Texas weather, one season at a time

Keeping pets cool and safe through our long, humid Houston-area summers.

• Never leave pets in parked cars, the inside can hit 120F in minutes
• Walk dogs early morning or evening when the pavement is cooler
• Provide plenty of fresh water and shade whenever pets are outdoors
• Watch for overheating: heavy panting, drooling, weakness
• Cooling mats, elevated beds, and a kiddie pool all help
• Trim long-haired pets but never shave to the skin, the coat protects from sunburn

Our winters are mild but unpredictable, and a hard freeze catches people off guard.

• Bring outdoor pets inside when it drops below 50F
• Use a sweater or coat for small, short-haired, or elderly pets
• Check paws for ice, salt, or chemical burns from de-icing products
• Give pets warm, dry shelter if they must stay outside
• Watch for hypothermia: shivering, lethargy, weakness
• Keep antifreeze and other winter chemicals well out of reach, they are deadly

Celebrations bring food, decorations, and noise that can all trip up a pet.

• Keep chocolate, xylitol, grapes, and rich table food away from pets
• Secure the tree and skip tinsel, it can cause an intestinal blockage
• Use pet-safe decorations and small ornaments a pet might swallow
• Hold feeding and exercise routines steady through the disruption
• Give pets a quiet space to retreat from noise and visitors
• Poinsettias, mistletoe, and lilies are toxic, so keep them out of reach

The habits that keep pets healthy no matter what the weather is doing.

• Keep a regular grooming schedule in every season
• Stay on monthly parasite prevention all year in Houston
• Schedule wellness exams every 6 to 12 months based on age
• Watch weight and adjust food if activity levels shift
• Keep ID tags and microchip information current
• Build an emergency kit for severe weather like hurricanes