Here are some of the reasons why spaying your pet is important:

Prevents overpopulation: One of the most significant reasons to spay your pet is to help prevent pet overpopulation. Each year, millions of dogs and cats end up in shelters, and many of them are euthanized due to a lack of homes. Spaying helps prevent unplanned litters and reduces the number of animals that end up in shelters.

Reduces the risk of certain cancers: Female pets that are spayed before their first heat cycle have a lower risk of developing breast cancer and uterine infections, which can be life-threatening. Spaying also eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, which are common in unspayed pets.

Helps prevent behavioural problems: Unspayed female pets may display unwanted behaviours, such as aggression towards other animals or people, marking their territory with urine, and wandering in search of a mate. Spaying helps prevent these behaviours and makes them easier to manage if they do occur.

Improves your pet’s quality of life: Spaying your pet can help improve her overall health and wellbeing. It can eliminate the stress and discomfort of heat cycles, which can be uncomfortable for your pet and disruptive to your household.

Saves money: Spaying your pet is a cost-effective way to prevent the costs associated with an unplanned litter, such as veterinary bills, food, and care for the newborn animals. It is also less expensive than treating certain health conditions that can arise in unspayed pets, such as uterine infections and certain cancers.

It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of spaying your pet with a veterinarian. In general, most veterinarians recommend spaying pets between the ages of four and six months, although the optimal timing may vary depending on the breed and size of your pet. By spaying your pet, you can help ensure that she lives a healthy, happy life, while also contributing to the larger goal of preventing pet overpopulation.

Dr. Shantanu Kalambi

Chief Veterinarian

Supertails.com

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With more than 20,000 deaths each year, India is one of the worst-affected countries by rabies but almost all of these deaths can be prevented with rabies vaccines, according to experts. Rabies is one of the most common diseases in India with an estimated 1.7 crore dog bites in a year, as per Association of Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI) data. The large stray dog population and limited success in control methods such as mass dog vaccination and animal birth control are among the reasons for the high number of animal bite and rabies cases in India. Jawed Zia, CEO of Cadila Pharma, says lack of public awareness and the resultant failure to complete the vaccine regimen are key causes behind rabies deaths.

There is also a clear gap in terms of affordability and accessibility of post-exposure treatment, rabies awareness, and risk of exposure to rabid dogs. The deaths are more than 10 times higher in rural areas as compared with urban areas. Around 40% of the animal bite victims are children under the age of 15.

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease that causes 59,000 human deaths globally of which more than a third or around 20,000 deaths occur in India. Almost all of these deaths can be prevented with safe and efficacious rabies vaccines, but somehow the efforts have fallen short so far. We have recently introduced ThRabis, the world’s first three-dose rabies vaccine, which has a simpler and more convenient regime, to contribute to preventing thousands of rabies deaths.

A large number of rabies deaths are attributable to a lack of public awareness about the disease and the resultant failure to undergo the full rabies vaccination regime. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other major health organisations observe September 28 as World Rabies Day to raise awareness about rabies prevention and to highlight the progress in defeating the horrifying disease. The theme for this year rabies day is “One Health, Zero Death”.  The occasion also brings together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide.

One of the challenges in preventing rabies deaths until recently was that animal bite victims needed to get five doses of the rabies vaccine spread over 28 days. Many victims did not complete the full course of the vaccine due to the potential loss of income associated with frequent hospital visits, leaving them unprotected and susceptible to developing rabies. ThRabis being a three-dose vaccine addresses this challenge to a great extent and is proving to be a game-changer in helping in saving many lives.

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Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is one of the most devastating diseases affecting cattle and buffaloes. It is a viral infection caused by Capripox virus, which is closely related to the Goat Pox virus. Recently there have been reports in the press indicating outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in certain parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. There are also initial signs that the outbreak is expanding to other parts of India.

Animals affected by this disease show signs of high fever, superficial lymph nodes, skin ulcers or scars, emaciation and reduced milk production. The disease has a high fatality rate. All of these have huge adverse economic implications on farmers and on livestock owners, who are heavily dependent on these animals for their livelihoods.

It has been prescribed by Government advisories to use the Goat Pox vaccine in higher dosage to protect, prevent and reduce mortality due to LSD. Hester manufactures Goat Pox vaccine which has been recommended for use at 3ml per dose in cattle and buffaloes. Hester also manufactures complementing therapies like antibiotic CuRx Inj (Enrofloxacin + Ketoprofen) which are very effective and helpful in the current LSD outbreak.

Hester has adequate ready stocks of its Goat Pox vaccine as well as of its other complementing products. It has geared up for manufacturing additional quantities of Goat Pox vaccine for immunisation and prevention of LSD, as well as its complementary products should there be an outbreak.

In addition, Hester is also creating awareness amongst farmers and livestock owners by way of regular workshops and informational sessions recommending preventive and protective measures such as vaccination, infection control, insect control programs and biosecurity measures.

Over-all Hester is fully geared to meet the situation and to help protect the farmers and livestock owners from the impact of LSD.

About Hester

Hester is one of the leading poultry and animal healthcare companies in India. It is the second largest poultry vaccine manufacturer in India. With over 35 years of experience in the sector, Hester manufactures essential vaccines to counter several life-threatening diseases in dairy animals, small ruminants and poultry. Hester currently has a 75% market share in PPR vaccines for Sheep and Goat, across the world. In addition, the Company has a health products portfolio comprising of therapeutics, feed supplements and biosecurity.

Following the principle of “One Health”, Hester’s product portfolio is targeted towards improving the health and the immunity of poultry and animals with the core objective of better health for human beings through healthier animal. The Company has recently started its Pet Care Division to cater to the need of companion animals. Hester operates through 3 manufacturing facilities, each located in Ahmedabad – India, Kathmandu – Nepal and in Dar Es Salaam – Tanzania. For more information, please visit www.hester.in

Mr. Rajiv Gandhi

CEO & MD, Hester Biosciences Ltd

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

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Ahmedabad: In an important breakthrough pharma major Cadila Pharmaceuticals has developed a novel three-dose recombinant nano-particle based rabies G protein vaccine. Aiming at a Rabies-Free India the novel vaccine was launched by Cadila this month with the campaign ‘One, Two, Three. Rabies Free.’ It is estimated that globally, rabies kills 59,000 animal bite victims every year, mainly in Asia and Africa. Over 20,000 people die in India alone, mainly because many animal bite victims do not complete the full course of the available vaccine.

All existing rabies vaccine regimens require five injections spread over 28 days to complete the full regimen. Many animal bite victims are unable to complete the full course of the vaccine due to their complicated dosing schedule, frequent visits to the hospital or clinic and potential loss of income associated with these visits. This leaves many victims unprotected and susceptible to developing rabies, which is a fatal condition.

The ‘Cadila Against Rabies’ event held in Ahmedabad was attended by key experts from the Association for the Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI) Founder President and Mentor Dr. MK Sudarshan; President Dr. DH Ashwath Narayana; Secretary General Dr. Sumit Poddar, and Treasurer Dr. HS Ravish and other leading experts. They spoke about the need to eradicate rabies and appreciated Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ efforts. The panel discussion was followed by the launch of ThRabis® – World’s 1^st novel three-dose rabies vaccine.

“With this three-dose innovative vaccine, many more lives will be saved – lives that continue to be lost to a preventable disease like Rabies. This vaccine can be a game-changer in our global flight to eliminate rabies through a simpler and more convenient regimen. Continuing our journey of making affordable innovations available to the last man in society, ThRabis® is one more addition to our portfolio of indigenous innovations,” shared Dr. Rajiv Modi, CMD, Cadila Pharmaceuticals.

About ThRabis®

The vaccine – ThRabis® is prepared by using Virus-Like Particle technology (VLP). The VLPs self-assemble from this recombinant G protein which is produced from genes cloned into baculovirus expression vectors and expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells. The vaccine generates antibodies against rabies G protein, which leads to virus neutralisation, as well as prevents virus attachment to the cell to confer protection against rabies.

Cadila Pharmaceuticals successfully tested immunogenicity and safety of three doses, i.e. 50 µg (microgram) on days 0, 3 and 7 of the novel vaccine in Phase-I/II and Phase-III clinical trials in healthy volunteers as well as preclinical models. The safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine were established in the trials. Besides being convenient, ThRabis® is an intramuscular vaccine and less painful for the recipients. It is also extremely convenient for doctors as it is a ready to use vaccine  and does not require  reconstitution prior to use (Adding water for injection and mixing it thoroughly).

“ThRabis® is a major breakthrough vaccine that can help in preventing many rabies related  deaths. Unlike other approved rabies vaccines, ThRabis® is a three-dose vaccine and is administered within a week. This ensures clinical effectiveness with just three doses in seven days, and will improve compliance to complete the vaccine course,” said Mr. Suresh Gupta, President, Domestic Business, Cadila Pharmaceuticals.

Also Read: First aid for – poisoning, snake bite & dog bite 

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Pets need attention, a proper diet and exercise especially during this lockdown when sources are limited. We have seen and heard of people getting restless, anxious, some go into depression and domestic violence is on the rise during this period. Working from home adds to the stress. The same thing happens to your pets too. They too undergo a lot of stress at this time. The three main points to look at are:

1. Lack of Exercises: Pets love the outdoors with its new sights, sounds and smells. Restriction on pet walking within communities includes shorter walks or no walks, which translate to less exercise, which leads to your pets gaining weight. To tackle this, we need to provide alternatives like more time at home to indulge in games like fetch, hide and seek to provide a modicum of exercise. Diet plays an important role to prevent weight gain – Dogs and cats are fed either with packed food or home-cooked food. Portion control or a reduction in carbohydrate content in home-cooked food will go a long way to control weight gain.

2. Attention seeking: Now that you are home all day, your pet is going to see more of you all the time. Puppies and kittens especially will be more demanding. This is a great time for you to start training your pets, all you need is lots of patience and practice the old adage of repetition and reward, repetition and reward again and again. Make a schedule of 15 mins 3 times daily and you will start to see results in a week time. You could also indulge them with games involving interactive toys. A simple homemade toy can be made with an empty pringles box or plastic bottle. Make a few holes in it and put in their favourite treats and they will be busy rolling it all over the place trying to get at the treat. You will be disturbed frequently by your pets. It is important for you to exercise some control, do not lose your temper or be tempted to whack them. This is a strict NO NO.

3. Be prepared: Stock up on the needs of your pet be it for toys / treats / litter faucets. Ask your vet to give you a list of basic medicines for common illness like upset stomachs, allergies etc. Talk to your vet about telephonic consultations, food supplies; check on whether routine preventive healthcare, like vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea control, can it be postponed or needs to be done at this time. Your vet will be able to guide you on this front.

 Some Do’s and Don’ts for your pets:

1. Do exercise at home with simple games, don’t lose your temper and maintain social distance when you take your pets for a walk.

2.Always keep them on a leash and shorten your walk but increase the frequency if possible. Use a brush to clean their paws after a walk.

3..Don’t use masks on your pets – it hampers their breathing.

4. Don’t allow people to hug, cuddle or touch your pets.

5. Don’t use sanitizers on your pets, especially on their paws.

6. Do not allow your pet to sit or sleep on the floor which has just been mopped with Lizol or Phenol which is still wet.

7. Don’t abandon your pets because of rumours that they can transmit COVID-19.  This is not true.

The WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) and WHO have confirmed that pets cannot transmit Covide-19. Few cases of cats and dogs who have tested positive were done to check if they had the virus. This was to see if they had caught the virus from their pet owners who had tested positive. Contact tracing from these animals, which tested positive showed that the new handlers who came in contact with the Covid-19 positive animals did not contract the infection.

What if you are Covid-19 positive? What happens to you or your pets? Take similar precautions with your pet that you would take with your family members. Maintain social distance, wear a mask, wash your hand regularly and avoid contact with your pet until you are okay.

Dr. Michel Morton
Chief Veterinarian
The BlueRidge Pet Speciality and Research Centre
Hennur-Jakkur Link Road, Kothanur, Bangalore – 560077
Ph: +91-80-69993838, +91-80-69998712

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The advent of corona virus has led to multifarious stressors for individuals, including a disruption of their routine lives and schedules. The uncertainty regarding the spread of the virus, the lockdown, economic changes, reduced activity, and social contact has led to rising mental health issues and concerns. These psychological strains impact one’s behaviour and interactions with one’s family members, including pet dogs. The stressors affect not only the humans, but the dogs too, who can understand and pick on the changes in their human’s emotions. In fact, dogs are known to be able to identify changes in their human’s emotions and even slight changes in their facial expressions, which other humans might not be able to identify. There is a simple way to address this, which is mutually beneficial for humans and pets alike!

As professionals and officials all over the world work hard to bring the ongoing pandemic under control, we are required to stay indoors. This means no more long walks and outdoor time. However, simple indoor games can be used to engage them. A lesser-known fact is that this engagement is further beneficial to humans too and can improve the way they cope with these uncertain times. Most dogs are food motivated, which can be very advantageous for us. Hiding treats around the house is a great way to stimulate the dog’s senses, especially olfactory, as they hunt for these treats and stay active and engaged for a long time.

Depending on the dog’s capabilities, these treats can be hidden in easy to locate or more difficult spots, such as under a carpet. For dogs not motivated by food, toys, or any other possessions that they are drawn towards, can be hidden. A rope or long toy can also be tied to a pole, railing, or firm surface for the dog to tug on.In case, space is a problem, treats can be hidden inside a piece of cloth that can then be folded multiple times with treats inside each fold. This can further be made more difficult by hiding it inside a box. However, ensure to supervise all activities to ascertain that the dog does not harm itself or ingest any other material while searching for the treat.

Activities help to mentally stimulate the dogs:

These activities help to mentally stimulate the dogs and activate the use of various muscles and nerve endings in their mouth. Their senses are involved in searching for treats or toys which further helps to release pent up energy. These activities help to reduce stress, boredom and keep them active. This further enables them to rest and sleep better. Engaging in such physical activities is not beneficial for the dog alone! Humans too, gain from it. Dogs have been known to provide a great source of distraction and entertainment. This distraction takes the person’s thoughts away from their issues and troubles. These individuals can then begin to gain self-monitored control over their anxieties and worries.

An act as simple as petting and cuddling with one’s pet can help reduce distress, sadness, anxiety, lower heart rate and blood pressure. It further improves social interactions, feelings of pleasure and companionship. Positive physical contact helps release a chemical called oxytocin which also impacts one’s immune system, which is much needed in the current scenario. It helps to increase the threshold for pain, reduces inflammatory effects, and provides anxiolytic effect, further reducing anxiety and related symptoms. Oxytocin is present throughout the nervous system and plays an important role by impacting other neurotransmitters and chemicals which regulate various important functions.

Stressful periods increase the production of cortisol which can compromise the cardiovascular functioning and immunocompetence. This impacts the individual’s ability to fight infections. Engaging interactions with dogs can help reduce this stress greatly by reducing levels of cortisol as well. This reduced level of cortisol also aids decision making and memory. It reduces anxiety, depression, improves emotional processing and relationships. The humans will be more active and stay motivated for longer. There has been evidence of reduced aggression and self-harming tendencies too. Such interactions have not only immediate short-term effects but also a long-term impact. They have had a reduced number of health concerns and lesser visits to the doctor.

Schedule your day and interactions with the dog:

An enhanced sense of responsibly and improved empathy followed. Individuals have reported better overall health and well-being. Yes, the benefits are multifarious, but one must be mindful that one day, this lockdown will end, and routines are going to go back to normal. Hence is it very important to schedule your day and interactions with the dog, as close to the usual routine as possible. This means that individuals should consider giving the dogs enough alone time in their daily routine, as they are used to. Even if it means around 2-3 hours of leaving the dog on his own, to catch up on sleep and ensuring that there is no movement or noises that will disturb them.

With everyone at home due to the lockdown, it is essential to take into consideration the impact of the number of people present on the dog. Overburdening them with excessive movement and contact should be avoided. This will stress them further and prevent the required 14-16 hours a day of sleep, recommended for them. Taking care of one’s pets benefits not only the non-human animals but humans too. This lockdown let your dogs help you cope!

Unnati G Hunjan

8th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore- 95

Email: unnatihunjan5@gmail.com

Mob: +91-9545959282

About the Author

Unnati Hunjan is a psychologist, an animal-assisted therapist. Neuropsychology and animal-assisted interventions are the major focus of her PhD, under the guidance of Dr Jayasankara Reddy, Christ University, Bangalore. In these fields, she has conducted numerous workshops, courses and presented on national and international platforms. With her initiative at Therapeutic Paws, India, she is aiming to bring about the much-needed awareness about animal-assisted interventions and the ethical ways to practice it.

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Saturated solution of common salt or mustard and make him vomit.

Poisoning

Some substances when taken into the body in fairly large quantities can be dangerous to health or can cause death, such substances are called POISONS. There are three types or routes by which poisons can enter the body.

• Ingested poisons (oral)
• Inhaled poisons like gases (nose)
• Injected poisons (through skin)
• Ingested poisons – These are poisons which enter the body through mouth. There are two varieties in this
• Corrosive Poisons – Eg. Strong Acids and Alkalies
• Non-Corrosive Poisons – Eg. TIK-20, Folidol, etc. When you see the case of ingested poison, examine the casualty’s lips and tongue. If lips and tongue are burnt or discolored, it is an indication of corrosive poison. Otherwise, it is non-corrosive poison.

Saturated solution of common salt or mustard and make him vomit. Collect the vomits for further examination, give cold milk or white of egg to reduce burning sensation in the stomach and to reduce the rate of absorption of the poison respectively and then shift the casualty to the Hospital.

In case of corrosive poisons, “NEVER MAKE THE CASUALTY VOMIT”. Here, treat by means of dilution i.e. give plenty of water, it will dilute poison.

Snake bite

Out of 2500 different kinds of snakes only 200 are poisonous.

 Management

• Lay the patient down, give him complete rest, and never make him walk.
• If the bite is on the arm or leg apply a constrictive bandage (on the heart side) just tight enough to obstruct and stop the flow of the poison (Venom) to all parts of the body.

Application of constrictive bandage should be as follows

• Out of 60 seconds in a minute tie the bandage for 50 seconds loosen it for 10 seconds,
• Cover the wound with sterilized dressing.
• If breathing fails start artificial respiration.
• Shift the patient to the hospital (if the snake has been killed carry it to the hospital for identification).

 Dog bite

• Wash the wound thoroughly with plenty of soap and water
• Cover the wound with a dry sterile dressing
• Shift the patient to the hospital.

To know more about first aid click here

Read more on World health organisation’s tips on  Medical kit and toilet items

K K Pradeep
Tejus crisis and Trauma Foundation

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INDIVIDUAL: These are the factors that are related to individual’s own self like positive physical development, academic achievement, high emotional quotient, good self esteem, good problem solving skills, engagement in some contexts like school, peers, religion, and spirituality. Individual’s one or more talents, self confidence makes him/ her resilient.

FAMILY : Family provides an individual with structure, rules and monitoring. Family provides an individual with immense support that makes that individual resilient. Caring relations with adults, parent’s good mental and physical health, parenting practices, good bonding of both parents with each other are some factors that make an individual resilient because of his/ her positive surroundings.

INSTITUTION-NEIGHBOURHOOD-COMMUNITY: mentor’s support is also necessary for developing skills and interests. There must be some opportunities for every individual to get involved in the school or community level activities so that they can feel important. There must be positive norms for individuals and some clear expectations for their respective behaviour. These factors also should ensure individual’s physical and psychological safety. Neighbourhood must be good, supportive and in positive environment.

 Absence of above factors puts an individual at risk. But there are many other factors that have not been explored yet. People at risk might get addicted to some sort of drugs or alcohol or might slip into psychological disorders and that could be a threat to themselves and people around them. So it is important to study the resilience factors so that, at risk people may get some help and become resilient. Over the globe, many researches have been done in this area but this particular factor has not been explored in India much whereas some work has been done in other countries. It has been observed that some people who keep pets at home regard them like their family members and some keep pet animals for other purposes like home safety, out of trend, therapy dogs.

 It is important to study this factor in India because it is becoming a trend to keep pets now a day at home. Social media and some NGO’s keep motivating people to spare some space in their house for pets and in turn they can get immense love and a company. Celebrities’ liking to keep pets have also given people the idea to keep dogs, cats, etc at home. It is true that pets are a good company and might make people learn empathy. Some people might choose family pet as per their personal preference, allergy issues, etc. Dogs and cats are most common pets, some people also like to keep birds, horses and fish as pets.

 Clinical psychologists  have not emphasized much on the bond people share with their pets.  Family pets serve as great companions not only to the nuclear families but also to the people living alone. Pets like dogs and cats act as a friend to the growing children. Different families give different reasons for having pets.  They respond heartily to care, love and attention and in turn offer unconditional love to the owner. After a long day at work, school or college pets meet their owners with enthusiasm and affection. They also provide psychological and social support. People with pets credit them for making their kids more generous and kind towards other living beings. With the help of pets children may also prepare themselves for future life experiences.

Some people like to raise a dog or a cat before themselves being parents and some people do not want their own kids and simply raise pets instead. One advantage of keeping pet is that they reduce stress in children.  People specially children feel safe when their pet is around. Pets also enhance mood and may also emotional responding in children. Serpell (1990) observed that people who had pets had less health problems and high self esteem than people did not own pets. Pets are also found to be helpful to owners in lowering their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  Research has shown animal-human interaction facilitates in reducing anxiety, loneliness and depression to some extent.

While most families report that their pet is of great importance to them at all times, they value them most at times of crisis and loss, through disruptive transitions, and in weathering prolonged adversity. Companion animals provide socio emotional support that facilitates coping, recovery, and resilience. When members are feeling vulnerable, lonely, or depressed, others may be preoccupied, distant, or uncomfortable in relating. Bonds with pets offer comfort, affection, and a sense of security. Bonds with pets are especially vital in times of illness or death. Couples with dogs had greater well-being, and those with the highest attachment to their dogs and who confide in them fared the best. Interestingly, talking to dogs in addition to one’s spouse was related to greater life satisfaction, marital satisfaction, and physical and emotional health.

 Confiding in pets to ‘‘discuss’’difficult life situations greatly relieved stress. Cain found that most family respondents believed that their pets understood when they talked or confided in them, and that their pets were sensitive to their moods, as conveyed in their tone of voice, body language, or tears. When family members were sick or injured, their pets were very responsive, often licking a wounded area or curling up close to offer comfort.

Conclusion:

Human beings are hard wired to be connected with other fellow beings and other organisms.This has significant health and well-being implications. It works in bidirectional ways because animals like dogs and cats in turn are cared by humans and vice versa.  It is, therefore, important to nurture, and love animals to deal with life challenges and hence improve health and well-being. There is a need that this new model become famous and the population needs to be sensitized about this.

Miss. Kanchan
Sc (Clinical Psychology, Government Mohindra College, Punjabi University, Patiala)
Doctorate Student (Clinical Psychology, Amity Institute of Behavioral and Allied Sciences, Amity University Rajasthan)
kanchansingla11@gmail.com
07888568967

Dr. Mustafa Nadeem Kirmani
Associate Professor and Head Department of Clinical Psychology
Institute of Behavioral Sciences
SGT Medical University, Gurgaon, Haryaana.
nadeemcpnimhans@gmail.com
07426871886/08267871886

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