The heat waves in early June “led to heat-health alerts, water shortages and caused unprecedented deaths of fish in rivers…The Met Office also said the unusually high temperatures early on in the summer season were driven by “the background warming of the Earth’s atmosphere due to human-induced climate crisis”. (The Independent)
It’s a high danger and crucial time for animals, as heat dramatically raises the danger of dehydration, heat fatigue, heat stroke, sunburn and skin cancer.
Therefore, it’s crucial for animal caretakers to be knowledgeable about the threats presented and how to take proactive care. Especially, as “approximately 12 million UK households own a pet” (2021 (PFMA) Pet Population report), there is “approximately 92,100 farmers working in the United Kingdom as of 2022” (Statista) and participation with horses is progressively increasing throughout the UK, with an approximated 3 million individuals presently associated with horse-related activities, consisting of ownership, riding, and other equestrian pursuits. (British Equestrian Trade Association)
Heat Protection for Animals
So, what is a heat stroke
“Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that can affect any animal that gets too hot. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, start first aid and contact your vet immediately. The faster your pet is cooled down, the higher the chance they will make a full recovery.” (PDSA) If left unattended, heat stroke can result in organ failure, mental retardation, and even death.
Heat stroke in animals takes place usually above 40°C, when an animal is exposed to high ecological temperature levels or extended physical effort without enough access to shade, water, or sufficient ventilation.
5 Ways to Protect Animals from Heat Stroke
Therefore the specialists from Equine Premium have actually suggested 5 methods to help safeguard your household and stock alike from heat stroke:
1. Shade and fresh water: Ensure that your animals have access to a shaded location where they can pull back from the sun. Set up a cool, well-ventilated space with lots of fresh water available at all times.
Dehydration postures the best danger to animals. Young and housed animals who take in dry feed just and nursing animals are at the greatest danger. So you will require to prepare for what to do in case water products are disturbed and have alternative water sources, e.g., consuming water, boreholes, gathered water and tanks. (UK Gov)
Your veterinarian can guide you on the danger of alternative water products and whether they require treatment. Also your local council and the RSPCA can encourage in an emergency situation.
2. Avoid peak heat and sun hours: Limit exercise, such as strolls or play sessions, to cooler times of the day, such as morning or night. Avoid exercising your animals throughout the peak heat hours, as this can rapidly result in getting too hot.
3. Avoid transportation in severe weather condition: It can be deadly when animals are left in hot cars and carrying horses in heat. As the temperature level can increase quickly, even with the windows split. “Trailers and horseboxes can become very hot inside…avoid travelling your horse in these conditions and if you do have to travel ensure you have plenty of water on board and ventilate the vehicle as best you can.” (World Horse Welfare)
4. Look out for the signs: Heat stroke can trigger internal damage that might not be right away noticable. So, acquaint yourself with the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, in addition to suitable emergency treatment procedures. Knowing how to identify and react to heat-related emergency situations can make all the distinction in securing your animals.
5. Keep them cool: Look out for extreme panting, sleepiness, or looking for cool surface areas. Place them on tiled surface areas, utilizing damp towels or bandannas around their necks, or established a little swimming pool or shallow water source for them to consume from.
Sun Protection for Animals
It’s well developed that we must be using UV security all year, even if it’s overcast. “In the UK, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are the strongest between 11am and 3pm from mid-March to mid-October. During this time, the sun may be strong enough to cause damage.” (Cancer Research UK)
So, should animals use sun block too?
“Animals can and do get sunburned. Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet (mainly UV-B) rays (in this case from the sun) damaging cells in exposed skin.” (Cornell University) Sunburn can trigger pain, discomfort, and possible long-lasting damage to their skin. Therefore, it is typically suggested to take suitable procedures to safeguard animals from extreme sun direct exposure, particularly throughout heatwaves.
Squamous cell cancer is a kind of skin cancer that can impact household family pets and stock from sun direct exposure, it’s more typical in warmer environments, however postures a threat in the UK as heat waves increase. Squamous cell cancer “can often be mistaken as a minor abrasion but early treatment is vital as it can quickly destroy surrounding tissue making surgery more challenging and, in some cases, not possible.” (Blue Cross)
While animals, like human beings, can take advantage of sun security, making use of sun block is not constantly suggested for them. As it depends upon the particular kind of animal, their breed, and their private scenarios.
Therefore the specialists from Equine Premium have actually curated these standards on sun security for household family pets and stock:
Cats: “Skin cancer in cats can take many different forms, including lesions, ulcers, scabs, warty lumps and bumps on the skin” (Blue Cross) So, if your cat has thin fur, light skin, or locations with little hair, such as the ears or nose can have sunscreen used. Please speak with your veterinarian initially.
Smaller Pets: For pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds, sunscreen is usually not necessary. However, “a high-factor sunblock cream designed for babies can be used on the rabbits ears and nose, but bear in mind that the rabbit is liable to lick this off very quickly, and is not a substitute for providing shade.” (Willows Veterinary Centre) Indoor animals should be protected from direct sunlight in extreme weather conditions, with plenty of water.
Farm animals with exposed, lighter or less pigmented skin, can be more susceptible to sunburn during extreme weather conditions and intense sunlight. So, here are some animals that can benefit from sunscreen.
Horses: Horses with pink skin, white markings, light-coloured or thin coats are more prone to sunburn. Horses will likely be outside during peak heat and sun hours, so it’s a high risk and critical time as the hot weather drastically raises the risk of heat stroke, sunburn and skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is “the second most common type of cancer in horses.” (Royal Veterinary College) There is a genetic component, as well as other factors, but prolonged sun exposure can speed up the process. So apply sunscreen to any exposed pink areas, such as the muzzle, hairless areas (in case they have been rubbing, or have a fly bite). Depending on the type of suncream you are using, you have to apply anything from every 2h to once per day (i.e. formulation, is it waterproof).
Pigs: “Pigs at the Royal Welsh Show will wear sun cream this year as heatwave temperatures soar.” (The Independent) Certain pig breeds, especially those with lighter skin or hairless patches, can be prone to sunburn. Sunscreen can be applied to vulnerable areas like their ears, snouts, and any exposed skin.
Cows: According to the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, “only on a vet’s advice – cattle can be given suncream if they have become sunburned.” (The Guardian) Some breeds of cattle have areas of lighter or less pigmented skin, such as white-faced breeds or those with white markings. These areas are more prone to sunburn and could benefit from sunscreen application.
Sheep and goats: Certain breeds of sheep or goats may have less pigmented skin or areas with thin fur, making them susceptible to sunburn. Sunscreen can be applied to their ears, noses, or other exposed areas. “Light-coloured animals, newly shorn sheep and other animals that are clipped can suffer from sunburn and the parts of animals that normally lack hair cover can be sunburned. The problem can be worsened because animals may be exposed to certain substances from their feed, medications such as antibiotics, and spores of certain moulds that can photo-sensitise them, making them more likely to burn; extreme sunburn and sometimes large open skin wounds can result.” (Cornell University)
Overall, it’s best to keep in mind that preventative and proactive care is essential when it comes to protecting household and farm animals from heat stroke and sunburn. Even if sunscreen is not needed, it’s important to provide shade, fresh water, and a cool environment for your animals during intensely hot days.
Each animal is unique, and consulting with a veterinarian who can assess individual needs is essential. As they can guide you on non-toxic sun protection according to breed, coat condition, and lifestyle.
Also the UK Government’s guidance on how to care for pets and farm animals in severe climate condition is easily available.
