Too HOT to handle....
With rising heat index, heat stress is a real threat to the health and well-being of animals living outside. Check on your pasture animals three times a day, if possible. Be on the lookout for signs, know the choices you can make to relieve the stress for them and call your vet if you cannot alleviate the signs.
It can be a matter of life or death!
SIGNS:
Bunching in the shade
Slobbering or excessive salivation
Foam around the mouth
Panting, open mouth breathing, tongue out
Lack of coordination
Trembling
MANAGEMENT:
SHADE - Spray cool water on roof of building to reduce temperature.
VENTILATION - Sunshades should be high off the ground to allow for adequate air movement.
CLEAN, COOL drinking water - Water requirements at 90 degrees are twice that at 70 degrees!!
WETTING - animals showing signs should be repeatedly sprayed with cool water until signs dissipate. If they do not, call your vet.
DID YOU KNOW?
Older animals and those with a past history of health problems will be more affected by heat stress and are the 1st to show signs.
Heavier livestock and dark hided animals are the most susceptible to heat stress.
Body temperatures peak in the early evening.
Animals lose water through evaporation from the skin or lungs, as well as through urination.
EFFECTS OF HEAT STRESS ON YOUR ANIMALS...
Reduced feed intake/weight gain
Lower milk production
Increased disease suspectibility
Changes in behavior
DEATH