Higher temperatures call for pet safety

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – With rising temperatures approaching the Basin this summer, making sure our furry friends are safe in this heat is extremely important. If last year’s summer heat wave taught us anything, it’s that if we can feel the heat then our pets can definitely feel it too.

According to PETA, in 2023, 163 animals suffered heat related deaths and another 855 were rescued from the heat. Now a few of those heat related illnesses range from heat exhaustion to heat stroke and dehydration.

Local experts have these tips for pet owners when it comes to the high heat and their pets:

• Plenty of water
• Having some type of shaded area for animals if they are outside
• Limit activity when the sun is out and scorching.

Ector County said if an animal is left outside without proper shelter or food/water that pet owner can receive a Class A misdemeanor for animal cruelty.

“People who keep their animals outside need to remember that it can be considered cruelty to leave one out that is in inclement weather. That’s in other words underneath 32 degrees or over 95 degrees in the heat,” said Odessa Animal Shelter Manager Kelley Hendricks

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