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GODFREY GOERGE 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 around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago.

This long history of companionship, according to several researchers, is believed to have started when early humans and wolves began to benefit from each other’s presence.

Humans provided wolves with food and protection, while wolves offered hunting assistance and companionship.

The term “man’s best friend” is often attributed to King Frederick of Prussia in the 18th century, who referred to his Italian Greyhound as his best friend.

 However, the phrase gained widespread popularity in the United States in the late 19th century when it was used in a court case involving a dog named Old Drum.

The lawyer, George Graham Vest, declared, “The one unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.” This statement resonated deeply and cemented the dog’s place as man’s loyal companion.

The Nigerian dog market features a variety of breeds, both local and foreign. Some of the most popular breeds include the Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Boerboel, Caucasian Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Chihuahua and the local breed casually known as ‘ekuke’.

The Rottweilers are known for their strength and loyalty, Rottweilers are favoured as guard dogs. The German Shepherd is seen to be highly intelligent and versatile, they are popular for security and companionship.

The Boerboel, a South African breed, is known for its protective nature and is commonly used for guarding. The Caucasian Shepherd, which is often large and powerful, is a breed also used for guarding properties. The Doberman Pinscher is valued for their agility and loyalty, they are used in various roles, including police work.

Prices for these breeds can range from N100,000 to N550,000, depending on factors such as lineage, breeder reputation, and age.

Loyalty of dogs

Dogs are renowned for their loyalty, a trait that has been reinforced through centuries of selective breeding and socialization. Their loyalty can manifest in various ways, including:

A dog whisperer based in Ibadan, Oyo State and an executive member of the Dog Breeders and Owners Association of Nigeria, Michael Adesina, said dogs often exhibited protective behaviour towards their owners, guarding them against perceived threats.

According to him, dogs show unwavering affection and are known to form strong emotional bonds with their human companions.

He said, “Unlike many other animals, dogs consistently demonstrate loyalty, often staying by their owner’s side through thick and thin.

“There are countless stories of dogs displaying remarkable loyalty, such as Hachiko, the Akita who waited for his deceased owner at a train station every day for nearly 10 years.”

Why Nigerians love foreign dogs

Nigerians have a strong preference for foreign dog breeds for several reasons.

According to several sources, who spoke to our correspondent, there can be several reasons for their choices including prestige and status, security, and exotic appeal, amongst others.

Owning foreign breeds is often seen as a status symbol, reflecting wealth and social standing. Breeds like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Boerboels are popular for their guarding capabilities, which are highly valued in a country with security challenges. Foreign breeds are often perceived as more exotic and desirable compared to local breeds.

Accurate statistics on dog ownership in Nigeria are challenging to obtain due to the informal nature of pet ownership in many parts of the country.

However, industry estimates and surveys suggest that a significant portion of urban households own dogs. The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association in 2020 estimated that about 20 per cent of urban households in Nigeria own at least one dog. This number is likely higher in affluent neighbourhoods where security concerns and the ability to afford foreign breeds are more prevalent.

Food inflation

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the cost of food in Nigeria increased by 40.87 per cent in June of 2024 over the same month in the previous year. Food Inflation in Nigeria averaged 13.50 per cent from 1996 until 2024, reaching an all-time high of 40.87 per cent in June of 2024 and a record low of -17.50 per cent in January of 2000.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate accelerated further to 34.19 per cent in June 2024, the highest since March 1996 amid the removal of fuel subsidy and a weakening local currency.

Food inflation, which accounts for the bulk of Nigeria’s inflation basket, surged to a record high of 40.87 per cent in June, compared to May’s reading of 40.66 per cent, boosted by price increases in bread, cereal, potatoes, and fish.

Additional upward pressure came from prices of housing and  utilities (30.3 per cent versus 29.6 per cent) and beverages & tobacco (24.1 per cent versus 23.3 per cent).

In contrast, prices eased for clothing & footwear (16.4 per cent versus 16.6 per cent) and recreation & culture (9.1 per cent versus 9.5 per cent), while transport maintained the same rate of increase (25.6 per cent).

The annual core inflation rate, which excludes farm produce and energy, reached a new record high of 27.40% in June. Every month, consumer prices rose by 2.3 per cent in June, after a 2.14 per cent increase in May.

Tough times

In recent months, Nigerian dog owners have found themselves grappling with skyrocketing feed prices, putting a strain on their wallets and testing their dedication to their beloved pets.

The rising costs of dog food have left many pet owners searching for ways to keep their canine companions healthy and well-fed without breaking the bank.

Dog owners across Nigeria are voicing their frustrations online, with many taking to social media platforms to share their struggles.

Sarah Oluwole, a dog owner in Lagos Island, lamented on X that the price of dog food has doubled in the past year.

“It used to be affordable, but now I spend almost as much on feeding my dog as I do on myself,” she said.

Another pet owner, Ella Hart, expressed similar concerns.

She said, “In my home, we have two German Shepherds, and keeping up with their dietary needs has become extremely challenging. I’ve had to cut back on other expenses just to ensure they get the nutrition they need.

“As I speak to you right now, one of them is sick. I went to the veterinarian. The money they are calling there is enough to treat malaria for a family of four. I am rethinking this love I have for dogs.”

Another dog owner in the Egbeda area of Lagos, Funmi, who owns a local breed, said, “My own dog eats everything. Whatever we eat is what I give it. But, since the cost of human food has also increased, I am spending almost triple what I used to spend before this biting inflation.”

Vet costs

The cost of veterinary services in Nigeria has been steadily rising, posing significant challenges for dog owners.

This surge is driven by several factors, including the increasing cost of medical supplies, inflation, and the rising demand for high-quality pet care.

A veterinarian, Dr Chukwuemeka Nathaniel, said consultation fee has risen from N5,000 to around N10,000 in most clinics in Abuja.

“Annual vaccinations for common diseases such as rabies and distemper now cost between N25,000 and N35,000, up from N3,500 to N6,000.

“Surgical procedures have seen a significant price hike. For example, spaying or neutering a dog now costs between N45,000 and N70,000, depending on the clinic and the dog’s size, compared to the previous range of N15,000 to N25,000.

“The cost of medications has also risen sharply. Treating a dog for conditions like mange or tick fever can now cost between N15,000 and N40,000, including consultation and follow-up visits.

Dog owners, particularly those with multiple pets, are feeling the pinch. Many are forced to prioritise treatments or seek alternative remedies.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to afford quality care for my pets,” says Funmi, a dog owner in Lagos. “I have to budget carefully and sometimes skip non-essential treatments.”

Veterinarians acknowledge the burden on pet owners but highlight the necessity of the price increases. Nathaniel, for instance, added that the cost of medical supplies and equipment has risen dramatically.

“We strive to offer the best care, but we also need to cover our expenses,” he stated.

To manage these rising costs, some dog owners are turning to pet insurance, preventive care and home remedies.

Toochi, who is undergoing a course on Productive Pet Care at an online university in the United States, said, “Although still a nascent market in Nigeria, pet insurance can offset some veterinary costs. Investing in preventive measures, such as regular check-ups and a balanced diet, to reduce the likelihood of costly treatments. Utilising safe home remedies for minor issues to avoid frequent clinic visits.”

As the costs of veterinary services continue to rise, it becomes increasingly important for dog owners to plan and budget for their pets’ health care, ensuring that they can provide the necessary treatments without compromising their financial stability.

Insights from dog feed sellers

As dog owners and breeders are suffering, so, too are the feed sellers.

According to a feed store owner in Abuja, Tiamiyu Adesina, the price of premium dog food brands like Royal Canin and Pedigree has surged significantly.

“A 20kg bag of Royal Canin that used to cost around N18,000 now sells for N45,000,” he explained. “Even the locally produced feeds have seen price hikes due to increased production costs and inflation.”

Adesina said several factors contribute to the escalating prices of dog feed.

“The devaluation of the naira, coupled with inflation, has made imported dog food more expensive. Additionally, the costs of raw materials for locally produced dog feed have increased, further driving up prices. A representative from the Nigeria Association of Animal Science noted, “The cost of maize, a primary ingredient in dog food, has risen due to supply chain disruptions and higher demand in the poultry industry.”

He added, “There is potential for the development of indigenous dog feed markets in Nigeria. The country has the agricultural resources to produce key ingredients like maize and fishmeal, essential components of dog food.

“Encouraging local production could reduce dependence on expensive imports and stabilize prices. Supporting local farmers and feed producers through government incentives and subsidies could further promote this industry.”

Coping mechanism

Despite the financial strain, Nigerian dog owners are finding creative ways to cope with the rising costs.

Some have turned to homemade dog food as a more affordable alternative. Recipes often include a mix of rice, vegetables, and affordable protein sources like chicken or fish.

Dog breeders are also adapting to the situation. Toochi, sharing his approach, said, “We’ve had to become more resourceful. We mix high-quality commercial feed with locally sourced ingredients to ensure the dogs get balanced nutrition without overspending.”

The rising feed prices have highlighted the need for sustainable solutions. One potential approach is to increase the production of locally sourced dog food. Nigeria has the agricultural capacity to produce ingredients like maize and fishmeal, which are essential components of dog feed.

By investing in local production, the country can reduce its reliance on expensive imports and stabilise prices.



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