Dogs are the best friends and companions of humans. We share a special bond with our pets and give sweet and comforting hugs to our pets, but some dogs are on the streets and deprived of it. We sometimes feel anxious and sad for these helpless dogs on the streets in rough weather conditions. The stray dogs in India are a mix of different breeds over the years. These stray dogs are also known as Indies, Indian Pariah & Desi Dogs in India. If we focus on their traits desi dogs are the best of all breeds as they are hardy and survive well in Indian climatic conditions. Despite all these desi dogs are protective against their territory, playful in nature, and always loyal to their human friends. Here are the common traits of Indian stray dogs:
Size: Medium
Weight: 20-30kg
Height: Between 45 cm to 55 cm
Temperament: Friendly, loyal, Alert, curly tails, playful, intelligent, watchful.
Why Are There So Many Stray Dogs in India?
This breed is around 4500 years old so we can imagine the number of strays around us. The problem faced by stray dogs in India is not from today but it’s coming from several years. There are so many reasons behind this, but we have listed a few major points of it that why there are so many stray dogs in India.
Lack of Government Funding And Programs For The Stray Dog
In developed countries, almost every town, county and state have a government program dedicated to capturing stray dogs, Vaccinating, spaying, Neutering, and working with a shelter for adoption. Animal Control does not fully exist in every part of India. Some local municipal corporations work for it.
Open Garbage Helps Them to Feed Themselves
Cleanliness is not a common thing in India. Because of the culture of single-use items and plastic use, huge trash gets collected. The garbage thrown outside avails the food for dogs to scavenge on and keep multiplying and increases the chances of spreading Rabies Infection.
Lack of Stray Dogs Adoption
Domestication of dogs started over 23,000 years. The question is how this procedure has begun. Did humans bring pups to their homes, or did they domesticate themselves?
Whatever the route to domestication, dogs we know today have become companion animals. Under the definition of a domesticated animal — belong and live alongside humans to serve a purpose. Every dog deserves a family. But as you walk down any street in India, the thought of adopting these poor souls is not so common in India. And you may wonder: how did we reach a point where there are so many unowned street dogs in our country?
Fail to Manage Street Dogs Population
The Dog Population Management Program plan is defective. It works through animal birth control. Animal birth control by sanitation is colloquially known as the ABC program. Various factors that are crucial in controlling the population of street dogs are the rules of pet ownership and trade, restricting food availability and garbage management. Short-term ABC campaigns achieve negligibly. Time, effort, and money are required to achieve long-lasting and meaningful results. Most cities do not have the infrastructure, funds, or political will to implement the measures.
What To Do When a Street Dog Bites?
A dog bite carries an infection caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pasteurella, that can get inside the tissues of the human. For the cause of the dog bite, you cannot blame the dog entirely. The disturbance caused by human beings has increased the cases of dog bites.
On the other hand, a dog bite does not always result in rabies infection. It depends on whether the dog has got a rabies infection in its blood. It is a precautionary measure to avoid rabies as you never know if the dog has it or not. Seek medical attention after a stray dog bites in the following conditions:
- If the wound becomes red, puffy, and painful.
- If feeling feverish.
- Wound with continuous bleeding.
- Warm wound.
- A deep wound.
- If you have not had your tetanus shot in the last five years.
- If the Dog Bite has broken the layer of skin.
- A person with weak immunity or suffering from a prolonged illness.
Alternative’s Treatment for Dog Bite in India
Doctors prescribe rabies vaccines with antibiotics or acidophilus. However, natural products are unparalleled. Gentian extract, chamomile tincture, garlic and Echinacea tea helps a lot. Plantain can help to stop bleeding in wounds. Proper monitoring and treatment are necessary to prevent further infection. However, all dog bites do not cause rabies. But immediate post-dog bite ailment is a must.
Laws For Stray Dogs in India
- It is not illegitimate to feed stray animals.
- Poisoning a stray dog is a crime in India.
- It is a crime to cause harm to them.
- Government issues IDs to people who help and take care of them.
- It is unlawful to starve them.
- Capturing them is against the law.
- Euthanasia is illegal.
What to Feed Stray Dogs in India
Feeding stray dogs is a noble and worthy cause. That gives a feeling of contentment. Street dogs are sharp, vigilant, and healthy. But you cannot feed them anything. High-sugar food items can cause liver failure. Also, vegetables like onion and garlic are highly toxic. If you want to feed premium foods, note that they are expensive and distasteful. Here are some options to feed the dogs on the streets.
Packed Dog Food
If you like to feed them packaged foods, you can look for pocket-friendly brands. Some packed food is highly nutritious and free of artificial fillers. Moreover, they are cheap and manage to fulfill the nutritional requirements.
Chapati Dipped in Milk
Street dogs love milk with chapatis. It can be allergic, but dogs relish it without any problem. The flavour of milk tempts them. Always give them fresh and oil-free chapattis, as saturated fats are unhealthy.
Read Also: Indian Homemade Recipes for Dogs with Healthy Diet
Milk And Water
Give diluted milk to the pups as they have different degrees of lactose tolerance. With water mixed with it, it becomes safer. You can also buy milk close to expiry at a lower price.
Boiled Eggs
The best foods for stray dogs. They are a rich source of protein and help build muscle mass in dogs. Every dog eagerly wants to eat the boiled eggs as hardly anyone will dislike them. Please make sure the eggs are not raw as they are harmful and create a lot of difficulties for biotin to absorb.
Biscuits
Biscuits full of refined sugar may hamper their health. Sugar-Free biscuits are safer. Choose cheap dog biscuits that are easier to digest.
Leftover Restaurant Foods
The restaurants have a lot of leftover rice and meat daily. You can buy it at a nominal price for the dogs. Offer waste meat, discarded organs, and skin left in butcher shops. It is a great feast.
Fish With Rice
Ask for the waste pieces from the seller for free. Separate the bones before feeding as they can get stuck in their throat. Raw fish has harmful bacteria like salmonella and listeria, so please offer them cooked fish. These bacteria can make the dog sick.
How to Help The Stray Dogs in India:
- Spot unwell dogs.
- Contact an animal shelter or a community dog center.
- Arrange for some food.
- Arrange a temporary home for them.
- Take professional help.
Conclusion
Stray dogs in India depend on humans for survival. The food items mentioned above are cheap and nutritious. We want to emphasize the importance of adopting stray pups. They have strong immunity and are very protective. Ultimately, the responsibility of the safety of street dogs is with us. They deserve shelter and love and a protected environment.
Most stray dogs are not dangerous if left undisturbed. However, they may act defensively if they feel threatened or provoked.
Clean the wound immediately with soap and water, and consult a doctor for a rabies vaccine as soon as possible.
Yes, stray dogs can make loyal and loving pets when given proper care, training, and attention.
Supporting sterilization programs, adopting stray dogs, and spreading awareness about responsible pet ownership are key steps.
Simple foods like boiled rice, vegetables, or dog-friendly biscuits are suitable. Avoid spicy or processed foods.
