Keeping your Livestock Safe

Texas Heat
Summer has officially kicked in, and as you know in Texas, that means sweltering, humid, and dehydrating heat. As you and your families spend time outside or plan for trips, remember a few things and don’t forget about your livestock.
For more tips from thehorse.com
Author Karen Briggs of thehorse.com gives a very detailed and informative description on the specific amount of water intake needed for horses during these hot summer months, as well as some good care tips in general. One of the benefits of having a well hydrated horse is that water aids in maintaining a horse’s body temperature and lubricates his/her joints. Increased fluids also help to cushion the nervous system, and enhances sight and hearing. Horses who are well hydrated have better digestion, and the water acts as a solvent for removing toxins through urine and sweat as well as helping to maintain an elastic skin tone.
Traveling
Author Wendy Krebs, an author of thehorse.com, gives a good checklist for caring for your horses or livestock while traveling. Here are a few key things to remember.
- Hydration
- Heat Exhaustion
- Sun Protection
- Trailering Safety
- Infectious Disease
- First Aid
- Travel Documents
First Aid Kit
- 1 package 4x4 gauze sponges
- 2 large and 2 small nonstick Telfa pads
- 2 rolls cast padding
- 2 combi rolls
- 2 brown gauze rolls
- 2 rolls Vetrap
- 1 roll Elastikon
- 1 roll 2-inch white adhesive tape
- 4 sterile Q-tips/swabs
- 5 tongue depressors
- 5 pairs of exam gloves
- 1 digital thermometer
- 1 pair bandage scissors
- 2 35 cc syringes
- 1 60 cc catheter tip syringe
- 5 hypodermic needles (19-gauge)
- 1 towel
- 1 tube NeoPolyBac ophthalmic ointment
- 1 bottle artificial tears/eye drops solution
- 1 bottle AluSpray wound spray
- 1 tube antimicrobial ointment
- 1 L saline for irrigation
- 1 small bottle Betadine solution
- 1 bag electrolyte powder
- 1 tube Banamine paste, with vet’s approval
- 1 tube Bute paste, with vet’s approval