Chewin' the Cud: The Cahaba Tractor Corner

   

      Protecting Your Plants and
     Animals from Summer Heat
                     Part II
                 

Last month we covered how to protect your plants from summer heat. Rising temperatures and heat indexes in August can also be quite dangerous for both two and four-legged beings. So, this month we'll discuss how to take precautions and protect your animals from the summer heat.

Protecting Animals

Animals, like humans, are susceptible to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Extreme heat stress is not only dangerous, but can also lessen productivity in farm animals. The three most important things animals need for summer heat protection are: water, shelter or shade and moving air.

Water
Most animals consume two percent or more of their own body weight during the heat of summer-which can equal about 10-20 gallons of water per farm animal each day. Therefore, a good supply of clean water is crucial for an animal's survival in the heat. They should have access to fresh, cool running streams or water containers that are cleaned and re-filled regularly. Additionally, water bottles for rabbits and chickens should be cleaned and re-filled at least twice daily. Stagnant water encourages bacteria and algae growth. An ounce or so of apple cider vinegar per every five to ten gallons of water helps to minimize algae and make the containers easier to clean.

It is not recommended that you use metal tins in full sun, since the heat will warm the water quickly. Place water containers in shady areas to keep water cool.    

Avoid using white salt blocks with livestock, since they only increase thirst. Instead stick with red trace mineral blocks and loose minerals placed in feeders. Use fewer grain-based feeds for goats, sheep, cows and horses to lessen the potential for heat stress.

Shelter/Shade and Moving Air
Open-air sheds, barns, canopies and trees are all good sources of shade and shelter from the sun's intensity. In barns, a fan or mister can also help animals stay cool. Always make sure there is moving air, either from a fan or open doors or windows. Failure to provide enough air circulation can easily result in suffocation and heat exhaustion.

More Heat Prevention Tips:

*Remove manure from barns regularly, because it will produce extra heat as it decomposes.  

*Chickens lack sweat glands to cool their skin, so avoid overcrowding them in the summer.

*Rabbits in the wild are used to burrowing underground during the hottest part of the day, so provide them with some type of hutch placed in a shaded area to stay cool.

*These same precautions can be used for your pets, too. Dogs and cats have sweat glands that are found primarily on their paws and noses. So, give them adequate shade and water to stay cool. A kiddie pool filled with cool water can give a dog a nice, refreshing break on a hot day.

*Although it may be tempting to shave your pet's fur during the summer months, the fur forms a barrier against sunburn and acts as cooling insulation during heat.

*Be wary of walking dogs on cement, pavement or anywhere where they could potentially burn the pads of their paws.

*Most importantly, never leave an animal in a car with the window cracked during hot days. Temperatures inside a car can elevate quickly in the summer causing heat stroke in a matter of minutes.

Being out in the summer sun can be fun, but it can also be dangerous to you and your animals. So, take precautions to keep them--and you--safe.