This summer, keeping dogs in air-conditioned rooms is a better option than taking them out on afternoon walks.

Veterinary experts in the city warn that heat strokes are very common among canines during these 40-degree-plus summer days. Extreme heat and extreme cold conditions are not at all suitable to canines, because it raises chances of external parasite attacks.

Ajit Kumar, the secretary of the Canine Club of Bihar and a veterinary doctor, said pet owners should consult experts for advice on keeping ticks and fleas at bay.

He said ticks and fleas cause potential deadly infection among pets.

“During summer, the attack of external parasites like tick and mites on canines is very common. Because of the parasite attack, canines lose their appetite and so they do not take food properly. Parasite attacks, coupled with heat stroke, could be very harmful for canines because they become extremely weak if they are in the grip of both. So pet owners have to take care of the sanitation in an effort to save canines from the parasite attack. Anti-tick medicines are available in the market that could be given to canines. But before giving them anti-tick medicines, expert consultation is a must. One should check with the veterinary doctor whether his/her canine could be given an anti-tick medicine at a specific time,” said Kumar.

Rakesh Kumar, another veterinary doctor, said: “The food given to a dog should not be kept in the open for hours. If the canine does not take the meal, the food should be removed. Keeping it in the open would turn the food stale. Canines should also be given drinking water from time to time. It would be best if water is kept in a bowl in front of them always and it should be fresh. Intake of water can save canines from heat strokes. People can also give oral rehydration solutions to dogs.”

Owners are also taking measures to save their pets from heat strokes and other related ailments during summer. Archana Katiyar, a resident of Patliputra Colony, said: “The veterinary doctor has told me not to bathe my two-year-old German Shepherd frequently in a day because it can harm him. I have been asked to rather opt for cold sponge several times a day and I have stuck to the doctor’s recommendations because I do not want my pet to suffer. He is like my second child.”

Anmol Singh (14), a resident of Boring Road, said: “Last summer, I used to completely trim my dog’s hair so that he would not feel the heat but the veterinary doctor I consulted a few days ago asked me not to trim his hair because it can affect his health. The doctor has told me my dog might get sunburnt so I have changed my plan of trimming his hair.”