DRIPPING SPRINGS BABBLE: THE HEAT IS ON FOR PETS, TOO

THE HEAT IS ON FOR PETS, TOO

Following up on our "the heat is on" post earlier this week, we just read a sad story on KXAN.com of a dog dying in Austin in a hot car while his owner shopped — the owner has now been charged with felony cruelty. This reminded us of the tips PAWS Animal Shelter and Humane Society sent last summer for taking precautions against the very real threat to our pets of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

- If your pets must be outside, make sure they are in a well ventilated, shaded area with plenty of fresh water. Consider an “on demand” water source such as a hose bib "waterer", and add ice to your pets' water to keep it cooler longer.

- When walking with your pets, remember that their paw pads are sensitive and can be easily burned when walking on hot concrete or asphalt. If possible, walk on grass or dirt. Be sure to take along plenty of water for yourself and your pets.

- Exercise your dogs or play with cats early in the morning or late in the day when temperatures are cooler.

- If your pets enjoy water, consider hosing them off periodically. It’s a great treat for those who enjoy the water and will help keep their body temperatures down.

- NEVER leave your pets in the car. Even with the windows open, a car can get hot enough to be fatal in a matter of minutes.

With some planning and forethought, we can all make the remaining hot days of summer fun and safe ones.

Learn more about PAWS at pawsshelter.org.

Floyd the Cattle Dog/Mystery Mix, above, takes a break from herding cattle (and by herding cattle we mean sitting in the A/C in the house) to cool off in the shade and wait for a few refreshing splashes from the stock tank.