Deadly heat puts pets in Mysuru at risk

Mysuru: The death of a seven-year-old golden retriever after participating in a recent dog show, along with the death of a four-year-old beagle in Mysuru, has raised serious concerns over pet safety as the city reels under intense summer heat. Two more pets are reported to be in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at a private veterinary hospital.Veterinarians said cases of heat-related illnesses among pets have risen sharply this year. Dr Kiran Kundaragi, a veterinarian, told TOI that two to three cases of pets suffering from heat stroke have been reported at their clinic in west Mysuru every day over the past week.According to veterinarians, many pet owners are still unaware of how quickly animals can suffer during extreme heat. Unlike humans, dogs do not have sweat glands to regulate body temperature. They primarily cool themselves through panting—breathing through their mouths to release heat—but this mechanism works only up to a limited extent."In severe heat, dogs can suffer internal bleeding, kidney damage, multiple organ failure and even death if treatment is delayed or ineffective," Dr Kiran explained.He said the condition of the two hospitalised pets remains critical as they have suffered kidney damage due to heat stroke. One pet was reportedly kept caged outside the house for several hours while the family attended a function, while another was forced to walk a long distance under the scorching sun.Veterinarians cautioned that certain breeds are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, especially short-muzzled dogs such as pugs, shih tzus and bulldogs, as they find it harder to cool themselves. Young and middle-aged dogs, too, have been brought in with heat stroke and kidney-related complications.Pet owners have been advised not to leave animals exposed to the sun, especially between 11am and 5pm, when temperatures peak. Dogs should be kept in cool, shaded and well-ventilated spaces, and should never be confined in covered cages without adequate airflow. Vets also recommend providing ample drinking water, liquid-based food, sprinkling water on pets, and covering them with a wet cloth if they show signs of overheating.Meanwhile, the back-to-back deaths of pets in Mysuru due to heat stroke have put officials of the animal husbandry and veterinary sciences department on alert. The district has about 4.7 lakh cattle, nearly four lakh goats and sheep, and over one lakh stray dogs.Dr Nagaraj, deputy director of the animal husbandry and veterinary sciences department, told TOI that Mysuru is experiencing an unusually severe heatwave for the first time. He urged farmers and livestock owners not to leave their animals outdoors until 4pm, as temperatures have risen abnormally this year, increasing the risk of heat stress and heat stroke.He said an average of six to seven complaints of cattle suffering from heat stroke are being reported from each taluk in Mysuru district. Officials said farmers and animal owners can seek assistance through the helpline 1962. The district also has 10 animal ambulances that can be utilised for emergency response.
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