Whether it’s a toasty summer or a frigid Houston winter, area dogs face risks puppy parents often forget. From grooming to keeping an eye out for local wildlife that could harm your furry family member, the best way to guarantee a long, healthy life for your pup is with prevention.

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Adequate ShelterMoveable Wood Buildings Co.
11804 Hempstead Rd.
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 680-8192
movablewoodbuildings.net

Hours: Mon to Sat – 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sun – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All dogs, especially outside dogs, must have adequate shelter. Because of our extreme temperatures here in Houston, protection from the sun and weather is an absolute must. Snag a custom-built, luxury doghouse from Moveable Wood Buildings Co., and be sure to provide hay if your pet must stay outside in winter. Always provide clean, fresh water for your pet several times daily, especially in extreme temperatures when water can freeze or become too hot for dogs to drink.

Photo Credit: Heightsvet.com

Parasite Prevention

Heights Veterinary Clinic
1431 N. Shepherd
Houston, TX 77008
www.heightsvet.com

Hours: Mon to Fri – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat – 7 a.m. to noon

Dogs in Houston require year-round parasite prevention to avoid contracting fatal cases of heartworms and unhealthy flea infestations. Heartworms are transmitted when a dog is bitten by a single mosquito carrying the parasite, so even inside dogs should be protected. Once a dog contracts heartworms, treatment is often too hard on elderly and sick dogs, and those already weakened by severe flea infestations. Winter does not necessarily kill all fleas and ticks, either, so it is important to keep your pet protected year round as well.

Related: Best Places to Take Your Dog in Houston

Photo credit: Houstonanimalcontrol.com

Yard Dangers

Houston Snake Control and Removal
(832) 585-4865
www.houstonanimalcontrol.org

Inspect your yard for items that could be harmful for your pet, especially the area’s dangerous, poisonous snakes. To help keep snakes out of your yard, make sure to clear any brush or clutter where while animals could find shelter. Never allow plants that are toxic to your dog in your yard, and check any landscaping when moving into a new home for Houston’s most common, toxic plants: sago palms, oleander, angel trumpets, elephant ears and lantana.

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Grooming
20th Street Grooming and Doggie Daycare
636 W. 20th St.
Houston, Tx 77008
(713) 864-9050
www.20thstreetgrooming.com/ 
Hours: Mon to Fri – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat – 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Sun – closed except pick-ups

Grooming not only keeps dogs clean and healthy, it often reveals hidden injuries and even tumors owners might otherwise miss. Nobody is better than 20th Street for giving pets the royal treatment in a place that feels just like home. Family owned and operated by medical professionals, this shop guarantees a great time with a doggy daycare that’s great for overnight stays as well.

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Listen to Your Dog

Paul Hunter DVM
3926 Country Rd.
Pasadena, TX 77505
(281) 991-1966

Hours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To keep your pet healthy, be aware of any changes in your dog’s behavior including increased water intake, itching, sudden weight loss or gain and coughing. Always keep your pet up to date on his or her vaccines and inquire about any new behaviors or age-related concerns for your pooch.

Related: Planning for Your Pet in a Disaster