As the temperature soars and the sun turns relentless, our furry and feathered companions feel the heat just as much—if not more—than we do. You may notice your pet sprawled in the coolest corner of the house, reluctant to eat, panting more than usual, or even looking a little down. Sound familiar? These subtle cues are your pet’s way of saying, “Hey, it’s hot out here. Help me out!”
To decode these warm-weather woes and understand how to best care for pets during the sizzling months, we had a chat with Dr Priya Govind, a Chennai-based veterinarian with a soft spot for paws, claws, and feathers.
Here’s what she had to say—plus simple, effective ways to ensure your pets stay safe, cool, and hydrated all summer long.
1. Timing Is Everything: Walk When It’s Cool
Let’s start with our canine companions. Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, the pavement’s scorching, and you’re out walking your dog. Those paws? They’re basically walking on a frying pan. Dr Priya stresses the importance of choosing cooler times for walks—early morning, late evening, or even after dark.
And for an extra touch of TLC? “Paw butter with CBD works wonders,” she says. “Massage it in after walks to soothe and protect their paws. It’s spa time, but for your pet.”
If your buddy is cool with it, doggy shoes or socks are a great extra layer of protection.
2. Hydration Is Not Optional
If there’s one golden rule for pet care in summer, it’s this: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
“Fresh water should always be available,” Dr Priya advises. “You can even get creative with juices, buttermilk (unsalted), frozen treats, or broths made of chicken and vegetables. These are delicious ways to sneak hydration into their diet.”
She also recommends feeding water-rich fruits (think watermelon, cucumber, papaya—just be sure they’re pet-safe) to keep those hydration levels up.
3. No Unwanted Hitchhikers: Fleas and Ticks
Ah yes, summer’s most annoying guests—fleas and ticks. They love warm weather almost as much as we love ice cream.
“There are effective treatments out there,” says Dr Priya, “but don’t play vet based on what someone at the pet store tells you. Always consult a professional.”
Based on your pet’s age, health, and breed, your vet might recommend spot treatments, syrups, or medicated shampoos to deal with the itchy invaders.
4. Grooming Isn’t Just for Looks
If your couch is covered in fur, you’re not alone. Summer means more shedding, and grooming becomes more than a beauty ritual—it’s an act of love.
“Brushing your dog or cat regularly helps with shedding, stimulates blood flow, checks for fleas or ticks, and—bonus—it strengthens your bond,” says Dr Priya.
So grab that brush, find a shady spot, and make it your daily wind-down ritual. You’ll both feel better for it.
5. The Car Rule: Just Don’t
It can’t be said enough: never leave your pet in a closed car, even for a few minutes. A parked car can turn into an oven frighteningly fast.
“If you must travel with your pet, ensure proper air circulation or keep the AC on,” says Dr Priya. “But ideally? Skip the car ride unless absolutely necessary during peak summer months.”
6. Caring for Your Feathered Friends
Birds may seem low-maintenance, but they’re incredibly sensitive to heat.
“Even a slight rise in temperature can stress them out,” Dr Priya explains. Her summer-care checklist for birds includes:
- Probiotics and B-complex vitamins in food or water.
- Morning sunlight only—and then indoors for the rest of the day.
- A cool, breezy room where they can chirp in peace.
The Quick-Glance Survival Guide
✅ Do’s:
- Keep fresh water and fluids flowing.
- Add hydrating fruits and cool foods to their diet.
- Brush regularly to control shedding and spot problems early.
- Use paw butter and protective footwear.
- Monitor for heatstroke symptoms: panting, dry eyes, sticky saliva, high body temperature.
- Vaccinate puppies against summer-prone diseases like parvovirus.
❌ Don’ts:
- Avoid walks in harsh sunlight.
- Don’t leave pets in parked cars.
- Skip pregnancies during peak summer, if possible—it’s tough on both moms and babies.
- Avoid buying cold-weather breeds like Huskies or Saint Bernards in hot climates.
- Never self-medicate your pet. Always ask a vet.
Final Thoughts
Summer is tough, especially for animals who can’t simply grab a lemonade or switch on the fan. But with a little foresight and a lot of love, you can turn it into a season of refreshing broths, lazy grooming sessions, and safe adventures for your four-legged or winged family members.
Let your pets chill—literally. They’ll thank you with happy tails, purrs, and chirps of joy.