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Diet for your dog
FEEDING YOUR pup is akin to early training. Once good feeding habits have set in, you can sit back and relax. But most of us tend to over-indulge the pup in the initial stages and later, as both get older — you and your pet — it becomes difficult to put up with the fussy food habits. And who is to blame?
The don'ts:
Don't overfeed: Pups don't know when to stop and will continue eating whatever you offer them. This can lead to vomiting, indigestion and unnecessary trips to the vet! Normally, a two-month old pup needs to be fed at regular intervals, at least five times a day. So don't worry that he's not getting enough. It's best to increase the quantity slowly after he settles down in his new home and routine. Less is always better to start with. During the first few days, continue with whatever he's been used to. Introducing too many varieties or trying out rich foods will upset the stomach. The meal quantities vary according to the breed and size, so it's best to consult the vet. Skipping a meal now and then is perfectly alright, though pups which refuse food for more than eight hours need to be shown to a vet. Don't handfeed: We like to have the pup eating out of our hands, but are we prepared to do this for the next 14 years? There have been cases where the dog refuses to eat from the bowl or someone else's hand if the owner happens to be away. It's unfair to make the pup dependent on us this way. Giving the odd tidbit doesn't come under this category but regular feeds must be left in the bowl, however long he takes to finish it.
Don't feed on the table: We've gone through this before. The pup needs to learn good manners and make you proud. However, tempting it by slipping unwanted food under the table is a major disservice to his dignity. The sight of a dog licking away the leftovers from under the table can be irritating.
Don't play with the pup soon after the meal, it will disturb digestion. Leave him alone for at least 20 minutes before taking him out for a leak. Poking /stroking his stomach — which most children love to do — can be very painful and can rupture his stomach.
No more than two meals a day, after one year.Gradually reduce the feeds while increasing the quantity as he grows up and by the time he is one year old, he should be having a light breakfast in the morning and a solid lunch in the late afternoon/early evening.Of course, he will lap up milk or whatever else later in the night if you give it, but it'll make him drowsy. To keep him active and alert at night, his last meal should be before sunset.
The dos will appear next month.
An appeal to animal lovers: To help the homeless animals beat the summer, please put out water bowls for them wherever possible. If little cement troughs can be nuilt, it'll be great but any temporary alternatives will also do. Call 28230308 for more information.
Bittu, a five-month-old brown, roly poly, male mongrel needs a home. Call 28110334.
For a seven-year-old GSD, male, or a two-month-old black and brown male mongrel pup, call 24918898. For a lovely 45-day old ginger tabby, call 31050221/ 24411792.
*Pet's Choice winner of the month is Brian Thomas with his snapshot at the Guindy Park. Congrats, Brian on winning a gift hamper from Pet's Choice.
Do mail us your photos and suggestions to Metro Plus Column, 1A Eldams Road, Chennai-600018.
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