The raising temperature is becomming hot for animals too in Hyderabad

With mercury levels soaring in the city, not only people but animals too are having a tough time.

The city's veterinary doctors are each treating at least five animals a day for sunstroke. According to them, most animals are sensitive to extreme heat conditions and often fall ill. "Exotic animals like white tigers, orangutans, chimpanzees, columbus monkeys, elephants and pumas are highly sensitive to heat. Birds are the worst hit as they can't tolerate the rise in temperatures," says Dr. Md. Abdul Hakeem, Assistant Director, Nehru Zoological Park.

Even pet dogs and cats are vulnerable to sunstroke. The symptoms of sunstroke in animals are severe fever, vomiting, salivation and sudden unconsciousness. "This year many cases of sunstroke were reported because the city has become a concrete jungle and temperatures are rising year after year," says Dr. Krishna, Claws and Paws clinic.

Animals feel better in the evenings as it is relatively cooler. "Since our dogs are inactive all day in summers, doctors advised us to keep them in a cool place. So we let them sleep in an air-conditioned room," said N.S.J. Srikar, a resident of Tirumalgiri. However, stray dogs and cats are resistant to extreme heat conditions.

Meanwhile in the zoo, officials maintained that no animal deaths due to heat were reported this year. "We have installed sprinklers in cages and even air-coolers to keep the temperature under control. We have also roofed the cages of birds with tunga grass, to keep away the heat and the roof is regularly watered. Adequate drinking water is being supplied to the animals," Mr. Md. Abdul Hakeem said.

However, he admitted that some animals have fallen ill this year and are being treated at the Zoo but are being looked after. In the case of pet animals suffering from sunstroke, doctors blame the pet owners. They complained that most people leave their pets outdoors when they are at work, which results in severe discomfort to the animals. Dr. Jacob Mathew, Good Shepherd Poly clinic in Tirumalgiri advises that pets should be given vitamin supplements to keep them active in summers.

Source: Deccan Chronicle