48 Creature Companion | NOVEMBER 2023 • VOL. XVI • ISSUE 11 • NOIDA to comprehend the complicated relationship between the winter chill and joint pain. The joints that connect the bones in a dog’s body are crucial because they allow for fl uid movement and the playful antics that give our pets their unique personalities. However, as a dog ages, these joints may experience wear and strain, similar to the worn-out forest trails. Joint Pain in Dogs can be a common ailment as they age, often affecting their mobility and quality of life. Once fl exible and resilient, the cartilage that cushions these joints starts to degrade, leaving bones susceptible to friction. This natural aging process is compounded by the arrival of winter’s cold embrace. In order to conserve heat when the temperature decreases, the body naturally shifts blood fl ow away from the extremities and toward the important organs. This narrowing of the blood arteries can result in decreased blood fl ow to the joints, which impedes the delivery of oxygen and vital nutrients. The result is stiffer joints that are more prone to infl ammation. Consider the joints as delicate machinery with precise construction to ensure smooth operation. The icy conditions tighten the gears, creating friction and resistance where there ought to be ease and fl ow. In chilly weather, moving around becomes diffi cult in and of itself. Imagine a frozen hinge that groans and struggles before giving in. Similarly, the cold air tightens ligaments and causes muscles to stiffen up. Because of their lack of fl exibility, aged dogs’ muscles and ligaments might become strained when they try to stand up or take a step. In turn, this strain adds to the suffering and discomfort experienced by elderly dogs over the winter. Yet, the story doesn’t end here. The negative impacts of winter go beyond the body and affect how our pets’ behave. Dogs, especially the older ones, may become less motivated to exercise as the world outside becomes icy and cruel. Joint problems can get worse if they are reluctant to go outside for walks and recreation. Regular exercise strengthens muscles, and not exercising enough can result in weight gain, which puts additional strain on already fragile joints. Reduced activity breeds weaker muscles and ligaments, which exacerbates joint discomfort in a self-reinforcing loop. HERE’S WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP OUR FURRY FRIENDS: Winter’s advent ushers in a season of enchantment and beauty as the days get shorter and the air gets chilly. The chilly months can, however, also cause discomfort and difficulties for our cherished animal companions, especially those who have flimsy joints. Pet owners must be proactive in providing care because the cold weather and ice ground can aggravate joint problems. Providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and joint supplements can help alleviate Joint Pain in Dogs and improve their overall well-being. Thankfully, there are measures we can take to lessen the effect of winter on our pets’ joints this winter, for instance- • Create a Warm and Cosy Environment: Providing your pet buddy with a warm and cosy indoor sanctuary is one of the fi rst lines of defence against the impact of winter on joint pain. Provide comfortable bedding that is raised PROVIDING A BALANCED DIET, REGULAR EXERCISE, AND JOINT SUPPLEMENTS CAN HELP ALLEVIATE JOINT PAIN IN DOGS AND IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL WELL-BEING. PET CARE
50 Creature Companion | NOVEMBER 2023 • VOL. XVI • ISSUE 11 • NOIDA to prevent cold from seeping through and kept away from drafts. In addition to providing physical comfort, a warm and cosy area will encourage your pet to sleep and refuel. • Regular Low-Impact Exercise: While it may be tempting to cut back on outdoor activities in the winter, routine lowimpact exercise is essential for maintaining joint health. To avoid slipping and falling, take short, easy strolls on paved surfaces. If swimming is an option, it’s a great choice because it works every muscle in the body without putting undue strain on the joints. Playing interactive indoor games like hide-and-seek or light tug-of-war can also keep your companion’s muscles and joints moving. • Consider Joint-Support Supplements: For senior pets in particular, speaking with your veterinarian about joint-support supplements can be quite benefi cial. Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin are typical supplements that can help keep cartilage healthy and reduce infl ammation. During the colder months, these supplements might be very helpful in enhancing joint comfort and mobility. Infl asule drops for pets- an effective homoeopathy remedy for helping pets with joint-associated problems. • Maintain a Balanced Diet: It’s important to regulate your pets’ weight for healthy joints. Joint pain is made worse by the additional strain that extra weight puts on them. Make sure your pet is eating a diet that is balanced for their age, size, and level of exercise. To fi nd the ideal diet that promotes joint health and aids in weight management, speak with your veterinarian. • Keep Them Hydrated: Dehydration can occur during the winter since the air is typically dryer and because of the indoor heating systems. Make sure your pet has access to fresh water at all times and introduce wet/gravy food to their diet to encourage water consumption. • Keep an Eye on Floor Surfaces: Keep an eye on the fl oors your pet walks on, both indoors and outside. Accidental falls on slippery surfaces can put additional strain on joints. To add grip to slick fl ooring, place non-slip rugs or mats. Avoid icy or uneven surfaces when walking outside as they can increase the risk of injuries. • Offer Regular Massages: Regular, light massages can do wonders for circulation and for unwinding stiff muscles. Around your pet’s joints, apply mild pressure with your fi ngertips in a circular motion. • Protect from Extreme Cold: If the winter weather is severe, think about giving your pet protective clothing. Their paws can be protected by booties from ice and extreme cold. When going outside, a warm sweater or coat can assist them in maintaining a constant body temperature. • Regular veterinary examinations: It’s important to visit your veterinarian frequently, especially in the winter. Your veterinarian can keep an eye on your pet’s joint health, modify their treatment plan as needed, and offer expert advice specifi c to your pet’s needs. It is important to understand that our beloved pet pals are unable to express their displeasure verbally. Instead, they use tiny signs to communicate, which demands our careful observation. The small hesitancy before a leap, the unwillingness to participate in their once-adored playtime rituals, or the apparent stiffness as they emerge from their sleep are all signs that their bodies are experiencing joint pain. Veterinary care is essential for diagnosing and managing Joint Pain in Dogs, with options ranging from medications to physical therapy. Even while the cold of winter creates a beautiful backdrop, it is crucial that we recognize the fragility our canine friends face. Understanding the complex interactions between cold weather and joint health will enable us to become zealous defenders of their well-being. PET CARE
52 Creature Companion | NOVEMBER 2023 • VOL. XVI • ISSUE 11 • NOIDA WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO VENTURE INTO THE PET INDUSTRY AND HOW DID PETTLE FIT INTO THIS LANDSCAPE? My source of inspiration sits right behind me every day - a picture of my beloved dog. Monk, my fi rst fur baby, opened the door to my exploration of the pet industry from a consumer's standpoint. Prior to Monk's arrival, my attention wasn't particularly drawn to this sector. However, his presence prompted a shift in perspective. Drawing from my background in spearheading growth marketing and sales at various startups, I realised that this lens had always been available to me; it just took Monk's infl uence for me to apply it to the pet industry. I began to discern potential gaps and opportunities for improvement in this domain, eventually motivating me to dive in. The evolution of Pettle, as it stands today, has been a result of numerous iterations. We started with one concept, conducted extensive research, gained invaluable insights, and then shifted our focus to other areas. Leveraging my tech startup background, I aimed to deploy INDUSTRY SPEAK technology as a means to address challenges within the pet industry. Another critical element in this journey has been the emphasis on thorough user research, a value that I hold personally and have instilled as a cornerstone within our team. This involves engaging with the exceptional individuals who make up the pet industry - from stakeholders to shareholders - to glean profound insights that inform our approach. ONE OF PETTLE’S KEY PROPOSITIONS IS HELPING PET BUSINESSES SAVE 50- 60 HOURS A MONTH BY AUTOMATING ADMIN TASKS. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW YOUR PLATFORM ACHIEVES THIS AND THE GIST OF TASKS IT HELPS BUSINESSES AUTOMATE? Undoubtedly, this insight stands as one of the most pivotal revelations we've encountered. Initially, our primary clientele comprises pet service professionals encompassing boarders, groomers, trainers, and potentially veterinarians - a sector we're closely monitoring. What we've uncovered is "PETTLE: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PET BUSINESSES AND TECHNOLOGY” In conversation with Mr. Sagar Gwalani, Founder of Pettle, he discusses the inspiration behind venturing into the pet industry as a PetTech company, their unique roles that help pet businesses, and his plans for the future. Where Pet Businesses Thrive, Together
NOVEMBER 2023 • VOL. XVI • ISSUE 11 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 53 that these experts devote an average of one and a half to two hours daily to manually manage their backend administrative tasks. This is in addition to the exhaustive eight to ten hours they invest in pet care duties. For example, a groomer might spend up to eight hours at the grooming table, providing a range of services from a catalog of approximately 10 to 15 offerings. The arduous process of keeping tabs on staff assignments, managing leave schedules, and recording various bookings was all handled manually, often with pen and paper or basic Excel spreadsheets. The workload escalated to a point where they were so engrossed in operational tasks that they had minimal time or mental bandwidth left for business growth. Enter Pettle value proposition. As you'll fi nd on our website, our tagline reads: "Spend more time growing your business, not just running it. Let Pettle ‘run your business for you." Remarkably, we've successfully reduced the time dedicated to administrative chores from a staggering 50 to 60 hours a month (about two hours daily) to a mere 15 to 20 minutes a day. This not only translates into time saved but also yields additional benefi ts in terms of streamlined operations and well-organised databases. Consequently, these professionals gain a deeper understanding of their customer base, making it easier to distinguish regular clients from new ones and offer them enhanced services. Furthermore, the transition to online booking and status tracking, facilitated by Pettle, has signifi cantly elevated the customer experience for our early adopters in the boarder and groomer community. HOW DOES PETTLE ENABLE PET BUSINESSES TO MAKE DATA- INFORMED DECISIONS AND IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVE MARKET STRATEGIES? Certainly, as I mentioned earlier, having access to a comprehensive database is paramount for professionals in the pet boarding and grooming industry. According to our initial estimations, pet service professionals tend to accumulate an average of around 100 new clients for every year they are in business. For example, a one-year-old business may have about a hundred clients, while a fi ve-year-old www.creature-companions.in business could range from 400 to 600 clients. Those with 12 to 13 years of experience might have around 1500 clients. With such a signifi cant client base, these professionals have a valuable opportunity to tailor their services by categorising clients into different segments. Pettle facilitates this segmentation, enabling them to easily identify their regular customers. This can pave the way for personalised offerings, such as preferential pricing or priority booking slots. Pettle simplifi es these processes, making it more effi cient to manage and personalise services. Pettle provides valuable insights into customer cohorts and segments, empowering pet service professionals to better understand their clients. This encompasses information on pet preferences, dietary choices, preferred grooming products, and even medical histories. While pet boarders and groomers may have this information on hand, Pettle helps them leverage it more effectively, resulting in increased revenues and enhanced customer experiences, which often go hand in hand.
54 Creature Companion | NOVEMBER 2023 • VOL. XVI • ISSUE 11 • NOIDA IN THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE OF BUSINESS AUTOMATION AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS, WHAT SETS PETTLE APART FROM OTHER SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET? Pettle's distinctiveness in the competitive landscape of business automation and management tools arises from its meticulous consideration of both the customer and consumer. In the pet industry, the customer is the pet owner, while the consumer is the pet itself. Pettle stands as one of the few business automation, ERP, or CRM tools in our country that has undergone extensive research to specifi cally cater to the requirements of pet service professionals and their diverse clientele, comprising both humans and pets. In some instances, we've observed groomers using software intended for human salons, or pet boarders employing tools designed for booking human accommodations. While these solutions serve their purposes to some extent, they lack the industry-specifi c intricacies essential for effectively collecting and managing pet-related information and preferences. Pettle bridges this gap by customising its features to align with the distinct user journeys within the pet industry. Moreover, we highly value customer feedback and maintain an ongoing dialogue with our users to consistently refi ne our product. In essence, Pettle's standout attribute lies in its profound comprehension of the pet service industry, addressing the needs of both pet owners and their beloved pets. This sets it apart from generic business automation tools tailored for human-centric enterprises. WHY IS IT A GOOD TIME FOR A SOFTWARE COMPANY TO ENTER THE PET INDUSTRY? I received continuous affi rmation of our relevance, particularly at the IIPTF event last month. To be candid, I had some initial apprehensions upon arrival. Surrounded by product and food companies, I pondered what a software company like ours could bring to the table. Would our stall draw any interest? Much to my surprise, the opposite transpired. We not only captured signifi cant attention but also fi elded numerous inquiries. People were keen to understand how we could assist them, and it wasn't limited to our intended audience of boarders & groomers. We attracted a diverse spectrum of professionals, including veterinarians, retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers. This signals a promising growth phase for our industry. We're just scratching the surface, and the trajectory is set for rapid acceleration, all thanks to technology and data. In fact, I'd venture to say that progress in this fi eld is inconceivable without the integration of technology and data. In essence, it's an exceptional moment for Pettle, as well as any other entrant, to step into the market and contribute to the digital transformation of data and operations, starting from the grassroots level and extending far beyond. The fact that we resonated with such a wide audience at IRPT aligns seamlessly with our overarching objectives. WHAT ARE PETTLE’S PLANS FOR FURTHER EXPANSION AND INNOVATION? Over the next 12 to 18 months, our primary focus will revolve around deepening our presence in the two markets we currently serve: pet boarders and groomers. While we are commencing operations in India, we have already piqued interest from international markets such as the US, South Africa, and Australia. We will certainly address these inquiries, yet our initial months in India will be dedicated to refi ning our product and streamlining our processes. Throughout the fi rst year to year and a half, our paramount objective remains to further solidify our foothold in the pet boarding and grooming market. However, we remain receptive to internal innovation and potential collaborations with other stakeholders in related sectors, including the vet and retail industries. Pettle's grand vision is to evolve into a technological force that positively influences every facet of the pet industry, benefiting not only industry professionals but also pet parents. This envisions a 15 to 20-year trajectory, during which we will gradually diversify into various verticals. Your invaluable feedback is sincerely welcomed, and we trust that this model will prove successful as we navigate through this distinctive and promising terrain. INDUSTRY SPEAK
56 Creature Companion | NOVEMBER 2023 • VOL. XVI • ISSUE 11 • NOIDA As a devoted pet mom, my journey with my canine companion has been a deeply enriching and rewarding experience. Throughout our shared adventures, I have strived to provide my furry friend –“COCO” with the best possible care, including a nutritious diet. One feeding approach that has not only nourished my dog's body but also strengthened our bond is the practice of mixing dry and wet dog food. In this heartfelt article, I will share my personal insights and explore the profound benefits of combining these two types of dog foods to create a more meaningful and nourishing meal for your cherished pet. Nurturing Well-Being: A Culinary Masterpiece for the Soul One of the most beautiful aspects of mixing dry and wet dog food is the opportunity it offers to nurture our pet's overall well-being. Dry kibble, with its satisfying crunch, provides essential nutrients like protein, fi bre, and vitamins. In contrast, wet dog food is a symphony of fl avours and textures that adds moisture, variety, and a touch of indulgence to mealtime. When I combine these two elements, it feels like I'm creating By Divya Mahendru* a culinary masterpiece for my dog's soul. The dry kibble lays the foundation with its nutritional value, while the wet food paints the canvas with deliciousness. This balance ensures that my dog's meal is not just about sustenance; it is about nourishing his spirit and adding a dash of excitement to his daily routine. Divya Mahendru with COCO A DEEPER CONNECTION The Beauty of Mixing Dry and Wet Dog Food PET FOOD
58 Creature Companion | NOVEMBER 2023 • VOL. XVI • ISSUE 11 • NOIDA Enhanced Palatability: A Bond Forged Over Shared Tastes In the story of my life as a pet mom, the chapter on enhanced palatability is one of shared moments and connection. Just like us, dogs can grow weary of a repetitive diet. By introducing variety through different textures and fl avours, I have discovered a way to make mealtime an intimate and enjoyable experience for my furry companion. Wet dog food, with its enticing aromas and tastes, often comes in a range of options that allow us to switch things up regularly. Furthermore, the moisture in wet food has a way of bringing us closer together. It is like sharing a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day—it fosters a sense of togetherness and comfort. The combination of textures and fl avours has become a shared journey of culinary exploration, forging a stronger bond between my dog and me. Weight Management: Love in Every Portion Maintaining an ideal weight for our dogs is an act of love, ensuring they live a long and healthy life. Dry kibble, with its precise calorie count, makes it easier to manage portion sizes and control calorie intake. On the other hand, the moisture in wet food adds volume and satisfaction without excess calories. For my dog, who faced weight challenges, mixing dry and wet food became a lovingly crafted strategy. It's like preparing a tailored meal plan that allows him to enjoy his food while staying on track towards a healthier weight. This approach ensures that each portion is fi lled with love and care, making our journey toward better health a shared one. Improved Hydration: Quenching the Thirst for Wellness In the story of my pet's life, the theme of improved hydration is a source of comfort and well-being. Hydration is often overlooked but is essential for a dog's health. Many dogs don't drink enough water on their own, which can lead to dehydration and various health concerns. Wet dog food, with its high moisture content, becomes a lifesaver, ensuring my dog stays well-hydrated, particularly during hot weather or when he's prone to urinary issues. By combining wet food with dry kibble, I provide my dog with the vital gift of hydration. It's like offering a refreshing sip of water after a long journey, nourishing him from the inside out and promoting optimal health. Dental Health: A Smile That Speaks of Care In my journey as a pet mom, dental health has been a chapter fi lled with care and concern. Dental issues can lead to discomfort and affect a dog's overall well-being. Dry kibble, with its crunchy texture, plays a pivotal role in maintaining dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. But, like any good story, there is a twist. My dog is not the most enthusiastic chewer, and his teeth have seen their fair share of wear and tear. This is where the wet dog food comes into play, providing moisture that helps prevent dry kibble from clinging to his teeth. It is like a gentle, caring hand ensuring my dog's dental health stays intact, allowing him to smile his heart-warming grin. Conclusion As a pet mom, my journey with my furry “COCO” has been an exploration of love, care, and shared experiences. Mixing dry and wet dog food has not only enriched my dog's diet but has also deepened our connection. It is not just about nutrition; it is about nurturing well-being, enhancing palatability, managing weight with love, providing hydration, and ensuring my dog's dental health. Every pet's story is unique, and their dietary needs may differ. I encourage you to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding plan for your cherished companion. By incorporating a combination of dry and wet dog food into your dog's diet, you can infuse their life with love and meaning, creating a narrative of companionship that warms your heart with each shared meal. Your dog's wagging tail and the warmth of their presence will be a testament to the beauty of this feeding approach, leaving you both with cherished memories to hold close. EVERY PET'S STORY IS UNIQUE, AND THEIR DIETARY NEEDS MAY DIFFER. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN TO DETERMINE THE BEST FEEDING PLAN FOR YOUR CHERISHED COMPANION. PET FOOD * A devoted Pet Mother who loves to help pet parents with her knowledge and experience
RNI NO. UPENG/2008/26403