Veterinarians are the only doctors who play a crucial role in the well-being of animals and humans. But that does not imply that only they are responsible, even you can make a difference and help animals in your everyday lives, whether it’s by adopting a pet, choosing products not tested on animals, eating a vegetarian diet or engaging your community in animal protection issues.
Celebrate World Veterinary Day with TC46 and learn how to look after animals around you including dogs, cats, birds and bees, especially in the summer heat with these 10 simple ways.
10 Ways To Help Animals And Birds
1. Put Bowls Of Water
Put as many mud bowls of water at convenient places for stray animals, especially during summer. You would be surprised by the number of creatures that would benefit from this simple gesture. It quenches the thirst of thousands of creatures, big and small – from dogs and cats to birds, ants, wasps, bees and even snails.
2. Feed The Birds
Spread grains like rice, bajra, channa, etc. on your rooftops or open balconies. If you have a birdbath or water feature, please make sure to clean it regularly, and keep it filled with fresh water. If you have hummingbird feeders around your home, ensure they’re cleaned often and that the sugar water within them is replaced before it ferments (estimate 3-5 days depending on sun/heat exposure).
3. Adopt An Animal
Do not buy your pet from a pet store or a breeder. Instead, adopt one from an animal shelter or adoption centre. If you are kind-hearted, just pick up a pup on the side of the street and take him home, take care of the animal’s food, medicines and vaccination. #adoptdontshop
Check out these 10 pet adoption organisations that can help you bring home a fur baby.
4. Refrain From Using Animal Products
Millions of animals are killed every year in the name of fashion. Wearing these products sends a message that you support animal exploitation for your clothing and fashion needs, best met through natural products. Also, don’t buy endangered animal products such as ivory or other body parts of animals.
5. Stay Alert & Save A Life
Keep an eye on all the animals you see outdoors. Make sure that they have adequate water and shelter. If you find an animal in distress, contact humane authorities right away and give the animal water for immediate relief. Over the years, the government has initiated many private NGOs for the welfare of animals and birds. Get connected with such NGOs and be a team player in aiding the needy animals living in your society. Do not leave the animal’s side before help arrives.
6. Keep Bee-Friendly Plants
Did you know that bees get most of their nectar from trees? When a tree blooms, it provides hundreds of blossoms to feed on. Trees are not only a great food source for bees but also an essential habitat. Tree leaves and resin provide nesting material for bees, while natural wood cavities make excellent shelters. With deforestation and development on the rise, you can help bolster bee habitats by caring for trees and joining tree-planting parties in your area. You should also motivate your friends and family to do the same.
7. Be An Advocate
When you see cruelty meted out to an animal, speak up. Intervene if you witness animal cruelty, abuse or neglect. Do what you can to stop someone from mistreating an animal. However, be sensible and don’t put yourself in danger. Report animal cruelty, abuse or neglect. If you are active on social media, you will come across many campaigns organised by animal welfare centres or NGOs. Watch this video to understand the animal welfare laws in India.
8. Avoid Using Pesticides
No one wants pests on their plants, but many pesticides, herbicides, and other chemical sprays can be lethal to bees. Cut out chemical treatments for your plants—even treatments labelled as organic can still be harmful. There are various natural treatments you can try to keep pests away from your garden or yard. If you are buying new plants, make sure the supplier doesn’t pre-treat them with insecticides. You can also promote the limit of these chemicals state or nationwide. There are plenty of petitions you can sign that demand regulation on the use of pesticides to help bees stay healthy and thriving.
9. Give Working Animals A Break
Ask owners of bullocks. horses and donkeys to give the animals a rest, especially during the heat of the afternoon, and help the animals cool off by gently spraying water on them. Feed working animals fruit for a sweet treat. Take care of their grooming as well as their health.
10. Taking Utmost Care Of Pets
Bringing a new pet into your house can be as intimidating as it is exciting. No matter what type of furry friend you’re welcoming into your family, there are some basic animal care guidelines you should follow. Make sure to stock up on high-quality food, availability of fresh, clean water at all times, and maintain a safe environment and proper shelter. Schedule regular visits to a veterinarian and most importantly spend quality time with them.
Animal and human sectors work together to maintain the biodiversity of the Earth. You can preserve your future by protecting animals. It doesn’t take a huge amount of effort to make a difference, and most of the examples above only require a bit of extra conscientiousness and responsibility. Let’s take a greater role as human beings and make sure that we take better care of these sweet, fragile beings.
