How to help animals during heatwaves: Don't forget the birds

As extreme heat grips the region, attention is turning to the welfare of animals, particularly those without dedicated caretakers. While pet owners can take steps to keep their companions comfortable, the plight of stray animals and birds during these scorching temperatures requires community awareness and action.

Aleksandar Gavrić from Animal Rescue Serbia highlights that animals, unlike humans, cannot sweat to regulate their body temperature. "We can sweat, cool down, undress, but they cannot take off their fur," Gavrić told N1. "We must think about them, for whom it is much worse than for us, in this weather. And we know how difficult it is for us."

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We can sweat, cool down, undress, but they cannot take off their fur. We must think about them, for whom it is much worse than for us, in this weather. And we know how difficult it is for us.

Gavrić emphasizes the need to consider birds, often overlooked amidst stray dogs and cats. He advises placing water for them on higher surfaces, away from ground level. This prevents cats from easily preying on birds while they drink. For dogs and cats, water should be placed in shaded areas, like behind buildings or under trees, not directly in front of entrances where they might be more exposed.

Maintaining fresh, cool water is essential, with recommendations to change it twice daily. Additionally, Gavrić warns against walking dogs on hot pavement during the peak heat of the day, as the scorching surfaces can cause severe burns to their paws. Providing food alongside water is also encouraged to support their well-being during the heatwave.

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For birds, leave water on a higher surface, in a larger place for the simple reason that if you put water somewhere low to the ground, birds will come to drink water, cats will easily catch that bird and then we have achieved nothing.