Protecting Your Dog in the Desert

Image Credits: Pixabay

Your dog may face serious survival challenges in the desert environment. The climate is a harsh one, with a cruel dry and hot environment. The plants are spiny and do not offer shade. It is important that you take all precautions to keep them healthy and happy. Safety is of paramount importance.

The dog must be comfortable

Do not take your dog out if the day is unbearably hot. Canines are best in their normal climate range. It is much more preferable for your pet to be lonely than combating the unforgiving desert climate. Whatever you do, it is not advisable to leave your dog in a parked car. The interior temperatures of a parked vehicle may cross the unbearable 160 degrees mark. Merely opening a window is not sufficient ventilation to cool down a dog. A  canine may die at best or worse suffer permanent brain damage within five minutes of being locked up inside a car. Do not leave your car with the engine and air-conditioner on to cool the dog. There have been many instances when a dog had accidentally changed gears. The car then rolled uncontrollably down the terrain, harming both the unwitting dog and bystanders unfortunate enough to be in the car's roll route. It is better to keep the dog at home where it will be safer and healthier.

Keeping the dog cool

The dog should not be tied up. The result could become a tangled mess where the dog gets trapped in the heat. Such incidences are considered animal cruelty in a number of countries. If you like to trek with your dog, ensure the animal is in excellent physical condition. Prepare like as you would for any normal hike, but add more of common ingredients to carry, like water. Do bring portable water bowls specially designed for dogs and also damp towels inside a plastic bag. The dog must have the opportunity to take rest in the shade. Do not equate your rest with your dog's. Canines need longer rest periods than humans. Since your dog cannot speak to you, observe your best friend carefully for any distress. The trail should be such that your dog can easily walk the path. If you think that the terrain is hostile to your dog, pick it up, and carry the animal. Heat exhaustion is extremely common in dogs. Early signs of heat exhaustion include salivating, breathing, and heavy panting. The list of other signs is staggering, muscle tremors, and fatigue. If you see your dog suffering from all three or any one of the symptoms, take the animal to the coolest place you could find. Apply many wet towels to bring relief to your dog.