Know Your Rights
Vets are duty-bound to provide aid to an animal in need. When refused treatment, you have every right to report
An abandoned puppy wandered into my street and was bitten by the dogs. What do I do?
Examine the wound on the puppy. If the tissue under the wound appears to pass by when you move the skin, the wound will probably require stitches. If the wound needs stitches, take the puppy to the vet.
If not, tend to the wound using the following steps:
Do not bandage. Allow the wound to drain unless there is excessive bleeding.
If the wound bleeds excessively, cover it with a clean cloth, or sanitary napkin. Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
Keep the puppy warm and comfortable and do not touch it too much as it may have a broken bone.
It is essential to determine if the biter was rabid or not. If it was rabid, the puppy has to be vaccinated within 24 hours of the bite. This will be followed by booster shots. Government animal hospitals administer vaccination for free.
I took a stray dog to be treated in a government animal hospital near my home. The hospital is in Delhi, I live in Faridabad. Is it legal if they refuse treatment to the dog?
Treatment cannot be refused to an animal based on its region of origin. The purpose of setting up government animal hospitals was to make treatment available to animals belonging to families that cannot afford private vets, and to stray animals, free of cost. It is the duty of veterinarians to provide aid to an animal in need. If you are being refused treatment at the hospital in Delhi, you have every right to report the incident. The vet can lose his job and licence.
What could be the probable reasons for my pet dog not eating properly?
Illness: A decreased appetite in dogs is often a sign of sickness, especially if your dog is exhibiting other symptoms at the same time.
Dental disease: Your dog may not want to eat because something in their mouth is causing pain. Have him checked for a broken or loose tooth, severe gingivitis and even an oral tumour.
Kidney Failure: Have him checked immediately for kidney disease. You may be able to catch it in its early stages. It is a number one killer.
Recent vaccination: Fortunately, vaccinations are available for many serious and contagious dog diseases. But they do sometimes have adverse effects. The majority of these are minor and brief, including a temporary loss of appetite in dogs.
Travel and unfamiliar surroundings: Some animals may get motion sickness, and others become nervous or uncomfortable in new places.
Pickiness or behaviour issues: Some dogs are just picky, or their refusal to eat may be caused by feeding them in situations where they aren't comfortable, such as around an aggressive dog or from a bowl at an uncomfortable height.
(Views expressed and information provided are personal. Send your questions to manekaanimallove@gmail.com)
