Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – With the “dog days of summer” underway, the City of McAllen is reminding pet owners to take extra precautions to protect their animals from heat-related illness and injury.
In South Texas, extreme heat can continue well beyond this timeframe, making it important for pet owners to remain prepared throughout the summer months. McAllen’s Health, Code Compliance & Animal Care Services reminds residents that responsible pet ownership includes protecting animals from extreme weather by ensuring they have access to fresh water, adequate shade, and a safe environment during periods of excessive heat.
“Our pets are valued members of our families and our community. By working together and practicing responsible pet care, residents can help prevent heat related emergencies and ensure animals remain safe during the hottest months of the year. Our Animal Care Services team is committed to providing resources, education, and support to help protect the animals we all care about,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil.
Pets are more vulnerable to high temperatures and can experience heat-related emergencies quickly. When taking dogs outdoors, walks should be planned during the cooler parts of the day, including early morning hours or after sunset. Before heading out, pet owners should perform the seven-second asphalt test by placing the back of their hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If the pavement feels too hot for a person’s hand, it is too hot for a pet’s paws and could cause serious burns.
Recognizing the warning signs of heat stroke can help save a pet’s life. Symptoms may include excessive panting, bright red gums, weakness or stumbling, vomiting, and collapse. If a pet experiences any of these symptoms, immediate veterinary care should be sought.
Keeping pets hydrated is another important part of summer safety. Pet owners should refill water bowls often, carry water during walks, add ice cubes to water bowls when appropriate, and watch for signs of dehydration. Residents are also reminded to never leave pets inside a parked vehicle, even with the windows cracked open. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise above 120 degrees within minutes, creating a dangerous and potentially deadly environment for animals.
In addition to promoting pet safety during extreme weather, the City of McAllen’s Animal Care Services provides important services to the community, including responding to animal-related calls, investigating reports of animal cruelty and neglect, educating residents on responsible pet ownership and City ordinances, promoting microchipping, and helping reunite lost pets with their owners. Residents are encouraged to report animals that appear to be in distress due to extreme heat so Animal Care officers can respond and help ensure their well-being.
By taking simple precautions and closely monitoring animals during periods of extreme heat, residents can help keep their pets safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout the summer. For additional animal care resources and heat safety tips, visit https://mcallen.net/departments/code/animal-care.
Information source: The City of McAllen
