Here's how to keep your pets, livestock safe during hot weather

If you think you’re hot, imagine wearing a wool coat in this weather.

That’s how Gregory Martin describes how sheep feel during a heat wave. Martin, an educator with the Penn State Extension, says livestock and other animals feel the heat just as much, if not more than humans do.

“Whatever you're feeling as a human, the animals are feeling as well,” Martin said. “It can cause a lot of distress in animals.”

Lancaster County recorded its seventh straight day of 90-degree temperatures Wednesday, topping out at 93.9 around 3 p.m., according to Millersville University’s Weather Information Center. It’s the first weeklong heat wave in the county in two years.

READ: Heat advisory extended through Wednesday in Lancaster County

Martin, who specializes in poultry, said animals overheat in a variety of ways. For example, chickens can overheat when the humidity is too high, as they rely on evaporation to cool off.

Regardless of species, a telltale sign that heat is adversely affecting an animal is panting.

“Chickens actually will pant very similarly to what you would see with dogs,” Martin said. “Mouth fully open and moving as much air as they can.”

Household pets are just as susceptible.

The Pennsylvania SPCA warns that pets cannot sweat, so they overheat easily in extreme temperatures. The group recommended limiting outdoor time for pets if possible, and most importantly: Never leave a pet in a car.

The state Department of Agriculture said if a pet has a discolored tongue, is abnormally anxious or drooling excessively, it may be in danger of overheating. The SPCA said if a pet is overheating it may start vomiting and have seizures.

Giving animals access to shade, water and ventilated indoor spaces can save animals a lot of distress. Access to cool open water helps, said Martin, who’s seen chickens relax with a quick dunk.

The Department of Agriculture also recommends working livestock only in the early and later parts of the day and not performing stress-inducing care, such as trimming hoofs or administering vaccines.

The heat wave likely will last through Thursday, with a forecast high of 92, according to the weather information center. Friday could provide relative relief with a high of 86.

Parts of the county have reported drought conditions since July 2. The central part of the county is in a moderate drought and the rest is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, a stage before drought.

The National Weather Service issued a thunderstorm watch for Wednesday night, as Hurricane Beryl’s remnants begin entering the area.

The weather information center said the storm is bringing a weak cold front with showers and thunderstorms across northern Maryland and the Lower Susquehanna Valley in the next few days. Some parts of the county could receive up to a half-inch of rain.