PATNA: The scorching
heat
is not only causing discomfort to humans but also to animals and birds.
Veterinarians claim that like human beings, animals and birds are also at high risk of dehydration and heatstroke. “Pets do not sweat the same way as the humans do and can easily become overheated. These conditions can also lead to illness and death of pets,” said Dr Ashutosh, who runs a pet care in Boring Road area.
Suggesting steps for keeping the pets healthy in the heat, another veterinarian, S K Thakur, said: “The pets get more thirsty than human beings. Keep them hydrated by providing fresh and clean water. Try to keep them in cool area such as under air conditioners. Switching to wet pet food is good way to keep them hydrated. Never take them out in the sun, try to keep them indoors as much as possible. If your pet shows the signs of heat exhaustion, move it to a cool surrounding, give water to drink, put a damp towel around its body and take to a vet as soon as possible.”
Residents are also taking precautions to keep their pets safe. “I never leave my
cat in a locked car as I know how miserable she would feel. Leaving in the car might cost her life,” said Anita, a resident of Machchua Toli.
“I never shave the fur of my pet
dog
as it doesn’t sweat like us and its fur keeps the body cool in summers and warm in winters. I give it a regular trim and take it to the vet go for a regular check-up to keep him pest free and healthy,” said
Shubham Singh, a resident of Kankarbagh.
Veterinarian Dr M Kumar said: “If you keep your pets hydrated, the chances of heatstroke will be much lesser. Timely trimming of their fur is also a necessary part in such weather conditions.”