Garmi Ka Mausam: Your Ultimate Summer Safety Guide for Pets ☀️🐶

 

Summer in India is all about sunshine, but the intense heat (tez garmi) poses serious and life-threatening risks to our pets. Unlike us, dogs and cats can’t sweat easily, which means they can overheat dangerously fast.

Your pet relies entirely on you to be their shield against the loo (hot winds) and scorching sun. A little extra dhyaan rakhna (attention and care) is all it takes to keep them happy and healthy through the season.

 

1. Heatstroke: The Silent Killer (Khatra) 🚨

Heatstroke is the single biggest threat in the summer. It happens when a pet’s body temperature rises dangerously high. Know the signs and act immediately!

Heatstroke Warning Signs:

• Excessive Panting: Rapid, heavy panting that won’t stop, or deep, noisy breathing.
• Excessive Drooling: Thick, ropey saliva.
• Lethargy or Confusion: Your pet looks wobbly, dizzy, or unresponsive.
• Bright Red Gums: A shocking red colour or pale/blue gums are a serious emergency.

 

Immediate Action (If you suspect heatstroke):

1. Move Immediately: Take your pet to the coolest, shadiest spot you can find.
2. Use Normal Water: Apply lukewarm (not ice-cold!) water or damp towels gently to their neck, armpits, and paw pads. Ice-cold water can cause shock.
3. Go to the vet: this is an emergency! Even if they seem to recover, a vet visit is mandatory to check for internal organ damage.

Prevention is Best: Limit all outdoor walks and strenuous play to early mornings (before 8 AM) and late evenings (after 6 PM). Keep them indoors during peak heat (10 AM to 4 PM).

2. Hydration: Paani Is Non-Negotiable 💧

Your pet needs more fresh, cool water than ever to compensate for all that panting. Dehydration can happen quickly.

• Always Carry Water: If you are stepping out for even a short walk, always carry a portable water bottle and a travel bowl. Do not rely on finding water sources outside.
• Encourage Drinking: Add a few ice cubes to their indoor water bowl to keep it appealingly cool.
• Picky Cats: If your cat avoids stagnant water, consider a pet fountain. Many felines prefer moving water, which encourages them to drink more.
• Wet Food Boost: If your pet mainly eats dry kibble, supplement their diet with a little wet food or add some water to their kibble during the summer months to increase their natural fluid intake.

3. Paw Protection: Watch the Hot Sadak (Road) 🔥

Imagine walking barefoot on black tarmac or concrete that has been baking in the Indian sun—it can burn your dog’s sensitive paw pads instantly.

• The 5-Second Test: Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot comfortably hold it there for 5 seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
• Walk on Grass/Dirt: Stick to grassy or shaded footpaths during walks.
• Timing: Only walk during the cooler times of day (morning/evening).
• Check Pads: After every walk, check their paws for redness, blisters, or cracking. A pet-safe paw balm can help protect and moisturise the pads.

4. Never, Ever the Parked Car 🚗❌

This rule is absolute: NEVER leave your pet in a parked car, not even for “just two minutes”.

Even with the windows cracked open, the temperature inside a car skyrockets to deadly levels within minutes. On a normal summer day, a car can turn into an oven where your pet can suffer heatstroke and die in less time than it takes you to grab a cup of coffee.

If your pet cannot come inside with you, they must stay home in a cool, ventilated area.

5. Sunburn and Skin Shielding 🧴

Yes, pets can get sunburnt too! Pets with thin, light, or white coats (especially on the ears, nose, and belly) are vulnerable to UV damage, which increases the risk of skin cancer.

• Limit Midday Sun: Keep sun-worshippers (especially indoor cats who love window seats) out of the direct sun during peak hours.
• Pet-Safe Sunscreen: If your dog has a very thin coat or an exposed pink nose, ask your vet for a pet-safe sunscreen and apply it to sensitive areas before going out. Do not use human sunscreen unless explicitly approved by your vet, as some ingredients are toxic to pets.

Your pet’s health is your zimmedari. A little vigilance now ensures you have a wonderful, stress-free summer together!