A hot day or two is normal, but the National Weather Service says a near-record strong heat dome will bring record-breaking high temperatures and sultry, uncomfortable nights during the next two weeks. The inherent risks to people are no surprise especially when temperatures remain high during the night.
For animal health pros, reminding animal owners to keep their animals hydrated and protected requires little effort in today’s digital world. Consider sending tips on how to avoid heat stress and exposure on social media and in newsletters. Involving local media is also important.
Source: June heat wave: How hot cities are expected to get, AXIOS, June 18, 2024. Link.
Facts worth sharing . . . again:
- The CDC and National Weather Service tools: HeatRisk Dashboardand HeatRisk Forecast. <Link>
- At 85oF the temperature inside a car can climb to 120oF within 30 minutes <Link>.
- Temperatures above 85°F can be dangerous for walking dogs <Link>.
- Pavement temperatures can be 40 to 60 degrees warmer than air temps <Link>.
- At 70oF calves and cows start feeling the heat <Link>.
- Heat exhaustion versus heat stroke in horses <Link>.
- USDA, ARS built the Hot Hog heat stress app because hogs don’t sweat <Link>.
- Each day a spring calving cow requires 26 gallons of water and another 5 to 10 gallons for the calf <Link>.
INSIGHTS: High temperatures will likely be part of most encounters animal health pros have with animal owners. Let’s use this time to remind and educate animal owners about heat risks, heat safety and heat exposure.
Here’s an example:
“Hey neighbor. Hot evening, still. How’s Spot doing in this 90-degree heat? I read the pavement is 140 degrees or more at this temperature.”