MCALLEN, Texas – The City of McAllen is urging residents to take extra precautions to protect pets as high summer temperatures continue across the Rio Grande Valley.
City officials recommend providing pets with fresh, clean water and access to shade throughout the day. Pets should be brought indoors during periods of extreme heat, and walks should be scheduled for early morning or after sunset when pavement and air temperatures are lower.
Residents can test pavement by placing the back of a hand on the surface for seven seconds. If the pavement is too hot for a person’s hand, it is too hot for an animal’s paws.
Signs of heatstroke can include excessive panting, bright red gums, drooling, weakness, stumbling, vomiting or collapse. Anyone who sees those symptoms should move the animal to a cooler area and seek veterinary care.
The city also advises pet owners to carry water on walks, refill outdoor bowls frequently and monitor animals for dehydration. Pets should never be left in a parked vehicle because interior temperatures can exceed 120 degrees within minutes.
More information is available from the City of McAllen at 956-681-1919.
