Easy tips for happier animals on hot days.
Summer heat is nothing new in San Diego County, but when temperatures climb, a little extra attention can go a long way toward keeping the animals in your care comfortable, hydrated and healthy.
Whether you have horses in Ramona, chickens in Bonita, livestock on your property in Julian or pets at home in North Park, hot weather can put additional stress on animals — especially during the hottest part of the day.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when the temperatures rise.
Start With Plenty of Fresh Water
Hydration is one of the most important considerations for animals in hot weather.
Make sure fresh, clean water is always readily available, and check troughs, buckets, bowls and waterers more frequently than you normally would. Water can heat up quickly when containers are sitting in direct sunlight, so keeping them shaded when possible can help.
An automatic waterer can also help keep fresh water consistently available throughout the day, especially for horses and livestock during hot weather.
Remember that animals may drink considerably more as temperatures rise. Chickens experiencing heat stress, for example, can consume two to four times their normal amount of water.
For horses and livestock, make sure multiple animals have adequate access to water and that dominant animals aren’t preventing others from drinking.
Check water containers throughout the day for leaks, dirt, algae or anything else that could keep an animal from drinking normally.
Give Them a Break From the Sun
Shade is important for horses, livestock, chickens and outdoor pets alike.
Trees, shelters, shade cloths and well-ventilated structures can all provide relief from direct sunlight. Just remember that shade and airflow should work together. An enclosed structure that traps hot air may not offer much relief simply because it’s out of the sun.
Whenever possible, make sure shaded areas also have good ventilation. A shaded space that traps hot air can still become uncomfortable during peak afternoon temperatures.
Know the Common Signs of Heat Stress
Heat stress can look different depending on the species and the individual animal, but there are several warning signs worth watching for.
Heavy or labored breathing, excessive panting, drooling, weakness, stumbling, unusual behavior, lethargy, confusion or an animal separating itself from the group may indicate that something is wrong.
If an animal appears to be struggling with the heat, move it to a cooler, shaded environment, provide access to fresh water and contact your veterinarian promptly if you are concerned.
Horses: Adjust Activity for the Heat
If you’re riding, training or working horses during hot weather, consider moving activity to the cooler morning or evening hours and reducing the intensity when necessary.
Horses rely heavily on sweating to regulate their body temperature, which means they can lose significant amounts of both water and electrolytes in hot weather. Make sure they have consistent access to fresh water and talk with your veterinarian about whether a horse electrolyte supplement is a good choice for your horse given its health and activity level.
After exercise, cooling measures such as cold-water hosing can help bring a hot horse’s body temperature down. And whenever possible, give horses access to shade and good airflow as they recover.
Pay particular attention to a horse that isn’t sweating normally in the heat, as an inability to sweat properly can make it much harder to regulate body temperature.
Chickens: Watch for Panting and Heat Stress
Chickens can be particularly sensitive to high temperatures because they don’t sweat. Instead, they’ll use behaviors such as panting to try to release excess heat.
As temperatures rise, you may also notice your flock drinking more, eating less or holding their wings away from their bodies.
Keep plenty of cool, fresh water available, increase ventilation around the coop and provide ample shade. Avoid unnecessary handling or moving birds during the hottest part of the day.
Electrolytes can also be useful for poultry during periods of heat stress when used appropriately. Always follow the product directions and make sure your flock continues to have adequate access to water.
Livestock: Water, Shade and Airflow Matter
Cattle, goats, sheep and other livestock need extra attention during periods of extreme heat, too. Make sure livestock can easily reach clean water and shaded, well-ventilated areas throughout the day.
If animals need to be moved, worked or transported, do your best to schedule that activity during the cooler parts of the day rather than during peak mid-morning through late afternoon temperatures.
Keep an eye on the entire herd or flock. Heavy or rapid breathing, excessive drooling, weakness, unusual behavior or animals separating themselves from the group can all signal that something isn’t right.
Dogs, Cats & Small Animals Need Extra Care, Too
Our pets feel the San Diego heat right along with us.
Keep dogs and cats indoors or in cool, shaded areas during the hottest part of the day, make sure they always have fresh water and avoid strenuous exercise when temperatures are high.
Don’t forget about the ground beneath their feet, either. Asphalt and pavement can become extremely hot in direct sun and can injure paws.
Rabbits and other small animals housed outdoors also deserve particular attention. Make sure enclosures are shaded, well ventilated and protected from direct afternoon sun, and check water supplies throughout the day.
And, of course, never leave an animal unattended in a parked vehicle.
Know Your Animals – and Watch for Changes
Heat stress doesn’t look exactly the same in every species or every animal. Age, health, breed, body condition, activity level, housing and acclimation to the weather can all make a difference.
The best thing you can do is know what’s normal for the animals in your care and pay attention when their behavior changes.
Heavy or labored breathing, excessive panting, weakness, stumbling, lethargy, confusion or an animal that isn’t responding normally can be signs of a serious problem. Move the animal to a cooler environment and contact your veterinarian promptly if you’re concerned about heat stress.
Stock Up Before the Next Hot Day
A little preparation can make hot-weather animal care much easier.
At Elston’s, we carry feed, supplements, electrolytes, buckets, waterers and other supplies for horses, livestock, chickens, pets and small animals. If you’re not sure what you need, stop by and talk with our team. We’re always happy to help.
And if making the trip isn’t convenient in the heat, remember: Elston’s delivers throughout San Diego County. Set up your online profile, select delivery at checkout and let us do the heavy lifting – especially on those extra-hot San Diego days.
Stay cool out there… and help your animals do the same.
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Elston Hay & Grain
For over 55 years, Elston’s has been San Diego’s go-to for animal care and rural living. We proudly support generations of horse lovers, livestock caretakers, pet owners, and home growers with top-notch hay, feed, and supplies. Rooted in ranching and built on friendly know-how, we’re here to help you care for your animals with confidence. Whether you’re raising chickens, feeding a stable, or spoiling your pup, here at Elston’s we’ve got what you need.
Shop online or visit us at our locations in Ramona and Poway. We proudly deliver to all of San Diego County, including Escondido, Lakeside, Warner Springs, Julian, Ranchita, and South County. https://shop.elstonhayandgrain.com/