Operating electric fan and cute dog in room
The summer heat can be a major issue for dogs. Your pup’s fur is great for keeping it warm in the winter, but all that thick fur can make them miserable once the temperature starts to rise. Heat stroke can be a major concern during the summer, and puppies and older dogs are usually at the highest risk. For this reason, it is essential that you keep your dog inside during the hottest part of the day and also take these steps to ensure your home stays cool for both you and your best friend.
Maintain Your Cooling System
By far the best thing you can do for your pet’s health and comfort during the summer is to make sure your home has adequate cooling. Swamp coolers, window air conditioners, and portable ACs are all decent options, but if you really want to ensure your home stays cool then a central AC system is definitely the best choice.
If your home doesn’t have a central AC system, then opting for HVAC installation is one of the best financial decisions you can make. You should also make sure that you are diligent about having your air conditioning professionally serviced every year as this will ensure it provides the level of cooling needed to keep your pooch from overheating.
Keep the AC On
If you’re like many people, you may prefer to sleep with the windows open. While this is a decent option on milder days, it is definitely not recommended when the weather is overly hot or humid. The reason is that it allows all of the heat and humidity from outside to penetrate deep into the home, and this can make it nearly impossible for your AC to ever keep up. For this reason, it is always best to keep your home closed up tightly and your cooling system running throughout the summer.
Buy a Fan for Your Dog
Elevated dog beds are definitely the best choice during the summer. If your dog lays on the floor, their fur will act as insulation and can quickly raise their internal temperature. With an elevated bed, cool air can flow around all sides and help keep your dog much cooler. You can increase this effect even further by pointing a small fan at your dog’s bed, which will help keep them much cooler even if your home doesn’t have air conditioning.
Dogs are truly a member of the family, and you’ll want to give them the same level of care and attention as you would any other family member. This means taking whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the summer heat doesn’t get them down.
