Safe Temperature Guidelines for Dogs
Your dog is a trusted and loved member of your family. With this in mind, consider how your pet is affected by the heat and humidity during the summer months in Georgia. If you turn up your air conditioner when you are away, is your pet left defenseless against the heat?
Owning a pet is a big responsibility, especially when temperatures start to climb and your air conditioner isn’t performing well. Learn how the temperatures inside your home affect your dog’s health and safety.
Keep Your K-9 Cool Indoors
Trying to cut down on your energy bill during the summer is understandable. You might be tempted to turn it up, or even turn it off when you aren’t at home. However, not all dogs or other pets handle high temperatures the same.
You need to make sure your pets are relaxed and comfortable, when the outside temperature spikes. Take preventative steps to ensure your dog or other pets have relief this summer!
First, pay close attention to when hot weather will arrive. You can still leave your air conditioner running at a higher temperature, and also pull your blinds to block unnecessary sunlight from entering your home.
Shades and blinds on windows will help your home stay cooler during the hottest time of the day, keeping your pets cool and giving your air conditioner a break.
Second, utilize ceiling fans in your home! They aren’t just there for decoration. They work by pulling cool air up, and then pushing it back down toward the floor. This creates a wind-chill effect to dissipate moisture on your skin and your pet’s fur.
Without adjusting the thermostat, everyone in your home will feel cooler – including your pets.
For dogs inside a home during the summer, the recommended temperature setting is around 78 degrees. However, not all dogs are the same, and different factors can impact how they handle heat and humidity.
Dogs can experience heatstroke if they aren’t taken care of, even at home. Some common symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:
- Heavy panting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Glazed eyes
- Excessive thirst
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Profuse salivating
- Purple or deep red tongue
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
- Lethargy
Other Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy in the Heat
In addition to keeping a consistent temperature in your home, using fans, and keeping blinds and shades drawn, there are other things you can do to keep your dog healthy and comfortable in your home.
- Reduce your dog’s amount of exercise on especially hot days
- Make sure there is plenty of water out for your dog to drink, and leave out extra water when you aren’t home
- Make peanut butter popsicles for your dog to enjoy, when the heat rises
- Prevent overheating and allow your pet to cool off by soaking a body wrap, vest, or mat in cool water
Your pets deserve to be comfortable and healthy in your home, which means keeping them cool is essential during the hot summer months.
Contact Estes Services if you are experiencing issues with your air conditioner keeping up with the heat. We understand how important man’s best friend is, and we want them to be happy in your home.
