How to Keep Animals Cool – The Gentle Barn

Summer is here, and with it comes fun in the pool, vacations, trips to the beach, long days, and happy family memories. Summer, however, might not be as fun for our animals. It is going to be hot, and animals can easily overheat and get sunburned. As we make our summer plans, here are some simple things we can all do to help our animal companions enjoy the summer as well:
• Keep your dogs and cats inside if at all possible.
• If they have to be outside, make sure your animals have shade and fresh water.
• Put a kid’s pool out for them.
• Put sunscreen on any pink spots on their noses, face, or bodies.
• Walk your dogs in the cool of early morning or nightfall. Avoid walking them in the heat of the day, as hot concrete and asphalt can burn their feet.
• Do NOT leave them in a car unattended for any reason. Even a few minutes left in a car could be tragic.
• When taking your dog out with you, always bring a bowl and water for them.
• Always remember: If it is hot for you, it is hotter for them!
• Leave a shallow bowl of water out for wild birds and smaller animals.
We wish you a happy, healthy, and fun summer for you and your pets. Come visit us for some cool and safe summer fun with our rescued animals.
The Gentle Barn is a national non-profit organization in Santa Clarita with additional locations in Missouri and Tennessee. We are home to animals rescued from trauma and hosts to people with the same stories. We are open to the public on Sundays and host private tours, field trips, birthday parties, and cow hug therapy sessions during the week. For more information, follow The Gentle Barn on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube. To visit and donate, go to www.gentlebarn.org.