Pet Tips

Follow these helpful tips to keep your pet happy and healthy all year long.

  1. Hot Weather Tips
  2. Cold Weather Tips

The scorching Texas heat can be life-threatening for pets and increase the chances of heat stroke. Follow these tips to keep your pet healthy during the summer months.

Unlimited access to fresh, clean water. During the summer months, pets will increase their intake of H2O to stay hydrated. Additionally, when a pet is outside, ensure they have a shady place to escape the sun’s rays.

Go outside in the cooler hours of the day. Avoid walking a pet on hot surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete. Your pet’s paw pads can be damaged, which can hinder their walking. 

Don’t leave a pet in the car. A car’s inside temperature can quickly rise to deadly levels and leave your pet susceptible to heat stroke. Instead, leave your pet at home in the air conditioning while running errands. 

Keep flatter snout animals inside. Animals like pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke because they can’t pant effectively. Additionally, owners also should keep senior and juvenile pets inside in the air conditioning as well. 

Be mindful of garden and yard safety. Store lawn fertilizer and insecticides out of a pet's reach. When using lawn and garden products, follow pet-safety instructions. Avoid planting greenery and plants that are toxic to pets. See Toxic and Nontoxic Plant List.

Pet owners should immediately contact a veterinarian if they observe the following signs of a heat stroke:

  • Excessive panting
  • Abnormal gum and tongue color
  • Excessive drooling
  • Unsteadiness

(Source: American Veterinary Medical Association)