Spring and Summer Hazards to Dogs in Arizona
Written by Dr. Sarah Bashaw, DVM, El Dorado Animal Hospital -- www.eldoradoanimalhospital.com
Spring has Sprung! It’s a good time to start thinking about some of the
spring and summertime hazards that the desert can present to your dog.
Being aware of some common desert dangers may very well help prevent an
emergency trip to the veterinarian.
Rattlesnake season is fast approaching. The approaching warm weather and
adequate desert coverage may promote high numbers of rattlesnakes this
year. The best way to avoid a rattlesnake encounter is to avoid heavily
brushed desert area. However, it’s also the best time of year to go on
desert hikes. So what should you do? Keep your dog on leash, and
preferably one 10 foot or shorter. Retractable leashes make it tougher
for you to control your dog if they try to jump at something.
Rattlesnakes also can populate your yard. Keep your bushes trimmed, and
snake proof your exterior of the yard by using small chicken wire over
holes in fences and at gates.
Rattlesnake training can be very effective at teaching your dog to avoid
the sound of a rattle. Professional rattlesnake training is available
in the northeast valley.
A vaccine for rattlesnake bites can also help your dog survive a
rattlesnake bite. A rattlesnake bite is still an emergency even in
vaccinated dogs, but they can recover more quickly and have less
dramatic symptoms if they are vaccinated. This vaccine is available
through a veterinarian, and we do offer this service at El Dorado Animal
Hospital in Scottsdale.
Other desert critters can present a danger to your dog. The bufo toad
secretes a substance on its skin that causes convulsions when licked.
This toad prefers more wet weather, so this is something to watch out
for during monsoon season.
Scorpion stings, while painful, are not toxic to a dog’s internal
system. Some dogs may have an anaphylactic reaction to a sting, so if
you see them get stung observe very closely for any swelling, hives, or
vomiting. Bee stings also can cause severe swelling in an allergic dog.
These signs should prompt you to take your dog to the veterinarian.
Desert flowers and plants can be very attractive to some dog’s taste
buds. There area several plants that are toxic, so it’s best to train
your dog to avoid eating plants. Several resources are available online
to help you determine which plants are safe to have in your yard.
Cactus can be quite a nuisance if your pet gets into them, especially
the teddy bear cholla. Leashing your dog will help eliminate these
unfortunate encounters. If one occurs, the best thing to do is seek
veterinary assistance. Often it is much safer and less stressful for
your dog to have a veterinarian to administer sedation to facilitate
cactus spine removal.
Summertime heat is very dangerous, especially to dark coated dogs. A
good rule of thumb is that if you start to feel warm yourself, it may
already be too warm for your dog to spend a significant amount of time
outside. At this point, find some shade and provide some water for your
dog. Remember, they are wearing a fur coat, and are barefoot on the
asphalt. Asphalt can burn sensitive foot pads. Limit exercise to early
morning and late evening hours in the summer.
Watch your kids around water! That includes the canine kids. Some dogs
aren’t very adept swimmers and can drown if unattended in the pool. It’s
a good idea to try to train your dog to swim to the steps, but if they
aren’t good swimmers you should restrict their access to the pool. Good
swimmers should still be monitored, as swimming is hard work. Don’t let
them overdo it. Watch for limping, as this may be a sign that your dog
has scraped a pad on the rough pool decking. Seek veterinary attention
if you notice a wound. Also, some heavy swimmers are at higher risk for
ear infections. Try to keep your dog’s ears clean and dry, and promptly
seek an exam if you notice any discharge or inflammation.
Spending more time outdoors may increase your dog’s risk of contracting
Valley Fever. This is an infection with a soil borne fungus that is
contracted through inhalation. Signs can include, but are not limited
to, a cough, fever, tiredness, limping (if the fungus reaches the bone),
inappetance, difficulty breathing, or generalized ill feeling. If any
of these symptoms are noted, a veterinary check up and blood testing is
in order. Dogs cannot get Valley Fever from other dogs, nor can you contract it from your pet. It is a
year-round risk, but it tends to increase in frequency after storms that
disrupt the spores from the soil.
Monsoon season can bring on thunderstorm anxiety. This a complex issue
that some dogs develop, manifesting itself as fear or anxiety with the
sounds and pressure changes that accompany storms. If your dog exhibits
even mild signs of thunderstorm anxiety, a behavioral and medical
consultation with a veterinarian is recommended.
The hazards listed represent many of the desert dangers to watch out for, but is not an all inclusive list.
The staff at El Dorado Animal Hospital hope we can help you avoid desert
hazards, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Our
phone number is 480-837-0800, and we’d be happy to see you and your dog!
This article cannot be re-issued or reproduced without the express permission of ADOG or El Dorado Animal Hospital.