Veterinarians see rise in dehydration cases among animals in Bengaluru | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Is your pet drinking enough water this summer? As temperatures soar, veterinary clinics across the city are witnessing a sharp rise in dehydration cases, more than 10 per day.If left untreated, dehydration can lead to lethargy, heat stress, and even organ failure, putting pets at serious risk.Dr Ramesh Jangra, senior veterinarian at Cessna Lifeline Veterinary Hospital in Domlur, reported a 50% seasonal spike in dehydration cases. “There are two types of dehydration in dogs: clinical dehydration, caused by underlying diseases, and physiological dehydration, triggered by heat stress. In summer, pet owners often forget to provide adequate water. A missed water bowl, a long car ride without breaks, or simply underestimating the heat can prove dangerous,” he said.At Bangalore Pet Hospital in Whitefield, veterinary surgeon Dr Lohith H D said dehydration-related visits account for about 10% of their daily caseload, roughly 30 to 35 cases across their five centres. “Pets with existing health issues are even less capable of handling the heat,” he noted.Certain breeds are especially vulnerable. “Dogs with thick fur, particularly those bred for colder climates, struggle to regulate their body temperature. Dogs don’t sweat like humans, they cool off by panting. So, heavy breathing is often the first sign of overheating. Not all pets naturally drink enough water. “It’s more about habit than health. That’s why it’s important to encourage hydration from the puppy stage. If a pet resists, you can add flavour to water or provide food with higher moisture content.”Sometimes, dehydration signs are subtle. “We treat at least one or two cases daily,” said Dr Akshay Prakash, veterinarian and trustee of Sarvodaya Sevabhavi Samstha. “It’s not just the heat; delayed deworming or infections can also lead to dehydration. Small breeds, especially brachycephalic ones like pugs, are highly susceptible. These flat-nosed breeds already have respiratory challenges, and the heat exacerbates them. Since dogs rely on panting, not sweating, to cool down, their system can quickly fail in extreme heat.”The crisis isn’t limited to pets. Birds are also collapsing mid-flight due to heat stress. “This summer, black kite rescues have surged. We’re getting 15 to 20 distress calls daily,” said Colonel Dr Navaz Shariff, chief wildlife veterinarian at People for Animals (PFA) Wildlife Hospital. “Last summer, we received about 10 calls a day. Between March and May 10 this year, we rescued 894 birds — dehydration was responsible in 452 of those cases.”To support wildlife, PFA has revived its summer relief initiative, Operation Quench Thirst. “Every two days, we send a 6,000-litre water tanker to Turahalli and BM Kaval forests. These tankers refill around 30 concrete water points and dried-up water holes, with permission from Karnataka forest department,” Dr Shariff said.BOX: How to avoid dehydration among pets- Monitor water intake- Address ailments promptly- Check temperature regularly- Observe physical signs like panting- Provide cool, shaded rest areas- Carry a portable water bowl while travelling