How to care for your animals in the summer heat

Words by Ellie Laks

Photos by Julia Haney

A nonprofit sanctuary, with its roots spread across three locations in the U.S., The Gentle Barn provides rescue and rehabilitation to animals. Founder Ellie Laks’ heart is visible in every aspect of the sanctuary—from tours to animal therapy. Through compassion for animals, she hopes to create a gentler world. We’re excited to have Ellie share her story, and how you can make a difference for the animals in your life.

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The Gentle Barn has been my dream since I was seven years old. I always loved animals and noticed that the people around me did not—so I would yell at my poor parents as often as I could, "You'll see, when I grow up I'll have a big place full of animals, and I'll show the world how beautiful they are!" 

It was the only thing I could think about. But I didn't know how to start what would become The Gentle Barn, so for years I procrastinated—until I drove by a petting zoo and went inside to be nosy. I found so much abuse and neglect there that I ended up bringing home sick and injured animals that day, healing them and partnering with them to ultimately start my dream. That was 24 years ago. 

The biggest lesson that the animals have taught me over the years is that we are all the same, even though we may look different. Turkeys, chickens, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, cows, llamas, emus, pigs, dogs, and cats have the same language, love of family, affection, intelligence, and unique personalities. I have had chickens run to me when I call their names, turkeys fall asleep in my lap, cows hug me with their necks, and pigs use hundreds of different sounds to communicate. I'm an animal communicator, too, so I help connect people with their pets by communicating with their pets and letting the owners know what the pets say.

When I first had the idea, I thought my dream was big—but The Gentle Barn has now surpassed my vision. I am so ecstatic how it has grown, and I look forward to even more expansion in the future.

Now, let's talk about summer heat! Summer brings fun in the pool, vacations, trips to the beach or lakes, and happy family memories. Summer 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:

• Make sure your animals have shade in the yard.
• Make sure they have fresh, clean water in the yard.
• Put a shallow bowl of water out for wild birds and animals every day.
• Offer your dogs/alpacas/llamas a baby pool to cool off in.
• Make sure your pigs have a pool.
• Keep your dogs and cats inside during the heat of the day.
• Put natural sunscreen on any pink spots on their noses 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 cars without you for any reason. Even a few minutes left in a car could jeopardize their health and lives. 
• Cool off overheated chickens or turkeys by putting their feet in water until their breathing returns to normal. (Do not get their bodies wet.)
• Cool off overheated cows, sheep, and goats by putting ice packs on their ankles. (Again, do not get their bodies wet.)
• Cool off horses, pigs, and emus by hosing them off. 
• Make popsicles for your animals by freezing apple juice, grated carrots, blueberries, bananas, sweet potatoes, and apples for them to lick once frozen. 
• When taking your dogs out with you, always bring bowls and water for them.
• Remember—if it is hot for you, it is hotter for them!