Sticky heat proves fatal for pets

LUDHIANA: Senior, a three and a half year old pug from Civil Lines was taken out for a walk late in the evening two days ago. It took just 40 minutes in the open for Senior to die, that too within two hours.
This summer, there has been a sharp rise in cases of heat stroke among pets in veterinary clinics. Five to six such cases are being reported every day.Sadly, heat stroke proves fatal for 70% of the pets, who die in a few hours. According to experts, more than the heat, rise in humidity levels is to blame.
The last 10 days have been a nightmare for pets and their owners, many of whom can be seen sobbing while leaving pet clinics. A total of 60 cases of heat strokes were reported at a pet clinic in Model Town, with only a few making it back home.
Doctor APS Manget, a veterinary doctor, said dogs can cope with heat as long as it is dry. "The problem is that dogs can't maintain their body heat for they do not have sweat glands. They pant and that's the only way they can cool off. But when the air gets humid, no evaporation is possible. These problems are more common in short-nosed dogs like pugs, bull dogs and mastiffs".
What makes things even more scary is that no pet casualty can be attributed to negligence by owners. "Till last year, we used to receive cases where pets were left outside and would fall sick. But this year, owners are taking extra precautions. But inclement weather conditions have made the situation critical," said Sulbha Jindal, a pet expert. A pug and a Pakistani Bully died at a clinic in Model Town on Friday following severe heat stroke.