On a hot day, a horse, cow, sheep or chicken mainly needs three things: shade, unlimited fresh water and air that can move. What you will find here helps with that: drinkers, electrolytes, sun cream and cooling gel for horses.
Shade, water and air
- Shade: check whether there is shade in the field all day, even as the sun moves round. Trees, a field shelter or an open barn with a through draught help.
- Water: animals drink much more in the heat. Put out an extra trough and refresh it often: they are less keen to drink lukewarm or dirty water. The Drinkbak All Animals with float valve (6 litres) refills itself when connected to the mains water supply.
- Ventilation: open doors and hatches of stable and chicken coop, so warm air can escape. Chickens cannot sweat; they pant and spread their wings when it is too hot.
- Adjust work: ride, train or transport animals in the early morning or evening.
What you can use alongside
For horses that sweat a lot there are Excellent Horse Electrolytes as powder, pellets and liquid. For chickens, chicks and pigeons there is the Excellent Electrolyte mix for small livestock, which you mix into the drinking water. For both, follow the label, and always provide plain water alongside water with electrolytes. Protect lightly haired areas, such as a pink nose, with Excellent Horse Sunblock Cream SPF 30. Apply the Excellent Horse Deep Ice Cooling Gel to the legs after work; after hosing down, use a sweat scraper to remove the water from the coat.
Please note
These are practical measures, not a treatment. If you see an animal that keeps panting, staggers, will not drink or becomes dull, call your vet.
More on salt and sweating is in horse electrolytes; you will find drinkers in horse drinkers and chicken drinkers, and extra water containers in buckets and tubs. Against flies in summer: fly masks. Back to yard and pasture.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep my horse cool in a heatwave?
Provide shade and unlimited fresh water, only work in the cool hours and hose the horse down after exertion. Call your vet if it keeps panting or is dull.
Should I give electrolytes in hot weather?
Mainly for animals that sweat a lot, such as horses after work. Follow the label and always provide plain water as well.
How do I help my chickens through the heat?
Provide shade, fresh and cool water in several places and a well-ventilated coop. Mix the electrolyte mix for small livestock into the drinking water according to the label.
Does a horse need sun cream?
Horses with pink skin or a white blaze burn more easily on the nose and around the eyes. That is where you use a sun cream for horses.