With temperatures routinely crossing 40 degrees Celsius, veterinarians are reporting a sharp rise in cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, often triggered by afternoon walks, short outdoor errands, or prolonged exposure to heat-retaining surfaces. Mumbai-based veterinarian Michelle Simoes warns us regarding the same.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Brush-youc_e.jpg" alt="Brush the coat of your pet regularly to keep it airy" width="1280" height="720" /> Brush the coat of your pet regularly to keep it airy
&ldquo;The earliest sign would be excessive panting, much more than what you normally observe in your pet. If you touch their head, it will feel significantly hotter than usual, and their temperature can range between 106 and 108 degrees, which already indicates a heat stroke,&rdquo; she adds.
<h2>Dogs</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Dog-drinking-water_e.jpg" alt="Keep water handy on walks in case your dog feels thirsty" width="1280" height="720" /> Keep water handy on walks in case your dog feels thirsty
A major misconception is that unlike breed dogs indie dogs are naturally heat-tolerant. &ldquo;That is not true at all. All breeds, including indies, are equally prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke,&rdquo; Simoes clarifies. As summers are equally stressful for pets, prevention is better than cure.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Drinking-water_e.jpg" alt="Keep water bowls everywhere around the house to encourage drinking water" width="1280" height="720" /> Keep water bowls everywhere around the house to encourage drinking water
&ldquo;Heat stress in pets can worsen within minutes, so early prevention is always better than emergency treatment,&rdquo; explains Simoes. Walks should be restricted to early mornings or evenings, avoiding hot pavements and surfaces that can injure paws.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Walking-dogs_e.jpg" alt="Walk your furry friends on grass to protect them from damaging their paws from excess heat. Pics courtesy/Wikimedia Commons" width="1280" height="720" /> Walk your furry friends on grass to protect them from damaging their paws from excess heat. Pics courtesy/Wikimedia Commons
Indoors, keep spaces cool with ventilation, shade, and cooling mats, and ensure constant access to fresh water. Frozen fruits, treats or hydrating foods can help maintain body temperature.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Michelle-Simoes_e.jpg" alt="Michelle Simoes" width="1280" height="720" /> Michelle Simoes
<h2>Cats</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Oats-carrot-frozen_e.jpg" alt="Frozen treats to cool body temperature " width="1280" height="720" /> Frozen treats to cool body temperature
Cats, meanwhile, often suffer silently because symptoms are less visible. &ldquo;Owners should avoid allowing cats to sit in direct sunlight through windows. Increasing wet food intake helps improve hydration, and regular grooming is important to reduce heat retention in their coat. Sponge them with a wet cloth once a week and ensure daily grooming during peak summer,&rdquo; Simoes emphasises. Simoes concludes with simple advice, &ldquo;If the ground is too hot for your hand, it is definitely too hot for their paws.&rdquo;
<h2>Cool shop-hop</h2>
Cold your tongue
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Cool-lick_e.jpg" alt="Pic courtesy/Basil cool licks" width="1280" height="720" /> Pic courtesy/Basil cool licks
Basil&rsquo;s &lsquo;Cool Lick&rsquo; is the perfectly sweet summer treat for your pet. With added probiotics, your pet can indulge in their cravings without compromising on health. AT LOG ON TO basilpetcare.com COST Rs 89
Mat matters
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Supertails-cooling-mat_e.jpg" alt="Pic courtesy/supertails " width="1280" height="720" /> Pic courtesy/supertails&nbsp;
Overheating shouldn&rsquo;t be a problem for your fur babies this summer as Supertail&rsquo;s wide range of cooling mats and bandanas assure comfort even in the sweltering heat. LOG ON TO supertails.com COST Rs 451 onwards
Splash at home
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Cooling-bed_e.jpg" alt="Pic courtesy/Tilting head " width="1280" height="720" /> Pic courtesy/Tilting head
A cooling bed is your pet&rsquo;s best friend this summer as it lets them step inside the pool without stepping outside the house. Filled with floating toys, this bed ensures that your pet gets their adequate amount of indoor playtime. LOG ON TO tiltingheads.com COST Rs 2499
Paw-safe
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Protective-boots_e.jpg" alt="Pics courtesy/Dogs World" width="1280" height="720" /> Pics courtesy/Dogs World
Struggling to walk your pet in Mumbai&rsquo;s heat? These protective boots might come in handy as they not only protect their delicate paws from hot pavements but also aid in the safe healing of any injuries your pet may have earned during playtime. AT Dogs World, Manpada, Thane West. COST Rs 650
Frosty fetches
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Cooling-chew-toy_e.jpg" alt="Pic courtesy/Just Dogs" width="1280" height="720" /> Pic courtesy/Just Dogs
Upgrade your pets chew toy to cooler options. Find FoFo&rsquo;s cooling branch, a silicon toy filled with cooling gel, so summer won&rsquo;t stop you and your fuzzball from still playing fetch. AT Just Dogs, Juhu Princess building, Juhu. COST Rs 585
<h2>5-step simple doggy ice cream</h2>
&gt;&gt; Blend together banana, curd, and a few watermelon pieces &gt;&gt; Add a little water if the mixture is too thick &gt;&gt; Pour the mix into an ice tray or small cups &gt;&gt; Freeze for 4 to 5 hours until solid &gt;&gt; Serve a small portion as a cooling summer treat

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