DIY pet care tips for Ahmedabad’s summer

A cool shower, an early morning breeze, a late night walk in the park and some delightful coolers are just few things we like to do during summer. So why leave our pets struggling in the sweltering heat? With the mercury rising, we need to pay extra attention to our furry friends who might need a helping hand to cope with the heat. Just like us, pets are prone to heat stroke. A balanced diet, special grooming and proper medication would help your pet be cool, active and frolick around the house. Here's what you can do:
Diet Plans

What you offer them to eat will have an impact on their daily activities. Make sure your pets are well-hydrated and eat light and healthy. "You get the best seasonal and juicy fruits during summer. Let your pet also enjoy them. Make sure to provide them with fresh water the entire day. If the water is hot, they will not drink even if they are thirsty, leading to dehydration," says veterinarian Kanchan Prakash.

Controlling the temperature inside

Imported breeds like German Shepherd, Alsatian, Mastiff, Saint Bernard and Poodles need extra attention as they are more vulnerable to heat. "We have a cosy room for our German Shepherd with a special cooler to keep him cool. We usually offer him milk and bread replacing them with meat and water with few ice cubes in it," says Pooja Shah, a medical student and a pet parent. If it's an Indian breed, make sure that you do not leave your pet in the garden, balcony, terrace or even a kennel, as exposure to sun might give them heatstroke.

Some vet care Some routine check-ups during the summer months can make a lot of difference, suggests Pradeep Jhanga, a veterinary physician. He stresses on two tests that should be done mandatorily. "The checkup should include a heatworm test and a tick and flea protection plan. Though these are the year round issues, it is important to monitor them during summer as well," he says. In case of a heat stroke, apply room temperature water all over your pets' body and allow it to evaporate to maximize cooling across the skin.

Dos

- Ensure regular grooming
- Keep them in well- ventilated areas indoors
- Feed them juicy food items
- Consult your vet regularly

Don'ts

- Refrain from engaging them in intense physical activity
- Avoid shaving pets' fur completely
- Do not make them walk under sun
- Avoid leaving them in your vehicle even for few minutes

Special summer grooming

Bathing, shampooing, brushing teeth, trimming nails and ear cleaning is done during all seasons to make sure that your pet is protected from any kind of bacterial infections. "During summer, we usually ask the owners not to trim or remove all the fur from pets' skin, as it saves them from sunburn. In case of excessive heat, apply sunscreen to protect them from skin peeling. Also, rub a sunblock on unprotected areas like the tip of the ears, nose and around the lips," says Linata Arande, a pet care specialist.

Not alone in a parked car

Never ever leave your pet alone in a parked car on a warm day. Your pet might start suffocating. Even if it is only for a few minutes, make sure you either keep the air conditioner on or have the windows open to keep the car well ventilated.

Avoid walking your pet in heat

While outdoor walks are fun and important for your pet's health, make sure you take them out either early in the morning or late in the evening. Usually tar roads damage the sensitive paws if they are taken for walk during afternoons. Also, ORS tablets and powders are available especially for pets, so let your pet have a dose of it before and after the walk to beat the heat and fight the dehydration.