Being a Dog Pawrent- What nobody tells you about!

Planning to get a puppy home?

Congratulations!

There is, indeed, no better feeling than that wagging tail to greet you the moment you walk in through the door, those warm cuddles, that undying love!

Dogs are indeed the most precious beings on this planet, the most capable of selfless love and devotion. They trust their hoomans with their life, and do everything in their power to keep them safe and happy.

However, it's not always about insta- worthy pictures, cuddles and kisses. Being a pet parent is about a LOT of responsibilities as well, which first- timers may not be aware of. This may lead to them being overwhelmed AFTER getting the pup home, and which sadly, leads to many dogs being abandoned or left homeless.

Abandoning a pet is sad. No matter what one goes through in life, your pet will always be by your side- with the same wagging tail, same undying love, same unquestioning support. They expect just your love in return.

There have been so many heart-wrenching instances of pets being left on the streets- it is a huge blow to the dear souls not just physically but also emotionally. Yes, they are highly intelligent and sensitive beings who understand and can think, just like us! They take a great deal of time and effort to come out of the trauma of betrayal and learn to trust again... And it breaks your heart to see them thus!

This blog is not an attempt to discourage you from filling your lives with a dog's love- it is, in fact, a honest guide on what to expect, so that you're better prepared for the decision, and all that follows.

How much time do I need to give to a pet?

The first and most important thing to remember is that getting a pet home is a commitment for life- both yours and the pet's. Most dogs live on an average between 10- 15 years. They mellow down over the years from the playfulness of a pup to the wisdom and gentle presence of a senior dog.

Just like senior humans may have health issues over the years, so can dogs. They may be bedridden, may need assistance with their pee and poop, may need to be tended to, helped to stand up and walk.

But just like we do not leave our old human family members on the streets just because of their health conditions, we do not abandon our pets either. They need us then more than ever, and when one commits to a pet, it is through sickness and health- and it is just as important to stick together through the bad times as the good.

As for the practical question of how much time in a day you'd need to give to your pet- is entirely upto you! Given a choice, I'd prefer to spend ALL my time in their company, and I'm sure that's what they'd always want! However, one needs to go to work, and have other social commitments too. Remember that a dog needs to be walked thrice a day (more when they're pups), fed, and needs some play time and cuddle time with his/ her human to bond with them and be happy. That is the minimum one can give. The maximum... Well, I think even a lifetime wouldn't be enough!

When should I get a pup home?

A pup needs to be nursed by its mother atleast for 45 days before one can separate them. Breast milk is essential for all mammals for their physical and mental development, hence, too early a separation must be avoided, except in rare cases of emergency.

What do I need to know before I get a puppy?

1. Toilet training:

Puppies are like babies- babies who never grow up!

When they are younger, they are not yet toilet trained. They have small bladders, and need to pee frequently. The commonest times when they pee is as soon as they get up from a nap, after they eat and after play time. One can train them by taking them to a designated spot where they can do their job by anticipating these times, or by placing a cloth smelling of their pee in a corner where they are expected to pee. One may have to take them out more frequently than adults. There are training mats and sprays also available commercially.

Despite this, it is not a cakewalk! Indies are more easily toilet- trained than any other breed- my younger boy Oscar would limp his way to the balcony even when he had three fractures, whenever he needed to pee! But for the other two, we needed a lot of patience to clean the house multiple times!

Yes, patience. That is the virtue.

Remember they are little. They do not do this to annoy you- it is simply because they don't know yet. Just like a baby takes time to grow out of its diaper and learn to use the toilet, we need to give them time without being annoyed. Punishing them with physical violence doesn't really help at all. In fact that'd lead to even more difficult behaviour, and further distance your dog from you. Rewarding them when they do their job at the designated spot works better!

2. Feeding:

After the pup is separated from its mum, they can be fed puppy kibble or formula and gradually introduced to home cooked food. Pups need to be fed small frequent meals- starting with 5- 6 times a day, gradually increasing the quantity and reducing the number of meals to two per day in adults. Right since the pup is little, do not get him/ her into the habit of begging for food off the table. A lot of human foods are toxic to dogs. Besides, certain breeds like Labrador retrievers are perpetually hungry, and tend to overeat, thus having a propensity for obesity and the problems that follow.

Dogs may be sensitive to gluten- they may not digest wheat flour or maida. Amongst the home- cooked foods, one can give them rice or millet rotis with chicken or eggs and vegetables. They love yoghurt and buttermilk too. Avoid giving them milk.

Avoid feeding them human biscuits, ice creams, chocolate, fried food, snacks, spices or foods with chemicals and preservatives. These foodstuffs are loaded with trans fats and sugars which can harm your dog (and even you for that matter!)

It is wise to still keep your dog accustomed to kibble, in the rare case of emergency when you cannot cook for him/ her.

Occasional treats, chew sticks help to keep them happy and their teeth clean.

A regular supply of clean drinking water is a must for your dog.

3. Exercise:

Your dog needs regular walks and play time. Adequate exercise is as essential for them as it is for us, to keep them healthy.

In addition, socialising and sniffing around helps them explore their surroundings too.

4. Teething:

Puppies begin teething at around 3 weeks, and by approximately 6 weeks, all of their deciduous teeth will have erupted. At around 12 weeks, the deciduous teeth begin to fall out, and the permanent teeth begin to erupt. Normally by 6 months of age, all permanent teeth have erupted, and all deciduous teeth have fallen out.

When puppies are in the teething phase, they tend to bite and chew things- including you and your most prized possessions!

It is important to puppy- proof your home, not leave footwear, gadgets lying around where he/ she can reach them- and most importantly to not leave anything that could be toxic to them such as medications, chemicals or detergents.

One can get them chew toys and games that keep them alert and active, and diverts their chewing energy!

After the teething phase is done, most pups behave, except in rare instances of separation anxiety, when you may come back home to the sight of a tornado having hit, and a guilty pair of eyes in the corner!

5. Vaccination and deworming:

Your veterinarian would guide you regarding the vaccination schedule and deworming routine. Teething pups need deworming medication more often, since they tend to chew stuff they shouldn't and get worms! Adult dogs need yearly vaccines and six monthly deworming.

Besides this, there may be the problem of ectoparasites like ticks, fleas and mites on their body, which may be more common in monsoons. This problem can be tackled by keeping your pet clean, brushing his/ her coat regularly, and medicated powders/ shampoos/ sprays advised by the vet. There are also some tablets available at your vet's that can rid your pet of these parasites if they are aplenty.

6. Bathing and grooming:

Unlike us, our pets do not need baths everyday. Depending on the season, you may choose to bathe them once to twice a month. Too frequent baths may make them lose the natural oils on their skin, and lead to a dry skin and dandruff.

A few dogs are not very fond of baths, but retrievers mostly love the water! They enjoy swimming as well.

Brushing their coat makes it shiny (and they love it when you brush them!)

Dogs shed hair. They do have some shedding phases where your home may be covered in dog hair. Eventually one gets used to it.

If you are prone to allergies, check with your vet before you get a pet home, and opt for a hypoallergenic dog.

Their nails also need to be clipped periodically, especially the ones of the fifth toe, since they do not routinely wear out with friction. Having long sharp nails may cause injuries to the dog or to you.

7. Sickness:

Just like humans, dogs to may fall ill to minor or major ailments- tummy upsets or injuries being the commonest! It is important to remember that one should never self medicate with human drugs- even though your vet may be prescribing similar medicines to what you take, the dosages and indications in dogs may be different, hence it is the best to check with your vet. One may need to tend to a sick dog, more so because they can't really tell you what's wrong with them.

Can I, or my children get sick from my dog?

If you keep your dog clean and healthy, the chances of this happening are very rare.

Very rarely, some people may be prone to allergies from dog hair and dander. An allergy specialist can help you deal with this issue.

As an obstetrician, I can safely tell you that pregnancy and childbirth is no reason to get rid of your dog.

If you feel you wouldn't be able to handle a dog once you have a baby, don't get one in the first place!

Dogs and babies get along excellently! Having a pet helps in your child's emotional development, and studies have shown that children with pets tend to show more empathy.

In the rare instance of you developing a health issue, please consult a doctor and a vet before you take the decision of getting rid of the dog.

What about puberty and mating?

Dogs, on an average, reach sexual maturity at around 7-10 months of age. In males, the testicles descend into the scrotum, and with the development of the prostate gland, they start lifting up their leg to pee.

Females get their 'periods' or the estrus cycle, and are ready to mate and bear puppies. Their pheromones attract a lot of males in the locality, and this could be a bit of a nuisance- as can be the 'lovelorn' behaviour of your male dog when a female in the neighborhood is on heat.

Mating them or not is your choice, but it is strongly recommended by experts to get your pup neutered.

In males, neutering reduces aggression, marking and territorial behaviour. In females, spaying is protective against uterine and mammary tumours, in addition to unwanted pregnancies.

Do discuss with your vet regarding the options, and the best time to go for the procedure.

How much would I need to spend on a dog?

Having a dog is like having a child- the only difference being, the child would eventually grow up!

You need to provide for their basic needs like food, water, grooming, medications and vaccination. Regular veterinary visits, emergency expenses in case of injury or sickness also need to be kept in mind. 

For their basic needs, let us roughly assume a figure of around Rs. 20000- 25000 per dog per year. It depends mainly on the type of food your dog eats. There are several brands of kibble available, and even among home- cooked meals, dogs being natural omnivores, one does need to include some form of meat in their diet in order for them to be nutritionally sufficient. The rest of the expenses are pretty much similar.

Over and above that you may count the, toys, pampering, treats or other luxuries you choose to let your baby have.

Considering your dog as a family member and including his/ her needs also in your family budget is essential, in order to not feel the pinch.

Having said that, it is a fact that Indies are less fussy about their preferences and needs, and quite hardy and healthy as well, since they're indigenous and adapted well to the local climate and food. Hence, they are less expensive to have as pets, and give you just as much love as a pedigree dog would.

Can I gift a pup to someone as a surprise?

The answer is a big NO!

A pup is not a toy, and hence it is always wiser to take the consent of the prospective dog owner before taking the plunge, because, as I mentioned, this is a commitment for life.

Also, it is always easier when all (or most of) the members in the household are on board, because looking after a dog (though extremely rewarding) is quite demanding for one person.

What about saying goodbye?

The hardest part about having a dog is that they unfortunately have very short lives!

It tears you apart to say goodbye.

But it is always the amount of joy they give you, and the love you shower on each other in their years with you that make every day worthwhile.

Go ahead- open your hearts and your homes to these wonderful, precious beings! Each of them has a unique personality, as endearing as the other.

Indeed, every pet pawrent always feels they have the best dog in the world- and none of them is wrong!

The writer is a young dynamic Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist practicing in Pune, a mother to three beautiful dogs.

(Photo credits- Capt. Vishwas Patwardhan, Viren Naralkar, Dhruvang Hingmire)