While they might seem perfectly fine during most of the year when the temperature starts to rise just a little bit too high, it can leave cats and dogs feeling uncomfortable. So, cooling down your apartment is essential to stop your pet from overheating and an unwanted trip to the vet.
However, many of us are not sure if air conditioning is safe for our pets or not. Experts say that air conditioning is largely safe for pets, and it may also prevent certain conditions like heat stroke which may be deadly for pets.
Small pets cannot retain heat in their body due to a higher surface area to volume ratio. Large animals, on the other hand, can easily retain heat. Keeping this factor in view, if your dog is from the smaller breed sizes, you know it can quickly get cold as compared to larger breeds!
As a rule of thumb, if you are comfortable with the temperature in your home, your pet likely is, too. As a benchmark, most dogs (and cats!) do very well with the home between 75 and 78 degrees during the summer months. However, several variables could influence the right temperature for your pet.
So, how do we keep our dogs cool in the summertime? Having a good portable AC unit is an easy way to create a cool home that's comfortable for your dog. However, if you're on a budget or you're out and about with your pooch, there are also so many other things you can do to help your dog stay comfortable this summer.
While you shouldn't shut your AC off when you leave a bigger dog at home, you can usually set it at the general recommended range of 78 to 80-degrees. If you have a smaller dog, you'll likely want to set your programmable thermostat to a temperature in the low to mid-70s.
Temperatures of between 12-15 degrees are generally fine for most dogs to sleep in comfortably.
In general, you should set the thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees F when you're at home in the summer. If you have a large, long-haired dog, such as a Husky or Samoyed, set the temperature around 75 for the dog's comfort.
It is possible for dogs to get cold at night, even if they're kept indoors. "If you think your dog is getting cold at night, consider giving him a cozy blanket to snuggle up to in bed. Most dogs will not feel cold at night or will seek out a warmer place if they do," says Satchu.
While some dogs were bred for colder temperatures, most will feel comfortable in temperate environments, around 70 degrees indoors or outdoors. Moderate temperatures ensure pups stay regulated regardless of their coat length.
Werber says dogs and cats are likely to sleep a little more in the wintertime. And most of this is due to the same sorts of reasons humans are less active: they're cold! "They'll look for a cozy blanket to cuddle up with and a warmer place to sleep.
Households typically colder or don't run their heater often will need pet blankets for their dog. If you are cold in your home, your dog likely is too. Smaller dogs and dogs with any special conditions listed above will especially need a blanket in cold homes. They might be just as cold inside as they would be outside.
Dogs notoriously love their blankets. Whether it's at home or on the road, it gives them a place to snuggle up and be comfortable. No matter your lifestyle, this is an easy investment that every pet owner can make to improve the quality of life for their animal.
Some dogs love snow and cold weather, while others get cold very easily and can not stay outside in the cold for very long. As a general rule of thumb: at 45°F (7°C) and below, most dogs will dogs will start to become uncomfortable.
As a general guide, above seven degrees is considered safe for most breeds. If the weather drops to below zero, it is beginning to become unsafe for most dogs. Below minus 12 degrees, while unlikely in Australia, is considered life-threatening.
For example, one sign your dog is too hot at night is heavy panting in a setting where they're otherwise calm and happy. Heavy panting could also indicate dehydration — is your dog's water bowl still full? Is the water cool enough for them to drink? Make sure you're providing enough fluids for them throughout the day.
An ideal temperature doesn't exist for all dogs, since their normal body temperature will vary according to size. Most dogs begin to show signs of overheating when the air temperature is between 81 and 85 degrees F.
Watch the humidity
If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly." Taking a dog's temperature will quickly tell you if there is a serious problem. Dogs' temperatures should not reach over 104 degrees.
While keeping your house 10 degrees warmer or cooler during the day might save on your utility bill, your pets may suffer as a result. An overheated dog or cat can suffer from heat exhaustion and possibly even die of heatstroke. Indoor temperatures will rarely dip low enough to be fatal to a cat or dog.
Experts in dog behavior believe that, in general, dogs do not like being embraced. However, every dog has a unique personality. Some may dislike hugs more strongly than others, and some may actually adore them. The closest thing our furry family members do to a hug is something referred to as 'standing over'.
Once you bring a dog into your home, you become part of their pack. They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners. Dogs feel love and gratitude towards you, just like you feel towards them.
Studies have shown many physical and mental health advantages to owning a pet, and co-sleeping increases the amount of time spent with that pet, potentially increasing those benefits. For example, co-sleeping can increase the feelings of comfort and companionship your dog provides.