Bring My Pet to the Vet | Royal Canin's Campaign for Improved Pet Healthcare in the Philippines.

Global leading pet nutrition manufacturer and provider Royal Canin recently launched its Bring My Pet to the Vet (BMPV) campaign as part of its commitment to champion responsible pet ownership among Filipino pet parents. Pet owners across the Philippines can now access over 20,000 free pet checkups and 4,000 BMPV care kits for their furry friends through the Royal Canin Club mobile application, as well as other pet rewards made available on the platform.

Over the past year, more Filipinos are turning to pets as their trusted quarantine companions. However, a survey by Kantar shows that 93% and 50% of cat and dog owners, respectively, do not get their pets checked regularly. The survey also highlights that most owners only bring their pets to the veterinarian for vaccinations and medical procedures, reflecting how wellness checkups are not common in the Philippines.

Have you visited your vet today?

With this, Royal Canin introduced the BMPV campaign to encourage both new and old pet owners to bring their pets to the vet as early and as regular as they can, and understand the importance of pet preventive healthcare and medicalization. The campaign also underlines the role that veterinarians play in Filipinos' pets' lives, as it provides a platform for pet owners to connect with their trusted vet partners and clinics, ultimately building a more connected and engaged pet community in the Philippines.

This year, Royal Canin leverages its mobile platform, the Royal Canin Club app, to strengthen its 2019 Bring My Dog to the Vet (BMDV) campaign and relate to more pet owners nationwide. To claim the free checkup, pet owners just need to claim the free consultation voucher under the mobile application’s rewards, find the nearest clinic in the store locator by selecting the Vet feature, and reach out to the clinics directly to book their appointments for consultation. On the day of their appointment, pet owners need to present their generated checkup QR code on their Royal Canin Club app to avail of the free consultation. Afterward, users are encouraged to complete their post-checkup survey for more amazing perks and rewards in the application.

Cats need some vet care, too!

Royal Canin’s BMPV campaign seeks to redefine its previous campaign, which gave away 3,000 free consultations for Filipino pet owners through the company’s website. Now made available on the Royal Canin Club app, it becomes a culmination of two purposeful pet preventive healthcare campaigns. It hopes to further educate pet owners about the signals to watch out from their pets to guide them and encourage them to work closely with their vets in achieving optimum health for their beloved furry friends.

“We, at Royal Canin, recognize the value of preventive pet healthcare and the important role that our veterinary partners and clinics play in one’s pet’s life. Through our new Bring My Pet to the Vet campaign, we hope to instill this mindset and become a platform for pet owners to build a stronger bond with their veterinarians as we work together to safeguard the health of their pets even during such unprecedented time,” says Adriann Eusebio, Royal Canin Philippines’ Country Director. “We want to highlight how important it is for pet owners to have access to credible and reliable pet information, as we continue to improve our services with our loyal customers and partners giving us actionable insights about pet healthcare along the way.”

Free vet visits - one of the many perks of the Royal Canin Club app.

As the vet checkups require physical visits, Royal Canin ensures everyone that their partner veterinarians and pet shops follow the strict safety protocols of the government when taking in patients and customers. The company works closely with vet clinics to ensure that all pet owners secure appointments first before their visit to avoid overcrowding in their establishments.

“We understand the safety concerns of our partners and customers about going out to visit their vets amid the pandemic. With the lockdowns still in place, our BMPV campaign also ensures to encourage pet owners to become responsible citizens, as much as they are as pet parents, and abide by proper COVID-19 protocols of their vet partners and clinics to avoid the spread of the virus, “ adds Eusebio. “At Royal Canin, we aim to enforce extra precautions to address our customers’ concerns and are committed to improving our services by opening our lines of communication for improvement.”

For more information on Royal Canin’s Bring My Pet to the Vet campaign, pet owners may download the Royal Canin Club application, read about pet healthcare information, and claim their voucher through the platform. One may also visit the Royal Canin Philippines on Facebook and Instagram at @RoyalCaninPH for more details about the Royal Canin Club app and other updates about the brand.

Royal Canin Club App | Rewards Programs, Pet Care Education, and more!

If you’re a loving pet owner stuck in quarantine, chances are you’ve resorted to various online sources to tend to your pet’s needs. All pet parents are known to go a long way for their beloved, loyal pets to ensure they get the right nutrition and care they deserve.

Leading and trusted pet care brand Royal Canin Philippines understands this unique bond between pets and their parents and celebrates this through the launch of their rewards program mobile application, Royal Canin Club. The app is an easy-to-use, system that aims to aid doting pet owners in keeping their furry babies delighted and healthy.

Now available on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, the Royal Canin Club app provides pet owners with exclusive access to credible pet care information as well as Royal Canin products and exclusive promos. In line with the brand’s thrust of providing the best-tailored nutrition for pets, the app is a complementary tool for both new and loyal Royal Canin patrons who strive only for the best, loving experience for their furry friends.

The Royal Canin Club app is now available for download on iOS and Android.

As soon as one downloads the app and completes registration, Royal Canin already rewards pet owners with an awesome gift set and vouchers, whether they are loyal users or new to the brand.

Pet owners will also get to enjoy the Royal Canin e-learning tool, with informative and engaging content on maintaining pets’ wellbeing: proper diet and nutrition, digestive health, neonatal to ageing care, skin and coat care, training, and understanding pet behavior. Users also get access to exciting app features such as pet quizzes, store locators for partner establishments, and first dibs to sale and promotion announcements from Royal Canin. Through the application, Filipino pet owners will have access to an exclusive store finder feature that can connect them to the nearest pet store, veterinary clinics, and pet breeders at the utmost convenience.

The app is a product of Royal Canin’s 50 years of passion for pets’ health and wellbeing, five decades of understanding each pet’s unique needs and care that match their physical and emotional requirements.

“The Royal Canin Club app aims to be a trusted partner of pet owners who want nothing but the best for their cats and dogs. Through the app, we hope to provide guidance to discerning pet owners with accurate and relevant information about caring for their pets, all while they earn redeemable points for when they engage with the app’s activities,” says Adriann Eusebio, Royal Canin Philippines’ Country Director.

A sneak peek at the Royal Canin Club app.

The app is expected to appeal to a huge group of the public, especially with the growing number of pet ownership in the country. According to Euromonitor International, pet care in the Philippines continues to improve in performance, which can be further attributed to the increasing popularity of dogs as pets, growing sales of pet healthcare products, and a greater propensity for owners to feed dogs with packaged food.

The global pet care e-commerce market size is also expected to grow owing to the increasing usage around the world, according to a Grand View Research, Inc.’s study. Additionally, Asia Pacific is expected to witness a CAGR growth of around 10% due to rising pet adoption and the growing economy of the region.

“Over the years we have committed to attending to the unique needs of dogs and cats. Our passion for pet health continues to drive us to introduce new products and innovative solutions that foster a healthier environment, all while working with the best pet shops, veterinarians, and breeders around. We look forward to the positive impact that the Royal Canin Club app will have on our beloved pets here in the country,” Eusebio remarks.

The Royal Canin Club app can be downloaded from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, free of charge. For more product news, promotions, and information on special giveaway contests, one may follow Royal Canin Philippines on its social media pages.

Chamomile For Dogs | 3 Benefits You Probably Didn’t Know.

We are all well aware of the amazing properties of chamomile. I bet you have some chamomile tea at home right at this very moment. Why wouldn’t you? Its therapeutic properties and various benefits are more than enough to make you want to drink it every single day. Plus, it does taste pretty great, doesn’t it?

This is why people drink chamomile tea: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320031

I’m not here to talk about all the amazing things that this flower can do for you, though. It’s time we concentrated on someone other than ourselves. It’s time we paid some attention to our four-pawed, barking friends. Given how affectionate, loyal and loving they are, they really deserve our undivided attention, don’t they? We make sure to give them the best foods and treats from chicken dog food to beef liver bites, so why not think about how they feel overall and help them remain calm day in and day out.

If you thought that feeding your pup regularly and taking it out for frequent walks is enough to make it happy and well, I suggest you think again. There’s more to their feelings and needs that meets the eye. There’s also more to chamomile that meets the eye. Have you ever even thought of using “dogs” and “chamomile” in the same sentence?

 

A dog. And chamomile flowers. :)

In case it has never crossed your mind that this flower could be rather helpful for your little companions, you should use this day to do some research on that topic. The things you will find will probably amaze you and lead you towards making a very important decision of giving your pup chamomile. An idea that might seem strange at first will quickly turn into the best idea you’ve had in a while.

Before you go any further, though, and decide to make some purchases, I suppose you do want to know what it is that chamomile can do for your dogs. That’s the right way to go. Doing research before buying just anything is the right step towards buying the perfect thing. Since we’re researching chamomile today, if you continue reading, you’ll get to find out about how our dogs can benefit from it. Let us get started.

Photo credit: Experience Life.

It Soothes Their Upset Stomach
When you notice that your pup is having abdominal issues, you are definitely eager to try and find a solution. An upset stomach can be very irritating for a dog. It can cause pain, vomiting and diarrhea, among other things. Gastrointestinal issues are rather common among canines and I am sure that, if there’s a way to help, every owner will jump on that opportunity.

Here’s a thought. Why not try chamomile products? This flower is praised for its calming properties and research has shown that it can soothe our dogs’ upset stomachs, which leads to the reduction of symptoms like vomiting, pain and diarrhea. Don’t take my word for it, try it out yourself.

It Reduces Anxiety
Whether you want to admit it or not, your canine can get anxious too. This disorder is not reserved for humans only, so you need to understand that most of our animals can also suffer from anxiety. Similarly, chamomile is also net reserved for humans only, which is why you shouldn’t deprive your pets of its amazing properties.

If you notice signs of anxiety in your dog, you should try to find a way to calm them down, instead of panicking right there with them. One of the perfect ways to calm them down is, you’ve guessed it right, chamomile. This flower will get your pup more relaxed and at ease. While it cannot exactly cure anxiety for good, it can definitely relieve the symptoms, which will help your canine lead a higher-quality life.

It Treats Skin Issues
Skin irritations can be rather annoying, especially the ones that never seem to disappear, no matter how hard you try to fight them. You’ve tried everything you could think of and your dog still keeps scratching that one inflamed patch of the skin. It appears that there really is nothing you could possibly do about it and help the poor animal.

Instead of simply giving up, you should try to apply chamomile on the inflamed spot. It can be perfect for treating flea bites, allergies and even certain bacterial or fungi skin infections. Once again, its soothing properties are responsible for resolving the skin issues and help your doggie heal.

Kids and Pets: Top 5 Kid-Friendly, Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds.

My son has been begging me to get him a pet for the longest time. He started asking for it around Christmas time last year, when we chanced upon a Korean family buying a pet hamster at eMart. (Oh yes, in Korea they sell pets at their discount stores.)

A few weeks later, he asked me if we can raise an iguana at home - an idea most likely inspired by watching Nat Geo Wild day in and day out. I vehemently disagreed, of course. Save for turtles, I really can't stand the sight of reptiles.

These days, he's been leaning towards more 'normal' pet choices, like a cat or a dog. And if you've been a long time follower of this blog, then you might recall that I used to have a dog - a Shih Tzu-Poodle named Stalin.

After Stalin passed away in 2012, it never occurred to me to get a new dog or a new pet. Losing Stalin had been very traumatic and emotionally devastating, and I thought I can never love another dog again the same way I loved my Stalin. However, it's a totally different story when your child earnestly begs you for a pet dog and wholeheartedly promises to care for it and attend to its needs. *sigh*

My husband has already agreed to Yue's idea, and now it's up to me to choose which dog to get. The Goody Pet has a comprehensive list of child-friendly dog breeds, which I have narrowed down to these hypoallergenic, asthma-friendly choices.

Poodle

Photo credit: Pup Home.

When it comes to hypoallergenic or non-shedding dogs, Poodles are at the top of the list. They come in three different sizes - toy, miniature, and standard. The latter make good family dogs, as they get along very well with children. Poodles are one of the most obedient and smartest dogs; they love to play, and enjoy physical activities. Poodles have hair - not fur - which do not shed, making them the perfect companion for dog-lovers with asthma and/or allergies.

Maltese

Photo credit: Spoiled Maltese.

One of the more popular breeds of lap dogs, Maltese are known for their straight and long white coat. Maltese dogs can weigh up to 7 pounds, and have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Extremely lovable and playful, Maltese also make good watchdogs as they bark at strangers and other dogs. Shedding is almost non-existent in this breed as they have no undercoat. They do, however, require regular grooming to keep their white coats clean and free of mats.

Bichon Frise

Photo credit: Dogster.

A Bichon Frise is a small breed of dog which traces its origins from Spain and Belgium. One of the sweetest and most affectionate breeds, Bichon Frise dogs are known for their cotton ball cloud of curly white hair which have minimal shedding. They are playful and energetic, and very amicable towards children. Like the Maltese, the Bichon Frise also requires regular grooming to keep their coat in good shape.

Yorkshire Terrier

Photo credit: Pinterest.

Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs with a big personality. Good-natured and playful, Yorkies - as they are often called - usually weigh less than 7 pounds and have a lifespan of approximately 14 to 16 years. The hallmark of this breed is its coat color - a lovely shade of tan with a dark steel blue hue. They don't have an undercoat and they hardly shed, but it does take a lot of work to keep their coat fine, silky, straight, and free of mats. Yorkies also make good guard dogs as they tend to bark excessively (sometimes a little too much) at strangers.

Shih Tzu

Photo credit: Vet Street.

Originally bred for for royalty in China, Shih Tzus are known for their warm and friendly personality which makes them one of the most popular toy breeds around the world. Playful and affectionate, Shih Tzus are friendly towards just about anybody - whether its kids or strangers or other dogs. Shih Tzus are also one of the few breed of dogs whose coat is made up of hair. They shed very lightly, but their coat needs to be combed daily to keep tangles at bay. Professional grooming is also recommended, especially during the hot summer months when their coat needs to be kept short.

So, which breed will we be getting? Honestly, I'm still undecided.
I guess we have to visit the pet shop soon so we can see the dogs in person. Hopefully, one adorable pup will steal my heart again, the way Stalin did when I first met him eleven years ago. :)

Teaching Your Dog To Obey.

No matter what kind of dog you own, you can take it to a pet training facility so that they can teach it to obey commands if you don't have the time. The staff will work with dogs on an individual basis as well as in a group. Staff members will use positive reinforcement to teach commands instead of using negative methods that might scare the dogs.

One of the things to keep in mind is that the business might want you to come participate in the classes so that the dogs will learn your voice. This will make it easier to teach commands if you are a part of the process.

Photo credit: Pet Finder.

You will be able to see the proper pet training methods as well as approaches that you can use when your pets are in various situations, such as with children or when visitors come to the home. As long as you take the advice of the people who are training the dogs, you should be able to take those commands to your home so that your dog will know that you are in charge.

If you ever have any concerns, the facility will be able to answer questions so that you can continue in the training process.

Green Ways to Remove Rug and Carpet Stains.

When you have kids or pets at home, it's not unusual for your carpet to be subjected to all sorts of dirt and stains. Sure, they can be easily addressed by all those commercially-available stain removers. But more often than not, these products contain caustic substances. Not to mention chlorine and/or petroleum-bas­ed solvents that are potentially dangerous to our health, most especially to our kids.

Green carpet cleaning has become a healthier option these days; a more popular choice for the health-conscious and environment-friendly moms like me. And I'm sharing with you some simple ways to remove stains and reduce odor from your rugs and carpets - the green way.

For odor control, use baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount on your carpet and let it set for 30 minutes to an hour before vacuuming. To further improve odor, National Geographic Green Living suggest trying a few drops of lavender oil or ground cloves to the baking soda to improve indoor odor.

Got crayon stains on the carpet? Take an old toothbrush, dip it in vinegar and then scrub the stained area. You can do the same technique for glue and bubblegum stains, too.

As for the four C's of stains - catsup, coffee, cola, and chocolate, these call for a vinegar and water solution. Of course, each culprit has its own stain removal guideline, but the principle behind each is to mix 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups water. You can increase the quantity depending on the amount of stain you are dealing with, as long as you follow the 1:2 ratio.

Photo credit: Red Beacon.

For catsup stains, sponge the mixture into the carpet until the stain disappears. Do this liberally while rinsing and repeatedly wringing out your sponge. Chocolate stains can be treated in the same way, but it's important to blot with a clean cloth, instead of rubbing it, to avoid spreading the stain further. Remember to rinse and wring out your sponge as well.

A coffee or tea spill on the rug should come up easily if you clean it right away. Simply sponge it with clean water. However, if it's an old stain, you can use the vinegar and water solution. Sponge it in, then rinse and wring until all brown color is gone. Cola stains can be treated that way as well.

Wordless Wednesday #17 | Cat Got your Tongue?

For Stalin | A Candle in the Wind.

When I first met him in 2006, it was love at first sight.

It was the same until his last breath. 

Stalin would've turned six today if he's still with us. And I would've thrown a simple party with cake and ice cream just like we used to do. But today I'm lighting a candle on his grave instead.

Happy Birthday, Stalin! 

We miss you so, so, much! 

But we love you much, much more!

Down the Long Road of Grief.

If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness.

Stalin's personalized pendant.

The pendant that he used to wear with his collar is now tied to a silver chain... and hangs around my neck.

Our names at the back of the pendant.

It's exactly a month today since Stalin passed away, but until now everything feels surreal. Most days, I'd still wish that this is all just a bad dream. Something that would go away when I wake up in the morning.


Sharing with This or That Thursday, and lots of Wordless Wednesdays.

Stalin, 2006 - 2012.

You put up a good fight. Until the very end, you were so brave, my little revolutionary. 

It's time to rest now. No more pain.

Good night, Stalin.

Mommy, Daddy, and Yue love you so much. You will be truly missed.

In loving memory of Stalin,

the bravest and smartest little furball, who

up to his very last second,

proved that he was worthy of his revolutionary name.

Wordless Wednesdays, Mommy Moments

Stalin Update | The Truth Hurts.

Someone's having the Monday blues.

After restraining myself from seeing him over the weekend, I finally found the courage to visit Stalin today. I knew beforehand of the hapless condition that he's in, so I had to psych myself with the reality that I had to face. At the vet's clinic, I came face-to-face with the bitter truth. And it hurts. It hurts pretty bad.

My Stalin is nowhere near to recovery. He's actually made a turn for the worse. When we got to the clinic, he was just lying inside his cage, hooked to an IV, and breathing very heavily. Yue kept on calling his name, and it took awhile for Stalin to respond. It seemed like even his hearing and eyesight were failing. When he finally recognized me, he attempted to get up. But his knees buckled, and he fell flat on his stomach. Seeing him that weak yet trying to stand up despite the pain tore my heart apart. I didn't have the strength to fight back the tears either, and the next thing I knew I was sobbing amidst the barking of the other patient dogs.

It could be tonight, or tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow. I must brace myself for more pain, as the worst is yet to come.

Yue: Mommy, hindi na ba gagaling si Stalin? Diba dinala na sya sa doctor? (Mommy, isn't Stalin going to get better? Didn't we take him to the doctor?)
Me: Baka hindi na eh... (He might not...)
Yue: (looking upset) Mommy, ayoko ng ibang dog ha. Gusto ko si Stalin lang. (Mommy, I don't want another dog. I only want Stalin.)
Me: Ako din. Gusto ko si Stalin lang. (Me too. I only want Stalin.)


Sharing with 366, Blue Monday, Mellow Yellow Monday, Wednesday Whites.