Our pets rely on us to keep them safe and comfortable, and that includes their indoor spaces. As the South Jersey summer sun heats us up in July, Heating Specialties of Fairton, N.J., can cool us down. Everyone – including our pets – appreciates a cool home thanks to a working air conditioner. Read on to find out what you can do to ensure that your fur-covered family members stay cool indoors this summer.
Fresh water for cool pets
Hydration isn’t just for humans. Pets need water too, especially in the summer. Keep water bowls full of fresh water, and throw in a couple of ice cubes periodically for added enjoyment. Consider multiple water bowls around the house in areas that are cool and shaded.
Make room on the tile
Have you noticed that your dog likes to hang out in the tiled kitchen in the summer, especially when he comes in from the outdoors? Tile floors stay cooler than their carpeted counterparts. If your home features wall-to-wall carpeting, consider a cooling gel mat.
Chill some treats
Sure, you can stop for a “pup cup” at your favorite restaurant, but you can also make your own frozen treats at home for your pets. Add peanut butter to the inside of a bone or rubber toy, stick it in the freezer, and offer it to your pet when it’s time to cool down. Plain yogurt can also be frozen and fed to your dog, assuming he’s not lactose intolerant. Or, you can check out recipes for frozen “pupsicles” here.
Limit walks and other activities to the cooler hours
Your dog’s ears may perk up when she hears the word “walk,” but her tail will be dragging if you go on a walk during the hottest hours of the day. Instead, limit these trips to the early morning or late evening hours.
Watch out for signs of overheating
Did you leave the house and forget to keep the A/C running for your pets while you were gone all day? Recognize the symptoms of overheating:
- Heavy panting
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Glazed eyes
- Vomiting
- Collapsing
Move the animal to a cooler place and call your veterinarian for advice. Then call Heating Specialties to talk about a programmable thermostat, which lets you modify the A/C while you’re gone without completely turning it off.
Keep the A/C running
A working A/C system means your entire family will remain comfortable during the hottest summer months. If your home’s A/C isn’t doing its job, or if you’re noticing uneven cooling or strange noises when the A/C is running, call Heating Specialties for expert air conditioning repair now at (866) 923-2653, or schedule your appointment online. Our animals depend on us to keep them safe and comfortable. You can depend on Heating Specialties to keep your home cool.