Hyderabad summers are brutal — temperatures regularly breach 40–45°C between March and June. For dogs and cats, this extreme heat poses serious risks including heatstroke, dehydration, and paw pad burns. Here is MrVet Hospitals’ comprehensive guide to keeping your pets safe through the Hyderabad summer.
Book a summer wellness check at MrVet
Recognising heatstroke in dogs and cats — emergency signs
- Excessive panting and drooling (dogs) or open-mouth breathing (cats — always abnormal)
- Bright red or pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Stumbling, disorientation, or collapse
- Rapid heart rate
If you suspect heatstroke — move your pet to a cool area immediately and call MrVet Hospitals on +91 96767 55544. Do NOT pour ice cold water on them. Use cool (not cold) water and seek veterinary attention urgently.
Daily summer care tips for dogs in Hyderabad
- Walk only in the early morning (before 8am) or after sunset — avoid 10am–6pm heat
- Check pavement temperature with your palm before walks — if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws
- Always carry fresh water on walks
- Provide a cool, shaded indoor space — air conditioning or a fan
- Offer ice cubes as treats — many dogs love them
- Consider a cooling mat or wet towel for large dogs
- Never leave your dog in a parked car — temperatures inside can reach 60°C within minutes
Summer care for cats in Hyderabad
- Keep cats indoors during peak heat hours
- Ensure multiple water bowls around the home — cats do not drink enough and are prone to dehydration
- Use ceramic water bowls — they keep water cooler than plastic
- Brush regularly to remove excess fur and improve airflow through the coat
- Watch for lethargy or reduced appetite — signs of heat stress
Breeds at highest risk in Hyderabad summers
- Brachycephalic dogs: Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus — their restricted airways make breathing harder in heat
- Brachycephalic cats: Persian cats, Scottish Folds
- Heavy-coated breeds: Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds
- Overweight pets — excess body fat increases heat retention
Hydration tips for pets in summer
Dehydration is a real risk in Hyderabad summers. A healthy dog should drink approximately 50ml of water per kg of body weight per day. A 10kg dog needs 500ml (half a litre) minimum. Cats are notoriously poor drinkers — try wet food during summer months to increase moisture intake.
MrVet summer wellness check — what it includes
Our summer wellness check covers: body condition scoring, hydration assessment, paw pad examination, dental check, parasite (tick and flea) review, and vaccination status update. It is the ideal way to start the summer season with confidence.
Book a summer pet health check at MrVet Gachibowli
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Frequently asked questions
Q: What temperature is dangerous for dogs in Hyderabad?
A: Any temperature above 38–39°C ambient air (combined with high humidity) poses risk, especially for brachycephalic breeds and thick-coated dogs. When Hyderabad hits 42–45°C, all outdoor activity should be minimised.
Q: Can dogs get sunburned in Hyderabad?
A: Yes, especially dogs with short white or thin coats, pink skin, and exposed areas (nose, ears, belly). Limit sun exposure and ask your vet about pet-safe sunscreen for at-risk dogs.
Q: How do I know if my cat is dehydrated in summer?
A: Check the skin tent test — gently pinch the scruff; if it stays tented rather than snapping back, your cat may be dehydrated. Sunken eyes and dry gums are also signs. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect dehydration.
