Keeping your canine cool: Essential tips for Texas Summers

​As Memorial Day weekend approaches Texas is also cranking up her temperatures, it's crucial for dog owners to take proactive steps to protect their furry companions from the dangers of overheating. With soaring temperatures and relentless humidity, summer in Texas can pose serious risks to dogs if proper precautions aren't taken. Here are my recommendations and strategies to keep your canine cool, recognize signs of heatstroke, and effectively cool down a hot dog.
Preventing Overheating:

1. Strategic Timing: Schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, typically early morning or late evening, to avoid the peak heat.
2. Shade Oasis: Create shaded areas in your yard using umbrellas, tarps, or trees, providing a refuge for your dog to escape the sun's intensity when being out for a potty break or similar.
3. Hydration Station: Keep your dog hydrated by providing ample fresh water, ensuring it's easily accessible and replenished throughout the day. Make sure you periodically check the water because it can get warm pretty quickly even if it’s placed in shade. Warm water does nothing to prevent a dog from overheating.
4. Paw Protection: Shield your dog's sensitive paw pads from scorching surfaces. Always check pavement and concrete with your hand before letting your dog walk on it or opt for grassy areas. Be careful with protective booties since those can also lead to overheating if they stay on the dog for too long. Remember, they only have sweat glands on their paw pads, not on their body. 
5. Car Caution: We all have it heard multiple times and even TXDot broadcasts it on their signs:  Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car that is not turned on, as temperatures can skyrocket within minutes, posing a severe risk of heatstroke. If you should leave your car running to keep the a/c going, please put a temperature sensor like MarCell, Waggle or Necto (all available on Amazon) in your vehicle as an extra precaution in case the a/c goes out. 
6. Cooling Gear: Equip your pup with cooling vests, mats, or neck gaiters , offering an extra layer of relief during outdoor excursions.

Identifying Heat exhaustion/Heatstroke:

1. Panting Peculiarities: Watch for excessive or rapid panting, which can be combined with other signs an indicator of a nearing heatstroke as your dog attempts to regulate its body temperature.
2. Salivation Sensations: Excessive drooling or frothing beyond normal levels may indicate that your dog is struggling to cope with the heat.
3. Lethargy Looming: Keep an eye out for unusual lethargy or weakness in your dog like “drunk walking”, as heatstroke can drain their energy rapidly.
4. Digestive Distress: Vomiting or diarrhea can signal that your dog's body is overwhelmed by the heat, prompting digestive disturbances.
5. Red Flags on the Tongue: A very elongated and widened tongue or tacky gums could signify increased blood flow due to overheating, warranting immediate attention.
6. Eyes: Glazed over and squinting eyes can also be a sign for your dog struggling.
7. Collapse Concerns: In severe cases, heatstroke can lead to collapse or seizures, requiring urgent veterinary intervention.

Cooling Down a Hot Dog:

1. Swift Shelter: Move your dog to a cool, shaded area or indoors as soon as signs of overheating emerge.
2. Hydration Heroes: Offer your dog cool (not cold) water to drink, aiding in hydration and temperature regulation. You may want to flavor the water with wet dog or cat food to entice your dog to drink
3. Fan Focus: Position fans strategically to promote airflow and evaporation, assisting in the cooling process.
4. Cooling from below: Make your dog lay on a cold floor, maybe putting down a wet towel (do not drape it over your dog, you will trap the heat), or make your dog lay down in the bathtub with a little bit cold water. When using ice packs make sure you use the 10 seconds rule -only apply for 10 seconds then take it off for a couple seconds.
5. Pulp Fiction shower: if you cannot move your dog indoors, try to get your dog soaked with the garden hose to bring down the temperature.
6. Temperature Tracking: Monitor your dog's temperature using a rectal thermometer, seeking veterinary guidance if it remains elevated or exceeds safe levels. You do not want to cool down your dog too fast since that may cause your dog to go into shock. 

By incorporating these proactive measures into your summer routine, you can safeguard your beloved canine companion from the sweltering Texas heat. Remember, prioritizing prevention and swift action is key to ensuring your dog stays cool, comfortable, and safe all summer long.