Mumbai: The scorching heat has taken a toll on Mumbaikars’ pets, what with 50 dogs, 27 cats, cattle, and 65 different species of birds currently being treated at the trust-run Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals (BSDPHA) i.e. animal hospital at Parel.
According to data provided by the Parel veterinary hospital, more than 100 animals, including dogs, cats and birds are suffering from heat stroke and dehydration. Veterinarians treating these animals said that for the past two months, fluctuating temperatures have led to more animals being admitted to the hospital this year for treatment.
Colonel (Dr) J.C. Khanna, secretary and in-charge of the hospital, said, “The number has increased this year, as the animals have been diagnosed with dehydration at the hospital. Along with five cows, around 65 birds have been treated at the hospital. Birds such as pigeons, doves, cuckoos, crows, owls and parrots have been most affected with heat-related issues. Birds suffer from fever, skin diseases, vomiting and dizziness due to excessive heat.
“Most of the pets who are suffering from heat-related issues are being treated here. Stray dogs and cats are used to it or simply suffer from heat problems,” he said.
The climate has led to health problems such as difficulty in breathing, diarrhoea, dehydration, vomiting, lips turning white, low levels of fluid in the body, and slow heartbeat. Over the past one month, the hospital has seen a 10-15 per cent increase in the number of cases of heat exhaustion.
