As summer temperatures rise, Houston pet owners need to take extra precautions to ensure their furry friends’ safety and well-being. Sizzling Texas summers are no joke, and pets can rapidly succumb to heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses without proper care. Our Central Houston Animal Hospital team shares tips to keep your pet safe and comfortable during hot and humid conditions.

1: Keep your pet hydrated

Ensure your pet has constant access to fresh, clean water, as proper hydration is key to preventing dehydration and heatstroke. Place multiple water bowls around your home and yard and add ice cubes to the water to help keep it cool for longer. Your pet may also enjoy playing with the ice cubes— flavoring the cubes with tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth is a particularly fun way to keep them hydrated.

2: Create a cool environment for your pet

Keep your home cool using fans or air conditioning and create a designated cool spot with tiles, mats, or damp towels for your pet to lie down. If your pet spends time outside, ensure they can escape from the sun to shaded areas. Portable shade tents, umbrellas, or a covered porch can provide relief while ensuring appropriate ventilation.

3: Limit your pet’s activity

On hot days, reduce the intensity and duration of your pet’s exercise. Opt for shorter walks during cooler parts of the day, take water, and take frequent breaks in the shade. Keep in mind that pavement, asphalt, and sand can get extremely hot and burn your pet’s paws, so walk your four-legged friend early in the morning or late in the evening when the ground is cooler. Test the surface with your hand—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.

4: Take care of your pet’s coat

Regular brushing helps remove loose, dead fur, which prevents mats and reduces the risk of overheating. For pets with long fur, consider a summer trim, but avoid shaving them completely, as their coat has thermoregulation ability and protects against sunburn.

5: Recognize heat stress signs in your pet

Be aware of heat exhaustion and heatstroke signs, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and uncoordinated movements, and act immediately if you see any. Move your pet to a cool area, provide fresh water, and apply cool—not cold—water to their body. Seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect heatstroke.

6: Avoid leaving your pet in a hot car

Cars can heat up rapidly, even when parked in the shade with the windows cracked. Leaving a pet in a parked car can lead to fatal heatstroke in minutes, so always take your furry pal with you or leave them at home in a cool environment.

7: Use pet cooling products and techniques

Invest in cooling vests, mats, or bandanas that are designed to keep pets cool using water or gel. You can also set up a small wading pool or sprinkler in the shade if your dog enjoys splashing in water.

8: Offer cool treats to your pet

Offer hydrating treats like ice cubes made from low-sodium broth or pet-safe fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and cucumber. You can also freeze your pet’s favorite canned food or a special concoction made from yogurt, peanut butter, fruits, veggies, or treats in a stuffable food puzzle like a rubber Kong.

9: Remember special considerations for your pet

Breeds with short noses, such as bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats, are more prone to heat stress because of their narrow airways. Senior pets, puppies, and kittens are also more susceptible to heat. Take extra precautions to keep them cool, as they struggle to regulate their body temperatures effectively.

Additionally, pets with heart or respiratory conditions may struggle more in the heat, so avoid vigorous outdoor activity and the hottest times of day.

10: Prepare for summertime pet emergencies

Look up your nearest emergency veterinary hospital and keep their contact information handy in case your pet becomes overheated outside normal business hours. Also, keep a pet first-aid kit that includes items like a digital thermometer, bandages, and cooling packs handy, so you can provide immediate care if your furry pal overheats.

By following our Central Houston Animal Hospital team’s safety tips, you and your four-legged friend can comfortably enjoy summertime activities. However, if your pet becomes overheated or struggles to keep cool this summer, contact us for help.