I’ll be there for you

Payal Sodhi

It is beautiful how our four legged companions have a sense of all that we feel and need – if we are down and out, our pets just crawl into our laps; a sweet and loving way of saying- I know you are sad but I am there for you. It is absolutely amazing how sensitive pets are – a joyful event at home will get a playful response and a somber environment will be given due respect by them too. But then we need to do our bit too – as I mentioned in the last article- we need to fulfill our responsibilities towards them and frankly all of this should come instinctively.

De-worm, vaccinate—regularly

If de- worming has to be done every three months for an adult dog, then their vaccinations have to be done each year. All puppies have to get three vaccinations along with their respective booster doses i.e. anti rabies, 7 in 1 and Corona. And then each year we repeat their single dose. But do remember two important points here- firstly make sure that the dog is de- wormed before their annual vaccinations start and secondly before each shot, make sure their temperature is checked – in case they have fever, the vaccination needs to be re- scheduled. Once their vaccinations start, then it is also your responsibility to ensure that a proper record is maintained. If you miss the due date then the protection ceases for the pet and he / she can contract a fatal disease / sickness. Each city has some rules with regard to pets and they must be followed. Get your pet registered. Once done, the token number must be on the collar of your pet.

Loose that leash, get a chest harnest

In case you have big breeds like – German Shephards, Doberman, Labrador, Golden Retrievers, Rottweiler – please do not take them out for walks with a simple leash, get them a chest harness – it is simply cruel to keep pulling and tugging their necks – no point in saying you love your pet and then nearly strangle them each time you take them for a walk. Those of you who have pets with long hanging ears, please get them the bowls that have been specifically designed for them. This ensures that their ears do not get wet, as this subsequently leads to fungal infections.

(Sodhi is a Chandigarh-based animal rights activist)