As the temperature and humidity rise in the summer months, it’s important to know how to properly care for outdoor animals. Dr. Faye Vittetoe says one of the most important safety precautions for livestock is shade. Trees and other kinds of groves can provide shifting air currents as well as relief from the sun, which help keep large animals cool. Vittetoe recommends if building artificial shade, place it near water sources, where animals tend to gravitate. Additionally, up to four times as much water should be provided when heat starts to become a problem.

Other things people should keep an eye on include suppressing the insect population around animals and making sure they get a good amount of salt intake and low-fiber hay. If there is a heat advisory, Vittetoe says to check livestock more than once a day, watching for open mouth breathing, increased respiration rates, and cows with tongues hanging out.

If you think your animals are experiencing heat stress, call a veterinarian as soon as possible. Vittetoe also recommends listening to KCII and the National Weather Service for updates on heat warnings.