Pet-iquette: Indian breeds are healthy, good looking and intelligent dogs

Is it true that chocolates are lethal for dogs? Can I feed them other non-cocoa based candies?
Yes, a chemical in chocolate called theobromine is the problem. Theobromine is similar to caffeine. This is toxic when it is ingested between 100 and 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. There are varying amounts in different types of chocolate: It would take 20 ounces of milk chocolate to kill a 20-pound dog, but only 2 ounces of baker’s chocolate or 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate. It is not that hard for a dog to gobble up a pound or two of chocolate. If the dog is small, that could be deadly.

I would like to get a pet dog. Since most good breeds are out of my budget, could you please suggest some cheaper breeds which are en par with the popular ones?
There is no such thing as a cheaper breed, if you have your heart set on the purebred varieties. Breeders ask for the moon. The cost doesn’t end once you buy your pet. Medicines and dog supplies cost much more, especially for breeds that are not Indian, since they are not acclimatised to the Indian climate and regressive inbreeding make them more prone to fatigue and serious diseases, like heart problems, bone weakening and liver diseases. The Indian breeds are healthier, as good looking and as intelligent as any of the pedigrees. They’re also deserving of good, loving homes. Lack of inbreeding ensures a superior genetic make-up in these animals. The health concerns are also reduced since they are already adapted to our climatic conditions and can be adopted for free!

I have a one-and-a-half year-old Alsatian and she has been mated by several male dogs. How do I know if she is pregnant?
This is extremely irresponsible. You should have protected her against unwanted pregnancies. Will you be able to find enough people who want to take the mixed breed puppies? If she is pregnant she will develop the following symptoms: enlargement of the teats and milk production, increased weight and the selection of a ‘nest’ or whelping site. If your dog has been mated by more than one dog during her cycle, it is possible for her to give birth to puppies who have different fathers. Depending on the dogs who mated her, the puppies may look entirely different from each other.

I have a dog whom I’ve to put up for adoption. What is the best way of finding him a good home?
I really hate when this happens. I hope you have a really good reason because animals are not toys to be discarded. Advertise in your local paper, online. Post signs in your local pet shops. You should go and see the potential adopters home to see whether your dog will be happy with them. See how they treat the dog when they come to see him.