It causes me immense distress to witness stray dogs suffering through the scorching summer heat without any assistance. Although I endeavor to make a positive impact on my community by providing them with makeshift shelters, food and water bowls, I still feel like my efforts are insufficient. How might we bring about change? What can we do to alleviate the suffering of these poor strays during the upcoming summer season? Whilst taking them to shelters for adoption seems like an ideal solution, it involves long waiting times and processes that some strays do not wish to undergo. Regardless, we must keep in mind those dogs that require assistance and give our all to help them survive each day. If you, like me, adore dogs and are always seeking ways to aid them, I am confident you will appreciate this piece of advice. Here are five recommendations you can apply today in order to provide relief to strays in your locality, preventing them from dehydration or heatstroke. First and foremost, plant more trees.
Here’s some advice that will have lasting benefits. While you may not be around to enjoy the shade of a tree you plant today, stray dogs and other wildlife will. Sadly, abandoned dogs are a common sight on the streets, and planting more trees can provide them with much-needed shade. Not to mention, adding more trees to your neighborhood can make it a more pleasant place to live for everyone. Trees not only provide shade, but also produce extra oxygen that we all benefit from. Check with your local community center to see if it’s allowed to plant trees like oaks or birches in your area. In the meantime, consider planting fast-growing cypress trees in your backyard. They’ll still offer a decent amount of shade while they grow. Another way to help out animals on the streets is by leaving out water bowls. This small gesture can make a big difference in their lives.
I often engage in an activity that costs nothing and makes a difference for stray dogs even beyond the summer season. By simply leaving a bowl of kibble and water, you could provide much-needed sustenance to a dog who may be struggling to find their next meal. This becomes especially crucial during the hot months when finding hydration can be a challenge. Without any natural sources of water like rain or puddles, many dogs suffer dehydration and collapse. It’s important to consider how difficult it would be to find fresh water in an urban environment where there are no streams or lakes nearby. To help, you can ask permission from your neighbors to leave water bowls in your area, making sure to choose a shady and safe spot where strays can rest. Once they realize there is a reliable source of nourishment available, they will often return. Additionally, this simple act can increase the chances of rescue missions being arranged with nearby shelters. Finally, consider creating shelters to provide additional protection and comfort for strays in the area.
Creating shelters for homeless dogs is a project that requires more than just one person. It could involve the entire community to make it successful. Before setting up these shelters, it is essential to determine if it’s allowed in the area to avoid making the neighborhood look unkempt. The shelter doesn’t have to be a fancy DIY dog house. It could be almost anything that provides adequate cover for the dogs, so they don’t hide under cars. Cardboard boxes are a quick fix, but they are not a long-term solution. A durable and lasting shelter is necessary for stray dogs. One could build wooden dog houses or kennels, but wire cages with a suitable roof would suffice. Ensure that the shelter is well-ventilated to reduce the risk of overheating. In addition, setting up stations with refreshing treats would also help these animals.
Watermelons are a favorite among dogs during the summer months. They are a perfect choice as they contain a high percentage of water, which helps to keep your furry friend hydrated while enjoying a refreshing snack. Additionally, watermelons offer numerous health benefits that can aid in maintaining your dog’s overall wellbeing. During this season, appetites tend to decrease, and dogs desire foods that provide refreshment and nutrition. Fruits and vegetables like melons, watermelons, cucumbers, apples, oranges, and peaches are highly welcomed on those scorching days. These can be served fresh in food bowls placed around the neighborhood instead of freezing them. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that these treats are safe and healthy for your furry friend. Trust us; all the treats will be consumed, so there is no fear of them going bad.
Some veterinarians engage in volunteer work independently, and if you manage to find such a vet, it would be amazing for your cause. It’s important to remember that stray dogs also require medical attention, but they are often wary of vets and shelters. If there is a group of canines in your neighborhood that have been around for a while, you should gradually earn their trust by offering them assistance bit by bit. These animals will appreciate any help they receive, be it in the form of water, shelter, or medication. The summer season can be a challenging time for stray dogs as they frequently suffer from various injuries, such as burnt paws, heatstroke, and infected wounds. It would be fantastic if you could arrange for a veterinarian to visit the area occasionally to examine and treat the dogs. Another issue during the hot months is the prevalence of parasites like fleas and ticks. If the dogs you’re caring for are friendly and not aggressive, you might consider giving them flea baths or tick treatments. This would require additional volunteers, so organizing a community event where you and your neighbors could give the dogs baths and refreshments would be a great idea. Such events could also serve as an opportunity to set up a Go Fund Me account to raise funds for your furry friends’ needs. There are undoubtedly people who would be willing to donate money, spread the word, or contribute food to your cause.
