Vol. 12, Special Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
Sakshi S, Satyanarayan K, Jagadeeswary V, Yathiraj S and Shilpa Shree J

Abstract:
Adopting ex post facto research design, the present study was designed to identify the housing and feeding management practices of pet dogs and the constraints faced by pet owners in housing and feeding management of pet dogs. The study was conducted purposively in Bengaluru district of Karnataka with the total sample size of 240 pet dog owners selected randomly. The results revealed that, majority of the owners housed their dogs indoors (73.75%) without any leashing/controlling dog movements (88.75%). Majority (57.08%) of the respondents left dogs with friends/neighbours when they were out of station. All the female dogs were provided with separate space and bedding during pregnancy/whelping. Regarding feeding management of pet dogs, majority (89.50%) of the owners took advice from veterinarians for feeding, offered two meals a day (49.17%) and fed both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diet (89.58%) where majority (61.10%) fed meat for the first time at 3-6 months of age. Majority (67.08%) of the respondents provided balanced feeding, provided vitamin and mineral supplements (56.67%) and fed bones/chews (91.67%). Majority of the owners (86.15%) provided supplementary ration during pregnancy and lactation. High cost of commercial dog food (74.17%) and lack of proper place for taking the dog out for leisure (87.50%) were the major constraints in feeding and housing management, respectively. Therefore, there is urgent need to enhance the knowledge of the dog owners regarding scientific dog rearing by effective dissemination of the information based on the prioritization of the information needs of the dog owners.