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DOGS

There are many species of animals that share a bonding with the humans. Foremost among them, the man’s most loyal friend has always been the Dog. Humans and dogs have been inseparable for thousand of years depending on each other for protection and survival. From earlier days we have relied on dogs for hunting and guarding and now more as pets for companionship, protection and their showmanship.

Dogs belong to the family, which includes wolves, jackals and foxes. All modern domestic dogs have descended from the grey wolf. There are now more than 300 different breeds of domestic dog and these are often classified into different groups according to the tasks such as hunting, guarding and herding, for which they were originally bred.

DOG CARE

Food	Adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Young puppies need food to help them grow big and strong, so they need to be fed often. As they grow older the number of feeds can be reduced. When the pup is 6 to 10 weeks, feed him 1/4 cup of food three or four times a day or every four hours, gradually reducing to thrice, till he is 6 months and then twice a day by the time he is an year old. Over feeding at an early age will have a long term effect especially as some breeds are prone to obesity.
	Dogs, especially young ones need a diet with high levels of proteins, fatty matters, vitamins and minerals to promote the development of bones and muscles. Dogs are meant to be carnivores and meat loaded with fat and protein is the best food but, you can make them omnivores /vegetarians by giving them a well balanced vegetarian meal complete with needed nutrients. Dry, canned and semi- moist foods are readily available from stores as dog food. Dry food which costs the least comes in chunks or nuggets which can be nibbled and may be served by itself or by moistening or mixing with milk.
Bathing	A dog can be bathed as young as six weeks. Frequent bathing remove essential oils, dries out the dog's skin and coat and leads to skin infections. Bathe them once in two - three weeks or even a month. Rub them down with a damp towel or wash just the paws if they tend to get dirty often. Use mild soap or shampoo (like neem, petmosol etc). Some shampoos may be allergic. Stop use if any redness or itching is noticed. Rinse thoroughly after shampooing. When washing your dog, keep the water out of his ears and eyes as much as possible. Use large pieces of cotton to block the ears and don't forget to remove them after bath.
	Regular grooming on a daily basis with a brush or comb keeps your dog clean and its coat healthy. Grooming can begin when dogs are two to four months old. Brush out and remove any mats in the coat before bathing. Begin by pushing hair up and away from the direction it naturally grows with one hand. Then with the other hand, brush the coat back down a few inches at a time. Nails should be trimmed regularly with a dog nail trimmer. Always check the pad's on your dog's feet for injuries and make sure that they are not getting raw or sore. A thorough oral exam of your dog's mouth and teeth should be part of your regular grooming routine. Veterinary research shows that periodontal disease permits the spread of bacteria that can attack the kidneys, liver and heart. Ears also should be kept clean. The earlier you start and younger the dog, the more comfortable he will be, with the grooming sessions.

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