I read the following article in About.com about caring for your dogs for those that live in Phoenix (Same type of severe weather that we have in Palm Springs). Most of it is just common sense. But for those of us that are dog lovers, there are some valuable tips offered here:
I receive many questions about living with a dog in the desert. Certainly, many desert area residents have dogs as pets, but living in a region where summer temperatures can be higher than 100 for a good part of the summer means that there are some things you should know to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Things to Know About Having a Dog in the Desert Heat
Dogs in the House
The best situation for your dog would be to have the dog be trained as an indoor pet, where she can keep cool inside the air conditioned house during the hot summer days. Keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature for your pet.
Dogs in the Yard
If the dog must be kept in the yard during the hot parts of the day in the summer it is absolutely essential that there be a dark, shady place where the dog can escape from the blazing sun. A tree is probably not good enough. A ventilated dog house, or a pen with shade cover, or a covered patio is a must. Make sure that there is adequate shade at all times of the day that the dog is outside.
Dogs and Water
If the dog is outside, make certain that there is a good supply of clean water in a weighted dish (or two in different locations in case one gets knocked over anyway).
Keeping Dogs Cool
Some dogs enjoy water and can keep cool if a misting system is left on during the day, or if there’s a kiddy wading pool for them with a couple of inches of water in it where they can sit to cool off. Keep these in the shade, too. Sitting in a tub of 110 degree water won’t help the dog. Some people I know say that they provide a sandbox with damp sand for the dog. Digging must be allowed in the sandbox–you’ll only frustrate a dog with a sandbox where digging is not permitted!
Dogs in the Pool
If your dog has access to your swimming pool or spa, make sure the dog is trained to get out of the pool. The dog needs to know how to get to the steps. If there are no steps or shallow areas, like in some lap pools, make sure the pool is fenced and locked so the dog can’t get in. Every year puppies and dogs drown in backyard pools because they could jump in, but they couldn’t get out.
Dogs That Swim
Speaking of dogs that love to swim, we know that there are certain breeds that were born to do just that, and they are ever-so-happy cooling off at the beach or at the lake. Here’s the problem–we don’t have a beach in Phoenix, and animals are not allowed in our lakes or canals. Even if they were, you wouldn’t want your dog wading in, or even drinking, the water in our local lakes which are mostly reclaimed water and can easily make your pet very sick. If you have a breed that must play in the water, there is only one place in the Valley where you can take her, and it is in Gilbert.
Walking the Dog in the Summer
Can you walk your dog in the summer? Yes, but it is generally accepted that you should only walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening, about an hour after the sun has gone down. That’s because not only is the temperature high, but the sidewalks will be too hot for the pads of the dog’s paws. They’ll burn. General rule: if the sidewalk is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it is too hot for your dog to walk on. If you choose to walk your dog in the summer, hopefully early or late, bring along water and make frequent water stops for the dog. Don’t take long walks or over-exert in the summer. Consider these walks light exercise.
Dogs and Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is common in dogs. It can happen your own yard, or on a walk. Dogs cool themselves by panting. If panting does not reduce the body temperature the dog will develop heat stroke. Early signs of heat exhaustion include rapid breathing, heavy panting, and salivation. Other signs are fatigue, muscle tremors, and staggering. If you see a dog that is experiencing heat exhaustion, take the dog to a cool, shady place, and apply wet towels or cloths to help cool the dog’s body down. Try to give the dog small amounts of water, and immediately call a vet.
Dogs and the Sun
Dogs get sunburned. Especially dogs with short hair or little hair on some parts of their bodies. Keep them out of the sun.
Hiking with the Dog in the Summer
Like to hike with your dog? Please do it very early in the morning. Carry plenty of water, and make it the easy hike, please.
Dogs Breeds That Don’t Like Heat
Overweight and older dogs will have more difficulty with the heat. As far as breeds are concerned, it is generally accepted that snub-nosed dogs, like boxers, bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus have poor panting mechanisms, and so are more susceptible to being affected by heat. These should be indoor dogs, and should not be kept in the yard during the day. They should spend their days lounging in air conditioned comfort. Dogs with heavy coats can be trimmed for the summer, but not shaved bare or else they’ll have a hard time insulating themselves and will be prone to sunburn and other skin irritations.
Dogs and Summer Exercise
It’s never a good idea to exercise your dog by having him run alongside your bicycle. If for some reason you do this from time to time, please don’t do it in the summer.
Dogs and Trucks
If your dog loves to travel in the back of your pickup, please avoid the temptation. If for some reason you must take your dog with you in the back of your truck, make sure the surface of where the dog has to sit/stand is not metal, and does not absorb heat. Test it. Leave your truck out in the sun for two hours and then go stand in it for 20 minutes in your bare feet (or sit on it with your bare butt!). If it feels hot to you, or it burns the skin right off your body, it feels that way to your dog, too.
Dogs in the Car
I know that Fido loves to ride in the car, too. I’ve never met a dog that didn’t. If you are going to run some errands, and it’s 100 degrees outside, and the dog wants to come along in the car, please do him a favor and leave him home. If for some reason you have to take him along, do not ever leave him in the car without the A/C on. Even with the windows cracked, that car will heat up fast enough to cause brain damage or death in just a few minutes.
Using common sense, and taking some of these tips into account, you should be able to keep a happy healthy pet in our desert climate. If you have specific questions about your breed, contact a local breed club for assistance.
Just got my tickets today!! I’ve been wanting to see this house since I was a kid, visiting Palm Springs. Here’s a great opportunity to check it out, and to join the Palm Springs Museum and the Arts and Design Council.
The Arts and Design Council is holding its anual ADC Fundraiser – (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Saturday, March 20)
This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the spectacular Hope House at a cocktail reception with fellow ADC members. The enormous roof, which echoes the surrounding hills of Southridge, hovers over an expansive patio and garden area where Lautner’s dramatic architecture can be experienced. Invitations will be mailed to ADC members.
Fundraiser
ADC Fundraiser at the Bob & Dolores Hope House, designed by John Lautner
$200 per person (ADC members only)
To make reservations, please call Brooke Devenney at 760.322.4818 or email bdevenney@psmuseum.org
Over 10,000 architecture aficionados will be flocking to Palm Springs for the annual Modernism Week to discover the largest collection of mid-century modern architecture in the country. The 10-day event is scheduled for February 12-21, 2010, featuring more than 40 events including architectural tours, films, book signings, and film screenings, as well as chic galas and tours of mid-century modern homes. A vintage car and Airstream trailer show are new events this year. www.VisitPalmSprings.com and www.ModernismWeek.com
STOP BY MY BOOTH AT THE MODERNISM SHOW ON FEB 13 and 14th and pick up a free Palm Springs Mid-Century Neighborhoods Map.
Here’s the schedule of events for the week:
Please check back periodically for updates on the
Modernism Week Schedule of Events
*Join KCET for a Pre-Modernism Week event featuring a very special screening of Julius Shulman: Desert Modern, at the legendary Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
*The Architecture and Design Film Series in Partnership with Design Onscreen:Ray Kappe: California Modern Master Forty Years of Modular
Evolution & Philip Johnson, Diary of an Eccentric Architect, 10 AM
*Lecture by Bill Butler on Albert Frey, 2 PM
Wednesday 2/17:click here for details…*Slide Lecture: Lost, Saved and Endangered: Modernist Architecture
in Palm Springs, 8:30 AM – 10 AM
*House tour of Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate, 10:30 AM – 2 PM
*An Evening with Chef Johny Vee and Victoria Price, 6 PM
*Michael H. Lord Gallery artist reception: Architectural Photographer
Leland Y. Lee, 7- 9 pm (Exhibit runs 2/12 – 3/13)
Friday 2/19:click here for details…*The Architecture and Design Film Series in Partnership with Design Onscreen:Rem Koolhaas: A Kind of Architect, 10 AM
*Vintage Airstream and Trailer Show, exterior viewing begins 4 PM
Retro t-shirts by Vintage Roadside available
*Lecture by Frank Escher at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 5:30 PM (Museum members only)
*Opening of the Lautner Exhibition at the PS Art Museum, 5:30 PM (Museum members only)
*PS Preservation Foundation Retro Martini Party, 5 PM – 8 PM
A weekend full of inspiration, enlightenment and fun at the 2nd Annual event is planned for Oct 2-4, 2009!
Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Celebration in downtown Palm Springs. Workshops, music, fun. Come for a class, a day, a weekend.
The Event will be held at the Hyatt in downtown Palm Springs. Interest? please click here for more information
Located at 128 La Plaza, Palm Springs (Across from Tyler’s) is
IMAGEVILLE
Ths is a great gallery filled with wonderful photography by Gary Dorothy, highlighting architecture, landscape, and numerous other unique images found here in the desert.
And right now, they’re having a sale through the end of August!
Thank you for supporting your local Palm Springs merchants!
During the next several months, Palm Springs will host several signature events including a film festival, a motorcycle event, a classic car show, Pride Weekend and the annual Festival of Lights Parade.
Cinema Diverse
Date: September 24-27, 2009
Location: Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Road in Palm Springs
Fee Range: $11 for screenings; Passes $45-$160; Special Events additional
Description: Annual event begins at 3:30 p.m. pays tribute to all those who have served our country in the Armed Forces. Immediately following the parade is a post-parade concert and fireworks display at the intersection of Amado and Palm Canyon.
McCormick’s Classic Car Show and Auction #47
Dates: November 20-22, 2009
Location: Spa Resort Casino, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs
Times: Begins at 4 p.m. on 11/20; Gates open at 8 a.m. on 11/21 & 11/22
Fee Range: Free on 11/20; 11/21 & 11/22: General admission is $10 per day or $15 for both days
Description: 500 classic, sports, antique and special interest autos are sold across the Auction block during the 3 days. Also a free car show of another 200 cars is held on Saturday.
Description: A walking tour of the historic, boutique and small inns in downtown Palm Springs. Maps can be picked up at the Palm Springs Art Museum or any of the participating properties.
Despite the falling economy, Palm Springs has two large hotels undergoing multi-million dollar renovations.
The Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs is wrapping up a $15 million dollar transformation in October 2009, and a $20 million dollar conversion of the Wyndham Palm Springs will raise a new flag as the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel at the Convention Center in March 2010.
Both hotels are in downtown Palm Springs, close to everything.
This past year, two other new hotel resorts have opened in Palm Springs. The legendary Riviera Resort & Spa along with the trendy Ace Hotel and Swim Club (which used to be the old Howard Johnson’s Hotel) are attracting a new generation of hipsters who love the Palm Springs vibe.
