It is becoming easier to find stray dogs, animals that, for one reason or another, are living on the streets, although living is too pretty a word to describe it, because the conditions are not the most appropriate for an animal as dependent on humans as the dog can have a good quality of life.
The danger of cars when crossing, the cruelty with which some people show off throwing stones at them and treating them in the most inhumane way possible, the diseases they can contract, hunger, thirst, heat and cold make survival very difficult. . In this special I am going to talk about them so that they are heard, so that they are taken into account, and above all, for you if you want to help them.
What is a stray dog?
Although the word itself indicates it, sometimes and especially in the villages it can confuse us, because there are families who, as they did in the past, let their dogs go out for a walk. This is something that, although it is not advisable to do as there are many dangers even in rural areas, the reality is that it is still done. So that, How to identify a stray dog?
If you are growing up on the street, the appearance that usually presents is the following:
- You will have a thin body, your bones may even be scarred.
- He will not be wearing a collar.
- If it is female, it is possible that it is pregnant.
- He may have some injuries, either from fights with other dogs or as a result of accidents.
- May limp.
- If you are sick, you may have a fever, vomiting, tremors, high blood pressure, trouble breathing.
- His behavior can be violent, aggressive, or on the contrary, he can be very shy.
What problems do they have to face if they want to survive?
In addition to those discussed at the beginning, there are many other problems that they have to deal with day after day. One of the main ones are fleas and ticks, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme, and cause a lot of discomfort. But in addition, they can be infected with sarcoptic mange, which is transmitted by the mite Sarcopts scabiei and that it can be spread to humans; or from demodectic mange, which is transmitted by the mite demodex canis from dog mothers to sons.
And we can't stop talking about distemper, which is a disease that is transmitted by air and that can be fatal; Or the rage, which is spread by direct contact with other infected dogs (through a bite, for example). These diseases could be prevented if they received all their vaccines, but that is something that is far from being achieved.
Stray dogs and humans
Nobody likes that there are bad dogs living in the streets. This is very dangerous for them, because, although once they could hunt alone, after years of domestication we have managed to take that away from them, take away that predatory instinct, and now, no matter how hungry they are, the only thing they are going to do is go look in the trash. In addition to this, it cannot be ignored that there are diseases that are contagious to humans, such as rabies.
Still, there are still many people who get their dogs bred. Why? Well, there are several reasons, including because it is a beautiful experience and to teach children to respect animals and take responsibility for them. But It is a good idea?
The answer is No.. And it is not because animal shelters are full of dogs that have not found a home. Because the sad reality is that very few people want to have a dog at home throughout their lives. A female dog should not be allowed to be raised unless the puppies are placed in advance, otherwise the chances of them ending up living on the streets is very high.
How to help a stray dog?
Helping a stray dog is not as difficult as it appears to be. The first thing you have to do is contact a Protective of animals to take charge, but in the meantime you can approach little by little, if possible with a bowl full of dog food so that that way you gain confidence.
Do not caress him unless you see him that he is calm, and that you know what you are doing. Remember that stray dogs that have been living on the streets for a long time can become very suspicious and act unexpectedly. Therefore, if you do not have much experience caring for dogs, the ideal is that you only leave the plate with food; And if in the end you approach him and he lets himself be touched without problems, it is highly recommended to take him to the vet to examine him.
Other ways to help
You can also help, albeit indirectly, adopting y castrating the dog that you take home. If you adopt, you save the lives of two animals: the one that will surely be your best furry friend, and the one that takes their place; and if you castrate him, you will avoid unwanted litters.
Stray dogs need help. The human being is the only one responsible, so we are the ones who have to protect them.