90 Degrees in Ohio: How to Protect Your Animals, Lawn and Garden

Mid-July heat has arrived in Northeast Ohio, with temperatures climbing into the 90s. While the sunshine may be good for summer activities, extended periods of high heat and humidity can be hard on livestock, backyard chickens, pets, lawns and gardens.

A little preparation can help prevent heat stress, reduce water problems and keep your animals and property healthier until cooler weather returns.

Keep Plenty of Fresh Water Available

Water is the first priority during extreme heat.

Livestock, poultry and pets may drink considerably more water than usual when temperatures rise. Check waterers, buckets and troughs several times throughout the day rather than assuming that filling them once in the morning will be enough.

Keep these hot-weather water tips in mind:

• Clean waterers and troughs regularly.

• Place water containers in the shade whenever possible.

• Check automatic waterers to make sure they are working properly.

• Keep backup buckets or water containers available.

• Make sure all animals can reach the water without crowding.

• Refill small poultry and pet waterers frequently so the water does not become excessively warm.

Dirty or overly warm water can discourage animals from drinking. During a heat wave, clean and dependable water access is one of the most important things you can provide.

Watch Livestock for Signs of Heat Stress

Cattle, horses, goats, sheep and other livestock can become overheated, especially when high temperatures are combined with humidity and little nighttime cooling.

Possible signs of heat stress include:

• Rapid breathing or panting

• Excessive drooling

• Open-mouth breathing

• Reduced appetite

• Crowding around water

• Seeking shade and refusing to leave it

• Weakness, stumbling or unusual behavior

Provide as much shade and airflow as possible. Avoid unnecessary handling, transportation or strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. When animals must be worked, early morning is generally safer than afternoon.

Animals experiencing severe distress need immediate attention. Contact your veterinarian when an animal is struggling to breathe, appears weak or disoriented, cannot stand, or does not improve after being moved to a cooler area.

Help Backyard Chickens Stay Cool

Chickens do not sweat, making shade, ventilation and water especially important during hot weather.

Panting and holding their wings away from their bodies are common signs that chickens are trying to release heat. More serious heat stress may cause weakness, poor coordination, reduced egg production or a lack of interest in food.

To help your flock:

• Provide shade throughout the day.

• Keep the coop well ventilated.

• Avoid overcrowding.

• Offer multiple water stations.

• Check water frequently and keep it clean.

• Feed during cooler morning or evening hours.

• Avoid handling or moving birds during peak afternoon heat.

Electrolytes designed for poultry may also be useful during periods of heat or transportation stress. Always follow the product directions and make sure plain, fresh water remains available when recommended.

Protect Dogs and Other Pets

Dogs can overheat quickly, particularly older pets, overweight animals, thick-coated breeds and short-nosed breeds.

Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures and pavement surfaces are cooler. Before walking, place the back of your hand on the pavement. When it is too hot to comfortably hold your hand there, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.

Pets should always have access to shade and fresh water when outside. Never leave an animal inside a parked vehicle, even with the windows partially open.

Heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, vomiting, confusion or collapse may indicate a heat emergency. Move the animal to a cooler location and contact a veterinarian immediately.

Water Gardens Deeply Rather Than Lightly

Hot weather can quickly dry the top layer of soil, but lightly sprinkling a garden every day may encourage shallow root growth.

Instead, water slowly and thoroughly so moisture reaches the root zone. Early morning is usually the best time because less water is lost to evaporation and leaves have time to dry.

Additional garden tips include:

• Concentrate water near the base of plants.

• Use mulch to help retain soil moisture.

• Check containers and hanging baskets daily.

• Prioritize newly planted trees, shrubs and vegetables.

• Avoid soaking plant leaves during the hottest part of the day.

• Watch tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash closely for wilting.

A brief period of afternoon wilting does not always mean a plant needs more water. Check the soil below the surface before watering again.

Give Your Lawn a Break

A lawn growing in 90-degree weather is already under stress. Cutting it too short can make that stress worse.

Raise the mower deck and leave the grass slightly taller during hot, dry periods. Taller grass shades the soil and can help reduce moisture loss. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the afternoon, and do not remove more than about one-third of the grass blade at one time.

Unless a product is specifically intended for hot-weather use, it may also be wise to delay fertilizer, weed control and other lawn applications until temperatures moderate. Always read and follow the label.

Your Mid-Summer Heat Checklist

Before the next extremely hot day, check your supply of:

• Livestock and poultry waterers

• Buckets, tubs and water troughs

• Hoses, fittings and repair parts

• Poultry electrolytes and supplements

• Livestock minerals

• Fans and ventilation supplies

• Pet water bowls

• Mulch and garden watering supplies

• Shade materials

• Fly and pest-control products

A few simple preparations can make hot weather safer and more manageable for both animals and people.

Pettigrew Feed & Hardware is here to help you find the feed, farm, poultry, pet, lawn and garden supplies you need during the summer heat. Stop in and see us if you need help preparing your barn, backyard flock, pets or garden for another stretch of hot Ohio weather.

This article provides general seasonal information. Contact a veterinarian when an animal shows severe or persistent signs of heat stress, and always follow product label directions.

Sources

Ohio State University Extension, “Abate Animal Heat Stress in Hot Weather” and “Managing Heat Stress in Cattle”; University of Minnesota Extension, “Preventing Heat Stress in Poultry”; American Veterinary Medical Association, “Warm Weather Pet Safety.”

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