Five tips to help pets and wildlife beat the UK's extreme heat
The UK Met Office has warned of rising temperatures in the coming days in parts of England and Wales, causing problems for wildlife. Here are five tips to help your pets and local wildlife beat the heat.
Provide fresh water
"A garden pond, whatever its size, benefits wildlife all year round, but is especially necessary in hot weather. But even a shallow dish of water will help. Some animals and birds will want to bathe and cool off, others just to drink, so keep it filled with clean water and refreshed daily. Add pebbles or some sort of ramp around the edge of any water source to help smaller creatures get in and out. "dcr-3jlghf">Dry conditions mean food is scarce for wildlife. The birds will be grateful for the extra treats, as many raise their young during the summer months. The RSPB spokesperson said:
'Putting in fruit and seeds will help, in small amounts but often, to prevent them from spoiling. A bowl of dog or cat food (not fish-based) in the evening will help hedgehogs. It's essential to keep everything you take out clean - whether it's a feeder or a spilled water trough lid, as diseases can spread quickly with different animals using them and in the house. heat. The RSPB advise cleaning bird feeders once a week with soapy water and emptying birdbaths daily. -spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement" class="dcr-1mfia18"/>
Let things go wild
Overgrown and shaded areas provide shelter for wildlife as they fight the heat. The RSBP spokesperson said:
“Shade is great for us, our pets and certainly our wildlife. A pile of logs will help many creatures find a cool spot, from tiny woodlice to frogs and toads, as will longer grass. Avoid pruning and tidying up areas where leaves and branches provide more shade. »
Cool your pets
Keep pets indoors shade and provide l fresh drinking water. You can offer your dog a popsicle by mixing dog food with water and freezing it, or simply by adding ice cubes to a bowl of water.
Help animals in distress
If you find a wild bird or mammal smaller than a rabbit that needs help, contact a local veterinarian or rehabilitation center - they usually don't charge for wildlife treatment. If the animal is larger than a rabbit, contact the RSCPA.
The UK Met Office has warned of rising temperatures in the coming days in parts of England and Wales, causing problems for wildlife. Here are five tips to help your pets and local wildlife beat the heat.
Provide fresh water
"A garden pond, whatever its size, benefits wildlife all year round, but is especially necessary in hot weather. But even a shallow dish of water will help. Some animals and birds will want to bathe and cool off, others just to drink, so keep it filled with clean water and refreshed daily. Add pebbles or some sort of ramp around the edge of any water source to help smaller creatures get in and out. "dcr-3jlghf">Dry conditions mean food is scarce for wildlife. The birds will be grateful for the extra treats, as many raise their young during the summer months. The RSPB spokesperson said:
'Putting in fruit and seeds will help, in small amounts but often, to prevent them from spoiling. A bowl of dog or cat food (not fish-based) in the evening will help hedgehogs. It's essential to keep everything you take out clean - whether it's a feeder or a spilled water trough lid, as diseases can spread quickly with different animals using them and in the house. heat. The RSPB advise cleaning bird feeders once a week with soapy water and emptying birdbaths daily. -spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement" class="dcr-1mfia18"/>
Let things go wild
Overgrown and shaded areas provide shelter for wildlife as they fight the heat. The RSBP spokesperson said:
“Shade is great for us, our pets and certainly our wildlife. A pile of logs will help many creatures find a cool spot, from tiny woodlice to frogs and toads, as will longer grass. Avoid pruning and tidying up areas where leaves and branches provide more shade. »
Cool your pets
Keep pets indoors shade and provide l fresh drinking water. You can offer your dog a popsicle by mixing dog food with water and freezing it, or simply by adding ice cubes to a bowl of water.
Help animals in distress
If you find a wild bird or mammal smaller than a rabbit that needs help, contact a local veterinarian or rehabilitation center - they usually don't charge for wildlife treatment. If the animal is larger than a rabbit, contact the RSCPA.
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