We love living in the Lone Star State! Texas can also be a pretty great place for dogs. Fido gets to enjoy year-round warm-weather, and has plenty of places to run and play. Most of our canine pals are also pretty fond of barbeques. However, every state has its ups and downs. Just like the rest of America, Texas does have some specific hazards for pet owners to be aware of. A local Plano, TX vet lists some of them below.

Snakes

Snakes sometimes do get a bad rap, as they are beneficial in helping control rodent populations. That said, Texas is home to several types of venomous snakes. When walking your dog, keep an eye on the terrain. Don’t let Fido sniff around places where snakes could be hiding, such as logs, holes in riverbanks, and brush piles. Also, ask your vet about rattlesnake vaccinations.

Creepy-Crawlies

Ticks are an issue across the continent, but they’re especially problematic in warmer regions, where the winters don’t get cold enough to kill them off. Keep up with Fido’s parasite control! Of course, ticks aren’t the only bug to be concerned about. Mosquitoes can also carry dangerous parasites and diseases. Spiders and scorpions are dangerous as well.

Coyotes

Coyote populations have been increasing in recent years, and so have reports of pets being attacked. Coyotes tend to hunt at night, so the biggest precaution you can take is to keep your pooch indoors as much as possible after dark, especially if you are camping and/or in a rural area. (Note: coyotes that are holding detonators or giant magnets are especially dangerous, as they often set booby traps.)

Alligators

We’ve seen reports of some huge alligators in this area over the last few years! Don’t walk Fido near lakes or ponds, especially at dusk, and don’t let him swim in waters where gators may be lurking.

Heat

Texas summers can be scorchers. Make sure Fido always has shade and water. In summer, limit your pup’s outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day, and don’t walk him on hot surfaces that could burn his paws. Also—and we can’t state this enough—never leave a dog in a car unattended, even for just a few minutes. This can be a deadly mistake! Please contact us, your Plano, TX vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!