Care guide

How to care for a street dog

Practical, local advice you can use today.

You do not need to be a rescuer to help. Food, water, shade and a calm approach change a dog's day.

Everyday care essentials

Plain cooked rice with chicken, dry dog food, or plain boiled eggs. Never cooked bones, chocolate, onions, spiced leftovers or mouldy bread.

In summer, dehydration kills faster than hunger. A shallow bowl in the shade, refilled daily, is the single most useful thing you can do.

Straw, never blankets — fabric holds moisture and freezes. A wooden box raised off the ground with a small opening keeps body heat in.

Crouch sideways, avoid eye contact, let the dog come to you. Never corner a dog, never reach over its head, never approach a dog that is eating.

Limping that lasts more than a day, open wounds, hair loss with crusting (mange), heavy coughing, swollen abdomen, or sudden apathy.

Do not move a litter unless it is in danger. The mother is usually nearby. Feed her instead — it is the fastest way to keep the puppies alive.

Send us a photo and the location. Do not try to move an injured dog alone — frightened dogs bite, and a wrong lift can make an injury worse.