Experts Share Tips to Keep Livestock, Horses, and Pets Safe during Arizona Heat

June 12 marks the first 110-degree day this year in Arizona. How can Wittmann residents protect their horses and pets during the extreme Arizona heat as the heat continues to rise? Wittmann, AZ Emergency Alerts spoke to experts regarding how to keep our animals safe during the incredible Arizona heat.

“Signs of heat stress in dogs are going to be excessive panting, red gums, rapid pulse, glazed over eyes, dogs may also have excessive drolling or no drolling at all,” said Bretta Nelson with the Arizona Humane Society.

So what do you do if your pet is showing signs of heat stress? “If the pet is a sunny area, make sure to move them into the shade, while you’re calling your veterinarian,” said Bretta Nelson. “Never douse them in cold water because the dog will go into shock. Instead, put a cool wet cloth and put it on their belly, ears, paws, and neck,” Nelson added.

Bretta Nelson says when a pet’s heat is really elevated, the temperature is up to 101-102.5. At 103 or 104, a dog can become weak, collapse, have seizures, lose consciousness. If your pet is experiencing weakness, seizures, or loss of consciousness bring them to a vet immediately.

“You want your pet’s shelter to be ventilated. You should assemble a trap above an area, the pet has shade, and the air can throw through it, and the pet has water,” Nelson encouraged.

MORE PET TIPS:

• Make sure your pet has a freshwater source.
• Make sure your water bucket that is big enough for your breed. If possible, adhere it to something so it can’t be knocked over.
• Invest in a plastic kiddie pool for your pet during the summer.
• Pets can also get sunburn. Consider investing in baby’s sun protection. You can use baby sunscreen on your pet.

HOW HORSES NATURALLY DEAL WITH HEAT:

“Horses can release excess body heat through sweat, wind, breeze or fan, and cold hosing. If horses are provided fresh, clean water, adequate hay, and shade, most will be fine. Horses can also gain or lose heat through radiation, but as we hit higher temperatures, they cannot lose that heat in that way when the environment is hotter than their body,” said Betsy Greene, an Equine Specialist and Professor of Practice, Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona to Wittmann, AZ Emergency Alerts.

WORKING AND RIDING YOUR HORSE IN THE HEAT:

“When working and riding your horse, considering when and how long to work a horse in the heat, obviously, the earlier in the day, the better…get up with the sun and get your work done before the temperature soars,” Greene added. “Horses are most effective at a heat index score of 130 or lower. That means if you have dry heat like us, we are still able to work with horses on a 100-degree day with 20% relative humidity (100 + 20 = heat index score of 120), but we still need to be very alert for signs of heat stress,” Greene continued. “Horses become less efficient at effectively dissipating heat with a score between 130-150, capacity is greatly reduced over 150, and conditions could be deadly when the heat index is over 180,” Greene added.

HEAT STRESS/EXHAUSTION IN HORSES:

“Heat stress in the horse can progress quickly to heat exhaustion if signs are not recognized and treated,” Greene said. “If your horse seems depressed or slow, has an increased temperature, dehydration, greater than 1-second skin pinch or pale, dry gums, increased respiratory rate, and/or rapid shallow breaths, or stops sweating/sweats excessively they may be experiencing heat stress,” Greene added. “If the horse gets to the point of heat exhaustion, the respiration rate may be greater than 60-80 breaths/minute, the normal rate is 8-16 and gums appear dark red and capillary refill time is greater than 2 seconds,” Greene continued.

DEALING WITH HEAT STRESS IN HORSES:

“If your horse exhibits signs of heat stress while riding, get off, remove the saddle and blanket, offer your horse water, hose them down, use ice starting at the head, an alcohol bath can be used if water is not available,” Greene said. “Move to shade if possible and use any breeze, natural or fan, to dissipate heat, and don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if your horse is not recovering or drinking. If you believe your horse has progressed to heat exhaustion, contact your veterinarian immediately,” Greene warned.

PREVENTING HEAT STRESS IN HORSES:

“Make sure your horse is in good condition and well hydrated prior to riding. Always make sure fresh clean water is available, possibly adding electrolytes to encourage adequate drinking,” Greene said. “Check the heat index, which is air temperature + relative humidity, and do not ride if the heat index is high (>180 is deadly),” Greene added. “Encourage the horse to drink before, during, and after rides, and consider training your horses to drink flavored water (e.g. Gatorade, molasses, sprite) to help ensure they will drink “strange” water when available,” Greene encouraged.

SHADE FOR HORSES:

“Shade and airflow are the keys to cooling aspects and value in Arizona. Metal structures can help reflect heat, but any sturdy structure that effectively blocks the sun is effective for providing shade to horses,” Greene said. “Even trees will provide a level of sun protection, provided they are tall enough and have significant canopy cover. Ideally, any structures will be open on multiple sides to promote airflow,” Greene added.

If you witness animal cruelty, report it to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 9-1-1 or 602-876-1011.

Click here to donate to the Arizona Humane Society.

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