Giving Tommy a break

COME SUMMER, it is time to pack your bags and head for cool climes. But what about Tommy at home ? Does he also get a break from the hot weather?Pets may be uncomplaining companions, but they hate dog days just as much as their masters do. Many kind masters are unaware that they can help their animal friends cool off.

Some pet species require additional care, mainly hairy breeds such as Lhasa Apso, Pomeranian, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever and Spitz.

Two pomeranians and a Lhasa Apso are part of the family of Mr. S. Subramanian of Shastri Nagar, Adyar for a decade.

Vegetarian diet is given to his pets regularly. A half-an-hour walk during morning and evenings, the animals are quiet healthy, he says.

Summer means an indoor spell for the pets, throughout the day, says Mrs. Subramanian.Grooming keeps the pets ship shape, even in torrid weather. As the animals do not have sweat glands, they dissipate heat through their mouth, making them salivate a lot. Pet owners have to give enough water to their animal companions, depending upon the weight and size of the animal, says Dr. Paul Fredrick of Pets and Vets. A pet that tips the scales at 15 kg, needs 350 ml of water a day.

Trim the hair during summer, when flies and ticks swarm the animal. Even a small abrasion can lead to harm from these insects. Taking a close look for the flies and ticks becomes tough, if the hair is not sheared properly. Besides, regular shearing of pets helps avoid hair fall which is difficult for everyone at home, says another veterinarian.

Pomeranians are not those who cannot spare the time for frequent grooming, says PETWORLD, a pet magazine. This particular species has two coats - a short, fluffy undercoat and a long, straight topcoat. Frequent brushing with a stiff brush is a must, it says. The coat should be damped with cold water and the moisture rubbed in with the fingertips. Summer water difficulties should not be a cause for worry. Bathing is enough if it is done once in a week for pets. If the pet is bathed everyday, the natural body scent vanishes with bad results. Ms. Sagarika Mohanty, a class XII student of Alwarpet area has a ten-year-old Lhasa Apso at home, a close member of the family which is cared for constantly. Summer means once a month bath and powdering for her pet.

For those who have parrots, budgerigars and love birds, the cages should be kept in cool places. Providing additional feed with rooted seeds and sprinkling water around the cage is an important aspect, says Mr. N. Krishnakumar, Director, Aringnar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur.Add some succulent fruits such as orange, cucumber and limes and see the birds through the hot weeks comfortably. A teaspoon of vegetable oil is good for them. This helps in preventing summer stress. Vets say water should be kept in fixed bowls to avoid pets splashing water and lying on it, as this can cause skin lesions.

By P. Oppili

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