Houston, Texas – It’s the dog days of spring, ahead of the dog days of summer—where temperatures in Houston are already above average!
And warmer temperatures are here to stay:
Our morning lows in the 10-day forecast are mostly in the 70s, while average March highs are around 71–76°F. So, we’re waking up way above average, with highs climbing into the 80s!
And according to NOAA outlooks, the warmer trend will continue as we roll into summer.
As Houston heats up early, pet owners face rising risks of dehydration and heat stress in dogs and cats. According to a 2025 Trupanion Pet Insurance study, heatstroke claims are up 45% since 2020, while dehydration claims spike up to 364% in summer with average heatstroke claims at $1,480.
Turns out Texans are in the dog days of danger if we don’t protect them properly, ranking 5th for hyperthermia claims.
So we asked Voss Road Animal Clinic: How do you tell if your dog is dehydrated?
“You can actually lift up their upper lip and feel for their gums. If it does not feel moist in there, feels dry, I would be concerned about dehydration. Another sign we can use is pinching their skin and pulling it up and letting it snap back. It should pinch and release pretty quickly. If there is a delay, that would indicate dehydration.“
But if you think your dog is suffering from hyperthermia, soaking them in extra cold or ice water can be downright dangerous.
Don’t submerge them in ice water. A severe change in temperature from extreme hot to extreme cold can have adverse effects on their body.”
Not to mention, March and April winds pick up as severe weather season arrives. And a couple of weeks ago, I caught myself wondering if strong winds can blow my dog away?
According to the National Weather Service, if they weigh under 10 pounds at 40–50 mph gusts, the answer is yes. And according to the NBC National News article, a 6-pound Chihuahua named Tinker Bell was “picked up and tossed out of sight” by a 70-mph wind gust at a Michigan flea market in 2009. But thankfully reunited nearly a mile away in woods, dirty and hungry but otherwise okay. Her owners credited a pet psychic for the rescue tip.
So while rare, it’s still smart to protect your pets—like using a stroller, which guards from gusty winds and scorching heat too.