06/18/2026
☀️🐑 Summer Heat Stress Prevention for Sheep 🐑☀️
With temperatures climbing across Arizona, keeping sheep comfortable and hydrated is critical for performance, growth, reproduction, and overall health.
✅ Provide plenty of clean, cool water at all times. Sheep may double their water intake during extreme heat.
✅ Keep electrolytes available during periods of extreme heat. Electrolytes help replace essential minerals lost through increased respiration and water consumption, encouraging hydration and helping sheep recover from heat stress more quickly. For show lambs, maintaining hydration can make a significant difference in feed intake and daily gains.
✅ Offer shade whenever possible. Trees, shade cloth, sheds, or portable panels can make a huge difference.
✅ Feed during the cooler parts of the day—early morning and late evening—to encourage feed intake.
✅ Ensure adequate airflow in barns and pens. Fans can help reduce heat buildup in enclosed areas.
✅ Avoid handling, shearing, hauling, or working sheep during the hottest hours of the day.
🚨 Watch for signs of heat stress:
• Rapid breathing or panting
• Open-mouth breathing
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Reduced feed intake
• Seeking shade and crowding around water sources
Remember: Once sheep become dehydrated, it can take several days to fully recover lost performance. Consistent access to clean water, shade, and electrolytes is one of the best investments you can make during the summer months.
Stay cool and keep those sheep thriving! ☀️💧🐑
