WITH the country due a heatwave, horse owners and keepers nationwide were urged to be alert to soaring temperatures as well as the possibility of water shortages with no rain forecast for up to 10 days.

Met Eireann experts predicted that the temperatures are set to soar into the mid to high 20s over the coming week with temperatures increasing steadily this weekend.

Throughout the country, dry and settled weather patterns has led to forecasters predicting no rain falling in any part of Ireland until next Wednesday week.

Meanwhile, with water levels already low in areas and in Leinster in particular, people should monitor water levels and ensure that horses and ponies have a supply.

Large parts of North County Dublin have already been without water for days due to low pressure problems.

Veterinary surgeon Karen Dunne, programme director of veterinary nursing at Dundalk Institute of Technology and a member of Veterinary Ireland’s Equine Group, warned: “Horses can get heatstroke if daily temperatures rise above 25-30C degrees, even if animals are inactive. Heatstroke signs include rapid breathing and heart rate, sweating at rest, dullness and dry gums and a high body temperature of 39C degrees or higher.”

When it comes to competing horses in hot weather, either show horses or racehorses, Dunne advised that lorries and trailers be kept as cool as possible with a free circulation of air; park in the shade where possible at events and take horses off to stretch their legs, allowing free access to cool drinking water. After competing, allow the horse to freely drink fresh water, monitor their pulse and breathing rates to assess recovery and cool horses off completely before transporting them home.

Meanwhile, the ISPCA reminded people not to leave their dogs in cars at all during hot weather, “even 10 minutes in a hot car can kill a dog,” warned an ISPCA spokesperson.

Hot weather tips:

  • Ensure a fresh, clean supply of cold water for horses and ponies at all times.
  • Make sure water is not warm to the touch or has algal growth or insects in it.
  • There must be ready access to shade available.
  • Take steps to reduce the nuisance of flies by the use of fly sprays, collecting manure and the use of fly sheets
  • Dark-coated animals feel the heat more than lighted-coloured ones.
  • Old, overweight or pregnant animals also feel the heat more.
  • Exercise horses in early morning or late evening – not in the hottest time of the day.
  • Cool horses down by hosing with cool water.
  • Avoid leg wraps, use boots if legs need protection in hot weather.