Key points
- Winter is the most difficult time for birds and stray animals.
- Dry food or warm porridge is suitable for dogs and cats, but not bones.
- Birds should be given seeds, grains, nuts, unsalted lard, and fruit.
- Check your car before driving – animals may hide under the bonnet.
- If an animal is injured, contact the Zoo Help Service of the Kyiv City Veterinary Medicine Hospital.
Specialists from the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation of the KCSA have provided advice on how to support birds and stray animals during the cold season.
Winter is the most difficult time for animals due to frost, snow and wind, which make it difficult to find food, water and safe shelter, so even a little help from people can have a significant impact on their survival.
Environmentalists advise leaving nutritious food for stray animals in accessible places.
For dogs and cats, the following are suitable:
- dry food that does not freeze;
- warm porridge.
It is strictly forbidden to give animals bones, as they are of no use and can cause injury.
Birds should be fed during severe frosts when they cannot find enough food on their own.
The following are permitted:
- seeds;
- grain;
- nuts;
- fresh or dried berries;
- unsalted lard;
- fruit.
It is important to avoid bread, sweets, salty foods and cereals, which swell significantly in a humid environment.
During cold weather, stray animals often hide under the bonnet of cars, in niches or near the exhaust pipe. Before driving, it is worth inspecting your car and helping the animal to get out.
If you see an injured or exhausted animal, you should contact the Zoo Help Service of the Kyiv City Veterinary Medicine Hospital:
- 073-045-54-91;
- 096-454-95-68.
The Department’s specialists advise you to save these numbers in advance, as they may save an animal’s life.
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