Keep your pets fit and active indoors during the heatwave; experts share tips

The heatwave is not just brutal to us humans, our furry friends suffer too. With temperatures soaring beyond the ordinary, most pet parents are deciding against daily walks to protect their pets from the onslaught of the sun.

Wondering how you would keep them fit and active? Indianexpress.com talks to pet experts to figure how to navigate the heatwave in a way the pets do not wreak havoc inside homes.

Daily walks are okay, but with precautions

Dr Umesh Kallahalli, senior veterinarian, MARS Petcare, India recommended scheduling daily walks for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. “Pavements can retain heat well after sunset, posing a risk of paw burns and contributing to overheating and dehydration. Make sure to take breaks from playtime in the shade to prevent over-excitement in your pets. Keep a portable water bowl nearby to ensure they remain hydrated,” he said.

“Water intake during summer months plays a pivotal role in regulating body temperature and supporting organ health. Insufficient water intake can not only result in dehydration, but can also lead to symptoms like fatigue, dry gums, sunken eyes, and excessive panting,” said Kallahalli.

What about their mental health?

Mehar Kaur, a pet parent from Dehradun, said pets might experience restlessness, anxiety, and/or boredom due to reduced outdoor time. Hence, maintaining a consistent routine for feeding, playtime, and training sessions become important to provide them a sense of normalcy.

“We need to increase their mental stimulation with puzzle toys and training sessions. spend quality time with pets, offering extra affection and reassurance to help alleviate anxiety or restlessness,” Kaur said. “Games like fetch in a hallway, tug-of-war or hide-and-seek with toys, and cardio exercises like climbing stairs can also provide physical exercise,” she said.

What should be the summer diet?

“Refreshing treats like watermelon and curds are beneficial. Choosing white meats such as chicken over red meats is advisable. Wet food options like Pedigree gravy are particularly suitable during these warm months due to their high moisture content. This helps in keeping dogs hydrated and protected against the heat,” said Kallahalli.

“We need to make sure our pets have constant access to fresh, cool water. Incorporating cooling edibles in their diet like coconut water, buttermilk (mattha) and coconut water in moderation helps balance the electrolytes and cools their digestive system besides removing toxins from their body,” said Mehak.

Kallahalli recommends scheduling your daily walks for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. (Source: Freepik)

Keeping them safe

“Summer requires extra care for pets. Keep a close eye on them near open windows or pools, and never leave them in cars, as heat stroke can occur quickly. Vulnerable pets, such as the young, elderly, or those with certain breeds or health issues, need special attention,” warned Kallahalli.

He suggested watching out for signs of heatstroke, like heavy panting or lethargy, and if they occur, cooling your pet down gently and seeking veterinary care in cases of vomiting or diarrhea.

Mehak suggested providing cool mats or damp towels for pets to lie on. She also advises grooming  pets and removing excess fur as it helps them stay cooler. “Maintain a weekly or bi-weekly bathing routine helps keep them clean. Avoid keeping them outside in the heat, in order to give them access to fresh air, keep them outdoors early mornings and late evenings,” she advised.

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