Pet Safety in Sedona and the Verde Valley ...

For the Visitor and for Residents

 

Q-dog here talkin' to my dog buddies and cat friends,

with some important reminders for your people, especially if they are bringing you here for a visit for the first time.  For those of you whose people have decided to live in Sedona or the Verde Valley, you are a lucky dog and rulin' cat, so pay special attention. 

Hint #1  Psst...here's a Q-dog tip, tell your people to bring you to Sedona and the Verde Valley only during the months of October through April.  You'll love it best and so will they.  More fun, less hazards!

Q-dog Reminders, Especially to Our People:

We are not invincible.  Sometimes we get pretty spoiled livin' in the house all the time, coming in from the heat to the air conditioning, always having a full food and water bowl, walking on lush green grass in our backyards, sunning ourselves in the warmth of the window only when we want ... Yes, we have it quite good so that's why we can't become Super Pets when we hit the heated pavement, rugged trails, and the hot cars of Sedona and the Verde Valley. Click here to read what happened to one of our greyhound cousins.

Remember:  walk us early in the morning or later in the evening, about an hour after the sun has gone down. The temperature here can get over 100 degrees in the summer and that means that the air is hot and the pavement is hot.  Too hot for our paws.  Take your shoes off and stand on the sidewalk or street ... you'll be jumpin' around trying to put your shoes on in a hurry.  Our paw pads will burn too.  Don't forget to bring along water and our bowls and let's not over-do-it in the summer. Consider a walk for light exercise and stay off the trails unless you are really close to the car or your hotel.  See Hint #1

Never leave us in the car with only the windows cracked or even with the air conditioning on when the temperature outside is over 70 degrees. It's too risky.  That car can heat up faster than you can imagine and what if the ac shuts off?  We could suffer brain damage or even death.  It's best to leave us at the hotel with one of our people, or a pet nanny, or leave a people in the car with us when running errands.

 

Heat Exhaustion  Unfortunately this is a common emergency for dogs.  It can even happen in the backyard so you really have to be careful on the trails or even walking around town in the summer.  We gotta have access to shade and cool clean water all the time.  Sometimes our panting just won't cool us down enough and that means our body temperatures will rise too high and we could develop heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Early signs include rapid breathing, heavy panting, and salivation. Other signs are fatigue, muscle tremors, and staggering.  People, if you think we are experiencing heat exhaustion, take us to a cool shady place, and apply wet towels or cloths to help cool our bodies down. Try to give us small amounts of water, and immediately call a vet. 

Sunburned Dogs and cats too.  That's why we need shade.  Where our hair is thin or short and on our noses — that's where we can get it.  Just like people.  For a prolonged walk, take us out early in the morning or late in the evening .

Exercise We sure love our people and usually we'll do just about anything to please you.  So please don't ask us to run alongside your bike or hike all day in the summer heat.  If your hot you can figure we are twice as hot, and did I mention the pavement heat ... burnt pads ... heat exhaustion ... call the vet ... ruff.

 

Hint #2  Another Q-dog tip ... The beds of trucks can be as hot as the pavement. 

We put our paws and our butts on the bed of the trucks we ride in, so people, if you're gonna test it before you put us back there, off with the shoes and the pants.  It's best if you let us ride up front with you anyhow 'cause sometimes we get excited and jump out of the truck, while it's moving!  That's bad news for us and for the other drivers.  I've seen some of my dog cousins with safety harnesses on and that's a good thing except for the hot bed of the truck.  So please, can't we ride up front with you?

Dogs in Water  Some of us really really like water.  Something for your people to remember as you travel and at home: always make sure we can get out of a pool before you leave us unattended.  We like to swim but not that much!  Back to Sedona ... When we go to the creek or river with you, it's a good idea to remind us not to drink the water.  We could get giardia and that would really ruin our trip! Remember to bring fresh water and a bowl even to the creek. 

Lots of critters can be found near the water areas in Sedona and the Verde Valley.  Sometimes they are hot and thirsty and ornery.  Sometimes they bite.  Please make sure your protective vaccines are up-to-date and don't let your people take their eyes off of you for a minute.  We can easily get distracted when other animal creatures are close by.  A watchful eye is especially important for the little dogs.

Other Critters  This is Arizona my dog and cat friends, and we have all kinds of wild critters here.  Many are cousins to the same ones you have in your backyard or forest. Others are unique to the southwest, such as the ringtail cat.  Be careful where you poke your noses.  If you see or hear a snake, stop, then retreat slowly.  Don't try and hang out with our coyote cousins.  They aren't always our friends even though they might act like it.  The javelina are usually found in herds of about 2-20 individuals, but once in awhile you will see one on its own.  They have a very musky smell and can act very aggressive if cornered, so please don't chase them. 

 

We have some unusual insects too. In August you can watch the male tarantulas on walk-about looking for females.  They are really cool to watch, not much fun to chase.  They are very fragile so don't paw at them.  Please remind your people there is no need to harm these giant spiders, they are not dangerous. 

Living amongst us are many scorpions and some of them can inflict a very nasty sting.  They don't like the hot sun very much and stay in cool areas like under rocks and nestled in tree bark.  It's best to stay away from them. Watch your noses when sniffing around and tell your people to take extra care when turning over rocks or picking them up.  Many of my cat friends really like to play with these guys and frequently destroy them in the act.  If you are defending your house and protecting your people, carry on.  But be a good earth buddy and give 'em a break when they are not a threat.

 

Hint #3 Another Q-dog tip ... For you small dogs and cats, yes cats.

It's best to walk on a leash with a harness that way your people can quickly pull you up into their arms if there is a dangerous situation.  All dogs must be on a leash on the trails in the National Forest and State Parks, but for you little guys, it's really a good idea even in neighborhoods.  Coyotes and other critters like to cruise the hood too.

Plants that bite ... not really, but they do have really sharp points that get stuck in noses, paws, lips, and butts.  These plants live in a very dry climate and that makes them extra protective of the water they store.  Instead of growlin´ and hissin´ like we do,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

they just stand there with sharp points and barbs in defense.  The main ones to recognize are the agave, prickly pear cactus, and yucca.  It's best to make sure you don't chase lizards and pack rats when hiking 'cause they're smart and will run right under these plants for protection. 

Well, I could go on and on about this special environment we live in here in Sedona and the Verde Valley, but it's mid-afternoon and you know what that means ... yep, a Q-dog nap.  Cool tile, a gentle breeze from the ceiling fan ... Sedona dog heaven.

Q-dog Out.