Bhubaneswar: Odisha is experiencing the worst possible heatwave and citizens all are chalking out their best-known life hacks and household hacks to beat the heat. But, what about other dwellers who cannot express their discomfort like us. We are talking about voiceless animals who are prone to heat-related illnesses like dehydration, overheating, paw burns from hot surfaces, and heat stroke.
Stray animals are suffering the most during summer. Human beings are blessed with homes but things are not the same for the strays outside homes. Here’s how we can make summers a little easier for the stray animals who do not have a house. There are hundreds of other ways to contribute to the cause and make life easier for the strays. We can partner with local animal organizations, volunteer to help and donate to animal shelters. Not having the time or resources to help these vulnerable animals is no excuse. So let’s promise to follow these tips this summer to help the strays beat the heat.
Offer Water to Strays
It is incredibly tough for stray animals to find water in summer to quench their thirst. In urban settings, animals may have to walk miles to spot a puddle of water to drink. Place a bowl of clean water outside your house.
Give Them Shelter
The best way to keep stray animals safe from heatwave is to bring the shade to them. For instance, one can make use of old cardboard boxes and cloth material to craft temporary shade spots for dogs and cats. Creating shade around the house is an achievable target. Shade is essential to help the strays beat the heat. However, we should ensure the shelter is in a shaded area that provides adequate ventilation to keep the strays cool.
Look Before You Drive
Stray animals often take shelter under cars and parked vehicles as it provides them with shade. Several times they don’t know when you’re starting your car and rushing off, and get hurt or run over. Before you enter your car, check underneath it for animals and greet them. It’s a small effort, but it can save a stray’s life.
Pay Extra Care To Young Animals
Puppies, kittens and calves may have a tougher time than adult animals to beat the heat. Keep an eye out for excessive heat exhaustion, panting, drooling or general signs of discomfort, pain and distress. It’s always handy to have the contact numbers of your local animal shelters, vets and rescuers to reach out for help whenever you spot an animal in need of medical aid.
Provide a Helping Hand
While not all of you may be as concerned for animals as others, it wouldn’t hurt us to check up on our community animals occasionally. They can suffer from paw burns or heatstrokes and might need immediate veterinary help. Look for signs of illness like lethargy, panting, or excessive thirst. If you notice any health issues, consider online consultations with vets or visit them in severe cases. A small act of kindness can go a long way toward making a difference in the lives of strays.
Raise Awareness
Raising awareness about the importance of caring for strays during summer is crucial. It is to help ensure that these animals receive the care they need to stay healthy and safe. We can raise awareness by spreading the word on social media so that more people can participate in the initiative.
