KT for Good: Keep your furry friends safe in summer

In Fujairah's industrial area alone, there are nearly 400 dogs that need food, water, and shelter.

UAE residents usually jet off to cooler climates to beat the heat in summer, but for animal lovers, it turns tough as their pets become an issue that needs to be taken care off. Animal welfare groups say, traditionally, residents tend to abandon their pets during the summer months.
With rising temperatures and families leaving for summer holidays, officials at the Emirates Animal Welfare Association (EAWS) said abandoned pets have become a common sight, especially in industrial areas across the country.
In Fujairah's industrial area alone, there are nearly 400 dogs that need food, water, and shelter. Packs of stray dogs are also a common sight in industrial areas across Dubai and Sharjah. Animal welfare experts and municipalities have warned residents that fines will be levied on pet owners for leaving their pets behind.
In Abu Dhabi, abandoning any pet on the street is punishable by a Dh2,000 fine and failing to keep your dog on a leash in public will result in a Dh5,000 fine. Businesses selling protected species will be fined Dh10,000 and pet shops that sell sick animals will be fined Dh3,000. However, animal welfare groups say there are several hundreds of ways individuals can keep their pets safe during the summer.
Alternative care for cats
Kittysnip, a Dubai-based animal welfare group, has revealed their top tips for pet owners when planning alternative care to make sure their cat is not alone while they are gone.
Carol Geldenhuys, the founder of Kittysnip, said: "Our furry companions have a sixth sense - especially when they are not invited and spot their family packing. The first thing to do is to plan well in advance. Asking a responsible and knowledgeable friend or family member is often most pet owners' first port of call because they can enjoy their vacation knowing their pet is receiving ample attention and supervision from someone they trust.
"However, there are various pet visiting companies out there that will also visit your home and monitor your cats. It is important to remember most cats will feel less stressed if they can stay in their own home while you are gone. In order to ensure this is possible, Kittysnip suggests finding a reliable pet sitter who can stay at your home while you are on vacation.
"Pet sitters know their job inside out and more importantly enjoy being around animals and are highly likely to have a good understanding of feline behaviour. That being said, it is always important to carry out thorough reference checks beforehand. Booking your pet into a cattery is another option."
Consider fostering
Fostering is the perfect solution for those who want to help, but are not able to handle a long-term commitment or are unsure whether they would get along with a furry addition to the family. Experts suggest if you are in the UAE for the summer, you could help out another family take care of their pets while away on holiday. Animal welfare groups like Animal Action UAE's social media pages are filled with requests for fosters and adoptions. Alternatively, Dupaws is a homegrown Airbnb-style service explicitly for pets. The website allows pet owners to connect with potential pet sitters across the country. This is a welcome alternative to something that pet owners know only too well - that mad dash to book a place at a local boarding service only to be told that it's full for the summer.
5 Tips for a happy pet in summer
1-Never leave your pet in a hot car
You wouldn't turn off the car and leave your child in it, even for a few moments, on a hot summer day (we sincerely hope). You shouldn't leave an animal in a hot car, either.
2-Be mindful of sensitive paws
Pavement gets hot. So hot, in fact, that you could burn your feet walking on it barefoot. And if you could burn your feet, then your dog or cat could burn her paws
3-Give them plenty of water
Pet WebMD recommends about an ounce of water daily per pound of pet. During the summer, however, you should supply more than this to be sure that your furry friend is getting plenty of water.
4-Trim their fur, but don't shave them
That thick, shiny coat may look hot, but it is vital to your pet's ability to regulate body temperature. It also protects against sunburn.
5-Watch what they eat
While it may be OK to share a few people foods with your pet, if you aren't sure what is safe for her to eat and what isn't, stick with her dog food.
Source: South Boston Animal Hospital
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• KT For Good