What to do if you find a sick or injured dog
First, get more information about the dog where you find it. Ask local people about the dog: is he owned? Do they know the dog? What happened to the dog? If the dog needs treatment: try to get local people to take the dog to a vet clinic. If they require help, contact the nearest animal organization. Otherwise the best option, is to take the dog directly yourself to a veterinary clinic. We highly recommend the Animal Medical Centre in Chuchepati. Where Dr Sushil Poudel is willing to treat street dogs.
Basic Diagnosis : What is wrong with the dog?
It’s important to always vaccinate a dog with DHPPi and Rabies vaccines to prevent any of the following diseases. Not only it can save his life but it will contribute saving other dogs lives as well and will help to stop spreading viruses.
- Distemper
Canine distemper virus is highly contagious and can be fatal. Unvaccinated puppies are most at risk of contracting distemper.
The first signs of canine distemper include sneezing, coughing and thick mucus coming from the eyes and nose. Fever, lethargy, sudden vomiting and diarrhea, depression and/or loss of appetite. Because there is NO cure for distemper at this time, always make sure your dog is vaccinated and be careful socializing your puppy or unvaccinated dog. Infected dogs can shed the virus for up to several months, putting dogs around them at risk as it is spread in the air. A blood test in veterinary clinic will reveal if the dog is infected. DHPPi Vaccination can prevent this virus.
- Parvo
Signs and symptoms of canine parvovirus include bloody diarrhea,fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, malaise, rapid weight loss and vomiting. Canine parvovirus often is fatal in puppies. With proper treatment, survival rates can approach 90%. Since parvovirus is highly contagious, isolation of infected dogs is necessary to minimize spread of infection. A blood test in veterinary clinic will reveal if the dog is infected. DHPPi Vaccination can prevent this virus.
- Rabies
In unvaccinated humans, rabies is almost always fatal after neurological symptoms have developed. Vaccination after exposure, PEP, is highly successful in preventing the disease if administered promptly, in general within 6 days of infection. It is transmitted through the exchange of blood or saliva from an infected animal. Symptoms includes: Fever, Seizures, Paralysis, Hydrophobia, Jaw is dropped, Inability to swallow, Change in tone of bark, Muscular lack of coordination, Unusual shyness or aggression, Excessive excitability, Constant irritability/changes in attitude and behavior, Excessive salivation (hypersalivation).
- Parainfluenza
It’s a highly contagious respiratory virus and is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough/flu. It is usually transmitted through the air and the virus spreads rapidly in kennels or shelters where large numbers of dogs are kept together. Symptoms are coughing (dry or moist), Low-grade fever, Nasal discharge, Lack of energy, Loss of appetite. The severe form of dog flu needs to be treated aggressively with a broad spectrum of dog antibiotics, fluids and supportive care. Hospitalization may be necessary until the dog is stable. DHPPi Vaccination can prevent this virus.
- Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver. Symptoms includes: loss of appetite, depression, mild fever. Some dogs develop opacity (cloudiness) of one or both corneas of their eyes (so-called blue eye) one to two weeks later. Dogs may have respiratory signs such as eye and nasal discharge and cough. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and giving time for the dog’s immune system to respond. This includes hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and medications to reduce the severe symptoms. DHPPi Vaccination can prevent this virus.
- Mange/Scabies
Mange is a skin disease caused by mites and two types can affect dogs, sarcoptic and demodectic. Sarcoptic mange (or canine scabies) is highly contagious, it causes intense itching, causing dogs to suffer from open sores, scabs and hair loss. Owners can catch sarcoptic mange from infected dogs. Demodectic mange is fairly rare and only passed between a mother and her puppies. Sarcoptic mange is relatively easy to treat with medication. It is important to treat regularly as directed by your vet. Steroids, in cream or tablet form, may also be used to reduce the inflammation on the skin. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat secondary infections caused by the open sores. With treatment, dogs will normally be clear of the disease within a month.
- Fleas
The dog's future
Return to the community
This depends on the age and condition of the dog and whether the community or individuals will care for it. In many cases an older dog is already part of the community. He is happy to return and is welcomed back to the place where he belongs. However in the case of puppies and abused dogs, return to the community is not appropriate.
Adoption in Nepal
Adoption means providing a dog with a permanent, caring home with a family for the rest of its life. This means giving shelter, good nutrition, exercises, medical care, social interactions and love.
Adoption Abroad
Some of our dogs have been successfully rehomed locally in Kathmandu and overseas in countries such as Canada, USA, India and Europe. Some dogs have even been adopted by tourists, in such cases we have provided assistance with preparation, vaccination, documentation and transport arrangements to their new overseas homes. See our international adoption page for details.
Life in a shelter
This should be the last option, as a dog deserves to be part of a family and it’s own home with permanent commitment and security.
While a shelter provides basic needs including medical treatment and good nutrition, the dog does miss out on family life.