Mumbai: In Vedic astrology, every living being in the universe holds a unique significance. The nine celestial bodies, or Navagrahas, each have their own attributes, forms, and divine vehicles. Among these, the planet Ketu is traditionally associated with dogs. Ancient scriptures state that offering food to dogs can pacify the negative effects of Ketu, especially during its Mahadasha or Antardasha, or when it is unfavourably placed in certain houses of a birth chart.

According to astrologers, feeding specific types of dogs can also help alleviate planetary afflictions. For example, black dogs are linked with Saturn (Shani) and offering them sweets or food is believed to reduce Saturn’s malefic influence. White dogs are connected to Ketu, and feeding them white-coloured foods is said to calm its adverse effects. The scriptures, however, make no mention of specific breeds – a dog is considered auspicious regardless of breed, as its inherent nature remains unchanged.

Hindu texts do not differentiate between dog breeds. Just as feeding crows, ants, or cows is linked to planetary peace, feeding dogs also holds spiritual merit. In the Mahabharata, a dog plays a symbolic role during the Pandavas’ final journey to heaven. When Indra came to take Yudhishthira to heaven, the king refused to go without his dog. Though dogs were not permitted in heaven due to ritual purity rules, the animal later revealed itself as the embodiment of Dharma, granting Yudhishthira divine entry.

Religious texts state that feeding dogs is a virtuous act, but keeping them as pets is discouraged due to ritual impurity concerns. Traditionally, dogs are seen as free beings who should roam independently. In some rural traditions, especially during certain months, women prepare pua (a type of sweet) and feed it to dogs. This practice is linked both to religious belief and to the understanding that dogs, during their mating season, require extra nourishment.

While modern households often keep dogs of various breeds as companions, traditional astrology warns that maintaining purity in such homes may be difficult. Nevertheless, feeding dogs – regardless of breed or background – continues to be seen as a spiritually beneficial act that brings planetary harmony and good fortune.