India’s rising temperatures are affecting more than daily routines and electricity bills. They are also changing the way pet owners think about their animals’ health, comfort and nutrition.
With
heatwaves becoming longer and more intense across several parts of the country, many pet parents are paying closer attention to how summer weather affects their dogs. The result is a growing interest in products designed to support hydration, cooling and overall wellbeing during the hottest months of the year.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
According to Sumant Bhargava, mentor and spokesperson for Frostreats, India’s first gourmet dog ice cream brand, the shift reflects a broader evolution in the country’s pet-care landscape.
“People who have pets are also thinking about how to keep them comfortable. When it gets really hot for a time, which is happening more often, people who have pets are worried about their pets’ wellbeing all the time, not just sometimes,” Bhargava tells Firstpost.
ALSO READ:
Travel trends 2026: Travellers are planning holidays around their pets (numbers prove it!)
Why heat can be particularly difficult for dogs
Unlike humans, dogs have limited ways to regulate their body temperature. As temperatures climb, they can become dehydrated, fatigued and vulnerable to heat-related stress. That growing awareness is influencing purchasing decisions.
“Dogs are really sensitive to high temperatures. Dogs do not have the ability as people to keep their body temperature normal, so they get dehydrated and tired easily when it is hot. Dogs also get stressed because of the heat,” says Bhargava.
ALSO READ:
Man’s best friend: How dogs are helping people destress even more than expected
Veterinarians have long advised pet owners to avoid peak afternoon walks, ensure access to fresh water and monitor pets for signs of overheating. Increasingly, however, pet owners are also looking at dietary solutions that may help their animals stay comfortable during summer.
The rise of summer-focused pet products
As awareness grows, so does demand for specialised products tailored to warmer weather. Bhargava points to increasing interest in categories such as hydration supplements, functional treats, cooling snacks, ice lollies and specially formulated frozen desserts for dogs.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
“This evolution is also encouraging innovation across categories, with growing interest in products such as enriched hydration solutions, functional treats, ice lollies, and even specially formulated ice creams designed to help dogs stay comfortable during warmer months,” he explains.
ALSO READ:
Is your pet just moody or facing a mental health crisis
The trend mirrors developments in human wellness, where consumers increasingly seek products designed around specific health needs rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Pet owners are asking more questions
Industry observers say today’s pet parents are far more informed than they were a decade ago. Instead of simply purchasing treats or food, many are scrutinising ingredient lists, nutritional value and manufacturing standards.
“This demand is not about people spoiling their pets. It is about people taking care of their pets,” says Bhargava. “Now people who have pets are asking what is in the food, if it is good for their pets and how it is made. They want to know what they are giving their pets just like they want to know what they are giving their family.”
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
That shift is helping fuel demand for premium pet-care products, from nutrition and supplements to hydration-focused treats.
A broader change in India’s pet-care industry
The growth of premium pet wellness products reflects a larger transformation underway in the sector. For many urban households, pets are increasingly viewed as family members rather than simply companion animals. As a result, spending decisions are being driven by health and quality considerations rather than convenience alone.
“People who own pets are not just looking for products that work. They want things that are safe, of good quality and really get what their pets need,” Bhargava says.
The result is a market increasingly focused on preventive care, specialised nutrition and products designed around specific health concerns.
More than a seasonal trend
While heatwaves may be accelerating demand, Bhargava believes the underlying shift is likely to outlast summer.
“The fact that people are buying high-quality pet products shows that people are taking pet care more seriously,” he says. “As the weather keeps changing, people will start thinking about keeping their pets healthy, comfortable and happy, not just making sure they have the basics.”
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
For the pet-care industry, that means adapting to a consumer base that is becoming more informed, more selective and more invested in the long-term wellbeing of their animals.
“Heatwaves are making things change faster,” Bhargava says. “The big change is really about people who have pets. These pet owners are learning more. They really want to make good choices for their pets.”
As another summer of record temperatures unfolds, that growing focus on pet wellness may prove to be one of the more unexpected ways climate and consumer behaviour are beginning to intersect.
Follow Firstpost on Google for the latest lifestyle updates including stories on travel and tourism, culture, health, and more. Stay informed with in-depth coverage of global developments, right from geopolitics and diplomacy to major world news with the latest perspectives, only on Firstpost.
First Published:
June 11, 2026, 10:03 IST
End of Article
