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How to keep your pets safe & cool during the brutal Texas heat

Client dog cooling off in a kiddie pool while cat watches from the air conditioned home, Texas heat dog pool
Watkins cools off in the kiddie pool while Lil Bit watches from the air conditioned house.

If you can feel the heat, so can Fido.

Texas is HOT, especially in the summer, which means taking the right safety precautions is a must — not just for human companions but for the animal variety, too.

Many pets are expected to spend time outside to be a part of summer activities.


Heat index values, or the “feels like” temperature, are predicted to be 108 degrees Saturday and 107 to 110 degrees Monday and Tuesday, the weather service said.


Here are some tips from our local shelter, Bastrop County Animal Services, on how to keep your pets cool amid the Texas heat.


Limit time outdoors to cooler parts of the day

Under the hot sun, just sitting outside can be dangerous for pets. Resort to taking pets outside for walks when it is the coolest, such as during the early morning hours or the evening.


Recognize when your pet is at risk for overheating or is dehydrated

Senior dog excessive panting Texas heat cool down
Zeus excessively panting on a hot day.

Pets with squished faces, like pugs and bulldogs, and those that are young, elderly, overweight or have dark or thick fur are especially prone to overheating.


If you suspect your dog is overheating, applying cool water on their skin via a bath, hose or sponge can be helpful until you can get them to a veterinarian.



Also, look out for signs of dehydration. Pinch the skin over your dog’s shoulder — if it slides back in place, a dog is hydrated. If it stays lifted, your dog is dehydrated. Do not give them too much water at once, as the dog may consume a lot and get sick.

Bulldog being monitored after play session while she cools herself on the hardwood floors, Texas heat cool bulldog
Nola being monitored while she cools herself after a play session




Know the signs of heatstroke

If you notice your dog is excessively panting, appears lethargic and is stumbling, these are signs of heatstroke. Other signs include dark or bright-red tongue or gums, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, and seizures.




If the sidewalk feels hot to you, it’s hot for them

Touch the sidewalk with your hand before heading out the door. If it feels hot for more than five seconds, it also will feel hot on your pet’s paws. Put booties on your pet to protect their paws from burning or carry them to a patch of grass where they can get some relief.

Dog walk in shade during excessive heat, Texas
Heidi out for a walk at the park, enjoying the cooler grass in the shade.

Last but not least...Don’t leave pets in your car!

On a hot day, leaving your pet in the car for just a short period of time can be deadly. Call law enforcement or animal control if you see a dog inside a parked car on a hot day.

If within Bastrop City limits contact Bastrop Police Dept. @ 512-332-8600

If outside city limits contact the county. @512-549-5160

Dog left in car, Texas heat, call animal control
Cars get very hot, very fast. This guy wants out!


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