TYLER, Texas (KETK) — 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.
Dr. Gary Spence of Spence & White Veterinary Hospital in Tyler 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.
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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.”
Last summer alone, Dr. Spence treated twelve canine heat stroke cases. At Bossart Park in Tyler, pet owner Christian Bates says she’s constantly aware of the dangers when taking her schnauzer, Shirley, outside.
“Their paws can get burned on the concrete and they can overheat,” Bates said. “Shirley is really old. She gets hotter, faster.”
Dr. Spence says that the concern is valid. Concrete and asphalt can reach scorching temperatures during the day, often hot enough to burn a dog’s paw pads.
“They are burning their pads,” he said. “We see dogs come in with burned pads from being force‑walked, and their owners think they’re enjoying it.”
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.
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