Keeping the pets cool

It’s said that every summer has its own story, but the one this year is ‘it’s way too hot’. Well, it’s not just the humans who are complaining about the heat, but the furry buddies too.

However, the pet parents are making their schedules in such a way that they can care for their four-legged friends this summer.

Sindhoor Pangal, a canine behaviour counsellor, has two dogs — Nishi, the 6-year-old Boxer and Tigger, the 5-year-old Indie. She makes sure that they are taken care of as the summer peaks.

Sindoor says, “I make sure that I always leave the fan or air conditioner on in the room; even if I do forget, they make sure to remind me! I also keep plenty of water for them all the time. Coconut water and buttermilk are also  excellent sources of liquid intake for the dogs this summer.”

While many believe that shaving the pets fur to keep them cool is a good option,  there are those who say that it’s not a wise choice.

Sindoor says, “The dogs have an undercoat of hair that keeps them cool during this terrible weather. When one cuts off the fur, it’s only affecting the pet in return, so don’t cut their fur this summer.” However, trimming their fur is often suggested by many.

For Alton, the 2-year-old Golden Retriever, Vikram makes sure to keep the floor  near the bathroom wet. The IT professional says, “We keep the floor wet, then leave a thin mat on it for him to lie down on. He likes the cool feeling and stays there whenever he feels hot. We’ve also stopped giving him chicken and other meat items and stick only to vegetables. Luckily for us, he’s not complaining. In fact, he’s licking the bowl clean!”

Pet parents are noticing their four-legged companions splatter water from their bowl to the floor and lie down on it. While it makes a mess of the surrounding, the parents aren’t making a fuss.

Some parents are also filling up a small tub with water for their pets to lie down in. In order to maintain the ‘cool factor’, Avinash Bhatt, an account manager, makes sure to check his 7-year-old Labrador Adi’s, paws for any signs of sweating.

He says, “It’s important to check that the dog is not sweating through the paws as they need to be taken to the vet immediately. I also make sure that Adi does not always have his tongue out since that means that his body feels hotter than usual. If I do notice it, I give him water or bath him.”

For Adi, there’s been a change in diet as well — no wheat products and sweets.  The parents are also taking their pets for a walk only early morning or late in the evening so that they do not have to take in the direct heat.

And even with the scorching weather, all the parents and the pets want is to be happy and keep the tails wagging.