Last Updated on July 20, 2024 by Dogs Vets
Nigerian dog owners are grappling with skyrocketing costs of pet care, particularly in food and medical expenses.
To feed my seven dogs for a single day, I can spend over N14,000, and that’s with some food already available at home. I’ve also learned how to vaccinate, treat, and provide palliative care for them before the vets arrive.
“When they fall ill, it’s crucial to be vigilant to avoid losing them all. So, when they’ve been with me for up to eight months and need a new home, I calculate the expenses incurred over the days they’ve stayed with me.”
Toochi has been a dog breeder since 2017. After completing his mandatory National Youth Service in 2015, he worked at a private secondary school in Enugu for a year before moving to Lagos to stay with a family friend involved in the dog breeding business.
“He entrusted me with some responsibilities, as raising and caring for these foreign breeds requires patience, experience, and money. While I lacked experience and funds, I had patience from teaching kids for a year in Enugu,” he recalled.
He spent about seven months with his family friend before securing a job with a logistics company and his own place in Ogba, Lagos. However, he continued visiting his friend on weekends to help with the dogs. “That was when I discovered my passion for dogs,” he said, his eyes lighting up.
He soon expressed his interest in learning the trade, and his journey began. After apprenticing for a few months, he moved to Ikorodu to start his own dog breeding business.
This crisis is putting a strain on both pet owners and breeders, forcing many to reconsider their ability to care for their canine companions.
Rising Costs
- Dog Food: Prices have more than doubled in recent months. A 20kg bag of premium dog food that previously cost ₦18,000 now sells for ₦45,000.
- Veterinary Care: Consultation fees have risen from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 in many clinics. Annual vaccinations now cost between ₦25,000 and ₦35,000, up from ₦3,500 to ₦6,000.
- Breeding Expenses: Dog breeders report spending up to ₦14,000 daily to feed just seven dogs.
Causes of Price Increases
- Devaluation of the Naira
- High inflation rates (40.87% food inflation in June 2024)
- Increased production costs for local dog food
- Rising costs of medical supplies and equipment
Impact on Dog Owners and Breeders
Kamsi Toochi, a dog breeder in Lagos, says, “Two packs of feed that I bought for ₦12,000 in February are now ₦27,000. These dogs will consume this food in just seven days if we manage it.”
Many owners are struggling to provide proper care for their pets. Some are considering giving up their dogs or seeking cheaper alternatives.
Coping Strategies
- Homemade dog food using local ingredients
- Mixing commercial feed with locally sourced ingredients
- Learning basic veterinary care to reduce clinic visits
- Exploring pet insurance options (though still a nascent market in Nigeria)
Potential Solutions
Experts suggest increasing local production of dog food to reduce reliance on expensive imports. Nigeria has the agricultural capacity to produce essential ingredients like maize and fishmeal.
As the crisis continues, the bond between Nigerians and their canine companions is being tested. The situation highlights the need for sustainable solutions in the pet care industry to ensure that man’s best friend remains an affordable part of Nigerian households.
Source: PunchNG.com/pet-news
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