08/17/2026
Heatstroke is fast, silent, and deadly. 💔
Yesterday, our staff responded to a devastating situation. An owner called after realizing their healthy 3-year-old dog was showing severe signs of heatstroke. He had been outside for a couple of hours in the afternoon.
The owner immediately brought him inside to cool him down, but the pup was experiencing neurological symptoms and could no longer stand. Unfortunately, it was too late for life saving care.
Heatstroke can happen far faster than most people realize, even to young, healthy dogs. When a dog's internal temperature spikes to 104, the progression to heatstroke is rapid and even with immediate medical intervention, internal organ failure can happen within minutes.
Our local forecast is dangerous, and temperatures will remain extremely high over the next several days.
Please take a moment today to protect your pets:
🏠 Keep them indoors, especially in the peak heat of the afternoon.
🐾 Limit outdoor time to short, necessary potty breaks.
💧 Ensure constant access to cool water and shade while outdoors.
🚗 Never leave pets in parked cars! Even with the windows down, the heat can reach deadly levels in minutes.
🚨 Know the early signs: Excessive panting, bright red gums, lethargy, drooling, or unsteadiness.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke, remember, "get them WET, and to the VET." Submerge or spray them with cool water (NOT ice-cold). Applying cool, wet towels can help, but be sure to replace them frequently as they absorb heat. Then get them to the vet IMMEDIATELY.
Please make a plan to keep your pets cool during this heatwave. Avoid outdoor exercise, listen to the weather warnings, and help us prevent another tragic loss.
Extreme Heat Infographic provided by the SPCA of Texas.
