Animal owners are being reminded to take precautions to make sure their pets and livestock are properly cared for as temperatures soar over the long weekend.
Extreme heat can have a detrimental effect on animal health and wellbeing. Poultry are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves and large losses can occur if precautions are not put in place.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Elise Spark, said there are a number of measures owners can take to reduce the impact of heat on their animals.
'It is important to provide shade for your animals to seek shelter from the blazing sun and ensure there is plenty of cool water nearby,' Dr Spark said.
'During high temperatures, animals can drink up to double their normal intake, so it’s crucial they have continual access to sufficient cool water.'
Where possible, large and clean drinking troughs should be used, as evaporation may make trough water become saline and undrinkable. Troughs may need to be emptied regularly during the day to ensure that the water remains cool enough for animals to drink.
Keep pets safe by never leaving them alone in a parked car – even if it’s just for a short time, or with the air conditioning on, or windows open. Pet owners should also:
- make sure animals have enough shade and water
- consider keeping pets inside on hot days
- avoid walking pets on hot pavement during a heatwave – remember that if it’s too hot for you to walk outside barefoot, it’s too hot for your pets.
Dr Spark said during extreme temperatures, animals should be checked regularly to make sure they are coping with the heat. If owners are concerned, they should contact their vet for advice or assistance.
'If you’re not living at your property, arrange for a neighbour or friend to check on your animals regularly in your absence and make sure troughs are working properly.'
Transport of animals on and off the farm should be minimised during periods of extreme heat. Animal welfare laws must be adhered to, to minimise the risk of harm to livestock from extreme weather. Livestock transporters should have contingency plans in place for adverse weather and to handle unexpected breakdowns, as recommended under the national guidelines for land transport of livestock.
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