How Arizona's Dry Climate Affects Your Pet and What You Can Do
From vast red deserts to scads of sunshine, living in Arizona has its perks. But if you’re a pet parent, you know the Arizona climate comes with some challenges, too. Our state's dry weather can take a toll on our furry family members.
Today, the team at Curem Veterinary Care will share insights into pet care best practices in the desert.
Why Arizona’s Climate Can Be Hard on Pets
In Arizona, our climate is more than just hot. It's also exceedingly dry. Unlike in humid states, where moisture hangs in the air and makes it feel thick and muggy, Arizona's dry weather causes other issues.
For pets, these include dehydration, cracked paw pads, and irritated skin. Some pets may even develop breathing issues due to the dryness.
While the dry climate eases up a bit during the cooler, wetter winter months, summer heat can be brutal for Mesa, AZ pets. Pavements and sidewalks get so hot they can burn paws in seconds. Dehydration happens quickly under a scorching day.
By May, the average high in Mesa is 94°F.
It skyrockets up to an average of 104°F by June.
Here's how you can prepare for a hot and dry spring, summer, and fall in Mesa, AZ.
1. Keep Them Hydrated
Dehydration is a serious risk for pets that spend any amount of time in Arizona’s dry heat. Always have fresh, cool water available for your furry friends, and if you’re heading out for a hike, bring a portable water bowl.
Some pets aren’t big water drinkers, so adding a little bit of low-sodium broth to their bowl or feeding wet food along with dry food can help.
Make sure you talk to your veterinarian about how to keep your pet hydrated if she isn't a big fan of water.
2. Protect Their Paws
If you’ve ever walked barefoot on Arizona pavement in the summer, you know how painful it can be. Before you take your pet outside—even if it's just for a potty break—test the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
The nice thing about the desert is that it does tend to cool down dramatically at night. Take advantage of this!
Try walking in the early morning or evening, sticking to grassy or shaded areas, or using pet booties to protect your pet's paws during potty breaks.
3. Stay Cool
Make sure your pet has a cool spot to escape the heat. If it tends to get stuffy indoors, use fans or cooling mats where your pet can curl up and cool down.
If Fido spends a lot of time outside, make sure he has plenty of shade, a misting system, or a shallow kiddie pool to cool off in.
And of course, never leave any pet in a parked car—even for a minute.
4. Prevent Dry Skin
The dry weather in Arizona can leave pets with itchy, flaky skin. Brush your pet a few times a week to help distribute her natural oils throughout her coat and skin. This will help avoid the dryness that leads to itchiness. Keeping her hydrated helps, too.
You can also give your pet omega-3 supplements or even use a pet-safe moisturizer to help keep his coat soft and healthy. If skin issues persist despite all your best efforts, talk to your veterinarian for advice.
5. Know the Signs of Overheating
Excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy are bright red flags that your pet is too hot. If your pet seems weak, confused, or unsteady, move them to a cool spot immediately and offer water.
Call your veterinarian or the nearest available pet urgent or emergency care center for further advice. Heatstroke is serious, and you may need to bring your pet in for a checkup to make sure she's okay.
Keeping Mesa, AZ Pets Happy and Healthy
The Arizona climate can be hard to handle, but with the right pet care routine, your furry friend can stay safe and comfortable. If you need help preparing your pet for the hotter and drier weather the spring months bring, reach out to our friendly team at Curem Veterinary Care. Call us at (480) 787-0544 to schedule an appointment today!