Urgent Advisory: Heat Threatens Animals

Mumbai – As temperatures soar, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India is offering life-saving tips on caring for animals.

Keep dog companions inside: Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads, and they cool themselves by panting. Soaring temperatures can cause heat stress and physical injuries – including brain damage – and can result in death. 

Avoid leaving animals in parked cars: Never leave a dog inside a parked car in warm weather, even for short periods and even if the windows are slightly open. Even on a mild 21-degree day, the temperature inside a car can climb rapidly, reaching a dangerous 37 degrees. On a 32-degree day, interior car temperatures can reach 42 degrees. Dogs trapped inside a car can succumb to heatstroke within minutes – even if the car isn’t parked in direct sunlight. 

Keep water outdoors: Place mud pots filled with cool, clean water outside your home or at places where there are homeless or working animals. Inexpensive mud pots will help keep the water cool and won’t tip over.  

Provide birds with water: Place bowls on window sills, balconies, and terraces and in gardens. Change the water regularly. 

Give working animals a break: Ask animal-cart drivers using bullocks, donkeys, or other animals to give the animals a rest, especially during the afternoon heat, and help the animals cool off by gently spraying water on them. 

Give a treat: Feed working animals fruit for a sweet treat. 

Stay alert and save a life: Keep an eye on all animals you see outdoors. Make sure they have adequate water and shelter. If you find an animal in distress, contact a veterinarian or animal welfare organisation right away and give the animal water for immediate relief. Contact PETA India’s emergency response team on 9820122602 if necessary. Do not leave the animal’s side before help arrives. 

“Many animals suffer in India’s heat,” says PETA India Director of Veterinary Services Dr Mini Aravindan. “You can help them weather the high temperatures by following our tips and volunteering with your local animal-protection group.”