How to Protect Your Dog & Cat During a North India Heatwave

When temperatures in Ghaziabad and Delhi NCR cross 40°C, our clinic starts receiving heatstroke emergencies — and most of them were preventable. I recently discussed this with The Indian Express: how heatwaves affect pets of different sizes. Here is the practical, at-home version of that advice.

Why pets overheat faster than humans

Dogs and cats barely sweat — they cool themselves mainly by panting. In extreme humidity and heat, panting stops working. Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Shih Tzus, Persians), thick-coated breeds (Huskies, German Shepherds), overweight pets, seniors and puppies are at the highest risk.

The golden rules for heatwave days

• Walk before 7 AM or after 7 PM. Do the 5-second test: if the road is too hot for the back of your hand, it will burn paw pads.
• Never leave a pet in a parked car. Even 5 minutes can be fatal — car interiors cross 50°C shockingly fast.
• Multiple water bowls, refreshed twice a day. Add one in every room your pet uses.
• Cool the floor, not just the air. A wet towel or cotton mat on the floor helps pets dump heat through their belly.
• Shift meals to cooler hours and expect slightly lower appetite — that is normal in peak summer.

Recognising heatstroke — act in minutes

Watch for: frantic panting, thick drooling, bright-red gums, vomiting, wobbly walking, or collapse.

What about desert coolers and ACs?

Both are fine. If you use a cooler, keep ventilation good — humidity makes panting less effective. A fan pointed at floor level where the pet lies is a simple, effective upgrade.