Politics & Government

Watch for Heat Stress in Livestock, Pets

With high temperatures expected over 100 degrees, your animals should have access to shade and plenty of fresh, clean, cool water.

With a serious heat wave affecting much of the state, Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary George Greig cautioned livestock and pet owners to take measures to protect animals from high temperatures that can cause them to suffer from heat-related stress.

“Owners must monitor their animals during these extreme temperatures, because livestock and pets can quickly become distressed,” said Greig in a release. “If your animals exhibit unusual behaviors which could be related to heat stress, contact a veterinarian immediately.”

Greig recommends looking for signs of stress in livestock that are outside during the hottest part of the day. These signs include animals bunching together, heavy panting, slobbering, lack of coordination and trembling.

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Pet owners should not leave animals in vehicles. A car’s interior temperature can rise within minutes, creating suffocating temperatures that lead to animal health problems and possibly death. Likewise, if pets are left outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of fresh, clean, cool water.

Greig offered additional tips for helping pets and livestock animals including cows, horses, pigs, sheep and others deal with the heat:

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  • Provide shade – move them to shaded pens if possible.
  • Provide water – as temperatures rise, animals need to consume more water. Spraying animals with water can also help them to cool down, using a sprinkler that provides large droplets.
  • Avoid overworking livestock – it’s safest to work with cattle early in the morning when their body temperatures are low. In addition, routine livestock management procedures such as vaccination, hoof trimming and dehorning should be postponed until the weather cools.
  • Avoid unnecessary transportation - if cattle must be moved, try to do so in the late evening or early morning hours.
  • Take dogs for early morning or late-evening walks, when temperatures are cooler.

For more information, contact a local veterinarian.


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