Protect and Maintain Animal Well-being, Health, and Productivity during the Intense Summer Period
Sizzling Summers Stress Our Furry Friends
Summers in India are getting hotter, and it's taking a toll on our animal companions. If temperatures tops 3°C above the average for three consecutive days, or spike over 45°C for two days straight, we're dealing with a heatwave. During these sweltering days, animals struggle to cool down, especially in humid conditions with poor ventilation.
Scientists and veterinarians employ a gauge called the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) to gauge heat stress severity. Here's a quick rundown:
- 75-78: Animals are on alert
- 79-83: The situation is dangerous
- Above 84: Emergency action is required
Who's Feeling the Heat?
Not all species suffer equally. Here's a list of animals that need extra care during heatwaves:
- Tiny powerhouses: Calves, lambs, and kids have small bodies and poor heat control
- Pregnant and lactating animals: They have high energy demands
- Dark-coloured animals: They soak up more sun and heat faster
- Ailing animals: They're weaker and more susceptible to illness
- Newly shorn sheep: Without wool, their exposed skin can burn
- Sweat-challenged creatures: Pigs and poultry don't sweat, so they cool down slowly
- High-producers: Cows and buffaloes have bodies that generate excess heat
Heat Stress – Signs to Watch Out For
As a farmer, it's crucial to recognize early signs of heat stress. Here's what to look for:
- Bathing patterns: Dry nose, mouth breathing, or panting
- Excessive salivation
- Lethargy: Lying flat or sprawling out
- Weakness or muscle tremors
- Loss of appetite and decreased milk yield
- Shade seeking: Animals constantly seeking shade or standing near water
- Heat stress indicators in poultry: Open beaks, spreading wings
Spot these symptoms early and act fast. Move the animal to shade, provide water, and use fans or sprinklers if available. In severe cases, call a vet.
Purnathadi Buffalo – A Low-Cost High-Gain Breed
The Purnathadi buffalo, native to Maharashtra, is known for its high-fat milk and low maintenance. Despite challenges like limited resources, this breed is a valuable ally in the battle against excessive heat[1].
Common Heat Disorders and First Aid
- Sunburn – A common issue for pigs and shorn sheep. Symptoms include red inflamed skin and fever. Use cool water, supply shade, and treat blisters gently.
- Heat cramps – Muscle cramps. Massage affected areas, and move the animal to a cooler location.
- Heat exhaustion – Profuse sweating, weakness, rapid breathing, and cold extremities. Give lots of water and rest in cool, well-ventilated conditions.
- Heat stroke – Medical emergency with symptoms like elevated fever, dry mouth, fast pulse, and collapse. Use cool water or sponging and seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Beating the Heat – Prevention is Key
Prevention is always better than cure. Here's a simple plan to help your animals stay cool:
- Constructing and enhancing shade: Use natural materials like thatch, bamboo, or green nets for sheds. If permanent shade isn't practical, tie the animals under trees or temporary cloth shades. Ensure cross ventilation for cowsheds and poultry houses.
- Clean water supply: Always provide fresh drinking water and store water points under shade. Refill often.
- Timed feeding: Feed animals during cooler hours – early morning or nighttime. Avoid heavy or concentrate feed during midday. Green fodder keeps them cool.
- Regulated activity: Minimize work during extreme heat. Limit plowing or transport to early morning or late evening. Offer frequent rest breaks and water supply.
- Bathing and grooming: Daily bathing helps, especially for buffaloes and cows. Clip extra hair or wool, but avoid shaving totally unless unavoidable.
- Special care for poultry and pigs: Provide exhaust fans, deep and shaded water bowls, and low stock density. Mud pits or wet floors in pig farms help keep them cool.
- Dodging transport during daytime: Stick to transport before 9 AM or after 6 PM. Never leave animals inside enclosed transport or exposed to the sun without air circulation.
- Avoid vaccinations during peak heat: Unless there's a disease outbreak, skip giving vaccines or deworming doses during peak summer. It stresses the animal's already overworked body.
Allies in Your Heatwave Battle
Your local Animal Husbandry Department and village veterinarians are crucial partners. Attend awareness camps, follow heatwave advisories, and don't hesitate to seek help. They can provide emergency medicines, cooling sprays, or basic training in animal first aid.
For rural families, animals are not merely possessions – they're partners in farming, essential for income, and family members. Treat them like family this summer to avoid losses in milk, meat, or eggs, and help them recover faster as the heat subsides.
So, stay ahead of the game. Provide shade, check water frequently, feed wisely, rest, and watch closely. Your animals will reward you with improved health, increased production, and consistent income even during the hottest summer days.
First published on: 13 Jun 2025, 07:22 IST
Enrichment Data:
Overall: Several animal groups are especially vulnerable to heat stress during heatwaves due to specific physiological, anatomical, or environmental factors. Below is an overview of which animals are most susceptible and why:
## Highly Susceptible Animals
Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Dog Breeds - Examples: Pugs, Boston terriers, French bulldogs, English bulldogs, Shih Tzus - Why: These breeds have short noses, small nasal passages, and often a long soft palate which restricts airflow and makes panting – their primary method of cooling – less effective. This results in difficulty regulating body temperature and increased risk of heat stroke[2]. - Other Vulnerable Dogs: Older dogs and obese dogs are also at higher risk due to less efficient regulatory systems[2].
Dogs with Thick or Dark Fur Coats - Examples: Labradors, Huskies, Shepherds, Golden Retrievers - Why: Thick double coats trap heat and dark fur absorbs more solar radiation, both of which increase the risk of overheating[2].
Flying Foxes (Large Bats) - Why: Flying foxes are highly susceptible to heat stress. Hundreds or thousands can be affected simultaneously during extreme heat events because their physiology is poorly adapted to rapid temperature spikes, and group dynamics can exacerbate the issue[1].
Dairy Cattle and Other Livestock - Examples: Dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, goats - Why: Cattle experience reduced dry matter intake, lower milk production, and increased health issues during heat waves. Their core body temperature is tightly regulated, and any disruption can lead to severe stress. High humidity and solar radiation compound the problem[3][4][5]. - Indicators: Rapid breathing, panting, drooling, and reduced activity are clear signs of heat stress[3][5]. - Special Risk Factors: Animals in direct sunlight, those with limited shade, or in poorly ventilated housing are at higher risk[4][5].
Poultry - Why: Chickens and other poultry are also highly susceptible, especially at body temperatures above 107°F, when they redirect blood flow to the skin, compromising internal organ function[5].
Summary Table
| Animal Group | Why Susceptible ||-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|| Brachycephalic dogs | Limited airflow, poor panting efficiency[2] || Thick/dark-furred dogs | Insulation, increased heat absorption[2] || Flying foxes (bats) | Physiology, group dynamics[1] || Dairy cattle/livestock | Limited heat dissipation, humidity, direct sun[3][4][5] || Poultry | High body temp threshold, poor heat tolerance[5] |
Key Factors - Anatomy: Short noses, thick fur, or dense feathers can trap heat or limit cooling - Physiology: Inefficient thermoregulation or high sensitivity to temperature changes - Environment: Lack of shade, high humidity, poor ventilation, or group proximity intensifies risk
These animals require special care during heatwaves to prevent severe health consequences and mortality.
During sweltering summers, not only our furry farming companions, but also pets like brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs face increased heat stress. These breeds' short noses and small nasal passages restrict airflow, making panting less effective, and leading to a higher risk of heat stroke.
Proper home-and-garden care includes providing cool, shaded areas for these breeds, and limiting their exposure to direct sunlight. It's essential to monitor their health closely during heatwaves, ensuring they have access to plenty of water and taking preventative measures to keep them comfortable and safe.
