July 18, 2019
ANIMAL HEAT ADVISORY
Pet and Livestock Owners Urged to Take Precautions During Hot, Humid Weather
(HARTFORD, CT) – The National Weather Service in has issued an Excessive Heat Watch, in effect this Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 11 AM to 9 PM, for all counties in Connecticut. With the already hot weather and the forecast for even hotter, more humid conditions, pet and livestock owners are advised to take precautions to prevent heat stress in their animals.
“We know how much people care for their animals,” says Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Bryan P. Hurlburt. “It’s important to take the necessary precautions to recognize and manage the signs of heat stress in our pets and livestock. Being proactive is critical to ensuring your animal remains healthy.”
Pet owners are urged to adhere to the following:
- Provide unlimited access to fresh water, when it’s hot or humid outdoors.
- Offer a shady place to get out of the sun.
- Do not over-exercise pets.
- Keep them indoors when it is extremely hot.
- Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws.
- Never leave your animals in a vehicle, even in the shade or with windows cracked. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, it is illegal.
Heat can also stress livestock, horses and poultry. Signs to watch for include an increased respiratory rate (faster breathing or panting than normal) or an increased core body temperature.
Livestock owners are reminded to provide the following:
- Unrestricted access to water. An animals’ water consumption can increase by 50-100 percent during hot weather conditions.
- Provide adequate ventilation if enclosed in a barn. Shade can be easily provided by allowing access to pasture with trees or open buildings.
- When possible, utilize fans to increase air movement in barns and misting sprays to cool animals.
- Watch animal movement and behavior for indications of problems.
- Have a backup plan in place in case of power or water systems failure.
- Limit animal transportation to early morning or late evening.
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For Immediate Release: July 18, 2019
Contact: Nathan Wilson
860-713-2528
