Dehydration and reduced water intake are also aggravating related illnesses such as tick fever and kidney complicationsAhmedabad: A week ago, an Ahmedabad resident took his labrador for a walk around noon. Within minutes, the otherwise active dog suddenly collapsed and had to be rushed to a veterinary clinic. The veterinarian found the dog’s body temperature to be extremely high and immediately placed him in a tub of cold water to bring down the temperature before administering fluids and medication.In peak summer months, when temperatures rise above 42°C in the city, it is not just humans but even pedigree dogs that fall prey to extreme dehydration and related conditions such as seizures, kidney ailments, blood pressure fluctuation and heatstroke. Veterinary doctors in the city said they are reporting nearly 40-50 such cases every month.“Just like electrolyte imbalance and low water intake cause dehydration in humans, pedigree dogs suffer similarly. We have been attending to at least one such case every day. This is more commonly seen in large-breed dogs,” said Dr Yash Patel, co-founder of Bowsome Small Animal Hospital.“Dogs kept outdoors for long durations are particularly vulnerable during the current heatwave. Dehydration and reduced water intake are also aggravating related illnesses such as tick fever and kidney complications,” he added.Pet clinics and animal hospitals said several dogs are being brought in with symptoms ranging from excessive panting, vomiting and lethargy to sudden collapse and seizure-like episodes linked to heat stress. Veterinary experts noted that the situation has become more concerning over the past few weeks as daytime temperatures continue to remain high and humidity levels rise.Animal welfare organisations are also witnessing a rise in heatstroke-related emergencies among stray and rescued animals during the ongoing heatwave.“We treat nearly 100 animals every day, mostly dogs and cats, and a significant number are now coming in with heat-related distress. Many arrive with body temperatures touching 108°F, excessive salivation, rapid heartbeat and complete loss of coordination in their limbs. Some animals are recumbent and require immediate cooling through cold packs, oxygen support and ICU care to stabilise them. One dog is still under treatment for severe heatstroke and neurological complications,” said Gira Shah, trustee of Jivdaya Charitable Trust.Doctors said breeds with thick fur coats, short snouts and underlying neurological conditions are among the most vulnerable. Flat-faced breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and shih tzus, along with large breeds such as labradors, Siberian huskies and St Bernards, are especially susceptible because they struggle to regulate body temperature efficiently.Experts explained that severe heat stress can trigger abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to seizures in some cases. Dogs already suffering from idiopathic epilepsy or neurological disorders are at greater risk, as high temperatures can lower their seizure threshold.Dr Hiren Thakkar, founder of Sneh Pet Clinic in Ahmedabad, said heatstroke cases in dogs are often accompanied by severe neurological symptoms once body temperatures cross 106°F or 107°F. “In many cases, the dogs become numb or inactive and tend to collapse. We usually conduct blood tests and can see creatinine levels rising due to electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Heatstroke can also lead to acute kidney failure, especially among dogs aged four to five years,” he said.“While some recover with timely treatment, delayed intervention can result in secondary kidney damage. Cases are being reported in pedigree dogs across age groups,” he added.
