Indian pariah dogs are often left to fend for themselves and have to make do with whatever they can. The stray dogs don't have a home to go to with doting pet parents and they have to survive the unforgiving streets daily. They don’t want to be living on the streets but they don’t have any other option. People don’t realize how much these animals are struggling to survive. Instead of judging them, we should be helping them in any way we can. It doesn’t take much to make a street dog’s day.

As a civic society, community dogs are our collective responsibility. Due to rapid urbanization, the animals have less and less space for themselves. This is why we have to find ways to coexist with animals around us. Try looking out for local groups/forums/pages and connect with people who are actively involved in animal welfare efforts. Having multiple people working together makes it easier to coordinate food, shelter, dog vaccination and medical care for the stray. 

See also: Animal laws in India

The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection, also referred to as Parvo, is a highly contagious viral disease that can also be life-threatening in puppies and dogs. The clinical signs and symptoms of CPV disease can vary, but generally, they include severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Parvo in dogs is transmitted through the body of other infected dogs or through small faecal particles from an infected dog. Although dogs cannot transmit this virus to humans, people can carry this virus and run the risk of passing it on to sensitive dogs through clothing and shoes that have been in contact with infected objects.

The best way to prevent parvo is to get your dog vaccinated. Puppies should get their first dose between six and eight weeks of age, just when you are shortlisting a cute pet name for them. 

Ticks are parasites found on the bodies of pets and survive by feeding on the blood of other living beings. These bloodsucking insects look similar to spiders and are most commonly found in tall grass and may attach to the bodies of cats or dogs that pass by. Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect. Signs of tick-borne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite, so watch your dog closely for changes in behaviour or appetite if you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick.

The soft, warm fur of dogs and cats provides the perfect environment for fleas and ticks. These insects feed on your pet’s blood and can cause health problems ranging from allergic reactions to serious tick-borne illnesses. Fleas and ticks are more common during the summer months and in this episode, we discuss handy tips that can help you keep your dogs protected from these tiny bloodsuckers.

Animal cloning has come a long way since Dolly, the sheep but it remains as controversial as ever. It is a messy industry riding on the grief of pet lovers and driven by pet influencers who care more for their ROI than a genuine love of the dogs/cats. Cloning seems to run the grief industry from South Korea to China and the USA — PerPETuate, Sooam Biotech, Sinogene, Viagen Pets and new players sprucing up every year. In addition to the surrogate dogs in the laboratory, there are tens of thousands of homeless dogs awaiting adoption. 

If You Love Animals, Don't Clone Your Pet. 

Cloning your cat or dog won't bring your furry friend back, but force surrogate dogs to face multiple pregnancies and hormonal treatment just to create one desired pup. 

There's nothing quite like the incredible relationship between a human and a dog. From the moment we lay eyes on an adorable puppy or a wonderful adult dog who becomes part of our life journey, we share innumerable moments of pure joy with our furry best friends.

With forty-five original pieces by some of India's leading writers, outstanding new voices and individuals who have dedicated their lives to animal welfare, The Book of Dog is a testament to how deeply dogs touch us, to the special bond we have with them and the unique place they hold in our hearts and our lives. Through a series of unforgettable real-life stories-funny, poignant, warm and joyous -- the authors celebrate the remarkable dogs they have known and loved.

Also see The Big New Yorker Book of Dogs, and books written from a dog’s POV.

Lameness in dogs is often the sign of a painful condition, such as a pulled muscle, broken bone or sprained ligament. There are many reasons for a dog to limp. No matter what the cause is, limping is typically a reaction to pain. The first warning sign of strains or sprains may be that your dog starts to limp or is suddenly lame, meaning they can't use their leg. Younger dogs (less than a year or 18 months of age) may develop sudden lameness from congenital conditions. 

In senior dogs, arthritis can cause pain in the joints, causing difficulty in movement and overall health.

Read How to help your limping dog?

Amrita Paul reminisces her furry friend Bebu in this guest post, ‘Remembering my dog’. 

As a kid, if someone asked me about my favourite animals, I would say dogs, elephants, and dolphins. I knew I could never keep the latter two. As for dogs, well, I was scared of them, but my dad was also strict enough to say that I could have one the day I become responsible.

These efforts brought me closer to a number of strays with whom I developed an irreplaceable bond. And, I even made a few human friends on the way.

Finch, a Sci-fi drama starring Tom Hanks is set in a post-apocalyptic world. It has an interesting plot: A dying man creates a robot to care for his dog. Sounds like a hero, right?

The story breathes through the triad ― Finch (Tom Hanks), Jeff (the Robot) and the dog. Tom Hanks is the solitary human in the Cast Away setting albeit he has Goodyear, the dog for company. 

See: Finch movie review

An environmental catastrophe has ravaged the Earth and Finch is perhaps the only human left. Reclusive and rough around the edges, Finch scavenges derelict malls by the day and spends his evenings building a robot. The purpose of the robot – to be a backup guardian for the dog after he’s gone. 

Also, see Best movies for Animal lovers 

Mughizh, an emotional foray into love, loss, and grief through the eyes of a little girl and her family who lose their dog to an unfortunate accident. 

Read more: Mughizh movie review

Also see movies for animal lovers, Bollywood movies featuring dogs and movies inspired by real-life dogs.

Known for its mysterious surrounding (human skeletal remains) and astounding scenic beauty, Roopkund is a high altitude trek in Uttarakhand at the base of Trishul Peak and Nanda Ghunti.

The lakeside has human skeletons preserved by the frosty mountain air. 

In this episode, we cover how from sleeping beside mountain dogs on meadows to playing pranks on unsuspecting trekkers... Roopkund trek 

Also read: Himalayan mastiff dogs