Heatwaves pose a significant risk to both horses and dogs, as their ability to regulate body temperature differs from humans.

Heatwaves pose a significant risk to both horses and dogs, as their ability to regulate body temperature differs from humans. It's crucial for owners to take preventative measures and recognize the signs of heat stress and heatstroke.

Protecting Horses in a Heatwave:

Horses are particularly susceptible to heat stress and heatstroke, especially if working or exercising in hot, humid conditions.

Prevention is Key:

• Provide Constant Access to Fresh, Cool Water: Horses need a lot of water, up to 55 liters a day, and even more in hot weather. Ensure troughs are full or automatic systems are working. Consider adding electrolytes or offering a salt lick to encourage drinking and replace lost salts.
• Offer Ample Shade: Natural shade from trees is ideal as it moves with the sun. If not available, provide man-made shelters. For horses kept in stables, ensure good ventilation, and consider using fans if safe to do so.
• Adjust Exercise and Turnout:
• Work horses during the coolest parts of the day (early morning or late evening).
• Reduce the intensity and duration of exercise.
• Consider turning horses out at night when it's cooler, and bringing them in during the hottest part of the day.
• Manage Coats: Clip hairy horses, especially those with conditions like Cushing's disease, to help them cool down.
• Prevent Sunburn: Horses with pink skin (e.g., on their faces, white socks, blazes) are prone to sunburn. Apply child-safe factor 50 sunblock or use fly masks with nose covers.
• Avoid Over-Rugging: Do not put rugs or blankets on horses in warm weather, as this traps heat.
• Monitor Vulnerable Horses: Young, old, ill, overweight, or unfit horses are more susceptible and need careful monitoring.

Signs of Heat Stress/Heatstroke in Horses:

• Increased Body Temperature: Rectal temperature above 103∘F (39.4∘C) for heat stress, and above 106∘F (41.1∘C) for heatstroke.
• Rapid Heart and Breathing Rates: Pulse rate over 60 bpm, breathing rate over 40 bpm, especially if they don't decline within 20 minutes of stopping exercise.
• Profuse Sweating or Lack of Sweat (Anhidrosis): While sweating is a cooling mechanism, some horses can stop sweating altogether (anhidrosis), which is very dangerous.
• Dehydration: Check by pinching the skin on the neck; if it takes several seconds to return to normal (skin tenting), the horse is dehydrated. Also look for dry mucous membranes.
• Lethargy, Tiredness, Depression: The horse may appear unusually subdued or unwilling to move.
• Muscle Weakness, Tremors, Incoordination, Stumbling:
• Droopy Ears:
• Reduced Feed Intake:
• Distress, Agitation, or Whinnying:
• In severe cases: Collapse, seizures, or coma.

What to Do if You Suspect Heatstroke in a Horse:

• Immediately move the horse to a shaded, cool area.
• Aggressively cool the horse with cold water. Hose down the entire body, focusing on large muscle masses (hindquarters, shoulders, neck).
• Continuously scrape off the heated water. This is crucial as wet towels or un-scraped water can trap heat.
• Gently walk the horse or place them under a fan/in a breeze. This aids evaporative cooling.
• Offer small amounts of cold water to drink.
• Call your veterinarian immediately. Heatstroke is a medical emergency.

Protecting Dogs in a Heatwave:

Dogs don't sweat like humans, relying primarily on panting and sweating through their paw pads and nose to cool down. They are highly susceptible to overheating.

Prevention is Key:

• Never Leave Dogs in Cars: Temperatures in a car can rise to fatal levels in minutes, even with windows open and parked in the shade.
• Provide Constant Access to Fresh, Cool Water: Place multiple water bowls around the house and garden, and add ice cubes to keep water cold. Always carry water and a bowl on walks.
• Limit Exercise to Cooler Times: Walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening. On very hot days, avoid exercise altogether.
• Test the Pavement: If the ground is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Walk on grass if possible.
• Offer Shade: Ensure your dog has access to cool, shaded areas outdoors.
• Provide Cooling Aids:
• Cooling mats, damp towels, or frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel.
• A shallow paddling pool in the shade can be very effective, as dogs release heat through their paws.
• Cooling coats and collars can also help.
• Groom Regularly: Regular brushing, especially for long or thick-furred dogs, helps them regulate their temperature.
• Pet-Safe Sunscreen: Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas like noses and ear tips, especially on dogs with light-colored fur or thin coats.
• Ice Treats: Make or buy ice treats or frozen fruit/vegetables.
• Keep Indoors: During extreme heat, keep your dog indoors in a cool, well-ventilated room, or with air conditioning.

Signs of Heat Stress/Heatstroke in Dogs:

• Excessive Panting and Difficulty Breathing: This may progress to distressed or noisy breathing.
• Excessive Drooling/Salivation:
• Restlessness, Agitation, or Pacing: Seeking shade or water.
• Red Gums or Tongue (Bright Red) or Pale Gums:
• Increased Heart Rate:
• Vomiting or Diarrhea (possibly with blood):
• Lethargy, Drowsiness, Weakness, or Uncoordinated Movement: Staggering, dizziness.
• Muscle Tremors:
• Collapse or Seizures:
• Signs of mental confusion, delirium.

What to Do if You Suspect Heatstroke in a Dog:

• Immediately move your dog to a cooler, shaded environment or an air-conditioned room.
• Begin cooling your dog. Apply or spray tepid/cool water (not ice-cold, as this can cause peripheral vasoconstriction and hinder cooling) onto their fur and skin, focusing on the belly, armpits, and groin.
• Use a fan to blow air over their damp skin to enhance evaporative cooling.
• Do not cover the dog with wet towels, as this can trap heat.
• Offer small amounts of cool, fresh water.
• Seek veterinary attention immediately. Even if your dog seems to be recovering, they should be checked by a vet as heatstroke can lead to organ damage.

By being proactive and vigilant, you can help your beloved horses and dogs stay safe and comfortable during a heatwave.