Hot weather means added responsibility

It seems as if, through the winter, we grumble about the cold, the snow and the ice, but when the really hot days of summer arrive, we don't like that any better. When the daytime highs are in the 90s, with nights in the 70s, we know summer is here in true form. With the hot temps come added responsibility.

If you have pets, they will need extra care during the hot summer days and nights. One absolute necessity is water. Dogs or cats or other small pets need water to drink. On a daily basis check to make sure they have drinking water. It is best to freshen it as well.

Our last dog, Queeny, loved the water so we bought a small tub at one of the cattle stores, like TSC. It probably held 100 gallons or so. This was Queeny's cool-down tub. She would climb into the water and splash and just get soaked. This was how she cooled down.

If your pet is in a fenced area, make sure they have shade. This shade can be from trees or even a tarp. If you use a tarp, consider one of the silver tarps that reflect a lot of the sunlight. It is amazing how much cooler one of these silver tarps is than just a regular old blue tarp.

And, for Pete's sake, don't leave your pet in the car for any reason. Just cracking the window may help, but that isn't sufficient. If your pet can't go with you and get out of the heat, then leave it at home.

If you have cattle or horses, the summer heat can be rough on them as well. Water is a necessity for them. Make sure they have access to drinking water of one kind or another. Many who have livestock rely on ponds, so they need to be checked regularly. Our calves hunt the shade about 11 a.m. and stay there until 3 p.m. or so.

It seems like when the heat of summer comes, so do the flies. Flies can be a real source of stress on cattle and horses and such. Some feed the mineral blocks with a fly killer in them. Some insert ear tags with a fly repellent in them. I use a back rubber that I treat with an insecticide. Don't forget to check them regularly. I also spray the ground around the water tanks and under the trees where the cattle like to spend time in the middle of the day. It seems to help. One thing that cattle seem to use during the summer is salt and mineral.

If you have livestock and have tanks of water for the cattle or horses, be sure to throw a piece of 2x4 or 2x6 in the tank. When I was growing up, Dad always had a board in the tank just in case one of the cats fell into it. Without the board the cat will tire out and drown.

We humans need a little bit of care or maintenance as well. If you work outside, it will take a considerable amount of liquid to keep you hydrated. If you sweat profusely, you may need close to a gallon of liquids daily. Much of this should be plain water.

Some of the new wet wraps seem to help. We have used the neck wraps that you wet, wring them out and they will help you stay cooler. Cotton seems to be cooler than most other materials. Don't forget the sunblock or suntan lotion.

If possible, give it a rest during the hot middle of the day. Take a siesta. It is interesting, watching cats. They are up and ready for action during the morning and evening. But during the hot part of the day they can be found in the shade taking a nap.

If you have neighbors, and all of us have neighbors, keep a watchful eye on them. If they are elderly, check on them especially if you haven't seen them up and about. See if they have a working air conditioner or box fan or swamp cooler. Make sure they have liquids to drink. If they have pets, check on them, as well. Don't be the nosy neighbor but don't do nothing either.

Make this a safe summer.

Until next time.