How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Houston Heat

Written by Shady, founder of Shady Waggers · · Houston

Houston gets very hot. The heat can hurt your dog fast. The good news is that a few easy steps keep your dog safe. Here is what to do.

Hot ground can burn paws

On a hot day the sidewalk can burn. Your dog walks with bare paws. Try the 7 second test. Put the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws.

Walk in the cool hours

The best times to walk are early morning and after the sun goes down. The ground is cooler then. The air is cooler too. Keep midday walks short and slow.

Bring water and find shade

Dogs get hot fast. Take water breaks. Walk in the shade when you can. Grass stays cooler than pavement.

Watch for signs of too much heat

Stop and cool your dog down if you see any of these:

  • Fast, heavy panting
  • Drooling more than normal
  • Slow steps or wanting to lie down
  • Bright red gums or tongue
  • Feeling weak or dizzy

How we keep your dog safe

On hot days our team checks the ground first. We stay in the shade. Every walker carries water bottles and a dog bowl, so pups can drink and cool off. We watch for heat trouble early, before it becomes a problem. On very hot days we go shorter and smarter, not longer. Paws come first, always.

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