Keeping animals safe and happy in warm weather Essential tips for farmers, horse owners, transporters, and pet owners

As the temperature rises, it's crucial to take extra care of our furry and feathered friends. Whether you're a farmer, horse owner, transporter, pet owner, or just someone who loves animals, here are some easy-to-follow tips to ensure their welfare during extreme weather.

Hot weather: beat the heat

Hot weather can be tough on animals. High temperatures, humidity, and sudden weather changes can pose major threats. Different animals deal with heat in various ways, so here's what you need to know:

Pets: keep your furry friends cool and comfortable

Your pets need special attention during hot weather too. Here’s how to keep them safe:

Hydration

• Make sure your pets always have access to fresh water. Place multiple bowls around the house and yard.

• When you’re out and about, carry a portable water bottle and bowl for your dog.

Shade and Cool Areas

• Ensure pets have access to shaded areas, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Trees, canopies, or a well-ventilated doghouse can provide much-needed relief from the sun.

• If your pets are inside, keep the environment cool with fans or air conditioning. Tile floors can also be a great place for them to lie down and cool off.

Limit Exercise

• Walk your pets early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

• Keep an eye on your pets during walks and playtime. If they seem tired, take a break, and offer water.

Never leave pets in cars

• Never leave your pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside cars can soar quickly, leading to heatstroke or even death.

Cool treats and water play

• Offer your pets ice cubes or frozen pet-safe treats to help them cool down.

• Let your pets splash around in a shallow kiddie pool or set up a sprinkler for them to play in. Always supervise water play to ensure safety.

Grooming

• Brush your pets regularly to remove excess fur, which can help them stay cool. However, avoid shaving them down to the skin as their coat provides sun protection.

• If your pets have long fur, consider trimming it slightly to help them stay cool, but consult with a groomer to ensure it’s done safely.

Watch for signs of heat stress

• Look out for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, rapid heartbeat, or vomiting. These can be signs of heat stress or heatstroke.

• If you notice these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler area immediately, offer water, and consult your vet if the symptoms persist.

Create a cool environment

• Invest in cooling mats or pads designed for pets. These can provide a cool surface for them to lie on.

• Place wet towels on the floor for your pets to lie on, or gently wipe them down with a damp cloth to help reduce their body temperature.

General farm animal care

• Always provide access to shade and plenty of fresh water. This is especially important for ruminants like cattle and sheep, which generate internal heat from digestion and can't rely on sweating to cool down. Pigs also struggle to cool off, as they can't sweat effectively.

• Inspect your animals often, focusing on the very young or old ones.

• Learn the signs of heat stress, which vary between species, and act quickly by providing shade and water.

• Avoid moving animals during the hottest parts of the day. Dairy cattle should be milked close to their resting areas.

• Work with neighbours if water and feed supplies run short or access becomes difficult.

Transporting Animals in Hot Weather

Transporting animals in hot weather requires extra care to prevent injury or suffering:

• Ensure animals are fit to travel.

• Avoid transporting animals in temperatures over 30°C unless you have a temperature-controlled vehicle. Check the ‘feels like’ temperature for the route.

• Ensure all watering and ventilation systems in the vehicle are working properly.

• Provide enough water to meet the animals' needs.

• Keep trips as short as possible and have a contingency plan for delays.

• Transport animals during the evening, night, or early morning to avoid peak heat.

• Reduce loading density to improve airflow and prevent overheating.

Drought: Staying Hydrated

During droughts, water is crucial:

• Ensure animals have access to a suitable water supply and provide fresh drinking water daily. Young, housed, and lactating animals are at greater risk of dehydration.

• Have a plan if water supplies are interrupted and identify alternative sources. Move animals to where water is available if needed.

• Work with neighbours to ensure a steady water supply.

• If in doubt, seek immediate advice from your vet. Consider moving or selling animals to reduce stocking density if necessary.

Rationing water

If water needs to be rationed, meet these daily minimums:

• Milking cows: 38 to 52 liters

• Other cattle: 38 liters

• Horses: 20 to 45 liters

• Pigs: 4 to 11.5 liters

• Sheep: 6 liters

• Poultry (intensive): 0.5 liters

Discuss with your vet how to reduce water needs, like giving less feed or ending egg production. Be careful to avoid salt poisoning in pigs.

Extreme weather can be challenging, but with the right preparation and care, you can ensure your animals stay safe and healthy. Stay vigilant, work with your community, and always seek veterinary advice when needed.

For more information on protecting your animals and to check your flood risk, visit Natural Resources Wales and sign up for flood warnings