Walking, running or swimming with a dog in the desert can be fatal for the pet. Here are some important points to remember when playing with or leaving Fido alone.
Many owners fail to understand activities or actions they undertake in moderate climates can prove deadly in the desert. Here is a list of items that if not properly followed, may prove disastrous for pet and owner.
- Leash Walking – The pet still enjoys walking and running along with all the natural actions bred in its DNA; however, in hot environments the methods used must be modified. Professional Dog Trainer Debbie Berriman of Yorkshire, England says that in a hot environment a dog will be less controllable than in mild conditions. She continues, “…chains always choke and they are responsible for a number of medical conditions [but]…in a dry environment [they]…can be disastrous.” When a dog is walked (or left unattended) it should never be on a chain and collars should never be tightened or allowed to choke the animal. If the dog is untrained it should not be harnessed until it has been educated.
- Kennel – Some refer to this as a boarding place for pets. It is imperative that the dog is well aerated and cooled in this location. For the home kennel the design is usually limited to an area for the dog to freely move about. These home kennels can become heat traps and disastrous for a desert dog. They must contain shelter that allows the large pet to scamper about but then relax and cool off as its owner would after working out in a gym. Small trees, covered areas with a natural venturi effect are necessary. An old fashioned fan (keeping electrical circuits out of reach) will help in areas where breezes are uncommon. A “baby” swimming pool, changed often or mechanically kept to a cool temperature, would be excellent for the out door resident.
- Play Area – The natural tendencies of a large dog are to mingle with its owner in a vivacious manner. Nevertheless, a dog can quickly become heat exhausted in this unnatural environment. Limit play to cool times of the day. As Dr. Mike Richards, DVM of Vet Info stated on August 9th 2001, “Heat stroke in dogs is not all that uncommon. Dogs…don't seem to figure out that they shouldn't get excited or work hard in the heat.”
- Sleep – Seeming unimportant it can be a death sentence for Spot. Heat exhaustion and stroke can occur quickly it not resting in a sheltered, cool area after times of high exertion. Dr. Richards, specified, “Heat stroke is most common in the large breeds and….sleep can be an early indicator of heat exhaustion.”
- Swimming – Many owners believe a dip in a lake or sea will greatly benefit your desert pet; nonetheless, this may be wrong. Warm water (over 75 degrees for an active dog) can prove fatal. Dogs are unable to sweat and as such dense water does not cool the animal as in humans, but adds an additional insulation layer warming the animal further and raising its body temperature to dangerous levels. Make sure the dog leaves the water often, rests in a shady location and drinks cool water.
- Resting – The desert dog is faced with a problem often forgotten by owners. Where to rest? Animals must tolerate extreme surface temperature. Remember that concrete sidewalk, asphalt road, or even beach sand has been baking in 100+ heat; it is very hot to Spot’s paws. A blanket, towel or small rug will do wonders for his tender appendages.
- Older and Overweight Dogs – According to a Dog Owner’s Guide, “Animal bodies are a marvel of interactions….When the balance is disturbed by…advancing age, the body goes awry: appetite and water consumption change.” Treat an aging or overweight pet as an aging relative – slower is better and less is more?
The desert is a marvelous place full of wonder. Enjoying this region with a big dog can be equally wonderful, but precautions are imperative for both pet and owner.
The copyright of the article Dangers for Dogs Living in the Desert in Dog Care is owned by Frank W. Hardy. Permission to republish Dangers for Dogs Living in the Desert in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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