Plate of nutrition for your pet pals: What should make the cut?
Intense heatwave has already gripped many parts of the country, and much like us humans, our furry friends also experience a great degree of discomfort in the hot summer months. Pet owners must watch out for signs of dehydration, such as dry nose, panting, lethargy and sunken eyes, among others as the temperature goes up. While physical activity and walks are must for dogs, an appropriate timing (early morning or late evening) should be kept in mind while taking them outside in order to prevent them from suffering a heatstroke or sunburn.
A change in diet is also recommended for pets in summer. More natural coolants and those rich in probiotics should be given to them. Watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, curd, buttermilk are some of the summerfriendly foods that will help your pet avoid digestive troubles as well as heatrelated illnesses. It is also important to know the foods that will create trouble for
AVOID FURRY FEEDING FOOD THAT BABIES NATURE IN WARM TO DIFFICULT IS AND SUMMER IN DIGEST SAY MONTHS, VETERINARIANS
your pets and those which must be avoided.
Dr Dilip Sonune, a veterinarian, suggests some foods that pet parents should steer clear of for the overall well-being of their furry babies.
OATS, JOWAR
Some grains such as oats, jowar and ragi are warmer in nature and hence, should be avoided. Instead, go for grains such as barley and buckwheat, as they are considered to be cooling in nature.
SQUASH, SWEET POTATO
Vegetables like squash and sweet potatoes should be avoided. You can add washed and boiled vegetables like carrots and broccoli to your pet’s diet instead.
MUTTON AND LAMB
Chicken and turkey are white meats and cooling for pets, as compared to red meats such as mutton and lamb. Most pet diets include chicken as the main source of protein. Pet parents can go for wet food for pets, which is nutritionally balanced, vetapproved and is not too bodyheating for pets.
OILY FISH
Forms of oily fish like tuna should be avoided during summers. They are warm in nature and make for good foods in the winters, but not in summers. In addition to that, anchovy and pheasant should be avoided, too. If your pets have lost their appetite. you may want to consider giving them cooling proteins like duck or opt for varieties of freshwater fish such as rohu and white fish, among others.