COUNTY LIFE
Protecting your pets during the high heat
The summer heat can be stifling for both dogs and humans! And when we lose power, it is not only stressful on our own bodies but on our dogs’ as well. There are a few steps you can take to keep both you and your dog cool in extreme heat.
Most Dogs Aren’t Built for Heat
Most breeds are built to conserve rather than dissipate heat. They don’t have sweat glands, and most of their body is wrapped in fur with little or no exposed skin; they lose heat through the pads of their feet and through their mouths by panting. Some breeds need special consideration For example, white or fine-coated breeds, like Bull Terriers and Greyhounds are especially vulnerable to sunburn, while the black coat of dogs like the Schipperke absorbs heat, adding to the danger of overheating and heat stroke.
Keep Water Available
- Let your dog drink as much water as possible
- If you have a working freezer, make cold treats, like frozen chew toys or dog-safe ice pops
How to Help a Dog Cool Down
Along with plenty of cool water, the most important thing to do to keep a dog cool is to stay indoors or in the shade. If your air conditioning turns off an extra-hot day, go to the coolest area of the house you can, such as the basement. If possible, stay at a friend’s house until your air conditioning is restored. There are other ways you can relieve your dog from the heat by having dog cooling supplies on hand in advance:
- Battery-operated fan.
- Cool cloths, which are made of chamois material, like those used to dry cars at a car wash. Put a moist chamois on your dog’s back without getting him too wet, take it off, and present him to the judge, who probably will only feel a tiny bit of dampness when going over the dog. If you keep your cool cloth in a cooler, don’t put it directly into the ice. You don’t want to put anything ice-cold onto a dog, because that shrinks the blood vessels and actually generates more internal heat.
- Cooling vest, which deflects the heat and cools the dog through evaporation.
- Cooling crate pad or a cold, wet towel that you can spread out for your dog to lie on. You can also have him stand on a damp towel to help the footpads release heat.
- Rubbing alcohol which you can dab behind your dog’s ears, on his stomach, or on his paws. Rubbing alcohol cools faster than water and can draw out heat.
- Spray bottle filled with cool water. Spray his underside that’s not exposed to the hot sun (such as the groin area, where the hair is less dense), the bottoms of his feet, and inside his mouth.
- Rectal thermometer with lubricant. Your dog’s temperature shouldn’t rise above 102.5, which is the high end of normal.
- Unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution for the dog to drink if he gets dehydrated.
The Signs of Heatstroke
In spite of your best efforts, your dog could develop heatstroke. Here are the symptoms:
- Unusual breathing (rapid and loud).
- High rectal temperature (103 or higher).
- Extreme thirst.
- Weakness and/or fatigue.
- Frequent vomiting.
- Disorientation.
- Dark or bright red tongue and gums.
- Skin around the muzzle or neck doesn’t snap back when pinched (dehydration).
- Difficulty breathing.
- Thick saliva.
- Rapid heartbeat
- Heavy drooling
- Agitation
If you suspect that your dog is overheated, immediately take him to a cooler area or to the vet. Once in a cool room, separate his fur with your fingers so the cool air can penetrate to the skin.
To cool your dog down as quickly as possible, pour cool water over his head and body, or gently hose a very gentle stream of cool water over him, or, where possible, submerge him in a tub of cool water.
Even if your dog seems stable, it’s a good idea to take him to the nearest vet for evaluation and treatment if necessary.
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Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
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