Help your animals cope with fireworks

For all pet owners-
Diwali and Homeopathy : We all know how many of the pets and street dogs are terrified during Diwali because of fire-crackers. Here is a simple remedy which you could try.

We help dogs in our care cope with the fear of Diwali crackers with a homeopathic remedy called BORAX 1M. (1M refers to the potency of the medicine). We use it in the liquid form, not as pills or powders. One “dose” means 2-3 drops added to a small quantity of milk. Here’s how we use it:

• One dose daily starting a few days before Diwali. (Start a week in advance if your dog has a really extreme fear of crackers). The dose can be given at night.
• Two doses daily, morning and night, the day before Diwali.
• Three doses on Diwali – morning, afternoon, night.
• Discontinue after Diwali. You can give a dose if crackers are still being burst and your dog is still frightened.

Remember, homeopathic medicines should not be touched directly by hand, so pour the drops from the cap of the bottle or from a spoon. Milk is the only food that can be mixed with homeopathy, so only administer the medicine an hour before or after any other food.

If for some reason you do not feed your dog milk, the medicine can be fed in a little water (about one teaspoon). Also try not to put garlic in your pet’s food the days he takes homeopathy, it will work better. Preferably do not leave your dog alone when the crackers are at their worst. Note: If your dog is already taking homeopathic treatment for some other problem, it may be incompatible with this remedy.

Our experience is that the fear of loud noises is considerably reduced. Which means, even if a dog may not become totally brave and unconcerned about the racket outside, he will at least eat and behave more normally.

Team WSD

Man has responsibility, not power!

In our quest for indulgence and all things fine, we oft times partake knowingly or unknowingly, in the cruelty that puppy mills are. Last month you read about Tyche, the puppy mill discard rescued by my friend, Sagnik, highlighting the plight of animals with breeders. In spite of his round the clock love, care and supervision, Tyche lost her battle to the 4 years of abuse and trauma.

When young, all puppies like babies, seem really cute. It’s only as they grow up that people realise what they are in for. People don’t invest enough time deciding how much time, energy and finances they can invest before bringing an animal home or factoring what breed is most suited for their family. As the puppy grows, with teething, comes the wrecking of shoes and furniture. Bigger dogs need more food and exercise which can be a problem for some, if they haven’t taken these factors into account. Once a popular breed, greatly in demand, Labradors are the new strays now. Labradors never quite grow up, being a little hyper and overwhelming for a first time pet parent.

Animals like babies, are a full time commitment for at least the next 12-14 years. And more than children because kids go to school while they are still quite young. People recklessly gift puppies, not realizing that there is an innocent life at the receiving end and being moved from one home to another, affects them psychologically.

Exotic breeds like Saint Bernards, Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, all breeds very accustomed to colder regions have become status symbols! It has suddenly become a battle of who can spend more to acquire a rare breed. Recently I met a gentleman who had spent an obscene amount wanting to import a Bichon Frise from France but what arrived was a mongrel, a mix of perhaps a Maltese and a Cocker Spaniel!

Whether starvation, disease or abuse, neglect or overpopulation, the root cause of all problems are pet stores and breeders. Also people refuse to become responsible pet parents, by adhering to spaying and neutering of their pets. They want their babies to experience parenthood at least once, not realising that animals unlike humans indulge in intercourse only to procreate. It is no recreation to them. People project their feelings on them, expecting them to behave like us, humans! The only time dogs are excited is if there is a bitch in heat within a 3 mile radius and that poses a huge threat, to unsterilized animals, as sometimes males may get lose in search of the bitch, losing their way or worse getting attacked by other dogs or getting hit by cars. Worst case scenario for the female – an unwanted pregnancy!

People misconstrue the constant mounting and humping of the leg or cushion as sexual overdrive when in fact most times it is to express dominance. Rarely sexual, sometimes it is a sign of a dog being undersocialised. Sometimes dogs take turns playing like this or use it as a tool to relieve stress or excitement. People think that mating may be a solution to aggression as they think all that pent up energy is frustrating the animal, causing it to act out which in all honesty is unrelated!

Almost everyday, animal rescuers find lost or unwanted, abandoned dogs. When a house dog is abandoned, it has zero survival skills as it doesn’t know how to forage for food like its streetie counterpart. They get mauled by other dogs, fending poorly for themselves till death takes its turn by way of an accident or slowly as maggots ravage their bodies!

I feel as the country of the Mahatma, we have a moral duty and obligation towards all our animals and we should strive to have animal free streets to reduce the overpopulation crisis (a national disgrace) not just for compassionate but also health and hygiene reasons and killing them isn’t really an option. Till 1994, dogs in Mumbai were being caught and culled. Going to one of these centres and seeing those tiny cages, still echoing of those howls, one gets a glimpse of the morbid reality that they once were, 3-4 dogs in a tiny wire mesh cage, barely sprinkled with water and electrocuted. All in front of the others awaiting a similar, gruesome, excruciatingly painful death! It took a few NGOs and like minded individuals to file a PIL to discontinue this spine chilling practise and starting animal birth control programmes.

When people buy animals from breeders and pet stores instead of adopting from animal shelters, they deny a needy animal a chance to a good home. There are too many animals and not enough good homes. As long as people support a market that treats dogs and cats as profit-generating commodities, we will struggle with the overpopulation crisis. Simple demand-supply chain!

In adopting a homeless animal, you are giving an animal an opportunity to feel wanted. All they need is a little food, warm place to sleep and plenty of love! If you are not sure if you can commit yourself completely and selflessly, offer to foster an animal for a brief period which will give you an insight into what keeping an animal entails. Hopefully you will get so attached, that giving it away will feel like your heart breaking into a million little pieces! 

The Heat Is On

Sadly, I’m not referring to the song from the Beverly Hills Cop. Our state is grappling with the worst drought in 100 years! If the last few days are anything to go by, it’s only going to get worse from here on.. And God forbid we have to face the wrath of the Rain Gods for not taking care of Mother Earth, with intermittent showers and long, dry spells! While we will conveniently reach out for the AC remotes and a chilled summer drink or better still leave the city in search of cooler climes, the ones suffering will be our street animals.

So lets “Each One, Place One” bowl outside our windows or at a strategic location away from car and foot traffic and make it our responsibility to maintain, clean and fill them up with fresh potable water everyday, so our animals and birds don’t have to suffer from thirst in this sweltering heat! Rope in local shopkeepers to help and the neighbourhood children who can empty out their water bottles in these bowls hence not adding to the already existing water shortage!

Come on, Mumbaikars! As always, please come forward!

Doggie’s Day Out

“Sweet Ralph! Gentle Ralph! Loving Ralph! The apple of his mummy’s eyes. A sonny boy to his dad. Ralph’s parents doted on him and had decided that he was going to be their only child!

Ralphie was only a baby when God had other plans. On that ill-fated day when a thousand things could have gone right, one went wrong! Call it error of judgement or whatever but Ralphie was snatched away from his family.

The family, fraught with grief over the loss of their baby, felt helpless! The human mind is such. In order to come to terms with our loss, we want answers. But there are none and after denial, sadness, anger, over time we come to terms with the emptiness.

Ralph’s parents worked all day. So he looked forward to playing with his best friend, little Freyah. She called him “Laf! Laf!”. On that fateful day, Ralph came to the building garden but Freyah wasn’t there.

Little did Ralph’s parents know that the caretaker would take him to the dog park. Finding other dogs off their leashes, he mindlessly took off Ralphie’s. He was distracted for only moments, chatting on his mobile, when suddenly a few dogs ran up to Ralph. Perhaps they just meant to say ‘Hello’. But Ralph didn’t know that and bolted. He was small and fast and darted out of the park! Nobody knows where li’l Ralph went! He was never seen again!

We bring animals into our humdrum lives to give us the much needed unconditional love and therapy. Often, we depend on others, due to our inability to fulfil our responsibilities towards our children or pets. And a little help from someone never hurt!

But not all of us are lucky. We can’t expect the help to be as invested in our pets, as us. Either you are an animal lover or not! It can’t be forced upon anyone. For them, it’s just a part of their job which is why we find them chatting on their mobiles, while the dog sits picking up gunk and ticks

Sometimes the help multitask, trying to accomplish both, walking the dog and grocery shopping! Since dogs can’t be taken into the store, they’re tied up somewhere. An experienced person could easily walk off with the dog or worse, get the dog to swallow anything or the dog could get loose and run amok due to fear of traffic or a sudden loud sound!

Sometimes we feel we are going an extra mile, employing a dog walker/trainer assuming the dog will get some exercise and learn a few tricks. But where do these guys undergo “training”? Some walk around 10-17 dogs at a time, sometimes without the leash! We don’t even realise this because when he comes home to fetch or drop our dog, the rest are tied downstairs. How is this safe in an untoward situation like encountering a new dog or a dog getting loose? Does he run after the one that got away or stay with the ones still with him?  Besides asking for references and credentials, please find out how many dogs the walker walks together and make it a point to discreetly check on him, walking your dog! In a case at Malabar Hill, it was observed, that the cane given to the help to ward off street dogs, was infact being used to hit the pet if it disobeyed.

While there are various ways for us to spend time, walks give dogs an opportunity to exercise and socialise with other dogs!

When the dog is taken to a new place which has other dogs, never allow your dog to be loose however sociable he is because the other dogs may not initially accept the new dog in their territory. It may take them a couple of weeks to adjust. Please accompany the walker in these initial days, as they are crucial.

Dogs are social animals with a well defined pack hierarchy wherein each canine takes its own place after expression of signals and ritualized behaviours like a lower ranking dog lies on its back in submission or licks the face of a dominant dog. Without an Alpha (leader), the pack is confused, unstable and in constant conflict. To dogs, it doesn’t matter where they belong in the hierarchy, as long as they have a sense of belonging. It’s important to forge this relationship for them to coexist peacefully.

COMPASSION…. COSTS NOTHING!

The recent spate of animal cruelty cases in India, such as the beating of the dog in Chandigarh, the police horse Shaktiman in Uttarakhand, the Delhi Metro Station puppy stabbings, the flinging of puppies in Bangalore, the dog thrown from the 9th floor in Delhi have left animal lovers the world over very heartbroken. But our serene Malabar Hills, residence of the elite have also witnessed many such cases. The cruelty meted out by the help and dog walkers in the area is not unheard of. However there have been some blood curdling cases. The 5 parakeets kept captive illegally, without any food and water. The owner of a popular watering hole near Mahalakshmi temple, condoning his friend’s car running over an old dog outside his eatery, saying that the dog is anyway on its death bed while he himself has 2 labradors at home. A Dalmatian being kicked on its already swollen face and testicles by its caretaker. Further investigations revealed that it belonged to a backyard breeder with 6 others in the house all kept on short leashes without any food and water or adequate exercise and the whole house reeked of faeces.. 2 of these inbred dogs were albinos hence deaf and mute!

When educated people and politicians who are supposed to be the protectors of the law take matters in their own hands, what can we expect of others? To make matters worse the BMC has gone on record saying that rabies has caused more deaths in India than terrorism. This statement whilst illogical and insensitive, reeks of ignorance. How they came to these startling statistics is anybody’s guess since they don’t maintain official records. How are they privy to the records of any private medical facility where some victims may go?

In the case of a reported bite, the animal is required to be captured and kept under observation for 10 days. In all these years, I have never heard of this being implemented! NGOs use their own resources to neuter and vaccinate dogs against rabies, when the Courts have instructed the BMC to help with the same. Most dogs in the Malabar Hills are sterilised. Very rarely will you find a new dog in the area. However if you do, it is only because they have been purposefully left here as our area is home to ministers, judges celebrities, socialites, industrialists, etc. NGOs claim that the BMC is making a mountain out of a mole hill and there have been no alarming number of reported cases of dog bites leave alone rabies!

This kind of apathy is gut wrenching. We are supposed to be the land of Ahimsa and it is our constitutional duty to care for animals. Yet there are a few sadistic elements who have pedigreed dogs at home but can’t extend the same kind of TLC to their Indian counterparts or treat animals as money making machines!

But with the cruelty, there are some heartwarming cases as well which help us realise that though cruelty is meted out to them, these animals don’t forget the hand that fed them. One such angel is a Golden Retriever called Astro at Warden Road. He was found abandoned at Churchgate station and some good samaritan took him in knowing fully well that a life on the streets is not for pedigreed dogs. They are not as sturdy and resilient as the Indies! After a lot of struggle, the foster managed to find a Parsi family that was hesitant to take in another dog after the loss of their previous pet. But after a lot of convincing and cajoling, they relented and agreed to adopt it in September of 2015. This dog had not lived with its family for even a year when on that fateful night he did what countless number of animals have done the world over..

Astro sitting at home

The family was fast asleep, oblivious to the raging flames in one of their air conditioners. The dog sensing something amiss started pacing in the room, jumping on and off the bed and barking. The couple woke up because of the commotion but the curtains were drawn hence they couldn’t figure out the dog’s odd behaviour and what the racket was about. Only when they opened their window, did they come to realise that their lives were in peril. The family was saved from what may have been catastrophic. They are glad that their daughter had been so adamant on adopting the dog that proved his love and loyalty for his new family.

Another episode played out with Natasha Hemrajani, an independent photographer from Parel. Hemrajani loves walking on the Marine Drive promenade and happened to chance on the Vigilante Dog Squadron (as she fondly calls them) opposite NCPA. These self appointed pooches have taken it upon themselves to protect all the lone women walking along Nariman Point. They run upto women furiously wagging their tails, vying for their attention. When Natasha sat down on the wall to enjoy the cool breeze, the trio sat around her, chasing away any shady looking men, with their incessant growling and barking. Natasha noticed that the dogs didn’t bother men accompanied by women… She says that she has always loved animals but fell in love with them just a little more after this amazing experience!

When it comes to love, we could all take a lesson or two from our animal friends. They don’t differentiate and just love unconditionally! 

Hark, they speak!

Would you believe it if someone told you that you can actually communicate with animals? That every time I’d been bitten, I had possibly communicated to them, “Hey! Look, I have juicy bones! A year’s supply!”? I think not! In my 20 years of working with animals, I don’t think I’d experienced any communication.

When my Indie dog, Chindi went missing, I went ballistic looking for her. At the end of my tether, I reached out to animal communicators obviously unsure of their credibility. However Rohini, a friend trained in the same came up with some visuals of Malabar Hill that she couldn’t possibly have known, being Andheri based. This piqued my curiosity. She said each one of us is intuitive with an ability to telepathically communicate with different species. Hogwash! This had to be inborn! How can one possibly acquire it? She asked rhetorically “Haven’t you ever received a call from someone you were just thinking of?”

Still sceptical, I grabbed the opportunity to train with Sharon Loy, a professional animal communicator in the US. If I could learn to speak with Chindi, I was going to try it. According to Sharon, ours was the most unique group she had encountered, comprising of a trained animal communicator, behaviourist, vet, trainer, groomer, rescuer and pet parents. After the intros, Sharon explained that ‘telepathy’ means communication over a distance hence doesn’t require one to be present with the other. We all have an innate ability to communicate through images, sounds, words, sensations, feelings, thoughts, ideas or just a sudden knowing. However with our growing intellect, we disconnect with this ability.

A better understanding of what is ailing our pets and how it affects them or causes them to act out, equips us to handle underlying issues like past traumas, memories, depression and grief, fears and anxieties which lead to emotional, health or behavioural problems manifested further into symptoms or diseases, if left untreated. With animals describing their feelings, symptoms and locations, intensity or frequency of pains, vets can make better diagnoses.

Most pet parents find that after a communication, their pets seem relaxed and affectionate, with considerable changes in their symptoms. One may need to make a few changes some as simple as altering the pets’ diet or environment or consider holistic methods like acupuncture, homoeopathy or energy clearing. Behavioural problems can be resolved by employing different techniques. Once animals feel understood, they let go of dysfunctional behaviour as if some weight has been taken off their chests.

I promised myself to approach the course with an open mind but being cynical left me feeling hyper (yes dad, I finally admit that I’m not adopted and am exactly like you). I tend to over think. I am the type of person who conjures up entire scenarios completely different from the reality. Sharon suggested I calm down, connecting with the energy radiating from my pelvic region. Honestly, stuff like Chakras et al, go over my head. So day 1 had me feeling dejected, convinced that no animal was going to want to speak with me.

Day 2, I felt calmer and positive. Sharon introduced us to Technique 1, “Opening the Heart”, requiring us to sit in pairs, holding hands with our eyes shut while Sharon walked us through the meditation. One had to telepathically relay objects or places according to colours or scenarios given, while the other person had to make the reading. I got some of it but most, I didn’t. But this was just the first technique. There was still hope for me. The whole universe was conspiring in my favour.

Technique 2, “Becoming one with the Animal”, we had to allow an animal to come to us without making demands on it. Animal communication requires one to be very perceptive and alert, receptive to any information that may pop into our heads. So I clearly wasn’t the best candidate. But was I in luck? I was approached by an owl! As it took flight, I took its form, realising how big my wing span was. Landing into a garden, I saw a hawk and felt a gush of fear and anxiety.. My throat constricted, making me uneasy. Thereafter perched up in a tree, I saw a family of 2 adults and 2 children wearing white, excited to see me.

Day 3, I came back agitated while the others felt calmer so clearly we were encountering unknown energies, inexplicable by a beginner like me. Technique 3, “Childlike Wonder” had to transcend us back to the joyous years of our childhood, when our minds were open and inquisitive but this technique seemed to elude me.

Technique 4, “Peripheral Awareness and Soft focus” had me confused. I chose to communicate with a German Shepherd’s picture. I sensed timid with hind leg issues. I was concerned that I may be projecting because of my years of experience with animals. And to make matters worse, she was showing me images of a cabbage and peas and a ball in her mouth! When I asked the parent to validate, she said that the dog was strictly non-vegetarian! Oops.. So what was with the cabbage and peas? Perhaps the cabbage was her ball! Everyone had a good laugh as I tried to justify my visions.

While I was communicating with the German shepherd, the trained communicator selected a herd of bison. She kept seeing the numbers ‘1974’ and distinctly smelled coffee and pepper. The lady who had brought the picture confirmed that in 1974, a drought had brought the bison to her coffee and pepper plantations in search of food and water and have been visiting since. WOW!

So for round 2, when the trained communicator picked up my German Shepherd’s picture and it conveyed to her that it was sick of its monotonous diet and wanted fresh vegetables from the garden adjacent to their house, I felt ecstatic. See! I wasn’t wrong!

Technique 5, “Using Imagination” required us to have a two way communication with an animal, posing questions specifically asked by the parent. Max, the Cocker Spaniel was cocky! An arrogant exterior but a softy on the inside. He showed me his favourite green tug toy and wished that his mum would take him for car rides. He apologised for being nasty to his younger brother, Hercules, the Chihuahua who had recently passed on. When asked to validate my reading, the parent confirmed everything and admitted that lately she had been so busy that their car rides which were also their bonding time, had taken a back seat.

At the end of this basic 1 course, I can’t say I’m any good and certainly require practise but having experienced it first hand, I now believe that telepathy works. Being our constant companions that love us unconditionally, our pets make insightful observations, often mirroring our own issues and understanding them fosters a harmonious relationship.

This overall experience left me thinking that if we all just went back to our original, open hearted, innocent selves like God intended for us to be, connected to all sentient beings, then the world would be a far better place to live in…

Pet parenting

If you thought haute couture is only for the Paris and NY runways, think again. Today you have styled pooches wearing tees, raincoats, booties and bows in their hair. While it is one thing to accessorise your furry babies, it is quite another taking care of them. Dogs are babies that never seem to grow up and it is essential to care for them.

Medical aid, grooming, exercise and play time are all very important aspects of animal care. Besides the yearly vaccinations and general check ups, there are various illnesses that can afflict our pets ranging from skin diseases and allergies to tick fever, distemper and rabies which can be fatal if not detected in time. Besides a regular vet, it is always a good idea to have a back up vet who is familiar with your pets for emergencies and second opinions.  It is pertinent that your dog is happy to go to the vet.

Exercise and play time can very easily be combined. Exercise is necessary especially for bigger dogs to expend their energy and keep them less hyper and destructive around the house. You can take them to the Priyadarshini Park or the Kamala Nehru Park. These are meeting grounds for doggies as well as pet parents to plan pet-centric birthday parties and vacations. There are various breed specific toys also available in the market.

It is always advisable to bathe and walk your own dogs. This doesn’t just help you bond with your pet but is also very therapeutic. Make sure you use the right grooming equipment and products else you may end up harming your pets. Do not try to cut your dogs/cats’ nails yourself. If you must employ somebody else, make sure your pet is happy to be with this other person. A pet’s body language communicates more than words can.

The unconditional love of an animal is difficult to surpass and one who has the good fortune to experience it, is truly blessed. Happy pet parenting!

Important information (Mumbai, India)

Veterinarians

Dr. Vedpathak (Warden Road) – 9820958122, 022 65158122

Dr. Doshi (Kemps Corner) – 9821025240

Dr. Tina Rustomjee (Tardeo) – 9820439710, 022 23519105

Dr. Bharucha (Gamdevi) – 9820367654

Groomers

Doggy Style – 9820177740

Pawwfect – 022 64463129

Dog walkers

Vishal – 9892794266

Sandeep – 9870335272

 

God’s creatures big and small

 “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” – Mahatma Gandhi.

Feeding and taking care of our street animals is a duty cast upon all citizens by the Constitution of India. This also makes it easier to catch animals for sterilisations and vaccinations as a bond is forged. Feeders and caretakers can get a Feeder Card issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India.

In scenarios similar to the recent onslaught of rains, we should take it upon ourselves to provide shelter and food to stray animals that scavenge off garbage piles, as most of it gets washed away. Animals run amok looking for food and crossing territories, causing accidents or fights leading to maggot wounds that get septic, causing a slow, painful death. Please check your vehicles before starting the car as animals tend to take shelter under cars. Cats climb in closer to the engine to keep warm. Drive carefully as animals seek higher ground and may be found walking in the middle of the roads.

Due to a crunch in space and resources, there is only one animal hospital in Mumbai – The Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital. Not all animals need to be admitted hence can be treated on the streets itself. There are volunteers and organisations for sterilisations, vaccinations, awareness programmes, first aid and adoptions of our Indies (street dogs). There are caretakers for injured or baby birds. For birds and cats stuck on higher floors, trees or cables, one can also call the fire brigade.

Where this is flora, there is bound to be fauna. Snake sightings are extremely common in Malabar Hill. Discourage killing as a lot are non-venomous and control the rat population. Also do not keep snakes captive as confining contraband wildlife indoors is a punishable offence. If you spot a snake, you can also call the local police station. Rescued snakes are sent to either the Haffkine Institute or the Forest Department.

In case of a snake bite, first and foremost – DO NOT PANIC! Restrict all movement and lie down flat. Tie a handkerchief tight, about 5 fingers above the bite. Again tie one tight, another 5 fingers above and tie a stick or ruler like a splint to keep the portion immobile. Immediately rush to the nearest hospital which provides the anti-venom treatment.

Common snakes:

NON-VENOMOUS	VENOMOUS
Checkered Keelback (Diwad)	Bamboo Pit Viper (Chafda)
Striped Keelback (Naneti)	Spectacle Cobra
Common Kukri	Vine snake
Rat Snake (Dhaman)	Russell Viper
Common Wolf snake

Important nos. (Mumbai, India)

Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital – 022 24137518

Fire Brigade – 101

The Welfare of Stray Dogs – 022 64222838

Rutu Dave (birds) – 9819448076

Snake catchers

Yogesh Panhale – 9870727632/9987494077

Jadhav – 9870048143

Pritam Memane – 9833616267

Leon Pereira – 9820573337

Information on snakes: Mr. Yogesh Panhale

 

Take the Bite out of Rabies

Not all dogs have rabies and a dog’s bad skin is not an indicator of rabies. There  were zero deaths in Mumbai last year. There used to be 40-50 deaths annually before NGOs like The Welfare of Stray Dogs initiated the Animal Birth Control and annual vaccination programmes for strays.

Rabies is not contracted through blood, urine or faeces but only through saliva which needs to enter the blood stream.  Any warm blooded animal, including humans can spread rabies only if a rabid animal bites, licks your wound, scratches you after licking its paw or even if infected saliva comes in contact with the mouth, nose, or eyes.

RABIES IS A SERIOUS DISEASE known to man since around 2000 B.C.! When there´s exposure to a rabid animal, the virus reaches the central nervous system causing inflammation of the brain. It may take one to three months for signs to manifest but by then death is imminent from respiratory failure leading to coma and death. Hence it´s pertinent to see a doctor immediately after a bite.

Rabies can take two forms – paralytic or furious rabies. Symptoms differ depending on the type.

Without a history of a potential exposure, some symptoms in humans appear flu like with fever, headache, sore throat, exhaustion and weakness hence don’t seem suspicious. There may be numbness, pain or tingling at the site of exposure, violent movements or convulsions, uncontrolled excitement and restlessness, insomnia, anxiety and confusion, agitation, abnormal behavior, paranoia, terror, hallucinations and delirium, muscle spasms, loss of muscle function, loss of movement/feeling in an area of the body, paralysis and loss of consciousness. The person may present hydrophobia (a fear of water) because of a sudden, strong tightening of the throat muscles causing excruciating pain, drooling, difficulty swallowing and an inability to quench thirst hence panic!

A rabid animal may act mad and hostile, trying to bite at everything. They drool and appear to foam at the mouth. They have difficulty swallowing, trouble moving or may even be paralyzed. But in some cases, the animal may act the exact opposite – timid or shy!

 

Prevention is better than cure. Almost all human cases of rabies were fatal until a vaccine was developed in 1885 by Louis Pasteur and Émile Roux. Make sure your pets get their annual vaccinations. Have your pets neutered hence making them less likely to wander. Always walk your dog on a leash. If an animal bites your pet, handle your pet carefully so you don´t get bitten. Take them to your veterinarian immediately so they can get a rabies booster vaccination.

If you are a feeder or into animal welfare, make sure you take your annual booster shots. If you spot an animal acting strangely, call the Dog Control office and the local animal welfare NGO to safely capture the animal for observation.

Time is of the essence. If you are bitten, immediately wash the wound for fifteen minutes under running water with a soap and disinfect with povidone iodine which as per the WHO reduce the chances of transmission by 94.4%. Immediately get vaccinated for rabies or in the case of a severe bite, the rabies immunoglobulin and additional doses subsequently. Gather as much information about the animal as possible. If rabies is suspected, the animal needs to be isolated and observed.

Rabies is 100% preventable. Animals and people can receive vaccines to fight the disease. The Municipal hospitals provide free vaccines to humans and street dogs are vaccinated by WSD every year.

This is only an informational piece. The author is not from the field of medicine.

 

Fireworks and Animals

“India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most astrictive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only!

MARK TWAIN

Our land with its creative burst of culture and religions, races and tongues, our festivals are about pomp and splendour, idols and decorations, loud music and fireworks! Everything is OTT!

During Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali, there is highest incidence of pets running away, getting disoriented and lost. Animal lovers and NGOs are inundated with frantic calls and messages.  Animals don’t understand that the terrifying sounds of a firecracker are a celebration.

The explosions are frightening since they are unpredictable and unavoidable producing a blind panic. Many terrorized animals run away from their homes in a bid to escape the traumatizing detonations. Some meet with accidents causing serious injury, deep-rooted, debilitating fears, some become maimed for life while some are never recovered alive. Often, animals get too close to the half burnt crackers strewn around due to their habit of sniffing, getting injured, suffering significant burns and eye damage. Some ingest the remnants of the firecrackers which are toxic. Out of panic and disorientation, birds fly out too far unable to find their way back, endangering the well-being of nestlings. Those families which are reunited with their pets must consider themselves fortunate.
Fireworks generate higher decibels than low-level jets affecting an animal’s acute sense of hearing. Animal ears hear at frequencies, higher and lower than humans, making them sensitive to higher amplitude of sounds allowing them to hear the faintest of sounds louder than we can.

For strays, it’s even more distressing as every lane has children bursting crackers. They run amok looking to hide from the deafening noises. There have been instances of vicious, sadistic elements tying crackers to animals, watching the panic stricken animal get grievously injured and ultimately burning to death! Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, this is a punishable offence if proved, with fine, imprisonment or both.
TIPS FOR PET/STRAY PARENTS 

Adequate planning can help your pet cope with the fireworks.

1. Socialisation must start early from 3 to 16 weeks of age. Expose your puppy to different people, situations and experiences such as traffic snarls, railways stations, etc.  These eventually help them cope effectively with frightening sounds like fireworks or thunder. Free downloads are available online which contain a collection of preloaded sounds. Regular use with adult dogs will gear you to handle your pets’ perturbations during the impending festival season.
2. Make sure your pets are micro-chipped and wear collars with name tags with their name and contact details. Strays can wear the details of the carer.
3. A couple of weeks ahead, ask your vet about anti-anxiety drugs or essential oil diffusers having a calming effect. Homoeopathic and bach flower remedies are available too. You can email wsdindia@gmail.com for remedy/dosage details. Please don’t self medicate.
4. Ensure the pet has a safe and secure place to hide such as under the bed or furniture or a quiet room to retreat into at all times. Train your pet to associate with this area positively by leaving their favourite toys and treats. Provide lots of extra bedding so your pet has something to burrow into.
5. Walk dogs during the day, avoiding unfamiliar places. Keep your pets indoors with all exits secured towards the evening.
6. Put on music to muffle the sound of fireworks. Close windows and draw curtains to block all sounds and flashing lights. Distract your pet with their favourite game, activity or chew toy. Never punish your pet when it’s scared as this will worsen things in the long run.
7. Keep your household calm and maintain your normal routine so that the animal is not further stressed.
8. Avoid leaving your pet unattended as they will find comfort in your presence.
9. If you have smaller pets, partly cover the cages with blankets so that one area is well sound-proofed. Make sure that your pet is still able to look out.
10. If possible take off with your pet to a quiet holiday destination. Concerned citizens can help the frightened neighbourhood animals by providing a temporary shelter in their homes or compounds.

Fireworks produce light, noise and air pollution releasing poisonous chemicals and particle-laden smoke, contaminating our natural environment and affecting our health. We must campaign to address the negative effects of fireworks. The need to celebrate without endangering anyone’s well being is growing every year.