Analysis of management systems of pure-bred and cross-bred dogs in central Kerala

Abstract

Canine management practices existing in Central Kerala were investigated. Mostly the owners of the dogs were male members of the family. Businessmen were more interested in dog keeping. Average number of dogs owned per household was 1. 7. Large breeds were preferred to small and medium sized breeds and among large breeds German Shepherds. Female dogs were slightly more in number than male dogs in the surveyed area. The dogs were mostly kept for watching or guarding purpose than companionship. Dogs were purchased at less than two months of age. The quality of the pup was mostly decided based on the breed and appearance. Active nature and general appearance formed the basis for puppy selection. A high proportion of the dog owners kept their dogs in a kennel, which was located outside the house and constructed after the arrival of the pup. Only few respondents constructed the kennel after consulting a veterinarian or scientific books. Most of the kennels were of cement concrete floor, concrete with

Iron rails wall, concrete roof and had raised platform. Daily cleaning of the kennel was also practiced. The dogs were mostly fed with two meals a day, with specially cooked, homemade, non-vegetarian diet. Mostly rice and meat were fed for the first time between three and six months of age. Fully cooked milk, meat, fish, egg, rice and vegetables were fed to the dogs. Most of the dogs were fed with meat. Only one- third of the dogs were fed with supplements. About 55 per cent of the dog owners provided their dogs with bones, for chewing. About one-third of the male and female dogs were used for breeding. The dog's age at puberty reported by most of the dog owners was between eight and 12 months of age. The signs of heat occurred every six months. Dogs were mated twice in an estrum with 24 hours interval. One pup or its cost was charged as stud fee by' one-third of the dog owners. Ownership was the most important criterion considered while selecting a stud male for female dogs. Majority of the dogs were sexually intact. Except nail trimming, the other health management practices such as de-worming, vaccination, grooming, bathing,

exercise and ear cleaning were practiced by majority of the dog owners. Weekly grooming, bathing and ear cleaning were practiced by majority of the dog owners. Slightly more than one half of the dogs were de-wormed monthly. The dogs were mostly immunized against rabies and majority of the dogs were not regularly immunized with the booster vaccine. About two-third of the dog owners exercised their dogs by playing with them. Only eight per cent of the dogs were taken to a veterinarian for a regular health check-up. Previous history of any disease was reported by one-fourth of the dog owners. Majority of dog owners never left their dog alone in the house when all the members were away. Only one-third of the dog owners gave basic training to their dogs. Reward was given to the dogs, which responded to their commands while training. 'COME' and 'SIT' were the two most common commands which majority of the dogs were aware of. Inadequate space was the predominant constraint faced by dog owners followed by difficulties in training and shedding hairs. Majority of the dog owners surveyed cared to provide the optimum needs of their dogs.