Summer is just around the corner, and with it come risks to our animal friends. Here’s the list of things to remember, to keep them cool and safe as the season approaches.
Locked cars
Going for a drive with Fido? Or taking Whiskers to the vet? Remember to never leave a pet in a locked car (even if the windows are rolled down) for even a few minutes, as cars turn into ovens very quickly.
The risk remains even if you are parked in the shade. Several companion animals die in locked cars every year.
Water
Apart from dogs, cats and other species also need drinking water throughout the day, and not just at mealtimes. Availability of adequate clean drinking water in at least two fixed places in the home is necessary to safeguard them against dehydration. Some pets might prefer to switch temporarily to wet food during this time.
Ventilation and shelter
Access to moving air, i.e. a fan, helps animals cool off during summer. Leave the fan on for pets during the day when you are away. Avoid tying pets outside at the gates or leaving them in terraces as these actions are the top causes of death due to heat exposure.
Allowing them freedom within the house enables them to instinctively find the coolest spot in the home.
Dehydration
The ASPCA lists these as dehydration symptoms in dogs - sunken eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite, loss of elasticity in skin (detected when we gently lift the skin between shoulder blades to see if it returns to normal) and dry mouth. For cats, in addition to the above symptoms, panting is a sign of dehydration. They recommend giving them an ice cube to lick and an immediate veterinary visit if these symptoms are observed. “Chilled tender coconut water can also be poured into an ice tray and frozen into cubes,” says veterinarian Dr Priyadarshini Govind. “An easy homemade rehydration fluid is a cup of water in which you mix a tsp of sugar and a pinch of salt. Dehydrated cats can slip into renal failure rather quickly so as soon as a cat is identified with signs of dehydration, it warrants an immediate visit to the vet. Smaller pets like guinea pigs also get urinary tract infections and gastric issues if not hydrated adequately, so succulent foods like cucumber or spinach are great options for the summer.
They also enjoy tender coconut water and the soft coconut cream.”
Others
For dogs, restrict walks to early mornings and late evenings when the weather is relatively cool. Similarly, avoid afternoon drives and any strenuous physical activity.
