Desert living is unlike anything else in the country. It’s hot, dry and full of critters that don’t typically hang out in a majority of the US. Many people will be traveling with their pets for BlogPaws 2016 in Phoenix, AZ so it’s important to know what could be lurking around the desert landscape. Here are some tips for protecting your dog from the demons in the desert!
Scorpions: Gross, right?! (Most) scorpions look a lost nastier than they really are. The beige/clear ones are practically harmless, while the black ones are poisonous. If you aren’t acquainted with scorpions, they are scary. If you step on one with your bare foot, expect to be stung. It hurts but you’ll be fine 😉 We get a ton of scorpions in our house and it’s worrisome with five animals! While my cats are bug killers, I get nervous for my dogs. Luckily none of them have been stung (knock on wood). So how can you protect your dogs from scorpions? A black light! Let’s say you’re staying at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort for BlogPaws 2016 and you are taking your dog on a nighttime potty stroll. Shine a black light on your path and places that your dog is going to do his business. You will see every scorpion! It may be slightly terrifying if you see quite a few of them, but just leave them alone. If you don’t get to close and cause the scorpion to feel threatened, they will stay away. If your dog does get stung, they will most likely be okay but I would recommend seeking veterinary attention right away.
Snakes: It’s rare that you will see a snake while visiting the Arizona desert. Even if they are around you, most likely you won’t even notice. Much like scorpions, they will mind their business if you mind yours. Many snakes are harmless but if your dog gets bitten, see a veterinarian right away.
Cactus: It is definitely not fun running into a cactus. What’s worse is if your dog runs into a cactus. Wynston always wants to pee on every plant he sees but as soon as he starts walking toward something with thorns or spines (the needles on a cactus), I have to prevent him from going near. If your dog gets cacti spines stuck in their fur and skin, it can be a very painful removal process. I’d recommend keeping your dog from sniffing or going potty on any type of cactus.
Coyotes and mountain lions: A plethora of guests have reported seeing mountain lions and coyotes on or near the grounds of the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. Coyotes are a lot more common than other large desert animals and contrary to popular belief, coyotes will not bother you unless you bother them. (See a common theme here?) It’s highly unlikely that these animals will come anywhere close to you but if they do, just keep going on your way. I was out walking with Wynston one day and a coyote ran right past us! It was literally 5 feet away. It didn’t even slow down or look at us – the coyote just kept running. Small dogs and cats can be prey for coyotes so it’s always smart to keep a watchful eye out just in case.
Spiders: Spiders are everywhere, they are just a bit different in Arizona. Like many places, black widows are a problem. They are poisonous and can easily kill a dog or cat. As long as you aren’t in any dark abandoned corners, I wouldn’t worry too much about black widows. But watch out for the brown recluse, as they are deadly to our pets and have the potential to send a human to the hospital. They are no joke. See a big brown spider on the ground? Run far, far away. A lot of people associate tarantulas with the desert but I will tell you that in the 17 years I’ve lived in Arizona, I’ve never seen one. They are mostly harmless despite their intimidating appearance.
It is very easy to protect our pets from the dangers of the desert. While there are several other critters running around, the ones I listed are the most common. You may want to consider booties for your dog if you will be hiking or site seeing, especially in the hot weather. They will protect your dog’s feet from bugs and hot pavement.
This year I am speaking at the BlogPaws conference so be sure to get registered for three days of networking with brands, socializing with like-minded people, surrounding yourself with pets and interacting with some of the pet industry’s top experts. Use this discount code for 10% off the registration price: BP16-Amb-Amanda10
Kristen–well minded says
Great post! Lifting your leg on a cacti is never a good idea. I hope you don’t scare everyone off! 😉
Blueberry's human says
A lot of people will cut off the rattles on rattle snakes so that the warning they usually give is not heard – so it’s really important not to let a dog sniff every crack and crevice while hiking in the warmer months. Blueberry and I have had more than a few encounters with rattlers despite my precautions. I have to keep an eagle eye, especially during warmer months! Everyone has a different reaction to a scorpion sting. The baby scorpions are usually the more painful and can result in needing to go to Urgent Care or the ER (I’ve had co-workers that have encountered them and it was more than “just painful” and resulted in serious swelling and dizziness). Despite being on a training leash, B has had her share of run-ins with cactus which is why I carry a pair of pliers with me on our hikes – always a good idea! One year, the tarantulas in the superstitions came out in full force. We actually had a couple follow us or crouch down as we passed them on the trail – they are really cool and I got some okay photos of them. They are mostly passive, but if you approach them and they feel threatened, they will run at you. We’ve also had a couple of coyotes follow us – I think some of them are bolder than others and to get them to stop following, I’ve had to wave my arms and approach them to get them on their merry way. They aren’t shy about luring off-leash dogs away from their owners (even though I keep B on lead so that doesn’t happen). I’ve also seen them hop onto a 6 foot fence in a residential area like it’s no big deal. They are opportunists and any small cat or dog inside a yard is fair game.
Amanda says
Just like any living being, every one is different and will act differently. The examples I gave are very general. I’ve been stung by a baby scorpion but it didn’t have an effect on me besides being initially painful. If you keep your dogs leashed and you’re aware, you won’t be in danger of a coyote. This article is mainly directed at people traveling to AZ and staying at the resort for BlogPaws. They will be much safer than normal and don’t have to worry about yards and such.
Blueberry's human says
For sure! Air conditioning in June is the place to be. Just thought I would add some of my experiences in case anyone decides to venture out. The desert is no place to take risks, thanks for the information!
Ava at Savvy Pet Care says
I lived in the desert in central Nevada for five years so have encountered all the critters you mentioned as well as rattle snakes. Very good info and advice for visitors to BlogPaws — I’ll be there!
Faith Ellerbe says
Thanks for the advice. This will be my first time on the West Coast! Although I don’t have a fear of snakes or scorpions, I would like to know what to do if I see one. I look forward to hearing more advice from you on visiting Arizona for the Blog Paws Conference.
Amanda says
Can’t wait to see you again, Faith! It will definitely be a change but you most likely won’t see a snake or scorpion – unless you’re looking for them of course 😉
Elena says
Great tips! We don’t spend much time in the desert, so some of these are new to us. I really like the black light idea! I don’t really think about things like that at night, so thanks for shedding some light (haha) on that!
Amanda says
People walk around our neighborhood with black lights at night sometimes just so they can spot all the scorpions. It’s pretty funny – but gross. I see enough in my house. Ick.
Forest Poodles says
Very interesting! I enjoyed this post.
LARS J CARLSON says
Do you have any tips for living in the desert with a small dog. Are there mesh dog runs available to protect from owls, coyotes, snakes etc…?
Amanda says
You can create your own dog run, but they don’t have any such thing at parks. It’s really just about being mindful and not allowing your pup to go outside at night in the dark unattended.
Sabrina says
Such important info. Thanks so much for sharing