Vets Beyond Borders Australia

Published 06 Jun 2011

World Veterinary Day was celebrated in Sikkim on 30 April 2011 with a dog show in Gangtok. This was the second dog show ever to be held in Sikkim.  The first show was held in 2008, and was an outstanding success.  Everyone was keen for another dog show to be held.

Pet ownership is increasing in Sikkim, and pet owners are keen to learn how to care for their four-legged family members.  Education was provided about nutrition, and parasite control including fleas and worms.  SARAH staff demonstrated how to bath and brush dogs.  

Many dogs are presented at the SARAH clinic for treatment each year with back injuries and broken legs from falling off balconies.  Dog owners were reminded that falls from balconies are usually preventable and tips provided on preventing such injuries.
 
Dog bite prevention is a big issue in a rabies endemic area.  Information was provided for dog owners and parents on preventing dog bites.  Photos were displayed to show people the signs dogs send with their body language so they can start to recognise when a dog is feeling threatened or aggressive.  The importance of desexing in reducing fighting and aggression was emphasised.

There were lots of doggy activities as people and their dogs got into the fun of the competitions.  It was a big task deciding just who were the biggest and the happiest and the cutest and the tallest and  the smallest dogs…. All in all it was a great fun day and we hope to make it a regular event. 

Helen Byrnes
SARAH Project Manager