Mysuru is grappling with a tragic series of pet deaths linked to intense summer heat, prompting urgent warnings from veterinarians and animal welfare officials. A seven-year-old golden retriever died after participating in a recent dog show, and a four-year-old beagle also succumbed to heat stroke in the city. Two more pets are in critical condition and receiving treatment at a private veterinary hospital.
Rising Heat-Related Illnesses in Pets
Veterinarians report a sharp increase in heat-related cases this year. Dr. Kiran Kundaragi, a veterinarian, told TOI that two to three pets suffering from heat stroke are brought to their clinic in west Mysuru every day over the past week. Many pet owners remain unaware of how quickly animals can succumb to extreme heat. Unlike humans, dogs lack sweat glands to regulate body temperature; they rely primarily on panting, which has limited effectiveness in severe heat.
Critical Condition of Hospitalized Pets
Dr. Kiran explained that severe heat can cause internal bleeding, kidney damage, multiple organ failure, and even death if treatment is delayed or ineffective. The two hospitalized pets have suffered kidney damage due to heat stroke. One was kept caged outside for several hours while the family attended a function, and another was forced to walk a long distance under the scorching sun.
Vulnerable Breeds and Precautions
Certain breeds are particularly vulnerable, especially short-muzzled dogs like pugs, shih tzus, and bulldogs, which struggle to cool themselves. Young and middle-aged dogs have also been affected. Pet owners are advised to avoid exposing animals to the sun between 11am and 5pm, keep them in cool, shaded, and well-ventilated spaces, and never confine them in covered cages without airflow. Providing ample drinking water, liquid-based food, sprinkling water on pets, and covering them with a wet cloth if they show signs of overheating are recommended.
Alert for Livestock and Stray Animals
The back-to-back pet deaths have put the animal husbandry and veterinary sciences department on alert. Mysuru district has about 470,000 cattle, nearly 400,000 goats and sheep, and over 100,000 stray dogs. Dr. Nagaraj, deputy director of the department, noted that the city is experiencing an unusually severe heatwave for the first time. He urged farmers and livestock owners not to leave animals outdoors until 4pm, as temperatures have risen abnormally, increasing heat stress risk. An average of six to seven complaints of cattle suffering from heat stroke are reported from each taluk. Officials said farmers can seek assistance through helpline 1962, and the district has 10 animal ambulances for emergency response.
