How to Care for Big Dogs in the Desert
Feeding and Watering Treatment of a Canine in Dubai’s Barren Region
May 4, 2009
Here are a few tips for feeding and watering a dog in a desert environment, especially the Persian Gulf. In a region where hitting a camel with a car carries a greater fine than hitting a migrant worker from the Indian subcontinent, animals are held in high regard. Airlines sell seats to falcons, while goats, donkeys, chickens and camels wander the streets like deer in Minnesota, coyotes in Southern California, alligators in Western Dade County, Florida or bear in Wyoming. Yet, proper canine care is often misunderstood or overlooked. .
Special Care for Dogs
Dogs and hot weather don’t mix too well. In a location where day time temperatures routinely reach 110+ degrees F, it is imperative that special care be given to the four legged family member. According to the Phoenix Arizona Humane Society – Tips and Advice, special care needs to be given to dogs that remain long periods of time outside the home.
Of course, as Tips recommends, the best situation for Fido is to sit in air-conditioning, waiting for master’s return. However, in a recession world, that may be an accommodation that is not feasible, socially acceptable or economically desirable.
- Heat Conditions – In a desert this is the most important concept to understand for canine pets. Dr. Mike Richards, DVM of Vet Info wrote on June 7th 2005, that dogs have a difficult time cooling down due to their inability to sweat. Temperatures above 100F are extremely dangerous and heat exhaustion is common. “Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy panting, hyperventilation, increased salivation early then dry gums…weakness, confusion or inattention, vomiting or diarrhea…” Keep an eye on the animal.
- Drinking Water – All animals need considerable amounts of water in these surroundings; however, few understand what kind of water will do. Often large quantities of water are placed out in the sun for Rover to drink during the day. Owners wonder why the pot is full hours later; but the answer is simple – the water is hot. Dr. Richards explains the importance of cool (even cold) water for a dog. “To allow access to cold water it can be helpful to freeze water in a bottle and to give it in small amounts as it melts,” he advises.
- External Water – A false assumption is that when a dog is wet it is cool. As explained earlier, a dog’s cooling mechanism, panting, “wet” paws and nose, is different and just being in water is insufficient. Dr. Richards argues, “We also see problems here because people assume that if a dog is in the water…the dog won't overheat. This just isn't true when the water temperature gets [high]….” For a working or hard playing dog this temperature is 75 Degrees F or 80 F for a resting dog. In deserts, especially Dubai, the coastal water temperature in the Persian Gulf is above 85 F for 5-6 months out of the year, reaching 95 in August and September. A dip in a cool swimming pool may be better for Rover than a run on the beach – or maybe just a spray-down with an old fashioned water hose will suffice.
- Food – According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, “Additives are used in dog food for any number of reasons, but they…provide little protection from dehydration.” A desert dog needs food full of moisture. Dr. David Anderson, artic dog expert, wrote in an April 1st 2009 paper in Artic Economics, “In a desert environment, whether hot or cold…dogs will become fluid starved without moisture rich food.” Contrary to human understanding, dry or over-cooked food is not desirable for large desert dogs.
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