Feeding your pet raw food may not be such a great idea

Do you feed your pets raw foods because you believe, as many do, that eating raw is closer to nature? Are you attracted to the growing trend of raw and refrigerated pet food, some of it far more expensive than dry kibble? Perhaps you should pause and reconsider your choices. While it is true that no animal eats cooked food in the wild, infectious disease experts say the raw food trend, fuelled by a growing...

Refusal to put terminally ill pet down not cruelty, rules U.S. court

Pet owners have the right, after all, to refuse treatment for their terminally ill pets. That’s the upshot of a ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in the USA earlier this year in a case of animal cruelty brought against a woman who refused to have her terminally ill dog put down. Mary Ann Russo from Weymouth in the commonwealth of Massachusetts took her 14-year-old cocker spaniel, Tipper, to an animal hospital twice...

Did you know? Hippos cannot swim

Did you know? Human beings in their conceit think ‘god’ made them in his—isn’t it always his?—image. But many of our fellow members of the club called Kingdom Animalia are gifted with abilities that human beings cannot replicate even with all the technology at their disposal. The series Did You Know? is an attempt to find and share such amazing information that the world of fauna is replete with. If you have an interesting nugget...

Three new year goals for people and pets

A new year brings new opportunities for a lifestyle reboot. As you set health goals for 2025, remember that your pet can embark on the journey to healthier living alongside you. Whether you are aiming to eat better, exercise more, or find peace of mind, one of the best strategies for success is the buddy system—and your pet might be the perfect partner. Consider three ways you and your pet can work towards healthy habits...

Global vet medicine market seen growing to $85 billion by 2031

The global veterinary medicine market, valued at $46.51 billion in 2023, or about Rs3.92 lakh crore at the current exchange rate, is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 7.77% to reach $85.05 billion, or about Rs7.18 lakh crore, by 2031, according to a new marketing research report. This growth in the vet medicine market is attributed to the rising awareness of animal health and welfare, coupled with increased adoption of companion...

9 in 10 Aussies talk to their pets as they would to a human

Do you speak to your dog or cat as if it were a human being? If your answer is yes, take heart. You are not alone. A survey carried out in Australia among dog and cat owners found that more than 90% talk to their pets as if they were simply another member of the family. The poll of 1,000 Australians from pet insurer Budget Direct found that about 59% said they regularly talk to...

NY’s Xmas gift: No more buying pups, kittens in pet shops

The retail sale of pet animals in shops will be prohibited by law throughout the state of New York, USA, from December 15, CBS News reported. The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, which was passed by the state legislature in December 2022 and signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on December 16, applies to dogs, cats, and rabbits. It will still be legal to adopt pets through humane societies, animal rescues, and licensed breeders. On Thursday, the...

Vet’s suicide raises questions of easy access to deadly drugs

A well-regarded young veterinarian in Winchester, England, took his own life with a drug used to euthanize pets at least partly because he was disturbed by wealthy customers asking him to put down their animals unnecessarily, The Independent newspaper reported. The vet’s suicide has prompted a coroner to warn about the easy access to dangerous drugs in the veterinary profession. The Winchester Coroner’s Court in Hampshire was told John Ellis, 35, tricked a veterinary nurse...

Growel Group enters pet food business with Carniwel

While some large Indian corporations such as Godrej Consumer Products Ltd have announced plans to enter the rapidly growing pet foods market, the Growel Group, a leader in aquaculture feeds, aqua healthcare, and the seafood processing industry since 1994, has stolen a march over them with their recent launch of the brand, Carniwel. According to a press statement from the company, the Carniwel brand, crafted with high-quality nutritious ingredients and manufactured entirely in India, falls...

Diwali special: How to help your pets cope with fireworks

Fireworks are a common part of celebrations in India, especially around Diwali, but for many pets, they can be a source of extreme anxiety and fear. The sudden loud noises, bright lights, and vibrations are often overwhelming for them, especially dogs and cats, and cause acute stress. As their guardian, it is crucial for you to understand how fireworks affect animals and what steps to take to help them cope with the stress. Why pets...