Taking Care of Your Dog in the Summer

With an average temperature of almost 94 degrees and just under three inches of rain a month for June through August, the summertime in Austin can be extremely hot and extremely dangerous for anyone outdoors. And although the average temperature is below 100 degrees, parts of Texas average almost 20 triple-digit temperature days a year.

This unforgiving heat can be extremely dangerous to your dog’s or other pet’s health if he or she spends an extended amount of time outdoors. In fact, dogs face a number of risks in the summertime that owners need to be aware of so they can be on the lookout for abnormal behavior as well as take action to prevent any dangers.

Warning Signs

Your dog could be at risk for a number of heat-related injuries during the summer months. There are many steps you can take to make sure he or she stays safe and out of harm’s way. As an owner, you need to be aware of the following dangers:

• Chance of dehydration – if your dog stays outside during the day, make sure he has plenty of cool, clean water.
• Heat stroke – can happen if your dog doesn’t stay hydrated, and it could end in serious injuries or even death.
• Burnt paws – be sure you check the asphalt to make sure it isn’t too hot when walking your dog
• Fleas and ticks – summertime brings out insects that could carry disease.

If you notice that your dog is acting abnormally, be sure to get him or her to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Contact Us

To get more information about taking care of your dog in the summertime, call or visit your local Austin veterinarian clinic today.