World Veterinary Day: Public urged on dogs feeding

While the exotic breed dogs received optimal care, the local ones are often neglected. Dr. Dickson Tayebwa of Vetconekt Initiative Ltd observed this during the celebration of World Veterinary Day 2025 at Kamwokya.

Vetconekt Initiative Ltd, in conjunction with Uniquely Paws Ltd and Uganda Society for the Protection & Care of Animals (USPCA), under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Industry, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) provided free cat and dog vaccination, sterilisations, and castration at Kamwokya Primary School on Saturday and also at Makerere Kikoni, on Sunday.

After that exercise, the vet doctors embarked on the journey of educating the community on caring for the dogs and feeding them. Dr. Tayebwa cautioned people against giving dogs bones due to adequate food.

He instead advised them to feed them on beef, offal and chicken legs. On the other hand, they can also cook rice, posho, and porridge for the animals. To make it a more balanced diet, Dr. Tayebwa said they should add milk and carrots there.

Besides, the dogs must have water all the time, and this is non-negotiable. While some people can afford to feed their dogs twice, once or three times a day, Dr. Tayebwa says animals should have water 24 hours a day for drinking since they, too, fall thirsty.

Furthermore, Meg Hilbert Jaquay of Uniquely Paws Ltd said the dogs and cats should have a shelter.  

“They must have somewhere to sleep with some bedding,  but not sleeping on the floor,” she says. “Sometimes, it gets so cold  that they need the comfort for warmth from the beddings.”

Meg Hilbert Jaquay of Uniquely Paws Ltd. (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)

If possible, people can provide some small mattresses or old clothes for the dogs, and they should sleep in a dry area to avoid catching diseases.

More so, as dogs move around, they can interact with the surroundings, and they might get ticks. Dr. Tayebwa says because of that, dogs should be washed with medicated shampoos once a week for good hygiene.  

“When you are going to wash a dog, make sure there is sunshine to dry or if it is raining, you should have a towel to dry it,” he says.

For those dogs that have itchy skin, one should check their food as they might be allergic to it. If symptoms persist, Dr. Tayebwa advises you to visit a vet to find out the real issue.