#Heatwave: Kolkata celebs urge citizens to spare a thought for strays

Stray animals are usually hit hard by extreme weather changes and natural calamities. So now, when the merciless sun and the high temperatures are making life difficult for everyone, it’s time to spare a thought for the strays in your para. At temperatures that can melt the bitumen on the roads, how difficult it must be for them to find a spot to rest or go out in search of food.Quite a few city celebs are doing all they can to ensure a semblance of comfort for strays in this relentless weather. They shared a few tips on helping these voiceless friends. Read on...
Ensuring hydration

Animals need plenty of water to cool off in summer. So, according to actor Yash Dasguptaa, a pet parent, it’s important to ensure that the strays stay hydrated. Actor Anindya Chatterjee has a useful tip for helping weak strays during summer. “I keep electrolyte solution in a bowl outside my house for strays. That way, they recuperate fast if dehydrated,” he says.
Anusha Viswanathan, who often teams up with her mother, Madhumanti Maitra, to help strays, says, “Keeping the water outside your house in earthen bowls ensures that it remains cool for longer,” she says, adding, “But it should be changed regularly to avoid creating health issues.”
Providing shelter

Sreelekha Mitra, who has adopted some stray dogs and cats, thinks providing some form of shelter helps them a lot. “People can open their gates or make some shade inside their compound to shelter strays during summer,” she says.
Adrija Roy, who stays in a housing complex, is happy to have accommodating neighbours. “We keep a shelter space beside the elevator on the ground floor for the strays,” she shares. Yash, too, tells us that he has done that in the past. “They don’t have the luxury of getting into an air-conditioned room, so I try and provide them a shelter outside,” he adds.
A few things you can do


Mimi Chakraborty, say sources, does a lot for stray animals. But when asked about it, the actress refused to comment. “Do you tell the world what you do for your kids,” she retorted.
Bathing and grooming
For those who are ready to put in the extra effort, Sreelekha says a bathe works wonders. “They love it; I can tell by observing their reaction,” she adds. Yash also feels it’s important to care for strays as you would do for your own pet. “They get heat strokes too, especially ones with heavy coats. So whenever possible I get their coats clipped and deworm them,” he says, adding, “Their paws also get bruised in summer. So, watch out for that.”
Making them eat light

In summer, the diet becomes crucial, as heavy food can lead to health issues. “Since digestion is a problem in summer, serving strays watermelons, muskmelons, cucumbers or other hydrating fruits helps them maintain the water balance in their body. It’s important to avoid a high-protein food and also serve them in a shaded area,” says Anusha.
Yash swears by the usefulness of curd for strays. “Curd is something most dogs love and it’s really very good for them during summer. I try to feed the stray dogs curd rice or boiled rice and potatoes so that they don’t face digestion problems,” he tells us.
Vaccinating and consulting vets

Sreelekha has vaccinated the strays she has adopted and advises others to do the same. “It’s important and can save them from a lot of diseases,” she says. Anindya thinks since summer is the time for skin and digestive problems in animals, caution helps. “Before the onset of summer, I get a vet to check the stray dogs and give them the necessary vaccines,” he says.
Anusha feels consulting a vet as soon as you rescue or help a stray is important. “Both fleas and ticks are more common among strays during summer months. One should consult a vet to get rid of these,” she says.
Feel their love in response to your care

Adrija has her own pets, one of whom she lost recently, and is happy to be surrounded by a few more strays in her building. “On certain days, they take the stairs and climb up to the floor where I stay. There have been instances when they have knocked on my door late at night and on opening the door, I’ve found a stray waiting outside. This gives me immense joy,” she smiles.
Sreelekha has had similar moments of joy. “They know my car well. The moment they spot it, they jump towards the car window with joy,” she shares.