ECCENTRIC NAWAB AND HIS DOGS

Junagadh was a small principality during the British rule in western India.  Ther Nawab, Sir Mahabet Khan Rasul Khan, was famous for his eccentricities. He was known to have pampered his dogs to strange limits.

He had the audacity to invite Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of British India, to his favourite bitch, Roshsanara's 'marriage' to Bobby, a Golden Retriever belonging to The Nawab of Mangral.

Of course, This invitation was outrightly rejected by the Viceroy as he was in no mood to indulge in this nawab's unprecedented and frivolous pastime.

A number of ruling royals attended the marriage. Earlier, 250 dogs of various breeds attired in brocade, a military band and a guard of honour had received the groom 'Bobby' at the railway station! This was followed by a grand wedding feast!!

This eccentric nawab owned some 800 dogs, each with its own room, a telephone and a servant. There was a fully equipped, modern hospital with a British vet to attend to their ailments.

Such were the eccentricities of Maharajas and Nawabs of Princely India!!



Raj Prateek Verma

THE TYGER

SAVE FOREST  SAVE TIGER

     

Tyger, Tyger burning bright

In the forests of the night,

What  immortal hand or  eye

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

When the stars threw down their spears,

And watered Heaven with  their tears,

Did HE smile his work to see?

Did HE who made the Lamb made Thee??


                               - William Blake



Raj Prateek Verma  

                                                                                                      














Awesome !!

ALLERGIES IN DOGS

The more I see of humans, The more I love Dogs

Allergies

Allergies in the form of asthma, fever and eczema have been accepted as a major cause of human discomfort for a long time. However, such allergy syndromes have also been identified with canine discomfort in recent years.

They show in the skin as welts and lesions; in the head and other parts of the body in hive- like swellings; in the intestinal tract in diarrhea and vomiting.

Allergic symptoms:

1. SCRATCHING

2. COUGHING

3.  SNEEZING

4. EYE RUBBING

5. PAW LICKING

6. RUBBING FACE AGAINST THE WALL

7 DIARRHEA

8.VOMITING

 

Causes :

Allergic reactions in the dog can be caused by:-

1. Various Foods
2. certain insects
3. vegetation and pollens
4. hundreds of different agents like dust, floor polish, woollen articles
5. cat hair 
6. tobacco etc.

Allergy due to DIET   

Pets have their idiosyncrasies regarding food too!. Some dogs can't assimilate some types of food. Certain food induce chronic diarrhea or vomiting. In or to assess and find out dietary allergies, one should start with basic diet. Mutton and rice would be a good example. Foods can then be added at a time until an allergic response tells us which one is the culprit. Protein sources should be tested first followed by cereal products.

Allergy due to FLEA 

Hypersensitivity to Flea Bites is a fairly common allergic reaction. The bite of the flea results in intense itching. The dog will scratch violently, sometimes leading  to  secondary infections like "mange".

Allergy resulting in HIVES 

Hives in the dog are characterized by a tremendous swelling of the head, usually around the eyes and mouth. The animal is uncomfortable and exhibits extreme itching. The hives are usually caused by an allergy to a certain type of food which perhaps is not a part of his regular diet. It can be treated with a laxative or enema to flush out any toxic agent in the intestine. Cold  packs can be used to remove itchiness.

Allergy due to color of SKIN 

White dogs and light coloured dogs seem to be more susceptible to skin allergies. Poodles, Maltese, Setters, Terriers, Dalmatians seem to be more prone to allergies. The initial symptoms are redness and inflammation. Scaliness follows, and the hair starts to fall out, leaving bare patches. Baby oil or Lanolin rubbed on the irritated area will soothe and relieve the skin but this is only momentary. To effect a cure the CAUSE has to be determined.

Incidentally two or three breeds, the MEXICAN CHIHUAHUA and the MEXICAN HAIRLESS can be kept by persons considered  allergic to dogs, and can actually help them. These two breeds are known to have been of help to people prone to allergies and asthma!! 

Raj Prateek Verma http://www.dogalogueofraj.blogspot.com

More RELEVANT FAQS on DOGS

The more I see of humans, The more I love Dogs

Why do dogs eat grass?


Nothing to worry about. Many dog owners get worked up when they see their pets eating grass. If your dog is eating grass regularly then probably the problem might be more serious. However, the common causes may be as follows:-


1. For the simple reason that they like the taste of fresh grass.
2. When they feel the need for a laxative or an emetic. Intake of grass irritates the stomach and induces                   
    vomiting.
3. Worms in the intestines may be another reason for the dogs to eat grass.
4 Prolonged confinement and boredom can   also  be another reason for the dogs to eat grass.


Do dogs need salt in their diet?
No, dogs do not need salt in their diet. It is nauseating to a dog.


Is alcohol harmful to a dog?
No, alcohol in small amounts is not harmful and in some emergency cases, is life saving.


Are raw eggs harmful to a dog?
No, although the egg-white in raw state is difficult for a dog to digest  . It is advisable to feed a dog with hard boiled egg. I add a hard boiled egg to my dog's diet at least two to three days in a week. However, some dogs show allergy to eggs.At times ,  raw egg has proved to be a  life saver!


Is it harmful  to feed dogs with fatty meat?
No, dogs do need a little amount of fat in their food. This is even more true for working and guard dogs. But too much fat will result in obesity which is detrimental to health in the long run. All types of fat are beneficial to the dog provided given in moderate amount.


Should we give table scraps to our dogs?
Yes, table scraps provide that little extra that most dogs enjoy. A dog gets bored with the routine diet and adding table scraps to the food makes it more palatable. However, the habit of offering table scraps while we are eating should be avoided. This will encourage the dog to beg for food while we are eating and sometimes it becomes exceedingly irritating, especially when guests are at home.


When a dog seems sickly, should he be given worm pill?
Never, Never worm a sick dog. Many a times dogs running fever have died as a result of being administered a worm pill. Even if he has fever, he must be treated for the fever and sickness before being treated for worms. Since worm medicines are strong enough to kill worms, they can prove to be toxic to a sick dog.  




Can children get worms from dogs?
Definitely not.
Dogs don't have worms that are found in children. Humans are not susceptible to contamination by dog worms. Dog parasites will not live in a human body

                                                     Irresistible!!!




















Raj Prateek Verma 








Do 

FAQs

The more I see of humans, The more I love Dogs

There are many queries that a new dog owner has in his mind and finds it difficult to get the answers. I have tried to list a few of them which I too had in the beginning. I hope the readers will find them to be useful.


How many meals can a dog miss without becoming ill?


If my dog misses two to three meals, it rings a warning bell in my mind. I try to find the cause and immediately consult a vet before it gets too late.

Do all dogs need vitamin supplements?


No, adult and healthy dogs hardly need any vitamin supplements. However, it is imperative to provide them with a healthy and balanced diet which will help in retaining their health and vigour.
Vitamin supplements are mandatory for the following:-
1. Growing puppies.
2.Pregnant and lactating bitches.
3Convalescing dogs.
4.Old dogs.

Large amount of calcium or other minerals cause hip dysplasia.


No, hip dysplasia is congenital defect. it is a widespread fallacy that diet supplements cause this abnormality.

Is poor appetite always a sign of illness?


Not always. Many dogs are very finicky about their food. if the dog is emotionally disturbed, it might refuse to eat. Hand-fed dogs and  pampered dogs are sometimes very finicky. My collie was over pampered by my mother and refused to eat unless and until he was hand-fed by her. Such habits should not be encouraged as they pose a big problem later on.

Potatoes are harmful to the dog.


Again a wide spread fallacy. Potatoes are not harmful or poisonous for dogs. Dogs do need a moderate amount of starch in their diet and can easily digest them.

Are bones essential to a dog?


No, bones are not essential for good health of a dog. At the most, it may help the dog to be busy for some time. Of course, it does help in removing tartar from the teeth. However, certain bones, such as chicken, lamb,pork etc. are dangerous as they tend to splinter and can puncture the intestine.


Raj Prateek Verma

The Juggernaut and the tempest

The more I see of humans, The more I love Dogs

Hard to decide which one is more violent!! The Grey juggernaut on the roll or the brewing tempest!!!
Had made this painting using enamel paint on the wall of my study room ten years back. Time seems to have taken its toll  and it certainly needs a touch up. Anyway, wanted to share it .

Raj Prateek Verma

APPETITE

The more I see of humans, The more I love Dogs

Dog owners all over the world are faced with the problem of abnormal appetite their pets sometimes show. Some dogs tend to have a lack of appetite, others may have perverted appetite and yet some exhibit ravenous appetite. I have tried to list different types of abnormal appetite shown by the dogs and the causes which lead to such a behavior.

LACK OF APPETITE :


When my dog misses two to three meals at a stretch, I seriously start looking for the cause.

Causes :                                                                                                                                                          1. Emotional  :  The dog might be disturbed due to a stranger in the house or it might be due to a new puppy?


2. Infection    :   1) From sore throat
                          2) Worms
                          3) Gums
                          4) Bad teeth
The dog may want to eat but can't do so due to the pain.


3.Fever          :   As temperature rises, the dog will refuse food and go off his normal routine. He may go to his food, smell it and walk away.


4.Boredom     :  The dog might be bored with one type of food. A variation in diet might help restore his normal food intake.


PERVERTED APPETITE


Sometimes dogs eat rocks, faeces  or other inedible materials.


Causes:


1. This perverted craving may be due to dietary deficiency of minerals or vitamins.
2. It might be due to severe case of worms in the intestine.
3. Stool eating can be due to deficiency of enzymes.
4. Nervous and high strung dogs sometimes display a perverted appetite.
5. Often, boredom as a result of long duration of confinement and inadequate exercise will result in perverted appetite.


RAVENOUS APPETITE 


Causes:


1. Intestinal parasites; worms
2.Females during heat period tend to have ravenous appetite.
3. Happy dogs eat more.
4. Hand fed and pampered dogs eat more.

Raj Prateek Verma






http://www.dogalogueofraj.blogspot.com

Abdomen problems

The more I see of humans, The more I love Dogs

SIGNS:


Abdomen tucked up  (Back hunched up)


If your dog has a tucked-up belly and hunched up back, walks slowly, then it is a sign of abdominal pain.
Causes:
1. It might be due to constipation.
2. It might be due to foreign body impaction.
3. It might be due to severe case of worms.




Bloated abdomen


Causes:
1. In case of bitches:


 a) Infection of uterus due to which pus accumulates in the uterus.
 b) Dead puppies in the uterus.


2. In general:


 a) Severe impaction from constipation.
 b) Tumors of the abdomen.
 c) In older dogs, enlargement of abdomen may be due to kidney problem.




Abdominal straining




Causes:
If the dog is in distress while having a bowel movement and keeps on straining every few minutes, then the causes may be as follows:


a) Constipation
b) Diarrhoea . This causes severe irritation in the intestines.


Warning  :  If normal treatment for the above symptoms doesn't give relief and the animal is still straining, then the cause can be impaction with bones or a foreign body or a tumor in the intestine.




Raj Prateek Verma

Feeding Fallacies

The more I see of humans, The more I love Dogs

There are many misconceptions about feeding dogs. Following are the truths to replace some of the common fallacies.




1. Different breeds don't need different food. A Chihuahua eats exactly the same food as a Great Dane.


2. It is NOT ABNORMAL for a dog to gulp his food. The stomach takes care of the digestion.


3. Dogs don't need to chew hard food or bones to keep their teeth in good condition. A well - balanced diet will keep their teeth sound and healthy. Chewing bones, however does help to keep the teeth tartar-free.


4. It is a fallacy to think that feeding a dog with raw meat will make him a better guard dog. Raw meat has nothing to do with it.


5. Dogs don't need raw meat, but thrive very well on cooked meat.


6. Dogs can digest starch as well as humans, provided the starch is cooked well. It is NOT HARMFUL to feed a dog with potatoes in proportion to the rest of the diet.


7. A normal amount of fat is REQUIRED in the dog's diet, particularly so in that of working dogs.


8. Sweets and chocolates are NOT DETRIMENTAL to the dog. They do not give worms or ruin the teeth. Actually SUGAR is an important part of a dog's diet and should be given occassionally.


9. Milk does not cause worms.


10.The addition of garlic does not eliminate worms. It may, however, increase the palatability of a bland diet. Turmeric acts as an antibiotic and should be added to the diet of the dog.


Raj Prateek Verma

Feeding suggestions

The more I see of humans, The more I love Dogs

Suggestions :

1.  One meal in a day is usually recommended  by vets for an adult dog.  The reason behind this is that it takes a long time for the dog (About 16 to 18 hours) to completely digest its food.

2. Never make a sudden change in a dog's diet as it is sure to cause digestive disorder. By adding a little more of the new food each day and reducing the former food gradually, will make the change slowly acceptable to the dog's digestive system.

3. Some types of meat like raw pork is not suited for dog's diet as it has high FAT CONTENT. Other types of meat to be avoided are   FRIED, SPICED or HIGHLY SEASONED ONES.

4. Watch dogs should be fed latest by 4 p.m . They might feel sleepy if fed late in the evening.

5. Barking dogs who create nuisance by their continuous barking, should be fed late in the evening for obvious reasons.,

6. A dog should not be fed within three hours of strenuous exercise.  

7. While bringing back the dog from kennel or hospital, food  should not be offered to him immediately. Let the dog calm down first. Over excitement causes NAUSEA.

8.Fresh drinking water should be always available to the dog, specially during the summers.

9. If your dog is obese, fat and carbohydrate content should be gradually decreased in the food and simultaneously protein should be increased gradually.

10. WARNING : Over abundance of protein and generous addition of vitamins may cause enhanced growth  but might also cause lameness in grown up dogs!!

Raj Prateek Verma