GON Reader Question
Dear Maria,
We really need some of your organized suggestions on how to keep pets (especially outdoor animals) cool in
this summer heat!
-- "Cat Lady” in sizzling AZ
Response from Maria Gracia
Dear "Cat Lady" in sizzling AZ,
Keeping our beloved pets cool during the scorching summer months is crucial for their health and well-being. Here are some organized suggestions to help you keep your pets comfortable:
1. Keep Your Home Comfortable. Invest in a
smart thermostat to remotely control your home's temperature, ensuring a comfortable environment for your pets when you're not home.
Use ceiling fans for air circulation, close blinds to block direct sunlight, and seal any leaks for better
insulation.
Program the thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your pets' needs, and consider additional cooling solutions like portable AC units in specific rooms.
Finally, install a monitoring system to keep track of temperature and humidity levels, ensuring your pets stay safe and comfortable even during the hottest summer days.
2. Hydration is Key: Ensure that your pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Consider investing in a pet fountain to encourage drinking, especially for cats who may be more reluctant to drink from a still bowl.
3. Shade and Shelter: Provide shaded areas for pets who like to be outdoors to
retreat from the sun. This could be a covered porch or a shade tent.
Make sure the shelter is well-ventilated to allow airflow. Heed this important note about doghouses:
"A doghouse keeps heat in, and during hot weather, a dog house is essentially an oven,” said Robin Keough, animal advocate and co-founder of Luv 4 Animals. “They provide no protection for a dog and that is something a dog owner might not be aware of.”.
5. Limit Outdoor Activities: During the hottest parts of the day, it's best to limit outdoor activities for pets, especially those with thick fur or short noses like pugs and bulldogs. Schedule walks and playtime during the cooler mornings or
evenings.
6. Frozen Treats: Treat your pets to some homemade frozen treats to help them cool down. Look up your pet and you'll find safe, homemade treats you can whip up for them and freeze ahead of time.
7. Grooming: Keep your pets well-groomed during the summer months to prevent their fur from trapping heat. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and keeps their coat healthy. However, avoid shaving long-haired pets as their fur provides insulation against both heat and cold.
8. Protective Gear: Consider investing in protective gear for outdoor pets, such as cooling vests. 9. Car Safety: Never leave your pets unattended in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. Cars can quickly become ovens in the summer heat, leading to heatstroke and death.
By implementing these organized tips, you can help your pets stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer days.
Hope
this helps a bit!
