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Keeping Your Pets Cool with Metro Heating and Cooling.
As the temperatures rise, so does our concern for our furry friends. Leaving your pet home alone during the hot summer months can be a stressful thought, especially considering the potential dangers of heatstroke. But fear not, Metro Heating and Cooling is here to help you keep your pets cool and comfortable all year round.
Understanding Your Pet's Cooling Mechanism.
Dogs and cats, like humans, regulate their body temperature through a combination of metabolic processes and heat dissipation. However, unlike humans, dogs and cats rely primarily on panting to cool themselves down. Panting involves rapid shallow breathing that helps to evaporate moisture from the lungs, effectively cooling the body.
Factors Affecting Your Pet's Heat Tolerance.
While all pets can be susceptible to heatstroke, certain factors can make them more vulnerable.
- Age: Older pets, puppies, and kittens are less able to regulate their body temperature due to their developing or declining physical abilities.
- Breed: Short-snouted dog breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, and pekingese, are more prone to heatstroke due to their breathing difficulties. Similarly, short-faced cat breeds, like Persians and Himalayans, may struggle in hot weather.
- Weight: Overweight or obese pets have more body fat, which acts as insulation and makes it harder for them to cool down.
- Coat: Pets with thick or long coats may overheat more easily in warm weather.
- Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, respiratory issues, or arthritis, can impair a pet's ability to tolerate heat.
Keeping Your Home Cool for Your Pets.
Air conditioning can be a lifesaver for pets during hot weather, especially for those with risk factors for heatstroke. However, it's important to consider energy efficiency and alternative cooling methods when making your decision.
- Set the Thermostat Appropriately: If you leave the air conditioning on for your pets, aim for a temperature between 22°C and 25°C. This range is generally comfortable for most pets without being excessively energy-consuming.
- Utilize Natural Cooling Methods: Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day to block out direct sunlight and reduce heat gain. Open windows at night to allow cool air to circulate throughout the house.
- Provide Cooling Pads and Mats: Cooling pads and mats can provide your pet with a cool spot to rest on.
- Ensure Access to Fresh Water: Always have plenty of fresh, clean water available for your pet. Hydration is crucial for maintaining body temperature and preventing heatstroke.
Professional Air Conditioning Services from Metro Heating and Cooling.
At Metro Heating and Cooling, we understand the importance of keeping your pets comfortable and safe during hot weather. Our experienced technicians can assess your home's cooling needs and recommend the most energy-efficient and effective air conditioning solution for your specific situation. We offer a wide range of air conditioning services, including installation, maintenance, and repair.
Contact Metro Heating and Cooling Today
Don't let the heat worry you. Contact Metro Heating and Cooling today to discuss your pet's cooling needs and get a free quote on our air conditioning services. Call us at 03 7500 5009 or visit our website for more information.
Tips from Victorian Government Animal Welfare - Heat and Pets Advice
Tips for owners of all types of pets
- Always provide plenty of cool, clean water. Fill two bowls with water in case one is knocked over. If outside, ensure your pets are in the shade.
- Ensure pets have access to cool, shady and well ventilated areas during all parts of the day.
- It is best to leave pets at home during heat-waves, they will be much more comfortable in a cool home than riding in a hot car.
- If pets must be taken along for the ride, don't leave them alone in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows open, a parked car can quickly become a furnace. Pets can get heat stroke, brain damage or die in as little as 4 to 6 minutes. Never, under any circumstances, leave pets unattended in a car — even on a mild day when the car is in the shade and has the windows down.
- If you and your pet must travel, carry an extra thermos filled with fresh, cool water — just for them. Put the air conditioning on and if possible, use a window shield (the type used for babies and small children) on the rear windows.
- Add ice blocks to your pet's water bowl throughout the day.
- Fill an empty container or drink bottle with water, freeze it, and place in your pet's bed. Alternatively, place wet towels in the freezer for a few hours, remove and place in your pet's bed.
- Where possible, leaving the air-conditioning or fans on in the house will help to keep pets cool.
- If you know it is going to be a hot day and you will be at work, close the blinds in one or two rooms to keep the sun out. This will help the rooms to stay cooler.
- Animals can get sunburned too. Protect hairless and light-coated dogs and white cats with sunscreen when your animal will be outside in the sun for an extended period of time. Put sunscreen or zinc on exposed areas of pink skin (ear tips and noses).
- Animals with long coats can be clipped to increase comfort in hot weather.
- Be aware of the signs of heat stroke in animals — this can be potentially fatal. Signs include rapid panting, lethargy, drooling, weakness, muscle tremors, or collapse.
- Pets with signs of heat stroke should be put in a cool shady area, wetted down with cool (not icy) water and fanned. If the animal is conscious, offer cool (not cold) drinking water. Don't allow it to gulp large amounts. Contact the nearest vet immediately, but don't transport animals in a hot car.
