Pets and birds need special attention in extreme heat

Lahore: Experts have warned that the care of pets and birds is very important in extreme heat and rising temperatures, if proper food is not taken care of and precautions are not taken, animals and birds may be harmed.

Fancy birds and pet keepers tend to care for their guests more than themselves in extreme heat and temperatures. Muhammad Umar, a resident of Gulbarg Lahore, has kept hundreds of birds of different species at home.

They have not only installed air conditioners to protect the birds from the severe weather, but they also feed the birds with glucose mixture, grains and seasonal fruits, especially watermelon, melon and other fruits and vegetables, several times a day. Similar arrangements have been made by amateur birders and pet keepers at homes like Muhammad Umar’s.

Khalid Iqbal, president of Dharampura Bird Market, says that the weather from May to August is quite harsh for birds. Although Allah Almighty has given birds the natural ability to withstand the extremes of weather, but when birds and pets are kept in cages, then special arrangements have to be made to protect them from heat and cold.

He said that direct sunlight can seriously damage your animal or bird, so providing a shaded area is very important. Mandatory provision of shade over bird cages and places where animals are kept.

In addition, the use of electrolytes is essential. An electrolyte imbalance can lead to dehydration. Birds should be diluted in saline, glucose water.

By adding electrolytes to the water, birds increase their water intake, which effectively helps maintain body temperature, he said. Apart from this, curd water can also be mixed with drinking water and used.

Vendors in Tolanton Market, Dharmapura and Canal Road Bird Market also sprinkle water on birds and other animals, notably dogs and cats. Shopkeepers say that you must bathe your pet dogs and cats twice a day.

Speaking to Express News, Senior Veterinary Officer of Lahore Safari Zoo, Dr. Mohammad Rizwan said that by choosing suitable foods in summer, animals and birds can be protected from dehydration, light, cool and strong.

He said that you can make animals and birds that eat fruits and vegetables use watermelons, pumpkins, gourds, salad leaves, mint and coriander etc. which will bring happiness to them. Apart from this, it is also important to give different types of vitamins and minerals.

Dr. Mohammad Rizwan said that it is mandatory to arrange ventilation in the habitats of animals and birds. Keep them at a controlled temperature, if possible using an air cooler to keep the temperature at a certain level.

He further said that it is important to take care of pets and birds as well as common birds in the environment. For these birds, arrange fresh water and grain on the roofs of your houses, in shady places.