Dr K G Umesh (MVSc, MSc (UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He has been a lecturer in clinical medicine at Vet College in Bangalore for 15 years, and has won the ‘best teacher’ award in the year 2000. He is a member of European Society for Vet Dermatology and is currently working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for South Asia.
Q: We have a six-month-old Great Dane. Can we give him a bath in the winter season?
Sangita Jadeja, Morbi, Gujarat
Dr KG Umesh: Bathing is generally recommended when the pet’s coat is soiled or for medical reason. Make sure that you only bath your dog in fine weather or indoors to avoid chills. We generally do not advise bath for young puppies particularly in winter. We suggest giving him sponge bath with plain lukewarm water when required. When he grows up to an adult, you can use shampoo for regular bath, generally twice a month. Never use human shampoo and use dog shampoo specific to your dog’s skin condition. Ask your vet to recommend a good quality brand shampoo.
Q: I have a Labrador who is eight years old. I found a bump just on top of his left eye. We showed him to our vet. Please let me know what can this be?
Alok Rai, Kolkata
Dr KG Umesh: Lumps and bumps on pet result from inflammatory or non-inflammatory causes. Acute onsets are generally because of trauma (haematoma) or sting bite, etc. The lump that is not causing any pain or discomfort to your pet could be simple lipomas to benign tumours. If you notice this lump growing in size or inflamed with pain or discoloured skin, etc, it requires immediate attention. Problems like lipoma may not cause any harm while abscess or cyst, panniculitis or cancer requires medical attention. It is best to seek your vet’s advice ASAP.
Q: My six-month-old female French Mastiff is very friendly with strangers, but not with the family members. She growls at me many a time. Please let me know what are we doing wrong?
Aniket Bedi, Palampur
Dr KG Umesh: The two most common manifestations of aggressive behaviour (in growing puppy) toward pet parents/humans are fear biting and dominance-related aggression. Fear biting is most commonly seen in a dog raised without appropriate human contact during the socialisation period of growth (6 to 12 weeks of age). The more he gets outside and encounters lots of other people and unfamiliar things, the less likely he will be to act aggressively around people. So, provide your dog with a chance to socialise with people and other dogs. You may also seek help of a qualified obedience instructor or dog behaviourist; it’s possible to correct this problem. If your dog barks, growls, try to shift her attention to an exercise or a task she knows well. Banishment and withdrawal of attention are the most potent forms of correction.
Q: I have a Labrador puppy of nine weeks and planning to buy a male mate for her. How would I introduce her to her new mate? Will it be okay to bring one at this age? What and how much should we feed her? Please advice.
Aayushi Shah, Ahmedabad
Dr KG Umesh: Perhaps the most common reason for considering a second puppy, other than personal preference, is a means of providing company for a dog already living in the household. You are less likely to face any issues, if you are introducing a puppy to another puppy as they get along each other well. Provide an opportunity to interact with a puppy on regular interval initially and let them play under your supervision. Once an older puppy has accepted a new puppy you should be able to let them sort their own relationship out without any interference. The sex of two dogs living in a household can make lot of difference to the success of the relationship at this stage. Make sure that the puppies are given regular preventive health care including vaccinations. Follow the feeding guidelines, provided on puppy food label.
Q: We have a 41-day-old Rottweiler puppy. What food should we feed him and how do we train him to take part in dog shows?
Girish Chougala, Gokak, Karnataka
Dr KG Umesh: Just like you, dogs need a balanced diet which contains just right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, many different vitamins and minerals to ensure that they stay in peak condition. Our research indicated that most home-made diets/baby foods fed to dogs in our country are inadequate and do not meet the recommended nutritional requirements. Prepared puppy pet food from reputable pet food manufacturers comes with a guarantee of nutritional adequacy, quality and safety. You have choice in puppy food range—large breed puppy or breed specific puppy which are designed with some health benefits. There is no need to feed any supplements like calcium or home diet while the puppy is feeding on balanced food except clean fresh water. You may need professional help if you are keen to take him for dog shows.