With triple-digit temperatures starting early this year, vets are urging pet owners to keep an eye on their pets and to watch for potential heat exhaustion.
Photo by Hannah J. Frias
The early summer triple-digit temperatures have been difficult on everyone, especially our four-legged friends. That's why veterinarians are warning pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals.
"We're able to tell when we're too hot or when we need water, you know, whereas these guys, if they start to feel a little bit crummy, they probably aren't going to drink water like they should," said Dr. Morgan Siewer, a vet at Austin Pets Alive!
Excessive panting and drooling that doesn't stop after returning to an air-conditioned environment could mean heat exhaustion. Vets warn owners to pay attention to their pet’s energy levels. Acting very lethargic to the point of not wanting to stand, or collapsing, is also a sign of too much time in the heat.
Vets recommend taking walks early in the morning before 9 am or 10 am or later in the evening past 6 pm or 7 pm, to keep from being out in the direct sunlight, and on hot asphalt. It is recommended that pet owners feel the pavement with their hand. If it is too hot for them, it will be too hot for their animals.
According to Austin Pets Alive! volunteer Jess Borda, keeping pets' paws and chest wet is the best way to get their temperature down.
In this heat, owners can't forget about cats at home either. Lowering shades for cats that sit on windowsills and keeping their fur brushed and groomed regularly will keep them cool.
During the high temperatures, Austin Pets Alive! is also asking the community to consider fostering for even just a few days to get their animals out of the heat and into some air conditioning. Senior dogs are the most vulnerable to the heat and the organization would love for people to foster them.
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Austin PBS announced new seasons and programs for 2024-2025 at its second annual Made In Austin event.
There's plenty to see in Austin; Just take a walk around any older neighborhood and you'll find at least a few hidden gems. But sometimes discovery just feels better from the couch. Austin PBS is ready to help with a slate of new programming for 2024-2025, including both original shows and "local initiatives."
Also known as KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is best known for its widely renowned Austin City Limits music series, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It also airs other popular programs that aren't nationally famous, like Central Texas Gardener and Taco Mafia — both returning with new material this year.
Most notable in the mass announcement is the launch of a new multi-platform news show, airing weekly beginning later in 2024. Fans of Decibel, an existing hyperlocal, "community-led journalism project" that focuses on local social issues in historical context, will likely enjoy this new project, which according to the press release "build[s] upon" the former's reporting. It will cover topics within politics, education, economy, and culture, among other areas.
The CultureMap Austin team has also been looking forward to seeing Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience hit the schedule after watching the documentary at South by Southwest. This emotional story celebrates one of Austin's most eccentric cultural icons, the late KUTX radio host John Aielli. Clearly made with love, this documentary features Aielli's family and coworkers — many of whom are still working around town — and raises questions about how well Austin's current media landscape is living up to its weird past.
Trailer for Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience.Courtesy of Austin PBS
“Public broadcasting isn't just about what we do; it's about who we are as a community, and we are thrilled to be celebrating the second year of [the local premiere night] Made in Austin to share the exciting projects we’ve been working on,” said President and CEO of Austin PBS Luis Patiño via a release.
“It’s been incredible to see the support and excitement of original programming we launched last year," Patiño continued, "from the storytelling of our diverse community with Taco Mafia to in-depth interviews with public figures on Overheard With Evan Smith, and we are looking forward to another year of impactful content that enriches and transforms the communities we serve."
The following new programs (described in PBS's original language) also announced launches in 2024-2025:
Moon Shadow, a multi-platform educational project about the science and symbolism of eclipses
Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter, a documentary film about the journalist and vice-presidential adviser and her story of blazing professional trails while pushing forward an agenda for women’s rights
The Only Day We Have shares Allan Cole’s story of living day to day with young-onset Parkinson’s disease
Chasing the Tide, a six-part documentary series that follows wife and husband duo Chrissy and Jay Kleberg as they walk the entire length of Texas’ seven barrier islands, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the state’s coast
The Stones Are Speaking, focuses on one of the most significant cultural sites in the Western Hemisphere, The Gault Archaeological Site in Central Texas
Live From the LBJ Library With Mark Updegrove ... featuring interviews with preeminent thought leaders about issues vital to America’s future.
Existing shows with new seasons include:
Blackademics
On Story
Overheard With Evan Smith
Central Texas Gardener
Austin City Limits
Taco Mafia
Finally, Austin PBS invites community members to a special taping with Austin’s Christian Wiggs Big Band and special guest Benny Benack III. The taping takes place May 23 at 7:30 pm. at the Austin Media Center. RSVP here.
All programs will be available for viewing on KLRU-TV, AustinPBS.org, and the Austin PBS app. More information about the programs is available at austinpbs.org.