AUSTIN — A Texas June marks the beginning of increased temperatures and the risk of heat-related illness, so Texas State Parks presents seven tips to help park visitors beat the heat and enjoy the beauty that Texas offers.
In 2025, 169 heat-related incidents were reported across Texas’s state parks and six of them involved pets.
Although we are approaching peak heat season, there are steps that reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Here are the top seven hacks:
Hydrate – For every hour you spend in the heat, drink 16 ounces of water. While participating in strenuous activities, such as hiking, increase your intake to 32 ounces, and don’t forget about your four-legged friends.
Wear SPF – Apply sunscreen liberally and frequently. It’s best practice to reapply every couple of hours and after swimming and sweating.
Dress smart – Light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing; a hat and wet bandana keep you cool in the sun. For pets, cooler times of day prevent blistering on the paws and booties shield them from the hot ground. A quick test is to touch the ground with the back of your hand. If you cannot hold it for five seconds, the surface is too hot for your pets’ paws.
Stay salty – Food keeps energy up and replaces salt lost while sweating. Snacks like jerky, granola, trail mix, tuna and dried fruit are great ways to nourish your body while on the trail.
Bring a buddy – Two brains are better than one. Utilize the buddy system by having someone with you on the trail, allowing you to look after each other in hot conditions.
Comment
Comments