CARING FOR ANIMALS IN EXTREME HEAT
A little common sense and extra care goes a long way. If you go outside and the temperature is stressful for you, then it will be stressful for your animals.
With the extreme temperatures that we have during the summer it is important that you take extra precautions to insure your animal's health.
Always have plenty of cool water available for both pets and livestock.
Some livestock producers have a water system that expels a fine mist of cool water that cattle and/or swine can walk under to help keep them cool.
Always make sure your outdoor animals have a good source of shade with adequate ventilation.
Working animals should not be expected to work during the hottest times of the day mainly from 10:00 am til 4:00 pm. Farm animals that become down, or go into labor should be moved to a shaded area, or their health problem may become more complicated from heat exposure.
Older or debilitated animals are more apt to suffer the effects of heat related stress.
Dogs with snub noses such as English Bull, Boxer,Pug, Boston Terrier and others cannot tolerate heat as well either because of their shorter nasal passages.
Never leave your pet in your car, not even for one minute. Temperatures can soar to the exteme in no time at all. Cracking the window is of little help in this kind of weather. Pets left in the bed of pick-up trucks can also be at risk.
If you have an animal suffering from heat prostration. Move the animal to a shaded area if possible and begin running cool water over the animal. A cool water enema will help lower the body temperature faster. You should not lower the temperature too quickly. Do not use ice water. As soon as possible, have the animal seen by a veterinarian. When an animal becomes overheated, several serious side effects can follow hours later.
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