Overview
Texas is home to a variety of pets. Before you bring a pet to your home in Dallas, you should consider a number of things. For example, think about the climatic conditions in your region, and see if your pet will be satisfied and happy. The article below will guide you on the best pets you can keep in Dallas and the climatic considerations for keeping your pet healthy and safe.
Best Pets to Have in a Dallas, TX Climate
Texas has a significant population of ranchers and pets are generally accommodated. However, that does not in any way mean that you can have any pet you want. There are a number of pets which are illegal to keep and the authorities have their reasons for the limitations. A lot of limitations emanate from complains from the farmers who say the pets are a threat to their pets. Other pets do prey on the pets making it difficult to allow them in Texas. A large and exotic pet such as the big cat or the bear requires a permit.
Therefore, prior to keeping your pet, do an internet search to evaluate if the pet is allowed in Texas. You may ado a lot of work, and spend a lot of money, transporting a pet from another state to Texas, only to be informed that the pet is not allowed in Texas. Taking such an initiative could save you a lot of money and could save you from possible inconveniences.
You can experiment on any kind of pet to keep in Texas as far as there is no law which states that keeping the pet in question is illegal. However, when you choose the one you want, make sure that you can get a vet should the climate not favor your pet. Some types of pets may require that you seek the help of a specialist.
The Reference City Code, Section 7-4.6, Texas, gives the limit of the number of pets that one can own at any particular time. It ranges from 4 to 8, depending on factors such as housing. The law does not include the kittens which are under 6 months of age. Therefore, if you are a fan of many pets, make sure that you have a large house, or rent a large one, and the authorities will allow you to make a better choice regarding the quantity of the pets that you want.
Taking care of your pet is not a choice, and these include protecting it from harsh climatic conditions. SPCA, Texas, receives eight calls a day, on pets that have been neglected or mal-treated. It is important that you keep your adoption papers in order just in case you are accused of committing a certain crime. This will help you to defend yourself in such a case. In addition to that, if the micro-chip was provided, make sure you have the same in order.
Pets and Texas Weather
The summer months in Texas can be hot, and you need to prepare your pet for the same. Similarly, during winter time in Texas, you have to give the safety of your pet a priority. The harshest time, in terms of cold temperatures is both January and February. The other winter months are not easy too, but manageable to your pet.
Pets in Texas can experience problems that are related to cold weather, generalized hypothermia for instance. This may cause the pets to be dull as well as anti-social. You can notice this very fast. If you do, stop walking your pet and go back to find a warm place.
In addition to that, the pets can experience frostbites in the ears, toes, lips, tail, and the nose. Frostbite is a product of cold temperatures, decreased blood flow, and heat loss. Frostbites are not easy to notice, and you may take a number of days before you notice the same.
Therefore, as you think about the pet you should buy or adopt, then think about the conditions in both winter and summer. This will help you in the preparation of harsh months early enough. Note that a simple mistake could compromise the health of your pet or lead to death.
In some cases, one may not be able to bring pets into the house. This largely depends on the type of the pet. One can use the garage, or even the mudroom, in order to provide effective shelter for the pet. However, in such a case, one must ensure that there are no hazardous materials or even trash. You can consider filling the dog house with bedding in order to keep it warm. Another option is providing your pet with a source of heat. However, bear in mind that fire and carbon monoxide can be a big risk to the pet.
During the winter, the risk of poisoning is higher than the rest of the year. This is because rodents such as mice may shelter in the house as they escape cold temperatures. Again, some of the pets already have certain health conditions, diabetes for instance. In such a case, then, the pet is going to be more vulnerable to cold weather. In addition to that, medical conditions such as kidney failure and cardiac conditions can lead to a more severe situation during winter. If you doubt that your pet can withstand the winter, contact a vet for a professional opinion.
Before you get into your car, and before you start your car, it is important that you check if there is any pet that is seeking refuge in your car. This will prevent a situation where you injure the pet or kill the pet. Dallas is quite a busy place to live. And one may be on the move. However, pets and other animals should not be neglected as the Dallas residents go on with their day to day activities.
The Impact of Climate Change
Melissa Gaskill, writing for the Texas Climate News, states that animals are now struggling to keep up with the impact of climate change. However, the animals have also developed adaptive changes including an increase in the number of offsprings and a higher survival rate. Climate change has affected the behavior of the birds (scientists use the term phenological traits).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that by 2016, a big part of Texas had already warmed up by a significant 1.5 degrees, when compared to the previous century. This has been blamed on the coal power plants that are a common phenomenon in the state. Texas has made several efforts to manage climate change, but there are observable effects of the changes in temperature.
You may think that climate change affects other people, perhaps as far away as Alaska, but you will be surprised to note that your pet is experiencing a higher level of stress and is not able to adapt to the new climatic conditions. You need to protect your pet. Be the first one to go green, and raise awareness about the impact of climate change.
How to take care of Your Pet in harsh climatic conditions
There are several ways through which you can take care of your pet in harsh climatic conditions. To start with, you should walk your dog either early in the morning, or, late in the evening. By then, the Texas heat will not hurt the pet. It should be noted that the older pets, and the over-weight pets, are vulnerable to too much heat.
You should prepare an effective shelter in order to protect your pet from harsh weather. It is important that a wading pool with water is provided to the pet. A doggie door could be of a lot of help to your dog. You can have a potty area which will be air-conditioned.
If you are using an open vehicle, do not ride your pet at the back. You should note that metal surfaces and truck beds can get very hot. In addition to that, give your companion a lot of water, every day.
During winter, you have few options but to keep your pet indoors. The law requires that all the pets have access to dry and warm weather when the temperature reaches 32 degrees. If you fail to take care of your pet in this way you most likely will have to hire a criminal attorney Dallas TX since charges most likely will be brought up against you.
It should be noted that in this kind of weather, all the pets are at risk, whether big or small pets. Do not think that having a thick fur means that your pet is protected. The best thing is to have your pet indoors in order to prevent any possible risk. Again, it is not recommendable that you shave your pet during winter. This exposes them to cold.
When you are walking your pet, the pavement and cement can be particularly cold. It is better that you walk on the grass, as this will be more comfortable than walking on the pavement and the cement. When you find that it is too cold outside, consider clothing your pet with coats and boots.
Winter in Texas comes with various anti-freeze products. As a pet owner, keep your pet safe and keep such products out of reach. Some of the anti-melt products can carry a lot of irritants and chemicals. Some can have an instant impact on the health of your pet.
Another mistake that pet owners make is to walk their pet on frozen pond and lake. You are not sure that the ice can withstand the weight of your pet. Again, if the ice breaks, the pet will be vulnerable to the cold water beneath, and this can be deadly. The best thing is to avoid such places.
In Texas (as well as Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and New York), it is illegal to leave an animal outside the home without food and shelter, whether it is tethered or untethered. If the authorities find out that you did such a thing, then you are going to be in trouble.
Like in the human beings, a balanced diet to your pets could be the panacea to most of the health problems. If you feed your pet with a healthy diet, you are going to help it withstand the cold winter months. In addition to that, have an emergency kit ready in the case your pet gets sick. Such a kit should include essential medicine.
Where can you get a pet in Dallas, Texas?
There is no shortage of pets in Dallas, Texas. To start with, Dallas Animal Services, Texas, has deserving and adoptable pets that you can have a look at. All the pets for adoption are spayed, on a vaccine, and are micro-chipped prior to going home. By choosing Dallas Animal Texas, you are sure that you are choosing a pet agency which boasts a competent team of professionals.
You can do an internet search of the pet store near you. Again, there is no shortage of these stores. However, when you identify one, be sure to check the reviews. Such reviews are going to inform you on the best place to buy your pet. Ask your friends and relatives where you can get a pet in Dallas, and you will definitely find a solution.
Depending on whom you ask, a pet lover could tell you to adopt a pet, rather than buying a pet. Should you choose to buy a pet, then you should think about the breeder. Inbreeding can lead to serious health consequences.
You can take part in the rescue of a pet. There are few cases of pets found stranded, after heavy rains for instance. In such a case, you will be doing the right thing by giving the pet a home.
Conclusion
Like any other part in the US, Texas may have a few challenges, including climate. However, that should not push you away from having a pet in Dallas. Professionals and pet owners have devised ways of addressing the problems that come with the same. Overall, having a pet in Texas is a fun experience and worth it.