Pet clinics see spurt in dehydration cases, advise ORS and light diet
Times of India | 22 April 2024
Kolkata: This season’s scorching heat is triggering a spurt in the number of dehydration cases among pets at veterinary clinics across the city. Pet clinicians are administering saline water to the furry patients and advising diets to help them beat the heat.
From wrapping damp towels, feeding them ample ORS and fluid-based diets to using cooling mats and coolers, pet parents are taking all possible measures to keep their pets safe amid the heatwave.
Payel Ghosh, who runs a clinic Pet Vet World near Gariahat, said: “Given the heatwave, it is necessary to take care of the pets’ health. We have been getting several dehydration cases since the mercury started rising and some of the pets are coming to us in a serious condition due to sheer negligence on the part of their parents. Some parents keep their pets in the balconies or allow them to play on the terrace during the day. This puts the animals at the risk of suffering from a heatstroke.”
Veterinary doctor Surojit Gupta said, “I am getting several dehydration cases and some people are even bringing in strays for treatment. There is a lack of hospitalisation facility for pets in the clinics here. We are providing them with saline water but due to severe dehydration, they are also taking time to swing back to normalcy. Sometimes, pets are hospitalised for three-four consecutive days to receive proper treatment. Those affected are refusing to eat. They are also becoming less energetic and suffering from loose motions. When these symptoms appear, pets must be rushed to a clinic.”
Sujala Biswas, owner of Paw Plannet, a clinic in north Calcutta, said: “Given the soaring mercury, it’s a challenge for pets to survive in a healthy way. To keep them safe they need to be bathed regularly, at least three to four days a week. Owners should also trim their hair and apply anti-worm sprays, feed them light diets and provide ORS or glucose water when needed.”
Mayurika Gupta, who runs a crèche for dogs at Kasba said, “Keeping pets in AC rooms is required to save them from dehydration. They should be taken out for a walk before 7 am or after 9 pm. Watermelon, papaya, curd, soup should make their daily diets during the heatwave period.”
Nita Bhattacharya, a pet parent from north Kolkata, said, “When I take my pets out for a walk, I ensure that their paws are cleaned with pet wipes. I am feeding them curd rice and ORS water to prevent any chance of dehydration.”