Pet patrol: With canine attacks on the rise, here's what pet owners need to be doing

With a spate of dog-biting incidents being reported in the past couple of months, there's been increased scrutiny on pet owners.

As the number of biting incidents continue to rise, there is a fair amount of misinformation and panic going around, with the mute animals bearing the brunt for it. In this article we list out precautions owners should take to avoid further incidents like these.

1. Get your pet registered

Less a precaution and more a matter of compliance, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is urging owners to register their pets has issued a warning for noncompliance. This helps the corporation keep a track of vaccinations and health conditions also.

2. Pay attention
Most dogs are very flexible with regard to their routine. With owners working through the majority of the day, they can get angsty but will usually calm down after their activity needs are met. Always be on the lookout for signs that your pets are not happy. Some signs include excessive hyperactivity, jitteriness, depression, excessive barking, and restlessness.

3. Physical needs
Dogs need their workouts, even if its just a cursory stroll in the park. It is up to owners to ensure their pets are getting sufficient exercise. In addition to not walking them frequently, keeping them cooped up may affect their behaviour. Canines need to be in control of small spaces and spending extended periods of time sharing a small space will cause them to lash out.

4. Training
Before getting a pet, ensure you are up to date on all information regarding care and training. Very importantly, make sure to either train the dog yourself in the early days or enroll at a behaviour specialist who will train your pet to obey.