Vet’s Views
SB Mathur
One of the most experienced veterinary specialists in India, Dr SB Mathur is running a successful practice in Lucknow
Q: I wish to adopt an Indie puppy. Is it fine to adopt it, from the road I mean? Ratnesh Kumar
It is never a problem to adopt an Indie puppy as it will make an excellent pet and guard dog. It is mostly very easy to keep such dogs as they have great immune systems and are quite hardy. But genes do play an important role. If you are bringing the puppy of a mongrel, please take it to a vet first and get it checked properly. Vaccinations are a must. Besides you should ensure that the puppy's mother is not suffering from any disease and how many from the litter actually survived-- here I mean survived naturally. If you have an idea of the father, it would be a good thing because the mongrel could even be carrying the litter of a purebred. But it is very difficult to ascertain and only a qualified vet can tell.
Q: My older dog seems to have dementia. Is this possible? Madhvi Mittal
As per research, 50% of dogs over the age of 11 show signs of cognitive decline (which some might refer to as dementia). So, the answer to your question is a yes, it is possible for an older dog to suffer from cognitive decline/dementia. If your dog has some of the symptoms like lethargy, lack of interest in usual activities, change in sleeping patterns, or confusion, you may want to mention it to the vet during a checkup, so he can test for Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome or CDS. CDS is not curable, but the symptoms can be treated. Sometimes, our dogs just get old; and when that happens, it seems their old bodies cannot behave like when they were young. There are some things you can do however to help your pet in this situation. When a diagnosis is given, you as the owner can choose to either purchase medication for your pet to help slow the decline or go with therapy options. Both options, especially if used together, can be of great help to your pet!
Q: I am shifting to another city. I have a three- year- old retriever that I'll have to leave behind. A friend of mine is willing to adopt him and I know she will take good care of him. Do you think my dog will ever forget me and settle in his new home as he is very attached to me? Rajat Pandey
It is always recommended that you get a pet only if you can keep it forever and take good care of it. If you know it is so attached to you, should you not be taking him along? By the sound of it, you will be taking your family with you, a pet is also a part of the family. In any case, if you have to leave it, why wonder how it will react. After some time, if the new masters take good care of your pet, he is most likely to settle well. However, it is not likely that it is going to forget you because animals are very sensitive beings with long memories and your pet is already an adult and, by your own admission, very attached to you. It might even suffer from separation anxiety and might fall I'll during the initial days. But exactly when it will start readjusting is difficult to predict because, Luke human beings, each animal is also different and had different sensitivity levels.
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