Dealing with Heat Stress in Livestock and Pets

— Written By
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

Dealing with Heat Stress 

Summers in North Carolina can be brutal between our high temperatures and high humidity. This combination is hard on people and animals alike. Did you know that cattle can start seeing the effects of heat stress at 70 degrees Fahrenheit? Water intake doubles between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat stress can reduce reproduction performance, lower meat quality, slow growth rates, and even lead to death. 

Horses are also heavily affected by heat! When you are deciding to ride your horse in the summer it is important to account for the Heat Index. This is calculated by taking the temperature and adding humidity. When the Heat Index is between 130 and 150 you should use caution and monitor your horses frequently. Do NOT ride if the Heat Index is over 180. 

Sheep and goats tend to be more tolerant than horses and cattle. They evolved in desert climates. Hair sheep are more tolerant than their wool counterparts. However, they have less tolerance when stressed. A prime example of this is when being worked. 

We can’t forget our companion animals and livestock dogs. They are also affected by the heat. One of the leading causes of death in livestock dogs is heat stress from working and their high drive. Make sure to provide your companion animals and livestock dogs extra water and shelter during hot days. Avoid using working dogs in temperatures above 90 degrees. When taking companion animals for walks during the summer, walk them on dirt or grass. Asphalt and concrete hold heat and will burn the paw pads of your companions. 

Here are some tips on how to prevent stress and the signs to look for in your animals. 

  • Monitor watering systems more frequently
  • Provide shelter or shade if there is no natural shade
  • Feed pasture instead of hay when possible
  • Avoid working, moving or riding animals between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Do not haul animals on trailers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Signs of Heat Stress

  • Excess panting
  • Excess saliva 
  • Increased sweat
  • Laying down 
  • Labored breathing

What to Do

  • Treat heat stress as an EMERGENCY
  • Call your veterinarian, heat stress often needs to be treated with IV fluids
  • Provide electrolytes