The heatwave in Bengal refuses to relent, making us reach out for that glass of cool water and making sure we carry our umbrella or shades if we do have to step out. While it is important to take care of yourselves and your families, do spare a thought for our stray friends, who have no shelter from the scorching sun. Dogs, cats, cows and birds are among the most vulnerable.
My Kolkata lists a few ways to help the animals in distress due to the rising mercury.
Reduce pruning
Pruning removes the shelter that birds get from leaves Shutterstock
One sure way to help birds in the scorching sun is to reduce pruning. Pruning is the art of cutting leaves so trees become smaller. It is harmful because it removes the shelter that birds get from leaves. So, if you see any pruning happening in your area, try putting a stop to it. The birds will thank you.
Water bowls
Placing water bowls will help animals and birds quench their thirst when they need it the most Shutterstock
Place water bows at strategic places for birds, cats, cows and dogs. These animals have no access to water and they suffer immensely because of it. Placing water bowls will help them quench their thirst when they need it the most. You can add a spoon of non-flavoured ORS powder — don’t use the liquid ORS that come in cartons — in the water bowls for animals, since it helps them replenish salts in the heat.
Coconut shelter
Making coconut shell shelters for birds is an easy DIY project Shutterstock
This is an easy DIY project. Take a coconut, drink the water, and eat the flesh inside. Then, scoop out the remaining so it becomes hollow. This can now be used as a bird shelter. This shelter can be put up anywhere so birds can use it happily. Remember to empty the coconut completely so birds can use it well.
Food bowls
Avoid putting cooked food in bowls outside since there are chances of it going bad or dry in the sun outside Shutterstock
Keep food readily available outside, preferably in shady places, so animals can feed. For dogs and cats you can use regular dog or cat feed, for cows you can use grass and for birds you may use bird feed. Animals roam around in the heat searching for food, so food made readily available will ensure they don’t have to travel much.
Avoid cooked food since there are chances of it going bad or dry in the sun outside. Add some vegetables and fruits that are safe for animals to help them stay hydrated and cool during summer. Fruits and vegetables are full of water and can provide a great option to stay cool in summer.
Maintain your gardens
Mulchy soil in the shade provides relief to paws and hooves Shutterstock
If you have a garden, maintain it properly to ensure birds and animals get relief from the sun. The mulchy soil provides relief to their paws and hooves, while the trees can provide shelter from the raging sun.
Bird baths
Add some ice to the water in your bird baths Shutterstock
Setting up bird baths and adding ice blocks to them can help the winged friends stay cool and beat the summer heat. Ice is a great way to combat the heat and bring down body temperature.
Be vigilant
Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion in community animals
Keep an eye out for heat exhaustion in animals. Indications of heat exhaustion include laboured breathing and abnormal head movements. If you think an animal or bird is suffering from heat exhaustion, pour room-temperature water on their body to help cool down, wipe them down with a wet towel, and call a vet.