Jun 12, 2023
The summer heat has arrived. Let’s make sure we keep our pets safe!
With most summer days reaching at least 90 degrees in Austin, Texas, Austin Pets Alive! is alerting pet owners to exercise caution on these hot days. Temperatures like these can be very dangerous for pets, especially dogs, leading to dehydration and in some cases, death.
As we moved into these summer months, be sure to follow these helpful pointers:
- Check the pavement before going on a walk. Place your hand on it for 10 full seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Know the signs – lagging is the number one sign that your dog is too hot.
- Water, water, water! Make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water to drink. And if your pet likes to swim, offering a safe swimming option is an excellent way to keep cool
- Keep an eye on your pet’s tongue and eyes. Red eyes and a tongue hanging very far out of a dog’s mouth is an indication that they are overheating.
- Limit afternoon outdoor activity.Take short walks in shaded area or consider early morning or evening strolls.
- NEVER leave your pet in the car unattended, not een for a short period of time. Did you know that on a 95-degree day, your car’s interior can reach 100+ degrees within 10 minutes?
There are other summer heat tips that are less commonly heard about but are just as important such as supervising your pet in the pool. To avoid a dangerous situation, consider fencing off or covering your pool for when you aren’t home. Another tip to keep in mind is that when grooming your pet, avoid cutting their hair too short. Their fur helps combat sunburns and regulate body temperature. For these upcoming summer months, pet sunscreen is a great investment – we bet you didn’t know it was a thing!
Don’t have a pool for your water-loving dog? While Austin has plenty of bodies of water to explore, some may not be appropriate for your dog due to the toxic blue-green algae that has cropped up over the last few years. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the latest information here!
Dogs most susceptible to heatstroke are overweight dogs, dogs with long fur, short nose dogs, senior dogs, and those who have lung or breathing issues. It’s important to remember that dogs only sweat through their mouth, feet, and ears, which is why they suffer from heat exhaustion faster than humans. So, even though you may be tolerating the heat, your dog may be suffering.
To help keep pet safety top of mind at a popular Austin-outdoor fave location, we’ve posted signage around the trail looping Lady Bird Lake. Be on the lookout for those tips and warnings!
Austin Pets Alive! wants to keep all pet lovers informed and our furry friends safe from the Texas summer heat! Follow our friendly tips and refer back when needed for a fun, safe summer!
