Beating the Heat: Summer Pet Care for Indian Homes

When the AC is on, but your dog’s still panting…

Indian summers are no joke — not for us, and definitely not for our furry companions. From power cuts to hot balconies, urban pet parents face a unique set of challenges.

So how do you keep your pet cool, hydrated, and happy when the temperature hits 40°C?

Here’s your desi guide to summer pet care 🐕‍🦺💧

🥵 1. Watch for signs of overheating

Your dog or cat can’t say “I’m hot,” but they can show:

• Excessive panting (even indoors)
  
• Lethargy or disinterest in food
  
• Warm paws, ears, or belly
  
• Seeking cool surfaces constantly
  

👉 If they collapse, vomit, or have a high heart rate — that’s an emergency. Call your vet immediately.

🪭 2. Keep their environment cool (even without AC)

Not all Indian homes have 24×7 cooling. Try this:

• Wet towels on the floor for lying down
  
• Ice packs (wrapped in cloth) near sleeping spots
  
• DIY cool dens using bedsheets + fan breeze
  
• Avoid metal crates or sun-facing balconies
  

💧 3. Hydration hacks for desi pets

Plain water isn’t always enough in summer. Try:

• Coconut water (unsweetened) once a day
  
• Frozen treats: Ice cubes with chicken broth
  
• Water bowls in multiple rooms
  
• Add wet food or curd (if tolerated) to their diet
  

Bonus tip: Keep a portable water bottle during walks!

🚶 4. Change your walk and play schedule

Between 11 AM to 5 PM? It’s a no-no. Asphalt can burn paws.

• Walk early morning or post-sunset
  
• Do indoor enrichment games mid-day
  
• Use booties or paw balm if stepping out during heat
  

✂️ 5. Don’t shave — groom smart!

Desi pet myth: “Cutting fur helps them stay cool.” ❌

In reality:

• Fur protects against sunburn and insulation
  
• Trim excess, especially around paws and belly
  
• Brush regularly to remove dead hair
  

Short-haired dogs like Indies still need cooling measures too!

✅ What Indian pet parents can do today:

• Keep water bowls filled and accessible
  
• Check for panting + warm paws every evening
  
• Make a heat emergency contact list
  
• Use fans creatively (they love floor-level breeze!)
  
• Share tips with other pet parents in your society