Why this guide
Kolkata's climate, density and street life expose pets to risks most ownership manuals don't cover. This guide is the version we'd give a friend just bringing home a new dog or cat.
Heat (March – June)
Avoid afternoon walks. Tar pavements and concrete radiate heat for hours after sunset; the asphalt rule is simple — if you can't keep your bare hand on the pavement for ten seconds, neither can your dog's paws.
- Walk between 6–8 AM and after 7 PM only.
- Carry water on every walk.
- Brachycephalic breeds (Pug, Bulldog, Persian cat) handle heat poorly. AC or fans + ventilation indoors during peak hours.
- Never leave a pet in a parked car. Even with windows cracked, even briefly. Internal temperatures climb to lethal levels in under ten minutes.
- Watch for: heavy panting, drooling, glazed eyes, vomiting. These are early heatstroke. Cool with room-temperature (not ice) water and drive to the vet immediately.
Monsoon (June – September)
The rains create a different set of hazards.
- Leptospirosis is endemic. Spread by rat urine in standing water. Vaccinate annually — non-negotiable in Kolkata.
- Tick boom. Year-round preventives, every month.
- Fungal skin infections. Towel-dry thoroughly after every walk. Don't let damp coats sit.
- Electrocution risk. Waterlogged streets plus exposed wires — know your route, avoid puddled lanes.
- Snake displacement. Storm runoff flushes snakes from drains. Keep pets on leash; avoid tall grass.
Traffic
Kolkata roads are not a forgiving environment. Always leashed when outside the gate. ID tag with your phone number on the collar — not just on the harness, which can slip. Microchipping is the only reliable identification if a pet bolts.
Household toxins
Common household items that hospitalise pets every month:
- Chocolate — toxic dose is lower than people realise. Dark chocolate is the worst.
- Onions, garlic, leeks — toxic to both dogs and cats. Watch leftover dal, curries, biryani.
- Grapes and raisins — kidney failure in dogs.
- Xylitol — sugar-free gum, mints, peanut butter. Severe hypoglycaemia.
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) — fatal in cats, toxic in dogs. Never give human painkillers.
- Naphthalene mothballs — neurological toxicity.
- Phenyl-based floor cleaners — irritant; ventilate while cleaning, keep pets off wet floors.
- Indoor plants — lilies (especially) for cats; pothos, philodendron, dieffenbachia, oleander.
- Rat poison — keep out of reach, and keep snap-traps inaccessible to pets too.
If you suspect ingestion, call us immediately. Bring the packaging or a photo if possible.
Festivals
- Diwali — fireworks anxiety. Plan two weeks ahead. Walk before sunset, close windows, calming background, stay home, anti-anxiety medication if your pet has a history of severe reactions.
- Holi — coloured powders and water, however organic the marketing claim, are skin and eye irritants. Keep pets indoors.
At home with kids
Supervise. Teach kids never to disturb a pet that's eating, sleeping, or in a crate. Crates are safe spaces — never a punishment. Bites at home are almost always preventable with adult supervision.
When to call us
Anytime, really. We'd rather you call about something minor than wait on something serious. Numbers are on the contact page; emergency cover is on the emergency page.
