[Astonite]

Originally Posted by Prowler

Thanks Aditya. Nope - he has no skin condition. I want to dispel a myth about Madras which has become Chennai now - being the biggest Metro in South India - you will think that you can buy anything here. Far from it. You can't even get decent meat here - mutton, beef or pork. Everything is brought from Bangalore - from tomatoes to meat not to mention even the water. Spa ? What is that ? in Madras of all the places ?

Prowler, have you tried SKS Veterinary Hospital (Dev Apartments, Shop No.198A, basement, St Marys Rd, Opp Chruch, Abiramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018). We have been taking our cocker spaniel and pug for a long time. Ask for Dr. Arun, we have always had good experience and we take our dogs for a bath,haircut (for Cocker Spaniel), nail clipping etc., there.

[ninjatalli]

Folks living in the rain-deprived areas,
Please keep out water for birds and street animals, in whatever manner you can. Even in a city like Bangalore which is already seeing rains, at the KJM station, I saw a street dog lapping some left over water (under a tap) desperately. It's quite a bad situation for these.

[blackasta]

Originally Posted by blackasta

The 2 brothers have reached adolescence

Off late the brothers have become adventurers and sometimes stray out till the edge of the pack's territory. Yes - there's a territory with clear demarcations which is guarded aggressively by the pack. Most of the fights occur during 'border disputes' and during 'trespasses'.

Last week, it rained quite heavily during a nor'wester, and as usual, I had put the 2 brothers in the terrace (half of the terrace is covered with shed) for the night after dinner. Power was out, and it was pitch dark all around.
I was awake as power was out - Suddenly I heard noises of dogs running, barking, and then sudden whimpering.
After that it's just one dog whining.
It was late at night at about 1:30 AM, but I made my way to the terrace, only to find Motka running about and whining. He jumped onto me and was visibly upset about something. Worryingly, I could not locate Big Boss anywhere on the terrace.

I feared the worst and went downstairs, keeping Motka on the terrace.
While going around the perimeter of the house, I located Big Boss near the back of the house, trembling in the slight drizzle with a bloody nose.
I tried to pick him up, and he wailed in pain. Checked his appendages and thankfully, none were broken although he had hurt his front legs. There was also pain in his chest area. Checked his vitals, an carried him upstairs again. Gave him 2 ml of himpyrin, wiped his nose with betadin, and fed both of them a couple of biscuits to calm them down.
Motka was happy to see his brother, but could not say the same about Big Boss as he was in visible pain. Slowly he settled under the concrete water tank.

Woke up in the morning to check on them, and saw a couple of evidences which might suggest how the accident occurred.
We have a mango tree at our house on one side of the terrace,and civet cats regularly come in to have a snack. Noticed a couple of freshly discarded seeds & peel of mango on the terrace. Also, our house has a sloping roof in front, and I noticed scratch marks on them.
I guessed that both of them must have seen a civet on the mango tree, and went berserk. In the heat of the moment, Big Boss jumped over the perimeter wall of the terrace, and could not hold himself steady on the sloping surface made further slippery by rain. Thankfully, he did not fall from the 2nd floor sloped roof (which for sure would have meant greater damage), but made his way onto another sloping roof over a mezzanine floor room, and again slipped to the hard ground from what I can gauge, nearly 16-18 ft of height. In the process, he hurt his nose, chest and legs.

Had to give the poor fella carodyl 25 (carprofen) tablets for the inflammation and Himpyrin for the pain for the next 4 days. Finally he is doing well now with no pain and back in his old form, going after shoes anyone mistakenly leaves outside.

[Prowler]

Originally Posted by Astonite

Prowler, have you tried SKS Veterinary Hospital (Dev Apartments, Shop No.198A, basement, St Marys Rd, Opp Chruch, Abiramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018). We have been taking our cocker spaniel and pug for a long time. Ask for Dr. Arun, we have always had good experience and we take our dogs for a bath,haircut (for Cocker Spaniel), nail clipping etc., there.

Thanks Astonite. I will give it a shot. As far as nail clipping is concerned, the last time experience with the vet was not so pleasant. Finally the vet told me, you have to clip the nails yourself. So I bought a dog clipper from Aliexpress. Chinese dogs are probably small in stature. It didn't even fit. I am using a side cutter from my tool kit. Still it is a scary experience.

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Cats have no need, but I took one to a vet clinic in Adyar a while back and seem to remember some sort of spa facility. It might have been "JP" clinic but I can check that out if the location suits you.

Please do. There used to be a very Pricey Cat specialist who ran something similar in Thiruvanmyur. But he will shoo away all other animals.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Dr Cat. Yes, I go there. The same guy is one of the partners in Ark.

Yes, the other place was JP Pet Speciality Hospital. Teacher's Colony. Confirmed by Google Maps, so easy to find there.

Mr JP was actually recommended to me as being one of the most senior vets around, by Dr Cat, when their place was being decorated.

[Prowler]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Dr Cat. Yes, I go there. The same guy is one of the partners in Ark.

Yes, the other place was JP Pet Speciality Hospital. Teacher's Colony. Confirmed by Google Maps, so easy to find there.

Mr JP was actually recommended to me as being one of the most senior vets around, by Dr Cat, when their place was being decorated.

That rings a bell. A long time ago when Madras had copious rains, I took a rescued kitten to that cat specialty hospice. The atmosphere was pleasant with young people poring over cats who basked in their new found glory.
All was fine until the doc showed the bill. I had to be nearly resuscitated.
Good Lord - I never imagined animal health care was so expensive. For the price I paid for the kitten, I could have done liposuction surgery.


Thanks dear Thad.

[Iyencar]

As someone who owned a GSD who hated baths and was terrified of getting his nails clipped, I feel your pain. Here's my 2p on what you can do.

Originally Posted by Prowler

I have a problem with my German Shepherd - he detests bathing. He has clumps of matted fur in some places. The vet advised cutting them off as and when needed and also advised to reduce the frequency of bathing.

First things first, get in touch with a good GSD breeder. Since you are in Bangalore Kennel Vom Wolfenhaus is supposed to be good. Tell them your issue and ask what they would do in this case and how often they bathe their dogs. Bathing too often is also bad for GSDs. Any passionate breeder would help you out. If he doesn't help try Deccan German Shepherds in Hyderabad or Dogmatix in MH. For cutting the fur, go to the nearest large vet hospital and approach any ward boy. Ask him to come home and give your dog a haircut down to the skin almost. This is a one off case since you have to deal with matted hair.Ensure your dog is comfortable with a cage muzzle before this. Put it on him for short durations initially and then treat him. Once his hair is cut his skin will be very sensitive so bathe him (maybe after a few days if the haircut experience was traumatic) using a gentle/herbal shampoo. Play with him and give him treats immediately after the bath so he associates it with fun. For future reference don't get his hair cut so short so his skin is exposed. For double coated dogs like GSDs the coat regulates their body temp by keeping it cold or warm as the case may be. Gentle trimmings of their coat should suffice. Again, the breeders can give you better advice on this.

Originally Posted by Prowler

Sorry Aditya. I tried to no avail. The brush gets clogged in no time and some times the bristle gets too close to his skin and he gets angry.

Use a Furminator or its Chinese variants. This thing is worth its weight in gold. Helps remove the undercoat as well and will prevent future matting. Your dog may actually enjoy it.

Originally Posted by Prowler

As far as nail clipping is concerned, the last time experience with the vet was not so pleasant. Finally the vet told me, you have to clip the nails yourself. So I bought a dog clipper from Aliexpress. Chinese dogs are probably small in stature. It didn't even fit. I am using a side cutter from my tool kit. Still it is a scary experience.

Again, you absolutely have to get him used to a muzzle. Get a proper nail clipper from any local store. You'll do more harm then good using a side cutter or a smaller one. Do two legs at a time and let him run about. Wait a few days if needed before doing the other legs.

[Thad E Ginathom]

In six decades I never saw my mum, who was as expert with dogs as she was with cars, bath a dog. Unless it rolled in something filthy.

Why do people think it is necessary? Brushing is all that is required.

[aditya.86]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

In six decades I never saw my mum, who was as expert with dogs as she was with cars, bath a dog. Unless it rolled in something filthy.

Why do people think it is necessary? Brushing is all that is required.

Seriously? I give my dog a bath every 4-5 weeks without fail though she keeps herself very clean.

[condor]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

In six decades I never saw my mum, who was as expert with dogs as she was with cars, bath a dog. Unless it rolled in something filthy.

Originally Posted by aditya.86

Seriously? I give my dog a bath every 4-5 weeks without fail though she keeps herself very clean.

I believe Thad is talking of the UK, while Aditya is talking about when in India.

[Thad E Ginathom]

A dog is a dog.

No?

Aditya says his dog keeps herself clean. Bathing just disturbs the natural process. Even the street dogs keep themselves clean: animals generally do.

[dark.knight]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Bathing just disturbs the natural process. Even the street dogs keep themselves clean: animals generally do.

This is true, but more so for cats. Dogs are a bit more carefree and less obsessed with grooming in comparison. A bi-monthly or tri-monthly wash will ensure that all the grease, dirt, dust etc (which might mat their fur) are removed.. also will help in keeping fleas and ticks out (which again, dogs attract much more than cats).

Yes animals know how to keep themselves clean (more so than certain humans) wherever and whenever necessary, but a bath is just that little bit of extra luxury to keep them fresh and holistically hygenic.

[Sebring]

Let me answer that. Dogs give out this oil that keeps their hair lush, and in time this gives out a smell (dust attaches to its coat). If you have an independent house and open space, this will never bother you but in Apartment living, you do get a smell. Dogs need to be walked twice a day, and the mud cakes up between their toes. The same dog gets on the couch and bed, so a bath is a must. My dog loves the lush foamy stuff and extends his palm while actually looking forward to a bath!

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Why do people think bath is necessary?

[Sankar]

Originally Posted by Sankar

Does anyone know kind of a temparement does Indian breeds like Rajapalayam, Chippiparai have? Not much info on the net regarding these two.

8 years later, last week, I have brought home a Rajapalayam pup. Brought it from a village near its namesake town of Rajapalayam. Haven't had proper sleep since last 4 to 5 days But now we kind of understand each other and sleep routines are returning to normal.

[Prowler]

Originally Posted by Iyencar

As someone who owned a GSD who hated baths and was terrified of getting his nails clipped, I feel your pain. Here's my 2p on what you can do.

Use a Furminator or its Chinese variants. This thing is worth its weight in gold. Helps remove the undercoat as well and will prevent future matting. Your dog may actually enjoy it.

Again, you absolutely have to get him used to a muzzle. Get a proper nail clipper from any local store.

Thanks Iyancar. I will hunt for Furminator thingy. It is a new one.
I have been having a GSD since I was 5 years old. We always have a GSD and a cat. Surprisingly the cats lived amicably well under the same w/roof.

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

In six decades I never saw my mum, who was as expert with dogs as she was with cars, bath a dog. Unless it rolled in something filthy.

Why do people think it is necessary? Brushing is all that is required.

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

A dog is a dog.

Aditya says his dog keeps herself clean. Bathing just disturbs the natural process. Even the street dogs keep themselves clean: animals generally do.

We bath our dogs once in a few months - primarily because they picked up muck when they play in the sand.
Unlike what most people think, dogs don't need bathing and intrinsically they don't smell bad unless they have some kind of skin conditions or internal ulcers. Ulcers cause bad breath even in animals which translates to foul smell in their drools.

Cats and dogs have sebaceous glands which secrete sebum (oil) which in turn contain natural antiseptic/antibiotic substances to protect the animals. Washing often denudes them of their protective cover.



Cats lick themselves clean while the dogs don't care much about personal cleanliness. This might call for occasional help from their human companions.