30 October,2026 07:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Alurkar
A welfare officer, who treats animals at the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital in Parel. Pics/By Special Arrangement
The post-monsoon heat is taking a heavy toll on the city's animals, with as many as 25 dogs, 10 cats, 38 kites, 47 pigeons, and 15 crows being brought to Parel's Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit (BSDP) Hospital for Animals this month alone owing to high temperatures. However, only one mortality was recorded.
[popcorn number="47" desc="No of pigeons brought to BSDP Hospital in Oct" class="Default"]
"The heat-related cases accounted for 20-30 per cent of the hospital's overall cases this month," said Dr Mayur Dangar, managing doctor at the BSDP Hospital. "While these cases are always prevalent through summers and Octobers, we are seeing a rise this year since the temperatures are higher. Dogs and cats around the city that drank contaminated water were also brought in due to jaundice," he added.
[popcorn number="25%" desc="Est percentage increase in heat-illness cases seen in private clinics in October" class="Default"]
Private veterinary doctors have also pointed towards a surge in cases, especially during October. "We can say that there was a 25 per cent rise in patients brought in owing to heat stress, and the first week of October was especially bad," said Dr Shailesh Pethe, a senior veterinary professional.
A welfare officer treats animals at Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital. Pics/By Special Arrangement
The symptoms can especially affect non-indigenous dog breeds with thick coats of fur, explained Dr Pethe. "Even when the dogs step out for their walks, the heat can take a toll on their health. Dogs also don't drink enough water, and the heat can lead to dehydration and renal problems. These issues can be dealt with, provided the pet owners respond early," he added.
According to vets, all animals, big and small, can be negatively impacted by the heat. "Many animals that reside in huts suffer. Others, who are always in air-conditioned rooms, experience joint pain. Animals are being brought to vets with watery eyes, owing to trouble with pollution," said Dr Hitesh Swali, an Andheri-based veterinarian.
Private practitioners said that October to December were generally slow periods for their clinics. However, over the years, things have taken a turn. "The impact of heat need not always be direct. The warmer temperature allows parasites and cultures to breed faster, which is why we have been seeing several infection cases," said Dr Deepa Katyal Engineer, a Chembur-based veterinarian and pain specialist.
"People take their dogs to the pool instead of walks, and the pets end up catching ear and skin infections there. Animals don't drink enough water in air-conditioned houses and exhibit low-water-intake related-constipation and UTI issues alongside mobility issues. The animals may not have direct heatstroke, but the impact of heat persists."
Dr Mini Aravindan, senior director of veterinary services, PETA India, stated that during hot months, PETA India responds to at least one serious case of heatstroke every day, with many more during heat waves. "Now, air pollution is also seriously affecting animals and increasing our emergency cases. Poor air quality can cause irritation of eyes, nose, throat, coughing, gagging, wheezing, and difficulty breathing," she stated.
Dr Swali and Dr Pethe said they had been seeing five to seven cases of suspected heat-related illnesses per day, with the latter adding that of these, one or two were usually heatstroke-related. Dr Pethe said that the usual number of heat-related illnesses would be three to five. A private veterinarian said, "I usually see around 50 pets a day. However, with temperatures rising, the number has increased to around 70."
