Write your awesome label here.
Tips to Stay Safe in the Heat
🌡️ Good grief—it’s HOT in Austin!
We’ve already hit our first 100°F day, and it’s not even halfway through May. It’s the perfect time for a heat safety reminder for both dogs and humans! 🐾
💧 Stay Hydrated:
Make sure your dog has access to fresh water all day, especially if they’re outdoors. And don’t forget yourself—drink plenty of fluids, even if you’re not feeling thirsty.
Make sure your dog has access to fresh water all day, especially if they’re outdoors. And don’t forget yourself—drink plenty of fluids, even if you’re not feeling thirsty.
🌡️ Watch the Heat Index:
Humidity plays a huge role. When it's humid, our bodies—and our dogs’—can't cool down efficiently.
🐶 Dogs don’t sweat like we do. They mainly cool off by panting and a bit through their paws. If their paws are sweating, it’s often a sign of heat stress and a red flag for urgent care.
📊 We recommend the Pet Professional Guild’s Heat Index Guide to help determine when it’s safe to be outside. Believe it or not, heat danger can start as low as 80°F depending on conditions!
💦 Cool their Legs and Belly:
Let your dog splash in kiddie pools, visit safe (toxic algae–free) springs, or use dog-specific pools. Just make sure they have a way to cool down from the ground up.
🔥 Do a Pavement Check:
If you can’t press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7–10 seconds without discomfort, It’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
👟 Only Use Boots are for Short Trips:
Boots should not be used for heat endurance. They help protect paws during quick walks from the car to a safe, shady area - but they don't make the heat itself safe. If the pavement is hot, it's likely too hot for your dog's whole body.
⚠️ Don’t use boots to push your dog to go longer in dangerous temps.
Boots should not be used for heat endurance. They help protect paws during quick walks from the car to a safe, shady area - but they don't make the heat itself safe. If the pavement is hot, it's likely too hot for your dog's whole body.
⚠️ Don’t use boots to push your dog to go longer in dangerous temps.
✂️ Groom for the Season:
A proper deshedding or trim can make your dog much more comfortable in hot weather—but don’t shave too short! They still need some coat to protect against sunburn!
👕 Bonus Human Tip:
Stay cool out there! Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing that allows your body to release heat.
🌞 Jeannette, who’s worked through 17 hot Texas summers, highly recommends: Coolibar cooling clothes and Eclipseglove sunshirts. They're ultra-breathable and make a huge difference when working or walking outdoors.