The heat is on! Here's how to protect your pets

Summertime is upon us! And if it's hot for us, it's also hot for them.

High temperatures, sun and humidity can cause stress, dehydration and other serious health issues for pets, livestock and wildlife.

Fort Worth Animal Care & Control (FWACC) has compiled a comprehensive guide on how to help our furry friends stay cool and safe during the brutal summer months ahead.

For pets (cats, dogs, etc.):

Provide ample water

• Always ensure pets have access to fresh, cool water. Use multiple water bowls if necessary.
• Add ice cubes to their water to keep it cool longer.

Offer shade and shelter

• Provide shaded areas where pets can escape the sun.
• Use pet-safe sunblock on exposed skin (like the nose and ears) for breeds susceptible to sunburn.

Avoid overheating

• Walk pets early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Avoid hot pavements, which can burn their paws. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet's paws.
• Never leave pets in a parked car, even with windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.

Use cooling aids

• Provide cooling mats or let pets rest on damp towels.
• Use fans or air conditioning to keep indoor environments cool.

Monitor for heatstroke

• Watch for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and collapse.
• If you suspect heatstroke, move the pet to a cool area, provide water and seek veterinary care immediately.

Groom appropriately

• Regular grooming helps remove excess fur and reduce overheating. However, avoid shaving double-coated breeds, as their fur helps protect them from the sun.

For livestock (cattle, horses, etc.):

Ensure access to water

• Provide ample clean and cool water sources, checking multiple times a day to ensure supply.
• Consider automatic waterers or frequent refills to keep up with increased drinking needs.

Provide shade and shelter

• Ensure there are shaded areas such as trees or constructed shelters.
• Portable shades or shade cloths can also be used in pasture areas.

Adjust feeding schedules

• Feed during cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening), as digestion generates heat.
• Provide salt licks or electrolyte supplements to help replenish nutrients lost through sweating.

Monitor for heat stress

• Look for signs such as heavy panting, drooling, decreased appetite or lethargy.
• Provide cooling methods like misting systems or fans in barns.

Manage workload

• Limit strenuous activities to cooler times of the day.
• Avoid moving or working livestock during peak heat.

For wildlife:

Provide water sources

• Place shallow bowls or birdbaths in shaded areas around your property.
• Keep water clean and fresh to prevent the spread of disease.

Create shaded areas

• Leave areas of your yard or garden wild to provide natural shade and shelter.
• Plant native shrubs and trees to offer shade and food sources.

Reduce lawn care during heat

• Limit mowing and yard work during extreme heat to reduce stress on local wildlife.
• Leave fallen branches or create brush piles to offer additional shelter.

Maintain feeders and birdbaths

• Refill bird feeders and baths regularly to support local birds and other wildlife.
• Use drip systems or misters to provide additional water sources.

Protect against heat stress

• Avoid using chemicals or pesticides, which can be harmful, especially during hot weather when animals are more stressed.
• Keep pets indoors or supervise them to prevent them from chasing or stressing wildlife.

General tips for all animals:

Prepare for emergencies

• Keep a first aid kit for animals handy, including supplies to treat heat stress or dehydration.
• Have an evacuation plan for pets and livestock in case of emergencies like wildfires, which are common in Texas summers.

Support your community

• Assist neighbors with pets or livestock, especially the elderly or those unable to check on their animals regularly.
• Support local wildlife organizations that may be overwhelmed during extreme weather.

Check local regulations

• Be aware of and follow any local animal welfare guidelines or ordinances related to heat protection.

Additional resources

• ASPCA: Offers tips on pet safety during hot weather.

• Texas Animal Health Commission: Provides guidelines for livestock care during extreme weather.

• Texas Parks & Wildlife: Provides resources for supporting wildlife through heat waves.

To report animals that may be in distress, please call the City's Customer Care Center at 817-392-1234 for assistance or report via the MyFW app.