Texas summers can be brutal. With temperatures soaring well above 100°F, these intense heatwaves can last for weeks on end.
Our furry friends feel this heat even more intensely than we do, putting them at serious risk for heat-related illnesses. Last summer, my Lab mix Bandit suffered mild heat exhaustion after our midday walk, which taught me a valuable lesson about summer pet care.
Here’s what veterinarians and experienced Texas dog owners recommend to keep your canine companion safe and comfortable during those scorching months!
1. Ensure Constant Access To Fresh Water
Water is your dog’s best friend during Texas summers! I learned this lesson when Bandit emptied his entire bowl within minutes of our morning walk. Dogs can become dehydrated much faster than humans, especially breeds with thick coats.
Place multiple water stations throughout your home and yard, refreshing them several times daily to prevent bacteria growth. Consider investing in a circulating water fountain – these keep water cooler and encourage drinking with the moving water appeal.
For outdoor adventures, pack a collapsible bowl and extra water. Even short trips can lead to dehydration when temperatures climb above 90°F.
2. Limit Outdoor Exercise During Peak Heat
Morning walks saved Bandit’s summer sanity!
The scorching Texas midday sun (between 10am-4pm) creates dangerous conditions for dogs who can’t sweat like we do. Instead, schedule exercise during cooler dawn or dusk hours when pavement temperatures drop significantly.
Watch for excessive panting, drooling, or reluctance to move – these are warning signs your pup is overheating.
Swimming makes an excellent heat-friendly alternative to walks. Many Texas communities have dog-friendly pools or lakes where your furry friend can exercise while staying cool.
3. Create A Cool Indoor Space
Simply placing a cooling mat under a ceiling fan transformed his comfort level immediately.
Elevated beds improve air circulation around your dog’s body, preventing the heat-trapping that occurs with traditional beds. For budget-friendly cooling, freeze a water bottle wrapped in a towel for your pup to lie against when temperatures soar.
Blackout curtains work wonders for keeping indoor spaces cooler during peak sun hours. Remember that tile floors in bathrooms or laundry rooms naturally stay cooler and may become your dog’s favorite summer hangout spot.
4. Protect Their Paws From Hot Surfaces
Asphalt can reach a blistering 140°F when air temperatures hit just 95°F – hot enough to fry an egg and certainly hot enough to burn sensitive paw pads!
The seven-second rule can save your pup: if you can’t hold your bare hand on the pavement for seven seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
Booties offer excellent protection, though they require gradual introduction.
Grassy routes provide natural alternatives to scorching sidewalks. Walking on natural surfaces keeps paws safe while still allowing your dog necessary exercise and bathroom breaks during hot Texas days.
5. Groom Regularly
Brushing your dog isn’t just about keeping your furniture fur-free! Regular grooming removes loose undercoat that traps heat against your dog’s skin.
Counter-intuitive as it seems, never shave double-coated breeds like Huskies or Shepherds. Their natural coat insulates against heat and provides crucial sun protection. Instead, focus on thinning the undercoat with appropriate deshedding tools.
Cooling baths with lukewarm (not cold) water provide immediate relief on extremely hot days. Pat rather than rub your dog dry, leaving slight dampness that creates natural cooling as it evaporates.
6. Provide Shade During Outdoor Time
No natural shade? Create it! Canopy tents, patio umbrellas, or DIY shade sails offer affordable solutions. The temperature difference between shaded and unshaded areas can exceed 15 degrees – potentially life-saving during Texas heat waves.
Kiddie pools placed in shady spots offer double cooling power.
My dog alternates between lounging in the shallow water and resting on the cool earth beneath our oak tree – his personal summer survival strategy!