For most of the year, desert locations are noted for having scorching temperatures during the day. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees. Having pets in a desert environment necessitates certain special precautions to guarantee that their pets remain safe and healthy.
Your dog should ideally be an inside dog who can enjoy an air-conditioned environment while it's hot outside. Even if the owners are not at home during the day, the house should be kept at a temperature that is suitable for your pet.
Dogs on the Street
If you must keep your dog outside, make sure there is enough shade and water. Your dog should have access to a shady space to avoid the scorching heat and extreme temperatures. A shade cover, such as a covered deck or patio, ventilated doghouse, or a place with a shade cover, should be used to give shade. Consider getting your dog a cooling dog bed. The shade should be available and present throughout the day, not only when the sun is shining. Using a tree for shade, for example, is unlikely to produce consistent shade throughout the day.
Access to cool, clean drinking water is essential for all dogs, but especially for outdoor dogs in the desert. Owners should ensure that their dog has enough water to stay hydrated and cool throughout the time they are outside. If you're going to utilize water bowls, make sure they're either weighted or made to be hard to tip over. Every day, make sure the water is changed and the bowls are cleaned. For your dog's water, consider a cooled water bowl.
Swimming is one way for individuals to stay cool while having fun outside. Your dog can be the type that adores water and swimming. Some pets love sitting or lying in a tiny wading pool filled with cool water to remain cool. A sandbox in a backyard is ideal if your dog enjoys digging and utilizes it as a way to cool off.
If you have a pool at home, your pet might enjoy going for a swim. Keep in mind what to think about when it comes to pet safety and chlorine vs. saltwater pools. Your dog should never have unsupervised access to the pool. If there are any safety issues or if the dog is unsupervised, the pool area should be made inaccessible. They should be taught how to exit the pool in a safe manner.
While public pools, lakes, and rivers are available for use, dogs may not be permitted. Be aware of the restrictions regarding animal attendance before attempting to take your pet to a public swimming pool. Also, be aware of the dangers of swimming in pools, lakes, and rivers.
Exercising with your dog is a great way to spend time together.
If you walk your dog, try to do so in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler. Make sure the areas where you walk don't have any hot surfaces that could burn your dog's paws. If you can't stand on the ground in your bare feet, it's too hot for your pet.
Your pet should not be exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. Too much sun exposure can cause sunburn on both you and your dog, especially if they have short hair and/or light fur. When it's hot outside, don't be too pushy with your fitness walking program; make it light and easy for your pet to tolerate in the desert heat.
Exhaustion from the heat
Heat exhaustion is a common reaction in dogs when they are exposed to high temperatures. A dog's way of cooling down is to pant. Dogs, unlike humans, are unable to sweat all over their bodies to maintain their body temperature, so they pant. Panting isn't the most effective technique to stay cool. Heatstroke can occur when a dog becomes hot and is unable to cool down. Heatstroke in dogs is a serious condition. Excessive panting, rapid and/or heavy breathing, salivating, disorientation, exhaustion, collapse, or muscle tremors are all signs to check for. 1 If you detect any of these symptoms, place your pet in a shady, cool area, cover them with cloths to gradually cool them down, give them sips of water, and call your veterinarian right once. Heatstroke can be fatal in dogs and should be treated as such.
Riding with Dogs in the Car
If you're traveling with your dog in the car during the summer, never leave them alone in the vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise. Heatstroke can result in brain damage or death. If you must take your dog on a car ride, make sure you can keep an eye on him when the air conditioning is on.
If you drive a pick-up truck, avoid transporting your dog in the back bed. It may get too hot for your pet to stand or sit on the bed floor. If you can't stand barefoot or sit on the truck bed with your skin exposed, neither can your dog.
Following a few common-sense recommendations and remaining aware of your dog's needs will allow you to enjoy time with your dog in the desert heat.
Read next: 10 Ways Staying Up Late Affects Your Health
Comments