While we're often being reminded about the dangers of heat stress during the summer months, it's also important to keep animals cool as the temperatures start to warm up.

Dr. Glen Duizer is the animal health surveillance veterinarian for the Province of Manitoba, underneath the Chief Veterinary Office.

He had some advice on how to help livestock cool off.

"In some cases barns put in misters or spray hoses or sprayers in order to put cool water on their animals...You're adding cold water directly to the surface area of the animal and that helps dissipate heat."

Duizer notes while animals such as pigs and cattle take a long time to warm up, it also means that it will take a while for them to cool down. That's why it's important to get them help as soon as you notice signs of heat stress.

An unknown fact is that certain livestock, such as pigs, don't sweat and will often display open mouth breathing to help cool off. Other signs to look for when checking for heat stress include animals that are lethargic or not moving very well or animals that have stopped eating in barns, are laying down or breathing hard to dissipate heat from their bodies.

The temperature range in which heat stress can affect livestock is between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius. Dr. Duizer says humidity will accelerate this process.

For animals out on pasture it's important to make sure there's lots of shade and water available. It's also important to make sure there's lots of water and ventilation available when transporting animals during the hot summer months.