Tips for Keeping Our Desert-Dwelling Dog Safe in Summer

 I’ll be addressing a few Dog Training Safety Tips in this post that are tied together at this time of the year here in Tucson. Our current hot weather and how it can harm our dogs and July 4th safety tips for our dogs. 

While Independence Day fireworks may be thrilling for us to experience, they can be terrifying to our dogs.  Every year, animal shelters across the country report an increase in the number of lost dogs brought to their doors – dogs which have panicked and fled in fear of the bright flashes of light and ear-splitting booms.

Puppy Husky

The following are some tips to ease your dog’s anxiety when fireworks begin or when thunderstorms loom:

• If loud noises and bright lights make you nervous, your dog will likely sense and mirror your anxiety. Thus, try to react calmly to help your dog feel at ease.
• While it’s natural for you to want to reassure your dog that the noises are harmless, avoid overly comforting him. Too much attention can confirm to him that there is something to be afraid of; or it may sound like praise, which can increase his nervousness and confusion. It’s ok to let your dog stay close to you, try to redirect his attention with activities like play or brushing.
• Keeing your dog inside is best. If he must stay outside it’s best if you’re with him. Keeping a cover over his outdoor crate or kennel with blankets to muffle loud sounds and bright bursts of light. Be sure he has a cool place with lots of water. Avoid leaving your dog alone during stressful times. If you can’t be with your dogs,  have a friend or family member stay with them.
• Make sure all doors and gates are securely shut, and keep your windows and curtains/blinds closed. 
• Turn on a TV or radio at a normal volume. This can distract your dog from loud noises and help him to relax.
• Your dog may feel more safe if he has a secure, den-like area in the home where he can retreat. When fireworks begin, lead your dog to this special place to help him feel calm.
• Talk to your vet about other options to help your dog feel calmer during fireworks or thunderstorms. In some situations medications may be needed.
• Don’t wait, if you know your dog gets stressed from fireworks and meds are needed, see your Vet as soon as possible, they can be very busy during the July 4th holiday.

For more July 4th Tips watch my video by clicking the picture below. 

Click Picture for July 4th safety tips video

Another danger for our dogs living in the desert during the summertime is heat stroke.

Ask your veterinarian about the signs of heat stroke and what to do if you notice any symptoms of overheating in your pet. These symptoms may include:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Drooling
• Mild weakness, stupor or collapse
• Seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting
• Elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees

Animals with flat faces such as pugs and bulldogs are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot cool the air down through their snout as effectively as long nose breeds. Short nose breeds are more prone to over heating. All dogs use their snouts/ noses like evaporative coolers, the air gets cooled off as it goes through their snout, lowering their body temperature. When it gets as hot as we have been, it becomes very difficult for our dogs to cool themselves down. We must help them by making sure they aren’t exposed too long in our high temperature. 

Keep these breeds as well as dogs which are elderly, overweight, and/or have heart or lung diseases in cool, air-conditioned places as much as possible.

Thank you for reading, feel free to contact me if you need help with your dog training. Gerard Raneri Dog Training Mobile- Tucson, AZ. call Gerard Raneri at 520-440-8848 website www.dogtrainingtucsonaz.com