Dehydration and parasitic infections on the rise: Tips to protect your pets and strays in summer

Just as the heat is taking a toll on us humans, we must not forget that our pets and strays in our vicinity too are exposed to summer-related health risks. The four-legged beings are more susceptible to summer ailments. Although few households often do their best to protect the furry beings in this blazing climate by serving food and keeping water bowls outside their doors and windows, there is a lot more that can be done to ensure their optimal health.

Mid-day.com spoke to veterinarians - Dr Jitesh Kumar Chetiwal, veterinary surgeon, Dr Akshay Shah veterinary acupuncturist and veterinary homeopath, and Dr Bhoomika R, veterinarian, and product executive, Drools Pet Food, who suggested a few easy ways in which we all can ensure good care of our pets as well as other four-legged homeless stray animals.

What common health risks are animals prone to during summer?
Chetiwal: The most common health risks for pets and strays during summer include:

1. Heatstroke and dehydration: Heatstroke is a severe and potentially lethal condition that can manifest in dogs when their body temperature rises due to rising environmental temperatures. Dogs may suffer from heatstroke when they are exposed to high temperatures or moisture for a long period. Indications of heatstroke include panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures. To avoid any such situation, it is crucial to provide your dog with enough shade and water and abstain from confining them in a hot vehicle or room and taking them out during the daytime.

2. Parasitic infestation: Mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas are more active during the summer months and can spread a range of diseases to dogs. Check your dog frequently for ticks and fleas, and speak to your veterinarian about preventative treatments.

3. Blisters: Hot streets, sand, and concrete can cause burns and blisters on your dog's paw pads. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day, and stick to shaded areas and grass-covered lawns if possible. If you must walk your dog on hot surfaces, consider using protective paw wax or booties.

Bhoomika: According to veterinarians, heatstrokes in dogs are common. Factors responsible include obesity, narrow airways or problems with the heart or lungs. Other internal factors include abnormal calcium levels, previous heat stroke episodes, or a genetic tendency towards heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include difficulty in breathing, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, nosebleeds, vomiting, weakness, and seizures. Heat exhaustion in dogs is also caused by external factors such as lack of shade, poor ventilation, not cooling off after exercise, excessive exercise in hot weather, and limited access to water.

What kind of preventative measures should caretakers adopt?
Chetiwal: The most important preventive measure for both strays and pets is the availability of water all day as the fur babies might get thirsty. Another important measure is shelter for the strays - makeshift shelters using cardboard or old clothes along with a constant water source to keep the fur babies hydrated can help them escape the harsh sun and the soaring temperatures.

For the pets, it is necessary to be mindful of their needs and their comfort during summer as the concrete/ asphalt might be almost searing hot and might burn their paws.

Further planting trees from now on can provide natural shade and cooling effect in the following years.

Shah: There are no specific vaccines to be given especially in summer but regular annual vaccinations must be up to date. Regular deworming has to be done for your pets.

Bhoomika: Regular veterinary check-ups and up-to-date vaccinations are crucial, especially during summer when outdoor time and interaction with other animals increase the risk of illness. Dogs and cats need vaccinations for good health.

Core vaccines for dogs include distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies, while cats receive protection against viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies and non-core vaccines for kennel cough, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and canine influenza.

How should we keep stray animals and pets cool during summer?
Chetiwal: Increasing your pet's hydration is one thing - getting them to drink is another. Whether it is due to an illness, surgery, or demeanour some pets solely don't drink enough. They will need some reassurance from you. Here are a few tips to get started:

Use your hand: Sometimes your dog needs encouragement from the person they trust the most. Offer a small amount of cool, fresh water in the palm of your hand. Likely, they will be interested in what you are offering. Plus, dogs like the salty taste of our skin. Use this to your advantage to get your dog to drink more.

Try ice cubes: Dogs are inclined to chew. Try giving your animal ice cubes to satisfy their chewing desire and get them to drink more water simultaneously.

Make fruit popsicles: If your dog craves flavour, try making popsicles with broth/chopped fruit. They won't know they are drinking water while chewing on this delicious treat. Try using half water and half broth if this is a concern.

Bhoomika: To keep home pets cool during the summer, ensure they have access to fresh water at all times. Additionally, provide shaded areas for them to rest both indoors and outdoors. Avoid leaving them out on open terraces or roofs. Use fans or air conditioning to cool your home and offer cooling mats or damp towels for them to lie on. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and consider trimming long fur to help them stay cool. Monitor for signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting or lethargy, and seek veterinary care if necessary.

Stray animals also face problems during the summer, especially dehydration and heatstroke. To keep stray animals cool and hydrated during hot weather, provide bowls of fresh water in shaded areas. You can create shaded spots using tarps or umbrellas. Offer wet or moistened food to increase water intake. Coordinate with local animal welfare groups or authorities to establish designated feeding and watering stations, and encourage strays to seek shelter in cool, shaded areas

Shah: It's advisable to avoid taking your pets outdoors during the hottest part of the day. Avoid walking pets on hot pavement and opt for early morning or late evening walks. Always take your pets out in the early mornings and late evenings or after sunset. Ensure regular brushing to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Trim long fur for better airflow, and avoiding shaving double-coated breeds. You can give plain water baths to your pets without using shampoos. Ensure that your pet is completely dry post the bath.

Suggest tips to protect them from parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes during summer.
Chetiwal: Various vet-approved products are available in the market that offer flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats. You can select from flea and tick topical treatments, flea medicine for dogs, flea collars, shampoos, etc. However, it is better to buy the products as prescribed by your pet's veterinarian. If you have spotted a tick, it is crucial to kill it immediately. If we let the tick fester, it may lead to illness related to tick bites which can be further painful and difficult to manage.

When you return from the outdoors, check for ticks and fleas in the areas where the coat is comparatively thin. These areas are tick and flea-prone areas and require special attention. Check over the belly, under the limbs, ears, and armpits. Inspect the inside of the collar too. Check for any distinct bumps in the fur.

Bhoomika: To protect pets and strays from mosquitoes during summer, create mosquito-free zones. Use pet-safe mosquito repellents or mosquito nets in their resting areas.

Shah: Natural and commercially available tick and flea preventive medication, powders, spot-ons, and sprays are essential during the hot summers. Tick fever is a deadly disease that is spread by tick bites and it can be prevented. Keep outdoor areas clear of standing water, where mosquitoes breed, and inspect pets for ticks after outdoor excursions.

What kind of diet should be followed?
Shah: Opt for lighter food options. Avoid meats that have high heat concentration during the hot summer days. Avoid overfeeding. In addition to toxic foods like chocolate and onions, avoid feeding pets and strays bones, fatty meats, and excessive amounts of salt, as these can lead to digestive issues and dehydration.

Chetiwal: Here is a list of foods to feed your furry friends
1. Frozen or fresh berries and watermelon
While fruits are higher in sugar, dogs can relish small amounts of berries or summer fruits like watermelon. Dogs, however, should never be given grapes or raisins, as they are highly toxic.

2. Cheese
Cheese - while still needing to be relished in small amounts - contains protein, calcium, and vitamins dogs need.

3. Veggies
Cut veggies or slices from a vegetable tray can be a great source of vitamins and minerals for your dog. They are a treat low in calories and fat.

4. Lean meats
Protein, in some of our favourite meats like chicken, pork, ham, and turkey can be a great treat for dogs.

Bhoomika: For optimal hydration and overall well-being for both stray and indoor pets, consider incorporating fresh foods, vegetables, and fruits into their diet. Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery offer hydration, while blueberries, rich in antioxidants, and spinach and broccoli, packed with vitamins and minerals, provide additional benefits. Additionally, adding low-sodium chicken or beef broth to their meals for extra moisture and flavour, along with plain yoghurt, can be beneficial. Electrolyte powder or vitamin supplements can further aid in preventing dehydration

What should pet owners and animal lovers do if they encounter a stray animal in distress during hot weather?
Shah: If you encounter a stray animal in distress, approach with caution and contact local animal services for assistance or any local feeder who is acquainted with the strays. Offer food, water, and shelter while waiting for help to arrive.

Under what circumstances must pets and strays be rushed to the vet's clinic/hospital?
Shah: Pets and strays should be taken to the vet immediately if they experience difficulty breathing, seizures, sudden collapse, or any other concerning symptoms. Additionally, seek veterinary care for wounds, infections, or signs of illness.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.