As the temperature rises, animals must work harder to maintain their body temperature. This can lead to heat stress, which can cause a number of health problems, including:
- Increased heart rate and respiration
- Sweating
- Panting
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Organ damage
- Death
Animals that are most at risk for heat stress include:
- Young animals
- Old animals
- Pregnant or nursing animals
- Obese animals
- Animals with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory problems
Heat stress can also be a problem for animals that live in hot climates or that are exposed to extreme heat for extended periods of time. This includes animals that are housed in unventilated buildings or that are forced to work in hot conditions.
If you think an animal is experiencing heat stress, it is important to take action immediately to cool them down. This can be done by:
- Moving the animal to a cooler location
- Providing the animal with water to drink
- Wetting the animal's body with cool water
- Applying ice packs to the animal's head, neck, and armpits
- Allowing the animal to rest in a cool, shady spot
If an animal is experiencing severe heat stress, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.