Ticks are among the most common parasites affecting dogs in India. While they may appear to be a minor nuisance, ticks can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Regular tick prevention is one of the simplest ways to keep your dog healthy and comfortable.
Ticks feed on a dog's blood and can lead to several problems, including:
Persistent itching and skin irritation
Hair loss and skin infections
Anaemia, especially in puppies and small dogs
Transmission of blood-borne diseases such as canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis
Dogs that spend time outdoors, visit parks, or live in areas with heavy vegetation are at greater risk, but even indoor pets can pick up ticks.
Watch for:
Frequent scratching or biting at the skin
Small brown or grey parasites attached to the skin
Redness, scabs, or hair loss
Lethargy or loss of appetite
Pale gums or fever, particularly if a tick-borne disease develops
If you notice these signs, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Effective tick control usually involves:
Removing visible ticks safely.
Treating any skin infections or tick-borne diseases if present.
Using a veterinarian-recommended tick preventive to eliminate existing ticks and reduce future infestations.
Keeping your dog's bedding and surroundings clean to minimise reinfestation.
Treatment should always be based on your veterinarian's examination and your dog's age, weight, and overall health.
Alembic Lanerwin is an oral tick and flea control medication for dogs that should be used under veterinary guidance. When prescribed appropriately, it is designed to:
Kill ticks and fleas after they feed.
Help provide continued protection against reinfestation for the labelled duration.
Offer an oral alternative for dogs that do not tolerate topical tick treatments.
Like all veterinary medicines, Lanerwin should be given according to the recommended dosage for your dog's body weight and only after consulting a veterinarian. It is important to follow the product label and your veterinarian's instructions.
Check your dog after walks, especially around the ears, neck, paws, and tail.
Keep your lawn and surroundings clean.
Wash pet bedding regularly.
Maintain a regular parasite prevention schedule throughout the year.
Schedule routine veterinary health check-ups.
Tick prevention is much easier than treating the complications caused by tick infestations. A comprehensive parasite control plan—including environmental hygiene, regular examinations, and veterinarian-recommended preventive medications such as Alembic Lanerwin when appropriate—can help keep your dog healthy and comfortable all year round.
If your dog has ticks, fever, weakness, pale gums, or loss of appetite, seek veterinary care without delay, as these may indicate a tick-borne disease requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Canine distemper is one of the most serious viral diseases affecting dogs. Although modern vaccines have greatly reduced its incidence, distemper continues to claim the lives of many puppies and unvaccinated dogs every year. The good news is that this devastating disease is largely preventable through timely vaccination.
Canine distemper is caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), a highly contagious virus that attacks multiple body systems, including the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and nervous system. The disease is especially dangerous in puppies between 2 and 6 months of age, although dogs of any age that are not adequately vaccinated can become infected.
The virus spreads primarily through:
Respiratory droplets released when an infected dog coughs or sneezes.
Direct contact with infected dogs.
Shared food and water bowls.
Contaminated environments and objects.
Because the virus spreads easily, even brief contact with an infected dog can put an unvaccinated pet at risk.
The disease often progresses in stages. Early symptoms may include:
Fever
Loss of appetite
Watery discharge from the eyes and nose
Coughing
Sneezing
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Lethargy
As the disease advances, neurological signs may develop, including:
Muscle twitching
Tremors
Difficulty walking
Seizures
Head tilt
Paralysis in severe cases
Some dogs may also develop thickening of the nose and footpads, commonly called "hard pad disease."
Distemper weakens the immune system, making affected dogs vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections. Once the nervous system becomes involved, recovery becomes more difficult, and some dogs that survive may be left with lifelong neurological problems.
Without prompt veterinary care, the disease can be fatal.
Veterinarians diagnose distemper based on:
Clinical signs
Vaccination history
Physical examination
Laboratory tests when needed
Early diagnosis improves the chances of supportive treatment.
There is no specific antiviral cure for canine distemper. Treatment focuses on supporting the dog's body while its immune system fights the infection.
Supportive care may include:
Intravenous fluids
Nutritional support
Medications to control vomiting and diarrhoea
Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections
Anti-seizure medications if neurological signs develop
Intensive nursing care
The outcome depends on the dog's age, immune status, and the severity of the infection.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent canine distemper.
General recommendations include:
Beginning puppy vaccinations at the age recommended by your veterinarian.
Completing the full puppy vaccination series.
Receiving booster vaccinations as advised.
Avoiding contact between unvaccinated puppies and unknown dogs.
Keeping your dog's vaccinations up to date protects not only your pet but also helps reduce the spread of the disease within the community.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog develops:
Fever
Persistent cough
Eye or nasal discharge
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Muscle twitching or seizures
Sudden weakness or difficulty walking
Early veterinary intervention can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
Canine distemper is a serious disease, but it is also one of the most preventable. Timely vaccination, routine veterinary check-ups, and prompt medical attention when your dog becomes ill can save lives.
If you suspect your dog has distemper or has missed its vaccinations, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Protecting your pet today can prevent heartbreak tomorrow.