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    

Nursing

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

Nursing :


If your dog is suffering from a severe or debilitating disease and is too weak and too sick to groom and feed itself, the nursing and loving care it receives from you will have a vital effect upon its recovery.This nursing care extends to grooming and hygiene as well as to proper feeding.


1. Keep the sick dog in a warm or a cool(depending upon the climate), dimly lit and a quiet place. Try not to disturb it and keep children away from it.


2. Keep sick dogs clean. Dogs are very sensitive about fouling themselves or their living area. If they have fouled themselves, they should be gently washed with soap and water. A little talcum powder will do wonders in eliminating any foul smell. Please add a few drops of Dettol while cleaning the fouled up area.Special care should be taken if the dog is suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting.


3.Larger dogs, if too weak to move themselves, should be turned regularly, every four hours to avoid bedsores.


4.Apart from the care you are taking, the dog should be left alone as much as possible. Please  DO NOT FUSS over a SICK DOG.


5. All bowls, dishes etc. that are contact with the dog must be sterilised in boiling water after each meal. Please always provide the sick dog with CLEAN WATER FOR DRINKING.


6. Scrupulous hygiene is absolutely essential to successful nursing.




Raj Prateek Vermahttp://www.dogalogueofraj.blogspot.com

Common problem: FLEAS

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

Fleas::


Fleas are a constant and irritating problem both, for the dog and the owner. They  cause extreme irritation and discomfort  to the dog so they should be removed immediately. They are also a source of Tapeworm.


However, it is heartening to know that even though humans may suffer a bite from them, but that is only passing as fleas do not live on human body.


Treatment:


1. The dog should be bathed with a shampoo containing selenium, (Selsun is a brand available with chemists, containing selenium) every three days for at least two weeks.

2.On days when the dog is not being bathed, powder it thoroughly with derris powder (also available with chemists and most pet shops).

3. During flea season, which varies with location, the dog should wear a flea collar(available at pet shops).

4 Baths and powdering should be supplemented with aerosol sprays, which kill fleas on contact. The bed and living area should be dusted with liberal amount of flea powder.

5. I personally use Mediker oil mixed with coconut oil and then rub it on the dog's body . The dog is bathed after two hours . Before bathing, the coat is brushed thoroughly so that dead fleas are removed. This has proved very effective.

Raj Prateek Verma

Close encounter with Dobes

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

I was young, perhaps fourteen years old and an ardent lover of dogs. Most of my leisure was spent on painting them and reading about them.

A friend of mine who also happened to be a dog trainer, invited me to visit The TATA CANINE SQUAD in Jamshedpur, the steel city of India. Tata Iron and Steel Company maintains a highly trained canine squad and these dogs are deputed at night along with their handlers to guard the various yards in the Company's premises.

I had seen some of these dogs performing the obedience tests in  dog shows and was highly impressed with their perfect training. I simply could not have let this opportunity slip and readily accepted his invitation!!

The Canine squad is housed in a sprawling compound and entry is restricted. As my friend, due to his profession, was well known to the guards, we were allowed to enter.

I could view a few massive Dobes and German Shepherds, their coats shimmering in the sun, standing at a distance. I walked briskly towards them in sheer excitement! It was only when I was quite close to them that I realized that they were all unleashed and free to move!

Their piercing eyes seemed to be sizing up the stranger. Death seemed imminent! My instinct told me to run but that would have been disastrous. I certainly did not have an iota of chance to out run them! Not a single trainer could be seen to whom I could look for help and my friend was still near the  gate, busy talking to the guards.

I was paralyzed with fear, perspiring from head to foot, waiting for the brutes to close in for the kill! Here I was all alone, facing a pack of most ferocious breed of the canine world!! I could only pray to GOD!!

Fortunately,  my friend realized my deplorable condition and quickly came to my rescue. I gained my senses when he told me that the dogs would not attack even a stranger until and unless they received a command from their handler.

Yet, in those moments of extreme fear, I didn't fail to notice the awesome sinews, the lithe, taut bodies exuding sheer power and strength. It was symmetry personified !


Raj Prateek Verma

Children and puppies

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

Breeds comfortable with Children

Children and dogs just naturally go together and there is no one breed that is better for children than the others. A very young child will tend to maul a small breed with loving hands and a larger breed may frighten a child with its boisterous nature. If at all a classification is required then here it is.

Toddlers               :  Spaniels, Scotty, Schnauzer

Growing boys       :  Collie, Retrievers, Labrador or similar breed would be excellent. I have personally experienced their excellent herding instinct which makes them a fine babysitter. They are large and easygoing so can tolerate manhandling.

                                           

Young boys          :  If there are a lot of young boys in the family, a Boxer, Dalmatian or one of the Terrier

breeds will be a good choice.

Breeds not compatible with kids :  Small breeds like Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Yorkshire terriers, Maltese terrier, Pekingese. They are usually short tempered and tend to snap at kids if handled roughly. They are comfortable in the the company of adults.

Children should be taught to respect the dog and give it the space necessary for comfortable living.

Some instructions which should be drilled into the young minds.

_ Never attempt to take away food when the dog is eating

_Never disturb a sleeping dog

_Never attempt to take away a toy from the dog

_Never attempt to take away a puppy from a nursing bitch

_Never allow a child to play with a tiny puppy

_Never allow the child to play with a stray dog

 Generally, children and dogs adapt well to one another and form a close bond of love. Most dogs will not harm children,seeming to realize their tenderness.

Raj Prateek Verma

Balanced diet

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

Our pet should be provided with good and balanced food and not just any old rubbish, such as stale crusts of bread and cold potatoes. These type of food have no nutritional value and should be avoided. Carbohydrates 
and Protein are the most important ingredients of a balanced diet. A healthy, robust dog will be a delightful companion, loved by all and  pride of the owner.

Carbohydrates :


Carbohydrates are found in the wholesome cereals. Rice boiled with  a pinch of turmeric powder serves as a good source of carbohydrate .  These furnish the energy required by the muscles and can be called The Fuel food.


Protein          : 


Proteins help in forming muscle, building bones, feeding the brain, nerves, skin, coat, ensuring the correct functioning of digestive system and in fact , all of the working parts of the body. A correct balance between the carbohydrate and protein content of the dog's meal should be maintained.

Sources of protein:
1. Meat
2.Liver
3.Fish
4.Boiled egg
5.And of course Milk
6. pulses
7. I also add a few pieces of  Nutrela(brand name) which constitutes of soya, a great source of protein.

Vitamins:


By feeding the dog with balanced diet, one is already providing the necessary vitamins automatically to keep the dog in healthy condition. Green vegetables are a great source of vitamins and should be added to the dog's diet on daily basis.



List of vitamins and their function


Vitamin A : Found in animal fat, cod liver and milk.
Vitamin B : Necessary for nervous system. Found in cereals, biscuits, egg and  fresh vegetables.
Vitamin C : Ensures blood purity. Found in fresh vegetables and fruits. Dogs should be encouraged to eat fresh fruits occasionally.
Vitamin D : Essential for growth and for building strong and sound bones. Cod liver oil , say a teaspoon ful  mixed with food of the dog will be enough to meet the requirement of vitamin D.
Vitamin E : Found in wheat, biscuits, eggs, meat and green vegetables.


Raj Prateek Verma

First aid kit

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

List of items in a dog owner's First Aid Kit 


All dog owners should prepare a FIRST AID KIT and keep it in a box, clearly marked and placed in a safe place and it should be immediately accessible when required.

It should contain:

1. A pair of sharp-edged, blunt - pointed scissors.

2. A pair of tweezers.

3.A roll of (5 cm) electoplast.

4.A roll of bandage.

5.A packet of cotton wool.

6.A bottle of antiseptic, e.g. Dettol, Savlon etc.

7.A razor blade.

8. Paracetamol tablets.

9.A packet of cotton buds.

10.Milk of Magnesia tablets.

11.An eye dropper.

12.Antibiotic ointment or powder, e.g. Nebasulf, Neosporin.


Raj Prateek Verma

Home remedy for foreign bodies in the ear

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

Symptoms


Is your dog shaking its head in excess and scratching the ear ?

Chances are that something has entered  into the dog's ear. Generally his head will be tilted to one side and will accompany with vigorous scratching of the affected ear.

Instant remedy


The foreign body can be floated out by pouring a little cooking oil or olive oil into the affected ear. After pouring oil, the ear should be gently massaged.

DO NOT POKE  THE DOG'S EAR  WITH ANY POINTED OR SHARP OBJECT.


If the foreign body is still causing irritation, take the dog to the vet.

Raj Prateek Verma

Home remedy for treating eyes with foreign bodies

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

FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EYE


The foreign body in an eye may be a grass seed, a bit of grit or a grain of sand.  If the foreign body has perforated the eyeball, it will cause extreme pain. No attempt should be made to remove an object that has punctured the eyeball and a vet should be consulted at once.


Symptoms


Sudden and profuse crying.
Tears flowing out of one eye only.
Acute irritation of that eyeball only.


Treatment


1) Make a saline solution (sterile solution) by adding 1 teaspoon cooking salt to 500 ml water.  Boil the water and then allow it to cool.
2) Bathe the affected eye liberally or saturate a wad of cotton wool with the solution and squeeze it into the eye.
3) Apply a soothing opthalmic ointment directly on to the eyeball.


If the dog insists on scratching, even after the treatment, then the foreign body may still be in the eye. Take the dog to the vet immediately.


Raj Prateek Verma

Nasty nature

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

DECISIVE  DOG FIGHTERS


Boston Terrier
Bull Terrier
Shar-pei
Staffordshire terrier
Staffordshire bull terrier
Tosa


QUARRELERS


Alaskan malamute
Fox terrier
Ibizan Hound
Affenpinscher


UNFRIENDLY DOGS


Fila brasileira
Japanese Spaniel
Spitz ( suspicious of strangers)
Tibetan mastiff (ferocious when trained to be)




Raj Prateek Verma

Character

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

GOOD NATURED AND KIND


Afghan Hound
Basset Hound
Briard
Bernese mountain dog
Bloodhound
Borzoi
Bull dog
Cocker spaniel
English springer spaniel
Great Dane
Irish terrier
Irish wolf hound
Kuvasz
Newfoundland
Poodle
St. Bernard
Skye terrior
Spinone


SLOW AND STEADY( OR EVEN LAZY)


Basset Hound
Clumber Spaniel
Wire-haired pointing Griffon
Deerhound
Harlequin Great Dane


SERIOUS


Bull Mastiff
Clumber spaniel
Pointer
Portuguese water dog
Samoyed


POLITE


Blood Hound
Brittany spaniel
Bull terrier
Chow
Clumber Spaniel
Gordon setter
Skye terrier


POSSESSIVE AND PROTECTIVE


Fox terrier
German wire-haired pointer
Puli
Portuguese water dog
Rottweiler
Rough Collie
Spitz
Most Sheepdogs
German Shepherd


INDEPENDENT


Bichon frise
Borzoi
Brussels Griffon (disobedient)
Chow
Dalmatian
Grey hound
Irish setter
Kerry blue
Lakeland terrier (stubborn)
Pekingese
Poodle (character)
Rough Collie
Husky
Weimeraner
Springer spaniel


SENSITIVE


Afghan Hound
Aidi
Airedale
Blood hound
Brittany spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Dalmatian (needs humans or becomes melancholy)
Deerhound(shy)
Italian Greyhound (timid)
King Charles Spaniel (timid)
Maltese
Poodle (can read your mind)
Scottish terrier (sensitive to praise)


INCURABLY CURIOUS


Affenpinscher
Aidi
Brussels Griffon 
Pharoah Hound
Schipperke
Fox terrier


Raj Prateek Verma

Clash of Will

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

When it is a puppy the training may be easy because for one thing, the puppy is scared of you, his new environment and since you are his solace and security, he may try to learn what you may teach him. But when the puppy grows up and if the training is not conducted along right lines, the puppy by instinct differentiates between the stronger and weaker members of the family.

The family may be still worked up with love for the puppy who is no longer one but is breaking into youth. If the pup has grown into assertive animal, he will first try his scare on children. Harmless toddlers may be ignored, but his attention will be pinpointed particularly on growing boys and girls in the family. The kids may be bitten during play and when the story is reported to the master, he may tend to ignore it as he considers the dog to be  his loving pup who comes wagging his tail.

However, the dog's impudence, if unchecked, will become alarming and his circle of domination becomes bigger and bigger. The circle closes in for the ultimate confrontation, that with his master!! The master unknowingly tries to cower him down as he used to when the dog was a puppy, and is in for a shock!! The dog leaps on him and bites, not fatally maybe, but still bites!  The master might take it as a passing phase although he is humiliated and frightened at the dog's angry posture. He feels helpless as he is unable to hand out the punishment the dog deserves. But this is just the beginning! The dog feels his has just won a decisive victory. The CLASH OF WILL between the master and the dog has started!!!

The dog may still love his master, may still show devotion, but only at his own terms. The dog moves majestically in the house, without paying heed to command, without having any one standing in his way.

It is imperative that the  puppy is made to understand who is the boss of the house. The master should have mental strength and confidence in him to handle his dog properly right from his puppy days. The master has to be firm as well as caring to his pet so that the dog doesn't turn out to be a monster.

Raj PrateekVerma 

Mongrel as a pet.

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

I belong to India. Today I shall be writing about stray dogs found in abundance on the streets of every city, town and village.

I have been always impressed  with their ability to survive against all odds. They are very street smart, always alert for an opportunity to grab whatever food comes their way. I decided to adopt one and am thankful to my family for extending their wholehearted support to me in this endeavor of mine.

As a puppy they are the cutest, most adorable pet one can ever have. House breaking it was not a problem at all. I found he was intelligent and receptive enough to grasp my commands and try to follow it at an early age.

Sometimes, I felt he knew me better than I knew him!! Ever ready to please and draw our attention to him, his antics were constant source of amusement for us.

He grew up to become a very sturdy and robust dog! A favourite of kids, he was always there to play pranks with them, snatching away their ball or a pencil and then looking at them teasingly, expecting a nice chase.

I found that he required minimal grooming. Since he had very short hairs, an occasional brushing was enough to keep his coat in good condition. Bathing him once a week was sufficient to keep the 'doggie' odour within tolerable limit.

He made an excellent watch dog. It was interesting to  watch him as he began to assume protective custody of both the house he lived in and his human family.

These mongrels are easily trainable, very affectionate and not at all vicious or destructive in nature. They are generally  medium sized and a good companion. They are constantly yearning for praise and affection from their master.

The only problem I encountered with my pet was his habit of straying away from home. Many a times, he returned home after a gap of two to three days, sometimes badly mauled by other dogs. This habit became more dominant during the mating season. 

It was this straying habit of his that proved to be his nemesis. As usual, one day he left for his morning romp, never to return!

Our beloved friend had left us forever!

Raj Prateek Verma

A puppy as a second dog

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

Jealousy and possessiveness are the strongest of canine emotions. If you already  have a dog at home and plan to bring in a new puppy, be sure that a new stranger in the house is bound to create jealousy and animosity.


The older dog will feel his world is being threatened and so he should get first preference in everything.


Here are few tips which might be helpful to bring about acceptance of the new pup without too much of trouble.

1. Feed the dogs in seperate rooms , if possible as the pup will require feeding at regular intervals

2. The older dog may be given tiny bit of food every time the pup is fed. This will not let the older dog feel neglected.

3. Do not make any drastic changes in the older dog's routine. He should not feel any inconvenience in his daily life due to this new arrival.

4. Give love and attention to your older pet as you used to in the past. He should not feel your attention has been diverted from him due to the puppy.

5. Never show excessive love or attention to the new arrival in front of the older dog. This will only aggravate jealousy.

6.There might be some growling and wrestling match between the two. This is quite normal. Rarely it has been seen that an adult dog has seriously injured a puppy.

7. Let the two work it out between themselves. The olderdog will likely be the boss. However, you should be ready to intervene in case the bout gets a bit too rough.

Raj Prateek Verma

How to choose a healthy puppy?

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

Ten important points to be remembered while choosing a puppy.

1. Check the eyes      :  They should be clear, bright and should not have any scars or light spots on the cornea.

2. The emphasis should be on well proportioned body. Avoid plump or extra large ones. The puppy should neither be fat nor thin. Pot bellied means WORMS.

3. Ears and nose        : They should not have any signs of discharge. It should not be shaking its head too much.

4. Skin                       : It should be clear with no rough spots. Scratching is a sign of parasites. The coat
                                   should be fluffy, glossy and oily. Any loss of hair suggests mange, fungus, worms
                                   or lice.

5.Teeth                       : They should be bright and clean. The gum should be light pink. White gums reflect
                                     anemia.

6. Diarrhoea               : Check the behind. There should be no stains suggesting diarrhoea. Diarrhoea
                                    signifies worm/parasites infection.

7. Deafness                : A slight click with your fingers behind the ears with no response indicates partial or
                                   total deafness. White coloured breeds are more susceptible to deafness.

8. NEVER choose a timid or shy puppy. Shyness indicates sickness. A healthy puppy is lively and hungry.

9. Bone structure       : It should be solid and without bumps in legs. Beware of puppies having knots in the
                                   joints.

10. Size & breed       : The size and breed matters immensely when you want to buy a puppy. Larger breeds
                                   need more open space for exercise to remain healthy and happy. Smaller breeds are
                                   more suited to city life. Short-haired dogs survive better in tropical and sub tropical
                                  climates. It is better to cosunlt an expert before arriving at a decision.

Remember, you have taken a 10-year project on your hand. It is your responsibility to see that the puppy receives proper care and lots of loved. In return, it will devote all its love and loyalty to you throughout its life.!!

You be happy and your dog will remain happy.

Raj Prateek Verma

My recent oil painting

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

This is an oil painting on canvas board depicting Rajasthani singer playing a sarangi and accompanied by a musician on harmonium. These bards earn their livelihood singing the heroic deeds and valour of Rajput princes of the bygone era. This painting is for sale. Size 50 cms x 40 cms  Bid price Rs.45000/-

Email Id : raj_verma3140@yahoo.com

Raj Prateek VermaDogalogue
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