Keep fresh, cool water available in the summer heat! It’s already really HOT, and it is only going to get hotter. Here in our part of Texas, summer heat can be hard on both pets and livestock, so now is the time to make sure they have what they need to stay safe and comfortable. One of the simplest and most important things you can do is provide FRESH COOL water for them every day.

Clean, cool water helps animals handle the heat much better. Check water buckets, bowls, and troughs often, especially during long stretches of hot weather. Refill them as needed, and do not wait until they are nearly empty. In this kind of heat, animals depend on us to help them stay hydrated.

It also helps to place your water troughs in a shaded area, especially protecting them from the afternoon heat. Direct sun can warm water quickly, and when water gets too hot, animals may drink less than they should. My water troughs are placed on the east side of the barn, and/or under trees. That setup helps block the strongest afternoon sun and keeps the water cooler longer through the day.

Yes, the trees mean I have to clean them more often, but the shade helps to keep the water cooler. That little extra work can make a big difference during a Texas summer.

If you need supplies to help care for your animals in this heat, stop by Arcola Feed in Arcola, Texas. We are always glad t