Your pet is pretty cool, so why not keep them that way? The summer heat can be tough on our furry friends, especially cats and dogs with a lot of fur.
Could you imagine going through a Texas summer with a thick layer of hair encasing your body? No thank you! Unfortunately, your pet doesn’t have a choice, so it is up to you to keep them cool this summer when hot weather strikes.
To make sure you are the best pet owner you can be, check out these awesome tips for keeping your pet cool throughout the warm summer months:
Know Your Breed
If your pet is brachycephalic – or has a flat-shaped face – like Pugs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers and Persian cats, they cannot pant as effectively and are more susceptible to heat stroke. To combat their shortcomings, you need to provide them with ample time indoors with the air conditioner running, and keep your pets extra hydrated with fresh cool water.
Beat the Sun
Exercise is important, but you need to be mindful of the temperature and the heat index. If your dog loves to get outside and play in the yard, let him/her do so in the early morning hours to avoid the intense heat. Watch for signs of heatstroke in dogs, which might include excessive panting, fever, drooling, vomiting and difficulty breathing. As it gets later in the day, let them come inside, lay on the cool floor and enjoy the comfort of the air conditioner.
To keep your dogs cool while outside, you don’t need an in-ground pool for your canine friend to splash around when it’s too hot to get comfortable. An inflatable swimming pool is a great alternative for your pet to relax. Place it in the shade and make sure you keep an eye on your pet at all times, as not all dogs are good swimmers.
Leave Them Home
Even if your dog or cat loves taking rides in the car, it might not be the best thing for them. In the summer months, the temperature in cars can rise to almost 140°F! Temperatures that high can be dangerous to animals, humans and almost anything that lives and breathes. Next time you head to the store, it might be best to leave Spike inside your air conditioned home.
Keep Your Dog and Pets Hydrated
The air conditioner can help keep your pet cool, but water is what keeps them going. If they have spent time outside, make sure you put their bowl in a place that almost forces them to drink when they come in. Dogs pant to help regulate their body temperature, but that also results in the loss of fluids from their system. The heat results in more panting, so it also requires you to provide plenty of cold water.
Refill that bowl as often as possible with plenty of fresh, clean water. Your dog will also appreciate a few ice cubes in his or her dish or on the go.
Cold Treats
Your pup may not be able to eat a cup of fro-yo, but he can surely enjoy a frozen dog treat that is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that dogs need. It’s also perfect for storing in your freezer for easy access when he needs it!
Place Them by the Vents
You know you have a smart pup when he or she races straight for the air vent after coming home from a brisk walk outside. With that being said, make sure your A/C is up to speed all summer long to ensure that your dog gets the proper air circulation it needs to beat the heat!
Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
We know pets love the air conditioner, so the last tip would be to make sure your cooling unit is working effectively. You owe it to your pet to keep their favorite appliance, the air conditioner, running at maximum efficiency.
Call Radiant for Total Home Services
Is your air conditioning system struggling to keep you – and your furry friends – cool this summer? Then turn to the experts at Radiant Plumbing and Air for all of your air conditioning needs. To learn more about the services and the efficient A/C units we offer, give us a call at 833-656-4056, or contact us online to book an appointment.
