Summers in Texas can get pretty hot with average temperatures soaring into the high 90’s to low 100’s. This season can be bad enough for us but imagine how tough it can be for our furry friends, especially those that spend a lot of time outdoors!
Because of their fur, cats and dogs are at higher risk of suffering heat stroke if exposed to sunlight for too long. We’d like to offer three ways to help your furry best friend stay safe and cool!
Avoid Some Common Dangers
There are a few situations that can pose a danger to your pet, especially in the summer:
- Never leave them alone in a car even if the air conditioner is on.
- Always check how hot pavements and truck beds are since your pet can suffer burns on their paws.
- Don’t leave your dog tied up out in the open directly under the sun.
Maintain a Cool Environment
There are a few things you can offer your pet to ensure they stay cool:
- If your cat or dog prefers the outdoors, be sure to always have a large bowl of cool water available for them. Toss a few ice cubes into it as well.
- Ensure that your backyard has some shade for your pet to rest under.
- Wet your dog down with a hose if it’s really hot so they can cool off.
- Provide some towels or blankets so they won’t have to sleep on hot surfaces.
Offer Some Cold Treats
Your pet can also cool down with a frozen treat like pet ice cream. This is available at most pet stores like PetSmart.
However, there are certain foods that you should never feed a pet:
- Grapes
- Onions
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Sweeteners like xylitol
Ask our vets about which cold human foods are safe and unsafe for pets.
Schedule Your Pet’s Appointment Today!
Contact our veterinarians online or by phone at (956) 787-2709 for questions or to schedule a visit.
