Stray animals, particularly dogs, and cats are ubiquitous in many regions of the world. These animals are frequently observed roaming the streets in search of food and shelter, and in certain situations, they can be a nuisance or a risk to people. Regardless of the difficulties caused by stray animals, it is critical to be conscious of their condition and take action to assure their safety and well-being.
The fact that pet owners frequently leave their animals behind is one of the key causes of stray animals being so prevalent. Financial troubles, relocating, losing interest in the animal, and other factors can all contribute to this. When pets are left behind, they might wander the streets in search of food and water, or they might gather in packs and get aggressive.
The scorching summer months can be very difficult and risky for stray animals since they are frequently unable to find shelter or food and water. Although it is difficult to assist every animal in need, there are ways to care for stray animals and keep them safe during the summer.
For starters, it is critical to understand the regulations and laws of the area surrounding wild animals. To ensure that you are providing the best possible care for the animals whilst staying away from yourself in legal threat, research the feral animal legislation in your area.
If at all possible, stay away from the animals and instead feed and water them from a safe distance. This is particularly true for aggressive animals or animals who are sick or injured. Wear protective clothing, including gloves, and exercise caution when engaging with animals if you are confident handling them.
However, because of the intense heat and lack of food, stray animals are far more vulnerable during the summer. As responsible citizens, it is our responsibility to look after these helpless animals and give them the attention they need and deserve.
We’ll talk about how to care for stray animals throughout the summer and improve their quality of life in this blog.
1. Give them access to water
Water is essential for both humans and animals throughout the heat. Stray animals, especially dogs, and cats, frequently struggle to obtain clean and fresh water. As a result, they may become dehydrated and have health concerns.
To avoid this, provide fresh water dishes on your lawn or in public areas where stray animals congregate. Make sure to replace the water on a regular basis and to maintain the bowls clean. If possible, you can also add water fountains for the animals to drink from.
2. Consistently provide food
Summertime is a challenging time for stray animals to find food. They find it more challenging to forage or scrounge for food as the temperature rises. Spread grains like rice, bajra or channa on your rooftop or you can hang a mud pot/container filled with grains in your balcony for birds to eat.
You can feed them frequently to make sure they don’t go without food.
You can set out dry food dishes on your lawn or in public places where stray animals congregate. Additionally, you can assist a nearby animal rescue group by volunteering or giving food to animal shelters.
3. Give them some shade
Animals may struggle to survive the summer’s scorching heat. Stray animals frequently comb the area for shade from the sun. If they have access to shade, their lives will improve significantly.
Boxes of cardboard or old sheets can be used to make temporary shelters in areas where stray animals congregate. Old blankets and sheets can also be donated to animal shelters to act as bedding for the animals.
4. Look out for fleas and ticks
When the temperature is high in the summer, the danger of parasite illnesses rises. If left untreated, fleas and ticks can quickly bury themselves inside an animal’s coat and lead to serious conditions like Lyme disease. Animals can contract infections and experience excruciating suffering from other parasites like flies and mosquitoes.
5. Keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke
Animals frequently experience summertime issues like heatstroke. Excessive panting, vomiting, and lethargic behavior are signs of heatstroke. It’s critical to respond quickly if you observe any of these signs in a stray animal.
If the animal needs medical attention, you can take it to a vet or an animal shelter. To help them lower their body temperature in the interim, you can give them iced water and damp towels.
6. Provide assistance to animal welfare organizations
There are numerous animal rescue groups and shelters that are constantly in need of volunteers and contributions. Spend some time investigating neighborhood groups you can participate in and support. Summertime strays can benefit greatly from financial contributions as well as the provision of essentials like food, bedding, and everyday care supplies.
Consider doing your part to assist by providing stray animals with care throughout the summer months. Taking care of animals is not only a good deed; it also contributes to their safety and health at a time when they are most vulnerable.
7. Keep Strays Safe and Out of Harm’s Way
The last, and perhaps most important, step we can take to help strays is to ensure their safety. Many strays become targets of animal abusers, so it’s important to watch out for them and report any suspicious activity.
By being mindful of our four-legged friends who live and survive on the streets, and taking steps to help them, we can ensure that even strays can enjoy a safe and happy summer.
