Keeping Pets Safe in the Texas Summer Heat
Austin summers are no joke. Learn the signs of heat stress, which pets are most at risk, and our vet-approved rules for hot-weather walks.
When the heat index tops 100°F, pavement can reach 140°F — hot enough to burn paw pads in under a minute. Our rule of thumb: press the back of your hand to the asphalt for seven seconds. If you can't hold it, it's too hot to walk.
Shift walks to before 8 AM or after 8 PM, stick to grass and shade, and always carry water. For high-energy dogs, swap one walk for indoor enrichment: puzzle feeders, hide-and-seek, or a frozen treat-stuffed toy.
Flat-faced breeds — bulldogs, pugs, frenchies, and Persian cats — overheat far faster than other pets because they can't pant efficiently. Senior pets, overweight pets, and thick-coated breeds are also high risk.
Early signs of heat stress include heavy panting, thick drool, bright red gums, and lagging behind on walks. If you see wobbling, vomiting, or collapse, this is an emergency: move your pet to shade, wet them with cool (not ice-cold) water, point a fan at them, and head to a vet immediately.
And a reminder that saves lives every year: never leave a pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes, even with windows cracked. Car interiors in Texas can exceed 120°F in under ten minutes.