Watch your animals in the heat!

Jeff Burbrink

Summers here in north­ern Indiana are not for the faint of heart. The com­bination of high tempera­tures and heavy humidity makes it a tough season not just for us, but for the animals we care for.

Most folks are surprised to learn that cattle can be­gin to feel the effects of heat stress when tempera­tures reach just 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As the tem­perature climbs from 70 to 90, their need for wa­ter can double. And that stress takes a toll—it can reduce reproductive per­formance, slow growth, lower meat quality, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.

Horses, too, are sensi­tive to heat. It is smart to pay attention to the Heat Index—that’s the combined measure of air temperature and humidity. When the Heat Index falls between 130 and 150, proceed with caution and keep a close eye on your horse. Anything over 180 is a danger to the horse. Riding or driving un­der those conditions can quickly become danger­ous.

Sheep and goats are a little more heat-har­dy than cattle or horses. That’s because their an­cestors adapted to desert environments. Hair sheep tend to handle heat better than their woolier cous­ins. Still, even heat-toler­ant animals can run into trouble, especially when under stress. Handling or moving them in the heat of the day can push them over the edge.

Let’s not forget our four-legged companions: dogs. These animals are particularly prone to over­heating, especially those with a strong work drive. Heat stress is one of the leading causes of death in livestock dogs. On hot days, be sure to offer them plenty of water and pro­vide shaded rest areas. Try to avoid working them when the temperature climbs above 90 degrees. If you’re walking a dog in the summer, steer clear of asphalt and concrete, those surfaces can get hot enough to burn paw pads. Stick to grass or dirt paths when possible.

There are a few prac­tical steps we can take to reduce heat stress in our animals. It’s a good idea to check watering systems more frequently during the summer, since they’ll be in constant use. If natural shade is scarce, provide man-made shelter where animals can get out of the sun. Feeding fresh pasture instead of hay can also help, since it carries a higher moisture content. Try to avoid working, moving, or hauling ani­mals between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.—that’s when the heat is most intense.

Heat stress is something to take seriously. Keep an eye out for signs like ex­cessive panting, drooling, labored breathing, lying down more than usual, or excessive sweating. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to treat the situa­tion as an emergency. Call your veterinarian right away. In the meantime, make sure animals have access to cool water and consider offering electro­lytes to help them recov­er.

Jeff Burbrink is the agriculture and natural resources extension ed­ucator for LaGrange County Purdue Extension. Contact him at 499-6334 or jburbrink@purdue.edu.