“Dog Owners Face Soaring Costs for Pet Care”

DOGS VETS feels the pulse of dog lovers who are battling to keep their pets alive following the astronomical increase in the prices of dog feed, vitamins, and medication.

Kamsi Toochi’s Ikorodu, Lagos home is like a den of wolves. From his gate where there is a boldly written ‘Beware of Dogs’ sign to his compound, where dogs compete with human neighbours for space.

“She littered (gave birth) yesterday (Monday). Don’t touch her or the babies so she doesn’t think you are a threat,” Toochi told our correspondent who had attempted to feel the body of a brown-black female German Shepherd, Nina, who was asleep by a corner; her babies sucking her breasts.

“German Shepherds are built for combat, mostly. They can be friendly but they are mostly combatants. Loyalty, like most dogs, is their watchword. They can take a bullet for you. They are a special breed of dogs mostly used as security. But, they also have an emotional side to them.

“Birthing can be a bit tedious for a few of them. I have lost two during the childbirth process. One died after a few weeks while the other could not completely push out all the babies. I invited a veterinary surgeon, but before she could get here, she (the dog) had died,” he said, his eyes welling up with tears.

According to the German Shepherd Dog Breeders Association of Nigeria, the German Shepherd or GS, is renowned for its nobility, loyalty, trustworthiness and versatility.

On its Facebook page, the association noted, “The German Shepherd Dog should be confident and outgoing. He should never be nervous or shy. He is, however, a dog with an innate natural ability to guard people and property.

“The German Shepherd is a suitable dog for an active owner who is prepared to exercise the dog appropriately. Plenty of space at home is also recommended. Good socialisation is required from an early age.

“They are generally good with other dogs and cats once acquainted if socialised well as a puppy. They are dogs that cannot be left home alone for hours on end. They need stimulation and consistent training. The well-mannered German Shepherd is indeed one of the finest companions imaginable; an unruly German Shepherd will have you at your wits’ end.”

Just behind Nina and her babies are some white Eskimo puppies jumping up and about in a cage.

“Two of those now have a new home. They are going to Abuja. One is going to a lady in Ajah. I am feeling emotional about it but I have already told my assistant to prepare them after vaccination so they can be delivered to their new owners,” Toochi said.

Asked how much they cost, he said, “Both were sold for N350,000. But, I sell one for between N170,000 – N200,000.”

Seeing the disbelief in our correspondent’s eyes, he said, “These foreign breeds are expensive to raise so I cannot afford to sell them below that.”

Continuing, he said, “Even for mating purposes, we pay the owners of the male to mate our female dogs if we want a particular breed, and we still give them one puppy, depending on the agreement. Here, they even have to come take it by themselves – that is they have the right to come and select the puppy of their choice. The rest are then kept in my care.

“To feed these dogs in just one day, I can spend more than N14,000, and they are just seven. This is because I have some food at home already. I have also learnt how to vaccinate them, treat them and give them palliative care even before the vets arrive.

“When they are sick, if you are not careful, you can lose all of them. So, if I have managed to raise them for up to eight months and they need a new home, I will also have to do the calculation and know how much I have spent raising one, multiplied by the number of days they have stayed with me.”

Toochi has been a dog breeder since 2017. After his one year mandatory National Youth Service in 2015, he said he worked in a private secondary school in Enugu for one year before moving to Lagos to stay with a family friend who was into the business.

“He let me handle some of the duties because raising and caring for these foreign breeds requires a lot of patience, experience and money.

I didn’t have experience or money but I was patient, having taught kids for one year in Enugu,” he recalled.

He spent about seven months with that family friend before getting a job with a logistics company and his own place in Ogba, Lagos. But, he said he always visited that family friend to help out with the dogs on weekends.

“That was how I discovered my passion for dogs,” he said, his eyes beaming with light.

He soon indicated his interest to his friend to learn the job and the journey began. He apprenticed for a few months before moving to Ikorodu to start up his own dog breeding business.

“Business was good till COVID-19 hit in 2020. After that time, things were a bit stable, but they just did not go back to how they used to,” Toochi said.

This is not a good time for the dog breeder and pet lover, as he noted that the price of caring for the dogs has more than tripled.

“Two packs of feed that I bought around N12,000 in February are now N27,000. That is 10kg each. These dogs will consume this food in just seven days if we manage it. There are several supplements, vitamins, and medications we must buy for them as well. Prices of some of them jumped from N4,000 to as high as N12,000 in just two months. How are we expected to survive?”

Another dog breeder in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Kaycee Neche, in a video shared with our correspondent via WhatsApp, was inconsolable.

Almost moved to tears, he lamented as to how he would continue his dog breeding business if the prices continue to skyrocket. As the days go by, Kaycee’s fear consumes him even deeper.“I am so angry. I left the market in anger. I can’t even explain how I am feeling,” said Kaycee as the video began.

“What I experienced in the market was so painful. I left the market in anger and went home because of the price of things. I couldn’t buy much.”

Neche said a pack of dog noodles which he bought last month for N9,000 was now sold to him on Monday (July 15, 2024) for N14,000.

“How can they say that?” he queried.

“This dog noodles I’m talking about will be consumed by my dogs in just three days and I’d have to buy another one. So, I will spend N14,000 to buy 10kg of dog noodles for just three days? I’m so angry. I don’t even know what to do right now.”

“This is dry pet food for adult dogs. This pet food was around N30,000 or thereabouts last month when I bought it.

“Today (Monday), those people (sellers) are telling me in the market that it is now N56,000.

“I haven’t spoken of the vitamins and other stuff we do buy for the dogs. Some vitamins that were sold for around N4,000 before are now N12,000. That is a more than 100 per cent jump.

In anger, he said, “Please, no one should come into my inbox to ask me to give them any dog.

“Every morning I wake up, the first thing I do before I think of myself is to attend to my dogs. I give the ones that need meds their medication. I release them, feed them, pack their poops, and wash their cage.

I do this every day. Sometimes, I even do it twice a day. How can you then have the guts to tell me to dash you a dog after everything?

“Anyone that enters my DM again to ask me to dash him any puppy will collect insult no matter the bonding. If you don’t have money to buy a dog, go to your neighbour and collect a local dog.”

Man’s best friend

The relationship between humans and dogs dates back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that dogs were domesticated from wolves more than 15,000 years ago.

The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans valued dogs as companions, guardians, and hunting partners. The phrase “man’s best friend” reflects the deep bond that has existed between humans and dogs throughout history.

In Nigeria, owning a foreign breed of dog like the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, or Boerboel is often seen as a status symbol. These breeds are highly prized for their security and guarding abilities, which are especially sought after in a country grappling with various security challenges. However, the cost of maintaining these breeds has become a significant issue for many owners.

The increasing cost of living in Nigeria, coupled with inflation and supply chain disruptions, has exacerbated the situation for dog owners. As the prices of dog feed, vitamins, and veterinary care continue to rise, many are struggling to keep up with the financial demands of caring for their pets.

Veterinary care costs

The cost of veterinary care has also risen sharply, adding to the financial strain on dog owners. Dr. Chukwuemeka Nathaniel, a veterinarian based in Abuja, noted that consultation fees have doubled, and the cost of vaccinations and surgical procedures has significantly increased.

“Annual vaccinations now cost between N25,000 and N35,000, up from N3,500 to N6,000. Surgical procedures like spaying or neutering now range from N45,000 to N70,000. Treatment for conditions like mange or tick fever has also seen a sharp increase in cost,” Nathaniel said.

Veterinarians acknowledge the financial burden on pet owners but emphasize that the price increases are necessary to cover the rising costs of medical supplies and equipment.

Managing rising costs

To manage the rising costs of pet care, some dog owners are turning to strategies such as pet insurance and preventive care. Investing in pet insurance, although still developing in Nigeria, can help offset some veterinary expenses. Regular check-ups and a balanced diet can also help prevent costly treatments.

Toochi, who is studying Productive Pet Care online, advises investing in preventive measures and exploring safe home remedies for minor health issues. “By focusing on preventive care and utilizing home remedies, we can avoid frequent and expensive clinic visits,” he says.

Dog feed sellers also feel the impact of rising costs. Tiamiyu Adesina, a feed store owner in Abuja, reports that the price of premium dog food brands like Royal Canin has surged. “A 20kg bag of Royal Canin that used to cost around N18,000 now sells for N45,000,” Adesina explains. “Even locally produced feeds have seen price hikes due to increased production costs and inflation.”

Conclusion

The current feed crisis reflects a broader economic challenge, with rising costs affecting various aspects of daily life in Nigeria. For dog owners and breeders, the skyrocketing prices of dog feed, veterinary care, and supplements have created a challenging environment.

Despite these difficulties, the commitment of dog lovers to their pets remains steadfast, highlighting the deep bond and loyalty that define the relationship between humans and their canine companions.

FAQs

• Why are dog feed prices increasing so much?
  Prices have surged due to inflation, increased production costs, and supply chain disruptions. The cost of raw materials and transportation has also contributed to the rise.
• How can I manage the rising costs of pet care?
  Consider investing in pet insurance, focusing on preventive care, and exploring safe home remedies. Budgeting carefully and seeking cost-effective options can also help.
• What should I do if I can’t afford veterinary care for my dog?
  Prioritize essential treatments, seek out low-cost veterinary clinics or charitable organizations, and consider preventive care to minimize the need for expensive treatments.

References:

• National Bureau of Statistics: Food Inflation Data
• Dog Breeders and Owners Association of Nigeria: German Shepherd Information
• Dr. Chukwuemeka Nathaniel’s Veterinary Clinic: Veterinary Care Costs

Source: Punch.ng