BARC :: Seasonal Advisories & Alerts

3200 Carr Street, Houston, TX 77026. (713) 229-7300

Adopt Pets & Heat

Houston’s climate is classified as humid subtropical. We have warm weather for the majority of the year with occasional cold snaps in the winter months. The summer can be blistering hot. We often see heat advisories in June through September with temperatures rising well into the upper 90‘s and into the triple digits. Summer is a time for both you and your pet to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors, but along with the fun, the season also offers up situations that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you can decrease the chance that disaster will happen.

The Humane Society of the United States offers the following safety tips for pet owners to keep their pets safe and comfortable in the heat.

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car

During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if parked in the shade and with the windows partially open. This can be detrimental for pets left in a car. Pets who are left in hot cars, even for the briefest amount of time, can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can potentially die.

Dogs and cats can't sweat like humans and can only let off heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. You may think you’ll “just be a minute” or that it is “nice outside/not that hot”. Don’t take the risk. When you are out and about, play it safe and leave pets at home during the hot months of the year. In Houston, that is the majority of the time.

If you do happen to see a pet in a hot car alone, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly and/or cannot be located, call BARC, local animal control or the police department immediately. Click here for emergency numbers and info.

Do Not Put Your Pet In the Back of a Pick-up Truck

It is extremely dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can debris, low hanging branches and accidents cause serious injury, but a dog may be thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. The best and safest place for dogs to travel is either inside a car or truck - either in a crate or with a seatbelt harness attached.

Fertilizers and Toxic Plants

Warm weather is a great time to garden and work in the yard. Beware that plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be poisonous and often fatal if your pet eats them.

There are more than 700 plants that can poisonous or toxic to pets. Some of them are very ordinary and abundant in Houston including Oleander, Sago Palms and Lilies. Be informed: click here to access a pdf provided by the Humane Society of the United States that outlines potentially harmful plants.

Pets & Swimming Pools

Some pets love to swim and it can be a fun activity to swim with your dog. However, pools can be deadly if your pet for some reason cannot get out and becomes exhausted. Make sure your pet is supervised around swimming pools and keep them from accessing the pool freely.

Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water and a nice shady area for your pets while they're enjoying the outdoors so they can stay cool.

Exercising With Pets in the Heat

Just like humans, pets need exercise even when it is hot. Special care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, exercise in early morning or evening hours when it is cooler. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on their noses and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are especially susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very serious conditions and could quickly result in death. Be aware of the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower their body temperature. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over their entire body to gradually lower the core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, get them to a veterinarian immediately.

4th of July Safety Tips

Loud noises and crowds, in addition to the heat, can be stressful, scary and dangerous for pets. For your pet's well being, leave them home. Be especially aware of these threats during holidays, such as the 4th of July. Pets often become frightened and frantic by the noise and commotion of Independence Day. If you are going to be out, plan ahead. Do not leave your pets outside and unattended during this time - even if you have a fenced in yard. Leave them inside in a quiet area. Sometimes it helps to leave a TV or radio on quietly to keep them company. Above all, make sure your pet is licensed and that all ID tags are up to date in case they do get out.