss, vomiting, change in appetite, and lethargy could signal a worm infestation. 

While more serious symptoms like fast breathing and constant lethargy are important to be addressed to your vet, a few remedies can be used for manageable signs. Of course, there is no substitute for professional care, but you can always look for symptoms at home to help your furry friend.  Since you spend the most time with your pet, it is easier to spot problems. The sooner you discover, the sooner your dog can begin to heal! 

Here are a few remedies that you can do to help your pet, before taking it to the vet. 

• For ear infections, topical relief can be given to soothe itching and discomfort. 
• Green tea and apple cider vinegar are known to provide relief from ear infections in dogs. To use green tea extract, boil tea bags in water for a few minutes and let them cool for some time. Use a syringe to put a few drops of this into your dog’s ear canal. Similarly, combine one part vinegar and one part filtered water. Using a cotton ball soaked in the mixture, clean the visible areas of the ear. Hold your dog’s ear still to ensure that the liquid enters the ear canal. Massage gently. 
• Chamomile and calendula have characteristics that soothe and calm sensitive skin while also reducing inflammation, making them an excellent choice for itchy dog skin.
• Ensure that your dog gets nutritious meals and healthy dog treats to prevent dental infections. Probiotic supplements aid in a healthy bacterial ecology in your dog’s mouth. Aloe vera gel can be used to soothe inflammation in your dog’s mouth. 
• D-mannose has been effective to prevent the bacteria E Coli from adhering to the urinary system. If your dog does have an infection, D-mannose can help. Cranberry flavonoids may also help fight bacterial illnesses in dogs. You can get cranberry supplements, which contain natural D-mannose that will help tackle urinary infections. 

Although infections in pets may sound dangerous, a few of these remedies can help manage symptoms. But not entirely!  Always consult your dog’s vet to get the best help. After all, your pooch deserves to live a long healthy life!

The post WARNING: Could these be signs of an infection? first appeared on De Dot.

Just by planning ahead, you can keep your furry friends comfortable and let them enjoy a stress-free new years’ eve! Here are a few tips to follow for a great holiday season with your pets.

Create a cosy, safe space for your pupper

• Make sure to close doors, windows, and curtains when the fireworks are on.
• Keep a comfy pet bed ready for your dog, in a spot away from loud music, noisemakers, and firework sounds. 
• Dim the lights and keep your pet cool by turning on a fan or air conditioner. Create a calming atmosphere by playing soft sounds. 
• If you have a white noise machine, play the sound of light rain. 
• Distract your doggo with toys and goodies.

Keep your dog away from all things fancy (or toxic!)

What may look interesting to us humans may be toxic to our furry friends. Be mindful of the stuff you keep around the house for party celebrations such as streamers, party poppers, liqueur chocolates, balloons, and alcohol. Ingestion of alcohol in pets can cause shaky walking, vomiting, and, in severe cases, a significant drop in blood pressure and body temperature.

New Year’s Eve is a delicious food feast that can induce stomach issues or poisoning among pets. If you’re looking to treat your dog, just order some delicious dog food online! 

Take your dog on walks

Pets often become fearful and agitated when their typical routine is interrupted. When they notice that something is unusual about this day, it gets them stressed. So make an effort to spend time with your dog throughout the day. Buy a new toy for your pet and engage in active play and take them out for walks in a nearby spot. 

Keep an eye on your dog 

If you’re planning to go outside, make sure you don’t leave your pet alone. It is never a good idea! The sound of sudden fireworks may get them eager to burrow under or jump over your home’s fence in order to flee. Spend as much time as you can with your dog on New Year’s Eve. Since they are likely to be scared on this day, make sure you interact with your dog calmly.

Never forget to celebrate with your furry best friend!

Dogs are full of love, and you might just want to show your dog what it deserves. Make your pupper a part of the eve celebration and make it feel loved. Get them some yummy dog treats to make your pooch part of the festivities. 

With these tips, you can spend New Year’s Eve with your four-legged buddy paw-fectly well! You can keep your pet safe as well as have fun when the clock strikes 12. Happy New Year! 

The post All About Keeping Your Dog Safe On New Year’s Eve first appeared on De Dot.

Our fur babies truly deserve to be loved, so here’s how you can make wonderful festive memories with them, with no regrets! 

• If you’re planning to go on a family trip, choose a place that allows pets. Let your dog to accompany you whenever possible. It’ll be thrilling to spend time with you, whether it’s driving around to see the lights, or simply for a family getaway! 
• While you bake or plan to cook for your family, don’t forget your dog! Simply order dog food online and surprise your pet. Have you checked out De Dot’s range of pawsome treats yet? 
• It may be Christmas, and everyone’s running around doing things differently, but don’t try to ignore your dog. Stick to their daily routines and makes things seem normal. Go for the usual walks, play some fetch and never forget treat time! 
• Planning to shop? Then drop into a pet store and get your pooch some Christmas gifts too. Make it interesting with a festive bow tie or even a Christmas cap, and snap some pictures!
• Make your dog a part of family time. Opening presents with family is exciting and in turn, makes your pet curious as well. Christmas presents are a reason for a waggy tail and sloppy licks, we assure you!
• While watching fireworks may be a tradition for you, it’s considerably kinder to leave your dog at home, peacefully curled up in their safe zone. Crackers and fireworks may seem like a threat to these four-legged beings.  
• Christmas season is a time when guests flood your house and sometimes, come in with their pets too. When introducing your pet to other dogs, be mindful of how it may react. It can be challenging to match old dogs with puppies! Make sure your dog is comfortable around guests and their pets. 
• Your furry buddies might take one look at the glass ornaments on your Christmas tree and assume they are balls just waiting to be ‘fetched’! The key to keeping your dog safe this holiday season is to dog-proof all your Christmas decorations around the house. Gradually add decorations in the weeks leading up to Christmas so that your home doesn’t change too much all at once and leave your dog perplexed! If your fluffy companion has an allergic response, you’ll quickly identify which decorations are causing the problem.

So this is De Dot’s guide to spending a yappy happy Christmas with your canine buddy.  Whatever you and your pet are doing to celebrate this year, make sure they have the best holiday memories with you and your fellow hoomans!

The post Make It A Paw-sitively Merry Christmas For Your Dog! first appeared on De Dot.

As the temperatures plummet in different regions, winter safety for dogs will necessitate some urgent changes to your pet’s routines to reflect the weather. Here are our top tips to keep your pets safe and comfortable while it’s cold outside. 

      1.Keep them warm 

Just because your pooch has fur, it does not mean that they do not feel cold! Provide your dog with warm garments or keep them warm by spreading a blanket. You can even place extra layers of a fluffy blanket beneath them for added coziness. 

      2.Do not skip water!

During winter, pets can get dehydrated like humans. Always take a bottle of water on walks, and make sure your pet is getting enough water both inside and outside the house. To check if your pet is dehydrated, gently grasp a portion of your pet’s loose skin on the back of its neck. Your dog is hydrated if the skin jumps back into place, else it’s time to give them water immediately! 

     3.Keep that tummy full 

When your dog is well-fed, its body will naturally stay a little warmer than when they haven’t eaten enough. You can give them healthy De Dot treats in between meals to keep them chewing and active! You can also warm up food before serving it to your pooch. 

     4.Avoid long walks, but keep them active indoors 

Keep shorter walks outside, but encourage more playtime inside. This is recommended, especially early in the morning or late at night when temperatures are at their lowest. Even though dogs have a higher average body temperature than humans, it is still important to keep your dog safe from harsh weather.

    5.Prevent itchy skin

Dogs can get dry skin, especially if they are cooped up indoors when the temperatures drop. During winter, it isn’t necessary to give your dog a bath every day. But using a soothing shampoo during bath time can help relieve itching. Another remedy to consider is applying coconut oil to your dog’s coat. Most importantly, utilise a humidifier around your home to increase the humidity in the air. 

     6.Short pee breaks 

Reduce bathroom breaks to quick visits outside rather than long walks. Use pee pads on very cold nights to prevent your pet from holding it and developing urinary infections.

Most importantly, keep an eye on your dog and look for signals of discomfort towards the weather. This winter, choose to keep your doggo’s health a top priority. Remember, if the temperature is a little too cool for you, it’s likely to be the same for your dogs! 

The post Top Tips To Keep Your Dog Warm This Winter first appeared on De Dot.

First things first. What is diabetes? 

Diabetes mellitus is a long-term health issue that affects the organ pancreas and results from abnormal glucose or sugar processing within the body. When the pancreas is unable to control normal blood sugar levels, high levels of glucose accumulate in the blood, thus preventing the body to keep everything running smoothly. Unfortunately, it can affect dogs and cats too. 

How can you know if your pooch has the symptoms of diabetes?

• Your dog will empty the water bowl in less time than usual, feeling excessively thirsty almost always. 
• Too many woof woofs even outside their meal times! Throughout the day, you will observe your pupper asking to be fed. Well, you can’t deny them a De Dot treat sometimes! 
• Does your fur baby look a little weak? Blame it on the poor nutritional intake, even though the diet hasn’t changed. 
• Your pet will pee more frequently as the water intake is more. 
• Playing fetch is not much fun because your pooch doesn’t have the energy! 
• Sad puppy eyes that leave you also depressed. 
• Sometimes, some puppers show bouts of vomiting too. 

How can you prevent the risk of pet diabetes? 

Even if it sounds tempting to feed your doggo tons of De Dot treats, the best way to prevent diabetes is to maintain healthy body weight. Make a routine for active playtime and feed nutritious food. 

How can you manage a pupper with diabetes? 

Undoubtedly, a vet will play a crucial role in helping you manage your dog’s diabetes. When your dog is well-regulated, you may need to schedule fewer appointments for medication. Your vet will inform you on how to administer insulin to your dog and how to check their blood sugar levels, as well as the ideal diet and activity regimen for them.

Diabetes can sound scary, but a diabetic doggo can live a long life with proper care and timely treatments. Here’s to many more years of belly rubs, sloppy kisses and De Dot treats for your best friend! 

The post Could Your Dog Have Diabetes? first appeared on De Dot.

• Numerous studies reveal that pet owners tend to choose dogs that complement their lifestyles. 

For example, if you see someone walk around with a Golden Retriever, there’s a chance that they could be optimistic in life. Whereas if you spot a Pitbull, the pet parent may be looking for security more than affection. 

As evidenced by research, many pet parents choose their pooches with traits that mirror their own. 

• When humans pet their dogs or have positive encounters like hugging, both their bodies release soothing hormones and neurotransmitters. This, in turn, decreases anxiety, slows down the heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in a win-win situation for both! 

• Dogs can sense different moods and will try to reassure an upset owner using subtle cues. Some pups have a way of calming down by laying on the side, some try to make physical contact and a few may even distract the owner with toys. Now you’d know why they say a dog is a man’s best friend. 

Many times, people don’t understand how much dogs can truly resemble their owners. You’d be fascinated to know that these wonderful beings are capable of developing unique personalities. Their characters change with time and events. Ultimately, man’s personality plays a crucial role in shaping a pet dog’s life. 

When choosing pets, we choose them in the same way we select friends, that too with the same interests. So, if you know someone who loves to babble, their most compatible furry friend would be a chihuahua. Just saying! 

The post How Much of a Dog’s Personality Comes From Their Owner? first appeared on De Dot.

From firecrackers to food, these tips will keep your puppers ready for Diwali! 

• If you intend to use firecrackers or watch fireworks, prepare your fur baby ahead of time. Get them used to the sound of festivities by playing pre-recorded noises. 
• Take your pet out on a long walk before the festivities begin. Teach them a few tricks, play and tire them out! An exhausted pet will only want to sleep over any firework anxiety. 
• Grapes and raisins are proven to be toxic to dogs, so now you know why you’d want to keep all Diwali goodies away from your pets. Instead, get them a few De Dot treats in advance! 
• Set up a safe space for your pet, somewhere peaceful and cosy that they can hide away- just in case. 
• As a pet owner, remember to stay calm. Your furry friend will sense your emotions too. 
• Pets tend to get thirsty with anxious panting- keep a bowl of water by their side.
• Yes, it’s Diwali but do not go all out with food delicacies as it can trigger gastrointestinal issues for dogs. Stick to their regulars! 
• Distract your pets with music or white noise during fireworks. Close the curtains, doors and windows to avoid stressing them out. 
• Make your pupper a part of the festivities. Give it an ethnic bow tie or other festive accessories to give them Diwali vibes! 

Lastly, cuddle and click a picture with your fur baby for a ‘pawfect’ Diwali. 

The post How to Make Diwali Stress Free For Your Pets? first appeared on De Dot.