Pet risks in Texas heat

TYLER — The Texas summer heat doesn’t just take a toll on people; it can be dangerous and even deadly for pets. A 2024 report from the SPCA of Texas shows the state ranks number one in the nation for heat?related pet deaths, a statistic that worries veterinarians across East Texas. Our news partner KETK talked to Dr. Gary Spence of Spence & White Veterinary Hospital in Tyler. Dr. Spence says the extreme temperatures seen across the region each summer put all dogs at risk.

“Hot weather, particularly in Texas, is a big challenge because we get such heat extremes,” Spence said.

While any dog can suffer from heat stroke, he says, overweight, elderly and long-haired dogs are especially vulnerable. Warning signs can appear quickly.

“You’ll see them staggering. They almost act like they have dementia,” Spence explained. “They quit, they’ll start salivating around the mouth — all of that.”

Another major danger: leaving pets inside vehicles. Even with windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can climb to 120 degrees within minutes.

“We lost two dogs last year from being in a car,” Spence said. “By the time they got here, her body temperature was 110, and we lost her within 15 or 20 minutes.”

His message to pet owners is simple: if your dog can’t go inside with you, leave them at home. As temperatures continue to rise across East Texas, veterinarians urge pet owners to stay alert, limit outdoor activity, and prioritize shade, water, and safety to prevent another year of tragic losses.