The Texas heat is here and with it the need to guard our pets against heat strokes, burning paw pads, and dehydration.

As you and your pet venture out for a hike in the greenbelt, jog to the dog park, or even relax in your own backyard, be aware and prepared for emergencies.

The most common Pet injuries during the Summer months are...

Heat Stroke 

A heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, or an increase in body temperature above the normal range (99.5°F - 102.5°F for pets). A pet heat stroke occurs when an animal’s body cannot keep its internal temperature within the normal range due to exertion and high external temperatures.

What causes heat stroke in pets?

Without necessary caution, any significantly hot external environment can cause a heat stroke. For example, when your pet is exercising out in the hot Texas sun without access to shade or left in an enclosed car on a hot day.

In order to cool down, dogs and cats pant to release heat through the grooves in the roofs of their mouths, sweat (a little) through the pads on their paws and use a temperature exchange called convection. Thus, if the air around your pet is much hotter than their internal body temperature, they cannot properly cool down.  

Can all pets suffer from heat strokes?

Yes! However, much like dehydration, dogs are more likely to have a heat stroke than cats.

Heat strokes are more common in thick-haired, long-haired, short-nosed or flat-faced breeds. If you have a working dog or your dog suffers from a medical condition like laryngeal paralysis or obesity, keep an especially close eye out for signs of overheating.

What are the signs of heat stroke?

Common symptoms of pet heat strokes include:

• Hot fur/coat to the touch
• Excessive panting
• Muscle tremors or seizures
• Bright red tongue and gums
• Increased salivation
• Weakness or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea, sometimes bloody
• Disorientation or stumbling
• Little to no urination
• Sudden breathing distress
• Unconsciousness

What to do if your pet is having a heat stroke.

1. Immediately remove your pet from the heat. Whether that is under a shaded tree or indoors.
2. Cool them down with water. Using a water hose, bathtub, or whatever water source is most readily available, douse your pet in cool--not ice-cold--water or cover them in cool towels, focusing on the neck.
3. Provide drinking water. Make cool, clean drinking water available to your pet. However, do not force them to drink, as this could cause your dog to choke.
4. Check their temp. Frequently take your dog’s temperature rectally.  Normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 101.0 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C). You may stop the cooling-down process once their temperature reaches 103°F. 
5. Take your pet to their vet as soon as possible. If your pet is experiencing Heat Stroke symptoms and none of the above make a difference in their demeanor, they need immediate vet assistance. 

When left untreated, an overheated pup can develop serious issues like swelling of the brain, blood clots, and kidney failure. If you are unsure, take a trip to the vet and have your fur-baby checked out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.  

How can I prevent heat strokes in my pets?

In almost all cases, animal heat strokes can be prevented.

1. While on walks or outside, watch for excessive and increased weakness - these will be the first signs. 
2. Provide your pet with plenty of shade and freshwater at all times.
3. Plan exercise and playtime accordingly; both you and your dog will be cooler in the morning and evenings.
4. If you can tell your dog or cat is hot but still wants to play, take frequent shade/water breaks, or move the activity indoors with air conditioning.

Paw Pad Burns & Injuries

You know the feeling: frantically tip-toeing from your lounge chair to the edge of the pool so the bottom of your feet doesn’t burn on the hot pavement. But, did you know our pets also have tender toes? Avoid dog paw burns by knowing these facts and solutions:

What are paw pads?

Paw pads are the soft spots on the bottom of your pet’s feet. These pads provide extra cushioning to help protect bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather, aid walking on rough or textured ground and help protect tissue deep within the paw.

How can your dog's paw pads burn?

Pavement, metal, and asphalt surfaces can get extremely hot, especially during the summer. When walking or standing on hot surfaces, as little as five minutes can be enough time for your furry friend’s feet to feel the burn. Here is a heat measurement chart for walking surfaces: 

Also, paws are extra sensitive after extended periods of time in the water. If you’ve spent the day on the lake or by the river, your pet’s paw pads will be softened and will need extra attention to prevent burning.

What are the signs of burned paw pads?

• Limping or prancing on hot pavement
• Refusing to walk
• Darker color of pads
• Missing patches of pads
• Blistering and redness
• Excessive licking or chewing of paws

Remember, even if you can't see visible burns, your pet could still be in pain. Watch for these signs, and be proactive in preventing burns before they get worse.

How do I treat burned paw pads?

Minor cases can sometimes be treated at home. Keep the burned area clean, cool and protected.

Pick up ointments like Major Darling Paw Salve, Farm Dog Naturals Salvation Balm, or Lubrisyn Wound Gel to treat burned paws. These have antiseptic qualities and will keep a moisturizing, protective layer over your pet's paws.

If your pet's paw pads show blisters or open wounds, head to your vet. Only the vet will be able to determine if there is further, unseen damage and can prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection of sores.

Can I prevent my pet’s paws from burning?

Absolutely! It’s much easier with cats, as they tend to avoid surfaces that can be uncomfortable for their feet.

Most dogs, on the other hand, would follow you to the ends of the earth if you asked them to. Be mindful of hot surfaces like sidewalks, metal boat docks or sand. If your pet does have to spend time on hot surfaces, limit their time spent there and allow them to rest in the grass or on clean towels.

While you might think that carrying your fur-child across the parking lot, pushing them in a pet stroller or buying pet shoes sounds silly, these are great ways to protect those paws. If you plan on hiking or taking walks this Summer, check out this RC Pet Boot Pack.

When in doubt, stand barefoot on the concrete just outside your front door for 30 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pets.

Swimming

Blue-Green Algae

The City of Austin confirmed a harmful "blue, green" algal bloom on Lady Bird Lake beginning in July 2019. The algae emits a toxin that has been deadly to dogs and is caused by a rise in water temperature from the spring/summer heat. The City of Austin and Highland Lakes have since found low levels of toxins present. Testing and treatments against algae blooms have resumed this summer.

July 12, 2024 – Risk is HIGH for pets. A lot of potentially toxic algae mats have been seen at Red Bud Isle and Auditorium Shores on Lady Bird Lake. Though not all of it is harmful, blue-green algae, they all mix together. Please assume all algae may be toxic and avoid it. We recommend you do not allow dogs to ingest algae or swim in Lady Bird Lake or Lake Austin - this includes Emma Long, Festival Beach, Red Bud Isle, and Auditorium Shores.

Find a safe-swimming hole here.

Drowning

Avoid the tragic accident of a pet drowning by taking extra precaution with your pets as you spend time on or near the water this Summer.

1. If your pooch does love the water, be prepared with a brightly colored life-vest.
2. Provide plenty of fresh drinking water and rest time.
3. Never force your pup into the water if they aren't comfortable. 
4. When swimming in a lake or river, keep your pet far from dams or other structures that can create strong currents.
5. If you have a pool, be sure it is either covered or gated, even if you’re confident in your dog’s swimming abilities.
6. Put away any hoses or other equipment in which your pet could get tangled.
7. It is advised that inexperienced dogs and puppies under four months old be kept away from the water.

Overall, the best preventative measure is to keep a close watch on your canine. If your pet has a water-related incident, watch for blueish skin and gums, difficulty breathing, vomiting, a dazed state, and a crackling sound from the chest, as these can be signs of near-drowning. If your dog experiences these symptoms, immediately take him to a vet or emergency animal clinic.  

Skin Irritations

Sunburn 

It’s true; our pets can also experience sunburns. If your furry friend is in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, especially if their coat is cut too short and skin is exposed, they can develop a sunburn. These cases are usually minor and are indicated by pain and reddening of the skin. The good news is that pet sunburns are not life-threatening and generally resolve quickly.

Keep the burned area well moisturized with Skout's Honor Hydrogel - pure coconut oil will also do the trick. Do not sooth the area with any lotions made for humans, as your pet's skin is extra sensitive to some chemicals commonly found in human products.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Think the rashes from these plants are only a nuisance to humans? Think again. If your pooch runs through these fragile plants and the sap from them has time to soak into the exposed skin on their belly or legs, they can develop a rash and blisters.

Knowing how to identify these plants and keeping a safe distance is the best method of prevention.

If they get into this pesky plants, quickly wash your pet multiple times with soap and water should keep the sap from soaking into the skin, reducing the chance of sores. Calamine lotion is toxic to pets and should be avoided. Have a vet check out affected areas, in case the reaction is severe enough to require prescription medications.

Eye Injuries

Irritations

As much as they love it, your pet’s head out the open window while riding in the car isn’t exactly great for her eyes. Not only does it increase the chance of dust or debris entering and injuring their eyes, but the wind can also cause mild to severe irritation or scratches to their cornea.

When you simply can’t resist, set a time limit and only allow when driving at low speeds.

Should small dust or debris get caught in your pet's eye, they will instinctively try to blink and rub it out just as we do. Keep her blinking and see if you can locate and gently extract the debris, but don't let her scratch at her eyes too aggressively. 

Shake Organic Eye Cleanser is a favorite solution to treat mild irritation. If this option doesn’t alleviate the issue, consult a veterinarian to ensure it isn’t something more serious.

Injuries

Dogs will be dogs! Sometimes sticking their cute little faces everywhere to explore can cause injury to their eyes, like from a thorny rose bush. To reduce the risk of these injuries, bushes and plants should be well maintained. Added bonus- this will also help decrease the chance of fleas and ticks!

An educated pet parent is the best pet parent! Spread the word to guarantee a safe, happy summer for pets and people alike.