Beat the Heat: 4 Tips to Keep Pets Cool in the Summer

When the temperature climbs to uncomfortably high levels, you don’t hesitate to turn down the AC and indulge in a cold, refreshing beverage. But what about your pets? Extreme heat poses the same risks to animals as they do to humans. In fact, because your pets constantly carry the weight of a thick coat of fur, they can be even more vulnerable to hot weather in certain situations.

It’s important to take the right precautions to keep your furry friends safe and comfortable, such as calling for air conditioning service in Charleston, SC, and providing enough water. Here are four tried and true tips to keep pets cool in the summer.

1. Know the Warning Signs

Pets can experience heat stroke and heat exhaustion just like humans. To keep your pet safe, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illness. This will better equip you to keep pets cool in a heatwave. Some key symptoms to look for include:

If you notice any of these warning signs in your dog or cat, it might mean they’re suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Call your vet immediately if you’re concerned that your pet may be exhibiting any of the above symptoms.

2. Keep Your Home Cool

Even if you feel comfortable in your home, your pet might not. Dogs and cats lack the ability to sweat to cool themselves down, unlike their owners. It’s crucial to ensure that your entire home is properly air-conditioned throughout the summer months. If you run into any AC-related issues, be sure to call for AC repair in North Charleston to keep pets cool in the summer.

While you’re waiting for your AC to be repaired, consider adding ice cubes to your pet’s food bowl that they can lick. This is an easy way to tide them over on an especially hot day.

3. Keep Their Water Bowls Full

Water is essential when trying to keep pets cool in a heatwave. Always remember to leave your pet plenty of fresh, cool water on hot summer days. Drinking water reduces your cat or dog’s body temperature, which is vital to keeping heat exhaustion at bay. It also plays a key role in reducing lethargy and helping your pet stay active.

Be sure to check the water level in your pet’s bowl at regular intervals. It’s important to be proactive about hydrating your pooch to stave off health problems later on.

4. Provide Ample Shade

Your pets need relief from the sun just as much as you do. When you spend time outside with your dog, make sure to give them access to a shaded area or a cooling mat where they can find refuge from the heat of the day. It’s also a good idea to move their bed to a shady spot in your home to keep your pets cool in a heatwave.

Another important tip to keep pets cool in the summer is to avoid keeping your cat or dog inside an enclosed vehicle. The air inside a car can rise to dangerously high temperatures, putting your beloved pet at risk. This is a mistake that too many pet owners make, so be sure you’re not one of them.

Staying cool is essential to your pets’ overall health and well-being. To keep pets cool in a heatwave, contact LimRic today. Our HVAC experts can ensure that your system is working properly to keep pets cool in the summer, no matter the temperature.