1. Respiratory Issues
As temperatures drop and humidity levels fluctuate, respiratory problems can become a serious concern for livestock. Dust, mold from damp bedding, and poor ventilation in barns or trailers can irritate your animals’ respiratory systems.
What to Look For:
- Coughing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing.
- Lethargy or reluctance to move.
- Excessive sneezing or wheezing.
Preventative Tips:
Make sure your animals’ housing areas are well-ventilated and free from excess dust and mold. Cleaning pens, barns, and trailers regularly can help reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
2. Hoof and Foot Health
Wet and muddy fall conditions can lead to hoof and foot issues, particularly for animals kept in outdoor or partially covered environments. Constant exposure to damp ground can soften hooves, making them more prone to infections like foot rot.
What to Look For:
- Lameness or difficulty walking.
- Swollen or tender hooves.
- Foul-smelling discharge from the hoof area.
Preventative Tips:
Keep a close eye on your animals’ hooves, trimming and cleaning them regularly. Provide dry bedding or areas where your livestock can rest their feet away from mud and moisture.
3. Skin Conditions
Fall rains and damp conditions can contribute to various skin problems in livestock, such as rain rot or fungal infections. These issues often arise when animals are exposed to wet conditions for extended periods.
What to Look For:
- Scabs, lesions, or irritated patches of skin.
- Excessive itching or rubbing against objects.
- Bald spots or hair loss, especially along the back or legs.
Preventative Tips:
Check your animals for any skin issues during your fall health checks. Make sure they have access to dry shelter, and use grooming tools to keep their coats clean and free from debris. You can also use our Ringworm Prevention Pack to keep your animals coat healthy and free of skin issues!
4. Weight and Body Condition
As the weather cools, your show animals will need more energy to maintain their body temperature, which can lead to weight loss if not properly managed. Keeping an eye on their body condition is crucial to ensure they don’t lose muscle mass or become underweight heading into the winter months.
What to Look For:
- Noticeable ribs or spine showing through their coat.
- Reduced muscle mass or sagging skin.
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat.
Preventative Tips:
Adjust their feed to meet the increased caloric demands of colder weather. Adding high-quality protein and fat to their diet can help maintain muscle mass and energy levels.
5. Parasite Control
While parasites are often thought of as a summer issue, internal and external parasites can still pose problems in the fall. Cooler weather won’t eliminate all parasites, so regular parasite control should continue as part of your fall routine.
What to Look For:
- Diarrhea, weight loss, or rough coat (indicating internal parasites).
- Excessive scratching or biting (signs of external parasites like lice or mites).
Preventative Tips:
Continue deworming programs and check for signs of external parasites regularly. Consider rotating pastures to reduce parasite load and keep bedding clean and dry.
6. Hydration and Water Access
As temperatures drop, animals may not drink as much water as they do in the summer, but maintaining proper hydration is still vital to their overall health. Be sure to check that their water source remains clean and accessible, even in cooler weather.
What to Look For:
- Dry nose, eyes, or mouth (signs of dehydration).
- Reduced urine output or darker urine.
Preventative Tips:
Provide fresh, clean water at all times, and ensure that water sources don’t freeze overnight as temperatures dip. Using heated waterers or checking water supplies frequently can prevent freezing issues.
7. Vaccinations and Booster Shots
Fall is a good time to review your animals' vaccination records and make sure they are up-to-date. Vaccinations protect your animals from common fall and winter illnesses, including respiratory infections and parasites.
What to Look For:
- Review vaccination schedules and make sure no upcoming vaccines are missed.
- Ensure animals are in good health before administering any boosters.
Preventative Tips:
Consult your veterinarian to determine if any boosters are needed for your livestock during the fall season, especially if you are traveling to competitions where they may be exposed to new animals.
