Environmental conditions help to determine if an animal is going to be healthy or not. What do we mean by environment? Think of “environment” as being the physical and social factors that impact an animal’s health!
If the physical environment is where an animal lives, some examples of physical environmental factors that impact their health could be environmental toxins, parasites or viruses that exist in that region, or even weather patterns or heat waves.
Some examples of social factors might be people’s attitudes towards animal welfare, access to veterinary care, or the financial status of the community or the home that the animal lives in. They may not directly cause an animal to get sick, but their presence or absence will have an affect on overall animal health.
So how does the environment impact an animal’s health? And what can you do protect animals from their environment?
How does the environment impact an animal’s health and welfare?
Food and Water
Pollution can contaminate food and water sources for animals. Changing climate can also lead to food and water scarcity leading to starvation and dehydration.
Disease
Exposure to disease has become more likely with rising global temperatures as many diseases causing organisms are expanding their natural ranges.
Shelter
Improper shelter can lead to environmental exposure such as extreme heat, cold, dampness, dryness, and potentially diseased animals and wildlife.
How can I protect my animals form changing environmental conditions?
Food and Water
- Provide adequate clean water and nutritious food to keep animals healthy in unpredictable environments
- Practice proper manure management, garbage and drug disposal to limit the potential of environmental contamination
Disease
- Control where your animal goes to limit potential exposure to other potentially diseased animals and wildlife
- Practice best biosecurity methods such as proper sanitation and disinfecting, visitor protocols, isolating new animals, regular deworming and vaccinations
Shelter
- Provide a safe and secure shelter to protect your animals from harsh environmental conditions
- Good shelter will diminish contact with potential diseases from outside influences
Talk to your veterinarian about any animal health related concerns as soon as possible.
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