The Heat is On

It's June here in southern AZ. After a relatively mild April and May, summer is here. And with summer comes the heat, summer monsoons and our desert denizens that can threaten us and our pets. Here’s a quick primer to help protect you and your furry friends, as we prepare for the summer ahead.

“It’s a dry heat.” We’ve all heard these words and have on occasion said them ourselves. Green Valley/Sahuarita is in the desert, the beautiful Sonoran Desert, with an arid climate consisting of low humidity. That low humidity makes it easier to tolerate the 100 degree plus temperatures that arrive with the summer. And with this heat, precautions need to be taken.

One of the most important rules (yes, rules) of desert living is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. This cannot be said enough to those who live, work and play in the desert. Don’t wait to feel thirsty in the desert. Thirst is an indicator that dehydration has already started. Keep water with you at all times, even in the car. In addition, don’t forget to watch your electrolytes, salts must be replenished in your body as well.

Try to hike, bike and exercise in the cool hours of the morning. Sunscreen is a must, as is covering your head with a hat that gives full coverage to your face, ears and neck.

The summer monsoons. Nothing is more spectacular than the evening lightning shows that highlight the monsoon season. Awe inspiring thunderstorms rain down upon the desert, causing the Texas ranger to flower and filling the air with the scent of creosote.

But beautiful as these storms are, they are not without danger. Washes run and flash floods can be a deadly occurrence. Do not enter a flooded roadway, stay out of the washes and listen to the weather reports.  When thunderstorms are about, stay inside.  In Pima County , the long term average of lightening that strikes is ground is approximately 55,000 per year.

If you have a chance, attend the 4th Annual Monsoon Madness Forum presented by the Green Valley Council at CPAC, June 4 from 10 am to noon. Register at info@gvcouncil.org.

Keeping your pets safe. If you think the heat is hard on you, consider your furry friend. Not only is your pet wearing a fur coat in 100-degree weather, that friend is also barefoot. Please walk your pet in the cool hours of the morning. At 90 degrees a sidewalk can be at 125 degrees, with asphalt reaching 140 degrees. If you cannot stand on concrete/asphalt in your bare feet why should your pet?

Water and shade, essential for your pet in the AZ summer. In AZ it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to leave your pet unattended in a hot car, penalties being jail, fines or both. So please leave your pet at home when running those errands when it cannot accompany you.

Rattlesnakes and the Colorado river toad. What do you do when your dog encounters a rattlesnake when you’re taking a walk or in your backyard. Hopefully the snake will not strike and all will be well, but getting your dog rattlesnake avoidance trained adds that extra insurance and peace of mind. There are several trainers here in our area, the cost is minimal compared to vet bills or even the death of man’s best friend. If you choose to live in the desert with a dog, a responsible dog owner gets the training. Colorado river toad training is also available. These toads emerge in the evening hours and their skin produces a toxin that can kill if a curious dog decides to explore the toad.

The Sonoran Desert is spectacular in its beauty and it’s something we all should enjoy, especially if we take a few well thought out precautions. Have a great and safe summer!